208 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The Geological Survey of Ireland has recently been transferred from the charge of 

 the board of education to the department of agriculture and technical instruction. 

 In connection with an article on the transference, by Grenville A. J. Cole, describ- 

 ing the survey's work and published in the department's journal, it is mentioned 

 that a laboratory for the examination of soils was established in Belfast in 1837 as a 

 part of the geological survey, and a soil survey projected. "The scheme was unfor- 

 tunately regarded by the authorities as either immaterial or inopportune, and it was 

 left for Germany, the United States, Japan, and other nations to develop agricul- 

 tural geology as a branch .of organized research." In connection with the accounts 

 of recent drift surveys, chapters on the soils have been included, and now that the 

 geological survey has been transferred to the department of agriculture it is suggested 

 that these drift surveys will be supplemented by the preparation of soil maps for 

 districts of special agricultural interest. 



It is learned from Nature that the late John Innes, of'Merton, Surrey, left his 

 house, the Manor Farm, and two acres of ground, to establish thereon a school of 

 horticulture for giving technical instruction in the science and art of horticulture and 

 the necessary physical and mental training incidental thereto. 



It is reported that the Long Island Railroad has located an experimental farm on 

 Long Island, X. Y., to determine the possibilities of bringing the land into productive 

 condition. The land is overgrown with scrub oak and pine, and is typical of large 

 tracts which have never been cultivated, although lying at the very doors of a great 

 market. 



The University of Melbourne has received a largely increased endowment from the 

 government of Victoria on condition that a degree course in agriculture be estab- 

 lished. It is understood that the necessary arrangements for such a course have been 

 completed. 



A monument to the late Max Maercker, director of the agricultural experiment sta- 

 tion at Halle, was unveiled in Halle October 24. 



The name of the Durham College of Science, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, has 

 been changed to Armstrong College. The agricultural department of the college 

 remains in charge of Prof. Douglas A. Gilchrist. 



The secretary of state for the British Colonies has appointed Gerald Dodgeon to 

 examine and report upon questions relating to the development of the agricultural 

 resources of British West Africa. 



