1917] SOILS FERTILIZERS. 123 



Citrate solubility as a measure for the effectiveness of different Thomas 

 phosphates, T, Pfeiffek (Fuhling's Landw. Zig., 65 (1916), No. S-Jf, pp. 81-92, 

 fig. 1). — The author reviews and analyzes the results of several experiments 

 with a number of different Thomas phosphates, and shows that in the ma- 

 jority of cases a definite relation existed between the citrate solubility of the 

 Thomas phosphates and their effectiveness. In one case this assumed the 

 form of a mathematical expression ; that is, the effective value of the different 

 Thomas phosphates represented a logarithmic function of their content of 

 citrate-soluble phosphoric acid. 



Potash in the banana stalk, R. H. Ellis {Jour. Soc. Chem. Indus., 35 {1916) , 

 No. 8, pp. 456, 457). — Analyses of banana stalks indicated that a ton of banana 

 stalks yielded 188 lbs. of dry matter containing 13.7 per cent potash. It is 

 noted that the dried banana stalks contain about two-thirds as much potash 

 as the dried kelp of the American Pacific coast. Similar results obtained by 

 A. J. Hanley at Leeds University are also noted. 



Note on the presence of potash in banana skins, R. H. Ellis {Jour. Soc. 

 Chcm. Indus., S5 {1916), No. 9, p. 521). — An examination of banana skins showed 

 a total potash content of 1.05 per cent, the dry matter containing 9.03 per cent 

 of potash. See also the above note. 



A few experiments in the slacking and keeping' of lime from east and 

 west Gotland, H. von Feilitzen {Svenska Mosskulturfor. Tidskr., 30 {1916), 

 No. 2, pp. 170-216, pis. 4, figs. 15). — This is a report of experiments on various 

 methods of slaking lime. It is pointed out that lime must be slaked in small 

 quantities, using known amounts of water. The fineness of slaked lime was 

 found to depend on the manner and degree of slaking, from 70 to 80 per cent 

 of particles of a size less than 0.2 mm. being obtained from well-slaked lime. 

 The finer lime powder was found to contain more hydrate and less carbonate 

 and silicate than the coarser powder. 



Instructions on storing burned lime are also included. 



Methods of applying lime, J. Hendrick and J. M Smith {Trans. Highland 

 and Agr. Scot., 5. scr., 28 {1916), pp. 145-157). — Instructions regarding the 

 application of shell lime, lime compost, ground lime, calcium carbonate, shell 

 sand, and marl are given. 



Official report on agricultural lime licensed, inspected, and analyzed during 

 the year 1915 {Columbus, Ohio: Bd. Agr., 1916, pp. 53, fig. 1). — This bulletin 

 gives general information on the purchasing and use of agricultural lime, and 

 reports the results of actual and guarantied analyses of 58 samples of agricul- 

 tural limes collected for inspection in Ohio during 1915. A list of agricultural 

 lime manufacturers and dealers in Ohio and the text of the Ohio agricultural 

 lime law are also given. 



Lime in 1915, G. F. Loughlin (17. S. Geol. Survey, Mineral Resources of the 

 United States, Calendar Year 1915, pt. 2, pp. 245-264)- — This report, issued 

 August 19, 1916, deals with the production, use, imports, and exports of lime in 

 the United States during 1915. 



" The lime manufactured and sold in the United States in 1915 amounted to 

 3,589,699 short tons, valued at $14,336,756. This was an increase of 208,771 

 tens, or 6 per cent, in quantity, and of $1,067,818, or about 9 per cent, in value 

 compared with sales in 1914. . . . The five leading States in 1915 were, accord- 

 ing to quantity of lime sold, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and 

 Wisconsin ; according to value, Maine ranked third and Wisconsin sixth. . . . 



"The quantity of lime for fertilizer in 1915 decreased about 5 per cent in 



quantity from the figure of 1914, but was considerably higher than in any other 



preceding year ; the value in 1915, however, was 1 per cent greater than that of 



1914, and was the greatest yet attained. The average price per ton increased 



76601°— 17 3 



