FIELD CROPS. 231 



I 



^H In experiments made with wheat, oats, peas, radishes, etc., grown in sterile 

 ^F liquid media, in sterilized soil, and in the open field, it was found that the 

 H different species reacted differently toward boron, but that for each there was 

 an optimum which favored the growth and yield of the plant. Greater quanti- 

 ties than the optimum were found to reduce the chlorophyll content of the 

 plant and to check its root development. 



The influence of lime on soil bacteria, H. Fischer (Laiulw. Vers. Stat., 

 70 (1909), A'o. 5-6, pp. 335-3-'i2). — This paper gives the results of experiments 

 with fluid cultures with lime and other substances on the activity of soil bac- 

 teria, especially with reference to their effect on the utilization of ammonia 

 and nitrate nitrogen by the bacteria. 



It was found that both ammonia and nitrate nitrogen could be utilized in 

 considerable quantities by the soil micro-organisms in the production of albu- 

 minoid nitrogen, the ammonia nitrogen aiding this transformation in a greater 

 degree than the nitrate nitrogen. The presence of calcium carbonate aided the 

 formation of albuminoid nitrogen from sulphate of ammonia, but not to any 

 considerable extent. A surplus of barium carbonate appreciably enhanced the 

 albumin formation from sulphate of anmionia, but diminished that from sodium 

 nitrate. Magnesium carbonate lessened the transformation of ammonia nitro- 

 gen into albuminoid nitrogen, and ii'on sesquioxid lessened the transformation 

 of both ammonia and nitrate nitrogen. Quicklime exerted a much greater 

 influence on the soil bacteria than calcium carlionate. 



Effects of acidity of culture media on morphology in species of Penicillium, 

 C. Thom (Abs. in Science, n. ser., 31 (1910), No. 199, p. 635). — In connection 

 with previous studies (E. S. R., 22, p. 531), the author has found that the in- 

 hibiting effects of acid in culture media vary with the species and the kinds of 

 acid. The first effect noted is usually the retardation of growth and finally 

 of the production of the colored spores. In testing their tolerance to acid the 

 clo.se relationship of certain groups and forms is emphasized, and the author 

 believes that this will be found a useful accessory to the description of species. 

 International catalogue of scientific literature. R — Bacteriology (Inter- 

 nat. Cat. Set. Lit., 6 (1909), pp. YIII+lO'iO).— The present volume is in con- 

 tinuation of the series previously described (E. S. R., 14, p. 1049), the litera- 

 ture indexed being mostly that of 1906. More than 9,000 titles are indexed both 

 by author and subject. The American literatui'e continues to be vei'y inade- 

 quately represented, although there is some improvement over the number of 

 titles in the previous volume. 



FIELD CROPS. 



Dry land farming in eastern Colorado, H. M. Cottrell (Colorado 8ta. Bui. 

 I'f5, pp. '1-32, figs. 4)- — This bulletin is a manual of general information for the 

 use of the prospective dry-land farmer in eastern Colorado. The proper system 

 of farming is suggested, the methods of handling dairy cows, poultry, and gar- 

 dens best adapted to the region are stated, and directions given for retaining 

 moisture in the soil, selecting crops for dry-land farming, and securing the best 

 results from them. 



Crop rotation for Illinois soils, C. G. Hopkins (Illinois Sta. Circ. 1)1, pp. 

 20). — This is an address delivered before the Illinois State Farmers' Institute 

 on crop rotation and fertilizers as related to permanent agriculture in the 

 United States and European countries. The general subject of soil fertility is 

 reviewed and notes are given on rock phosphate, bone meal, potassium salts, 

 and ground limestone. 



