"(2) Undissolved bone meal as a phosphate fertilizer is no more valuable than are the raw mineral phosphates.

"(3) Hereafter it must be classed with the latter rather than with high-grade phosphates containing available phosphoric acid.

"(4) As a phosphate fertilizer it yields no better results than mineral phosphates, whether tried alone or with superphosphate, on loams or sandy soils, on soils rich or very poor in phosphoric acid, whether with grains or with turnips, mustard, or other cruciferous plants, either in the first or in succeeding crops.

"(5) The various kinds of bone meal show no essential difference in these results. "(6) The best form in which to apply bone meal is as dissolved bone meal,' i. e., mixed with 60-degree sulphuric acid, at the rate of 20 per cent for raw and 40 per cent for glue-free bone meal.

"(7) For stocking land with a supply of phosphoric acid, 'dissolved bone meal is better adapted than is superphosphate."

Inspection of fertilizers in Maine, W. H. JORDAN, J. M. BARTLETT, and L. H. MERRILL (Maine Sta. Bul. 22, 2d ser., pp. 20).—Notes on the work of the fertilizer control in Maine and on valuation of fertilizers, with tabulated analyses of SS samples of fertilizers examined during 1895. Bulletin 18 of the station (E. S. R., 7, p. 111) gave the results of analyses of manufacturers' samples examined during this year. The present bulletin is devoted almost entirely to analyses of samples selected by a station representative at different points in the State from goods which were offered for sale. A summary of the results of analyses of 57 brands is given as follows:

"(1) The averages for nitrogen are: Guaranty, 1.99 per cent; manufacturer's sample, 2.14 per cent; station sample, 2.09 per cent. For available phosphoric acid the averages are: Guaranty, 7.84 per cent; manufacturer's sample, 9.05 per cent; station sample, 8.58 per cent. For potash: Guaranty, 3.31 per cent; manufacturer's sample, 3.60 per cent; station sample, 3.42 per cent.

"(2) In the 57 brands the station sample, as compared with the manufacturer's sample, was in nitrogen practically the same 23 times, poorer 22 times, and better 12 times; in available phosphoric acid, practically the same 14 times, poorer 31 times, and better 12 times; in potash, practically the same 16 times, poorer 24 times, and better 17 times.

"(3) Comparing the station sample with the minimum guaranty, the station sample was, in nitrogen, practically the same 27 times, poorer 9 times, better 21 times; in available phosphoric acid, practically the same 20 times, poorer 7 times, better 30 times; in potash, practically the same 17 times, poorer 14 times, and better 26 times.” As a rule, the fertilizers sold in the State were well up to the minimum guaranty.

Analyses of fertilizers, E. B. VOORHEES, L. A. VOORHEES, and J. P. STREET (New Jersey Stas. Bul. 113, pp. 72).-This bulletin gives discussion and data relating to trade values of fertilizing ingredients in 1895 and the average cost per pound of fertilizing constituents, and analyses and valuations of 576 samples of fertilizing materials, including factory-mixed and home-mixed fertilizers, nitrate of soda, dried blood, dried and ground fish, hoof meal, tankage, bone, acid phosphate, muriate of potash, sulphate of potash, kainit, and wood ashes.

"The average composition, selling price, and commercial valuation per ton of all the brands of mixed fertilizers examined in 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, and 1895, as well

as the percentage difference between valuation and selling price, or the charges for mixing, bagging, and selling, are shown in the following tabulation:

Composition, selling price, and valuation of mixed fertilizers.

"[An examination of the home mixtures shows that] plant-food, costing the farmer $28.62 per ton when mixed at home, is worth at station valuation $31.68, and costs on the average in commercial mixtures $43.12.

"The home mixtures examined represent the purchase of over 1,000 tons. At the rate here indicated there has been a saving of $14,500, certainly a good return for cash payments instead of credit, for selecting materials high-grade and suited to the needs of the soil and plant, instead of buying hit or miss, and for using the regular labor of the farm in mixing instead of paying others who do the work no better."

The food of crops and how to apply it, C. M. AIKMAN (London: Vinton & Co., Ltd., 1895, pp. 88).—“This little work is intended as a guide to the elementary principles involved in the application of fertilizers. It does not in any sense claim to be a treatise on the subject of manures and may be regarded as forming an introductory text-book to the author's manual on 'Manures and Manuring.' It is hoped that the elementary facts of agricultural chemistry necessary for an intelligent comprehension of the subject are stated in such a way that readers unacquainted with natural science will have no difficulty in mastering them. In the hope that the book may prove itself to be suitable for use in rural schools where agricultural science is taught, a number of questions have been added as an appendix." The book is divided into 12 chapters as follows: Sources of plant food; how plants feed; the nature and function of fertilizers; farmyard manure and sewage; guano; nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, and other nitrogenous fertilizers; bones; superphosphate and mineral phosphates; potash fertilizers; indirect manures; the composition and application of fertilizers, and the manuring of the common farm crops.

