232 KXl'EKIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Central IMiwaihisippi vuIIcvk aiv entirely al)Sfiit. The air is healthful and physically 

 invij^orating to a remarkable degree." 



Psychrometric observations in the forest and in the steppe, N. Adamov 

 {Trudi. Opuitii. Lyefoi., 1902, No. 1; ahu. in Zhnr. Opivitu. Agron. {^Jour. Expt. Landw.], 

 4 ( 1903), No. 2, pp. 249, 2.50). — The author reports the results of preliminary observa- 

 tions made with the aid of a psychrometer on the distribution of heat and humidity 

 in fields and woods, at the surface of the soil and at a height of j ft., and also in the 

 tops and over the tops of trees. The results are not conclusive, l)ut indicate that, on 

 open lields and clearings in the woods, the air is somewhat warmer tlian in the forest, 

 while the humidity is, on the contrary, somewhat greater in the forest than on the 



field. — I". FIUKMAN. 



Observations on the humidity of the air, T. 0. Frizendorf {KJiozijain, 1902, 

 No. 49; cfte. in Zhur. Opuitn. Agron. [Jour. Expt. Landw.'}, 4 {1903), No. 2, p. 251). — 

 The author, on the basis of oljservations extending over 4 years, recommends Tres- 

 ka's method of forecasting, which is as follows: If the temperature of the dew-point 

 is higher than the mean temperature of the day a frost may be expected; if it is zero 

 there will be a thunderstorm; if it is greater than zero and less than 3 there will be 

 rain, a difference greater than 3 and less than 6 indicates more or less cloudiness; if 

 the difference is equal to 6 fine weather may be expected; if it is 7 to 8 a strong wind- 

 storm is probable. A barometric rise and an east wind increase the chances of fine 

 weather, while a barometric fall and a west wind lower the chances. — p. fireman. 



Spring frost in the Mediterranean climate, M. Chassant {Ann. Ecole Nat. Agr. 

 Montpellier, n. ser., -' {1903), No. 4, pp- 291-323, pis. 5).— This is a record of observa- 

 tions made at the meteorological station of the national school of agriculture at 

 Montpellier during the period from 1893 to 1902. The general characteristics of the 

 climate of the Department of Herault, in which Montpellier is situated, are discussed. 

 These are droughts and prolonged high temperatures in summer, irregularity of rain- 

 fall, and extremes of temperature observed during some years, sometimes in winter, 

 sometimes in summer. The observations which are summarized include tempera- 

 ture, pressure, direction and velocity of wind, and cloudiness. The larger proportion 

 of the frost observed occurred during periods of low pressure. The frosts were, it is 

 claimed, a result of a current of cold air which acted in conjunction with nocturnal 

 radiation. 



WATER— SOILS. 



The contamination of public water supplies by algae, G. T. Moore ( U. S. 

 Dept. Agr. Ycurhunk 1902, pp. 175-186, pis. 2). — The importance of a more careful 

 microscopic study of water with reference to wholesomeness is pointed out, and plant 

 and other organisms affecting the color, taste, or odor of water are discussed, particu- 

 lar attention being given to the structure, multiplication, and effects on water of 

 Spirogyra of the Chlorophyce*, blue-green alg;e (Schizophycepe), Diatomace?e, and 

 Syngeneticeie. Methods of jDreventing pollution, including covering reservoirs, 

 keeping water free from organic matter, aeration, etc., are briefly described. 



Potable waters, L. Granueau {Jour. Agr. I'rat., n. ser., 5 {1903), No. 24, pp. 753, 

 754). — A brief general discussion of the (|ualities which potal)le water should possess. 



On the rate of movement of underground waters, E. Fournier and A. Ma(;nin 

 {Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 136 {1903), No. 14, PP- .9iO-Sia') .—Experiments with 

 fluorescein, salt, starch, etc., in the region of Jura are reported. Among the facts 

 brought out is that fluorescein is diffused more slowly than are cultures of micro- 

 organisms and other contaminating agents. 



Analysis of waters and interpretation of the results, J. K. Haywood ( U. S. 

 Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1902, pp. 283-294). — The significance of the various determina- 

 tions made in sanitary and mineral analysis of water, and analysis of water for irriga- 

 tion and boiler purposes is explained. 



