FIELD CROPS. 959 



Licensed commercial fertilizers, F. W. Woll ( Wisconsin Sta. Bui. 109, pji. 5, 

 9, 70).— Analyses of 17 suiin)k's of fertilizers are reported, with the text of tlie State 

 fertilizer law. 



Special investigations on phosphates and the causes which modify their 

 assimilability, C. Sc-hkeibek {Rcdierclws spccktles snr les phosphates et les causes qui 

 modijieiit h-tir uhsorhuhU'de. Macseyck: Vanderdonck-Robyns, 1903, pp. 35, fig. 1). — 

 Investigations extending over a series of years are reported which show that Thomas 

 slag and mineral phosphates are more effective as fertilizers on acid peaty soils than 

 snperphosphates. Slag gives better results than precipitated phosphate, especially 

 on sar dy soils, and liming reduces the action of mineral phosphates but increases the 

 assimilability of the phosphoric acid of humus soils. 



On the role of phosphorus in mineral deposits, L. Dk L.vunav {Compt. Rend. 

 Acad.Scl. Paris, ISd^ {1904), No. 5, pp.SOS-310). 



The saline deposits of California, G. E. B.\iley {California State Mia. Bureau 

 Bid. 24, pp. 216, fi(js. 9S, maps 5). — This is a report of a geological reconnaissance of 

 the southeastern portion of California, and deals with the general climatic and geo- 

 logic conditions of the Great Basin, the deposits of borates, carbonates, chlorids, and 

 nitrates of the region, with a list of elevations, a bibliography, and an account of the 

 California State Mining Bureau. 



The portion of this report relating to nitrates is of special agricultural interest. 

 The similarity of the California nitrate beds to the Chilean deposits is pointed out. 

 The history, location, quality, and extent of the California deposits are discussed. 

 It is stated that nearly all the niter beds so far discovered are situated in the north- 

 ern part of San Bernardino County, extentling across the boundary line into the 

 southern part of Inyo County. "They are found along the shore lines, or old 

 beaches, that mark the boundary of Death Valley as it was during the Eocene times." 

 Chemical analyses are reported which show percentages of niter varying from 7.28 to 

 61.2 associated with varying quantities of sodium chlorid, sodium sulphate, calcium 

 sulphate, magnesium sulphate, and iodin compounds. 



While it is not possible to estimate with any degree of accuracy the extent and 

 value of these deposits, "the facts so far as obtained show the existence of quantities 

 on a scale large enough to be of national interest. The analyses show that niter 

 exists in some of the claims rich enough to rival the beds of Chile." 



The Chilean nitrate trade {Engineer, and 3Iin. Jour., 77 {1904), No. 13, p. 510) . — 

 The total export daring 1903 is reported at 31,688,294 quintals (1,606,343.01 tons). 

 Of this amount the United States consumed 5,914,275 quintals (299,853.74 tons). 



The most profitable agriculture with the cheapest manuring, H. Droop 

 {Neue Bahnen in der Landuurthschaft, vol. 3. Lohnendster Ackerhau hei hilligster 

 Dungung. Heidelberg: Moriell, 1903, p)p. 1X^-228, figs. 9). 



FIELD CROPS. 



Alfalfa in Alabama, J. F. Duggar {Alabama College Sta. Bui. 127, pp. 47, figs. 

 2). — This bulletin discusses alfalfa culture in Alabama, describes the results of experi- 

 ments made at the station, and presents the experience of a number of alfalfa grow- 

 ers in different parts of the State. Special mention is made of the Alabama soils 

 adapted to the culture of this crop, and several methods of soil inoculation are 

 outlined. 



Estimates from different farmers indicate that usually after the first season 4 cut- 

 tings of alfalfa can be made, and that on good land a total of from 3 to 6 tons of hay 

 per acre may be obtained. The first cutting is usually made about the first of May, 

 and sometimes even earlier. 



The author believes that from the data at hand well-drained black bottoms and 

 drained alluvial lime bottoms with a little sand may be regarded as first class; black, 



