133 
The following is an analysis of the “ regur,” taken from the same authority : — 
Silica - - - - 48 ■ 20 
Alumina - - - - 20 ■ 30 
Carbonate of lime - - - 16'00 
Carbonate of magnesia - - 10 • 20 
Oxide of iron - - - 1'00 
Water and organic matter - - 4 • 30 
Total - - - 100 00 
Several specimens of this soil are shown in the collection. In a sample-box, sent by 
Mr. Dunlop from the Berars, samples of the black cotton soil, and the sub-soils, from rieh 
black mould to hard basalt rock, are exhibited. 
Manures. 
The second division of the collection shows the manures in use in India for fertilising 
the soil on which the cotton is grown. The Indian cultivator is shrewd enough, and 
thoroughly appreciates the value of manuro. But in highly cultiyated tracts, where 
cotton is grown, wood is scarce, and cow-dung, which would otherwise be returned to the 
soil as manure, is universally used for fuel. The quantity of manure available is thus 
small. Some attempts have been made of recent years to introduce artificial manures or 
fertilisers, which have been used with so much success in America. A specimen of one ot 
these, distributed by the Cotton Supply Association of Manchester, is exhibited in the 
collection. It is composed as follows :— 
10 parts soluble phosphate. 
3 parts sulphate of ammonia. 
3 parts nitrate of soda. 
4 parts Peruvian guano. 
The ingredients promise well for the recruiting of the exhausted soils. As yet the 
results of the experiments with these manures have not been very decided, consequent 
upon the unfavourable seasons during which they were tried. Much attention was paid 
to the subject by the late Earl of Mayo and by Sir Seymour Fitz Gerald, the late Governor 
of Bombay. In India, however, manure cannot be used, as a rule, without a liberal 
supply of water, and in the cotton districts the question of irrigation is yet in its infancy. 
Implements used for Preparing the Soil. 
A complete set of the instruments used in preparing the soil is. next shown. The 
manner in which these implements are worked is illustrated by a series of sketches, pre- 
pared by J. Lockwood Kipling, Esq., of the School of Art, Bombay, and by photograph.s 
exhibited by the several local committees. The simplicity, and what may be considered 
the clumsiness, of the native appliances will perhaps be noticed. The implements have 
certainly undergone but little change for centuries. But, although to our eyes clumsy, 
they are wonderfully well adapted to the requirements of the people ; they seldom get 
out of order, and what few repairs are required can be effected without difficulty by the 
carpenter and blacksmith, who form part of the institutions of every Indian village. 
I cannot do better than quote Mr. Kipling’s description of the ndgur, or heavy plough, 
which accompanies the excellent sketch he has made of the process of breaking up the 
ground with this formidable looking implement. He says:—“The nagur is a heavy 
“ plough, used in breaking up stiff land, and where, as in fallows, kundar, or conch grass, 
“ has taken firm root. The projecting iron bar shown in the sketch takes the place 
“ of the coulter of an English plough, while the elegant curves of the English plough- 
“ share are represented by the rüde hollowness of the under surfaces of the block which 
“ support it. Yet the ndgur is a very effective instrument; it is cheaply made and 
“ easily repaired. Six bullocks are required for the draught, and eaeh pair is attended 
“ by a driver.” The buckhur, of which a specimen is shown, is more generally used