A comparison of the average composition of all samples of complete fertilizers for which guaranties are recorded with the average of the corresponding guaranties, for several seasons past including those of this season, follows: It is of interest to note how closely the series of valuations based upon the wholesale price of raw materials in the principal markets during the most important buying season and upon certain average allowances for expenses and profits on the part of the mixer and jobber, coincides with the retail prices later ascertained. A comparison for several seasons past is given below: Average composi tion. Per cent. Average guaranty. Per cent. MATERIAL USED IN FERTILIZERS. The following observations on this head, were made respecting the fertilizers analyzed in the Spring of 1910. They apply equally well to those examined this Fall season. "The microscopic examination of the nitrogenous fertilizers for leather, hair, and other materials the use of which without notice is prohibited by the Act of May 1, 1909, revealed in no case such quantity of any of these substances as might not fairly be regarded as an accidental trace. No instance has been reported by the sampling agents in which a declaration of the presence of such material has been made. It is, however, a matter of quite general knowledge that substances of this kind are being largely used in fertilizer mixtures; but, in most cases at least, only after such treatment as results in the destruction of the characteristic tissues and, at the same time, wholly or partly in that of the organic compounds originally present. The l'ennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station is now ducting, under the writer's supervision, an investigation to determine the degree to which the acid treatment usually employed improves the availability of the nitrogen in these substances. In conformity with the requirements of the Act of April 23, 1909, many firms dropped from the brand names of goods manufactured by them the word "bone" hitherto forming part of said names. Where such change in name appears, it may be taken as evidence that the phosphoric acid is derived, at least in part, from something else than bone. In several cases where the word "bone" remains in the brand name, the composition of the goods makes it clear that the law has been violated. All such cases have been reported for legal action." ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK. In conclusion, I would state that the work of the season has been performed under my direction, as follows: The nitrogen determinations by W. Thomas, B. S.; those of total phosphoric acid by J. W. White, B. S.; of soluble and insoluble phosphoric acid by H. D. Edmiston and L. G. Willis, B. S.; of potash, by E. S. Erb, M. S.; and the preparation of samples, care of records, and the detail of the compilation of this bulletin, by G. C. Given, M. S. To these trained and experienced assistants, my acknowledgments are due for loyal and efficient service. 2119 2489 1809 2120 2660 1870 26.59 1871 2054 2487 F. P. Spring, Muncy, M. G. Adams, Paxinos, J. E. Defrain, Collomasville, Wm. J. Johnson, Sinking 11.90 6.25 2.37 Springs. W. E. Smith, Milmont, J. A. Gass, Sunbury, J. A. Gass, Sunbury, 11.47 6.43 2.16 10.17 6.36 2.81 L. R. Over, New Enterprise,] Aaron Hostetter, Annville, 11.22 5.76 S. K. & Levi Donkle, Myers-) town. 2.42 Moro-Phillip's C. & G. Complete Zehner Bros., Bloomsburg, 10.37 5.93 Moro-Phillip's Farmers' Phosphate,{ Moro-Phillip's Pure Phuine, Moro-Phillip's Standard Guano, Ewing Kinslow, Newton Hamilton. S. K. & Levi Donkle, Myers-] town. Zehner Bros., Bloomsburg,--j N. D. Hunsicker, Snyders,--. S. K. & Levi Donkle, Myers-) town. N. D. Hunsicker, Snyders, Eli Yost, McEwensville, **Guaranteed soluble phosphoric acid 6; insoluble, 4. Guaranteed soluble phosphoric acid 6; insoluble 2. +Composite sample. |