Jan. 1923] annual report 29 



dairy feeds. The quality of the feeding-stuffs showed a marked improve- 

 ment, and the deficiencies in guaranteed analysis were less frequent •than 

 last year. A larger number of the higher analysis cottonseed meals was 

 found than during the year previous. 



Ninety-seven samples of commercial fertilizers were analyzed for the 

 State Department of Agriculture. The results of this work are reported 

 in Bulletin No. 206 of the New Hampshire College Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Station. There were found a relatively smaller number of low grade 

 fertilizers than last year. In 1921 out of a total of 104 samples, 35, or over 

 33 per cent., of the brands contained less than a total of 14 pounds of plant 

 food per 100 pounds, while in 1922 only 23 brands out of 97, or approximately 

 24 per cent, contained less than this amount. Because it costs just as much 

 to mix, bag and ship a ton of low analysis as it does a ton of high analysis 

 fertilizer, the total cost per pound of plant food is much less in the higher 

 analysis goods. 



Seed tests were conducted as usual for the inspection work of the State 

 Department of Agriculture. In addition numerous samples have been 

 tested for farmers, county agents and seed dealers. A total of 603 samples 

 was handled by the seed laboratory during the year. 



The increase in the volume of this work and the greater importance attach- 

 ing to its prosecution make it imperative that a specially trained seed analyst 

 be secured. It is planned, therefore, in cooperation with the State Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, to secure the services of an expert seed analyst who will 

 devote half time to this work and half time to instruction in botany. 



Advanced Registry Tests. 



The following figures on the Advanced Registry activities show the total 

 number of cows still on test July 1, 1921, plus cows entered during the 

 year following : Ayrshires, 23; Guernseys, 92; Holsteins, 51; Jerseys, 59; 

 Shorthorns, 13. Total, 238. 7-day tests, 27. 



Potato Seed Certification. 



The increased interest in certified seed potatoes resulting from the ex- 

 perimental work conducted along this line by the Station has made possible 

 a beginning in the building up of a New Hampshire certified seed product. 

 Standard rules of a very strict type have been drawn up by Mr. Butler, 

 and 65 acres were inspected in 1921 for farmers in the state. Of this num- 

 ber 13.75 acres were passed. The cost of the field inspection is borne by 

 the growers. 



White Diarrhea Tests. 



The number of tests made in the campaign conducted by A. W. Richard- 

 son (Poultry Husbandry) against white diarrhea has steadily increased. 

 Starting with 4000 samples in 1918, it grew to 7000 the following year, 11,400 

 the next, then 20,000 and this year will be well over 30,000. 



As a result of this work orders were placed in the last season in the state 

 for over 225,000 day-old chickens from accredited flocks. From figures 

 obtained from many purchasers of these chicks, it was found that the mor- 

 tality averaged only six per cent. On the other hand, a check on 40,000 



