21 



The results of all analyses of samples made at the Station, free of 

 charge, are considered at the disposal of the managers for publica- 

 tion, if deemed advisable. 



All samples should be addressed to Dr. C. A. Goessmann, 

 Chemical Department of the Massachusetts Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Station, Amherst, Mass., to prevent possible delay. Express 

 charges ought to be prepaid. 



SAMPLING OF MATERIAL IN BULK. 



In sampling such material as wood ashes, cotton hull ashes, and, 

 in fact, any material in bulk, portions should be taken from various 

 parts of the heap and placed on a thick, smooth piece of paper and 

 thoroughly mixed ; from this mixture should be drawn a sample of 

 about one pound, which should be placed in a clean bottle, jar or tin 

 can, tightly stoppered and sealed, in order to retain the moisture of 

 the material unchanged. 



SAMPLING OF MATERIAL IN BAGS. 



In sampling material which is shipped in bags, portions should be 

 drawn from at least ten per cent of the number of bags present, A 

 fair sample may be obtained by emptying about ten per cent of the 

 bags present on a clean fioor or other smooth surface, and thoroughly 

 mixing ; small amounts are then taken from different parts of the 

 heap and an average sample drawn as has been previously described. 



SAMPLING OF SOILS, 



The taking of representative soil samples, when such are desired 

 for chemical investigation, is of the first importance, as without 

 proper care in taking samples the results of a careful chemical analy- 

 sis become of little value. The sample should be taken from differ- 

 ent portions of the field and to a depth not exceeding the downward 

 limit of the surface soil. After selecting a place where a sample is to 

 be taken, pull up all growing vegetation and remove all surface mat- 

 ter which is not a part of the soil. Dig a hole in the soil about two 

 feet square, making the sides smooth and clean by means of a sharp 

 bladed shovel or other instrument ; now place a sharp bladed shovel 

 at the point of separation of the surface soil from the sub-soil, and by 

 means of another fiat bladed instrument shave oiif a portion (about 

 two inches) from all four sides of the aperture, letting the soil fall 



