208 



Dr. Voelcker's Notes. 



this, if possible, I have had samples taken each year of the turf 

 and soil from a particular spot, and I have examined and com- 

 pared 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 : — 



