INSPECTOR OF FERTILIZERS. 131 



value, are not to be decided by the same standard. As soon 

 as these points arc once properly recognized it will be consid- 

 ered not less than a blunder on the part of any dealer to object 

 to laws, which propose to make a public distinction between 

 the honest man and the rogue in his line of trade. 



The new law contains some decidedly good provisions ; 

 yet it is in my opinion, in some essential points deficient. 



I do not intend to discuss here, the various sections of the 

 law ; I leave that task to others, but will confine myself to a 

 few remarks regarding the position of the inspector. 



1. The law charges the inspector to collect samples of. fer- 

 tilizers, and to present his bill subsequently to the dealer, 

 which proceeding appears to me as fining the man before he 

 is found guilty. 



2. The inspector is expected to take samples throughout 

 the entire State. As the main trade in fertilizers in the State 

 is in the hands of comparatively but few parties, these without 

 any distinction whatever, whether honest or not, will have to 

 carry indirectly the pecuniary burden of the new law. 



Some reflection on this point will render it quite plain that 

 the inspector must find himself quite frequently under some 

 restraint to collect samples of one and the same party, 

 although he may deem it advisable, and in the interest of an 

 impartial proceeding. 



3. The law does not provide the pecuniary means to carry 

 it out efficiently. The sum allowed for an analysis scarcely 

 covers the expenses of transportation, outfit, chemicals and 

 assistance ; leaving the labor involved unpaid. 



With these disadvantages before me, I have collected some 

 twenty samples of fertilizers, simply with the view to study 

 the present condition and resources of our fertilizer market, 

 and propose to present the analytical results, if acceptable, at 

 the next meeting. 



To accomplish this work, I strained the resources of my 

 department, in an unusual degree ; most of my time during 

 several months, not engaged in class duties, has been spent in 

 making analyses, and in collecting useful information. My 

 direct expenses partly at my own risk, have been from $150 

 to $200. The income of the office, amounts thus far to $15, 

 which I hesitate to collect. 



