406 Quarterly Beport of flte CUerakal Comrnitiee, June, 1891. 
The circular sent by the company contained testimonials from the 
gardeners to the following noblemen : — Lord de Ramsey, Earl De la 
WaiT, jNIarquis of Hartington, Duke of Hamilton and Brandon K.T., 
Lord Middleton, Earl of Radnor, Earl of Carnarvon, Lord North- 
bourne, Marquis Conyngham, Duke of Rutland, Lord Stafford, Earl 
of Effingham. 
The following report was also contained in the cii'cular : — 
Eeioex on Me. Pifpaed's Patent Silicate Manuee. 
Chemical Laboratory, 54 Holboru Viaduct, London : 
September 1, 1888. 
We have analysed a sample of the Silicate Manure invented by Mr. 
Bernard Piifard, of Ilill House, Hemel Hempstead. We find, as the result, 
that this manure contains a very large proportion of silicic acid, much of 
which is, no doubt, in a form capable of ready assimilation by vegetation. 
The absolute necessity of a supply of silicic acid to cereals in particuhir . 
is well known. In this invention we have an ingenious endeavour to adapt 
natural methods of conveying silicic acid in a suitable form to plants. 
We are of opinion that this invention is based upon sound principles, 
and it is very probable that the idea which guided Mr. Piffard in the 
preparation of his Silicate Manure has led him to conclusions which will 
prove of considerable importance to agiiculturists generally. 
AETHrE Hill Hassall, M.D. Lond. 
l»iguea; gj^^jj, Godwin Clayton, F.C.S., F.I.C. 
On Mr. Buck well inquiring what the particular virtue of tlio 
manui'e consisted in, he received the following letter from the manu- 
facturers : — 
The Patent Silicate Co. 
The Chemical Works, Hemel Hempstead, Herts : 
John C. Buckwell, Esq., Brighton. May 2, 1891. 
Deae Sie, — In reply to yours of May 1 we beg to thank you for your 
cheque and return receipt. 
We are not surprised at Dr. Voelcker failing in his analysis to discover 
the cause of an uusurpassing success. We have made many attempts to 
get copies of the various analyses that have been made of our manure, but 
have hitherto only succeeded m one instance, namely, that of Professor 
Stein's, the Danish State Chemist : his was totally wrong. 
If you would kindly forward us Dr. Voelcker's analysis we could better 
judge whether he had detected the ingredients that its virtue is due to. 
As regards the " virtue " of the manure, that is detailed on the ch'culars 
and attended to by the most responsible persons. 
And if Dr. Voelcker asks to what that virtue is due, we must respectfully 
decline informing him. 
We have no objection to the Royal Agricultural analysing it, but we 
decline giving an explanation. 
We trust you will make yoiu- experiments without prejudice. — We are, 
dear Sir, yours truly, B. Pipfaed, P. S. M. Co. 
(Signed) R. A. Waeeen, Chairman. 
Juno 2, 1891. 
