INSTRUCTIONS RKGARD1X(; THE SAMPLING OF MA- 

 TERIALS TO BE SENT ON FOR EXAMINATION 

 WITH STATEMENTS OF CONDITIONS TO 

 SECURE ANALYSES FREE OF CHARGE. 



It has been deemed advisable to republish in detail the instructions 

 regarding the proper mode of sampling soils, fertilizers and other ma- 

 terials, both in bag and in bulk, and also the instructions regarding the 

 packing, marking and shipment of same to insure prompt delivery, 

 and that the results of analyses may fairly represent the average com- 

 position of the material in question. Unless the sample forwarded 

 for analysis is an average representative sample, the results of our 

 chemical investigation of the same become of little value. \\'e are 

 much pleased to say, however, that we have every reason to believe 

 that the many samples received during the past year have, as a 

 whole, been taken intelligently, and there are indications that greater 

 care is being exercised by parties sampling material for analysis than 

 ever before. It is our wisli, however, that this subject may be called 

 to the attention of as many farmers as possible, as there is still 

 chance for improvement. 



It is of the utmost importance that parties forwarding fertilizing 

 substances for examination should take particular pains in sampling, 

 packing and forwarding such materials, in order that the analyses 

 obtained may represent the average composition of the goods sam- 

 pled, and that no addition or loss of moisture in transportation may 

 happen. The samples received are entered on our records in the order 

 of their arrival at this ofifice, and each sample is assigned a number 

 and is taken up for investigation in the order in which it has been 

 received. 



The name of the sender should be enclosed in an envelope and 

 placed inside the receptacle, together with a statement of the na- 

 ture of the material forwarded for analysis ; whether it is an agricul- 

 tural chemical, mixed fertilizer, a wood ash, or the by-product of 

 some manufacturing industry, or a sample of soil. 



The results of all analyses of samples made at the Station, free of 

 charge, are considered at the disposal of the managers for publica- 

 tion, if deemed advisable. 



