FIELD CROPS. 1027 



soluble salts of copper on Pcnicilliiiin (/Idncuni. The copper salts eiiiijloyed in 

 bis experiments were the acetate, cblorid, nitrate, and sulphate. 



After a historical review of the subject the author discusses llic l)iolosy 

 and physiology of the funjius, the physiological role of various elements in a 

 complete nutrient solution, and the toxic action of various substances, and 

 describes his experiments with isolatetl mineral salts, organic compounds of 

 various kinds, etc. 



Among the results obtained, it was found that inorganic salts and the various 

 sugars experimented with had no inhibiting effect when used alone. Organic 

 salts or bases combined with organic salts were decidedly corrective in their 

 action. The ability of i)reventiug the poisonous action of copper salts, accord- 

 ing to the author, depends upon the simultaneous occurrence in the solution 

 of the proper carbon compound and inorganic salt in combination with the 

 proper organic or inorganic acid. The author discusses the results of his 

 experiments at considerable length. 



The chemistry of some of the higher fungi, J. Zellner {Chemic der hoheren 

 Pilze. Leipsic, 1907, pp. VI +257). — A monographic study is given of the chem- 

 istry of some of the higher fungi, mostly species of Basidiomycetes. Chap- 

 ters are devoted to the ash content, carbohydrates, fats, lecithin, acid bodies, 

 bases, tannin, coloring matter, proteids, toxins, ferments, etc. 



The author states that the body of the fungi consists mainly of chitin or 

 the related fuugin. True cellulose or lignin is never found, chlorophyll and 

 starch are absent, and the carbohydrates are dextrin-like. The protein sub- 

 stances are more or less soluble. The basic bodies are abundant, and true alka- 

 loids are never found. Coloring matter and ferments are quite generally dis- 

 tributed throughout. 



The fermenting' power of pure yeasts and some associated fungi, W. B. 

 Alwood (U. »S'. Dcpt. Agr., Bur. Chcm. Bill. Ill, pp. 2S, /i(/s. .'/).— On account 

 of the increased use of pure yeast cultures in certain industries, a study has 

 been made of a number of yeasts from native and foreign sources to determine 

 their power in fermenting apple juice. The methods for testing pui*e yeasts 

 are described at considerable length, after which detailed accounts are given 

 of the fermenting power of a number of pure and mixed cultures. 



A bibliography of mycological literature, G. Lindau and P. Svnow {The- 

 sauruK littrnitiinr nn/coloc/ica' it lichrnolof/icif ratione liahita pracipue omnium 

 qiiir ailliuc scripia .sunt de mycithigia upplieata. Leipsic, 1!)07, vol. 1, pt. 1, pp. 

 j/OO). — Lists are given, arranged in alphabetical order by authors, of the myco- 

 logical and lichenological literature relating particularly to plant diseases, 

 fermentation, forestry, agriculture, medicine, etc. Bacteriological literature, 

 except as related to plant diseases, will not be included. The authors expect 

 to issue 3 volumes in 2 parts each, and the present part incMides 7.575 titles 

 and contains the works of authors as far as Eaton. The additional volumes 

 and a supplement are expected to be issued during the present year and the 

 work completed in ]!>()!». The titles, as far as possii)le, are taken from original 

 publications, l)ut where these have not iteen availaltlc. from the list known 

 as Scientific Papers. 



FIELD CROPS. 



Demonstration work in cooperation with southern farmers, S. A. Knapp 

 (U. S. Dcpt. Ayr., Funnirs' Bui. .11!), pp. 22). — Tliis bulletin describes the 

 demonstration work as carried on by the Bureau of Plant Industry of this 

 Department and jmints out that this includes the demonstration of improved 

 methods of agriculture in the weevil-iufested districts and the extension of 



