SOILS FEBTILIZEBS. 625 



approximately equivalent to 75 per cent tricalcium phosphate. The extent of 

 the deposits has not yet been determined. The Montana field is readily- 

 accessible and is favorably situated for shipment by rail to the agricultural 

 centers in the northern Middle West. 



The phosphates of the Pacific Isles, MaiziSres {Engrais, 26 (1911), No. 3, 

 pp. 69-73, figs. 6). — It is stated that the principal deposits of phosphate occur 

 on five islands, namely, Christmas, Ocean, Nauru, Angour, and Maliatea islands. 

 This article is devoted principally to an account of the exploitation of the 

 Maliatea phosphates by a large French company. 



Analyses are reported showing the Ocean Island phosphate to contain 39.5 

 per cent of phosphoric acid, the Nauru Island 40.01 per cent. According to the 

 analysis given the Makatea phosphate contains 38.14 per cent of phosphoric 

 acid and 5.09 per cent of calcium carbonate. The percentages of iron oxid 

 and alumina are very low. The production in 1910 was for Christmas Island 

 140,000 metric tons, for Ocean and Nauru islands 302,203 tons, and for Angour 

 Island 50,000 tons. The estimated output of Makatea Island for 1911 is 50,000 

 tons. 



The reaction of lime and gypsum on some Oregon soils, C. E. Bradley 

 (Jour. Indus, and Engin. Cliem., 2 (1910), No. 12, pp. 529, 530).— On the basis 

 of field observations and laboratory studies on typical soils of the State the 

 conclusion was reached that " the soils of western Oregon respond readily to 

 applications of gypsum. Tests on a number of these soils with lime and 

 gypsum under different conditions indicate that gypsum here acts as an indirect 

 potash fertilizer while lime does not. Neither of these fertilizers affects the 

 amount of water-soluble phosphates in the soil." 



Note on the composition of soot, H. W. Harv'ey (Jour. Agr. 8ci., 3 (1910), 

 No. Jf, pp. 398, 399). — Analyses of samples of soot from various sources showed 

 nitrogen varying from 0.5 per cent in soot from a boiler shaft weighing 47 lbs. 

 per bushel to 11 per cent in soot from a kitchen chimney weighing 9 lbs. per 

 bushel, indicating that in general the proportion of nitrogen varies inversely 

 as the weight per bushel. It is therefore suggested that soot be bought by 

 volume and not by weight. 



Analyses of seaweeds, W. H. Barlow (Jour. Bd. Agr. [London], It (1911), 

 No. 10, p. 832). — Analyses of samples of Fucus nodosus, F. serratus, and F. 

 vesiculosus are reported. The percentages of nitrogen found in the dry material 

 were 1.78, 2.88, and 2.29, respectively; of potash 4.47, 5, and 6.29, respectively; 

 and of phosphoric acid 0.29, 0.55, and 0.45, respectively. 



Inspection of commercial fertilizers, H. D. Haskins, L. S. Walker, and 

 J. F. Merrill (llassachuselts Sta. Bui. 135, pp. 75). — "This bulletin gives a 

 detailed report of the fertilizer inspection for 1910. It summarizes the main 

 points of the fertilizer law, states the number of fertilizers collected and 

 analyzed, gives the trade values of fertilizer ingredients, discusses valuations, 

 retail cash prices, and percentages of difference. It makes clear the economy 

 of buying only high-grade fertilizers by showing the cost per pound of the 

 several elements in the different grades. Mention is made of all brands show- 

 ing a noticeable commercial shortage and the tables of analyses give the 

 detailed composition of all fertilizers sold in Massachusetts." 



Analyses of various brands of so-called lava fertilizers are reported and 

 their value is discussed. 



Results of the fertilizer inspection for 1910, B. E. Curry and T. O. Smith 

 (New Hampshire Hta. Bui. 150, pp. 10). — The results of analyses of 138 samples 

 of fertilizers are reported. 



The averages for 94 brands of complete mixed fertilizers were nitrogen 2.36 

 per cent, available phosphoric acid 6.83 per cent, potash 5.07 per cent, selling 



