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T Kentucky A.Q7"f(}ltHll7`Clf Eevperiment Station. 67
unreliable and considerable work has been done in their im-
provement. The problem is a difficult one, on account of the ~
relatively small amount of calcium to be accurately separated
from a large amount of other material. We have developed a
method which we consider more accurate than those in general
i usc, but is not yet all that could be desired. Results of the work,
  so far, seem to show that all our soils do not have as large a
  calcium content as is usually attributed to them, thus suggest-
,   ing that observed benefits from applications of ground limestone _
.   may sometimes be due to the action of the calcium as a plant
{   food.
l   The studies on the effect of barium, strontium and man- T
· ganesc on the growth of plants and their occurrence in plants
· T are being continued, by means of sand cultures and analysis of r
2 the plants grown. ,
3 Some studies were made upon the chemical changes which
L: take place in the ripening of fruits, including blackberries, i
E plums, grapes and peaches.
l A number of analyses have been made of the proteins of
feeding stuffs by the Van Slyke method of protein hydrolysis. 4
I An extensive series of experiments covering further studies
1 T upon the growth of young chicks, as influenced by the amino-
Y T acid make-up of the proteins contained in the g1·ains fed, has
C been completed. with interesting results. ln this connection, the '
normal rate of growth of white leghorn pullets and cockerels ,
tf was determined, comparing the artificially hatched and raised
I chicks with those hatched and raised by a hen.
(C ln co-operation with the poultr_v departinent, an experi-
it ment was conducted to show the influence of grit, oyster-shell
_- and ground limestone upon the metabolism of thc laying hen.
L The experiments on the translocation of the mineral mat- T
qt ter of plants have been continued, tho we have been handicapped
by the difficulty in obtaining the desired material.
It The stud_v of the growth of isolated plant embryos is being
is continued and promises to give very interesting results.
TC (`o-operative work on the determination of sulfur in soils
5