H.—29

Palatabujty of Rye-grass. Some work has been carried out on this problem, but while indicating a promising line of research the results are inconclusive. Feed-Flavour Investigation. The analysis of the herbage fed to cows in connection with the co-operative experiment carried out by the Dairy Research Institute and the Plant Research Station has been undertaken. Dry-matter determinations have been carried out and the chemical analysis is well under way. Various. Determinations of nitrate nitrogen in soil samples from experiments in connection with nitrogenous top-dressing of cereals were made at the request of the Director of the Fields Division. A number of soils were analysed for available potash, and salt determinations on a considerable number of samples were made for the Fields Division. As usual a number of analyses of fertilizers, weed killers, &c, were made at the request of various officers.

53