Analyses of commercial fertilizers, H. J. WHEELER, B. L. HARTWELL, and C. L. SARGENT (Rhode Island Sta. Bul. 34, pp. 83-87).—Analyses and valuations of 10 samples of fertilizers are reported, with explanatory notes and a tabular statement showing the number of complete fertilizers analyzed during 5 years (1891-'95) and the agreement of the analyses with the guaranties.

Home-mixed fertilizers, H. J. WHEELER and B. L. HARTWELL (Rhode Island Sta. Bul. 34, pp. 88–125).—This is a summary of the results of the experience of progressive farmers in home mixing, with a discussion of the preparation and use of home-mixed fertilizers under the following heads: Opinions in relation to the advantages of home mixing; how to buy chemicals and other fertilizer stock; how to mix fertilizers; the cost of mixing; can the farmer mix in a satisfactory manner? how shall the special needs of soils be determined? tests for acidity; test with beets and lime; practical test for a deficiency of potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen; in relation to special fertilizers for special crops; fertilizer formulas for various crops; on the effect of wood ashes as a fertilizer and the supplementary constituents which should be used in connection with them; seaweed and the supplementary fertilizers which it requires; and barnyard manure and the supplementary fertilizers which it requires. Macomber's machine for the home mixing of fertilizers, C. O. FLAGG (Rhode Island Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 120-128, pls. 2, fig. 1).—An illustrated description is given of

a contrivance devised by E. G. Macomber, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, "and used by him with perfect satisfaction for 4 years in the home mixing of fertilizers. By its use chemicals and fertilizers of various kinds are thoroughly mixed at a cost of about 50 cts. per ton. Fine ground bone and other dusty materials can be perfectly mixed without raising clouds of dust, as is the case in mixing them with shovels on the barn floor." The mixer is a revolving octagonal churn-like box, capable of mixing 500 lbs. of fertilizer in each charge, and requiring 4 men for its operation.

The disposal of night soil, J. W. LEATHER (Indian Agr., 21 (1896), No. 6, pp. 171, 172).

Effect of food on the bacteria content of cow dung, WÜTHRICK and VON FREUDENREICH (Jahr. Molkerei-Schule Rütti, 1894; abs. in Milch Ztg., 25 (1896), No. 5, p. 70), Variations in the composition of apatites, A. CARNOT (Compt. Rend., 122 (189), No. 24, pp. 1375–1380).

On the composition of Thomas slag and the determination of its agricultural value (Kgl. Landt. Akad. Handl. Tidskr., 35 (1896), pp. 46–55).

Danish coöperative fertilizer experiments during 1895, K. HANSEN (Landmandsblade, 29 (1896), pp. 81–91).

Fertilizer experiments at European agricultural experiment stations, P. HELLSTRÖM (Rpt. Ultuna Agl. Inst., 1893, Upsala (Sweden); 1894, pp. 110–152).

On the control and sale of artificial fertilizers in European countries, P. HELLSTRÖM (Rpt. Ultuna Agl. İnst., 1893, Upsala (Sweden); 1894, pp. 83–110).

Examination of fertilizers during 1895 at Alnarp agricultural laboratory, M. WEIBULL (Tidskr. Landtmän, 17 (1896), pp. 165–169).

FIELD CROPS.

Suggestions in reference to systematic methods of manuring, E. B. VOORHEES (New Jersey Stas. Bul. 114, pp. 3, 4, 6-11).-A summary is given of the results of over 150 coöperative field fertilizer experiments carried on by the station, nearly every county in the State having one

or more.

Corn (pp. 3, 4).-In 9 out of 13 experiments the largest yields of corn were with superphosphate and potash used singly or in combination. The cost of the increased yields with barnyard manure made its use less profitable than commercial fertilizers.

Oats (p. 4).—In 6 experiments with oats on soils of medium fertility the application of phosphoric acid and nitrogen were very beneficial. Wheat and rye (p. 4).—In 11 experiments phosphoric acid and nitrogen gave best results.

Potatoes (p. 4).-Decided benefits were received from both commercial fertilizers and barnyard manure. Of the different forms of potash the muriate appeared to exert the greatest influence on the yield, while with the sulphate the yield was nearly as great and the quality improved. The results with complete fertilizers were more profitable than with either minerals alone or yard manure, though nitrogen was especially useful only on soils of medium fertility.

The author gives, in conclusion, some practical suggestions in detail on how to purchase and use barnyard and commercial manures in connection with different rotations, so that the soil may produce good crops and at the same time increase in fertility.

