Quarterly Report of the Chemical Committee, March , 1894 . 129 
bones. The error was admitted, and though full particulars were 
not forthcoming, a considerable allowance was made. 
9. Mr. W. W. Berry, of Gushmere Court, Selling, near Faversham, 
sent, on February 13, a sample of what had been recommended to 
him as a manure for fruit, and specially for grapes. It was called 
“Patent Silicate manure,” and the price was 71. per ton. 
On Dr. Voelcker inquiring under what guarantee the material 
was sold, the following letter was forwarded by Mr. Berry : — 
The Patent Silicate Manure Co. The Chemical Works, 
Hemel Hempstead, Herts. 
Mr. W. W. Berry, Selling. February 13, 1894. 
Dear Sir, — In reply to yours re analysis of our manure, we beg to say 
that, with the exception of a trace of ammonia, our manure contains none 
of the ordinary ingredients of manures. As these are what analysts look for 
and report on, they are disappointed. The composition of our manure is a 
secret — and of course we do not explain it. Many attempts have heen {sic) 
by competent chemists. 
If the effects of our manure were due to the presence of ordinary in- 
gredients, they would he similar. But the early ripening and colouring of 
fruit is due to its difference. This is obvious. — Yours faithfully, 
(Signed)] P. S. M. Co. 
Patent Silicate Manure, artificially compounded, and containing a trace of 
nitrogen — guarantee under Feeding Stuffs Act. 
Dr. Voelcker reported on the material as follows 
February 28, 1894. 
Moisture 
Organic matter, water of combination, &c. 
5-65 
Sulphate of lime ..... 
. 20o3 
Oxide of iron, alumina, &c. 
1-96 
Insoluble silicates and sand 
. 66-81 
100-00 
1 containing nitrogen .... 
•88 
equal to ammonia .... 
107 
Soluble silicates .... 
•60 
“ The material contains no phosphates. Beyond some sulphate of lime 
(gypsum) and a little ammonia, it contains no fertilising ingredients, and 
flint and gypsum would, with a sprinkling of ammonia salts, make quite as 
good a manure.” 
March 6, 1894. 
Emlyn, 
Chairman. 
VOL. 'V. T. S. — 17 
K 
