6G1 



introduced into several iron works in Gcrmauy. In outward appearance tlie ground 

 slug resulting from the two processes closely I'csemble each other, and Martin slag 

 is reported to have been frequently sold under the name of Thomas slag. The 

 Bonn Experiincut Station calls the attention of farmers to this, and pronounces it an 

 adulteration, since the Martin slag contains, as a rule, only about 12 per cent of 

 phosphoric acid, while Tiiomas slag should have 15 to 17 per cent or even more. A 

 sample of Martin slag analyzed by the station contained 11.14 per cent of phos- 

 phoric acid, 40.86 per cent of calcium oxide, 14.31 per cent of silica, 17.85 per cent of 

 ferric oxide, etc. No trials have yet been made as to the value of Martin slag Ibr 

 fertilizing purposes. 



Oleomaugauink in Berlin. — The Hannover land u. foratw. Ztg. states that the, 

 consumption of oleomargarine in Berlin the past year reached at least 30,000,000 

 poimds, while the consumi)tion of butter was about 70,0(X),000 pounds. Estimating 

 the population at 1,500,000, this allows 20 i)Ounds of oleomargarine and 46.6 pounds 

 of butter per head. The use of artificial butter is said to have increased enormously 

 within a few years. The effects are most felt by the small farmers. The remedy is 

 believed to be in the establishment of well-conducted cooperative creameries, where,' 

 with the aid of machinery and the most improved appliances, a better quality of 

 butter may be produced at a relatively less cost. 



Dairy scHOt)LS for men and women. — A creamery school for men is to be opened 

 April 1 in connection with the cooperative creamery at Giistrow for the instruction 

 of pupils from Mecklenburg-Schweriii, Germany. Besides having a good common 

 school education the api)licants for admission must be at least 18 years of age and 

 have had a year's experience in some creamery. The course coveis 1 year and is 

 divided into two terms. The students are to receive both practical and theoretical 

 instruction in all matters relating to the handling of milk, together with instruction 

 in the principles of feeding, the care of animals, machinery, and bookkeeping. 

 Students attending both terms can afterwards enter the creamery as voluntary 

 assistants for a longer or shorter time, but receive no regular theoretical instruction. 



A dairy school for girls will also be opened at Badendick near Giistrow. Here also 

 the training is to be both practical and theoretical, but it is intended more especially 

 to lit women for dairy work on large farms rather than in creameries. The course 

 coveis 1 year. 



A new annual on fermentation. — Volume 1 of the Jahrcsherlchl iiher die Forf- 

 schritte in dei' Lehre ron den Gdhrungfi-Onjauizmen, by Dr. A. Koch, Gottingen, has 

 been received. In this annual an attenii>t has been made to review the cnrrent liter- 

 atnie on fermentation, nitrification, and allied subjects. The subjects treated are, 

 (1) handbooks; (2) methods of work, new apparatus, etc. ; (3) morphology of bacteria 

 and yeasts; (4) fermentation — alcholic, lactic, and other fermentations of milk'and 

 dairy products; uric acid, acetic acid, cellulose, bread, and other fermentations; 

 nitrification, and the root tubercles of Leyuminosu'; (5) ferments — diastase, iuvertin, 

 pepsin, rennet, and urea ferment; (6) luminous bacteria. 



The present volume is for the year 1890 and covers 190 pages, .55 of which are 

 given up to reviews of recent literature on the fermentation of milk and dairy 

 products, the use of pure cultures in dairying, sterilization of milk, fermentation 

 of uric acid, nitrification, and root tubercles of Leguminoscv; and over 30 pages to 

 ferments. The remainder is taken up largely with discussi(ms of methods and 

 apparatus, and alcoholic fermentation. The work is conveniently arranged, and 

 contains a 8ul).ject and name index. 



Adulteration of rape cake meal. — Many cases have recently been reported in 

 Germany of adulteration of rape cake and rape cake meal. According to the Bonn 

 Station the seed of the wild radish and Indian rape especially have been found as 

 adulterants. The latter is characterized by its relatively high percentage of mustard 

 oil, and may be detected by its pungent, burning smell when meal containing it is 

 mixed with water and allowed to stand some time. In large amonnts it renders the 

 meal injurious for feeding. 



