154 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



2-3 EDWARD VII., A. 1903 



BUG DEATH. 



In response to numerous requests from farmers and horticulturists for information 

 regarding 'Bug Death', we submitted to analysis, in January, 1902, a sample of this 

 material, obtaining the following data : — 



Anali/sis. 



Moisture 0-40 per cent. 



Insoluble matter, sand, &c 11 • 21 n 



Oxide of iron and alumina 5 • 60 n 



Lime "51 n 



Potash None. 



Zinc oxide 82-10 m 



Lead and copper Faint traces. 



Phosphoric acid Traces. 



Chlorine "47 per cent. 



Nitrogen * 107 n 



Tliese results show that it is practically an impure or commercial zinc oxide. As 

 regards the essential elements of plant food, it is strikingly deficient, the only consti- 

 tuent present of any fertilizing value being nitrogen, of which there is only one-tenth of 

 one per cent. It is, therefore, obvious that any claims made for it as supplying nourish- 

 ment for crops are without foundation. 



If, as stated in the advertisements of Bug Death, a larger yield is obtained from its 

 use, the explanation may probably be that it acts as a fungicide, preventing blight and 

 keeping the foliage healthy and green. This would mean a longer growing period 

 and, naturally, tend to an increase of crop. Certainly, this material cannot act either 

 directly or indirectly as a fertilizer. 



FERTILIZERS. 



SQUID AND CAPLm. 



In forwarding these samples for analysis, Mr. J. T. Lawton, of Harbour Grace, 

 Newfoundland, states that caplin and squid, are largely used in Newfoundland as 

 fertilizers, and that some farmers say they have an ' exhaustive ' effect, while others 

 esteem them of great value. 



Squid. — This is the popular name for a small cuttle-fish found in abundance in 

 North American waters and very largely used as bait for cod. The squid sent to the 

 laboratories had been ' canned ', i. e., the fresh squid pvit into the tin, soldered up her- 

 metically, boiled 1 hour, opened to allow the escape of air, and resealed. No water or 

 salt had been added. 



Analysis of Squid. 



Water 82 • 74 



Organic matter * 16'17 



Ash 1 ■ 09 



100-00 



Nitrogen 



Phosphoric acid 



* Containing 3 16 per cent fat. 



