338 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Trade Values in SuperphospJiates, Special Manures and Mixed 

 Fertilizers of High Grade. 



The organic nitrogen in these classes of goods is valued 

 at the highest figure laid down in the Trade Values of Fer- 

 tilizing Ingredients in Raw Materials, viz., seventeen cents 

 per pound ; it being assumed that the organic nitrogen is 

 derived from the best source, viz., bone, blood, animal mat- 

 ter or other equally good forms, and not from leather 

 shoddy, hair or any low-priced inferior form of vegetable 

 matter, unless the contrary is ascertained. 



Insoluble phosphoric acid is valued at three cents, it being 

 assumed, unless found otherwise, that it is from bone or 

 similar source, and not from rock phosphate. In this latter 

 form the insoluble phosphoric acid is worth but two cents 

 per pound. Potash is rated at four and one-quarter cents, if 

 sufficient chlorine is present in the fertilizer to combine with 

 it to make muriate ; and also in cases where no distinct form 

 of potash is specified. 



To introduce large quantities of chlorides, as common 

 salt, etc., into a fertilizer claiming sulphate of potash as a 

 constituent, is a practice which in our present state of infor- 

 mation ought to be considered as of doubtful merit. The 

 use of the highest trade values is but justice in the articles 

 in which the most efficient, and thus costliest, materials are 

 expected to be used. 



In most cases the valuation of the ingredients in super- 

 phosphates and specials falls below the retail price of these 

 goods. The difference between the two figures represents 

 the manufacturers' charges for converting raw materials into 

 manufactured articles. These charges are for grinding and 

 mixing, bagging or barrelling, storage, transportation, com- 

 mission to agents and dealers, long credits, interest on in- 

 vestments, bad debts, and finally profits. 



The prices stated in this report in connection with analy- 

 ses of commercial fertilizers refer to their cost per ton of 

 2,000 pounds on board of cars or boat near the factory or the 

 place for general distribution. 



