134 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Organic and ammoniacal nitrogen — irrational treatment of human excrement, 

 Maizikrks ( L'Ktifiraix, {1S94), No. 27, p. 037). — An argument in favor of more gen- 

 eral use (if human excrement, treated with sulphuric acid and dried. 



Sewage disposal and river pollution, R. F. Grantham {Trans. Surv. Inst., 25 

 {1S03), XoH. IJ andlS; ahs. in Join-. Boy. Agr. Soc, 1SD4, June, pp. 342-352). 



Fertilizers and farmyard manure, W. F. Massey {Southern Planter, 1SD4, July, 

 pp. 340,350). — A controversial article. 



Should farmers mix fertilizers? J. Goerz {Country Gent., 1SV4, July 5).— Argues 

 against it. 



Improvements in the manufacture of fertilizers, J. J. Seldxer and J. Watson, 

 jr. {Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 13 {1894), No. 5, p. 533). — According to this process, which 

 is patented in England, refuse hair, leather, etc., (1) are treated with sulphuric acid 

 and digested in a steam jacket under a pressure of 30 lbs. The acid is neutralized 

 with alkalies and phosphates and the resulting product dried out. (2) These mate- 

 rials are mixed with dissolved bone or superphosphate and digested in the same way. 



Simple methods for detecting adulteration in bone meal, sulphate of ammonia, 

 and kainit {Ayl. daz. N. S. W., 5 {1894), No. 5, pp. 5Ji-5.>?).— Simple tests, not 

 refjuiring chemical skill, for impurities. 



Fertilizer inspection and analysis in Connecticut {Connecticut State ,Sta. Bpt. 

 1893, pp. 1-71). — This is a reprint from parts i and ii of the Annual Rejiort of the 

 station for 1893 (E. S. R., 5, pp. 777, 860). 



Fertilizer analysis and valuation {Massachusetts State Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 2-6, 8). — A 

 schedule of trade values for 1894 is given with tabulated analyses of 78 samples of 

 fertilizing materials, including compound fertilizei'S, bone, and ashes. 



FIELD CROPS. 



Field experiments with corn, W. C. Latta {Indiana Sta. Bui. 



.50, pp. 43-53). 



Synopsis. — These experiments embrace tests of time of planting, length of period 

 of growth for corn planted at different dates, thickness of planting, improve- 

 ment by selection, depth of plowing, depth of cultivation, rotation, residual 

 effects of stable manure, and effect of fertilizers. Taking in most cases the 

 averages for a number of years the results favor planting not later than May 

 10, shorter period of growth for corn phmted late, a distance of from lOf to 13| in. 

 in the drill, plowing at least 8 in. deep, sh.allow culture, rotative cropping, a 

 notable residual effect of stable manure on the tenth crop after manure was 

 applied, and an increased crop yield not sufficient in the first year after the 

 application of fertilizers to repay their cost. 



In 1893 the yields were low, due to severe and protracted drought. 



Time of planting (p. 45). — The dates of planting ranged from May 

 1 to May 30, and the experiment extended over 5 years. 



Length of period of f/roicfh (p. 4(5).— Eesults for 1802 and 1803 with 

 3 varieties are reported. In 1803 corn planted June 14 to 16 ma- 

 tured in 105 days; that planted May C required 122 days. 



Thickness of plantinfi (pp. 46, 47). — With rows 3| ft. apart the aver- 

 age results for 8 years were as follows: Stalks IO5 in. apart, 50.71 

 bu. per acre; 12^ in. apart, 49.30; 13^ in. apart, 50.08; 16^ in. apart, 

 46.22; 19J in. apart, 43.38. in 1893, contrary to the results of previous 

 years, every increase in distance was followed by an increased yield. 



