286 Statk Board of AoRiour/ruRE, &,c. 



gross ton that the fertilizing value of these manures is to be 

 reckoned, but by the actual amount of fertilizing material 

 present, and the condition in which it exists. As previously 

 shown the materials from which the commercial fertilizers 

 are prepared differ widely in source, in composition, and in 

 value. In addition to this the processes of manufacture are 

 variable and too often imperfect. The i-esults are just what 

 should be expected from the nature of the case. The char- 

 acter of these fertilizers is diverse, and they range from the 

 excellent down to the worthless. 



Some test whose accuracy cannot be disputed must be 

 sought, one that will set at rest the question of tlieir actual 

 worth. Among the most valuable contributions made by 

 science to the agriculturist is the knowledge of the true char- 

 acter of the conunercial fertilizers offered by importers and 

 manufacturers. Opportunities for falsification are many, 

 means of ready detection few. A chemical analysis is the only 

 test practicable. Ag"icultural societies and boards early 

 saw the necessity of helping the farmer in determining the 

 value of the fertilizers he was to buy. The oversight which 

 such bodies have exercised, has no doubt saved the country 

 thousands and thousands of dollars that would otherwise 

 have been sunk in the purchase of worthless articles. In the 

 manufacture and sale the general result has been most satis- 

 factory. Articles of no value have been driven from tlie 

 market. Fair minded and honest manufacturers are more 

 careful in their methods and endeavor to give an article of 

 uniform composition, frequently ofi'ering with the sale to> 

 guaranty their wares. 



The Vermont State Board from the beginning appreciated 



