128 



EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



It is stated that the method is being tested on a large experimental scale in 

 France. 



On the method of producing' bicalcic phosphate with the help of electro- 

 lytically produced acid and alkali, W. Palmaek (Orig. Commiin. 8. Internat. 

 Cong. Appl. Gliem. [Washington and New York], 26 (1912), Sects. Vla-XIi, 

 App., pp. 5.'fl~5ol; Trans. Amer. Electrochem. Soc, 22 {1912), pp. IfSS-J/JiJi; 

 Amer. Fert., S8 (1913), No. 11, pp. 41-Jf5). — The so-called Palmaer process of 

 producing bicalcium phosphate by the action of acid and alkali, electrolytically 

 produced from sodium chlorate or perchlorate, on tricalcium phosphate is 

 described, and the value of the product as a fertilizer is briefly discussed. 



The phosphate deposits of continental North America, L. P. Brown (Orig. 

 Commiin. 8. Internat. Cong. Appl. Clieni. [WasJnngtun and New York], 26 

 (1912), Sects. Vla-XIb, App.. pp. 87-113).— The extent, character, and relative 

 commercial importance of these deposits are discussed. It is stated " that 

 since the beginning of phosphate mining in this country on a commercial scale 

 in 1867, there have been mined according to the U. S. Geological Survey 

 39,640,810 tons of rock, valued at $162,329,000. Of this total South Carolina 

 mining since 1867 has produced 11,200,074 tons, Florida mining since 1888 has 

 produced 20.371,290 tons, and Tennessee mining since 1894 has produced 

 6 483,983 tons." 



Potash from seaweed in Mexico (Jour. Indus, and Engin. Chem., 5 (1913), 

 No. 4, p. 338). — Reference is made to a concession to a company to collect and 

 utilize for the manufacture of potash the kelp found floating along the western 

 coast of Mexico, the principal manufacturing plant to be at San Diego. Refer- 

 ence is also made to a company formed in Los Angeles, Cal., to manufacture 

 potash and other products from kelp. 



[Production of potash salts and other fertilizers in Germany in 1912] 

 (Chem. Ztg., 37 (1913), No. 12, p. 127; alts, in Jour. Indus, and Engin. Chem., 

 5 (1913), No. 4, p. 338).— It is stated that the sales of potash .salts in 1912 

 amounted to $42,142,857. as against $38,819,047 in 1911. The exports of potash 

 salts from the German Empire for 1912 were as follows: 



Exports of potash salts from the German Empire in 1912. 



Kind ol salts. 



Total. 



To United 

 States. 



Crude salts 



Potassium chlorid 



Potassium sulpliatc 



Potassium-magnesium sulpliates 



Total exportations 



Metric tons. 



1,300,559 



286, 528 



85, 452 



48,540 



Metric tons. 



650, 297 



190,775 



35,366 



14,172 



1,721,079 



890, 610 



The total German import of other fertilizers in 1912 was 519,246 metric tons, 

 the export 969,715 tons. 



How lime is distributed throug'h and lost from soils, L. B. Broughton 

 (Maryland Sta. Bui. 166, pp. 285-326, figs. 2). — Continuing previous work (E. S. 

 R., 18, p. 718) commercial and chemically pure calcium oxid, ground limestone, 

 ground oyster shells, gypsum, calcium phosphate, magnesium carbonate, and 

 barium hydrate were mixed with sand, clay, and loam soils in large stone- 

 ware pots provided with arrangements for collecting the drainage water. One 

 series of the pots was kept in a greenhouse and supplied with an amount of 

 water equal to the average rainfall during the past 9 years at the station, 

 38.83 in. Another series was exposed to the natural weathei* conditions in the 



