90

used. Many, indeed I believe all of the vendors of this class of ma-
nures also profess to sell Peruvian Guano; now it is their interest
to sell as little of this Guano pure as possible, but to sell other com-
pounds in its stead, and it is a statement capable of the fullest and
most entire proof that the vendors of these manures have been buy-
ing old Guano bags with Barreda's mark on them at a much higher
price than new bags of the same kind cost, and furthermore, the
same parties have given in exchange first rate new bags of the
same material for old, worn out guano bags with Barreda's marks on
them. Why was this ? what virtue was there in these old bags, ex-
cept that they could be filled with even an inferior article, to the
worthless artificial manure, and thereby large profits be received
in passing it off for Peruvian Guano ? But the Peruvian Guano as
represented by this factitious article is certainly exceeded in ef-
fects by the manufactured article, then certificates are procured;
purchasers are first cheated themselves, and afterwards made the
instruments of cheating their fellow farmers. I put it to the in-
telligence and common sense of every man, if the above are not
fair conclusions from the statements given, and of the truth of
these statements there is most abundant proof.

What is the remedy for all this, and how can the agricultural
community be protected ? It should be done by an inspection of
all these manures, the Inspector being required to give bond for
faithful performance of duty, and moreover being: competent by
scientific skill to do that duty. Proper penalties should also be
provided for all of its evasions and infractions. Neither are cer-
tificates of practical men, nor puffs by newspaper editors suf-
ficient for the guidance or protection of agriculturists in the pur-
chase of these manures, as they most frequently lead them astray.
This is advice honestly, knowingly and faithfully given, and there
can now be ascribed no interested motives to me in making
these recommendations. It is not influenced by motives of ill will
or personal dislike to any engaged in their manufacture or sale.
I have had no cause for either. To any who know me this
statement is unnecessary, but I have been so frequently assailed
by men who are interested in these frauds and their hired advo-
cates, that I here make the statement, which none can with truth
deny.

The Legislature should provide efficient aid for the protection
of farmers in the purchase of this class of manures, as they are
now very strongly urged on the community.

I have not spoken, in this report, of mineral phosphorite or
Bone Black; there is none of the former by that name offered for
sale in our markets, and the latter is not at present offered to
agriculturists, it being all engaged by the manufacturers of artifi-
cial manures.