REPOBT OF THE SOCIETY'S CONSULTING- CHEMIST FOE 1909. 389 



The soil was somewhat gritty in character, but was, generally 

 speaking, in fair condition, and not markedly lacking in any necessary 

 ingredient of fertility. When regarded from the point of view of growing 

 Narcissi, it would seem desirable that on such a soil the amount of 

 vegetable (organic) matter should be increased, and this might be done 

 by the use of farmyard manure, leaf mould, and other vegetable matter. 

 It is well, however, to remember that fresh farmyard manure ought not 

 to be used in such a case, but it is advisable to put this on for the crop 

 preceding the growing of Narcissi. Though potash was present in fair 

 amount, the further addition of this by the use of sulphate of potash 

 would also probably be desirable. Inquiry elicited the information that 

 the drainage was satisfactory, and this is a very material matter in the 

 growing of Narcissi, as if there is risk of water remaining stagnant this 

 would be detrimental to successful cultivation. 



(b) Soil for Vine Border. — A sample was sent from a vine border, 

 where it was thought that the young vines were not growing satisfactorily. 

 The analysis of this soil was as follows : — 



Soil dried at 212° P. 

 Per cent. 



* Organic matter and loss on heating . 8-28 

 Oxide of iron and alumina . . . 529 

 Lime . . 

 Phosphoric acid 

 Magnesia, alkalies, &c. . 

 Insoluble siliceous matter 



•50 

 •28 

 84-69 



100-00 



Containing nitrogen 



•369 



On the whole, the soil was not at all a bad one, and its physical 

 condition was satisfactory. Though for ordinary agricultural purposes 

 the amount of lime may be considered ample, yet for vine-growing the 

 further use of lime is to be recommended. 



Owing to the fact that only a partial analysis was asked for, the actual 

 amount of potash in the soil was not determined. It is clear to me from 

 the analysis, however, that potash existed in but small amount, and for 

 vine-growing the further use of potash salts is to be recommended. 



(c) Soil for Flower Growing. — This came from the neighbourhood of 

 Oxford, and the analysis was as follows : — 



Organic matter and loss on heating- 

 Oxide of iron 

 Alumina . 

 Lime 



Magnesia . 

 Potash 

 Soda . 



Sulphuric acid 

 Phosphoric acid 

 Insoluble siliceous matter 



Soil dried at 212° F. 

 Per cent. 



6-04 

 10-22 

 2-73 

 1-66 

 •40 

 •29 

 •32 

 •10 

 •50 

 77-74 



100-00 



* Containing nitrogen 



•224 



