662 



Report on Inspection Work of the 



The average cost of nitrogen in dried blood is less even than in 

 high-grade complete fertilizers, bone or tankage. In one case dried 

 blood was retailed in small amounts at the rate of $100 a ton, while the 

 commercial valuation was $57.33; in this case the nitrogen cost 39.2 

 cents a pound. 



AMOUNT AND COST OF PLANT-FOOD IN NITRATE OF SODA. 



We examined 39 samples of sodium nitrate with the following 

 results : 



Table X. — Amount and Cost of Nitrogen in Nitrate of Soda. 



Pounds of nitrogen in 100 pounds 



Selling price of one ton 



Commercial valuation of one ton. 

 Cost of one pound of nitrogen . . . 



Highest. 



15.66 



$65.00 



51.68 



21 cents 



Lowest. 



14.82 



$48.00 



48.91 



16 cents 



Average. 



15.20 



$54.25 



50 16 



17.8 cents 



These results show that nitrogen in nitrate of soda costs less than 

 in any other form. 



The extremes of selling prices are within narrower limits than in 

 the case of other nitrogen-containing materials and mixtures. 



AMOUNT AND COST OF PLANT-FOOD IN POTASSIUM SALTS. 



We have analyzed 27 samples of muriate of potash (potassium 

 chloride) 5 samples of sulphate of potash (potassium sulphate) and 

 11 samples of kainit. The composition of these materials and their 

 cost are given in Table XI. 



Potash costs least in muriate, most in sulphate and is intermediate 

 in kainit. In any of these forms the average cost of potassium is less 

 than in any of the mixtures containing potash salts with other plant- 

 foqd materials. 



At the present time, the cost of potash is about 15 cents a pound, 

 owing to the war, and its use will be greatly limited until it can again 

 be obtained freely. 



