SOILS FERTILIZERS. 119 



Contribution to the knowledge of the lands and the agriculture of Syria, 

 H. AuHAGEN (Bcr. Land u. Forstw. AusJaiidc, 1907, No. 16, pp. 85, figs. J/B). — 

 This is a summary account of the geography, climate, soil, water supply, flora 

 and fauna of agricultural importance, administratiA-e and economic conditions, 

 population, general systems of agriculture in vogue, irrigation, dry farming, 

 animal breeding, and other incidental agricultural industries of this region, 

 which is stated to be about oue-half the size of the German Empire. 



Soils [of the Malay States] and their analysis, M. K. Bambeb (Agr. Bui. 

 Straits and Fed. Malay States, 6 (1907), No. 9, pp. 274-277).— Chemical and 

 physical analyses of 3 samples of alluvial clays and 7 of sandy loams represent- 

 ing typical soils of the Malay States are reported. 



It is stated that the soils of the Malay States are roughly divided into two 

 distinct kinds, (1) flat alluvial clays or muds on the banks of the rivers near 

 the seacoast, and (2) undulating low soils a few miles inland, varying from 

 free sandy loams to heavy clays. There are also some peaty soils resting on 

 clay a few miles from the coast. 



As a rule the soils are not especially rich in plant food, but their physical 

 properties are exceptionally good. The alluvial clays or muds are generally 

 rich in nitrogen. Potash is frequently deficient, and the proportion of phos- 

 phoric acid is variable. The upland soils have a larger proportion of sand and 

 coarser particles and as a result the natural drainage is better. They are richer 

 in nitrogen than the proportion of organic matter would indicate, but are 

 usually slightly deficient in potash and phosphoric acid. 



Classification of soils, L. A. Rebello da Silva (Rei\ Agron. [Portugal], 5 

 (1907), No. 10, pp. 29/,-301).— This article briefly describes different types of 

 soils and soil characteristics and gives analyses and a physico-chemical classifi- 

 cation of a number of Spanish soils examined by the Schloesing method. 



The nomenclature of soils, M, Paedo y Urbina (La Nonienclatura de las 

 Tierras. Mexico, 1907, pp. 14). — This article discusses the necessity for a uni- 

 foi'm agricultural classification of the soils of Mexico. 



Physiography for high schools, R. D. Salisbuky (New York, 1908, pp. 

 VIII + 531, pis. 24, flgs. 469).— It is stated in the preface that "this book has 

 been prepared with the purpose of letting the beginner into the method of the 

 science with which the book deals, as well as with the purpose of conveying 

 information to him. It has been prepared with the conviction that the child 

 likes to reason and to follow reasoning, and that reasoning and following rea- 

 soning contribute more to his mental growth than the accumulation of great 

 numbers of facts. It has been written with the conviction that the growth of the 

 pupil is more important than facts about physical geography." Directions for 

 laboratory work are not given in the text, it being the author's opinion that such 

 work will be most effective if suggested by the teacher. The book is divided into 

 four parts, the lithosphere, earth relations, the atmosphere, and the ocean. The 

 formation and general characteristics of soils are treated in the first jmrt and 

 climate and weather in the third. 



Land ruin compared with soil improvement, C. G. Hopkins (Penn. Dept. 

 Agr. Bui. 154, PP- 118-136). — The results are given of continuous cropping with- 

 out systematic manuring as compared with a system of soil improvement based 

 upon the use of phosphates in connection with farm manures and green manur- 

 ing with leguminous crops as applied especially to the soils of the Central West. 



On the deep cultivation of soils, Strecker (FiihUng's Landw. Ztg., 57 

 (1908), No. 2, pp. 46-64, flgs. 14).— The advantages of deep culture are briefly 

 stated and different methods and appliances used in Germany for the purpose 

 are described. 



