FERTILIZERS. 25 



Experiments with tlie Rippert manure preservative, Gerlach and Vogel 

 {Fiihlmgii Landw. Ztg., 52 {190S) , No. 12, pp. ^6).9-^i.5).— Experiments with this 

 preservative, the active principles of which are fluorin and sulphuric acid, are 

 reported, from wb.ich the conclusion is drawn that manure treated with the preserva- 

 tive w^as but little more effective than that not so treated. 



The action of various phosphatic fertilizers on moor meadows, Bachmann 

 {Fi'thJhiif s Lnixhr. Zt</., .',2 {190.^), No. 9, pp. 5i.J-,?i7) .—Comparative tests of Thomas 

 slag, l)one meal, and superphosphate are reported. The order of effectiveness was 

 superphosphate, bone meal, Thomas slag. The superiority of the bone meal over 

 Thomas slag is attributed to tlie nitrogen content of the bone. 



On the value of the phosphoric acid in bone meal as plant food, H. G. 

 SoDERBAUM (A'. Lundt. Akad. Handl. och Tidskr., 42 {1903), No. l,pp. 42-58).— J^ dis- 

 cussion of investigations as to the fertilizer value of the phosphoric acid in bone meal, 

 with accounts of the results of work done in this line by the author at the experiment 

 station at Albano, Sweden. The author summarizes our present knowledge as to the 

 value of bone meal as a phosphatic fertilizer as follows: Bone meal may under cer- 

 tain conditions produce nearly as good results as Thomas phosphate, or even as super- 

 phosphate, but its action can easily be reduced to a considerable extent by various 

 factors which have little or no influence on the action of superphosphate or Thomas 

 phosphate. The use of bone meal therefore calls for greater care on the part of the 

 grower than the other phosphates. It can only in exceptional cases be applied to 

 advantage on soils rich in lime. Considering present prices for phosphatic fertilizers, 

 it is still believed, however, that bone meal can be applied economically in prefer- 

 ence to expensive and low-grade Thomas phosphate under conditions where it will 

 be apt to produce good results. — f. w. woll. 



Hoof meal, E. M. Paget {Amer. Pert., IS {1903), No. 5, pp. 5-7,, fig. i).— The 

 method of preparing this material for use as a fertilizer is described. 



TJpon the utilization of atmospheric nitrogen ("lime nitrogen"), M. Ger- 

 lach and P. AVagnek {Deut. Landw. Prei^se, 30 {1903), No. 42, p. 367). — In the prepar- 

 ation of acetylene gas from calcium carbid there is formed an impure calcium cyanamid 

 mixed with carbon and caustic lime. This product contains from 15 to 25 per cent 

 of nitrogen, which has been designated " lime nitrogen " and recommended for use 

 as a fertilizer. Pot and field experiments with oats, barley, mustard, and carrots 

 indicate that the nitrogen acts quickly and is almost as effective as nitrate. It was 

 used in large amounts without injurious effect on the crops. 



The potash salts, L. A. Groth {London: Lombard Prei^s, 1902, pp. VI + 291, 

 fig.'!. 62). — This book reviews the history of the discovery and exploitation of the 

 Stassfurt deposits; explains the formation, geology, and mineralogy of the salts; 

 gives statistics of production and exportation, and discusses their use in industry, 

 agriculture, and horticulture. One important section (106 pages) is devoted to 

 descriptions and discussions of machinery used in mining the salts. 



A number of experiments (mostly British) are cited to show the advantage of 

 more liberal use of potash on various field crops and fruits. It is claimed that the 

 anx)unts of potash now used for fertilizing purposes in Great Britain are not as large 

 in proportion to phosphoric acid and nitrogen as the needs of maximum croj^s require. 

 In the preface, by S. Rideal, attention is called to the importance of the increased use 

 of potash fertilizers in British agriculture. 



Phosphates and other mineral fertilizers, C. "W. Hayes and E. C. Eckel {U. 

 S. Geol. Snrccg Bid. 213, pp. 418-426). — The origin and extent of the Tennessee white 

 phosphates are discussed and • the white phosphate deposits of Decatur County are 

 described. 



Salt and gypsum deposits of southwestern Virginia, E. C. Pakkl ( U. S. 

 (ieol. Siirrci/ Bnl. 213, j'P- 406-417).— The location, character, and extent of these 

 deposits are discussed. 



