432 EXPERIMENT STATION EECOED. 



Summarizing the results of his investigations it is said that the addition of 

 sterilized and inoculated peat adds active nitrogen-fixing organisms to the soil 

 under suitable conditions for nitrogen fixation. It stimulates the nitrogen 

 fixers already in the soil, adds direct plant food, promotes root development, 

 and improves the mechanical condition of the soil. 



The inulin metabolism of Cichorium intybus. — II, Origin and storing of 

 inulin, V. Geafe and V. Vouk {Biochem. Ztschr., Ifl (1912), No. 3-4, pp. 320- 

 S30). — Continuing former work (E. S. R., 28, p. 821), the authors report that 

 inulin appears to play an important part in the assimilation of carbon dioxid 

 by chicory, that no difference in content of inulin or sugar as between forenoon 

 and afternoon is noted, and that in the earlier course of root development an 

 increase of inulin is noted in relation to a decrease of reducing sugars. 



The inulin metabolism of Cichorium intybus, III, V. Grafe and V. VouK 

 (Biochem. Ztschr., 56 (1913), No. S, pp. 2^9-257). — Summarizing this contribu- 

 tion in connection with previous work (see above), the authors state in addi- 

 tion to former conclusions that inulin dissolved in cell sap also serves as a 

 protection from cold. 



The physiological significance of anthocyanin in Hedera, F. Tobler (Fest- 

 schrift 84. Versamml. Dent. Naturf. u. Arzte von der Med. NaPurw. Oesell. 

 Munster, 1912, pp. 218-221). — The author cites observations of his own on 

 Hedera, claimed to show that the capability to form anthocyanin in a plant is 

 related to its degree of adaptation to a cool or cold climate. 



Injury to plants by smoke gases and dust, J. Hasenbaumee (Festschrift 

 84. Versamml. Deut. Naturf. u. Ar;:te von der Med. Naturw. Oesell. Miinster, 

 1912, pp. 123-147)- — Comparative figures regarding plants grown in smoke or 

 gases (as from coke works) are cited to show the unfavorable effects thereof on 

 development and content in numerous cases including widely separated species. 

 The part played by wind in this connection is also discussed; 



Injury to vegetation near oyanamid works, G. Ampola and A. Vivenza 

 (Ann. R. Btaz. Chim. Agr. Sper. Roma, 2. ser., 6 (1913), No. 2, pp. 77-115). —A 

 study of the various degrees of injury to vegetation observed around chemical 

 works near Terni, Italy, is said to show that this is due to dust and vapors 

 given off, in particular sulphur dioxid, which is claimed to be injurious when 

 present in very small proportions. 



Concrescences in forest trees, Zametzee (Mitt. Bayer. Bot. Gesell., 3 (1913), 

 No. 1, pp. 8, 9, pi. 1; als. in Bot. CentU., 122 (1913), No. 20, pp. 468, 469).— 

 Illustrations and descriptions are given of two cases in each of which two 

 vigorous young red beech trees are united into one cylindrical trunk several 

 meters above the ground. This is thought to be the result of abrasion due to 

 wind movements when weighted with snow. 



The group origin of species, H. de Vries (Gruppenweise Arfbildung unter 

 spezieller Berilcksichtigung der Gattung (Enothera. Berlin, 1913, pp. VIII-\-365, 

 pis. 22, figs. 121; rev. in Nature [London], 92 (1913), No. 2301, pp. 395, 396).— 

 This book, which is considered an outgrowth and development of the author's 

 mutation theory, marks an important advance in our knowledge of the heredi- 

 tary behavior of the evening primroses and also coordinates and develops his 

 views on the general subject of heredity and its relation to mutation. 



The author adheres to the view that characters which are independently in- 

 herited must be represented by separate structures (pangens) in the cell. These 

 are not considered simply present or absent from the cell but may exist under 

 three conditions, active, inactive, and labile. 



In addition to the theoretical discussion, he shows that new and constant 

 races frequently result from crossing. Some of these races, however, are not 



