SOILS FEKTILIZEKS. 25 



Phonolith, a new potassium fertilizer, A. Verwey (Chcm. Weekbl., 6 {1909), 

 No. 21, pp. 359-361 ; abs. in Chem. Abs., 3 {1909), No. 18, p. 219.',; Chein. ZentbL, 

 1909, II, No. 8, p. 648). — This is a discussion of the value of phonolith as a ferti- 

 lizer, based on the results of numerous analyses made by the author and on 

 his interpretation of the conclusions of Wein already noted (E. S. R., 20, p. 

 822). 



The average percentage of potash is given as 9.51, none of which is in a 

 water-soluble form: about 3 per cent is soluble in a large quantity of concen- 

 trated hydrochloric acid. 



The following points in regard to the use of this substance as a potash ferti- 

 lizer are given: (1) It can be easily applied, since it is in a dry and fine 

 condition; (2) no injury to the hands is to be feared, since it is an almost 

 neutral material; (3) it has no properties injurious to plants; (4) the absence 

 of chlorin is an advantage for plants like potatoes, beets, etc.; (5) the time of 

 application is immaterial, since leaching is not to be feared. 



Methods of analysis are described in considerable detail. 



Phonolith, a new fertilizer, II. Lindeman (Chem. Wcekl., 6 {1909), No. 25, 

 pp. U3-Jt30; abs. in Chem. Abs., 3 (1909), No. 18, p. 2191,; Chem. ZentbL, 1909, 

 II, No. 8, p. 61,8). — The author disagrees with some of the statements and most 

 of the conclusions of Verwey noted above, and thinks additional experiments 

 are needed to ascertain the value of phonolith as a fertilizer. 



Development of chemical activity in the field of superphosphate manu- 

 facture, L. ScHiCHT (Chem. Ztf/., 33 {1909), No. 6(1 pp. 589-592).— This is a 

 paper presented at the International Congress of Applied Chemistry at London, 

 and reviews chemical work bearing upon the process of converting raw phos- 

 phates of various kinds into superphosphate. 



The lime in basic slag, J. IIendrick {Jour. Soc. Chem. Indus., 28 {1909), No. 

 II,, pp. 775-778; abs. in Chem. ZentbL, 1909, II, No. 9, p. 7//2).— Chemical studies 

 of various samples of Thomas slag are reported which " indicate that the basic 

 lime in slag is not only a very variable quantity, but that it consists of lime in 

 various forms of combination. A little of it is free caustic lime. The rest is in 

 combination, such as silicates and basic phosphates. A part of this combined 

 lime is readily liberated, and will probably readily act in the soil as a base. 

 Other portions are only liberated with greater difficulty and slowly. As the 

 conditions are very complex, it is impossible to draw any line and state an exact 

 percentage of basic lime in slag except in terms of a strictly defined method of 

 determining it." 



Investig'ations on the fertilizing value of sulphur water {Dent. Landiv. 

 Presse, 36 {1909), No. 67, p. 717). — Experiments on winter barley and wheat 

 with the condensed liquid obtained in the coking of brown coal are reported. 

 This material contains a considerable amount of nitrogen (about 1.5 per cent) 

 and was of some fei'tilizing value when used in moderate amounts and applied 

 some time in advance of the sowing of the grain in order to permit of weather- 

 ing of the sulphur compounds present. See also a previous note (E. S. R., 20, p. 

 431.) 



Peat resources of the United States, exclusive of Alaska, C. A. Davis 

 {U. 8. GeoL Survey BuL 39',, pp. 62-6*9 ) .—The available supply of peat in the 

 United States is roughly estimated at 12.888,500,000 tons, the greater part of 

 the material occurring in that portion of the country which has no productive 

 coal fields. The successful use of peat " as a source of producer gas. of a form 

 of charcoal or coke, of various by-products from the coke retorts similar to 

 those obtained from wood distillation, of fuel and illuminating gas, of fertilizer 

 filler, of paper, of litter for stables, and of packing materials " is referred to. 



18556—10 3 



