11 



ations, either in total weight or in original composition, are expected 

 within one season of keeping. Quite different, however, will be the 

 result when it is stored in ill-constructed sheds, and damp storehouses, 

 or meets with some accidental exposure to rain ; for in that case the 

 total weight of the package increases and the composition of its con- 

 tents is reduced in strength in the same proportion as its percentage 

 of water has increased. The chemical analysis refers to one hundred 

 weight of the fertilizer ; the customer who secures the entire package 

 does not necessarily suffer ; yet the manufacturer may suffer by a 

 lower analysis of his goods, in consequence of neglecting to furnish 

 all the information needed to recognize the results of exceptional 

 conditions. 



During past years I have noticed several instances where circuit- 

 stances similar to those pointed out above, had caused the deterior- 

 ation of a fertilizer tested and reported by me. During the past 

 season my attention has again been called to a case of a similar 

 character, which may be considered as the immediate cause of insert- 

 ing here the previous discussion. 



Bulletin No. 7, the first one of this season, contains an analysis 

 (No. 170), of a fertilizer, manufactured by the Clark's Cove Guano 

 Co., New Bedford, Mass., called the '■'• Bay State Fertilizer," and 

 offered for sale by E. 8. Snow, of Belchertown, Mass. The sample 

 was collected by one of my assistants. Careful inquiry since at the 

 agent's storehouse, in connection with information from other sources, 

 tends to show that the moisture (22 per cent.,) noticed in the article 

 was largely due to a deficiency in the storeroom. Bags of fertilizer 

 which were subsequenth' weighed, showed from 10 to 15 lbs. more 

 than the bill of sale stated. I believe now, for above stated reason, 

 that the article originally furnished by the company, was a fair speci- 

 men of its kind and within the customary guaranty of composition. 



In making this statement, in justice to the manufacturer, I do not 

 intend to convey the idea that the addition of a larger percentage of 

 water exerts no other serious influence on a complete fertilizer than 

 diluting the article, i. e., reducing its original strength ; for changes 

 of a more serious character are apt to occur ; for instance in case 

 nitrates are forming a source of nitrogen in a fertilizer, containing 

 superphosphates, more or less of nitric acid will be rendered free, 

 and thus directly and indirectly the amount of that costly ingredient 

 reduced. The frequent occurrence of rotten bags in the fertilizer 

 trade, finds a satisfactory explanation in circumstances similar to 

 those pointed out. 



