168 



are reported m oue table, and iu another are compared with those ob- 

 tained in similar experiments iu 1887 and 18S8. 

 Oats, summary of experiments (p. lOG). — 



(1) In the comparative test the varieties giving the highest yield in 1889 were the 

 Improved American, Monarch, Rust-Proof, Welch and Colonel. Kansas Hybrid, 

 Probsteier and White Schoeneu remain among the highest jjrodncers. 



(2) Varieties weighing most to the measured bushel were Centennial, Early Prize 

 Cluster, White Bonauza, Race Horse, White Victoria and Hargett's White. 



(3) Tlie highest percentage of oats standing at harvest was iu the Hopetown, Welch, 

 Wideawajce, Improved American, and Rust-Proof. 



(4) The varieties giving the highest average yield iu a series of years are the White 

 Schoeneu, Monarch, Probsteier, Early Dakota and Rust-Proof. These have averaged 

 60 bushels and above. Some of them four years, some five and some six. 



(5) Seeding at the rate of 5, 6, 7, and 8 pecks per acre in 1889 gave yields almost 

 identical. Seeding at less than 5 and more than 8 pecks gave smaller yields. In the 

 average of two seasons' experiments a larger yield has been obtained from sowing at 

 the rate of 6 pecks than from a larger or smaller quantity of seed. 



Actinomycosis, H. J. Detmers, M. Y. D. (pp. 107-116). — A popu- 

 lar account of the history and nature of this disease, of the fungus caus- 

 ing it, of the lesions which it produces, and of the methods of treatment. 

 The following summary by the director of the station is appended to 

 the article. 



Actinomycosis — "big jaw" or "lump jaw" of cattle, "big head" of horses — is 

 caused by a parasitic fungus, which grows within the bony or fleshy tissues, and is 

 generally found in the jaw, but sometimes iu the tongue, iu the lungs, and in other 

 parts of the body. 



This fungus propagates by "spores," corresponding to the seeds of higher plants, 

 which are widely disseminated and which find an entrance to the animal through 

 wounds or abrasions of the skiu or internal membranes, through the temporary ex- 

 posures of the tissues in shedding teeth, etc. 



When suitably lodged in the animal these spores produce uests of fungi, which 

 may be distinguished by the unaided eye as minute yellowish specks, but which 

 appear under the microscope to be round or oval in shape, and to be distinctly radi- 

 ated from center to circumference. 



The disease produced by this fuugua is purely local in its character, aifecting only 

 the tissues in whicli it is immediately situated, and the final emaciation and decline 

 of animals aflected with it are due solely to the inability of the affected animal to 

 masticate sufficient food to keep up its condition. 



The cure for actinomycos is is either tocut out or to destroy with caustics the 

 disease-producing fungus. If the diseased growth has penetrated the bones, or is so 

 located that neither of these methoils can be employed without interfering with 

 important blood vessels or other organs, no cure can be effected ; but if it be a simple 

 sarcomatous (fleshy) tumor, and so situated that the surgeon's knife may be safely 

 used, a cure may be effected by the complete removal of the tumor, followed by anti- 

 septic treatment. In many cases where it is not practicable to use the knife the 

 diseased growth may be removed by the thorough use of caustics, minute directions 

 for which are given. 



Ohio Station, Bulletin Vol. Ill, No. 4, April, 1890 (pp. 37). 



Spraying to prevent insect injury, C. M. Weed, M. S. (pp. 

 119-127). — Various kinds of spraying ai)paratus'are described and illus- 

 trated, and accounts are given of the preparation of insecticides, their 

 principal uses, and the methods of their action. 



