AGRICULTUKAL BOTANY. 425 



The question of sulphate of iron, C. Guffroy {Jour. Agr. Prat., n. ser., 13 

 {rj07), Xo. 2-j, pp. 7S2-7S6). — Various experiments with this material as a 

 fertilizer on soils of different character are reviewed. 



lu experiments with 4 Graminetip which are reported the sulphate of iron was 

 decidedly beneficial on oats, less beneficial in case of rye, without action on rye 

 grass, and harmful to wheat. The very variable results which have been ob- 

 tained with sulphate of iron lead to the conclusion that its action is not purely 

 chemical, but that it may influence the biological processes in the soil. 



Investigations on the composition and fertilizing value of Posen sewage, 

 Gerlach {ilitt. Dent. Landw. GescU., 22 (1907), Nos. IS, pp. 169-174; 19, pp. 

 177-180). — The Posen sewage is collected in tanks and is therefore more con- 

 centrated than ordinary city sewage, 1 cubic meter of it containing on an 

 average 5 kg. of total nitrogen, 3 kg. of soluble nitrogen, 1.25 kg. of phosphoric 

 acid, and 2.25 kg. of potash. Experiments with rye and potatoes showed that 

 in all cases the sewage was an effective fertilizer, its efficiency, however, de- 

 pending largely upon the previous crop and the weather. 



Experiments on the fertilizing action of olive pomace ashes, D. Vigiani 

 (-1/^/ R. Accdd. EcoH. Agr. Gcorg. Fircnzc, 5. sen, 4 (1907). Xo. 1, pp. 66-70). — 

 • Analyses of this material are reported showing from 11.19 to 25.02 per cent of 

 potash, 10.88 to 19.56 per cent of lime, and 1.74 to 3.85 per cent of phosphoric 

 acid. From the chemical analyses and from experiments with olives, grapes, 

 sweet potatoes, and rape the author concludes that the ashes constitute an ex- 

 cellent fertilizer, rich in potash and phosphoric acid, which can be economically 

 used wherever a supply is available. 



The action of the lime waste of sugar factories as a fertilizer, Rupprecht 

 (Dcut. Land'W.. Presse, 34 (1907), No. 62, p. 503). — It is stated that this mate- 

 rial contains on an average 1.2 per cent of phosphoric acid, 0.2 per cent of pot- 

 ash, and 23 per cent of lime. It is mainly valuable for the lime it contains and 

 gives good results on soils in need of this substance and on plants specially 

 benefited by liming, such as most leguminous plants. The phosphoric acid, 

 though small in amount, is quite effective. The waste is considered mos^t effect- 

 ive when used in connection with manure. 



Fertilizer analyses, A. J. Fatten {Michigan 8ta. Bid. :?.'/.S', />/;. 16). — The 

 results of inspection of 145 brands of fertilizers examined during the season of 

 11)07 are reported. 



Licensed commercial fertilizers, 1907, F. W. Woll and G. A. Olson (Wis- 

 consin Sta. Bui. 149, pp. 3-19, 26-28). — Analyses of 40 samples, representing 22 

 brands, of fertilizers licensed for sale in Wisconsin in 1907 are reported, with 

 the text of the State fertilizer law ; a discussion of the composition and valua- 

 tion of fertilizers ; and suggestions as to the purchase and use of fertilizers. 



AGRICULTURAL BOTANY. 



The assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen by fungi, Charlotte Ternetz 

 iJahrh. M'iss. Bot. [Pringslicini], .)// (1907), Xo. 3, pp. 352-408, figs. 2).— While 

 making a study of the turf-inhabiting fungi, the author isolated s species liv- 

 ing as mycorrhiza on the roots of various conmion ericads, a preliminary ac- 

 count of which has already been noted (E. S. R., 16, p. 541). 



In the present paper technical descriptions are given of 5 new species, Phoma 

 radicis oxycocci, P. radicis andromedw, P. radicis vaccinii, P. radicis tetralicis, 

 and P. radicis cricce, together with a detailed account of their nitrogen assimi- 

 lating power. All of the si)eeies seem to be able to assimilate atmospheric 

 nitrogen in various degrees, the most active being P. radicis raccinii, P. radicis 

 oxycocci, and P. radicis andromedw. These 3 species are doubtless of great eco- 



