Importation 



of Plants into Germany. 



It seems to be generally agreed that the most suitable form of 

 phosphate to introduce into the food of animals is precipitated 

 phosphate. This is a bye-product of glue, gelatine, and similar 

 works, where bones are treated with sulphuric acid, the 

 phosphate thus rendered soluble being subsequently precipi- 

 tated by the addition of lime, after which it is dried. The 

 resulting product contains usually between 30 and 40 per cent, 

 of phosphoric acid, or, calculated as tricalcium phosphate, say, 

 65 to 85 per cent. In point of fact, most of the phosphoric acid 

 is in the form of dicalcium phosphate, a substance insoluble in 

 water, but readily soluble in the gastric and other digestive 

 juices of the stomach and intestines. 



The most serious impurities are likely to be sodium fluoride 

 and arsenic, but it is seldom that either appears in dangerous 

 quantities, though they should always be tested for where 

 precipitated phosphate is to be given to stock. It is recognised 

 that the most rational way to keep animals supplied with 

 phosphates is to give them food that naturally contains a 

 sufficient amount. But where a deficiency manifests itself in 

 the appearance of rickets, and similar weakness of the bones of 

 young stock, the artificial supply of phosphates becomes of 

 importance. Deficiency in phosphates and other mineral matters 

 is most likely to occur where animals are chiefly getting roots 

 and meal, and where their drink consists of soft water. It is 

 recommended that pregnant sheep and swine be given daily 

 about i oz., and mares and cows about ij oz. of precipitated 

 phosphate, the object being to strengthen the skeleton of the 

 unborn young. 



From the time of weaning until about full-grown, foals and 

 calves may be allowed £ to ^ oz., and lambs and pigs about half 

 as much per day. 



It is now many years since Lawes and Gilbert demonstrated 

 by experiment the importance of digestible mineral matter in 

 the food of animals, but the subject might again usefully engage 

 attention. 



Importation of Living Plants into Germany. 

 Inquiries have been addressed to the Board of Agriculture as 

 to the conditions under which living plants can be imported 



