SOILS. 627 



that records of atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and wind 

 velocity have Iwen secured by means of kites up to a height of 1 5,800 ft. above the sea." 



Work at the station of agricultural climatology of Juvisy during the year 

 1900, C. Flam.makion {Bui. Mln. Ayr. IFmncc], .JO {1901}, No. S, pp. 497-511, 

 Jigs. 10). — This is an account of observations on temperature of the air and of the soil 

 at tlifferent depths, tlie relations between sun spots and temperature, atmospheric 

 pressure, thiration of sunshine and solar radiation, rainfall, and underground water 

 in continuation of the work of previous years (E. S. R., 12, p. 918). Summaries cov- 

 ering not only the year 1900, but also long periods prior to that year, are given. 



Meteorological observations, J. E. Ostrander, C. L. Rice, and H. L. Bodfish 

 {M(ti<sacliu.-<cft.'< fStci. Mil. Btil.s. 1.51, 152, 153, pp. 4 ''ach) . — Summaries of observations 

 on pressure, temperature, liumidity, jirecipitation, wind, sunshine, cloudiness, and 

 ca<«ual phenomena during July, August, and September. The data are brieiiy dis- 

 cussed in general notes on the weather of each month. 



Meteorology, G. Ginestous {Bui. Dir. Agr. et Com., 6 {1901), Nos. 20, pp. 298-301; 

 21, pp. 407-411)- — These articles record observations on rainfall and temperature 

 during 6 months, Mai'ch to August, 1901, at a number of places in different parts of 

 Tunis. 



Meteorology, P. Boname {Rap. An. Sin. Agron. [Mauritius'], 1900, pp. 1-9). — 

 Summaries of oV)servations on atmospheric pressure, temperature, rainfall, and 

 humidity during 1900 as compared with similar data for previous years are given. 



"Weather Bureau exhibit. Pan- American Exposition, D. T. Maring ( U. S. 

 Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau Doc. 24S, pp. 4, l>ls. 4)- — This is reprinted from Monthly 

 Weather Review, June, 1901. 



SOILS. 



Alkali and alkali soils, W. H. Heilejian ( Washington Sta. Bui. 49, pp. 35, figs. 

 3). — The general results of a preliminary studj^ of the alkali conditions in the Kit- 

 titas and Yakima valleys are reported. This includes investigation of the origin, 

 nature, and distribution of the alkali, of its effects in the soil, and preventive and 

 remedial measures. 



The Kittitas Valley lies a little south of the central part of the State. It "is 

 inclosed almost entirely by basaltic and drift ridges of variable elevation and with 

 romided general appearance. The ridges along the sides and southern end of the 

 valley are composed largely of basalt rock and debris, while the lower uplifts on the 

 northern side of the valley are composed largely of gravel drift which reach far into 

 the valley southward. Back of these deposits on the north are higher elefations 

 composed of volcanic ash and basalt rock. . . . 



" The immediate surface soil of this valley varies somewhat as to texture and origin, 

 though taken generally the soil of the cultivated portions of the valley is composed 

 largely of disintegrated basalt. In some parts of the valley the basalt soil is inter- 

 mixed with sand and gravel, and again other sections of the surface are covered 

 with sandy or gravelly soils almost entirely. The floor of the valley is of sedimen- 

 tary origin, as is indicated by the deposits of water-worn gravels and bowlders. 

 These dei)osits extend many feet in depth in the bed of the valley as has been found 

 by prospects made for artesian water. The presence of lava or volcanic ash soil is 

 perhaps due to the fact that much of such material was deposited during the period 

 in which the other sedimentary deposits were being placed, and also to tlie fact that 

 the present surroundings of the valley have had an influence upon the immediate 

 surface soil of the valley." 



The Yakima River Hows through the valley and is the source of supply for irriga- 

 tion, which is a necessity in this part of the State. Analyses of the water of this 

 river at a time when it was carrying its largest amount of sediment, as compared 



18265— No. 7 3 



