ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 265 



The role of caffein in the effects exercised by coffee on the heart, kidneys, 

 and nervous system, H. Busquet and Tiffeneau (BuL Soc. Set. Hyg. Aliment., 

 3 (1913), No. 6, pp. 577-5S7, figs. 4)- — The results are reported of experiments 

 cari'ied out to determine the r61e of caffein in the cardiac, renal, and nei^'ous 

 effects of coffee. 



These experiments and those carried out by other investigators show, in the 

 opinion of the autliors, that it is the caffein in the coffee which is responsible 

 for the pharmaoo-dyuamic effects of coffee infusion. It is deduced from these 

 conclusions that coffee which is sufficiently deprived of caffein may be con- 

 sidered as an almost negative substance. Caft'ein-free coffee may be substituted 

 for ordinary coffee or not, according to whether one wishes to avoid or obtain 

 the effects of caffein. 



Physiological and pathological chjrmology, together with some experi- 

 ments on chymotherapy, E. S. London (Physiologische und pathologifichG 

 Chymologic. Xebst ciiiigen Vcrsuchen iibcr Chymotherapic. Lcipsic, 1913, pp. 

 X+28Jf; rev. in Zenthl. Biochem. u. Biophys., IG (191^), No. 5-6, p. 180).— Thin 

 volume is not a systematic exposition of the phenomena of the stomach and 

 digestive tract, but rather a useful summary of the investigations of the author 

 and his pupils which have been published in recent years. Such a summary is 

 convenient for those interested in the subject of digestion, not only because it 

 brings material together but also because tlie reports contain the full data of 

 the author's experimental methods. In his discussion of the results of the 

 investigations the author presents simple, mathematical generalizations with 

 respect to the jxiwer of secretion and digestion. 



Metabolism and vitality, J. B. Nichols (Mc<I. lice. [N. Y.], 85 {191J^), 

 No. 7, pp. 289-291). — A digest of data regarding ventilation, humidity of the 

 air, and similar topics, chiefly with reference to disease. 



ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 



Soiling crops to supplement Iowa pastures, H. H. Kildee {Iowa Sta. Circ. 

 12 {1913), pp. Jf). — This circular discusses the advantages of pi*oviding soiling 

 crops for dairy cattle and gives instructions for the growing of soiling crops, 

 such as oats and Canada field peas, fodder cane, cowpeas, millet, alfalfa, soy 

 beans, etc.. suitable to Iowa conditions. 



It is stated that at the station an increased production from decreased acreage 

 has been the result secured from this system of soiling crops. In 1911, 37 cows 

 were kept on 19A acres of pasture and the soiling crops frbm 8 acres. In 1912, 

 45 cows were kept on a 19i-acre pasture and 6 acres soiling crop, at a cost for 

 each cow of $6.62. 



The worth of cactus for feeding {Cal. Cult., 42 {1914), No. 8, pp. 227, 242).— 

 This article is a compilation of reports of investigations and the opinions of 

 various authorities oa the feeding value of cactus and pie melons. Analyses 

 show cactus to be of low feeding value, but as an appetizer fed with dry feeds 

 it may prove of worth. The analyses indicate that spineless and splney varieties 

 contain about the same amount of nutriment. 



Nitrogen assimilation in the feeding of sodium nitrate, E. Gbafe and H. 

 WiNTz {Hoppe-Seyler's Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., 86 {1913), No. 4, pp. 283-314). — 

 Experiments in the feeding of approximately 1 gm. per day of sodium nitrate 

 to dogs and pigs indicate that there is a nitrogen retention in the body of 

 from 30 to 15 per cent. Larger amounts had a toxic effect. 



Nitrogen retention in the feeding of ammonium salts and urea, E. Grafi: 

 {Hoppe-Hcyler'H ZAsclir. Physiul. Chem., 88 {WIS). No 6. pp. 389-424) .—Tha 



