21 



Bowker Fertilizer Co., No. 1. Total phosphoric acid found 

 15.66%, guaranteed 16%; available phosphoric acid found 6.31%, 

 guaranteed 14%; insoluble phosphoric acid found 9.35%, guar- 

 anteed 2%. At the request of the Bowker Fertilizer Co., another 

 sample, No. 222, was collected of the same party, a larger number 

 of sacks being sampled than in the previous case. This sample 

 tested 16.31% total phosphoric acid, 8.67% available phosphoric 

 acid and 7.64% insoluble phosphoric acid. This was a decidedly 

 inferior article. 



Ross Brothers Co., No. 734. Total phosphoric acid found 

 14.14%, guaranteed 18%; available phosphoric acid found 12.56%, 

 guaranteed 13%; insoluble phosphoric acid found 1.58%, guar- 

 anteed 5%. 



Mixed Complete Fertilizers. 



The larger number of high grade fertilizers 

 Lessons drawn from that are being sold from year to year in Mass- 

 Study of Grades achusetts indicates that the average farmer 



of Fertilizer. realizes the importance of purchasing a high 

 grade mixture. As has been pointed out in 

 past years, there are many advantages to be gained by choosing 

 a formula from among the high grade goods. Summary tables 

 have been prepared which furnish valuable data bearing upon 

 this point. 



In separating the formulas into different grades those brands 

 containing plant food having a commercial value of $24 or over 

 per ton have been classed as high grade, those having a value be- 

 tween $18 and $24 per ton medium grade, and those having a 

 value of $18 or less per ton low grade. 



Table showing average cash price and commercial plant food 

 value per ton, also money difference between cash price and plant 

 food value: 



High Grade 



1911 1912 



Average Retail Cash Price per 



Ton $40.87 $38.23 



Average Calculated Commercial 



Value of Plant Food in a Ton $28.89 $27.84 

 Average Money Difference I $11. 98! $11. 16 



Medium Grade 



1911 I 1912 



.$35.08 .$33.26 



$21.04|.$20.74 

 $14.04 $12.52 



Low Grade 



1911 1912 



529.64 



1.76 



$15.37 $14.58 

 $14. 27; $15. 16 



The above table shows: 



(1). That the average ton price of the three grades of fertilizer 

 has been $1.45 less and the average calctilated commercial value 

 of plant food in a ton 72 cents less than for the previous season. 



