814 



Agricultural Journal of Victoria. 



The analytical work was carried out under the supervision of my 

 managing analyst, Mr. Scott, acting under my directions. In addi- 

 tion to tlie analytical operations of tlie laboratory, a large amount of 

 microscopic and biological work, necessary to supplement chemical 

 enquiries, was undertaken by my biological chemist, Mr. Price. 



The field operations were controlled by 10 field officers, specially 

 trained for the work, and also acting under instructions from the 

 office. The educational duties were largely placed in the hands of 

 Mr. Lee assisted by Mr. Robertson. These officers were directed to 

 take over the management of the short agricultural classes, the 

 supervision of which the Director had placed in my hands. The 

 clerical work which has shown a very marked increase for the year 

 was carried out by Mr. Hatton, assisted by Mr. Hassett. I shall treat 

 of the different lines of activity undertaken by the branch in the 

 order in which they appear above. 



I. ANALYTICAL WORK. 



The number of samples received during the year and their 

 classification are given in the following list : — 



LIST OF SAMPLES RECEIVED FOR ANALYSIS 1903-4 



1,810 



The Manures Included: 

 152 samples of supherphosphate 



7 

 40 

 35 

 6 

 11 

 3 

 2 

 4 

 4 

 3 

 1 

 8 

 3 

 2 

 3 

 1 

 5 



290 



Thomas phosphate 

 ,, bonedust and bonemeal 



guano 



rock phosphate 

 ,, gypsum 



,, nitrate of soda 



,, sulphate of ammonia 



,, potash chloride 



,, potash sulphate 



,, potash nitrate 



,, kainit 



,, refuse manure 



,, blood manure 



,, limestone 



marl 

 ,, shell deposit 



,, special manures, horticul- 



tural, potato, orchard and grass 



Of the Manures Received — 



104 samples were from manure firms 



55 ,, ,, farmers and 



associations 



44 samples were for yearly determina- 

 tion of unit values 



18 were samples used in experimental 

 fields 



69 were samples collected in accordance 

 with provisions of Artificial Ferti- 

 lizers Act 



