EXPERIMENT STATION REPORTS. 187 



A method is at present being worked out to determine the general rate 

 of decomposition of organic matter in soils. Though the results would 

 represent only approximately the maximum values, such data might 

 help in the classification of soils. This work is greatly handicapped by 

 a lack of reliable and accurate methods determining the soil properties 

 essential for bacterial development. This insufficiency is now generally 

 admitted by bacteriologists, because the present methods do not fill the 

 demands of the bacteriologist. It has been necessai-y, for this reason, 

 to submit these methods to a critical examination. Since previous ex- 

 periments have demonstrated great variation in parallel soil samples 

 from the same field, it is evident that the present methods of taking 

 average samples have to be modified. The soil sample must remain 

 undisturbed, and each sample must be regarded as a unit." 



The work of Mr. Brown is described by himself as follows : 



Butter Investigations.— The work with the keeping qualities of butter 

 is still being pursued. As it is known that changes in the casein and 

 in the fat of butter during storage is brought about by factors, pre- 

 sumably microorganisms, the behavior of the microorganisms most 

 commonly found in butter toward butter constituents is now being 

 studied. 



Bact. Uictis acidi. —The work with Bact. lactis acidi, the almost 

 omnipresent milk microorganisms, which has been carried on during 

 the past year has not, as yet, reached the stage where it is ready for 

 publication, but some interesting and valuable results have been ob- 

 tained. 



Concerning the above work and reports, it is unnecessary for me to 

 speak (they speak for themselves). I should be derelict in my duty, 

 however, to close my report Avithout especially noting the diligence, 

 faithfulness, efficiency and loyalty, through deeds, of the individuals 

 who have furnished the foregoing material. My own appreciation of 

 their association, in most cases through several years, is too keen for 

 mere expression. 



Very respectfullv, 

 CHARLES E. MARSHALL, 



Bacteriologist. 



East Lansing, June 30, 1912. 



REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 



Director R. S. Shaw: 



Dear Sir — I herewith submit the following report from the Chemical 

 division for the year ending June 30, 1912. 



Mr. Wm. C. Marti, a graduate of the University of Illinois, was en- 

 gaged to fill the vacancy caiLsed by the resignation of Mr. O. B. Winter, 

 and he began his duties September 1, 1911. ]Mr. Arao Itano, a graduate 

 of Michigan Agricultural College, was appointed to fill the vacancy 

 caused by the resignation of Mr. Clarence Clippert. 



The investigations originated under the Adams fund are still in prog- 

 ress, and it is gratifying to report that the results thus far obtained 



