AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 35 



In the thirty-nine brands tested the solubility of the organic 

 nitrogenous material ranges from 21.3 per cent, to 83.4 per cent. 

 In three cases the percentages are below 40 per cent., in three 

 between 40 and 50 per cent., in four between 50 and 60 per cent., 

 and in twenty-nine over 60 per cent. A solubility of less than 

 40 per cent, gives good grounds for suspecting the use of an 

 inferior aramoniate. In fact, anything less than 50 per cent, is to 

 be regarded as indicating the presence of organic material of a 

 lower grade than dried blood, dried flesh and dried fish. At the 

 same time a close grading of the quality of the nitrogenous matter 

 of Superphosphates does not seem to be possible by this method. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR BUYING FERTILIZERS. 



1. It is safer to purchase brands of recognized good stand- 

 ing. New brands may be just as good or better than those 

 longer on the market, but their quality should be carefully 

 ascertained. 



2. The composition of the fertilizers in the markets can be 

 learned from a study of the Station reports of inspection. 

 Compare the composition of the different brands which you 

 have the chance to purchase and buy the one the value of 

 which comes most largely from nitrogen, from phosphoric 

 acid, or from potash, according to your needs. Your needs 

 you can only know from experience. 



3. If the station money valuation of two brands differs by 

 considerable, other things being equal, buy the one having 

 the higher valuation. Do not give too much weight to small 

 differences in money valuation. 



4. The dryness and mechanical condition of a fertilizer 

 should be considered, especially if it is to be used in a seed 

 drill. 



