1054 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



nitrate of soda alone. Similar results were obtained with Algerian phosphate and 

 precipitated tricalcium phosphate. An increase of yield was produced by mixtures 

 of nitrates and ammonium salts as well as by ammonium salts alone, the maximum 

 increase occurring in case of the latter. The yield of grain was, as a rule, increased 

 more than that of straw, the greatest increase of straw being, as a rule, with applica- 

 tions of organic nitrogen compounds. The increase due to applications of ammonium 

 salts varied widely from year to year with the weather conditions. 



Under favorable conditions the total yield was more than doubled, the yield of 

 grain nearly tripled by the bone meal. In case of superphosphate, Thomas slag, and 

 precipitated dicalcium phosphate there was no such increase of yield following the 

 application of ammonium salts. In fact, in some cases there was a decided decrease 

 in yield. When lime was not present in large amounts the bone meal in combina- 

 tion with ammonium salts was fully as effective as superphosphate. 



Methods of using- untreated rock phosphate, E. T. Mehakry (III. Agr., 10 

 (1906), No. 5, pp. 173-177). — This is a summary of experiments by the Maryland, 

 Ohio, and Illinois stations on the fertilizing value of untreated rock phosphate. 



Manurial value of molasses residue as compared with ammonium sulphate 

 and 40 per cent potassium salts, Lilienthal (Illus. Landw. Ztg., 25 (1905), No. 34, 

 pp. 319, 320; ahs. in Jour. Chem. Soc. [London], 88 (1905), No. 516, II, p. 650) .— The 

 dried molasses residue used in the comparative tests here reported contained 3.5 per 

 cent of nitrogen and 13 per cent of potash, but no phosphoric acid. The residue 

 produced about the same yield of potatoes as the mixture of ammonium sulphate and 

 40 per cent potash salt, with which it was compared. The quality of the potatoes 

 produced was good. 



The development of the potash industry, H. Precht (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 

 19 (19.06), No. 1, pp. 1-7), — A brief review of the history and present status of this 

 industry. 



German potassium deposits, W. Schmidtmann (Amer. FerL, 23 (1905), No. 6, 

 pp. 22-24). — A brief explanation of the formation of these deposits is given, and a 

 doubt is expressed as to whether like deposits of equal strength and purity exist in 

 any other country. 



The use of lime in agriculture, D. A. Gilchrist (Jour. Bd. Agr. [London], 12 

 (1905), No. 7, pp. 400-406; Trinidad Bot. Depjt. Bid. Misc. Inform., 1906, No. 49, 

 pp. 18-22). — A summary of available information regarding sources of supply, 

 methods of application, and action of lime in the soil, considered mainly from the 

 British standpoint. 



Corncobs as fertilizers and as fuel (Industrialist, 32 (1906), No. 17, pp. 270, 

 271). — Compiled analyses are reported to show that corncobs have very little value 

 as fertilizer (2 lbs. of nitrogen, 0.4 lb. of phosphoric acid, and 6.8 lbs. of potash, 

 worth $1.36) and less than that of barnyard manure, wheat straw, or corn stalks. 

 They are of more value as fuel ($2 per ton if wood is worth $6), and the resulting 

 ashes are rich in potash (about 50 per cent). The feeding of charred cobs to poultry 

 and hogs for tonic or medicinal purposes is recommended. 



Dead leaves as a fertilizer (Mo. Consular and Trade Rpts. [U. S.~\, 1905, No. 303, 

 p. 276). — A brief note is given on a report from the U. S. consul at Nantes on the 

 relative fertilizing value of the leaves of different trees. From the results reported 

 it is concluded that 44 lbs. of pear leaves, 80 lbs. of poplar, 51 lbs. of peach, 83 lbs. 

 of locust, 82 lbs. of elm, and 174 lbs. of vine, respectively, are equal in nitrogen to 

 100 lbs. of ordinary manure. 



Hog- bristles as a fertilizer, E. Miege (Jour. Agr. Prat., n. ser., 11 (1906), No. 

 5, p. 145). — This material contains about 9 per cent of nitrogen, which is very slowly 

 available in the soil. The improvement of its availability by treatment with super- 

 heated steam, a^ids, etc., or by composting, is suggested. It is stated that gardeners 

 have used the material with success for destroying slugs. 



