18 



PRODUCTS SOLD LARGELY FOR THEIR POTASH CONTENT. 



From the tables of analyses it is apparent that potash has been used some- 

 what more freely during the past season than for two or three years preced- 

 ing. Statistics show that the production of potash compounds in this 

 country has been on the increase and has reached the proportion where 

 about one-fifth of the normal potash supply has been taken care of by Ameri- 

 can producers. During the season two potash salts have been offered un- 

 mixed to the Massachusetts consumer. One is called 40 per cent potash, 

 evidently an American product. It contained 38.64 per cent of water solu- 

 ble potash and was guaranteed 40 per cent. It showed a commercial valua- 

 tion of $228.12 per ton. Another American potash product has also been 

 offered, testing 20.44 per cent of water soluble potash, with a guarantee of 

 20 per cent. This product valued commercially $122.64 per ton. It con- 

 tained approximately 5.71 per cent of potash in form of chlorides and about 

 15 per cent in form of sulfates. It also contained about 4 per cent of sodium 

 sulfate and 50.5 per cent of sodium carbonate. It showed a decided alkaline 

 reaction. 



Magic Brand Manure Ash Potash. — This product is evidently the 

 residue obtained by burning refuse manure products from the stock yards 

 at Chicago. It contained 3.88 per cent of water soluble potash, guaranteed 

 5 per cent. It also contained considerable potash not soluble in water, as 

 it tested 5.70 per cent of acid soluble potash; 2.53 per cent of total phosphoric 

 acid was also present. The product sold for $60 per ton, and had a com- 

 mercial valuation of $26.32. A pound of total potash from this source, 

 therefore, has cost about 50 cents. 



Flue Dust. — A sample of flue dust tested 8.17 per cent water soluble 

 potash, and was guaranteed 8 per cent. It also contained 11.63 per cent of 

 acid soluble potash. It showed the presence of .28 per cent of phosphoric 

 acid and 4.92 per cent of total lime. The material cost $44.84 per ton, and 

 had a commercial valuation of $59.28 per ton. It has been sold largely on 

 the unit basis of $5.55 per unit of water soluble potash. 



As this bulletin goes to print, reports reach us that potash shipments are 

 being received both from French and German sources, and as time goes on 

 probably these shipments will be more frequent, resulting in a larger use of 

 this ingredient during the coming season. 



