1889.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 597 



A large percentage of commercial fertilizing material con- 

 sists of refuse matter from various industries. The composi- 

 tion of these substances depends on the mode of manufacture 

 carried on. The rapid progress in our manufacturing indus- 

 try 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 

 financial disappointment in consequence of their application. 

 This work is carried on for the purpose of aiding the farming 

 community in a clear and intelligent appreciation of these 

 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 point of the bargain. Any 

 mistake or misunderstanding in the transaction may be 

 readily adjusted, in that case, between the contending parties. 

 The responsibility of the dealer ends with furnishing an 

 article corresponding in its composition with the lowest 

 stated quantity of each specified essential constituent. 



