288 
PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION B. 
and spermaceti ointments ; using benzoated lard and white wax in the 
former case, and white wax, spermaceti, and benzoated lard in the 
latter; the substitution of beeswax for hard paraffin; the use of equal 
parts of benzoated lard and wax, instead of wax only, in tar ointment; 
the substitution of benzoated lard base for the one in present use in 
making resin and carbolic acid ointments ; and the omission of heat in 
the making of chrysarobin and iodoform ointments. 
11.— SOIL ANALYSIS. 
By F. B. GUTHRIE , Chemist to the Department of Agriculture, New South Wales. 
The analysis of soils constitutes a large part of the routine work 
of the chemical branch of the New South Wales Department of 
Agriculture, the number of complete analyses of different soils made 
during the four years of its existence being about 350, exclusive of a 
large number of which only a partial examination was made. 
Concerning the value of soil analysis to the farmer, I am aware 
that there is considerable difference of opinion, some excellent 
authorities denying its value altogether, whilst there are not wanting 
those who go to the other extreme, and expect a chemical analysis to 
indicate both the nature and the exact quantity of fertiliser which is 
required to make the soil productive. 
In this, as in most other debatable matters, I believe that the truth 
lies somewhere between the two extremes, and that a great deal can 
be learnt as to the proper treatment required from a rational system 
of analysis, which shall take into account the nature of the operations 
goiug on within the soil as well as its percentage composition. 
That soil analysis, rationally conducted, has a considerable 
economic value I am convinced, and this conviction is strengthened by 
the continually increasing number of soils sent in for report from all 
parts of the colony, by the number already done, and, unfortunately, 
also by the arrears which accumulate. 
Those who deny any value to soil analysis found their objections 
upon the meaus at present at our disposal in the laboratory of repro- 
ducing the natural condition of affairs going on within the soil ; in 
other words, they argue that we cannot say what quantity of any given 
ingredient is in a condition in which it can be assimilated by the 
plant. 
Let us hear what M. Ville says on the subject — “ Chemistry is 
powerless to throw light upon the agricultural qualities of the soil, its 
resources and its needs, because it confounds in its indications the 
active assimilable agents with the assimilable agents in reserve, the 
active with the inert and neutral principles. ,, 
This is the conclusion he arrives at from the discussion of 
analyses which give the percentage composition of the soil together 
with the so-called mechanical analysis, the proportions of sand, clay, 
gravel, &c. M. Ville further points out that extraction with water 
yields results no less unsatisfactory, since the plant is able to utilise 
soil material which is insoluble in water. 
