1918] METEOROLOGY. 15 



The highest yields were about 35 bu. of grain and S,400 lbs. of straw per 

 acre. The lowest yield was about 14 bu. of grain and 2,050 lbs. of straw. 



Desiccation of Africa, R. L. Habgeb {Jour. Ea&t Africa and Uganda Nat. 

 Hist. Soc, vol. 6, No. 11; abs. in Nature [London], 99 {1911), No. 2487, p. S52; 

 U. S. Mo. Weather Rev., 45 {1911), No. 6, p. SOI). — Reviewing past records and 

 original observations covering a vast extent of territory from Tanganyika 

 southward and westward there is stated to be a considerable decrease in volume 

 of the chain of great lakes and of the rivers feeding them in this region. The 

 cause is not explained. 



The modification of South African rainfall, J. M. Sim {So. African Jour. 

 8ci., 13 {1911), No. 1, pp. S18-S26). — The author reviews evidence showing that 

 rainfall has decreased throughout South Africa in the last hundred years, and 

 that its character has changed from soft, soaking rains to torrential thunder- 

 storms. As a result the water supply of a large portion of the region is en- 

 tirely inadequate, while a further portion is threatened by a spread of desiccat- 

 ing conditions. Even in those regions where the rainfall can still be said to 

 be sufficient desiccation is proceeding, which must ultimately result in arid or 

 semiarid conditions. 



A correlation between magnetic storms and rain, H. Aectowski {Compt. 

 Rend. Acad. Sd. [Paris], 164 (1911), No. 5, pp. 221-229; abs. in Set. Abs., Sect. 

 A—Phys., 20 {1911), No. 236, p. 5/5),— " Rainfall observations at Batavia and 

 Greenwich are used to show an apparent relation between rainfall and mag- 

 netic storms, which suggests that the phenomena may be conuected in some way, 

 probably through the medium of solar activity." 



Modern methods of protection against lightning, R. N. Covebt {U. 8. Dept. 

 Apr., Farmers' Bui. 842 {1911), pp. S2, figs. 25).— This publication gives practi- 

 cal information regarding protection of buildings against lightning, accompanied 

 by specifications for installing the equipment. 



Effect of meteorological factors on the germination capacity of seeds, 

 J, N. Walloon {Sveriges Vtsddesfor. Tidskr., 26 {1916), No. 4, pp. 146-162, 

 figs. 4) o^bs. in Internat. Inst. Agr. [Rome], Internal. Rev. Sci. and Pract. Agr., 

 8 {1911), No. S, pp. 340-342). — It is stated that the capacity of seeds to produce 

 vigorous, rapidly-growing seedlings is affected to a marked extent by meteor- 

 ological conditions at the time of the maturing of the seeds. 



" Copious rain and a low temperature during the period of ripening and har- 

 vest stimulate the development of the grain, which subsequently germinates in 

 storage or even in the shock. The degree of sensitiveness varies according to 

 the species, but is maximum in rye, which two days' rain are sufficient to 

 germinate. For wheat, barley, oats, marked differences are noted between dif- 

 ferent varieties." 



Prematurely-sprouted seeds produce weak and malformed seedlings. Seeds 

 matured during dry weather ripen more quickly and germinate better than 

 those ripening during wet weather. " The rapidity with which the germinat- 

 ing point is reached is not only subject to the influence of the temperature dur- 

 ing the period of ripening, but Is also dependent upon the specific properties of 

 the different varieties. . . . The time required for reaching the degree of ripe- 

 ness requisite for germination is shorter In proportion as the seed is drier. It 

 must be noted, however, that this point is not reached immediately after shrink- 

 ing, which proves that the ripening process is not merely the mechanical result 

 of loss of water, but depends upon biochemical changes occurring within the 

 grain." 



Influence of meteorolog^ical factors on the development and yield of the 

 millets, Panicum miliaceuzu and Setaria italica, in Bussia, M. G. Sibitjsov 

 {Trudy Selsk. Khoz. Met., No. 16 {1916), pp. 118-131, figs. 6; abs. in Internat. 



