CHAPTER II.

CHEMICAL PROCESSES OF SOIL FORMATION, 16.—2. _Chemical Disintegrations or Decomposition_, 16.—Ingredients of the Atmosphere, 16.—Effects of Water; of Carbonic Acid, 17.—Carbonated water a universal solvent, 17.—Ammonic carbonate, effect on silicates, 18.—Action of oxygen; on ferrous compounds, 18.—_Action of Plants and their Remnants_, 19.—_A._ Mechanical; Force of Root Penetration, 19.—_B._ Chemical; Action of Root Secretions, 19.—Bacterial Action, 20.—Humification, 20.—_Causes Influencing Chemical Action and Decomposition_, 21.—Heat and Moisture, 21.—Influence of Rainfall on Soil-Formation, 22.—Leaching of the Land, 22.—Residual Soils, 22.—Drain Waters; River Waters. Tables of Solid Contents, 22.—Amount of Dissolved Matters Carried into the Sea; Amount of Sediment, 24.—Sea Water, Composition of; Waters of Landlocked Lakes, 25.—Results of Insufficient Rainfall; Alkali Lands, 28.