which I show you, which are partly filled with gas, the evolution of the gaseous material has been secured by introducing into the sterilized solution containing a nitrate, a denitrifying ferment obtained from a soil taken in proximity to a stable. Experience has shown that stable manures of all kinds contain these denitrifying ferments, and that these are capable of causing considerable waste of nitrogen, unless care is taken in their use. The results of such experiments as these show conclusively that it would be a useless extravagance to use a fertilizer containing nitric acid, such as Chili saltpetre, in connection with stable manures.

Pathogenic Ferments.-There are also other forms of ferments in the soil of an objectionable nature which are not related to the nitrifying organisms. It has been observed in France that, in localities where animals are interred which have died of charbon, the germs of this infectious malady persist in the soils for many years, and that, especially when cereal crops are cultivated upon such soils, there is great danger of contaminating healthy cattle with the same disease. In one case it was observed that many sheep which were pastured in a field in which, two years before, a single animal which had died of charbon was buried, were infected with the disease and died. In like manner, it is entirely probable that the germs of hog cholera may be preserved in the soil for many years, to finally again be brought into an activity which may prove most disastrous for the owners of swine. Every effort should be made by agronomists to avoid infecting the soil by carcasses which are dead from any zymotic disease. Cremation is the only safe method of disposing of such infected carcasses. The investigations of scientists have shown that there are many diseases of an infectious nature due to these germs, and that these germs may preserve their vitality in the soil. Among others may be mentioned yellow fever and tetanus, and the microbe producing the bubonic plague, which retains its vitality in the soil and thus escapes entire eradication.

Use of Sewage as Fertilizer.-For the reasons given above, the agronomist, who also has at heart the health and wel

fare of man and beast, can hardly look with favor upon any of the plans which have been proposed for the use of sewage from large cities for irrigation purposes. There is scarcely a time in any large city when some infectious disease, due to the activity of germs, does not exist, and the sewage is liable at all times to be contaminated therewith. In view of the fact that the vitality of the germs mentioned above may be continued for a long time in the soil, it is fair to conclude that it is of the utmost importance to avoid the contamination of the soil, where it is to be used for agricultural purposes, with any of the dejecta which may come from those infected with any zymotic disease whatever.

Supplying Lost Nitrogen.—It is evident that if no process of supplying the loss of nitrogen existed, the soil would soon lose its power of furnishing food and raiment for man. The philosopher who studies the system of nature sees in the far future the advent of a time when the environment of man on the earth will be too harsh for his present organization. The slow cooling of the sun, and, consequently, of the earth, is the principal cause of this misfortune. But added to this must be considered the gradual disappearance of carbon dioxide and organic nitrogen, two of the essential components of the environment which makes plant life possible. Diminishing heat and light, disappearing carbon dioxide and organic nitrogen are little by little making the struggle for existence harder.

Nitrogen is lost not only by the action of the denitrifying organisms, but also by the solution of nitrates and their loss in drainage waters. From the sea this loss is restored in part by fish and sea-weeds. This is a practical illustration of the text: "Cast thy bread upon the waters, and it shall return after many days." The organisms that oxidize atmospheric nitrogen supply another part.

Fortunately, living organisms adapt themselves to changes in their environment, and life, therefore, will still be possible when the present conditions of existence shall have disappeared.

A careful study of the causes which produce a waste of nitrogen and those which restore the loss, gives the pleas

ing assurance that the present kind of man will not die of nitrogen hunger. Some of the best producers of proteids flourish at high latitudes.

When the last man of the present race, with a stature diminished by long ages of hopeless labor, and with features pinched from hunger and cold, shall have been driven to the equator by the advancing armies of ice, his last look will be at the mocking disc of the sun, denying him warmth, and his last mouthful of food will contain the proteids of oatmeal.

[The lecture was fully illustrated with experimental cultures of soil microbes and by means of lantern slides.]

CHARLES HENRY BANES.

It is fitting, on the death of a public man, that some record should be made of the services he has rendered his fellows. For this reason, the Franklin Institute has appointed a committee to prepare, for permanent record, a brief account of the eminent services the late Charles Henry Banes has rendered it. In presenting this record of the life of their late fellow-member, the committee recognizes that any mere recital of the varied abilities of the man will but inadequately express the extent and value of his public work. In preparing the record the committee has thought it best not to limit the recital to the work he performed in connection with the Institute, but to include therein. some reference to his labors and public services in other fields.

Charles Henry Banes was born in the city of Philadelphia, October 24, 1831. He received a public school education, and was graduated from the Central High School of Philadelphia in 1847. At the close of his school life he became interested in mercantile pursuits, in which he continued to be engaged until the breaking out of the war of the rebellion in 1861, when he entered the United States service as Captain of Company E, of the 72d Regiment of