17 



Sulfate of Ammonia. Four samples have been analyzed and 

 no deficiencies found. The averao;e nitro«j;en tost was 21..'i2 per cent. 

 The average ton cost has been SI 10.00, making tlie i)ound of nitrogen 

 cost 27.2 cents. 



Wood Ashes. Thirty-one carloads of wood ashes were analyzed, 

 representing throe tlifforent brands. The average of these analyses 

 is as follows: 



Moisture 16.92% 



Phosphoric acid 1 . 38% 



Calcium oxide 29.48% 



Total, or acid soluble potash 4.29% 



Water soluble potash 3 . 36% 



The above average shows that about 78.32 per cent of the total 

 potash was soluble in water, as against 74.50 per cent for the previous 

 year. Wood ashes have cost on the average $18.06 per ton. Allow- 

 ing a fair value for the lime and phosphoric acid present in the average 

 ash of good quality, makes the pound of water soluble potash from 

 this source cost somewhere around 22 cents. 



Nine carloads of the Joynt brand of wood ashes were found 

 deficient in potash, two in phosphoric acid and two in lime. Eight 

 carloads had a commercial shortage. They were samples Nos. 24, 

 25, 26, 29, 253, 655, 834 and 984. Details of these shortages are 

 apparent by reference to the tables of analyses. It may be said in 

 this connection that rebates have usually been allowed for potash 

 deficiencies. 



Taylor Bros. Hardwood Ashes, No. 48. These cannot be classed 

 as hardwood ashes. They are similar in composition to lime ashes. 

 The company has been advised that they would not be allowed to 

 sell this product in Massachusetts under the name of hardwood ashes 

 another season. The product is said to be derived from a dye factory 

 where hardwood is used for fuel. If such is the case, the potash had 

 been pretty thoroughly leached out before the ashes were shipped. 

 A recent communication from this company gives the added informa- 

 tion that the sale of the ashes has been discontinued. 



Acid Phosphate. Thirty-six samples of acid phosphate have 

 been examined, necessitating 19 analyses. The average per cent of 

 available phosphoric acid found was 16.72. Acid phosphate has cost, 

 on the average, $22.58 per ton, making the pound of available phos- 

 phoric acid from this source cost 6.75 cents. Only one sample has 

 shown a commercial shortage. 



Nitrate Agencies Co. Acid Phosphate (16%), No. 181. Availa- 

 ble phosphoric acid found 15.00%, guaranteed 16.00%. 



