630 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOED, 



On the combustion oi air, F. Ri^ss (Ostrn: Cluiit. Ztg., 10 (1907), Xo. 17, 

 pp. 2S7-:2.'fS, pps. 10).— A stiuly of the quantitative relations of oxidation of 

 nitrogen in the liiyli-tension flame is reported. 



A new system for the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, F. Savorgnan di 

 Bbazza (Sci. Anirr., 97 (1907). .\o. /.7, />/>. 2J6', 257, flgs. .'/). — The history of 

 the development of the process of manufacture of calcium cyanamid is traced 

 and the application of the process on a larjre commercial scale at Piano d'Orte, 

 Italy, is described. The character of the product obtained, and its value as a 

 fertilizer are also briefly discussed. 



The utilization of peat for power purposes with the recuperation of by- 

 products {Elect rochem. and MctaUurg. Indus., 5 '{1907), No. 10, pp. 3S7-:389, 

 392, 405-Jf07; Sci. Amer. Sup^, 64 {1907), Xo. 1666, pp. 362, 363).— The utiliza- 

 tion of peat as fuel, for the production of coke, producer gas, fertilizers, and 

 paper pulp, and for the generation of power, is discussed mainly on the basis of 

 recent articles by A. Frank and N. Caro. There is also a brief note on the 

 status of the peat question in the United States. 



Peat in the United States {U. 8. Geol. Surveij Press Bui. 298. folio).— This 

 is an advance notice of a chapter, by M. R. Campbell, dealing with this subject 

 in Mineral Resoui-ces of the United States, Calendar Year 1006, which briefly 

 reviews the condition of the peat industry in this country during 1906. Data 

 are given regarding the extent and distribution of peat deposits and the possibil- 

 ities of the utilization of peat as a fuel and for the manufacture of producer 

 gas. 



Florida rock and other phosphates for land fertilization, A. W. Thackara 

 {Daihi Consuldf and Trade Rpts. VV. 8'.]. 1907, Xo. 2992, pp. 1-3).— A brief 

 statement is given regarding the German imports of phosphates aud other fer- 

 tilizing materials. 



According to this statement " Germany, although a country of agricultural 

 contrasts caused by its natural conditions, utilizes every resource it possesses 

 to the greatest advantage. The endeavor is becoming more evident to obtain 

 a greater raw production per acre, even at an increased expense of labor and 

 money. In Germany to-day there is a more thorough tilling and working of 

 the soil, greater attention is paid to the proper manuring of the ground with 

 natural and artificial fertilizers, to systematically draining the fields, to a 

 proper breeding'of cattle, and to. the rational feeding of useful stock. By these 

 measures, together with the use of nitrogen-accumulating plants, it has become 

 possible to make the lightest sand and moor soil productive, so that large tracts 

 of land hitherto uncultivated are now utilized in providing food for the people. 

 In addition to the raw materials and finished products for fertilizing pur])oses 

 produced in this country, Germany imported in l(K)f5, 27,38.5 tons of artificial 

 guano, poudrette, etc.. 2!),157 tons of natural guano, .37,823 tons of bone meal, 

 193,896 tons of Thomas phosphate meal, 531,19.5 tons of phosphates, 7S,0.3<; tons 

 of superphosi)hate, and 20,687 tons of animal blood, manure, etc." Of the 

 .531,195 metric tons of phosphates imported during 1906, 293,119 tons came from 

 the Ignited States. 



Phosphate deposits in the Southern States, L. P. Brown (Amcr. Pert., 27 

 {1907), Xus. 3, pp. 15-17, fiys. 2; J,, pp. 2.J-27 ; 5. pp. 22-2',).— The extent, 

 character, and exploitation of these deposits are described. 



The mineral industry: Its statistics, technology, and trade during 1906, 

 edited by W. K. Ingalls {X(ic York and Loudon. 1907. rol. 15, pp. XXIV + 931; 

 rev. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Indus., 26 {1907). Xo. 17, i>. .0.0',).— As usual,' this 

 annual contains chapters on phosphate rock and potassium sjilts, as well as on 

 otht-r mineral products of less agricultural importance. 



