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CHAPTER V. 



MANGANESE IN THE LEGUMINOS/E. 



Nearly all soils contain manganese, and as the majority 

 of plants contain it as well, it is logical to suppose that in 

 many cases this element is assimilable. 



It is, indeed, difficult to specify in what forms manganese 

 is found in soils, for while some only give up this element 

 under the action of strong acids, others yield it when treated 

 not only with very weak acid solutions, but even with water. 



Having had occasion, since 1897, to pay particular atten- 

 tion to the soils of Mauritius, we have had perforce to inquire 

 into the manganese which a good number contained. The 

 average proportions of manganese in soils are from o'i50 to 

 o'200 per cent. : — 



Localities 

 I ... 



II ... 



Ill ... 

 IV 



V 



VI 

 VII 



In a given locality the relations as regards solubility 

 under the action of weak acids and the initial content of 

 manganese in the soil are inconsistent. By initial content 

 is meant the figure obtained by treatment with strong acids. 



