articles of a similar chemical character are offered for their choice. 

 The degree of pulverization controls, almost without exception, under 

 similar conditions, the rate of solubility, and the more or less rapid 

 diffusion of the different articles of plant-food throughout the soil. 



The state of moisture exerts a no less important influence on the 

 pecuniary value, in case of one and the same kind of substance. 

 Two samples of fish fertilizer, although equally pure, may 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 general 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 aft'ect 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 

 commercial 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 car- 

 ried on for the purpose of aiding the farming community in a clear 

 and intelligent appreciation of the substances for manurial purposes. 



Consumers of commercial manurial substances do well to buy 

 whenever practical, on guaranty of composition with reference to 

 their essential constituents ; and to see to it that the bill of sale recog- 

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

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

 contending parties. The responsibility of the dealer ends with fur- 

 nishing an article, corresponding in its composition with the lowest 

 stated quantity, of each specified essential constituent. 



