FERTILIZERS. 659 



"The soils of the western, central, and eastern portions of the State show marked 

 differences in their percentages of potash and lime. The potash content is generally 

 greatest in the eastern part, and least in the western, while in the central portion 

 the amount is intermediate. The lime content is greatest in the central part, where 

 the minimum amount of rain falls. It is least in the western part, especially in 

 those portions where the rainfall is 40 in. or more. An intermediate amomit is found 

 in that portion where the rainfall varies from 18 to 30 in. 



" In many of the samples here reported, the amount of soda exceeds that of potash. 

 This is unusual (except in alkali soils) and is doubtless due to the basaltic origin of 

 the soil, and to the climatic conditions attending the soil-forming period." 



The fertilizers likely to give best results on the different soils are indicated. 



Ground temperature observations at Manila, 1896-1902, J. Algue {Manila, 

 1902, pp. 10, ph. S) . — A record is here given of a long series of observations on soil 

 temperatures at depths varying from 9.84 to 59.06 in. From the data which are 

 given in tables and diagrams the following conclusions are drawn: 



In the cool season the soil temperature at a depth of half a meter is lower than the 

 air temperature, and at 1 meter oscillates around the maximum temperature of the 

 air. On warm days the temperature below 19.68 in. ranges higher than the air tem- 

 perature, but at 1 meter also oscillates around the highest temperature at the surface. 

 The temperature at 39.38 in. remains stationary from sunset to sunrise, and 19.68 in. 

 from midnight to sunrise. The maximum temperature was observed at 10 a. m., 

 both at 39.38 and at 19.68 in., from 6 a. m. at both depths. "Changes become more 

 accentuated at 19.68 in., the rise of temperature being very remarkable after 6 a. m. 

 This may clearly explain why at 8 a. m. underground temperature at 19.68 in. ig con- 

 stantly higher than the air temperature, even during the cool season. Underground 

 temperature is lower during the warmest hours above the ground." The relation of 

 soil temperatures to sickness and disease is discussed. 



The alkalinity of soils and its effect on the growth of cereals, V. Peglion 

 {Staz. Sper. Agr. Itah, 36 {1903), No. 8-9, pp. 6S4-694).—The results of observations 

 on this subject by the author and others are summarized. 



Are soluble iodids absorbed by the soil? S. Suzuki {Bid. Col. Agr. Tokyo 

 Imp. Vnir., 5 {1903), No. 4, PP- 519-521). — Tests are reported which show that an 

 iodid is more quickly and completely absorbed by the soil than a chlorid. 



Guide to the scientific study of soils, F. Wahnschaffe {Anleitung zur wissen- 

 schaftlichen Bodenuntersuchung . Berlin: Paul Parey, 1903, pp. 190, figs. 54) • — The 

 second revised edition of this well-known work. 



FERTILIZERS. 



The fertilizer value of various nitrogenous fertilizers, with especial refer- 

 ence to green manure and barnyard manure, A. von 'Sigmond {Landw. ]'ers. 

 Stat., 59 {1903), No. 3-4, pp. 179-215). — Three series of pot experiments carried out 

 during 1900 and 1901 are reported. The pots used were of glazed clay 30 cm. 

 deep and having a surface area of 410 sq. cm. The soil used was a calcareous 

 sand poor in nitrogen. The fertilizers used were nitrate of soda, sulphate of 

 ammonia, horn meal, dried blood, dried pig manure, fresh and well-rotted barnyard 

 manure, and green manures of various kinds. These were applied in amounts fur- 

 nishing about 135 kg. of nitrogen per hectare (120.49 lbs. per acre). The crops 

 grown in the different exj)eriments included barley, Vlehkrant] white mustard, 

 summer rape, and buckwheat. The influence of the fertilizers was studied on 2 suc- 

 cessive crops, the fertilizers being applied only to the first. 



Detailed data are given for the yields and nitrogen content of the crops, and from 



