SOILS FEKTILIZEES. 727 



abstract of a paper presented at the Washington meeting of the American 

 Chemical Society in 1911, covering substantially the same ground as articles 

 previously noted (E. S. R., 25, p. 519). 



The fertilizing action of manganese, A. and P. Andouard {Engrais, 26 

 (1911), Xo. 33, pp. 915, 916; ahs. in Chem. Ahs., 6 (1912), No. 3, p. 1,03).— In 

 experiments in which manganese carbonate was used at the rate of 300 Ijg. per 

 hectare (267 lbs. per acre) in combination with a complete fertilizer, it was 

 found that the yields of wheat and kidney beans were increased but that the 

 yields of carrots and potatoes were decreased. 



Wool fertilizer, suints, and sheep guanos (Sta. Agron. Aisne Bui., 1911, 

 pp. 70-74). — ^Analyses of samples of material composed of mixtures of suint, 

 wool fibers, sheep manure, and other materials are reported, showing nitrogen 

 varying from 1.5 to 4.3 per cent ; phosphoric acid from O.IS to 0.82 per cent ; 

 and potash from O.OG to 0.67 per cent. The article emphnsizes and explains 

 the very variable character of such materials, and maintains that they are 

 valuable primarily as sources of nitrogen and not of phos])horic acid and 

 potash. 



Soot: Its character and composition, J. B. Cohen and A. G. Ruston (Jour. 

 Soc. Chem. Indus., 30 (1911), No. 2^, pp. i360-736// ) .—Analyses of soot from 

 various sources are reported. These show that boiler soot from the base of the 

 chimney contained little or no nitrogen and was practically flue dust having 

 very little fertilizing value. The nitrogen content, however, increased with 

 the height in the chimney (to 2.32 i>er cent in one example reported). Soot in 

 flues from ordinary fireplaces burning coal was found to be comparatively rich 

 in nitrogen (from 2.33 to 6.89 per cent), but in this case also the nitrogen con- 

 tent increased with the height in the chimney. The point especially emphasized 

 is the very great variability in composition and fertilizing value of soot. "As a 

 general rule, the lighter, the more springy and the bulkier the soot, the higher 

 its nitrogen content, and the greater its value as a fertilizer will be." 



Estimates are given of the amount of soot in the air of Leeds and the imme- 

 diate surrounding country, and the harmful efi:ect of air so contaminated upon 

 plant growth is discussed. 



Inspection of commercial fertilizers, H. D. Haskins kt al. (Massachusetts 

 »S7«. Bui. l.'fO, pp. 86). — "This bulletin gives a detailed report of the fertilizer 

 inspection for 1911. It gives the full text of the new fertilizer law recently 

 enacted, states the number of fertilizers inspected, gives trade values of ferti- 

 lizer ingredients, provides a summary showing average composition of unmixetl 

 fertilizing material as well as pound cost of each element of plant food fur- 

 nished. Special attention is called to commercial shortages existing in both 

 unmixed fertilizing materials and mixed goods. Particular emphasis is laid 

 upon the economy of purchasing only high-grade fertilizers. A summary 

 table shows the general standing of each manufacturer's brands. A discussion 

 is made of the quality of plant food found present in the mixed goods, particu- 

 larly with reference to the activity of the organic nitrogen. Tables of analyses 

 give the detailed composition of all fertilizers sold in the State." 



Inspection and analyses of commercial fertilizers on sale in the State, 

 W. F. Hand et al. (Mississippi Sta. Cire. 33, pp. 53; Bui. 150, j}p. 5-Z ) .—Analyses 

 and valuations of fertilizers insi^ected during the season of 1910-11 are reported 

 and discussed. 



Tabulated analyses of commercial fertilizers, W. Fbear (Perm. Dept. Agr. 

 Bui. 212, 1911, pp. 111). — This bulletin gives the results of fertilizer inspection, 

 including analyses and valuations, in Pennsylvania from January 1 to August 1, 

 1911. 



