20 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.35 



Data from chemical analyses of the clay "show clearly a totally different 

 composition from any ' clay ' on record. The alumina present is far below any 

 reasonably assumable compound with the soluble silica; the predominant base 

 being evidently magnesia, and that gi'eatly in excess of the lime present." 



The name Lucianite is suggested. 



Analyses of Queensland soils, J. C. Bkunnich (Ann. RpL Dept. Agr. and 

 Stock [Queensland], 1914-15, pp. 3^-^.9).— Chemical analyses of 152 samples 

 and physical and mechanical analyses of 136 samples of Queensland soils are 

 reported. 



Some preliminary investigations into the chemical composition of certain 

 vineyard soils in the Montagu and Robertson districts, A. I. Peeold and 

 D. C. CkzVwfokd (So. African Jour. ScL, 11 (1915), No. 9, pp. 337-349). — 

 Analyses of 80 samples of the soil, and Avhere possible of the subsurface and 

 subsoil, from these two districts of Cape Colony are reported and discussed. 

 The samples were taken at three depths, namely, from to 12 in., from 12 to 

 30 In., and from 30 to 48 in. The soils are of alluvial and residual origin, the 

 former varying in texture from loose loams to heavy clay loams, and the latter 

 being nearly all of a clayey nature. 



The results of the analyses are taken to indicate that the nitrogen and phos- 

 phoric acid contents of these soils are relatively low, while the contents of 

 potash and lime in most cases reach the average and in some cases exceed it. 

 Many of the soils showed a lower potash content than the corresponding sub- 

 soils, especially the residual soils. The nitrogen and phosphoric acid contents 

 of the subsoils were almost invariably less than those of the surface soils. 



Relation of carbon bisulphid to soil organisms and plant growth, E. B. Fred 

 (U. S. Dept. Agr., Jour. Agr. Research, 6 (1916), No. 1, pp. 1-19, pis. 2).— Ex- 

 periments conducted at the Wisconsin Experiment Station on the effect of carbon 

 bisulphid (1) on the number and activity of soil organisms of a silt loam soil, 

 (2) on buckwheat, clover, corn, mustard, oats, and rape in silt loam soil and in 

 silt loam and sand mixed, sand, clay, loam, silica sand, and acid soil, and (3) on 

 reinoculated soil and the accumulation of sulphates in soil are reported, con- 

 tinuing previous work (E, S. R., 27, p. 131). The following conclusions are 

 drawn : 



" The addition of carbon bisulphid to soil exerts a decided effect on the fauna 

 and flora of the soil, characterized by a temporary reduction in the number of 

 micro-organisms. Later, an enormous multiplication of bacteria takes place 

 and an almost parallel increase in production of by-products or soluble nitrogen 

 is noted. Tlie ammonia content seems to follow the curve of bacterial growth 

 and later gives way to larger amounts of nitrate. ... It seems that carbon 

 ?)isulphid in soil produces an increase in soluble compounds of nitrogen and 

 sulphur. 



" In Miami soil carbon bisulphid benefited the growth of buckwheat, oats, and 

 mustard. No relation seems to exist between plant stimulation with carbon 

 bisulphid and the form of the soluble nitrogen. In nonacid soils carbon bisul- 

 phid is most beneficial to sulphur crops. Mustard offers a good example. In all 

 of the experiments, except on acid soils, mustard showed an increased growth 

 from the use of carbon bisulphid. Carbon bisulphid in peat soil greatly benefits 

 the growth of red clover. In sand cultures plus soluble plant food carbon 

 bisulphid favors the growth of certain plants. 



" The data show clearly that carbon bisulphid docs not act alike in all soils or 

 toward all crops." 



The effect of heat upon soil fertility, W. L. Owen (Sugar [Chicagol, 17 

 (1915), No. 10, pp. 31, 32). — ^This is a brief review of work by others on partial 



