716 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol. 37 



Carbonation studies. — I, A mechanical stirrer for carbonation direct in the 

 bottle, H. E. Patten. and G. H. Mains (Jour. Indus, and Engin. Chctn., 'J 

 (1911), No. 8, pp. 787, 788, figs. 2). — An apparatus and its manipulation are de- 

 scribed in detail. 



Vinegar investigation. — A study of the changes that cider undergoes dur- 

 ing fermentation and prolonged storage and its subsequent conversion into 

 vinegar in rotating generators, B. G. Hartman and L. M. Tolman (Jour. 

 Indus, and Engin. Chem., 9 (1917), No. 8, pp. 759-762).— The results of the in- 

 vestigation, which extended over a period of two years, show that during fer- 

 mentation a large part of the malic acid of the apple juice is destroyed to form 

 [actic acid. During acetification the remaining malic acid is almost entirely 

 oxidized. The fixed acid in the vinegar is chiefly lactic acid. The presence of 

 acetates in the vinegar and indications of minute amounts of formic acid were 

 demonstrated. Analysis of the ash showed it to contain 75 per cent of potas- 

 sium carbonate. 



Complete analytical data are submitted. 



Preserving fish for domestic use, H. F. Moore (U. S. Dcpt. Com., Bur. Fish- 

 eries Econ. Circ. 28 (1917), folio). — This circular gives detailed general direc- 

 tions for canning and salting fish for home consumption. 



A practical small smokehouse for fish (U. S. Dcpt. Com., Bur. Fisheries 

 Econ. Circ. 27 (1917), pp. 7, figs. S). — This gives directions for constructing the 

 smokehouse and cleaning, salting, and smoking the fish, and discusses the fuel 

 used in smoking and protection from mold. 



METEOROLOGY. 



New methods of weather prediction, A. Voss (Mitt. Dent. Dcndrol. Gc.icH.. 

 24 (1915), pp. ISS-149, figs. 2). — ^he author points out certain alleged deficien 

 cies in ordinary methods of weather forecasting, particularly from the stantl- 

 point of the farmer and gardener, and explains methods devised by himself 

 which he thinks overcome these deficiencies. 



Factors influencing the condensation of aqueous vapor in the atmosphere. 

 A. Masim (Nuovo Cinicnto, 6. scr., 12 (1916), II, No. 9, pp. 110-129, fig. 1 ; abs. 

 in SH. Abs., Sect. A.—Vhys., 20 (1917), No. 235, pp. 261, 262; Set. Anur. Sup., 

 84 (1917), No. 2180, p. 258). — Experiments bearing upon the action of ozone, 

 nitrogen peroxid, and, indirectly, ammonia, as well as of dust, in forming con- 

 densation nuclei in the atmosphere are reviewed. The effect of electrical dis- 

 rharge.s, flames, and glowing bodies in favoring condensation is also referred to. 



Ultraviolet light is not considere<l necessary for the formation of nuclei and 

 functions only as a source of ozone. Gaseous ions exhibit no power to consti- 

 tute condensation nuclei. " Trees, e.specially tall ones and those rich in resins, 

 give rise to ozone, and should therefore favor production of rain. Opinions on 

 the actual influence exerted by trees are, however, very variable." 



The relation between forests and atmospheric and soil moisture in India, 

 M. Hii.L [Indian] Forest Bui. .?5 (1916), pp. 4I, pis. 2: abs. in Intcrnat. Inst. 

 Agr. [Rome], Internat. Kci\ Sci. and Pract. Agr., 8 (1917), No. 4. PP- 554-556: 

 Nature [London], 99 (1917), No. 2492, pp. 445, 446).— This is a report ba.stnl 

 upon replies to a letter of inquiry sent out by the Government of British India, 

 asking information regarding (1) rainfall, (2) differences in level of the under- 

 ground water table, and (3) flow of rivers and streams in different parts of 

 India. 



The data obtained indicate that during the last 50 years there have been no 

 permanent changes in the rainfall which can be directly connected with the 

 monsoons. It appears, however, that forests may increase rainfall to a certain 



