722 



Sorghum, crossing of varieties (p. 144). — Tabulated results are given of 

 analyses of sorghum grown from crosses selected in 1889. A compari- 

 son with the varieties from which they sprung indicates deterioration 

 as the result of the crossing. 



Sorghum, injuries by smut (p. 145). — " Several varieties grown by the 

 department for the first time in this country were found to be badly 

 infected by a smut which, while not changing the appearance of the 

 seed top to a great extent, completely destroys the infected grains. 

 They become considerably enlarged and in many cases burst, allowing 

 the black spores to escape. This grain smut of sorghum has also been 

 observed here upon sorghum grown by the farm department. In addi- 

 tion to this we have observed a single example of a smut which in 

 general appearance closely resembles the ordinary smut of corn, the 

 grains being enormously enlarged and converted into a loose black 

 powder. This occurred in a plat of African or Liberian sorghum." 



Siigarheets, analyses (pp. 145-149). — Tabulated data are given for 

 analyses of sugar-beets of several varieties grown at the station in 1890. 

 As compared with results obtained in other parts of Kansas and in 

 Nebraska, the sugar content of the beets tested at the station was 

 relatively low. " This may have been due to the unusually unfavorable 

 climatic conditions of last summer or to unsuitable soil. Analysis of 

 individual beets indicated that maturity, more than size, determined 

 the sugar content of the beet. A brown epidermis accompanied high 

 per cent of sugar. As far as our observations went, a high weight of 

 leaves as compared with the roots, was no evidence of high sugar 

 content, but rather the reverse." 



Kansas Station, Bulletin No. 17, December, 1890 (pp. 24). 



Crossed varieties of corn second and third years, W. A. 

 Kellerm:an, Ph. D., and W. T. Swingle, B. S. (pp. 150-174, illus- 

 trated). — This is a continuation of experiments previously reported in 

 the Annual Reports of the station for 1888 (See Experiment Station 

 Bulletin No. 2, Part II, p. 35) and 1889 (See Experiment Station Record, 

 Vol. II, p. 343). 



In 1888, 41 varieties were used. The number of cases of cross-fertilization 

 attempted was 66, of which 39 were unsuccessful. Of the latter, 23 were planted in 

 1889, aud the results obtained were published. Some of the ears were used as seed 

 this year (1890), aud the results of this planting are given in the bulletin. In 1889 

 artificial crosses were made with 56 varieties. Crossing was attempted in 188 cases, 

 and of these 175 were successful. Many of the latter were planted in 1890, with the 

 results as given in this article. 



A list of the varieties used in these experiments is given. 

 Crossed corn the second year. — 



About 121 of the "crosses" obtained the previous year (1889) were planted on 

 upland soil in a young orchard May 3-7, 1890. The seed germinated satisfactorily, 

 and the plants grew well until they were injured or killed by the severe drought. 



