FERTILIZERS. 335 



in Chem. Ztg., 21 (1897), N~o. 35, Repert, p. 99).— In the method proposed 

 50 gm. of soil, which has been mixed with a sufficient amount of solid 

 citric acid to saturate the calcium carbonate present, is placed in 

 250 cc. of a 2 per cent citric acid solution, and shaken for 8 hours in a 

 shaking machine making 24 to 30 revolutions per minute. Allow the 

 solution to stand 24 hours, and filter through a dry filter. To 200 cc. 

 of the filtrate, corresponding to 40 gm. of the soil, add a slight excess 

 of precipitated calcium carbonate and heat for a short time at the 

 boiling point to precipitate the calcium citrate; filter through glass 

 wool, or asbestus, and wash with boiling water. Evaporate the filtrate 

 to dryness, drive off the ammonia salts, take up in water, and precipi- 

 tate the potassium with platinum chlorid. 



In experiments in which the digestion was continued for a longer 

 period the results were practically the same as by the above method. 



Drinking water, F. W. Trapiiagex (Montana Sta. Bui. /•?, pp. 15).— This is a gen- 

 eral discussion of the principal constituents of drinking water, the character of 

 water from different kinds of wells, and the purification of water, accompanied by 

 analyses showing free and albuminoid ammonia, nitrogen as nitrites and nitrates, 

 chlorin, and total solids in 23 samples of water collected in the vicinity of Bozeman. 



Water and public health, J. II. Fuertes (New York: John Wiley ,\- Sons, 1897, 

 pp. 75, Jigs. 70). — This contains chapters on etiology and prophylaxis of typhoid 

 fever, when does pure water pay? and sanitary value of impounded and other sup- 

 plies, and is of interest especially to physicians and sanitary engineers. 



Chlorin in rain water (Agl. Students' <!«:., S (1S97), No. 4, p. 113). 



The bacteria of the soil with special reference to soil inoculation, R. S. 

 MacDougaij, ( Vet. Jour, and Ann. Comp. Path.. 48 (1897), Feb., pp. 79-95). 



Remarks on the object and method of soil analysis, F. B. Guthrie (Agl. (iaz. 

 New South Wales, 8 (1897), No. 6, pp. 357-859). — Brief general notes. 



The conservation of moisture in sandy soils (Deut. landw. Presse, 24 (1897), No. 

 67, p. 607). — Sowing less seed than is customary in order to insure a light stand of 

 grain is considered an effective method. 



The formation and care of grass lands, G. McCarthy (North Carolina Sta. Rpt. 

 1896, pp. 55-62, pi. l).—k reprint from Bulletin 125 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 307). 



Influence of soil condition, M. J. Railin (Ann. Soc. Agr. Sci. et Ind. Lyon, 7. ser., 4 

 (1896), pp. 287-301). 



The reclamation of reh or usar land, J. W. Leather ( Agl. Ledger, 1897, No. 7, 

 pp. 9). — Various methods of reclamation, including surface drainage, underdrainage 

 by means of 2-inch pipes, and scraping off the surface reh, were tried without success, 

 the second method failing because the pipes rapidly tilled with silt. The planting 

 of trees and flooding in connection with underdrainage was found to be an effective 

 means of reclamation. 



FERTILIZERS. 



Analyses of commercial fertilizers, J. L. Hills, B. O. White, 

 and C. H. Jones ( Vermont Sta. Bute. 58, pp. 35-47; 59, pp. 51-80). — Notes 

 are given on valuation, results of inspection in the State, the agree- 

 ment betweeu guaranties and analyses, the sources of potash and nitro- 

 gen in the different brands, the availability of organic nitrogen, and 

 the relation between selling price and the commercial value of the 

 plant food in the different fertilizers, together with tabulated analyses 



