148 



amount of potash contained in this soil that led to its selec- 

 tion for the purpose of a vineyard. No. 24, a loose virgin 

 sandy clay, was collected on the farm De Dooms; it was de- 

 clared to be more productive than Nos. 22 and 23, and also than the 

 soils lower down the valley. This statement probably had primary refer- 

 ence to the adaptability of the soil for the cultivation of vines; and in 

 so far it is apparently correct, for of the three soils, this one is beet supplied 

 with potash, and the proportion of potash in the soil seems to increase 

 as one ascends the valley : but there the superiority ends ; in respect of 

 other plant food, it is certainly not the best soil. This Hex River valley, 

 so well known on account of its fine fruit, is almost covered with vineyards 

 and orchards. 



The next section of the Worcester Division to be visited, was the 

 part bounded by the Hex River Range and the Touws River, where the 

 following soils were sampled: No. 28 was taken on the farm Klein Stra-at; 



DIVISIONAL MAP OF 



WORCESTER 



it represents a loose sandy clay soil, with a reputation for being fairly 

 productive. It is very finely divided, as to texture, and has never been 

 manured, although, judging from the chemical results, it is rather poor 

 in lime and phosphates, due, evidently, to the close proximity of the sand- 

 stone mountains. On the way from here to the next farm, the sandstone 

 formation is directly entered upon, and the poverty of the soil increases. 

 From Karbonaatjes Kraal, No. 27, a sandy soil found in practice to be 

 rather poor was collected: the chemical analysis showed, it to be very 

 deficient in plant food. The sample was taken from the centre of the 

 cultivated land, and from the spot where the wheat, which was just then 

 in ear, was poorest. The soil at this place is much coarser than No. 28, 

 and affords a further instance of practical experience being abundantly 

 confirmed by analytical results. 



