154 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



5-6 EDWARD V!l., A. 1905 



existed between the various brands npon the market. It was, further, made clear that 

 much of the so-called potassic cyanide was sodic cyanide. From the standpoint of an 

 insecticide, however, this latter fact has no significance, the percentage of hydrocyanic 

 acid alone, as has been stated, determining the value of any particular sample.* 



Last March two samples, submitted by the Entomological Division, were examined, 

 the analysis furnishing the following data : 



Hydrocyanic acid. 

 Per cent. 



* A,' ' Pot cyanide 98-100 per cent,' as supplied to St. John 



N.B. Fumigation Station, 1904 36-41 



'B.' ' Cyanide of potash, G.P.', Henderson Bros., Lt 42-71 



Analysis showed ' A ' to be practically potassium cyanide : sample ' B ' contains 

 no potassium and is exclusively sodium cyanide. The values of these samples are 

 indicated by the percentages of hydrocyanic acid stated; in other words, 100 ounces 

 of * B ' are equivalent to 117 ounces of ' A ' in gas producing power. 



WELL WATERS FROM FARM HOMESTEADS. 



The examination of well waters from farmers has proved one of the most popular 

 and directly useful features of our work. The danger that exists when the water 

 supply is polluted is now widely known and every year finds a larger proportion of our 

 rural population impressed with the fact that there is a very real and intimate rela- 

 tionship between good water and good health. 



As we have shown again and again, the barnyard and back door wells are the 

 sources above all others to be feared. Such are a dangerous convenience and not in- 

 frequently the cause of much ill health in the farmer's family. Every phase of the 

 pure water question has, however, been discussed fully in past reports, and it only 

 seems necessary to add now that assistance will continue to be given in this matter 

 of water analysis to farmers and dairymen desiring it. We cannot, however, undertake 

 water analyses for municipalities, villages, and towns. Requests for such work should 

 be referred by the local health authorities to the Provincial Board of Health. 



Instructions for the collection and shipment of water samples are forwarded on 

 application. 



Of the 118 samples of water received during 1905, 83 were submitted to analysis, 

 the remainder being rejected by reason of insufficient quantity, dirty containing 

 vessels or corks. By grouping the results of those examined, we find that 22 were 

 leported as safe and wholesome, 38 seriously polluted, 12 suspicious and probably 

 unsafe for drinking purposes, and 11 saline in character. 



• See page 151 et seq. Report of the Chemist of the Experimental Farms for 1902. 



