gQ6 EXPEKIMEXT STATIOIST KECOED. 



Progress made in the chemistry of the fermentation industry in the year 

 1913, O. MoHR (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 27 {1914), ^^o. 50, Aufsatzteil, pp. S61- 

 3S8). — This deals with the chemistry and utilization of the raw materials, 

 fermentation organisms, and processes, and fermented products. 



METEOROLOaY. 



A study of the radiation of the atmosphere, A. Angstrom (Smithsn. Misc. 

 Collect, 65 (1915), No. 3, pp. V-\-159, figs. 45).— This report is based upon 

 observations on nocturnal radiation made during expeditions to Algeria 

 and to California. The report is accompanied by records of observations on 

 temperature, pressure, and humidity of the air up to great elevations, made by 

 means of balloon observations from points at or near the observing stations in 

 southern California, as well as of pyrheliometric observations on Mount 

 Whitney. 



The more important conclusions reached are that at low altitude (less than 

 4,500 meters) the total temperature radiation increases with the water-vapor 

 content of the air. An increase in the water-vapor pressure causes a decrease 

 in the effective radiation from the earth to every point of the sky. " The total 

 radiation which would be received from a perfectly dry atmosphere would be 



cal. 

 about 0.28 — 2-^- with a temperature of 20° C. at the place of observation. 



The radiation of the upper, dry atmosphere would be about 50 per cent of that 

 of a black body at the temperature of the place of observation." 



There are indications that the radiation during the daytime is controlled by 

 the same laws that hold for radiation at night. The effect of altitude on radia- 

 tion is masked by the temperature and humidity gradients of the air. Under 

 normal conditions the effective radiation generally reaches a maximum at an 

 altitude of 3,000 meters, but an increase of the humidity or a decrease of the 

 temperature gradient of the air tend to shift this maximum to higher altitudes. 

 Clouds reduce radiation in dependence upon their altitude and density, while the 

 effect of haze is almost inappreciable when no clouds or real fog are formed. 



It is further stated that it is probable that radiation from large water sur- 

 faces is almost constant at different temperatures as well as in different lati- 

 tudes. 



The humidity of the air, O. Maes (Gsndhts. Ingen., 88 {1915), Nos. 7, pp. 

 73-80; 8, pp. 90-93).— This article reports in detail results of studies of the 

 moisture content of the air at different temperatures with constant pressure. 



May frosts in Eberswalde and their prediction by means of the psy- 

 chrometer, J. Schubert {Ztschr. Forst u. Jagdw., 47 {1915), No. 2, pp. 84-92, 

 figs. 4).— Observations on the relation of atmospheric humidity to the formation 

 of frost are reported and discussed. 



The influence of volcanic dust veils on climatic variations, H. Aectowski 

 (Met. Ztschr., 32 {1915), No. 5, pp. 195-199).— A discussion of this subject has 

 already been noted from another source (E. S. R., 32, p. 509). 



Ground water level, rainfall, and soil texture, W. Keebs (Met. Ztschr., S2 

 (1915), No. 1, pp. ////, 45).— As the result of extensive investigations it is thought 

 that the soil moisture content very materially influences the amount of rainfall 

 in a district, and that in intensely cultivated districts the amount of water held 

 by the soil decreases. A permanent drying out of the soil accompanied by the 

 gradual receding of ponds and lakes in a district was found to be accompanied 

 by a gradual decrease in rainfall. 



Dew ponds: History, observation, and experiment, E. A. Martin (London: 

 T. Werner Laurie, Ltd. [1915], pp. 208, pis. 7, figs. 2; rev. in Amer. Jour. Sd., 



