Iv, QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Ava., 1899. 
3. The samples may be forwarded by parcel post or by rail, either to the 
Under Secretary for Agriculture, Brisbane, or direct to the Chemist, Agricul- 
tural Laboratory, at the Agricultural College, Gatton; but in any case the 
required fee must be transmitted at the same time. 
4, Analyses will be only carried out, if samples are taken strictly in 
accordance with the instructions issued below. 
SCALE OF FEES, 
Farmers, Selectors, 
Gardeners. 
& dd. 
Soil—Short analysis (estimation of lime, alkalies, 
nitrogen, and phosphoric acid) . 
Soil and Subsoil—Short analysis 
Soil—Complete analysis 
Water—Analysis 
Manures— 
Complete analysis 
Nitrogen only 
Potash only nits: 
Phosphorie acid: sol. 
Phosphoric acid insol. 
Food Stutis— 
Complete analysis 
Water only 
Albuminoids 
Oil or fat ... 
Ash ) 
Fibre "i an Pe ate 
Sugar-cane, sugar-beet, megass—Analysis of 
Sugar, massecuite, jelly, molasses ... TY, 
Milk, butter, cheese— Complete analysis ... 
Tanning materials (tannin estim.) 
Soaps... os ie ae 
Limestone, cement, clay, &c.... 
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING AND COLLECTING OF SAMPLES. 
SOILS AND SUBSOILS. 
To obtain a fair average sample of the soil of a block of land, as near as 
possible, equal quantities of soil are taken from various parts of the fields. 
A sketch plan of the field, paddock, or block of land on which the samples 
were taken should accompany the samples, and the spots where samples are 
taken are marked on this plan and numbered. ‘This sketch plan should also 
indicate position of roads, creeks, gullies, ridges, general fall of the land, &e. 
Should the soil im various parts of the block show a very marked 
difference, it will be necessary to divide the block into two, rarely in more, 
parts. Should the different soil occur only in a small patch, this sample may 
be left out. 
Not less than three samples should be taken in each section. A greater 
number is to be preferred, as a better average will be obtained. 
At the places chosen for the taking of the samples the surface is slightly 
scraped with a sharp tool, to remove any surface vegetation which has not as 
yet become part of the soil. 
Vertical holes from 10 to 18 inches square are dug in the ground toa 
depth of 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet. 
The holes are dug out like post-holes ; an earth-auger facilitates the opera- 
tion considerably, and the holes may be trimmed with the spade afterwards. 
Careful note of the appearance of the freshly cut soil and subsoil should 
be taken. The depth of the real soil, which in most cases is easily distinguished, 
is also measured and noted for each hole. Note how deep the roots of the 
surface vegetation reach into the soil. If the soil changes gradually into the 
‘subsoil, as is the case in some places where the soil is of very great depth, 
this line of division is guessed approximately, or it is best to take the soil 
uniformly to a depth of 12 inches. 
