282 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



starch hydrolysis is shown by all the salts used at different concen- 

 trations. The highest acceleration observed was that for iron (291 per 

 cent.) and calcium (269 per cent.). Retardation of hydrolysis was 

 shown at high concentrations for all salts excepting sodium chloride 

 and potassium chloride. These last two produced a retarding action 

 at low concentrations. 



The author describes these effects to the various actions employed. 



G. F. S. E. 



Endothia virginiana. By P. J. Anderson and H. W. Anderson 

 (Phytopathology, ii. 261-262; Dec. 1912). — A description of the new 

 fungus allied to the species causing chestnut bark disease and referred 

 to in a previous communication (see Journal R.H.S., vol. xxxviii. 

 (1913), p. 632, also ante, pp. 274, 275) is given. — F. J. C. 



Evaporation in Ravines and Forests. By George D. Fuller (Bot. 

 Gaz., pp. 424-426 ; Nov. 1912 ; with 1 fig.). — The author found that 

 the average rate of evaporation at 25 cm. above the surface of the 

 soil was 7*4 c.cm. daily throughout the season, and at 2 metres height 

 13-5 c.cm. daily. In a ravine 10 metres deep, the evaporation on the 

 slope at 4 metres below the edge averaged 5-9 c.cm. daily. 



So different levels in the same association may have very different 

 conditions as regards humidity. The author points out that many beech 

 seedlings die before reaching 6 feet in height, and that the ravine (above) 

 contained many delicate forms unusual elsewhere. — G. F. S. E. 



Exochorda Giraldi (Die Gart., p. 450 ; Aug. 17, 1912). — A 

 comparatively new, hardy shrub of erect growth and with ovate acute 

 leaves 2 to 3 centimetres long, petioles long reddish. The flowers are 

 erect in long racemes ; white, tinged pink or rose. — G. R. 



Exochorda Korolkowi (Die Gart., p. 450; Aug. 17, 1912). — 

 The flowers in this very little known species are sulphur-coloured, 

 rarely greenish yellow, and the plant grows into a compact, handsome 

 bush; flowering during April and May. — G. R. 



Farmyard Manure, Chemical Composition as a Measure of Value. 



By C. Crowther and A. G. Ruston (Trans. High, and Agric. Soc. 

 Scotland, xxiv., pp. 219-236 ; 1912). — Further evidence is given that 

 the ordinary methods of estimating the value of farmyard manure 

 are defective. The experiments described lead to the following con- 

 clusions : (1) The difference in composition between the manures 

 produced by animals fed under the same conditions but on different 

 rations may vary widely from that which the composition of the foods 

 consumed would lead one to expect. This is especially the case where 

 the amount of " roots " included in the rations differs greatly. 

 (2) The chemical composition of the manures by itself is not a 

 reliable measure of their relative values. The paper is an important 

 contribution. — W. G. S. 