Fertilizer experiments on corn, oats, wheat, and grass, H. J. WATERS and E. H. HESS (Pennsylvania Sta. Rpt. 1894, pp. 258-281, dgms. 3, chart 1).-This is a continuation of work published in the Annual Report of the Station for 1893 (E. S. R., 6, p. 720). Three 4-year rotations with wheat, clover and timothy, corn, and oats were completed in 1894, and the results are reported. Tabulated data are given for 12 years, showing the yield per acre of the different plats, the effect of different combinations and different amounts of fertilizers, and the valuation per acre with the different fertilizers of the corn (ears and stover), wheat (grain and straw), oats (grain and straw), and the grass. The results are shown graphically by charts and a diagram. To show the average results of the various fertilizers upon the 4 crops considered, the yields are calculated to their money value, the average price for each crop for the 12 years being used.

The author's conclusions may be summarized as follows: The application of phosphoric acid has in every instance, whether used singly, mixed with one other ingredient, or as a complete fertilizer, produced an increased yield; and this appeared to be the element most needed by the soil. Only a very slight increase was obtained from the use of nitrogen or potash, except when applied with phosphoric acid. Nitrogen as nitrate gave larger returns than when used in organic form or in sulphate of ammonia. Twenty-four pounds of nitrogen was the most profitable amount to apply, either alone or in combination with other fertilizer ingredients. The yields from the application of barnyard manure were less than from a moderate application of a complete fertilizer. The increase in yield from the use of lime, ground limestone, or gypsum was very slight.

Fertilizer, culture, and variety experiments with corn, R. J. REDDING (Georgia Sta. Bul. 30, pp. 357–379).

Synopsis. A continuation of work of previous years is summarized under the following heads: Fertilizer experiments, detasseling, residual effect of fertilizers, variety tests, methods of harvesting, analyses of different parts of the corn plant, and tests of shredding machine.

These experiments are in continuation of work published in Bulletins 23 and 27 of the station (E. S. R., 6, pp. 526, 883). The rainfall for the season is tabulated and the weather conditions noted.

Fertilizer experiments (pp. 357-366).--The basal mixture consisted of 312 lbs. of acid phosphate, 18.72 lbs. of muriate of potash, 208 lbs. cotton-seed meal, and 36.4 lbs. nitrate of soda, and cost $4.76 per acre. The largest yield cost 54.5 cts. per bushel in the first and 46.9 cts. in the second trial. The conclusions agree with those of previous years that it is not expedient to rely on commercial fertilizers for corn, but that this crop should follow a well-fertilized cotton crop.

Detasseling, (pp. 366-368).-This is in continuation of work published in Bulletin 23 of the station (E. S. R., 6, p. 526). Alternate rows were detasseled; the perfect rows yielded 0.80 bu. per acre more than the detasseled rows.

Residual effect of fertilizers (pp. 368, 369).-This was to test the effect on corn of a fertilizer applied in different amounts on the preceding crop of cotton. The results were unsatisfactory.

Variety test (pp. 369-372).-Of 15 varieties tested the highest yield, 45.55 bu. per acre, was produced by Shaw Improved and Higgins. The highest yield in an average of 4 years among 5 varieties was given by Shaw Improved (34.22 bu. per acre).

Methods of harvesting (pp. 372-374, 379).-On a plat 168 feet long, 52 rows, fertilized and cultivated alike, were harvested as follows: Onethird was left standing till the ears were dry; from one-third the blades were pulled August 20, and weighed when dry; one-third was cut and shocked August 20.

The results are tabulated. The yield of shelled corn was 34.2 bu. per acre from all 3 methods of harvesting. The total value of products is given as $26.69 from harvesting entire stalks, $20.66 from harvesting ears and blades, and $17.10 from ears only. No difficulty was experienced in curing the corn in shock.

Analysis and feeding value of different parts of the corn plant (pp. 374-378). At the time of harvesting the crop, August 20, 5 average plants were selected for analysis. The following table gives the divisions of the plant, the per cent each division is of the whole plant in air-dry condition, and the food constituents and ash found in each division. The butts are that part of the stalks below the ear; the top stalks that part of the stalks between the ear and the tassel.

Calculations are given of the total yield per acre of the different parts of the corn plant, and the total digestible matter therein, on the basis of 40 bu. of shelled corn per acre.

Shredding machine (p. 378).-A shredding machine was tried at the station with satisfactory results; the shredded fodder was readily eaten by the stock.

Corn experiments, 1895, E. DAVENPORT and W. J. FRASER (Illinois Sta. Bul. 42, pp. 163-179).

Synopsis.-Experiments are reported on (1) test of varieties, (2) time of planting, (3) thickness of planting, (4) continuous cropping rs. rotation, and (5) rate of growth. The results of these and previous experiments at the station favor (1) medium maturing varieties, (2) neither early nor late planting, (3) planting 5 kernels in a hill rather than less, and (4) rotation of crops.

The experiments in 1895 were in continuation of those reported in Bulletin 37 of the station (E. S. R., 6, p. 980), and were conducted on a