25 



The table on the opposite page shows : 



(1). That out of a total of 330 brands of complete fertilizers 

 collected and analyzed, 124 (38 percent of the total number) fell 

 below the manufacturer's guarantee in one or more elements. 



(2). That 104 brands were deficient in one element. 



(3). That 18 brands were deficient in two elements. 



(4). That 2 brands were deficient in all three elements. 



(5). That 26 brands (about 8 percent of the whole number 

 analyzed) showed a commercial shortage: that is, the value of 

 the plant food found did not equal the value of the plant food 

 guaranteed, although overruns were used to offset shortages. 

 The deficiencies found were divided as follows: 



73 brands were found deficient in nitrogen. 



31 brands were found deficient in available phosphoric acid. 



42 brands were found deficient in potash. 



(6). As compared with the previous year, a much better 

 showing has been made. Fewer deficiencies have occurred, also 

 a less number of commercial shortages. The number of nitrogen, 

 available phosphoric acid and potash shortages were respectively 

 23 less, 59 less and 24 less than for the season of 1911. The brands 

 showing a commercial shortage were two less than for the pre- 

 vious year. 



Table showing commercial shortages (25 cents and over) in 

 mixed commercial fertilizers for 1911 and 1912. 



A nimiber of instances have occurred, as is frequently the case, 

 where serious shortages of some one element have been found 

 and yet the brands have not suffered a commercial shortage, the 

 deficiencies being made up by overruns of some other element. 

 Although this is not a desirable feature, perhaps it cannot always 

 be avoided in the rush season. 



The following brands have shown a commer- 

 Commercial cial shortage of over 50 cents per ton, the value 



Shortages. of the overruns having been used in all cases 



to reduce the shortages. 



American Agricultural Chemical Co., Boston, Mass. — High 

 Grade Tobacco Manure, No. 81. Nitrogen found 5.32%, guar- 



