106 HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



Three hundred and seventy-eight samples of fertilizers 

 have thus far been collected in the general market by 

 experienced delegates of the station ; of these, three hun- 

 dred and sixty-three samples were analyzed at the close of 

 November, 1898, representing two hundred and sixty-four 

 distinct brands. The results of these analyses were pul)- 

 lished for distribution in three bulletins, Nos. 51, 54 and 

 57, of the Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachusetts 

 Agricultural College, during the months of February, July 

 and November, 1898. 



The remaining samples and others coming into our hands 

 before the expiration of the license. May 1, 1899, will be 

 analyzed in due time, and the results published in con- 

 formity with our State laws for the regulation of the trade 

 in commercial fertilizers. 



The modes of chemical analysis adopted in our examination 

 of fertilizers are, in all essential points, those recommended 

 by the Association of Official Chemists. 



For a better understanding and due appreciation of the 

 trade in commercial fertilizers during the past year, the 

 following abstract of our results is here inserted. To arrive 

 at a correct conclusion, it must be borne in mind that only 

 the lowest stated guarantee is legally binding on all sales : — 



(a) Where three essential elements of plant food were 



guaranteed : — i897. i898. 



Number with three elements equal to or above the highest 



guarantee, 3 5 



Number with two elements above the highest guarantee, . 2 17 



Number with one element above the highest guarantee, . 60 77 

 Number with three elements between the lowest and liigh- 



est guarantee, 69 85 



Number with two elements between the lowest and highest 



guarantee, 68 93 



Number with one element between the lowest and highest 



guarantee, . .10 54 



Number with two elements below the lowest guarantee, . 6 19 



Number with one element below the lowest guarantee, . 29 90 



(b) Where two essential elements of plant food were 



guaranteed : — 

 Number with two elements above the highest guarantee, . 3 5 



Number with one element above the highest guarantee, . 10 24 



