60 



The analysis of the beets grown on these different fields is as follows : * 



Analyses of beets from William Cartwriyht, Osivego, N. T. 



*A kilogram is equal to 2.2 pounds. 



The analyses of these soils show the great difficulty of obtaining a 

 sample of soil from a field which shall represent its average quality, 

 unless the greatest care is taken. 



In regard to the analysis, No. 2553-2556, taken from the south field 

 at different corners of the plot, the three samples, A 1, 2, and 4, con- 

 tain practically the same amount of coarse sand and gravel, whilst A 3 

 has about 10 per cent. less. All four samples show that the soil is de- 

 ficient in phosphoric acid and lime, and probably would be much bene- 

 fited by the use of a lime phosphate or similar fertilizer 5 its contents 

 of other soil constituents are ample for fertility. 



The samples, No. 2557-2559, taken from the north field, show that 

 this soil is likewise deficient in phosphoric acid, but is richer in its con- 

 tents of lime and nitrogen and in other constituents similar to that of 

 the south field. The content of gravel also varies in the different 

 samples. 



The two samples, No. 2560 and 2561, taken from Hart's field, differ in 

 their contents of coarse gravel, but contain an abundance of phosphoric 

 acid and other soil constituents. 



For the purpose of comparing soils on which such sugar-producing 

 plants as sorghum and sugar beet have been grown, the following an- 

 alyses, made by Mr. Clifford Eichardson, first assistant chemist of this 

 Department, in 1882-'83, are given :f 



ANALYSES OF SOILS. 



The character and composition of the soils best adapted to the cultivation of sor- 

 ghum for sugar production, as, also, the proper method of fertilization necessary for 

 the best results, are obviously matters of fundamental importance. 



At present our knowledge is very limited, and the number of carefully ascertained 

 facts so small as hardly to warrant more than conjecture. 



In many respects the habits of the sorghums and their demands upon climate and 

 soil are almost identical with those of the several varieties of maize, and yet there 

 appear to be in certain respects marked differences. It is known that when fairly 



* Chemical Division, Bulletin No. 3, 1684, p. 26. 



t Investigation of Sorghum as a Sugar-producing Plant; season of 1882. 

 Report, pp. 58-64. 



Special 



