FERTILIZERS. 245 



The phosphoric acid was apparently combined with the humus in form of phoepho- 

 humate compounds, and was quite completely precipitated along with the humus by 

 addition of citric and hydrochloric acids, ferric chlorid, aluminum sulphate, ami 

 calcium chlorid, especially the last which removed practically all phosphoric acid 

 from solution. 



The humus fertilizer was tested in amounts varying from 400 to 1,000 kg. per 

 hectare (350 to 880 lbs. per acre) with good results on alfalfa, sugar beets, potatoes, 

 and wheat. With alfalfa the results with the fertilizer were better than with chem- 

 ical fertilizers. The sugar content of the beets was 3 per cent higher where the 

 hiunus fertilizer was used than where no fertilizer was applied. Tests made on 

 calcareous clay soil showed that the soluble nitrogen of the humus fertilizer nitrified 

 as rapidly as that of blood. 



Further experiments with ammonium sulphate and sodium nitrate, Bach- 

 mann ( Fiih/lni/'sLandw. Ztg., 53(1904), Nos. 13, pp. 502-506; 14, pp. 539-543). — Anmn- 

 ber of field experiments with rye, oats, barley, etc., grown on sandy soils are reported 

 to show that ammonium sulphate not only gave larger total yields, but also larger 

 amounts of protein than sodium nitrate. 



The use of fertilizers; a review of the results of experiments with nitrate 

 of soda, E. B. Voorhees(V<?w Jersey Stas.Bul. 172, pp. 32). — The general principles 

 underlying the use of fertilizers and the conditions under which the use of nitrate 

 of soda is to be especially commended are discussed, and the results of experiments 

 with nitrate of soda on high value market-garden crops and on low value field crops, 

 reported in previous bulletins (E. S. R., 14, p. 247; 15, pp. 242,251), are reviewed, 

 with practical suggestions as to methods of using nitrate of soda on different kinds 

 of crops. 



Investigations on the action of different forms of lime and magnesia, 

 D. Meyer (Fiihlhig's Landw. Ztg., 53 (1904), No. 14, PP- 528-534)- — A general dis- 

 cussion. 



Basic superphosphate, G. Appiani (Ric. Lab. Chim. Agr. R. Scuola Sup. Agr., 

 Milan, 2 (1903), pp. 131-133). — Studies of the chemical composition and solubility 

 in citric acid of basic superphosphates made from Tennessee and Gafsa phosphates 

 by the Hughes process (E. S. R., 14, p. 343) are briefly reported. 



Commercial fertilizers, J. L. Hills, C H. Jones, and F. M. Hollister ( Ver- 

 mont Sta. Bui. 108, pp. 297-364). — This bulletin reports the results of analyses of 118 

 brands of fertilizers, representing the output of 10 companies, with a discussion of 

 the quantity and quality of plant food furnished in the different fertilizers, selling 

 prices and valuations, classification of brands sold in the State, and comparison of 

 the composition of fertilizers sold in Vermont during 5 years past. The effect of 

 food, care of animals, stable construction and management, and use of absorbents, 

 etc., on the character of farm manures; as well as the causes and prevention of 

 manurial waste, are also discussed with suggestions as to use and application of 

 manures. 



Commercial fertilizers, G. Roberts (California Sta. Bui. 157, pp. 30). — This 

 bulletin gives the text of the State fertilizer law, approved March 20, 1903; the rules 

 and regulations adopted under its provisions; explanations of terms used in fertilizer 

 analyses; and analyses and valuations of a large number of samples of fertilizers 

 examined in accordance with the law. 



Commercial fertilizers, J. H. Stewart and B. H. Hite ( West Virginia Sta. Bui. 

 92, pp. 64). — This is a report on fertilizer inspection during the period from May 1 

 to December 31, 1903. 



Analysis of commercial fertilizers sold in Maryland, H. B. McDonnell et 

 al. (Maryland Agr. Col. Quart., 1904, No. 23, pp. 48).— The results of analyses of fer- 

 tilizers inspected from August, 1903, to January, 1904, inclusive, are reported. 



Analysis of commercial fertilizers sold in Maryland, H. B. McDonnell et 



