76 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 



ried out to determine the effect of various methods of par- 

 tial or complete sterilization upon fertility; these investi- 

 gations are still in progress and have yielded some results 

 of great interest, such as the fact that the addition of 

 Toluene to a soil already sterilized by heat increases its 

 suitability as a medium for the growth of ammonifying 

 bacteria and consequently its fertility; this renders it un- 

 necessary to assume that such action is due to the suppres- 

 sion of phagocytes, although there is of course no reason why 

 such removal should not contribute to the general effect in 

 soils partially sterilized by addition of Toluene. 



So far but little work has been done upon any but local 

 soils, as these have afforded ample opportunity for research, 

 but samples of Usar soil have been examined in connection 

 with the use of gypsum, cattle manure, and straw as 

 means of modifying their infertile condition. Dr. Leather 

 kindly supplied samples of these soils, and also some 

 black cotton, Shillong, Bangalore, and Akola soils, which 

 have been used for purposes of comparison with Pusa 

 soils. 



A circular letter was addressed to Directors of Agricul- 

 ture and Principals of Agricultural Colleges in the Pro- 

 vinces with a view to eliciting their opinions as to the scope 

 for bacteriological work on soils, and the existence of special 

 problems of local interest suitable for investigation by this 

 section. The replies were of great interest as shewing the 

 very general realization of the value of such work, and 

 many useful suggestions as to lines of enquiry were re- 

 ceived. The opinion was expressed in several quarters that 

 the training of assistants as soil bacteriologists who would 

 be capable of dealing with local problems in the Provinces, 

 should be an important item in the work of this section at 

 ■Pusa. This is a point of view with which I am in complete 

 agreement and I wish to express my opinion that the work 

 done during the past year has shown the necessity for train- 

 ing in the use of the special laboratory methods which are 

 necessary in India, and that such assistants as may be 

 selected for work on soil bacteriology in the provinces 



