138 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



5-6 EDWARD Vli.^ A. 1906 



As received, it -was a pasty mass, decomposition apparently having proceeded to a 

 considerable degree. 



, Analysis of Semi-decayed Seaweed. 



» Per Cent. 



Water 61-03 



Organic matter 28 '92 



Ash or mineral matter 10 '05 



100 -00 



Nitrogen 1-20 



Phosphoric acid '19 



Potash -90 



Some years ago a sample of fresh sea-weed (Fucus furcatus) -was analysed, the 

 data of which may here be given for the purpose of comparison. 



Analysis of Fresh Sea-weed. 



Water 63-49 



Organic matter 27 -93 



Ash or mineral matter 8 -58 



100 -00 



Nitrogen -468 



Phosphoric acid *108 



Potash 2 -025 



The general result of the decomposition, it will be seen, has been to increase the 

 nitrogen-content and to decrease the percentage of potash, so that while the fresh sea- 

 weed is essentially a potassic manure, the semi-decayed weed is more particularly nitro- 

 genous. 



The value of sea-weed as a manure is undoubtedly enhanced by the readiness with 

 which this naturally-occurring fertilizer decomposes in the soil, quickly liberating its 

 constituents in forms available to crops. 



GYPSUM OR LAND PLASTER. 



The agricultural uses and value of gypsum or land plaster have been discussed in 

 previous publications (see pages 163-4 An. Rep. Exp. Farms 1900). It may, therefore, 

 suffice here to give the results of th© analyses of certain samples examined this year. 

 Prom correspondence we judge that the use of finely ground gypsum in barns and sta- 

 bles is increasing, and we are of the opinion, from all points of view that this in general 

 is the most advantageous method of employing it. 



Analyses of Gypsum. 



Sulphate of lime . 



Insoluble rock matter 



Carbonate of lime, &c. (undetermined). 



No. 5. 



74-25 

 n-95 

 13 80 



100 00 



