BOTANY. 19 



acetate varied from 128.3 to 136.5°. Acetates were also prepared from different fat 

 mixtures and determinations made of the melting point. The results of the authi ir's 

 investigations confirm the work of Bomer, that the difference in the melting points 

 of the acetates afford a reliable means of determining the presence of vegetable fats 

 in animal fats. 



A contribution to the investigation of cheese, J. B. Nagelvoort ( Pharm. 

 Weekbl., 41 (1904), No. 2-4, pp. 289-295; abs. in Client. Centbl, 1904, I, No. 17, p. 

 12.34). — -V method is given for the determination of moisture and fat in cheese. 



New bases derived from sugars, Rorx (Ann. Chim. et Phys., 8. ser., 1 {1904), 

 Jan., pp. 12-144; Feb., pp. 160-185). — In the investigations here reported over 40 

 salts and derivatives are described as new products. 



Apparatus and method used in saponifying compounded oils, P. H. Con- 

 kadsox (Jour. Amer. Chern. Nor., 26 (1904), No. 6, pp. 672-675, jig. 1). 



An extraction apparatus with mercury seal, ( >. vox Czadek (Ztschr. Landw. 

 Versuchsw. Oesterr., 7 (1904), No. 5, pp. 443, 444, fig. 1) ■ — A combination of Soxhlet 

 extractor, flask, and condenser is illustrated and briefly described. 



A new burette cock, F. Pilz (Ztschr. Landw. Versuchtw. Oesterr., 7 (1904), No. 5, 

 pp. 441, 442, figs. 2). — A modification of the Mohr device. 



Miscellaneous chemical investigations ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1903, pp. 314-317) . — 

 This is a summary of the following articles previously published by the station: 

 Analyses of Wisconsin Soils, by F. W. Woll ( E. S. R., 9, p. 536); The Marls of Wis- 

 consin, by F. W. Woll (E. S. R., 8, p. 208; 9, p. 543); On the Yield and Composition 

 of Sow's Milk, by W. A. Henry and F. W. Woll ( E. S. R., 10, p. 782); The Con, po- 

 sition of Sow's Milk, by F. W. Woll ( E. S. R., 12, p. 84); A Rapid Method for the 

 Estimation of Salt in Butter, by A. Vivian ( E. S. R., 13, p. 16); Tables for Use in 

 Kjeldahl Method for Determination of Nitrogen, by A. Vivian (E. S. R., 13, p. 16); 

 An Apparatus Facilitating the Analysis of Sugar Beets, by R. H. Shaw (E. S. R., 13, 

 p. 916), and Miscellaneous Chemical Work, by R. H. Shaw (E. S. R., 13, p. 916). 



Proceedings of the twentieth annual convention of the Association of 

 Official Agricultural Chemists held at Washington, D. C, November 19, 20, 

 and 21, 1903, edited by II. W. Wiley (U.S. DepLAgr., Bureau of Chemistry Bui 

 SI, pp.252). — This is the official account of the proceedings of the convention, of 

 which a summary was given in E. S. R., 15, p. 427. The bulletin also contains brief 

 biographical sketches of the late Ervin E. Ewell and Norman Robinson, and also the 

 constitution of the association. 



BOTANY. 



An investigation into the effects of water and aqueous solutions of some 

 of the common inorganic substances on foliage leaves, J. B. Daxdexo (Trans. 

 Canad. Inst., 7 (1902), II, No. 14, pp. 237-350, pis. 2, figs. 16).— This paper gives the 

 result of a series of investigations conducted to ascertain the effect of certain solu- 

 tions of inorganic salts on foliage leaves, the effect of nutrient salts on the growth of 

 young leaves developing from the bud, and also the statement that distilled water 

 remaining on the leaf of the plant for some time becomes alkaline. 



After giving a historical resume of the subject the author describes his experi- 

 ments in detail. It was found that wilted leaves, whether detached from the plant 

 or not, will absorb water if immersed or if the water be applied to the surface in 

 the form of a fine spray. Special parts of the leaves of certain plants seem to be 

 particularly adapted to this absorption, as is shown by the surface of the epidermal 

 cells over the veins and in other regions. Guttation drops and dew drops contain 

 substances in solution which are generally resorbed by the plant. Carbonates pre- 

 sent as incrustations may serve to store up, in the presence of moisture, carbon 

 dioxid at night and utilize the same as the bicarbonate is reduced to the carbonate 

 in the davtime. 



