16 



The approximate market value of different brands of fertilizers, 

 obtained b}- the current mode of valuation, does not express their 

 resj^ective agricultural value, i. e., their C7'op j^i'oduciiig value. The 

 higher or lower market price of different brands of fertilizer does vof 

 necessarily stand in a direct relation to their particular Jitness, with- 

 out an}' reference to the particular condition of the soil to be treated, 

 and the special wants of the crops to be raised by their assistance. To 

 select judiciously from among the various brands of fertilizers offered 

 for patronage requires in the main two kinds of information, namely 

 we ought to feel confident that the particular brand of fertilizer in 

 question actually contains the < uaranteed quantities and qualities of 

 essential articles of plant food at a reasonable cost ; and that it con- 

 tains them in such foim and in such proportions as will best meet 

 existing circumstances and special wants, tn some instances it may 

 be mainly either phosphoric acid or nitrogen or potash, in others, 

 two of them, and in others again, all three. 



A remunerative use of commercial fertilizers can only be secured 

 by attending carefully to the previously stated considerations. 



C. A. GOESSMANN, Director, 



Amherst, Mass. 



Tlie Bulletins of the Experiment Station will be sent free of charge to 

 all parties interested in its work, on application. 



J. E. Williams, Printer, Amherst, Mass. 



