152 Journal op the Department of A<iRicuLTURE. 



THE AGRICULTURE AND SOILS OF THE CAPE 



PROVINCE. 



]^\ Arthur Stead, B.Sc, F.C.S., Lecturer in Chemistry, Groot- 

 fontein Scliool of Agriculture, Middelburg, Cape. 



Introductory. 



TTiVDER the above title it is proposed from time to time to record the 

 progress made by the Chemical Section of the Grootfontein School of 

 Agriculture in soil survey work. 



The work was begun during 1915, but owing to depleted and ever- 

 changing staffs consequent on the war much less progress has been 

 made than had been anticipated. IS'one of the work has yet been 

 finished, but it is thought that some of it has reached a stage which 

 would justify the issue of a report in the interests of farmers. 



In soil survey work it is iiighly desirable that the soil chemist 

 should collaborate with the botanist and the geologist. While there 

 are hopes of such co-operation in the future it has been hardly possible 

 up to the i)resent on account of shortness of stalf and press of work. 

 The writer would, however, acknowledge valuable assistance received 

 from Dr. Pole Evans, of the Botanical Division, and Dr. Rogers and 

 T)r. I)u Toit, of the Geogological Survey. 



It might l)e urged tliat such work as this should await the time 

 when the desired collaboration would be assured ; but that might 

 mean that our farmers would have to wait i.udefinitely for information 

 concerning the chemical and physical characteristics of their soils 

 which they riglitly look to tlie Department of Agriculture to furnish. 



It will, therefore, l)e understood that these articles are published 

 with the full knowledge that the data on which they are founded are 

 incomplete in important respects ; also with the knowledge that the 

 best has been done under the abnormal circumstances that liave 

 obtained during the past years of war and disorganization. 



I. 



THE WITKOP DISTIUCT. 



About two hours by motor from Burgersdorp, east south-east of 

 that place, and about midway between it and Jamestown, there is a 

 characteristicallv coloured and shaped \n\e of rock called Witkop. 

 (See Plate 1.) 



The kop, doubtless, gave its name to the farm on which it is 

 situated, the farm its name to the Post Office, and the latter its name 

 to the surrounding area. 



Witkop Post Office is situated on a plateau high up in the Storm - 

 bergen at an altitude of at least 6000 feet above sea level. The 

 climate of the district is, therefore, healthy and invigorating, cool in 



