FIELD CROPS. 333 



also showed considerable change. The progeny of the half set out among 

 sugar beets were uniform in shape and all specimens were white in color. 



The sugar content in the cross showed a reduction of 3.7 per cent in the red 

 and of 3.4 per cent in the white beets. The dry matter in the root showed a 

 loss of 18.8 per cent in the white and of 25.5 per cent in the red beets as 

 compared with the pure-bred sugar beets. The total nitrogen suffered a reduc- 

 tion of about 10 per cent in the cross while the pure ash was increa.sed about 

 27 per cent. The pure ash in the roots of the cross-bred beets contained more 

 alkali and chlorin and less phosphoric acid, magnesia, and lime than was found 

 in the roots of the pure-bred individuals. 



Sug-ar beets in water cultures, R. Schander and H. Rtjggebeeg (Ztschr. 

 Ver. Deut. Zuckerindus., 1911, No. 610, II, pp. 969-974, fig. i).— This article 

 reports the experimental culture of sugar beets in nutrient solutions for pur- 

 poses of investigation. A specimen was secured weighing 485.2 gm. with 79.5 

 gm. of dry matter and 6.46 gm. of ash. The behavior of the plant during the 

 different periods of growth is described and the method of culture followed is 

 given in detail. 



Nicotin content of some Germau tobaccos and the distribution of nicotin 

 in the tobacco plant, R. Gaze {Apoth. Ztg., 26 {1911), No. 90, pp. 938, 9.39).— 

 The results of experiments reported indicate that the alkaloid content of the 

 leaves as well as of the midrib varies in individual plants of the same type, and 

 that the point is lower in alkaloid content than other portions of the midrib. 



Maryland weeds and other harmful plants, J. B. S. Norton ( Maryland Sta. 

 Bui. 155, pp. 11, figs. 56). — This is a bulletin on the life habits of weeds, their 

 injuries to agriculture, and the principal agi'icultural types. A key and other 

 helps are given for the identification of the principal weeds of Maryland. 

 Other topics dealt with are pure seed regulations, weed study in the public 

 schools, weed eradication, and poisonous plants. 



A chart shows the results as to the growth of various grasses and weeds, and 

 of treatment with various manures, potassium iodid, and iron sulphate. In 

 general, the percentage of weeds was low on all plats and showed little 

 variation. 



Iron sulphate has been found of special value in controlling chickweed and 

 other early weeds in strawberries, alfalfa, and other crops. It was used at 

 the rate of 1* to 2 lbs. per gallon of water during the dormant season, prefer- 

 ably in the fall after frost when the weeds were small. A list summarizes the 

 effect of iron sulphate on different species as observed by the author and as 

 reported by others. 



Spraying horse nettle with iron sulphate killed the terminal portions but not 

 the well-developed leaves and stems. In 1908 it was unsuccessful on winter 

 cress in field spraying, but entirely killed the plants in the damp atmosphere of 

 the greenhouse. The spray was much more effective if the plants were injured 

 by insects, mowing, or otherwise. 



In tests of sprays of dissolved fertilizers, nitrate of soda proved best but was 

 expensive and if used alone in sufficient strength added too much nitrogen to 

 the land. The author prefers a mixture of 11 lbs. kainit and ^ lb. nitrate of 

 soda per gallon. Salt proved as effective but lacked the fertilizing value. Fifty 

 gallons per acre applied as a fine spray was necessary in case of either fer- 

 tilizers or iron sulphate. Tests in March resulted in very little injury from 

 the fertilizers, but field si^rayings made with the nitrate of soda-kainit mixture 

 in the hot dry summer of 1909 killed almost everything except the grasses, the 

 clovers being almost destroyed. 



Cuttings of various weeds and other plants were immersed, except the cut 

 ends, in a number of strong solutions. After 2 hours they were removed, washed, 



