METEOROLOGY. 381 



Recent investigations on the bacteria of the tubercles of legumes and the 

 fixation of nitrogen through their agency, Stutzek (Cciitbl. Halt, nud I'ar. AUg., 

 2 {1S06), Xo. 20, pp. 050-053). — A rcsuiutS is jiiveu of a fow works which appeared 

 during the past year or two. 



Present position of morphological botany, D. H. Scott (Xalure, 54 {lS9i;), Xo. 

 1405, j)j>. 5S5-54S). — Presidential address hefore Section K of the meeting of tlio 

 British Association Septeniher 17, 189G. 



On the use of gelatin in preparing large material for demonstration, J. "Woirr- 

 MAXX {Hot. Ztg., 54 (ISHC), II, Xo. 2.', pp. 357-54(1).— k method is yivcu for the use of 

 gelatin in preparing large specimens for microscopical examination. 



Son\e aqueous media for preserving algae for class material, W. A. Setchkll 

 and J. Y. Osteriiout (Amer. Micros. Jour., 17 {1896), Xo. 11, pp. 378-384). — Direc- 

 tions are given for the i)reparation and use of solutions of chrome alum, formalin, 

 and camphor water for different groups of alga-. 



Report of the botanist, G. E. Stone {Massachusetts Hatch. Sta. lipt. 1SD5, pp. 173- 

 170). — The author mentions the recstablishment of the botanical department of the 

 station and briefly outlines the work begun or to be investigated. 



METEOROLOGY. 



Meteorological observations, 1895, C. S. Phelps {Connecticut 

 Storrfi fSta. Bpt. 1895, pp. lll-li:i). — This includes comments on the 

 weather during the season; monthly summaries of observations at 

 Storrs on atmospheric pressure, temperature, rainfall, relative humid- 

 ity, precipitation, and cloudiness; and a record of rainfiill at 21 local- 

 ities in the State during the months ending October .■>!. 



"The total jirecipitation for the year (45.7 in.), as measured at Storrs, was nearly 

 up to the average for the State. The average for this State from observers having 

 observations covering 10 years or more prior to 1890, is 49.1 in., and the average at 

 Storrs for the past 7 years is 44.7 in. The precipitation was least during the months 

 of February, May, and June. The early part of the growing season was exception- 

 ally dry, and the hay and strawberry crops were considerably reduced in yields 

 below an average crop. During the remainder of the growing season, light rain- 

 falls Avere frequent and most crops were fairly Avell supplied with moisture. . . . 



"The temperature for January was about the average, Avhile February was 

 exceptionally cold. March gave a low average temperature, but April was mild and 

 favorable for farm work. Severe frosts occurred as late as May 14 and 17, doing 

 some damage to early vegetables. The temperature for the summer months was 

 not high. The highest temperature occurred early in June and the third week in 

 September. Light frost occurred on September 15, but the first killing frost came 

 October 15, thus giving a growing jieriod of 150 days siuc<\ tiio last severe frost in 

 the spring, The average growing season at this station for the past 7 years has 

 been 144 days. The last 3 months of the year were comparatively mild, but gave 

 an unusually large amount of rainfall." 



Meteorological summary for 1895, V. PL MuNOY {Kentucky 8tn. 

 Rpt. 1895. pp. LX-LXVI). — Meteorological summaries are given of 

 observations on temperature, pressure, precipitation, cloudiness, wind 

 movement, and other phenomena. The annual summary is as follows: 

 Temperatxire (degrees F.). — Maximum, 05, September 20; mininuim, 

 — 13, Februarys; mean monthly, 54.1; mean daily range, is.l. Pres- 

 sure (inches). — Highest, 29.42, November 27; lowest, 2S.24, January 25; 

 8908— No. 5 ;i 



