A constant check is maintained on the analytical methods used. Two check 

 sample programs are participated in by this laboratory. Over 100 labortories 

 throughout the country take part in these programs. The laboratory also is 

 asked by manufacturers to supply a part of official samples for checking 

 purposes in many cases when a deficiency is reported. In order to continue 

 in good standing, it is necessary that the procedures of analysis be con- 

 tinually checked. 



A total of 55 samples of miscellaneous materials such as hay, silage, home 

 mixtures, etc., were examined for residents of the state and reported directly 

 to the person concerned. 



H. A. Davis 



Soil Testing 



During the year residents of the state submitted 4,279 soil samples for 

 analysis of pH and available nutrients. This work entailed 29,953 determi- 

 nations. Two hundred and thirteen samples from greenhouses were tested 

 for soluble salts. Ten peat and muck samples submitted for identification 

 were analyzed for moisture content, organic matter content, and for pH 

 value, and suggestions were made as to their commercial value. Seventeen 

 samples were submitted by veterinarians to be tested for specific poisons. 

 This program was carried out in cooperation with the Cooperative Extension 

 Service. 



Seed Inspection 



Seed inspection work for the New Hampshire State Department of Agri- 

 culture was conducted during the past year. The results of the tests of 

 744 official samples collected by the state seed inspectors throughout the 

 state are reported in Station Bulletin 454. In addition, 902 private samples 

 were sent in by seed dealers and farmers, making a total of 1,646 samples 

 handled at the laboratory. 



The laboratory took part in the referee testing of samples sent out to 

 all official seed testing laboratories in the United States and Canada. 



*e 



Bessie G. Sanborn 



Diagnostic Service Performed at the Poultry Laboratory 



From January 1, 1957, to December 31, 1957, a total of 6,785 specimens 

 of all kinds were submitted to the Poultry Laboratory for diagnosis. These 

 represented 2,948 cases. 



A total of 5,815 chicken specimens were examined, 65 turkeys, and 3 

 miscellaneous birds. In addition, 38 cases consisting of 67 specimens from 

 various animals also were handled by the laboratory personnel. There were 

 287 cases (813 samples) of blood samples submitted for immunity tests. 



A. C. CORBETT 



W. R. Dunlop 

 R. G. Strout 

 F. E. Allen 



8 



