116 EXPEEIMENT STATION KECOKD. 



" The average results obtained during the years 1907-1909 show that the 

 rainfall at Lincoln brings annually to the soil 142.21 lbs. of dissolved matter. 

 Chlorin in the form of common salt is the most abundant constituent, amounting 

 to 34.8 lbs. per acre, equal to a dressing of 57 lbs. of common salt ; this amount 

 is sufficient for most ordinary crops. Sulphuric acid, mainly in the form of 

 sodic sulphate, is received to the extent of nearly 19 lbs. iter acre. This amount 

 is sufficient for ordinary crops, except perhaps root crops. The nitrogen received 

 as ammonia salts amounts to 0.740 lb. per acre, and that as nitrate to 0.S08 

 lb. per acre. The total nitrogen would be equivalent to a dressing of 9.4 lbs. 

 of nitrate of soda jier acre." 



Snow limits and climate, V. Pasciiinger (Mitt. Justus Perthes' Geogr. 

 Anst., 51 {1911), Feb., pp. 57-60, pi. 1). — The variation in depth and distribution 

 of snow in its relation to climate in the northern hemisphere is briefly discussed 

 in this article. 



The cycle of water {Rev. Econ. Intcrnat., 7 {1910), II, No. 1, pp. 7-95). — 

 This is a symposium consisting of papers on Filtration Through Sand, by A. 

 Kenina ; Sterilization on a Large Scale, by E. Imbeaux ; Decantation and Fil- 

 tration of River Water, by A. C. Houston; and Biological Treatment of Town 

 and Country Sewage, by A. Calmette, which deals quite fully with methods of 

 securing an adequate and safe water supply in town and country and of dis- 

 posing of sewage. Sewage farming is not considered in itself an adequate 

 means of disposing of large quantities of sewage. 



Indispensable conditions for good hygiene of wells, Lomry {Tech. Sanit., 

 5 {I'JIO), pp. 15S-4G2: ahs. in Wa.'iscr u. Ahivasser, 3 {1911), No. 12, p. ^92).~ 

 The precautions which must be observed in order to protect wells from contami- 

 nation with disease germs are briefly set forth. 



Mercury vapor lamps and action of ultra-violet rays, F. M. Perkin 

 {Tram. Faraday Soc., 6 {1911), No. 2-3, pp. 199-20J,, pi. 1, figs. 2).— This arti- 

 cle discusses briefly the theoretical principles and practical methods of applying 

 the mercury vapor lamp in the sterilization of water. Its application in the 

 sterilization of other substances, such as milk and butter, is also suggested. 



SOILS— FERTILIZERS. 



[Papers on soils and soil investigations] {Verhandl. Internat. Agrogeol. 

 Konf. [Stockholm], 2 {1910), pp. 117-12.i; 1J,9-159; 276-278; 23.'f-289; 290-29i;, 

 329, 330). — These papers were read at the Second International Agrogeological 

 Congress at Stockholm (E. S. R., 24, pp. 218, 298). 



The principles of the circulation of water in cultivated soils and their applica- 

 tion, R. d'Andrimont (pp. 117-124). — This is a general discussion of the forms 

 and movements of soil water, especially as related to plant growth. 



The movement of nitrates in clay soils, S. Johansson (pp. 149-1.59). — The 

 author reports and discusses the results of determinations of nitrates, at 

 different dates and depths, in a heavy soil deficient in humus and nitrogen 

 which had received an application of barnyard manure, and also in the drainage 

 water from the soil. 



The results bring out clearly the close relation between the amount and 

 movement of the soil water and the distribution of nitrates in the soil. Know- 

 ing the water capacity of a soil, it is easy to estimate the depth to which a given 

 rainfall will descend, carrying with it nitrates, and when the evaporation from 

 the surfa.-^e will cause an upward flow of the water with a consequent rise of 

 the nitrates in the soil. 



The types of soils and their importance, S. de Miklaszewski (pp. 276-278). — 

 The author emphasizes the fact that the soil type is determined by the predomi- 



