148 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



Swamp Muck. — A chapter on the occurrence, composition and use of this material 

 is given, together with a table of the data obtained from the analysis of samples 

 from different parts of Canada, but chiefly from the Maritime Provinces. The attention 

 of all farmers anxious to preserve their barnyard manure from loss of fertilizing consti- 

 tuents, is specially directed to this article. 



Sea Weed. — To those whose farms are close to the sea, the analysis of sea weed here 

 stated will prove of value. Its manurial worth and the best methods for applying it are 

 given. 



Contributions to Horticultural Chemistry. — These include : (1) an article 

 on the chemistry of the copper-salt fungicides, which, from the number of questions re- 

 ceived during the past year, will I think prove of interest and value to orchardists ; (2) 

 the results of an investigation to ascertain if arsenic from Paris green passes into solu- 

 tion in dilute Bordeaux mixture and ammoniacal copper carbonate ; (3) a second paper 

 on the chemistry of the apple, which gives in detail the analyses of the fruit of four 

 leading varieties and the deductions to be made therefrom as to fertilizers for orchards ; 

 and (4) the results of an investigation into the composition of the strawberry plant, the 

 data including the analyses of four prominent varieties. The last two investigations 

 were commenced several years ago, their completion being necessarily postponed, owing 

 to press of other work. 



Miscellaneous. — Analyses and brief reports of 50 samples of well waters from 

 farmers' homesteads, examined this year, are given. Attention is again directed to the 

 grave danger in using impure and polluted water, either for household purposes or for 

 stock. 



A short paper on methods for exterminating gophers is added. Numerous inquir- 

 ies have been received this year from Manitoba and the North-west Territories res- 

 pecting these pests. It is hoped that the suggestions made may prove of service to 

 those troubled by these mischievous rodents. 



I have thought it well that we should here place on permanent record our analysis 

 of the " Mammoth Cheese," made under the direction of the Dominion Dairy Commis- 

 sioner, at Perth, Ontario, and subsequently exhibited at the World's Fair, Chicago, 

 U. S. A. 



During the early months of the year, Mr. P. H. LeRossignol, B. A.Sc, the assistant 

 chemist, fell ill. To my very great regret, his health became so shattered that he was 

 obliged to ask for leave of absence. This was granted by the Honourable the Minister 

 of Agriculture, and took effect on June 1st, Mr. Howard T. Barnes, B. A.Sc, of McGill 

 College, taking his duties temporarily, until September 1st. At that date, Mr. LeRos- 

 signol was rather worse than better, and shortly after found that it would be impossible 

 to resume work. He then sent in his resignation. Within a few weeks after that 

 time, Mr. LeRossignol died at his home in Toronto. I wish to record my great indeb- 

 tedness to him for his very faithful work while here as my assistant. He proved him- 

 self a careful and skilful worker, well versed in the theory and practice of chemistry. 

 As an analyst, he was both rapid and accurate, and much of the work in the present 

 report is the outcome of his enthusiastic industry. 



Towards the end of November, Mr. Henry S. Marsh, Associate of the Institute of 

 Chemistry, was appointed to the vacant post. 



I have the honour to be, sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



PRANK T. SHUTT, 

 Chemist, Dominion Experimental Farms. 



Chemical Laboratories, 



Central Experimental Farm, 

 Ottawa. 



