158 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



then been reported to the federal authorities with recommenda- 

 tions for prosecution. This has added greatly to the efficiency 

 of the inspection work and has enabled us to place the blame 

 where blame was due and not upon the innocent dealer living 

 within the state. 



Fertilizer Inspection. 



The work along the lines of fertilizer inspection has been 

 particularly active ; inspection began in the early spring months 

 with the collection of samples and reporting unregistered 

 brands. Samples were obtained from storehouses and from 

 agents and, contrary to any previous plan of sampling, partic- 

 ular attention was given to the weighing of unbroken packages 

 and also to the taking of samples of goods in the hands of 

 individuals. A new departure was also inaugurated in sending 

 the samples collected to the laboratory marked only with the 

 inspector's number and not accompanied by any information 

 relative to the guaranteed analysis, the name of the manufac- 

 turer, or the location from which it was obtained. Another 

 feature which marked the fertilizer inspection for the year 

 191 5 was an increase in the number of correspondents who 

 took advantage of the provisions outlined in chapter 130, P. L., 

 191 1, as amended by P. L.. 1913, chapter 140, whereby a free 

 analysis can be obtained for a sample of fertilizer which has 

 been taken in accordance with the requirements of this depart- 

 ment by a correspondent, provided it shall be found that not 

 more than one sample of the same brand has been analyzed by 

 the Commissioner within the year, or if the results of the 

 analysis show the sample to be of public importance. Samples 

 were received from six correspondents and of that number, 

 either because of a deficiency in the goods or because the sam- 

 ple sent was the only one of the brand to be analyzed, all but 

 one received his analysis fee in return. 



The total number of samples collected as official samples 

 through the year was five hundred and fourteen ; of this num- 

 ber fourteen brands were found to be unregistered and hear- 

 ings were arranged with the dealers handling the goods. In 

 one case in particular the dealer found offering the unregis- 

 tered goods was fined and he readily settled for the offense; 



