WATEE — SOILS. 655 



The influence of coverings of various kinds, including a layer of sand 10 to 12 cm. 

 deep, as proposed by Rimpau, mulches, and living plants is discussed; and observa- 

 tions are reported which show that mulched soil has a lower temperature than 

 unmulched, thus indicating that mulching increases the danger of frost. 



Measurement of precipitation, C. F. Marvin ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau 

 Circ. E, Iiwtminent Division, pp. 27, figs. JO). — The second edition of this pamphlet 

 of instruction for the measurement and registration of precipitation by means of the 

 standard instruments of the U. S. Weather Bureau. 



Tlie new cosmical meteorolog-y, F. H. Bigelow {Science, n. ser., 19 {1904), No. 

 470, j)p. 30-34, figs. 3). — In this article the attempt is made to present in orderly form 

 the sequence between sun spots and meteorological conditions on the earth. 



Weather folklore and local weather signs, E. B. Garriott ( U. S. Dept. Agr., 

 Weather Bureau Bui. 33, pp. 153, charts 21). — In this bulletin proverbs and sayings 

 relating to wind, clouds, atmospheric pressure, temperature, and moisture, the habits 

 and actions of animals and birds, and to plant life applicable to the United States 

 are briefly quoted and discussed. Finally, a summary illustrated by charts is given 

 of local weather signs as observed at regular stations of the Weather Bureau. 



Proceeding's of the second convention of Weather Bureau officials held at 

 Milwaukee, Wis., August 27-29, 1901, edited by J. Berry and W. F. R. 

 PuiLLiPS ( U. S. Dejit. Agr., Weather Bureau Bui. 31, pp. 246, pis. 37, figs. 9). 



WATER— SOILS. 



Irrigation experiments in 1901, J. A. Widtsoe et al. {Utah Sta. Bui. SO, pp. 

 65-199, ph. 9, figif. 5). — The experiments here reported represent the cooperative 

 work of three departments of the station, and "deal wholly with the proper use of 

 water by the farmer." 



The experiments were made on 90 plats 2 by 4 rods and 8 plats 2 by 5 rods in size 

 on the deepest and best land of the college farm, which is situated on typical "bench" 

 land formed by former Lake Bonneville. The soil is underlaid at a variable but 

 usually shallow depth by coarse limestone gravel, which secures perfect drainage, but 

 increases the difficulty of thorough irrigation. Physical and chemical analyses of 

 the first, second, and third feet of the soil are reported, and the specific gravity and 

 water-holding capacity were determined. Data relating to temperature, sunshine, 

 humidity, rainfall, and evaporation during tlie irrigating season are also given, as 

 well as the temperature and composition of the irrigation water used. 



The water was very constant in composition during the irrigating season. "Nitro- 

 gen was absent; phosphoric acid and potash were present only in small quantities. 

 The fertilizing value of the water was therefore very small." The temperature 

 varied from 54° F. in June and September to 60° in July and 62° in August. "All 

 the water used on the plats was measured by means of a very carefully constructed 

 Cippoletti weir" and a self-recording water meter. "The water was distributed 

 entirely in small wooden flumes. One main flume passes across the whole system of 

 plats, and lateral branches supply the different belts on either side of the main line." 

 The construction of these flumes and their use in distributing the w' ater are described 

 in detail. 



In the experiments reported an attempt was made to follow in considerable detail 

 the downward and lateral movement ot the water applied to the soil, by means of 

 moisture determinations in samples of soil from different locations and depths and 

 at different times; and to study the influence of irrigation on the growth, yield, and 

 composition of crops, including, corn, oats, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets,* alfalfa, red 

 clover, timothy, and English rye grass. The results, which it is pointed out apply 

 primarily to shallow bench lands, are summarized as follows: 



21250— No. 7—04 3 



