290 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



information from other sources, tend to show that the moist- 

 m-e (22 per cent.) noticed in tlie article was largely due to 

 a deficiency in the store-room. Bags of fertilizer, which were 

 subsequently weighed, showed from ten to fifteen pounds 

 more than the bill of sale stated. I believe now, for above- 

 stated reason, that the article originally furnished by the 

 company was a fair specimen of its kind and Avithin the cus- 

 tomary guaranty of composition . 



In making this statement, in justice to the manufacturer, 

 I do not intend to convey the idea that the addition of a 

 larger percentage of water exerts no other serious influence 

 on a complete fertilizer than diluting the article, i. e., reduc- 

 ino; its original streno'th ; for chanores of a more serious char- 

 acter are apt to occur. For instance, in case nitrates are 

 forming a source of nitrogen in a fertilizer containing super- 

 phosphates, more or less of nitric acid will be rendered free, 

 and thus directly and indirectly the amount of that costly in- 

 gredient reduced. The frequent occurrence of rotten bags 

 in the fertilizer trade finds a satisfactory explanation in cir- 

 cumstances similar to those pointed out. 



Manufacturers ought to see to it that their articles are kept 

 in suitable store-rooms. 



C. A. GOESSMANN, 



State Inspector. 



February 2, 1885. 



Canada Wood Ashes. 

 (Collected of J. A. Snllivan, Northampton, Mass. Sold at 30 cents per bush.) 



Per cent. 



Moisture, 7.98 



Phosphoric acid, 1 82 



Potassium oxide, 5.15 



Calcium oxide, 3G.84: 



Magnesium oxide, 3.31 



Insoluble matter, ..••.... 12.58 



