ON PALESTINE EXPLOIUTIONS. 



81 



Fifth Note on the Dry Earth System. 



Dr. Gilbert has, in continuation of the series of results recorded in former 

 Reports, furnished the Committee with the determination of tlie nitrogen 

 (by the soda-limo process) in soil which has now passed through a Moule's 

 earth-closet six times. The results of the series are as follows : — 



The increase in the percentage of nitrogen (determinable by the soda-lime 

 method) was therefore, by each use, as follows : — 



The gain of nitrogen so indicated was therefore greater by the ixth than 

 by any previous use of the soil since the first and second. The average gain 

 was, however, only 0-11 per cent, by each use. 



As last year, so again this, Dr. llusaell has determined the amount of 

 nitrogen existing as nitrates in the soil. Last year, after the soil had been 

 passed through the closet five times, the amount of nitrogen as nitrates was 

 found to be 0-20 per cent, on the soil calculated as fully dried ; and now, 

 after passing through six times, it is found to be 0-254. 



The additional results now recorded do not in any way disturb the con- 

 clusions previously arrived at by the Committee as to the value of the 

 manure obtained from an earth-closet. For this, and for their opinion of 

 the .system in its other aspects, they would refer to their former lleports 

 (III. pp. 187 & 188, IV. p. 143, V. pp. 413 & 439, YI. pp. 213 & 214). 



Report of the Committee, consisting of Major Wilson, R.E.,and Mr. 

 E,.\VEN STEIN, appointed for the purpose of furthering the Palestine 

 Explorations, 



The sum of .£100, granted at the last Meeting of the British Association for 

 the purpose of furthering the Palestine Explorations, was paid over by Major 

 Wilson to the Palestine Exploration Eund, with a request that the wishes of 

 1875. G 



