708 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



material of various descriptions, sent to the Station for ex- 

 amination, are valued with reference to the market prices of 

 their principal constituents, taking into consideration, at the 

 same time, their general fitness for speedy action. 



A large percentage of commercial fertilizing material con- 

 sists of refuse matter from various industries. The compo- 

 sition of these substances depends on the mode of manufact- 

 ure carried on. The rapid progress in our manufacturing 

 industry is liable to affect, at any time, more or less seriously, 

 the composition of the refuse. A constant inquiry into the 

 character of the agricultural chemicals, and of commercial 

 manurial refuse substances offered for sale, cannot fail to 

 secure confidence in their composition, and to diminish finan- 

 cial disappointment in consequence of tlieu application. 

 This Avork is carried on for the purpose of aiding the farm- 

 ing community in a clear and intelligent appreciation of the 

 substances for manurial purposes. 



Consumers of commercial manurial substances do well to 

 buy, whenever practical, on guaranty of composition with 

 reference to their essential constituents, and see to it that 

 the bill of sale recognizes that part of the bargain. Any 

 mistake or misunderstanding in the transaction may be 

 readily adjusted, in that case, between the contending 

 parties. Tne responsibility of the dealer ends with furnish- 

 ing an article corresponding in its composition with the 

 lowest-stated quantity of each specified essential constituent. 



Sulphate of Ammonia. 



[Sent on from Amherst, Mass. Two samples.] 



