194 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



purposes, but always from crude materials, like ammonia- 

 salts, muriate of potash, dissolved bone, &c., varying in 

 strength; and hence, to furnish the number of pounds of 

 plant-food called for in the formulas, the gross weight of the 

 crude material used must vary in its strength. For example, 

 the potash which we use sometimes tests eighty per cent in 

 strength, then again forty per cent, requiring, accordingly, 

 twice as much in the latter case as in the former to furnish 

 a given amount of actual potash." Then the amount of fer- 

 tilizers that we buy is no guaranty. 



" The materials which we use vary in color : therefore the 

 compounded manures will vary. Then we are sometimes 

 obliged to substitute a white substance, like ammonia-salts, to 

 furnish nitrogen for a dark red one, like dried blood. So 

 much for color." No guaranty there. 



"WHAT "WE GUAEANTEE. 



" We guarantee to furnish, as the tags show accompanying 

 each package, the amount of plant-food called for in Profes- 

 sor Stockbridge's Formulas, in the right form for each crop ; 

 and here ends our responsibility. We do not guarantee that 

 they will produce such and such results ; for we cannot regu- 

 late the weather, or cultivation, nor guarantee against insect 

 pests, or poor seed. These take an important part : however, 

 under average conditions, the Stockbridge Manures will pro- 

 duce most satisfactory results." 



No guaranty there. Then, under the heading " Protection 

 to Farmers," we find this : — 



" In using these manures it is absolutely essential that the 

 right ingredients are obtained, properly and honestly com- 

 pounded ; or else failure may attend their use. As a neces- 

 sary measure of protection, and that the farmers may be 

 enabled to obtain these manures compounded in the right 

 proportions, or the substances in proper form and purity, for 

 home mixing. Professor Stockbridge has authorized us as the 

 only parties in the country to furnish them under his patent^ 

 which he has obtained for his own protection and the protec- 

 tion of the public, and we are under written bonds to faith- 

 fully and honestly perform our trust. This, together with a 

 written guaranty, which we are willing to furnish with each 

 sale, and the Massachusetts law, ought and no doubt will 

 insure the confidence of all purchasers." 



