REPORT OF CONSULTING CHEMIST FOR THE YEAR 1911. 555 



be used for manure, as these materials are frequently found to be much 

 mixed with earth and sandy matter. 



(d) Lime. 



A sample of this, sent from Hertfordshire, gave results as 



follows : — 



Per cent. 



Lime 87-6 



Oxide of iron and alumin . . . '79 

 Silica . ' . ■ . . . . . 4-56 



This was quite a good sample of lime, and it slaked very well indeed. 



4. Miscellaneous. 

 Po7id Mud. 



This was nmd from a lake in Gloucestershire which had been 

 eaned out, and it was proposed to' make a mound of the mud and 

 plant rhododendrons on it, if suitable. The mud, as received, was 

 found to contain 56' 75 per cent, of water. The analytical results on 

 the mud in the dried state were : — ■ 





Mud dried at 212° F. 





Per cent. 



Organic matter .... 



. 11-22 



Oxide of iron and almnina 



. 11-29 



Carbonate of lime . 



. 25-57 



Sulphate of lime . . 



. -91 



Phosphoric acid . . . 



. -28 



Alkalies, etc. .... 



. 1-11 



Siliceous matters 



. 49-62 





loo-oo 



Containing nitrogen 



. -394 



Equal to ammonia 



. -478 



From a manurial point of view, the above figures are very satis- 

 factory, and the mud would have distinct value, the proportions of 

 nitrogen and phosphoric acid being quite good. The amount of lime, 

 however, would appear to be decidedly in excess of what is desirable 

 for the purpose of growing rhododendrons, azaleas and the like, 

 ilthough as a general top-dressing for grass land, the material should 

 mswer very well. ■ ^ 



