28 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 436 



The present line of investigation deals with the oxidation of lignln by nitric 

 acid and by reagents in which the cation changes valence such as eerie sulfate. 

 No comments are warranted at this time. 



CONTROL SERVICES 

 Philip H. Smith in Charge 



The fertilizer, feed, seed, and milk testing laws are administered as one service 

 and the operations of each of these, with the exception of the milk testing law, 

 are reported in annual bulletins issued for that purpose. 



Under the milk testing law 5,623 pieces of Babcock glassware were tested 

 for accuracy and 107 certificates of proficiency in testing were issued. In addi- 

 tion, all milk depots and milk laboratories in the State, of which there are 192, 

 were visited at least once, as required by statute, in order to check apparatus 

 and the general conduct of the work. It can be assumed that the greater part 

 of the milk sold in Massachusetts is now paid for on the basis of weight and test 

 rather than by the quart. 



Under the fertilizer act the number of brands registered was about the same 

 as for 1945; 258 in 1945 and 260 in 1946. This in spite of Federal regulations and 

 the effort of agronomists to reduce the number of grades manufactured. The 

 number of samples collected and analyzed has been less than for normal years 

 but it is believed that the samples collected fully represent the grades offered in 

 Massachusetts. Deficiencies (variations irojfi guarantee) have not been so 

 extensive as in previous years. 



While the tonnage of feed sold in Massachusetts has been reduced because of 

 shortages, many brands have been found that have not been previously offered 

 for sale within the State. This has been due in large measure to the inability of 

 many feed manufacturers to fill the requirements of their customers, who have 

 therefore been obliged to look to smaller mills in the Middle West. 



The work of the seed laboratory has continued to grow, largely on account of 

 the realization on the part of seed dealers of the prime importance of good seed 

 if good crops are to be expected. Through the Federal Seed Act, where seeds 

 have entered into interstate commerce, the laboratory has been able, through 

 cooperation of the Federal officials, to cause the prosecution of flagrant viola- 

 tions. This as a Federal and not as a State matter. 



Considerable time has been devoted to assays and analyses not directly con- 

 nected with the Control Acts but for which there appears to be a need. With 

 increasing knowledge of the role of trace elements in plant and animal nutrition, 

 the fertilizer and feeding stuffs laws should be made more comprehensive so as 

 to include such elements where their presence is indicated as a part of the guar- 

 antee. Such legislation should also include vitamins where their presence is 

 claimed. 



As in the past, the Control laboratories have examined fertilizers, feeding 

 stuffs, and other material for citizens of the State without charge wherever the 

 work could be considered of general public value. More than the usual number 

 of samples of feed were received which the feeders claimed to have caused the 

 death of poultry. With few exceptions the contention could not be proved by 

 any analysis to which the feed was subjected. 



In addition to regular routine duties Control Service has been called upon to 

 the extent of time available to assist other departments of the College and Station 

 in conducting work in connection with research problems not originating in the 

 department itself. 



