Two samples of fish fertilizer, ultiiongh equally pure, ma}- differ 

 from 50 to 100 per cent, in commercial value, on account of mere 

 difference in moisture. 



Crude stock for the manufacture of fertilizers, and refuse material 

 of various descriptions, sent to the Station for examination, are 

 valued with reference to the market prices of their principal constit- 

 uents, taking into consideration at the same time their geneial fitness 

 for speedy action. 



A large percentage of commercial fertilizing material consists of 

 refuse matter from various industries. The composition of these 

 substances depends on the mode of manufacture carried on. The 

 rapid progress in our manufacturing industry is liable to affect at any 

 time, more or less seriously, the composition of the refuse. A. con- 

 stant inquiry into the character of the agricultural chemicals^ and of 

 commei'cial manurial refuse substances offered for sale, cannot fail to 

 secure confidence in their composition, and to diminish financial dis- 

 appointment in consequence of their application. This work is 

 carried on for the purpose of aiding the farming community in a 

 clear and intelligent appreciation of the sulistances Jor manurial 

 purposes. 



' Consumers of commercial manurial substances do well to buy when- 

 ever practicable, on a guaranty of composition with reference to their 

 essential constituents ; and to see to it that the bill of sale recognizes 

 that point of the bargain. Any mistake or misunderstanding in the 

 transaction may be readily adjusted, in that case, between the con- 

 tending parties. The responsibility of the dealer ends with furnishing 

 an article, corresponding in its composition with the loioest stated 

 quantity, of each specified essential constituent. 



359. CANADA WOOD ASHES. 



I and II sent on from Concord, Mass. 



Ill and IV sent on from South Deerfield, Mass. 



1. II. III. ir. 



Pounds per hundt-ed. 



Moisture at 100° C, 17.00 18.15 4.90 2.48 



Potassmm oxide, 4.28 4.80 7.42 6.53 



Calcium oxide, 31.31 30.69 42.10 42.98 



Magnesium oxide, 2.36 3.71 3.55 3.66 



Phosphoric acid, 3.34 3.26 2.00 1.44 



Insoluble matter, 15.50 17.35 7.12 4.87 



