The Composition and Use of Fertilizers. 265 



the larger proportion of fertilizers sold in this State. Since there 

 is smaller bulk to handle in mixing, a smaller number of packages 

 for holding, and, consequently, less weight and freight, it is, as a 

 rule, more economical to purchase fertilizers in their more con- 

 centrated forms. For illustration, it is more economical to pur- 

 chase one ton of a high-grade fertilizer than three tons of a low- 

 grade fertilizer, one ton of the former containing the same amount 

 of plant food contained in three tons of the latter; because, in 

 making the latter, three times as much labor is involved in mix- 

 ing the goods, three times as many packages are required and 

 three times as much freight must be paid, all for the same amount 

 of plant food. 



5. Which is More Advantageous, to Purchase Complete Fer- 

 tilizers or to Purchase Ingredients? 



The question of home mixing of fertilizers is now being much 

 discussed. ISTot a few farmers have adopted the plan of purchas- 

 ing unmixed ingredients and mixing them at home. When a 

 farmer once tries this method, he rarely purchases a ready-mixed 

 complete fertilizer after that. It is pertinent in this connection to 

 consider both sides of the question, both the advantages and dis- 

 advantages of purchasing unmixed fertilizing ingredients. 



Economy. — The average retail price of a ton of mixed fertilizer 

 is from $8 to $9 above the market value of its unmixed ingredi- 

 ents. This difference represents the cost of mixing, freight, 

 profit, etc. It is readily seen that a portion, at least, of the dif- 

 ference can be saved by purchasing unmixed ingredients. Many 

 farmers who have done their own mixing, estimate that the mix- 

 ing costs them 75 cents a ton on an average. In mixed fertilizers, 

 a pound of nitrogen costs the farmer, on an average, about 20 

 cents, while he ought to be able to purchase it in the very best 

 forms at a total cost not to exceed 15 cents. Available phosphoric 

 acid and potash in mixed fertilizers cost farmers six to seven 

 cents a pound, and they can usually be purchased unmixed for 

 three and three-fourths to four and one-half cents, total cost. 



Definite Knowledge of Materials Used. — When separate 

 materials are purchased, the farmer can more closely ascertain 

 whether his goods are what they claim to be. Ground leather 

 cannot be passed for nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, etc. In 

 mixed goods it is not easy to detect inferior articles. The chances 

 are that the farmer will get better materials in unmixed than in 



