The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 1867.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 178, 1 August 1867, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 1867.

We xnentioued in a recent issue that the G-ovemuient had given notice in the Gazette that, in order to obtaiu a chemical analysis of the various soils in New Zealand, it had been requested that samples, of soil might be forwarded to Dr Hector, the Colonial Geologist, at the Colonial Museum, Wellington. As the object sought to be obtained is one of considerable importance to farmers and the public generally, we publish at length the instructions given in the Gazette, and we would at the same time express a hope that the intentions of the Government may be seconded by individual exertions. The following are the instructions issued in the Gazette : — "Attention is requested to the following instructions by persons contributing sample? of soils to the Colonial Museum for the purpose of being chemically aualysed: — The quautity transmitted should not be less than Gibs, weight of surface-soil; 21bs. weight of sub-soil. The surface-soil should be selected free from roots and undecomposed vegetable matter, and of uniform quality, gathered in several equal portions from different parts of the field, and from two inches below the surface. The subsoil should be taken in the same manner from a depth of twelve inches. Small specimens of iron-pan, sole, or other concretionary bands that may occur in the soil should be forwarded in a separate pai'cel. Each sample of soil should be carefully marked " surface soil" or " subsoil," and also with the name of the contributor and a number, the same number being used for coi responding samples of surface and sub-soils. A copy of the enclosed form, distinguished by this number, must be filled up with the required particulars, and transmitted along with the specimen it refers to. Parcels and letters are to be addressed — "On Public Service only. — Specimens for Analysis. — Dr Hector, Colonial Museum, Wellington." N.B. — Under no circumstances will an analysis be made of a specimen unless the necessary information is supplied, and properly authenticated by the signature of the contributor." The following form is to be filled up and transmitted to the Laboratory of the Colouial Museum, along with specimens of soil for chemical analysis : — "1. Name of contributor. 2. Number or marks on the specimens referred to in this form. 3. If the sample is from uncultivated land, state the uature of the vegetation, "whether ever or frequently burnt, whether stocked, and for how loug and to what extent. 4. If cultivated, state for what period, the succession of crops, and nature of present or last crop ; also the nature of the original vegetation in the natural state. 5. State average depth of soil and sub-soil, and the nature of the formation on which they rest, whether sand, gravel, clay, limestoue, or rock, and whether porous or bound. 6. General remarks as to the nature of the country, whether alluvial plains, low undulating hills, or steep broken hill surface, aud any other points that occur to the contributor. Date at which specimens collected. Date at which they were forwarded to Museum. How transmitted. Signature of contributor."