qualities which are not too often closely associated. A hundred 
species are pictured, a valuable addition to the one hundred and 
sixty already published in a preceding volume. 
These two collections make no scientific pretension, the author 
being intent upon putting aside technical terms and descriptions 
in order to render reading easy and agreeable. 
The plates form a beautiful album which one looks over with 
pleasure while acquiring the correct names for the plants attract- 
ing one's interest. 
"(Translation of review by M. D. Bois, appearing in the 
Journal de la Societe Nationale d' Horticulture de France, 
August, 1922.) A. H. . 
A Laboratory Manual of Soil Bacteriology. By E. B. Fred. 
W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia and London, 1916. 
Xow that amateurs are taking up gardening so desperately 
in earnest, there is much in this book of interest and practical 
value. 
The subject of soil bacteriology, a comparatively hew science, 
has developed to a point where it can be taught effectively in 
our agricultural colleges. Recent investigations of soil bacter- 
iology have had to reckon with microorganisms such as fungi, 
protozoa, algae and yeasts. Hence, the title Soil Microbiology 
would be more appropriate than that of Soil Bacteriology. 
The author has arranged a series of laboratory exercises for 
the student of soil microbiology. These deal with methods of 
counting the microorganisms present in soils. They also deal 
with the transformation of certain mineral and organic sub- 
stances in the soil as due to microorganisms. Thus, we have 
exercises relating to nitrogen, carbon, sulphur, and iron trans- 
formation in the soil. 
Specific methods are given for the study of physiological 
groups of soil organisms, such as are responsible for the 
production of ammonia and of nitrates, the destruction of 
nitrates, the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, the destruction of 
cellulose, the oxidation of sulphur and the oxidation of iron. 
Instruction in methods of laboratory technique, particularly the 
preparation and use of stains, is also given. Altogether, the book 
is well arranged and should be an acceptable guide for students 
of soil microbiology. 
Agricultural Experiment Station J. Gr. LlPMAN. 
New Brunswick, X. J. Dean and Director 
Soils. Their Properties and Management. By Lyon, Fippin and 
Buckman. The MacMillan Company, New York. 1921. 
This is intended primarily as a textbook on soils and soil 
fertility. It is so arranged as to be suitable for use with advanced 
students. The authors develop the subject by starting with an 
introductory statement concerning the general nature of soils 
36 
