REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 



(Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.I.C., F.C.S.) 



Ottawa, 1st December, 1893. 



Wm. Saunders, Esq., 



Director, Dominion Experimental Farms, 

 Ottawa. 



Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the seventh annual report of the 

 Chemical Department of the Dominion Experimental Farms. 



The work of the department is necessarily of a manifold character. That which 

 relates to the answering of correspondents' questions, and the examining and 

 reporting on samples of soil and agricultural products for individuals, although an 

 extremely useful branch of the work, is not repeated here. In the following pages 

 are recorded only the data and conclusions considered to be of general interest and 

 value to the farming community of the Dominion. A brief outline of this matter, 

 prepared for convenience of reterence, is as follows : — 



Soils. — Our work on the examination of representative soils has been continued. 

 Interesting data together with conclusions as to the relative fertility and rational 

 treatment of the soils analysed during the past years are here given. The inves- 

 tigation included virgin soils from widely distant points in Canada. 



An analysis of every soil received is neither possible nor desirable. A qualita- 

 tive and physical examination is however made, and a report forwarded to the sender 

 of the sample, with such suggestions as to fertilizers and modes of treatment as are 

 deemed advisable for increased crop yields. The soils so reported on have been 

 received from all parts of the Dominion. In this new departure, I believe, the 

 Chemical Department has been of much benefit to our agriculturists. 



Alkaline Soils. — In the chapter on alkaline soils, a distinct and progressive 

 step towards their amelioration is recorded. The experiments of the past year have 

 proven that by the treatment here detailed the baneful effects of magnesium 

 sulphate (Epsom salts) in a soil, may be overcome. 



The variable character of the alkali in the affected districts, does not allow us 

 to offer any one method whereby all alkaline soils may be alike beneficially treated, 

 unless it be that of thorough drainage. To all those in Manitoba and the North- 

 west Territories possessing " alkali patches," the reading of the present report is 

 commended. 



Mucks, Peats and Muds. — The value of these naturally-occurring fei-tilizers is 

 stated at some length, and the composition of many samples lately analysed given 

 in tabular form. Suggestions for the economic use of these fertilizers are added. 



Wood Ashes. — Special attention is called to the value of potash in agriculture, 

 and a plea is made for the better recognition of the value of Canadian wood ashes. 



Legumes. — The results of analyses of several members of the Leguminosae are 

 inserted together with some remarks upon the value of these plants for fodder and 

 as green manure. 



Carrots. — An interesting investigation was made to ascertain if there were any 

 difference in feeding value between the part of the root developed above ground and 

 the part below the surface of the soil. Our analytical data and conclusions are here 

 given for the benefit of our readers. 



