Quarterly Reports of the Chemical Committee, 1886. 323 
"A cake containing a considerable amount of impurity in the form of 
foreign seeds, starchy bodies, and sand. One I would not get at all, stiU 
much less pay SI. 17s. 6d. per ton for. Was it sold as pure ? 
" J. Augustus Voelckeb." 
On March 12th Mr. Angus wrote that the cake had been 
returned and all expenses were to be paid. 
No names were, however, forthcoming. 
June 1886. 
The Committee call attention to the first reported case as 
illustrating the prevalent and pernicious custom of manufac- 
turers and dealers allowing commission to the servants of pur- 
chasers ; and also as showing how very erroneous an impression 
may be given of the value of manures by the system of prizes 
when the manufacturers' own agents are allowed to compete for 
them. The Committee have not felt justified in giving the 
names in this case, as the transaction is now of somewhat remote 
date, although the inquiries which have elicited the facts have 
only recently taken place. 
1. A sample of manure was sent for analysis on January 23rd, 
1886, with the following letter : — 
" Dear Sie, — Your letter to me at home has been forwarded to me 
here. 
" My agent, when he was down at my place about a week ago, suggested 
to me that he should send you the sample you refer to for analysis, being of 
opinion that I had been charged more than they were worth. 
" The price was 81. 8s. per ton, less 10 per cent, for cash, which I always 
pay for goods supplied to me — i.e. 11. lis. per ton, delivered at , and 
made in adjoining counties. 
" Please send me your reply here. — I remain, yours very truly, 
" Dr. J. Augustus Voelcker." " ." 
Dr. Voelcker sent the following analysis and report : — 
" February 2nd, 1886. 
Moisture S-5i 
* Organic matter and water of combination" .. ,. 29 "63 
Monobasic phosphate of lime 4 "67 
Equal to tribasic phosphate of lime (bone phos-j /j.oix 
phate) rendered soluble by acid j ^ ' 
Insoluble phosphates 22 "98 
Sulphate of lime, alkaline salts, &c 29 • 20 
Insoluble siliceous matter 4 • 98 
100-00 
* Containing nitrogen 1-36 
Equal to ammonia 1 • 65 
" The prices are enormous. Surely there must be some mistake. Pray 
send me the invoices to look at. I cannot think these prices, 81. 8s. per ton, 
could be charged. " J. Augustus Voelcker." 
Y 2 
