152 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



It is, therefore, evident that this is a marl of excellent quality, being practically 

 free from sand, clay and other inert matter. Judging of this sample, both from its 

 mechanical condition and chemical composition, I am of the opinion that it would be 

 an excellent source of lime for use in agriculture, 



A brief review of the more important agricultural purposes of marl or rather, of the 

 functions of lime, is given on pages 161-2 of our report for 1894. 



Sample of sub-soil from the farm of Godfrey Rogers, Bear Valley, British 

 Columbia. Its overlying surface soil was of a peaty character, from four to five feet in 

 depth, and extending over some 600 acres. On account of its location and appearance, 

 this sample was supposed to be marl, or at least to contain a considerable quantity of 

 lime. 



As received, it was somewhat grayish, quite flocculent and loose ai to texture, and 

 very light in weight. 



The air-dried sample, on treatment with hot dilute hydrochloric acid, did not 

 effervesce, showing the absence of carbonate of lime. The insoluble residue from 

 this digestion amounted to 80*57 per cent. This material may be considered as inert 

 and practically useless from an agricultural standpoint. Further analysis showed that 

 this substance yielded only a trace of lime, even to strong acids. It cannot be used, 

 therefore as a source of lime and cannot, as far as our work goes, be considered as of 

 any value agriculturally. 



Muck Soil from Chilliwack. This soil furnished on examination the following 

 data: — 



ANALYSIS OP sou, (aIR-DEIED). 



Moisture 10-55 



Organic and volatile matter. 70 • 31 



Insoluble matter (clay and sand) 11*24 



Mineral matter, soluble in acid , 7 * 90 



100*00 

 Nitrogen • 946 



This soil is in reality a muck of excellent quality, though, as received, rather sour, 

 undoubtedly due to want of drainage and lack of lime. It is especially rich in humus 

 and nitrogen. 



The small quantity of clay and sand present would, of course, render it unsuitable 

 for certain crops, more especially cereals, but if this could be remedied by a judicious 

 admixture with the sub-soil or a heavy dressing of similar materials, a very good soil 

 should be the result. 



The sub-soil proved to contain 75*84 per cent of clay and sand and 1*04 per cent 

 of lime, which shows that it would be valuable for the purpose suggested. Since, 

 however, it is not rich in lime, its addition to the soU could scarcely be regarded as a 

 substitute for this amendment. 



The fertilizers to which this soil would respond are potash, lime and phosphoric acid. 

 To furnish these, wood ashes are of special value, since they not only supply potash, but 

 also lime and phosphoric acid in notable amounts. If potash is applied as kainit or as 

 muriate of potash it would be advisable to add lime, either as such or as marl or gypsum. 

 Phosphoric acids may be furnished as superphosphate or, still better for land of this 

 character, as basic slag. 



The soil is rich in nitrogen, so that with the favourable climatic conditions for 

 nitrification largely prevalent in British Columbia it is very doubtful whether the 

 application of nitrogenous fertilizers would be profitable. 



