26 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMEXT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Canal is utilized, potash from the kelp beds of the Pacific coast can 

 be sold in the East under free competition. 



Next to the kelp the massive alunites present the best possibili- 

 ties as a source of potash. This material is decomposed by roasting, 

 with the evolution of oxids of sulphur, and a residue consisting of 

 alumina and potassium sulphate remains. From this residue the 

 potassium salt can be obtained readily by leaching and evaporation. 

 The process is simple. The fumes liberated could be used to manu- 

 facture sulphuric acid ; but this commodity would be in little demand 

 in the locality and some method of disposal or utilization would have 

 to be devised. Alumina resulting as a by-product would be suitable 

 for the manufacture of metallic aluminum : but this metal is produced 

 by one concern which controls sufficient bauxite deposits for its pur- 

 poses and is not interested in other sources of alumina. 



Work has been done along the line of producing potash from 

 feldspar. This is commercially feasible if a salable by-product can 

 be secured at the same time. The suggestion has been made by the 

 Bureau of Soils that cement is a possible product from the feldspar 

 treated to render the potash soluble. But the difficulty of marketing 

 this cement in competition with thoroughly standardized products 

 would be a great deterring factor. 



The development of Searles Lake as a source of potash presents a 

 number of unsolved technical problems. In addition, the question of 

 title to the property is so involved that considerable time will elapse 

 before it can be settled. In the meantime nothing can be done. 



It is a matter of distinct regret that responsible business concerns 

 have not made more earnest efforts to provide potash for agricultural 

 purposes. Only recently, although the need of potash has been felt for 

 a year, two companies have begun to develop a supply from alunite, 

 but undoubtedly it will be some months before any considerable 

 quantity from this source can be placed upon the market. 



MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION. 



Public interest in the problems of marketing and distribution 

 still is keen. This is reflected in requests for information and as- 

 sistance so numerous as heavily to tax the Office of Markets and 

 Rural Organization. The department has continued with the in- 

 creased funds at its disposal to develop its organization for studying 

 these problems by adding to its staff the best trained men available. 



