28() 



EXPEEIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Relation of bacteria to the inversion of crystallized sugars, W. K. Dodson 

 {LoulsiaiKt (SVa.s. Bui. 75, 2. scr., pp. 259-2GS). — Kecognizing the fact that unrefined 

 sugars are subject to inversion during storage or transportation over long (hstances, 

 bacterit)logical studies were undertaken, and a bacterium isolated whicli is regarded 

 as the cause of tlu' inversion. The test led to the following conclusions: 



"Sugar that Mas sterilized and not inoculated with any organism did not deterio- 

 rate in i)ui-ity. Sugar sterilized and inoculated with pure cultures of organisms found 

 in inverting sugars show a decided inversion. There is no reason to believe that 

 any other agent than the organism introduced was responsible for this inversion." 



The character of the bacterium was not fully determined, but it is planned to con- 

 tinue the work. 



Preservation of eggs, R. Guenther {IJ. S. Consular Rpts., 73 [IDOS), No. 276, 

 pp. ci:, c>7). — A note on the successful use. of water-glass solution for preserving eggs. 



Preserving eggs {Agr. Gaz. New ,Sout]i. Wale.':, 14 {1903), No. 5, j)p- 472, 473). — 

 A inunber of experiments carried on in Germany are briefly quoted, which show that 

 the best results were obtained when eggs were either varnished with vaselin, 

 immersed in limewater, or in water-glass solution. 



Hens' eggs, E. Carpiaux {Bxd. Ind. Chim. et Bad. GemUoux, 1903, No. 73, p)p. 

 .■?,9-5i).^Noted from another publication. (E. S. R., 15, p. 64. ) 



ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 



The value of oak leaves for forage, W. W. Mackie {California Sta. Bui. 150, 

 pp. 21, figs. 10). — Having noted that live stock readily eat the leaves of certain oaks, 

 the author studied the chemical composition and food value of the leaves of a num- 

 ber of species found in the northern coast ranges of California, and also the leaves of 

 poison oak. In addition to the usual data the tannin in the leaves was determined. 



The results oi analyses of the different kinds of foliage follow, the leaves being 

 gathereil in every case in the fall when they were fully mature: 



Composition of oak and poison oak leaves. 



It was observed that the poisonous oil of poison oak is apparently volatile at a 

 comparatively low temperature, as samples dried at ordinary room temperature did 

 not i)roduce poisonous effects. 



In general all the leaves examined possessed a high crude fiber content and less 

 nitrogen-free extract than leguminous crops. The resins present "have pungent and 

 disagreeable flavors, which render them distasteful to stock. A good example of 

 this is seen in the Qucrcus californica. The leaves of the young trees and shrubs of this 

 species contain no more tannin than those of most of the other species, are only IJ 

 per cent below^ alfalfa in nitrogen-free extract, have a fair amount of protein, are low 

 in crude fiber, and are large and soft. These qualities should produce a feed superior 

 to oat hay. This is not the case, however, for stock avoid it to a great extent on 

 account of the resins and waxes in the dense tomentum covering the leaves. These 



