290 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, 



areas under each project, the crops grown, duiy of water on rice and other 

 crops, and items on adniinistratiou and control. 



The theory of drainage, A. O. Anderson (Brick, 30 {1009), 'So. J, pp. 2.'i9- 

 251, figs. 3). — In this article the author discusses soils and their properties, the 

 relation of moisture to the soil, and the purpose of drainage. There are also 

 practical suggestions as to methods of draining, and a discussion of tile and 

 open drauis in which the author pohits out the advantage of tile drains. 



Report of the commissioner of public roads (Ann. Rpt. Comr. Pub. Roads 

 [A. J.], 15 (190S), pp. 20.'/. pis. l-'i). — In a review of the road improvements 

 made in New Jersey under the State Aid Law, the commissioner, F. Gilkyson, 

 lays particular stress on the experiments conducted to determine the methods 

 of construction and treatment which will insure permanency and resistance to 

 the destructive influence of automobiles. 



As a result of these experiments it is believed that the use of heavy asphal- 

 tum oil as a binder will prove the most satisfactory. Experience in repairing 

 roads led to the recommendation that they should be first scarified to a depth 

 of at least 2 in., all foreign matter removed, and then treated with the binding 

 substance. Among the different methods of applying liquid binders used was 

 one which differs somewhat from the ordinary methods, and which met with 

 success. This was to apply the liquid between the surfacing of | in. stone 

 and the next course of 1* in. stone, allowing it to work into the interstices. 

 The surface layer was then spread and rolled, causing the oil to ooze up and 

 adhere to the stone of this layer. The principal requirement is stated to be 

 to incorporate thoroughly the asphaltum or other compound with the upper 

 layers of the road. 



A new machine was used in the construction of one of the experimental 

 X'oads. This is a rolling tamper and is composed of a series of cast-iron 

 sprocket wheels loosely revolving upon an axle. Each tooth has a superficial 

 area of about S sq. in., which comi)acts the material thoroughly during its con- 

 tinued passage. 



Peat deposits of Maine, E. S. Bastin and C. A. Davis ( U. t>. Gcol. Survey 

 Bid. 370, pp. L27, pis. 3, figs. 20). — It is stated that the aim of this bulletin is 

 "to present an estimate of the extent and value of the more accessible peal 

 deposits of Maine and to direct attention to their economic importance, . . ." 



The dejiosiis in Maine are described by localities, with notes as to the value 

 and probable yield as indicated by analyses and field tests. The analyses and 

 determinations of fuel values are given in tabulated form at the end .of tlie 

 report. 



Preceding the special reports on individual deposits there is a general discus- 

 sion of the nature, origin and character of peat deposits, methods of preparing 

 raw peat for the market, and the various factors bearing on its commercial 

 exploitation, 



[A peat gas producer] (8V-j. Amrr., 100 (IHOD), Ao. 21, p. 392, figs. 2).— This 

 describes a peat gas producer designed to disintegrate the peat, that it may be 

 thoroughly and uniformly heated. A muffler with thin sides connected to the 

 gas engine is placed inside the producer so that the vibratory motion of its sides 

 is transmitted in the chamber to the air and gas, which is forced alternately 

 in and out of the pores of the peat, thus aiding In its being broken up. To 

 accomplish this fui'ther, the peat chamber is connected with the base of the 

 engine so that its vibrations also will be Imparted to the peat. 



The increased use of electric power in agriculture, K. Krohne (ElcktrotreJi. 

 Ztschr., 29 (WOS), Nos. 39, pp. 92S-935, figs. 15; 1,0, pp. 950-95J,, figs. 2; J/l, pp. 

 D79-981,, figs. 3; Mitt. Dent. Landw. GcselL, 23 (1908), Nos, J,l, pp. 332-337, 

 figs. 7; 1,2, pp. 31,7-351; 1,3, pp. 360-372. figs. 3; ',',, pp. 3S2-381,, fig. l).—ln this 



