131 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



2-3 EDWARD VII., A. 1903 



The percentage of potash is somewhat above the average, in lime also this soil ia 

 well supplied. The amount of phosphoric acid is not equal to that present in our better 

 virgin soils. 



The estimation of the more readily available potash and phosphoric acid furnisher 

 data of a highly gratifying nature as regards potash, but shows that in phosphoric acid 

 the store is of a limited character. 



It is not always the case that the amounts of ' total ' and ' available ' mineral ele- 

 ments correspond, that is, are relative, but in this soil we have an instance which well 

 illustrates an apparent rule as regards virgin soils, that the larger the amount of ' total ' 

 the larger the amount of 'available' potash and phosphoric acid. 



Our results indicate that cropping will first lead to a deficiency of phosphoric acid, 

 and consequently emphasize the value of a phosphatic manure. 



No. 2. Considering the depth from which this soil was taken, the results are re- 

 markable. In all essential particulars they prove the great fertility possessed by this 

 sub-soil, though by reason of its richness in plant food, appearance, texture, &c., we 

 should be inclined rather to consider it as part of the surface soil. 



ONTARIO. 



Ahitihi Region, Nipissing District. — At the request of Dr. Robert Bell, Acting 

 Director of the Geological Survey of Canada, a careful analysis has been made of a 

 sample of soil from this newly explored area of North-western Ontario. The sample 

 was collected by W. J. Wilson of the Geological Survey staff during his explorations of 

 1901, in the vicinity of Lake Abitibi, at a point on the Black River near its first fall, 17 

 miles from its mouth. Latitude about 48° 38', and longitude about 80° 27'. Our 

 report on this soil is as follows : — ■ 



General ajipearance and texture. — This is a sandy loam of a dark -gray colour and 

 showing a considerable amount of vegetable fibre, derived chiefly from fragments of roots 

 and bark. 



There are no pebbles and the soil appears to be in an excellent physical condition, 

 due no doubt chiefly to its comparatively speaking large proportion of organic matter. 

 Judging from its general appearance and texture, it should prove a fertile soil, though 

 more suited for potatoes and root crops than for the growth of the cereals. 



Analysis of (air-dried) Soil. 



Moisture 1-86 



Organic and volatile matter 9-73 



Insoluble matter (clay and sand) 79-96 



Oxide of iron and alumina 7 • 67 



Lime -45 



Magnesia -44 



Potash -36 



Phosphoric acid -11 



Carbonic acid, &c. (undetermined) 



100-58 

 Nitrogen, in organic matter • 227 



