524 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 
magnesia salts in some quantity in the lake water confirmed that it 
was sea water that had found its way in. 
7. Soils. — Several samples were submitted to me, the majority, 
however, showing no special features. The following, however, may 
be of interest : 
(a) Soil for apple trees. A partial analysis gave : 
(Soil dried at ioo° C.) 
Percent. 
Organic matter and loss on heating . . 5-62 
Oxide of iron and alumina . . . 7*22 
Lime ....... 2*68 
Phosphoric acid . . . . . o*io 
Alkalies, &c. ...... 1*40 
Insoluble silicates and sand . . . 82*98 
100*00 
The soil was one of loose, much broken-up character, and had had 
acetylene refuse dug into it. It contained some leaf mould, but, 
nevertheless, was not really rich in vegetable matter, and though 
there seemed to be ample lime, this was not well distributed through 
the soil, but collected in lumps. Further, the soil was decidedly 
poor in phosphoric acid, and, for apple-growing, should have phosphates 
applied to it freely, either as bone meal or as basic slag. I should 
consider the above not a good soil for apples, and that it wanted more 
consolidation as well as more manuring. 
(b) Soil for Fruit-growing. — A sample of grass-land was sent me 
for the purpose of seeing if, when ploughed up, it would be suitable 
for fruit-growing, and eventually for apples and pears. A partial 
analysis gave : 
(Soil dried at 100 0 C.) 
Percent. 
Organic matter and loss on heating . . 10*42 
Oxide of iron and alumina . . . 11*52 
Lime ....... o*66 
Phosphoric acid . . . . .0*15 
Magnesia, alkalies, &c. .... 1*09 
Insoluble silicates and sand . . . 76*16 
IOO'OO 
Here, again, phosphoric acid is not sufficiently present, and, 
though there may not be an actual deficiency of lime, I should consider 
the further application of this desirable. In all such cases, too, it is 
very necessary to consider not merely the quality of the soil, but also 
whether there be a good depth of it. 
