Second Note hy Dr. Voelcker. 



171 



rootlets, and which held moisture to a considerable extent, but did 

 not allow of its percolation to the lower layers, or the ready penetra- 

 tion of the roots of the grasses into the subsoil. 



Since that time I have had under observation other fields at 

 Clifton-on-Bowmont laid down by Mr. Elliot, and these I have visited 

 regularly, watching their progress as compared with that of the old 

 turf. The question arose in this connection whether, as the pasture 

 goes on from year to year, and as it improves (as is quite clear to 

 anyone having it, as I did, under regular observation) the soil itself 

 becomes deprived of, or else is enriched in, organic matter and 

 nitrogen. For the purpose of ascertaining this, if possible, I have 

 had samples taken each year of the turf and soil from a particular 

 spot, and I have examined and compared the several blocks thus 

 successively removed. The field in question was Bank field, laid 

 down in 1900, and samples have been taken in 1901, 1902, 1903, 

 and 1904. The sample taken in the first year (1901) showed the 

 same characteristics as compared with the old Cheviot turf as were 

 instanced in my note in November, 1900. There was no matting 

 of roots at the surface with accumulation of organic matter there, but 

 the roots showed themselves penetrating regularly downwards. 



In the second year (1902) there was not noticeable any great change ; 

 but, still, there was some increase both of root growth and of the 

 extent to which the vegetable matter penetrated down into the soil. 



In the third year (1903), however, there was decidedly more 

 root growth, and on this occasion a second sample — of the second 

 depth of nine inches of soil -was taken and analysed, this showing 

 that organic matter, together with a considerable amount of nitrogen, 

 existed in these lower layers. 



In 1904 (fourth year) a further sample was taken, and this very 

 clearly showed a great increase in the amount of root growth, and the 

 penetration of the humus to a greater depth. Moreover, the character 

 of the soil itself had considerably altered, it being, as compared with 

 the samples of the earlier years, much more friable and in generally 

 nicer condition. The, analyses of the various samples are appended, 

 each being taken on the first six inches of soil from the surface, 

 except the second sample of 1903, which was of the six inches taken 

 immediately . after the removal of the first layer of nine inches. The 

 figures are : — 



