606 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



REPOET OF THE SOCIETY'S CONSULTING CHEMIST j 



FOR 1910. 



By Dr. J. A. Voelcker, M.A., F.I.C., F.L.S. ' 



During the year 1910, fourteen samples were sent for analysis by 

 Fellows of the Society, this being an increase on the six samples sub- 

 mitted in 1909. In addition, there were several inquiries with regard to 

 the nature and use of gas lime, the quality of hay, and the use of 

 insecticides. 



The samples analysed were as follows : — 



Ground lim© . . . . . ■ . . 1 



Waters . . ... . . .5 



Soils . . 8 



14 



Ground Lime. 

 The sample submitted gave the following analysis: — 



Per cent. 



Lime 83-83 



Oxide of iron and alumina .... 2-09 



Silica . . 3-09 



Water of hydration, &c 10-99 



100-00 



In addition to containing a good percentage of caustic lime, the 

 sample was finely ground and quite satisfactory. 



Waters. 



Of the five samples of water analysed, three were of satisfactory 

 character and do not call for special note. In the fourth case the water 

 was of decidedly abnormal nature. The analysis was as follows: — 



Total solid residue 



Oxidizable organic matter 

 Nitric acid 



Chlorine .... 



Equal to chloride of sodium 

 Free ammonia 

 Albuminoid ammonia 



Grains per gallon. 

 208-04 

 1-73 

 None. 

 3-29 

 5-43 

 •055 

 •021 



Hardness 132° 



The total solids contained, in addition to much lime and magnesia 

 salts, alkaline carbonates and sulphates, and the water also had a great 

 deal of organic matter and ammonia, so that, apart from its extreme 

 hardness and general unsuitability, it was an impure supply and quite 

 unfitted for drinking purposes. 



