136 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



Forage plants and fodder. — These include Awnless Brome grass, of which analyses 

 have been made of the hay grown at the Experimental Farm, Indian Head, N.W.T., and 

 cut at different stages of growth ; Alfilaria or Cranebill, a forage lant found in British 

 Columbia ; and a number of milling products, e.g.^ buckwheat bran and provender. 



Soils, — For lack of the necessary time, we have been obliged to postpone our investi- 

 gation upon the virgin soils of the Dominion. We have, however, continued, as far as 

 opportunity permitted, to examine samples sent in by farmers. Such work usually 

 consisted in a determination of the humus, nitrogen and lime and the relative propor- 

 tions of clay and sand. These data do not allow us to state the amounts of available 

 plant food present, but they have enabled us to arrive at the general character of the 

 soils and to indicate methods for their economical improvement. 



A certain number of reports upon such samples are here inserted, in order to shovv 

 the practical character of the information thus afforded farmers, and also in the hope 

 that the deductions and advice thus given will be of value to our agricultural readers. 



The results of analyses of virgin soils, obtained in our laboratories during the past 

 nine years have been collated and made strictly comparable. They were presented in 

 the form of a paper to the Chemical Section of the British Association at their conven- 

 tion in Toronto in August last. Since the information this paper contains will be found 

 useful for reference by those interested in Canadian soils, it is herewith appended. 



Naturally-occurring fertilizers. — Mucks, muds and marls. We have found it quite 

 impossible to analyse all the samples of these materials sent in during the past year. 

 Those samples, however, as far as time allowed, have been examined which, beintr from 

 new localities, tkc, appeared to merit special attention. The composition of these is here 

 given, together with deductions as to their use and fertilizing value. 



Miscellaneous fertilizing materials. — In this chapter we report upon the amount of 

 plant food, as found by analysis, in various bye-products and weeds, e.g., lobster refuse 

 from the canning factories ; ashes from lime kilns, and that difficult-to -eradicate weed, 

 purslane or pusley. 



Moss litter. The examination of two samples of moss litter from Nova Scotia has 

 been made. The results are confirmatory of those published in the report of this Division 

 for 1895, obtained from moss collected in New Brunswick. Both samples were of 

 excellent quality and specially adapted for bedding purposes, possessing high absorptive 

 capacity. A new use for this material has been found. It is said to be most satisfac- 

 tory as a packing material for fruit, fish and other perishable substances. Its elasticity 

 makes it desirable for such purposes from a mechanical standpoint, and its power to 

 absorb moisture and noxious gases renders it valuable as a preservative. 



Well waters frorn farm homesteads. — We append in tabular form the data obtained 

 from the examination of 63 samples, together with a brief report as to their quality. 



It should be distinctly understood that the samples from farm, homesteads only can 

 be examined. The printed instructions issued by the Farm should be obtained before 

 sending a water for analysis, since the probability is that otherwise a mistake will be 

 made respecting the quantity required or in the matter of collection and shipment. 



Tuberculin, — During the twelve months ending November 30, 1897, 214,018 

 minims of diluted tuberculin, a quantity sufficient to test 3,567 adult cattle, have been 

 prepared and forwarded. The greater part of this has been sent out within the past 

 three months, interest in the question of tuberculosis in cattle, more especially in 

 those furnishing milk for town supply, having of late been very keen. This 

 tuberculin is furnished to veterinarians by order of the Department of Agriculture. 

 The labour involved in this work has been very considerable and necessarily has 

 encroached largely on the time of this Division. We have in consequence not been able 

 to accomplish as much purely chemical work as otherwise it would have been possible 

 to overtake. 



Sam.ples received Jor Analysis, — The following table gives the details of the samples 

 received from farmers during the past year. 



