Page:Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute - Volume 1 (2nd ed.).djvu/507

Rh Perhaps Mr. Gillies, who had got some, would inform them as to his experience.

Mr. Gillies said he was convinced that the ammonia was one of the most valuable manures for grass; it would increase the crop at least one-third, and was excellent as a destroyer of grubs, wire-worms, and slugs. He was sorry to see that the farmers pooh-poohed so much the idea of agricultural chemistry being of any benefit. He had conversed with many of them, and was sorry to hear their opinions on the subject. He observed that Dr. Hector had done something to create an interest in the subject, by advertising that any person who sent a bag of soil to Wellington would get an analysis free. It seemed to him (Mr. Gillies) that every farmer ought to send down a specimen of the soil of his farm and have it analyzed. He was surprised, however, to hear from Dr. Hector, when he was last in Auckland, that he had not got half a dozen specimens of soils from the whole province. The society might get specimens analyzed from every district in the province, and make out a map of soils, showing what their products might be. By this they would see that in one district wheat might advantageously be grown, in another clover, in another barley, and so on. Two years ago he thought of growing vines at Mount Eden, which he thought would be admirably adapted for their growth. He found, however, that they produced too much wood, and did not succeed.

Dr. Fischer said that the soil upon which he had experimented, with reference to vines, was trachytic scoria, while Mount Hden was basaltic scoria. He (Dr. Fischer) had not yet succeeded very well with his vines. He believed that the Mount Eden soil would be too dry for the vines. Dr. Fischer remarked that to have a map applied to such a purpose as that spoken of by Mr. Gillies, they would require to have the particulars of the climates of the different districts also.

Resolved, "That the Secretary be instructed to apply to Dr. Hector for forms respecting the analysis of soils."

The Chairman read the following list of donations which had been made to the society since the last meeting:—

Specimens of a Mactra, from the alluvium of Kauwaeranga Creek, Thames—Captain Hutton. Model of a river steamer, model of a line-of-battle ship, and leaf impressions from Waikato—T. Russell, Esq. Four copper coins—John Kirby, Esq. Coal from Mount Rochfort, Nelson—H. Wrigg, Esq. C.E. Crystallized quartz, from the York and Devon claims—Mr. Cartwright.