162 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910 



Fertilizing constituents — Per cent. 



Nitrogen in organic matter -73 



Phosphoric acid -24 



Potash -32 



Lime 82 



The fertilizing value of the mud as dredged would be extremely low. The mineral 

 plant food constitvients (phosphoric acid, potash and lime), even in the air-driod 

 material, are present in exceedingly small amounts. The percentage of nitrogen is 

 certainly notable (-75 per cent on the water-free substance), but in all probability this 

 element does not exist in a readily available form for crop use. 



It may be pointed out further, that certain sulphur compounds are present, and 

 this would necessitate an exposure of the mud to the atmosphere for some weeks pre- 

 vious to its incorporation with the soil, or injury to the crops might result. 



An important matter in connection with the use of muds in general is that they 

 may very materially affect, beneficially or injuriously, the tilth of the soil to which 

 they are applied. The sample under discussion, it might be presumed, is adapted for 

 sandy rather than for clay loams. 



Mussel Mud from Soxiris, P.E.I. — Sent by James Howlett, with a request for 

 particulars as to fertilizing qualities. It is stated that a large number of farmers in 

 the neighbourhood have access to the deposit, while others living as far distant as 

 twenty-four miles are using it. 



Upon inspection it appeared to consist essentially of mussel shells, with a small 

 proportion of clay. The composition of the air-dried mud is as follows : — 



Analysis. 



Per cent. 



Moisture -44 



Organic and volatile matter 412 



Clay and sand 9-70 



Carbonate of lime 84-88 



Oxide of iron, &c., by difference -86 



100 00 



Nitrogen, in organic matter -092 



Phosphoric acid -13 



This is essentially carbonate of lime, as we judged from the appearance of the 

 sample. The pi'oportion of clay, sand, &c., is not large, so that it can be considered a 

 mussel mud of very fair quality. The percentage of phosphoric acid is not larger than 

 that found in many soils. A number of mussel muds examined in this laboratory 

 have shown considerably larger percentages of organic matter and nitrogen, but this 

 deposit, nevertheless, has some value in furnishing these constituents. 



The practice of depending entirely on such muds for the maintenance of fertility 

 is to be deprecated. Undoubtedly for a number of years increased yields will follow 

 its use, largely owing to the lime it supplies, but experience has shown that alone it 

 cannot prevent the soil from wearing out, and, sooner or later, the yields from falling 

 off. The analytical data, in proving that they are essentially a lime fertilizer, furnish 

 the explanation for this behaviour. 



Marl from St. Raymond, Man. — Forwarded by David Langill, with a request for 

 information as to its general character and use. It had, approximately, the following 

 composition : — 



* 



