182 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



extent. In one case, which was that of a presumed drinking supply, the 

 water gave no less than 104 grains per gallon of total solids, included in 

 which were 35 grains per gallon of' salt and 30 grains per gallon of 

 nitrates. It was ascertained that this supply was situated quite near the 

 house, and that the well in question was only 17 feet deep. 



Among the samples sent was one from the Society's Garden at Wisley, 

 and this gave satisfactory results, the total solids amounting to only 

 7*2 grains per gallon, the water being one of soft nature as well as being 

 quite fit for general use. 



Among the waters submitted in regard to their suitability for garden 

 use, there was one in respect of which the complaint was made that plants 

 watered with it were suffering very seriously. An examination of this 

 sample showed that it contained no less than 184 grains per gallon of 

 total solids, included in which were 123 grains per gallon of saline 

 matters, thus amply accounting for the injury done to the plants. 



A sample from another supply in the same locality, but which was 

 stated to do quite well for plants, was found to be of very different 

 character to the last-mentioned, and to contain only 17 grains per gallon 

 of total solids. 



In the case of several samples of drinking water, they were found to 

 be largely contaminated with drainage from garden land ; and here it may 

 be pointed out that the common practice of placing a well in the midst of 

 a garden, where it is the custom to use manure heavily, cannot but lead 

 to unsatisfactory results and may seriously affect the water supply. 



Six samples of soil were forwarded for analysis and report, and in 

 most of these the great deficiency was found to be that of lime. In one 

 case a soil contained as little as -10 per cent, of lime, and the supply of 

 this ingredient is in a large number of cases, I am convinced, as necessary 

 for horticultural as for agricultural purposes. In other cases potash also 

 was found to be a deficient ingredient. 



