no AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



The work of inspection covered about two months, and was 

 carried on for the purpose of determining what goods, if any, 

 were being sold illegally, and to collect such samples as were 

 deemed necessary to gather an index on the cjuality of the fungi- 

 cides and insecticides sold. The variety of samples collected 

 include those substances most generally used for the extermina- 

 tion of insect pests infesting animals and vegetation, with par- 

 ticular reference to arsenical poisons. 



A great many more manufacturers than in previous years 

 have — in making their manufacturers' certificates — given a com- 

 plete list of ingredients, thus enabling this Bureau to judge more 

 definitely in regard to the nature of the preparation, and to give 

 the applicants the benefit of free registration whenever possible. 



In regard to the quality of the goods sampled, not one was 

 reported to be below guaranty. 



Number of brands registered 249 



Towns inspected 57 



Samples collected 42 



The inspector's tour of inspection revealed the fact that many 

 products were being sold illegally in that registration had not 

 been eflfected. The dealers and manufacturers were at once 

 notified and the goods were either properly legalized by registra- 

 tion, or withdrawn from sale. 



As a result of observations made in connection with this class 

 of inspection work, the suggestion is made that, along with the 

 analysis of samples collected, some work be done — either in the 

 department or at the experiment station — in the way of deter- 

 mining the actual value of the fungicides and insecticides by 

 practical application. 



The results of the analyses of fungicides and insecticides col- 

 lected in 1916 have not as yet been published in Official Inspec- 

 tions. 



Drug Inspection. 



While the work of drug inspection has been accomplished 

 largely by one inspector who was assigned that particular line 

 of investigation, the general inspectors were also instructed not 

 to neglect the inspection of drug stores, especially those where 

 soda fountains are operated. The work was conducted along 



