FORAGE CROPS. 35 



" The soil from the second square yard on analysis was found, 

 when freed from stones by sifting, to contain in 100 parts : — 



" Composition of Soil No. 2, [had clover.) 



Water 1724 



♦Organic matter 9 64 



Oxides of iron and alumina 11 89 



Carbonate of lime l4'5o 



Magnesia, alkalies, etc 1-53 



Insoluble silicious matter 45 '20 



1 0000 



zd determination. 



* Containing nitrogen •jo6 ... -jSo 



Equal to ammonia "jyo .... -470 



*' Both portions of the clover soil thus contained about the same 

 percentage of organic matter, and yielded nearly the same amount 

 of nitrogen. 



" In addition, however, to the nitrogen in the clover-roots, a 

 good deal of nitrogen, in the shape of root-fibers, decayed leaves, 

 and similar organic matters, was disseminated throughout the fine 

 soil in which it occurred, and from which it could not be sepa- 

 rated ; but unfortunately I neglected to weigh the soil from a 

 square yard, and am, therefore, unable to state how much nitrogen 

 per acre was present in the shape of small root-fibers and other 

 organic matters. Approximatelv, the quantity might be obtained 

 by calculation ; but, as the actual weight of cultivated soils varies 

 greatly, I abstain from making such a calculation, even though it 

 might be done with propriety, as I took care in the following sea- 

 son to weigh the soil of different parts of the same field. 



"■ Before mentioning the details of the experiments made in the 

 next season, I will here give the composition of the ash of the 

 partially cleaned clover-roots : — 



" Composition of Jsh of Clover-roots^ [partially cleaned.) 



Oxide of iron and alumina U 73 



Lime 18 '49 



Magnesia 3 03 



Potash 6-88 



Soda 1-93 



Phosphoric acid 3-61 



Sulphuric acid 224 



Soluble silica 19*01 



Insoluble siliceoun matter i4'83 



Carbonic acid, chlorine, and loss 8 •15 



lOO'OO 



