DEPARTMENT OF PLANT AND ANIMAL CHEMISTRY. 



J. B. LINDSEY, Chemist. 



INSPECTION OF COMMERCIAL FEEDING STOfFS. 



By P. H. SMITH, Chemist in Charge. 



Assisted by 



C. L. BEALS. 



INTRODUCTION. 



During the past year, 924 samples of feeding stuffs have been 

 collected and examined by the Massachusetts experiment sta- 

 tion. Although less samples were collected than for the pre- 

 ceding year, yet they represented very satisfactorily the charac- 

 ter of feeding stuffs on sale in this state. In accordance with the 

 feeding stuffs law, 1002 brands of feeding stuffs were registered; 

 some of those registered, however, were not offered for sale or, 

 if offered, were sold to such a limited extent that they were not 

 found by the inspector. 



The spirit of co-operation between dealer and those having 

 in charge the enforcement of the feeding stuffs law has been, on 

 the whole, very satisfactory. Only three cases have been brought 

 for prosecution; two of them have been settled and one is still 

 pending. The officials having the law in charge are always re- 

 luctant to bring cases into court except as a last resort or where 

 the interests of the consumer are at stake, preferring to depend 

 upon publicity and persuasion, if possible. 



About a year ago the Federal Government through the Bureau 

 of Chemistry ruled that wheat by-products containing screenings 

 purchased with the wheat should be labeled as "containing screen- 

 ings not exceeding mill run". This ruling has been adopted by 

 the Massachusetts officials. In practical feeding, preference should 

 be given to wheat feeds that do not contain screenings when sold 

 at the same price as the inferior product. 



The importation of feeding stuffs has been increasing for 

 several years. Thus far the amount imported has not affected 

 the local market, the imported feeding stuffs having sold at ruling 

 prices or, in some cases, for prices In excess of those charged for 

 domestic products. Recently cargoes of corn and wheat feeds have 

 been received from the Argentine Republic, a cargo of dried beet 

 pulp has been brought to Boston from Spain, Canadian wheat 

 feeds have been coming in for some time, and Molassine meal and 



