COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS. 289 



Statements of comparative tests regarding the exact com- 

 poailion of two fertilizers, are, for this reason, always made 

 with a definite reference to a corresponding state of their 

 moisture. Manufacturers who state the composition of the 

 articles they offer for sale, without mentioning, at least ap- 

 proximately, the amount of moisture they contain, deprive 

 the inspector of the chance to recognize exceptional condi- 

 tions in their goods. The manufacturer of fertilizers is ex- 

 pected to state, in the interest of his customers, the total 

 weight of the article contained in each package ; besides — 

 within certain limits — the amount of phosphoric acid, nitro- 

 gen and potassium oxide he offers for sale in each hundred 

 weight. As long as the fertilizer is carefully stored, no 

 serious alterations, either in total weight or in original com- 

 position, are expected within one season of keeping. Quite 

 different, however, will be the result when it is stored in ill- 

 constructed sheds, and damp storehouses, or meets with 

 some accidental exposure to rain ; for in that case the total 

 weight of the package increases and the composition of its 

 contents is reduced in strength in the same proportion as its 

 percentage of water was increased. The chemical analysis 

 refers to one hundred weight of the fertilizer ; the customer 

 who secures the entire package does not necessarily suffer ; 

 yet the manufacturer may suffer by a lower analysis of his 

 goods in consequence of neglecting to furnish all the inform- 

 ation needed to recognize the results of exceptional condi- 

 tions. 



In past years I have noticed, from time to time, instances 

 where circumstances similar to those pointed out above have 

 caused the deterioration of some of the fertilizers tested. 

 During the past season my attention has again been called to 

 a case of a similar character, which may be considered as the 

 immediate cause of inserting here, once more, the previous 

 discussion. 



My last annual report contained an analysis (Bulletin No. 

 7) of a fertilizer, manufactured by the Clark's Cove Guano 

 Co., New Bedford, Mass., called the " Bay State Fertilizer," 

 and offered for sale by E. S. Snow, of Belchertown, Mass. 

 This sample was collected by one of my assistants. Careful 

 inquiry since, at the agent's storehouse, in connection with 



