POODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 977 



lin (u 40 per cent solution of formaldehyde) to a fluid ounce of milk 

 greatly delayed the curdling action of rennet. Smaller amounts hin- 

 dered it less, but in ever}^ case the curd formed was less tirra than 

 normal. 



The relation bet-ween temperature and fermentation in the 

 ensiling of green fodders, A. Vauciikz, P. Makciial, et al. {^but. 

 Sci. Agroii.^ 1900^ //, No. i, pp. 1-32^ figs. 5, charts 9). — A record 

 is given of observations on the variations in temperature and in the 

 products of fermentation in silage prepared in different ways. The 

 process of ensiling is defined as the conservation of green fodders by 

 the antiseptic products of their fermentation. The nature, intensity, 

 and duration of the fermentation depend upon the amount of oxygen 

 which gains access to the ensiled material. The main object sought 

 is to prevent as completely as possible the access of oxygen. The 

 three main factors influencing the suppl}" of oxygen in the silo are (1) 

 the character and form of the silo, (2) the method of filling, and (3) 

 the weighting and packing of the silage. The pit silo is recommended 

 because it can be made more nearly air-tight than the above-ground 

 silo. The form of the silo should be as nearly as possible cubical, 

 with rounded corners. In order that the silage may settle uniformly 

 it is recommended that the bottom be made slightly smaller than the 

 top, the incline of the sides being about 5 to 10 cm. per meter. Rapid 

 filling of the silo is not considered advisable, since it is believed that 

 silage of the best quality is obtained by allowing all portions of the 

 mass to undergo the same degree of fermentation. When this condi- 

 tion has been reached the material may be weighted, preferably with 

 soil. Plants in the flowering stage are considered to be in the best 

 condition for ensiling, since more mature, drier plants do not undergo 

 satisfactory fermentation, although this defect ma}' be corrected to 

 some extent b}- wetting the material as the silo is filled. The method 

 of filling, wetting, and weighting should be varied with the tempera- 

 ture and character of fermentation going on in the silo. A certain 

 degree of fermentation is necessary to the production of the best 

 product. Too great fermentation destroys its value. The best silage 

 is as a rule obtained with temperatures between 55 and 70°. With a 

 temperature over 84:' the silage is black and of poor quality. 



Excretion of urea by the skin in health, C. C Easterbook {Scot- 

 tish Med. and Surg. Jour.^ 6 (1900), No. ^, pp. i^^-i^^).— Experiments 

 which have to do with the question of the effect of muscular work on 

 the excretion of nitrogen were made, the author himself being the sub- 

 ject. The effect of muscular work and hot baths on the excretion of 

 urea by the skin was studied. Both the work and the baths would each 

 induce profuse perspiration. The composition of the foods making up 

 the uniform diet eaten was calculated and the urine analyzed. The 

 urea in samples of perspiration was also determined. 



