REPORT OF THK CHEMIST. 



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



Wm. Saunders, Esq., 



Director Dominion Experimental Farms, 

 Ottawa. 



Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the fifth annual report of the 

 Chemical Department of the Dominion Experimental Farms. 



The analytical data contained in the following pages and obtained in the 

 laboratories of the experimental farms embrace the results of work of a 

 very varied character. Assistance both by experiment and analysis has been 

 rendered during the past year to the numerous branches of agriculture, and it is 

 confidently hoped that the information here found will prove of much practical 

 benefit to the dairymen, the horticulturists and the general farmers throughout the 

 Dominion. 



The increasing interest taken by farmers in this department of the Experi- 

 mental Farm system has resulted in an increased demand upon our time, both in the 

 matter of analysis of samples sent for examination, as well as in answering enquiries 

 from those seeking advice and information. AVith regard to the latter, it will suffice 

 to say that over 1,200 letters have passed, in 1891, between myself and corres- 

 pondents on matters pertaining to the science and practice of agriculture. Res- 

 pecting the accumulation of samples of substances forwarded for analysis by farmers, 

 1 can but repeat what I have said in a former report. Although a large number 

 of these have been examined and reported upon, as the present report testifies, 

 many still await analysis for lack of time. In addition, there are the experiments 

 and analyses planned and carried out by this department. The results of this 

 original research I deem of great value to the Dominion as a whole. It is a 

 branch of the work I am anxious to develop more and more as time and assistance 

 jjermits. All this points to the fact, that in order to cope successfully with the 

 work of the chemical department in the future, further skilled help will be re- 

 quii-ed in the laboratories. 



During the year addresses have been delivered at several conventions and 

 meetings of farmers' institutes on iigricultui-al topics. The large attendance at these 

 meetings, and the keen interest taken by those present, as evinced by the lively 

 discussions which usually follow the addresses, clearly show that the farmers are 

 not only eager to learn, but also ready to avail themselves of these opportunities 

 for increasing their knowledge in agriculture. 



For the convenience of readers and for ready reference, I have classified the 

 matter in the present report, according to the plan adopted last year. The follow- 

 ing brief epitome outlines the subjects treated in the following pages : — 



Part I, Soils. — Twenty-four soils have been analysed during the past year. 

 Many of these were virgin soils and included samples taken from the surface and 

 subsoil. These repi-esent the character of the soil over comparatively large areas. 

 Among those examined were several specimens ol so-called alkali soil from Mani- 

 toba and the Morth-VVest Territories. Sufficient data have not as yet been obtained 

 to enable a complete diagnosis of the cause of the apparent barrenness or j^oisonous 

 nature of these soils, nor can we as yet advise with confidence any treatment for 

 their amelioration. The remarks on the work done in this connection, hoAvever, 

 will, it is hoped, assist in some measure, by outlining probable methods for their 

 improvement. The investigation into the character of these soils will be continued 

 during the coming year 



