906 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Geological, agricultural, and economic study of the Department of Dordogue, 

 France, L. Bkuket and R. Brunet (Ann. Inst. Nat. A(jron., Admin., Ense'ujn., et 

 L'echerches, 10 (1891-'92), No. 14, pp. 61-189, ph. 3, figs. 4, map 1). 



Alkali, 15. C. BuFFUM {Wyoming Sta. Rpt. 1S96, Appen., pp. 219-2t)3, ph. 6).— A 

 reprint of Bulletin 29 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 568). 



Remarks on Hilgard's article on the distribution of salts in alkali soils, etc., 

 C. OciiSKNirs (Forsch. (Uh. agr. Pln/s., ID {1S9G), No. 4-5, pp. 413-415). 



Determination of the fertility of a soil by analysis, L. Degkully {Piog. Agr. 

 ct nt., 37 {1S97), No. 15, pp. 439-441). 



On Mayer's criticism of Hilgard's elutriation apparatus, E. W. Hilgard 

 (Furi^rh. Ceh. agr. I'Injs., ID {1S96), No. 4-5, pp. 402-412). 



On marshes in Norway and their utilization, G. E. Stangeland ( Christiania, 

 Nonrtiy, 1S9G, pp. 120). 



The arid public lands: Their reclamation, management, and disposal, E. 

 Mead {Arid America, 9 {1S97), No. 2, pp. 1-9, figs. J).— A somewhat full discussion of 

 this suhjeet. 



Analyses of drinking waters, J. L. IIili^s and B. O. White ( Vermont Sta. Rpt. 

 1895, pp. 41, 42). — Analyses, with reference to sanitary condition, of 25 samples of 

 Avater from springs, 8 from wells, 6 from driven wells, and 2 from brooks are 

 reported. Of the samples of spring water, 25 per cent was impure; of the well 

 water, 67 per cent. 



Water, and its purification, S. Rideal {London: Croshy Lock wood <f- Son, 1897, 

 pp. XII, 292; rev. in Nature, 1897, Apr. 29, pp. G02, 003). 



FERTILIZERS. 



Analyses and valuations of fertilizers, L. A. Voorhees and J. 

 P. Street [Neio Jersey Stas. Bui. 117, pp. 3-76). — This bulletin ^ives 

 the trade values of fertilizing- constituents in 1S9G, and the results of 

 examinations of the standard materials supplying them, as well as of 

 home mixtures, factory -mixed fertilizers, and miscellaneous fertilizing 

 substances. Analyses and valuations are given of 495 samples of fer- 

 tilizing materials, including nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, dried 

 blood, dry ground fish, tankage, ground bone, dissolved bonel)]ack, dis- 

 solved South Carolina rock phosphate, muriate of potash, sulphate of 

 potash, kainit, ashes, nitrate of potash from tobacco extracts, tobacco 

 stems, marl, stone lime, crematory garbage, wool waste, sea pumi)kin, 

 and mixed fertilizers. 



" In 1896 over 64 per cent of the brands reach or exceed their guaranties in all par- 

 ticnlais, as compared Avith not quite 59 per cent in 1895. The 138 deficiencies in 1890 

 occur in 118 brands, 16 lieing below in two, and 2 in all three of the forms of ^dant 

 food. Of the 100 that are below in one and the 16 that are below in two particulars, 

 64 and 2, respectively, have this deficiency made up by «3xceediug their guaranty in 

 other respects, showing a lack of skill or of carefulness in their preparation rather 

 than an intent to defraud. . . . 



"The average composition, estimated Aalne, and selling price of all the brands of 

 complete commercial fertilizers examined have been averaged each year for the past 

 six- years, and, together with the actual and the percentage difference by which the 

 selling price exceeds the valuation, are shown in the following taUulation. 



