70 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



SOIL FROM SMALL MaNGIIOYE ISLAISD, OFF THE FLORIDA COAST. 



Received from Prof. S. F. Baird. 



This was a peaty mixture, containing considerable undecomposed 

 woody matter. Ovrin j to the small amount received a partial examina- 

 tion only was made. 



Water and volatile matter* 22. 7G 



Soluble iu uitric acidr 44. 85 



White sand 32.39 



100. 00 



The presence of so large a quantity of phosphate of lime in the above 

 sample appears to indicate an extensive deposit of this mineral in the 

 immediate vicinity where the sample was obtained. 



UNPRODUCTIVE SOIL. 

 Frora L. Allen, Oak Hill, Volusia County, Florida. 



The analysis of this soil shows that its barrenness is very likely due 

 to a lacli of constituents suitable for plant nourishment, and not to the 

 presence of any injurious substance. 



It contains — 



Per cent. 



Moiature • 1.05 



Organic matter 7. 00 



Soluble in acid 2.60 



White sand 89.35 



100. 00 



PEATY SOIL. 



Received from William W. Wood, Jnlland, near Point Lookout, Saint Mary's County, 



Maryland. 



A water extract from this soil had an acid reaction and gave decided 

 reactions for sulphates and chlorides of iron, lime, magnesia, potash, 

 and soda, together with a little organic matter. This water extract 

 amounted to 11.84 per cent, of the original soil, and consisted of — 



Sodium chloride, NaCl (commonsalt) 15 



Potassium chloride, KCl 46 



Magnesium chloride, MgClz 92 



Potassium sulphate, K2SO4 2.68 



Calcium sulphate, CaS04 1. 47 



Iron sulphate (copperas), Fc SO4 2. 45 



Iron suljjhate, ferric, Fe2(S04)3 3. 02 



Organic matter, by difference 69 



11.84 



The large amount of soluble iron salts is remarkable. They are inju- 

 rious to crops except when present in very small quantities. On tlie 

 other hand, the considerable amount of potash is a favorable indication. 

 It would be best to allow the air to have free access to this soil, so that 

 the soluble salts of iron may become insoluble and harmless. 



'Includes 1. 008 per cent, of nitrogen, equivalent to 1. 224 per cent, of ammonia (N H3). 

 tincludes 13. 74 per cent, of phosphoric acid (PjOo), equivalent to 30.00 per cent, of 

 phosphate of Ume, (Ca3(P04)j); also some carbonate and a trace of potash. 



