196 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 



judgment, it would appear that the whole area traversed is overlaid by a surface soil 

 rich in humus and plant food and bearing, all the signs of a highly productive soil if 

 provided with adequate moisture. 



WELL WATERS EROM EARM HOMESTEADS. 



The excessive drought that prevailed over certain areas, more especially in On- 

 tario, during the later svimmer months of 1906, was undoubtedly answerable in a great 

 measure for the unusually large number of samples of well-water forwarded for ex- 

 amination last year. Under such conditions the water in the farmyard and back-door 

 well frequently becomes a serious menace to health. It is indeed a fortvinate occur- 

 rence that such water, by its offensive taste, odour or appearance, often carries its 

 own condemnation. The absence of such indications of pollution, however, must not 

 be considered as evidences of purity. In the majority of cases the wholesomeness of 

 a water can only be satisfactorily ascertained by a chemical analysis. 



Of the 281 samples of water received, 90 were submitted to analysis, the remain-' 

 der being rejected by reason of insufficiency in quantity or dirty bottles or corks. It 

 is earnestly desired that those farmers desiring an analysis of their well-water should 

 first obtain a copy of the instructions, forwarded on application to this Division, for 

 the proper collection and shipment of the sample. 



The 90 waters analysed were reported as follows : Good and wholesome, 28 ; Sus- 

 picious and probably dangerous, 21; Contaminated and totally condemned. 30; 

 Saline, 11. 



The value of an abundance of pure water for the farmer and dairyman can 

 scarcely be overestimated. The relation of water to health is obvious when we re- 

 member the very important part that water plays in the nourishment of the body, 

 that more than half the body v/cight is water, that the blood which bathes every tissue 

 is very largely water, that the food is digested and assimilated by the aid of water, 

 that the waste products of the body must be largely got rid of by means of water, 

 and that this water, which wo have seen becomes part and parcel of ourselves, is from 

 the water we drink or take in our food. 



Further, the health and thrift of the stock is largely dependent on the quality of 

 the water supply. It is just as desirable, as necessary to have pure water for the 

 farm animals as for man, and intelligent, progressive farmers have recognized this 

 fact. 



And, lastly, in the dairy, creamery and cheese factory, pure water is essential; 

 indeed it is an absolute necessity if the dairy products are to be pure, of first class 

 quality and flavour and keep well. There is an active movement on foot for the 

 official inspection and analysis of the water supplies of all farms, dairies, &c.. in On- 

 tario, supplying dairy products to the public and I have no doubt but that such a 

 measure would result in much benefit to all concerned. 



