1909.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 25 



this is the case does not, however, and should not change our 

 attitude relative to such work. We believe that the results 

 would not have the value which correspondents suppose they 

 would have, and it therefore seems best to decline to make 

 such analyses except in cases where conditions widely ditTerent 

 from those which usually prevail seem to render it probable 

 that the results will possess unusual value. 



Analyses of Miscellaneous Substances. — A wide variety of 

 materials coming under this class is offered for analysis each 

 year. Materials of such a character as render analysis likely 

 to prove of especial interest or value in our agriculture will be 

 analyzed without charge, but it should be here stated that the 

 station cannot undertake the analysis of ores and minerals. 



Testing Cows. 

 The conditions under which pure-bred cows are tested are set 

 forth fully in the- report of the head of the department of 

 chemistry. The director desires to call attention here simply 

 to the fact that since such tests involve a large amount of detail 

 work, and since they appear to be conducted primarily for the 

 private interest of the individuals owning the cows, it is re- 

 garded as only proper that the station should be fully reim- 

 bursed for the cost of doing the work. It has been found 

 necessary during the past year to make a small increase in the 

 amount charged. 



Seed Work. 

 Tests of seeds for germination and for purity, when asked 

 for by farmers or gardeners, are made without charge. The 

 number of requests for seed testing is increasing quite rapidly. 

 In a number of instances seedsmen call upon us for similar 

 work, preferring to have it done by the station rather than to 

 undertake it themselves. Since it is highly desirable that 

 seedsmen should be encouraged by all possible means to offer 

 only seeds whose quality is well known, the station will for the 

 present undertake such work, which will be charged at cost. 

 Samples of seeds from farmers or gardeners bronght in for 

 separation are subjected to treatment without charge. Should 



