SOILS FERTILIZERS. 327 



(E. S. R., 2G, p. 819), and Degi-ully, indicating a distinct fertilizing effect of 

 sulpiiur. 



Some results obtained from the use of catalytic fertilizers, G. Bebtranu 

 (Bui. Assoc. Chim. Sucr. et Distill., 29 {1912), No. 10, pp. 681-688).— Flat 

 experiments with various crops indicated beneficial effects from the use of 

 manganese compounds. Aluminum nitrate and sulphate and boric acid were 

 also tested to a limited extent but without decisive results. 



Argentina guano, F. P. Marotta (Rev. Indus, y Agr. Tucumdn, 2 (1912), 

 Nos. 8, pp. 36ff-37.'t; 9, pp. 399-409) .—This guano is shown to be lo^v gi-ade, 

 containing only 1.13 per cent of nitrogen and 1.11 per cent phosphoric acid. Its 

 composition is compared with that of guanos from many different soxu-ces. 



Fertilizing value of sewage sludge at Madison, Wisconsin {Engin. and 

 Contract., 36 (1911), ^^o. 16, pp. .',08, .'/09).— An analysis of dried sludge from the 

 sewage dlsii.isal yoi'l^s of this city is reported, showing moisture 1.G1, nitrogen 

 2.23, phosphoric acid 0.G7, and iiotash 1.76 per cent.- It is estimated that this 

 sludge has a fertilizing value of $S per ton. 



Commercial fertilizers, W. J. Jones, Jr., et al. (Indiana Sta. Bui. 156, pp. 

 135-232. fig /), — This bulletin summarizes the Indiana fertilizer law, discusses 

 the fertilizer trade in the State and the results of inspection, and reports 

 analyses of fertilizers examined during 1911 as compared with those of previous 

 years 



It is estimated that the sales of fertilizei's in the State in 1911 amounted to 

 179.8.*^,9 tons valued at $4,352,209,27. There is shown to be an extension of the 

 use of fertilizers in the State and a growing tendency to use high-grade fer- 

 tilizers, to purchase on the plant-food basis, and to use more potash and fine- 

 ground phosphate. The quality of the fertilizers offered for sale were the best 

 since the amended fertilizer law went into effect. 



A list of firms offering raw materials for home mixing is given. 



Commercial fertilizers, B. II. Hite and F. B. Kunst (West Virginia Sta. Bill. 

 138, pp. 229-273). — This bulletin reports the results of analyses of commercial 

 fertilizers inspected during the year 1911. The report shows " very few really 

 serious failures to use materials of the quality guarantied. 



Fertilizing materials, F. T. Shutt (Canada Expt. Fanns Rpts. 1911, pp. 

 183-198). — Analyses of ground rock, limestones, lime, marl, gypsum, mud, 

 muck, peat, ci'ematory ashes, soot, wheat straw ash, seaweed, and dogfish scrap 

 are reported and discussed. 



An act to regulate the sale of commercial fertilizers (Massachusetts Sta. 

 Circ. 32, pp. J,). — This is the text of the law approved May 4, 1911, The prin- 

 cipal new features of this law as compared with the old are provisions for 

 inspection of agricultural lime; for guaranty of available phosphoric acid in 

 Thomas slag by the Wagner method; an analysis fee of $8 instead of $5 each for 

 nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash in fertilizers, and $12 for agricultural 

 lime; registration and payment of fee on or before January 1 instead of Slay 1; 

 and the retention of duplicate samples by the station for one year. 



The American fertilizer handbook, 1912 (Philadelphia, 1912, iJp. 306, figs. 

 t9). — This is an up-to-date compendium of useful information regarding the 

 fertilizer business, including directories of the fertilizer tx*ade and allied trades, 

 as well as a i-eview of patents relating to the production of fertilizers from 1830 

 to 1910, and special articles on the following subjects : The National Fertilizer 

 Association; phosphate rock deposits of the United States and statistics of 

 production, consumption, and price of phosphate rock ; statistics of production, 

 consumption, and price of potash salts, nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, 

 tankage and blood, and cotton-seed meal; the construction of a modern fertilizer 



