236 Annual Report on Adulterations, 8fc. 
indication that the improvement of grass-land is now receiving a 
greater share of attention than formerly. 
It is with satisfaction that I have to report that the adultera- 
tion of artificial manures is decreasing from year to year. Few 
samples of Peruvian guano are now found to be adulterated, 
and superphosphate of lime and similar fertilizers are generally 
sold in a better condition and of higher intrinsic value than in 
former years. 
3. A new description of guano was recently sent me for 
examination from Egypt. 
Two samples were found on analysis to contain in 100 parts : 
No. 1. No. 2. 
Moisture .. .. 17*19 15-06 
'Organic matter and salts of ammonia 39'50 39*30 
Phosphates of lime and magnesia (bone-earth) . . 18-28 19*89 
Sulphate of lime 2-76 3-15 
Alkaline salts (chiefly chloride of sodium) .. .. 20-93 20*39 
Insoluble siliceous matter 1-34 2-21 
100-00 100-00 
'Containing nitrogen 11*81 10-93 
Equal to ammonia 13-97 13-27 
Though not equal to Peruvian guano, these two samples are 
very valuable, and richer in nitrogenized organic matters than 
most other varieties of guano and artificial manures. Whether 
this guano is found in large quantities or not, and is likely to be 
imported into England, I have not as yet been able to ascertain. 
4. The Government of Egypt for some time past has actively 
encouraged agricultural improvements. In the course of an inves- 
tigation into the agricultural resources of that country, specimens 
of Nile-water were lately sent to me, that I might endeavour to 
determine the causes of the remarkable fertilizing effects which 
it produces, and to ascertain at what period of the rise of the 
Nile the water is most valuable as a fertilizer. 
The first specimen was taken at the beginning of the rise, and 
on examination was found to contain, in an imperial gallon, — 
Grains. 
Suspended matter 23*83 
Soluble matter 17*87 
The suspended matter, it will be seen, amounts to more than 
the matter held in solution. It was found to consist of: 
Grains. 
Mineral substances (fine clay and sand) .. .. 20*89 
•Organic matter 2*94 
23*83 
^Containing nitrogen 
Equal to ammonia 
•11 
■13 
