STATING RESULTS OF FERTILIZER ANALYSIS 621 



the hardened mass with peroxid to a depth of about 0.5 centi- 

 meters. Heat gradually, and finally with full flame until com- 

 plete fusion takes place, rotating the crucible from time to time 

 in order to bring any particles adhering to the sides into contact 

 with the oxidizing material. Allow to remain over the lamp 

 for ten minutes after fusion is complete. Cool somewhat, place 

 warm crucible and contents in a 600 cubic centimeter beaker and 

 carefully add about 100 cubic centimeters of the water. After 

 violent action has ceased, wash the material out of the crucible, 

 make slightly acid with hydrochloric acid (adding small portions 

 at a time), transfer to a 500 cubic centimeter flask, cool, and 

 make to volume. Filter and use a 200 cubic centimeter aliquot 

 for determination of sulfates by precipitating with barium chlo- 

 rid in the usual manner. 



9. Chlorin in Plants (Provisional). Saturate five grams of 

 the sample in a platinum dish with 20 cubic centimeters of a five 

 per cent, solution of sodium carbonate, evaporate to dryness, and 

 ignite as thoroughly as possible' Extract the residue with hot 

 water, filter and wash. Return it to the platinum dish, ignite to 

 an ash, dissolve in nitric acid, and determine the chlorin by the 

 usual method. 



523. Stating Results of Fertilizer Analysis. There is much 

 difference of opinion respecting the manner in which the results 

 of fertilizer analyses should be expressed. The matter may be 

 looked at from two points of view, first, the strictly scientific 

 expression for the use of scientific men alone, and, second, well 

 known terms for the use of farmers. Inasmuch as the object 

 of the inspection of fertilizers, that is, fertilizer control, is to 

 acquaint the farmers with the character of the goods they pur- 

 chase, it is evident that the method of expressing the results 

 of analyses when exercised for the control and sale of fertilizers 

 should be in terms easily understood by the farmer. In the 

 United States it has been a very common method of expression 

 to use the terms "potash," "phosphoric acid" and "ammonia" 

 in designating the three important constituents of fertilizers. 

 The farmers of this country, as a rule, are well acquainted with 

 the meaning of these terms. By potash the potassium oxid 



