Quarterly Reports of the Chemical Committee, 1886. 341 
Dr. Voelcker's report was : — 
" September 16th, 1886. 
Water 3-49 
•Organic matter and loss on heating 22*23 
Oxide of iron and alumina 10 "43 
Phosphate of hme none 
Insoluble siliceous matter 41 • 50 
Carbonate of lime, sulphate of lime, alkalies, &c. 22 • 35 
100-00 
* Containing nitrogen 0 • 97 
Equal to ammonia 1 • 17 
"Such a manure as this has not only hardly any worth in respect of the 
small fertilizing properties it contains, but is in my opinion, by reason of the 
presence of sulphides, an objectionable manure altogether to use in its present 
condition. "J. Augustus Voelcker." 
Five tons had been purchased on June 14th, under the 
name of the Kimmeridge Animal Shale Manure, from the 
Kimmeridge Oil and Carbon Company, Limited, Sandford, 
Wareham, Dorset. 
Mr. Bryant wrote subsequently : — 
" I paid 21. 10s. lOd. for carriage of 5 tons to "West Bay, Bridport ; it did 
me more harm than good. I drilled it same as other manure with ashes in 
the middle of an 18-acre piece of swedes, n.nd you can see to a drill either 
side. I also drilled 6 acres of turnips with the stuff mixed with ashes, and 
they are also a failure. I did not use any more of the stuff as I found it no 
good. I have complained and have got put off from time to time ; at one time 
they would come and see for themselves, but at last they send me a letter 
(received to-day) of which I send you a copy. It seems to me a poor recom- 
pense for loss of crops. Is there a remedy, or must I grin and bear it ? — 
Yours faithfully, " B. Bbyant." 
" I send you their pamphlet for perusal, but should like to have it again 
when done with. I have also an analysis of the same stuff by Alfred Sibson, 
F.C.S., which closely corresponds to your own." 
" October 4th, 1886. 
" Dear Sib, — Referring to your post-card of the 24th ult., I beg to enclose 
you copy of resolution passed by my Board of Directors at their meeting 
to-day. 
" Resolution. — ' That the Board will under the circumstances forego the 
charge for the quantity of manure he has used, but at the same time, they 
desire Mr. Bryant to understand that their shale is without doubt an escelleut 
manure — whtn properly applied, having the testimony of Canoa Hole and 
others to that fact. It follows therefore that the Board distinctly decline to 
give Mr. Bryant any compensation for the alleged loss of crops. As to the 
quantity that has not been used Mr. Bryant to be asked to return it to the 
Sandford Works, carriage paid. Regarding Mr. Bryant's threat of his 
sending a report to Dr. Voelcker, the Board wish to observe that Mr. Bryant 
is, of course, at liberty to send any report of his to whomsoever he pleases.' — 
Yours faithfully, "Chas. Beaumont, Manager." 
