728 EXPERIMENT STATIOX KECORD. 



barium or strontium permits nodule development to a limited degree. The 

 relation of a balanced solution to nodule production has also been investigated. 



The assimilation of elementai-y nitrogen by yeasts and mold fungi, A. 

 KossowK'z { liii.clicin. ZlNfhr., 6'.J {I'JUi), No. l-.i, pj). 82-8'>). — The author has 

 followed u)) investigiitions previously rei)orted (E. S. R., 2S, p. 35; 31. p. 223), 

 and claims that the yeasts and mold fungi tested are able to utilize nitrogen 

 compounds existing in the air, but not the free nitrogen thereof. He considers 

 it doubtful whether yeasts or mold fungi exist which can utilize such atmos- 

 pheric nitrogen. 



Distribution of nitrates in Phytolacca, R. Spallino (Ann. Chim. Appl. 

 [Rome], J (V.)Vi). Xo. 11-12, pp. ')02-,')0.'>. pi. 1). — A preliminary study of the 

 nitrate content in growing portions of Phytolacca at different .stages is con- 

 sidered to show that nitrates in this plant have the character of reserve mate- 

 rial, a relation being noted between the degree of leaf activity at a given stage 

 and nitrate distribution iu the plant. 



The role of calcium in forest vegetation, L. Chanceeel {Rev. G6n. Bot., 25 

 bis {lOlJf), pp. 83-89, pi. 1). — Giving a brief account of tests of the influence of 

 several compounds uiwn the development of a number of common forest trees, 

 the author states that calcium salts exercise an accelerating influence (not com- 

 pletely nutrient, but probably strongly stimulant) on a number of forest growths, 

 jiroducing notai)le results without injury iu some instances. The maritime pine 

 was found to accommodate itself to a high projjortion of calcium and to show 

 much greater vigor than in a siliceous medium. Chestnut was cultivated in a 

 saturated solution of either sulphate or carbonate of calcium, which exercised 

 a favorable influence on this plant. In general, while other conditions are influ- 

 ential, calcium compounds, particularly as sulphate or as phosphate, exercise 

 V most important influence in silviculture. 



Growth of plants in a medium rich in carbon dioxid, W. Berkowski (Gar- 

 trmcclt. 17 {lUlS). Xo. 51, pp. 707-709, pjs. 2; 18 (191/f). Xo. .13. pp. U5. U6, 

 figs. 3). — Reporting experiments on several plants, the author states that 

 increase of carbon dioxid iu the atmosphere did not improve the appearance, 

 flowering, or body weight of the plants tested. 



On the nature of antagonism, W. J. V. Ostebhout (Science, h. set:, 41 

 (1915). Xo. 1050. pp. 255, 256). — The author presents a hypothesis formulated 

 as a result of his investigations on the permeability of protoplasm, by which 

 one may predict what substances will antagonize each other and what degree 

 of antagonism will exist between any two substances. Substances which alter 

 the permeability of protoplasm, it is said, may be divided into two classes. (1) 

 those which cause an increase, but not a decrease, of permeability, and (2) 

 those which can produce a decrease of permeability. 



As a result of his investigations the author claims his hn^othesis offers a 

 rational explanation of antagonism by showing that salts antagonize each other 

 because they produce opposite effects on the protoplasm and indicates definitely 

 what the effects are. From this it is possible to ]iredict. both qualitatively and 

 to a considerable exteut quantitatively, the effect of combinations of salts, but 

 this may also be extended to organic compounds and to show that nonelectrolytes 

 which decrease permeability can also antagonize such substances as sodium 

 chlorid. This indicates that the hypothesis may be applied so as to include both 

 electrolytes and nonelectrolytes. 



Senile changes in the leaves of Vitis vulpina and certain other perennial 

 plants, H. M. Benedict (Ahs. in Science, n. set:, 41 (1915). Xo. IO48. p. ISO).— 

 Through investigations extending over a period of seven years, the author has 

 found that leaves of V. vulpina and other plants exhibit evidence of senility. 

 Leaves of old plants have a higher percentage of vascular tissue than leaves of 



