REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 



(Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.I.C., F.C.S.) 



Ottawa, December 15th, 1894. 



¥m. Saunders, Esq., 



Director, Dominion Experimental Farms, 

 Ottawa. 



Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the eighth annual report of the Chemi- 

 cal Department of the Dominion Experimental Farms. 



The past year has been an exceedingly busy one, the demands made upon the 

 department being greater than ever before. In evidence of this, and to show the 

 increasing interest on the part of Canadian agriculturists in the chemistry of agricul- 

 ture, it may be stated that no less than 256 samples have been received from farmers 

 for examination, and reported upon. These include soils, fertilizers, well waters and 

 agricultural products in general. The correspondence, including letters received and 

 despatched, for the last twelve months, numbers 2,288 letters. Last year the samples 

 received were 143, and the correspondence 1,596 letters. 



These two features alone indicate the interest in and popularity of our work, and 

 above all make plain that the information afforded has proved of value to practical 

 farmers. This is exceedingly gratifying, since, until quite recently, the application of 

 chemistry to agriculture has been made little of by many who might have benefited 

 by it. 



Much of the work referred to is of such a character that it cannot be here 

 included, without unduly increasing the size of this report. Its usefulness, on that 

 account, however, must not be minimized : for in teaching the individual we teach the 

 future generation. Each one becomes a centre for the dissemination of knowledge. 



Among the more important conventions at which I have delivered addresses may 

 be mentioned those of 



The Creameries' Association of Ontario, at Belleville, Ont. 



The Dairymen's Association of Nova Scotia, at Yarmouth, N.S. 



The Dairymen's Association of Eastern Ontario, at Peterborough, Ont. 



The American Public Health Association, at Montreal, Que. 



The Agricultural Conference of Nova Scotia, at Truro, N.S. 



Several important investigations in connection with Canadian agriculture and 

 horticulture have been carried on during the past year. The results obtained and the 

 conclusions arrived at are given in the pages of the present report. They may be 

 summarized as follows : — 



Soils. — A complete analysis is not made of all soil samples sent in for examination, 

 but only of those which are thoroughly representative of large areas and have never 

 been cropped nor manured. This restriction is necessary, owing to the very large 

 amount of extremely careful work involved in soil analysis. Eleven of such specimens 

 of virgin soil, comprising samples from British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, 

 Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, are here reported upon. Several of these are 

 treated of at length, since the soils are typical. Rational and economic methods of im- 

 provement and manuring are recommended where deemed necessary or advisable. 



A considerable number of soils are forwarded by farmers. These are subjected to 

 a qualitative and physical examination and a report given as to their general character, 

 suitability for certain crops, together with suggestions as to fertilizers and treatment. 

 8c— 10J 



