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David Brooker
02-07-2009, 12:28 AM
Mayoral task

Soil sampling

The yellow-skinned savages of Old Nihon used to cultivate patches of vegetables within their various clearings. We can only presume that such areas boast good arable land which would produce a bumper harvest if properly cultivated. However, before testing this theory we should compare soil samples taken from all over the province so that we might best judge where to focus our efforts.

Rules

* You are to collect three soil samples from the clearings of Old Nihon
* You must analyse each sample either by yourself or, if you lack the relevant expertise, commission someone else to do it.
* Be creative - perhaps you find something unexpected when gathering the soil, or are ambushed in the process.
* You must provide an in-depth report recording your efforts
* May be completed by guardsmen or citizens, alone or in pairs/small groups.


Reward to be determined by the quality of the effort made and knowledge collected

David Brooker
Mayor of Yew

Alexander Fraser
10-07-2009, 05:30 PM
As the Mayor requested, I set off to Nihon wi' a shovel to collect soil samples. I took 'em from three clearings, as shown in the sketch.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j209/Fianna_01/Screens-0051.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j209/Fianna_01/Screens-0052.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j209/Fianna_01/Screens-0053.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j209/Fianna_01/Screens-0054.jpg

Havin' no idea how ter test the samples, I asked advice at the Abbey. I was referred to a fella who lives in Malas and is apparently the best authority on the subject. I found his house and he agreed ter test the three samples - mind, it cost a fair bit o' gold!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j209/Fianna_01/Screens-0055.jpg

He fiiddled about wi' coloured liquids and told me that the first two samples were good fertile soil, suitable fer growin' crops. He found somethin' odd about the third one though, and it took him a fair time mixin' and boilin' before he told me what was wrong wi' it.

I'd taken it from an open area by the shore, and I must've hit on the place where shipments from Tokuno were unloaded in the old days. The yellas ate all sorts o' disgustin' stuff - raw fish and worse - and I suppose they needed somethin' ter take the taste away!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j209/Fianna_01/Screens-0056.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j209/Fianna_01/Screens-0057.jpg

I'll report ter the Mayor that the soil in Nihon is fertile as long as we keep clear o' the shore.

(Signed) Alexander Fraser

David Brooker
12-07-2009, 11:43 PM
Thank you, Alexander Fraser. In light of your pioneering efforts to help improve agriculture, I award you 80 copper pieces. Let us hope your fellow countrymen follow you in your example.