FERTILIZERS. 759 



with it in comparison with sulphate of ammonia on mangels, swedes, and mustard 

 at Rothamsted are reported. While the results are somewhat conflicting on account 

 of unfavorable season, the conclusion is drawn "that calcium cyanamid is an effective 

 nitrogenous manure, though more extended experiments are necessary to decide 

 whether the unit of nitrogen is worth more or less in its case than in sulphate of 

 ammonia." 



On lime nitrogen, Fkanck {Devi. Landw. Presse, 82 {1905), No. 5, pp. ■:'/- ■•■•■ 

 The investigations with reference to this material are briefly reviewed, and the rules 

 to be followed in its use as a fertilizer are given. It is stated that it should not be 

 used in larger amounts than 150 to 300 kg. per hectare I 1.'!.'!'. to 2(>7 lbs. per aero). 

 corresponding to 30 to 60 kg. of nitrogen (26.7 to •">:!. 4 ll>s. |. To secure more satis- 

 factory distribution, it is better to mix the material with about twice its weighl of 

 dry earth. It should be applied from 8 to 14 days before seeding and thoroughly 

 incorporated with the soil to a depth of I! to 5 in. 



It is claimed that the experiments with lime nitrogen show in general that this 

 substance is about equal in fertilizing value to sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of si ida 

 pound for pound of nitrogen. 



A commercial nitrogenous fertilizer {Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 18 {1905), No. 2, 

 p. 72). — A note on a German patent taken out by the Cyanid Company of Berlin, on 

 a process for preparing cyanamid (H 2 CN 2 ) and related products from cyanamids of 

 the metals for use as fertilizers. 



Fertilizer experiments with lime nitrogen for fodder beets ( Deut. Landw. 

 Presse, 32 {1905), No. 1, p. 5). — Field experiments in which nitrate of soda (15 per 

 cent nitrogen) was used at the rate of 250 kg. per hectare (222.67 lbs. per acre) and 

 lime nitrogen (19 per cent nitrogen) at the rate of 200 kg. per hectare (17S.14 lbs. 

 per acre). The season was very dry and the nitrate of soda was of no benefit, 

 although the lime nitrogen increased the yield to a decided extent. When applied 

 14 days before planting no injurious effects were noticed. 



Nitrogen in agriculture, W. Somerville {Bid. Dept. Agr. [Jamaica], 3 (1905), 

 No. 1, pp. 7-10). — An abstract of a paper before the British Association, discussing 

 briefly the chemical fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, the preparation and use of 

 Nitragin of Nobbe and Hiltner, and the inoculating material prepared by this 

 Department. 



Progress in the manufacture of nitrates, J. Pellissiek {Jour. Agr. Prat., u. 

 ser., 8 {1904), No. 52, />/>. 830, 831). — A brief review of progress made in electrical 

 methods of preparing nitrates. 



The use of nitrate of soda and of chemical fertilizers in agriculture and 

 viticulture, IHsserre et al. (.1;///. Sci. Agron., 2. ser., 9 {1904), /A Nos. 2, pp. 

 810-820; 3, pp. 321-449). — This is a detailed summary of observations and results of 

 experiments during 1903 in France, Switzerland, Algeria, and Tunis. 



In general the season of 1903 was not favorable to such experiments as are here 

 recorded. There was in general an excess of humidity, resulting in diseases of vari- 

 ous kinds and interfering with the proper harvesting of the crops. In spite of these 

 unfavorable conditions the use of chemical fertilizers was as a rule profitable. 

 Especially was this true with nitrate of soda, which proved highly beneficial on all 

 crops and soils. The conclusion is reached that nitrate of soda judiciously used 

 insures a profitable increase in the yield of crops. 



Nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, L. Grandeau {.Tour. Agr. Prat., n. 

 ser., 9 ( 190'>), Na. 4, pp. 109, 110). — A brief discussion of the relative fertilizing value 

 of these materials based mainly on the investigations of Lawes and Gilbert, and 

 Wagner, it is stated in conclusion that while the results in general show a superi- 

 ority of the nitrate over the sulphate, the character of the soil and meteorological 

 conditions may modify the relation of the two materials as regards fertilizing value. 



British ammonium sulphate trade {JEngin. ami Min. .hair., 79 {1905), No. 6, 



