FEEDING STUFF INSPECTION. 53 



The samples sent in by correspondents have as a rule run lower 

 in protein than those collected by the inspectors. This is to be 

 expected, for usually the consumer only sends a sample because 

 he suspects it to be of inferior quality. This prompt free analy- 

 sis of samples from correspondents makes it possible for a 

 feeder to know just what he is using. 



From December to June it is fairly easy for the dealers to 

 obtain cottonseed meal of good quality, and on this account those 

 consumers who are so situated that they can do so, will find it 

 avantageous to purchase in the winter all the cottonseed meal 

 they will need until new meal from another crop will be on the 

 market. Even if the price should drop somewhat, this would 

 usually be more than offset by the superior quality of the meal 

 obtained at the time of the early purchase. 



With an occasional exception, most of the cottonseed meal 

 analyzed at the Station has come up to the guarantee, or nearly 

 so. The number of samples that have run much above the guar- 

 antee have been less than in former years. To the uniform good 

 quality of most of the meal, that sold under the name of "Star 

 brand prime cottonseed meal" has been an exception. Because 

 of the poor appearance of these goods a very large number of 

 samples were sent to the Station by dealers and consumers. Out 

 of 57 samples examined, 31 were received from correspondents. 

 A large number were from the house which imported the good's 

 and were taken from car load lots before they were distributed. 

 The importers state that these good were then sold on their mer- 

 its as indicated by the Station analyses, and that they were guar- 

 anteed for their actual protein content. 



Not only was much of Star brand cottonseed meal low in 

 analysis, but it was of poor appearance. Even when it carried 

 the full amount of protein it was usually of poor color and taste. 

 It would seem that the shippers of this brand did not intend to 

 handle good meal. It is said that they have reformed in this 

 particular, and that Star brand goods after this will be of good 

 quality. It is to be hoped that this is the case, but for the pres- 

 ent, users of this brand of cottonseed meal should be watchful as 

 to its quality. 



Sea Island cottonseed meal, which a few years ago was com- 

 mon in the State, was not found at all this year in the hands of 



5 



