232 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



bacteria arc characterized by a capsule which surrounds them, and while very abun- 

 dant in the young rool tubercles do not seem to occur in the noil surrounding them. 

 The affinities of the organism are described and the author gives it the name Bacillus 

 capsulatus trifolii, u. var. 



The bacterial flora of cultivated soils, I>. Hiltner and K. Stormer {Mitt. Prut. 

 Landw. Gesell, 18 {1903), Nos. 48, pp. 266-268; 49, pp. 270,271).— -This is a summary 

 of a Longer article," discussing especially methods used in the bacteriological exam- 

 ination of soils, the causes of the increased productiveness of soils following treatment 

 with carbon bisulphid, and the character and growth of micro-organisms in fallow soil. 



The influence of carbohydrates on the gas exchange of yeast, E. Kolle- 

 gorsky and o. Zassouchine {Centbl. BaM. u. Par., 2. Abt., 11 (1903), No. 3, pp. 95- 

 10.',).— -The results of experiments in determining the effect of various carbohydrates 

 on the respiration of yeast are given. The authors added to the culture media glucose, 

 fructose, maltose, saccharose, raffinose, various alcohols, glycerin, and mannite, cul- 

 tivating in the media Saccharomyces cerevisiss I and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The 

 experiment shows that the proportion between the carbon dioxid and oxygen varied 

 with the different carbohydrates added to the culture media. The details of the 

 investigation are given in tabular form. 



A study of the proteolytic enzyms of malt, R. A^vndervaeren {Rev. Ohi. 

 Agron. [Louvain], 12 [1903), No. 12, pp. 512-514). — A brief note of experiments 

 carried on by Weis at the Carlsberg-Copenhagen Laboratory of Physiology. 



On the chemical nature of the oxydases, K. Aso {Bui. Col. Agr. Tokyo, Tmp. 

 Univ., 5 {1903), No. 4, pp. 481-489). — A critical review is given of various opinions 

 regarding the chemical nature of oxydases and the results of the author's investiga- 

 tions with buds of the potato and other plants from which the conclusion is drawn 

 that it is very improbable that the oxydase and peroxidase of plant juice are organic 

 peroxids. In the experiments reported the liberation of iodin by plant juices was 

 found to be due to traces of nitrites in the plants, and it is believed that these are 

 present in other plant juices. 



Studies ot the proteolytic enzyms of germinating barley, F. Weis (Copen- 

 hagen: 1902). — A thesis presented for the degree of Ph. D. Essentially the same 

 article has been noted elsewhere (E. S. R., 15, p. 452). 



The rapidity of enzymic reactions, R. 0. Herzog (Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., 41 

 {1904), No. 5, pp. 4I6-424). — The rapidity of enzymic reaction, according to the 

 author, is dependent upon rate of diffusion. A formula for calculating it is given 

 and discussed. 



ZOOLOGY. 



On the bearing of Mendelian principles of heredity on current theories of 

 the origin of species, A. D. Darbishire (Reprinted from Mem. Manchester Lit. mid 

 Phil. Son., 48 {1904), pt. 3, No, 24, pp. 19-31).— Notes are given on the difference 

 between the continuous and discontinuous variation, and the theories of Gal ton and 

 Mendel for explaining the inheritance of specific characters are briefly described. A 

 bibliography of the subject is appended to the article. 



Forest zoology, K. Eckstein {Allg. Forst u. Jagd Ztg., 1903, Sup., j>p. 71-83). — 

 Brief notes are given on work along the line of forest zoology in various parts of 

 Germany for 1908. Attention was devoted to injurious mammals, birds, and insects. 



Rabbits for profit, J. T. Bird (London: W. If. & L. Collingridge, 1904, pp. 110, 

 figs. 33). — This volume is intended to contain the most recent and practical informa- 

 tion regarding the various phases of rabbit raising with notes on breeds, foods, meth- 

 ods of feeding, rearing and housing, marketing of rabbits in a living and dead con- 

 dition, and the common diseases of rabbits. The book is illustrated. 



« Arb. K. Gesundheitsamte, Biol. Abt, 3 (1903), No. 5, pp. 445-545. 



