414 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol. 40 



powder is to be used in the preparation of eusol and other antiseptic solutions 

 and in the sterilization of drinking water. 



Relation of dehydration to agriculture, S. C. Pbescott (U. B. Dcpt. Agr., 

 Off. Sec. Circ. 126 (1919), pp. 11). — This is an address before the National Asso- 

 ciation of Commissioners of Agriculture at Baltimore, Md., January 7, 1919. It 

 contains a brief history of food drying, with particular reference to the stimu- 

 lation of the drying industry by war. and a description of the dehydrating 

 systems in the United States. 



The methods now in use are classified as follows: (1) The tunnel systems, 

 which consist of long chambers or tunnels into which the prepared vegetables 

 are introduced on screens or racks and through which a strong current of dry 

 heated air is blown, (2) kilns, whcih consist essentially of square chambers with 

 sloping roofs and perforated floors, heated from below by means of stoves or 

 furnaces, (3) the vacuum process, employing closed chambers with, a large num- 

 ber of .shelves heated by steam at greatly reduced pressure, and (4) special 

 machines so arranged as to bring about a carefully regulated drying. With the 

 first two methods, a lack of uniformity In the products is likely to result, owing 

 to the fact that there is not absolute control of the physical conditions. The 

 vacuum process is considered to give excellent results for many kinds of products 

 but tends to break down the cellular structure of the material. It is pointed 

 out that only in those processes where there is practically perfect control of 

 temperature, humidity, and rate of air flow are products obtained which will 

 retain their flavor, color, and appearance, and, when soaked in water, will return 

 to approximately their normal appearance. 



The most Important advantages of dehydration, from the standpoint of agri- 

 culture, are considered to he the stabilization of crops and the conservation of 

 food materials. A third factor of importance is that a better diversity of crops 

 can be secured, as a result of which there will be a good variety of vegetables 

 available to all classes throughout the year. 



[Investigation on cider], O. Gkove (Univ. Bristol, Ann. Rpt, Ayr. and Hurt. 

 Research Bta., 1917, pp. 10-20; Jour. Bath and West and Smith. Counties Soc, 

 5. set:, 12 (1917-18), ///-. W,-12\). — Three papers are presented. 



Single raiiitij ciders mid perries, 1916-17. — 'ibis contains a table comprising 

 a list wf the ciders and perries made at the National Fruit and Cider institute 

 during the season 1910 17, with details as to < hemiial composition, etc. 



A ropy cider bacillus. — The cultural and morphological characteristics are 

 given of a bacillus found to be the cause of ropiness in some samples of cider. 

 A study of the effect of organic acids upon the bacillus showed that they have a 

 pronounced preventive action upon the development of the organism. It is 

 pointed out that if the mixture of apples used in cider making contains a suf- 

 ficient proportion of sharp apples to bring the initial acidity up to 0.5 per cent 

 or more, there is not much danger of ropiness setting in. 



A note on cider Vinegar. — Brief directions are given for the manufacture of 

 cider vinegar in the home and on a commercial scale. 



The manufacture of cider apple jelly. B. T. P. Bakker (L'niv. Bristol, Ann. 

 Rpt. Agr. and llort. Research 8ta., 1917, pp. 55-70; Jour. Bath and West, and 

 South. Counties Soc., 5 ser., 12 (1917-18), pp. 1 ',-.' 158).- This is a report of the 

 commercial manufacture of cider apple jelly as conducted at the National Fruit 

 and Cider Institute, including a description of the mills, presses, and evaporators 

 used; the details of the process, essentially noted from another source (E. S. K . 

 39, p. 808) ; and statistics as to the output and cost of the product 



Grape sirup. F. T. Bioi.ktti and W. V. Cbttess (California sta. Itul. 303 

 (1918), pp _'-'? ."{2). — This is a preliminary report of Investigations conducted 



