1915. 



PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 



17 a 



physical characteristics of the soil than by variations in the 

 chemical composition. In spite of the frequency with which 

 these facts have been j^ointed out the station still receives a very 

 large number of samples of soil with requests for analysis. 

 Those interested in learning what soils are suited for and their 

 probable value are urged to write for a circular which discusses 

 methods of determining these important points by examination 

 on the spot, — methods which can easily be carried out by any 

 intelligent and careful observer. 



In all cases where a study of the conditions and the soil in 

 accordance with the directions of the circular (I^o. 44) referred 

 to leads to the conclusion that the soil is sour the station will 

 determine the degree of acidity provided a sample taken in ac- 

 cordance with its directions is forwarded for the purpose. 



CONTROL WORK. 



There has been no change during the past year in any of the 



laws relative to the control work with which the station is 



charged. The following table shows the number of official 



samples taken in each of the years 1909 to 1914, inclusive: — 



Number of Official Samples. 



Year. 



Fertilizers. 



Brands. 



1909, 

 1910, 

 1911, 

 1912, 

 1913, 

 1914, 



458 

 487 

 519 

 527 

 571 

 606 



Sample.?. 



1,052 

 890 

 1,063 

 1,180 

 1,299 

 1,307 



Feeds. 



Brands. 



196 

 195 

 204 

 194 

 227 

 1,002 



Samples. 



895 



946 

 1,055 



902 

 1,115 



924 



The shortage and consequent high price of potash salts due 

 to the European war will undoubtedly reduce the number of 

 brands of fertilizers offered in our markets, and will also, with- 

 out doubt, lead to a reduction in the percentage of potash in 

 many of these brands. 



Attention is called to the fact that the station has no authority 

 to require any definite percentage of any plant-food element. 



