18 



product having a more complex composition with considerably less 

 magnesia than was formerly found. The samples which showed the 

 low magnesia and the high insoluble matter tests were Nos. 489-1182, 

 sold by the American Agricultural Chemical Company, No. 797, 

 sold by the Bowker Fertilizer Co., and No. 1207, sold by Olds & 

 Whipple. Representatives of the German Kali Works expressed the 

 belief that the insoluble matter was in reality sulfate of magnesia 

 which would become soluble when boiled one hour with water. This 

 test was made with the following results: 



The above analyses show that only about one-fourth of the in- 

 soluble matter was dissolved by boiling water, and therefore the 

 material was not composed largely of Kieserite as was claimed. On 

 the whole these results would tend to support Dr. Huston's explana- 

 tion. 



Seventeen analyses have been made, representing thirty- 

 Muriate of seven samples. In four cases the potash guarantee was 

 Potash, not maintained. The average percentage of potash has 

 been 50.61. The average retail cash price has been $42.10 

 and the calculated commercial valuation $43.02 per ton. The pound 

 of actual potash has cost on the average 4.16 cents. Three samples 

 have shown a commercial shortage of over 50 cents per ton. They are 

 as follows: 



Lowell Fertilizer Co., No. 417. Potash found 49.04%, guaran- 

 teed 50%. 



Nitrate Agencies Co., No. 382. Potash found 49.16%, guaran- 

 teed 50%. It might be said that other samples of muriate sold by 

 this company were found well up to the guarantee. 



Whitman & Pratt Rendering Co., No. 950. Potash found 49.40%, 

 guaranteed 50%. 



Five samples have been analyzed and found as repre- 

 Kainit. sented. The average retail cash price has been $15.00, 

 and the calculated commercial valuation $12.42 per ton. 

 Cost of potash per pound in this salt has been 5.04 cents. 



