THE RELEASE OF SOIL NITROGEN 



121 



BACTERIAUSUALI.Y FOUNDIN 

 DECAYING ORGANIC MATTtR 



A. B. Mycoides: B B. Stutzeri 

 (after Conn) 



These bacteria are everywhere present. It is only re- 

 cently that these bacteria have been introduced to us in 

 a manner fitting their importance and even to-day we 

 scarcely know them. Yet we are 

 assured that whenever decay and 

 putrefaction take place, there large 

 numbers of these busy bodies are 

 at work : some kinds down deep 

 in the soil, where little oxygen 

 finds its way ; others near the sur- 

 face of the ground, where air and 

 food are more abundant ; some 

 kinds with vegetable substances, 

 which peculiarly attract them ; 

 and still others \\ith animal compounds, which meet their 

 fancy. In fact, you will find these bacteria almost every- 

 where : in air, in water, in milk, in all 

 vegetable and animal products, in the 

 soil. When much available organic 

 matter is at hand, these bacteria eat 

 greedily and multiply rapidly, but when 

 food is no longer available, they rest 

 and sleep and wait until more appears. 

 Without bacteria there would be no 

 decay. Of course, this work must be 

 done if plants are to be supplied with 

 food. Y\ ithout these bacteria, the by- 

 products of the farm manures, vege- 

 table matter, waste and roughage of 

 all kinds would only accumulate, 

 never decay. The soil would lose its lending power be- 

 cause its capital would be exhausted, and no means 

 would be available that its replenishment might take 

 place. 



ISACTERIA FOUND IN 

 DECAYING ANIMAL 



TISSUE 

 (after Conn) 



