836 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



applied both morning and afternoon, but on bright days 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours in 

 the afternoon. 



Four varieties were tested and each showed an increase in yield. The in- 

 creases ranged from 13 cwt. to 2 tons, 4 cwt. per acre. The total cost of 

 applying the treatment was £5 19s. 6d., but the same expense would have cov- 

 ered the cost of electrifying 15 acres instead of 8. 



Report on field trials with potatoes in 1909, F. Wakerley (Midland Agr. 

 and Dairy Col. Bid. 6, 1909-10, pp. 59-62). — In view of the general impression 

 that Scotch and Irish seed potatoes are superior to those locally grown because 

 of the fact that tliey are harvested before reaching complete maturity, this work 

 was undertaken to determine the effect of harvesting September 1, October 1, 

 and November 6. Potatoes harvested on these dates were planted on 2 farms, 

 but there was little difference in the yields. The author regards it as signifi- 

 cant, however, " that one station showed a slight superiority of the early lifted 

 seed, and the other gave the most disease and chats from the late lifted ones." 

 Results of field trials on the manuring of potatoes in 1910, F. Wakerley 

 (Midland Aar. and Dairy Col. Bui. 3, 1910-11, pp. 16-22, tahle /).— These trials 

 were conducted in 5 different localities for the purpose of comparing li cwt. 

 of sulphate of ammonia, 2 cwt. nitrate of soda, 267 lbs. nitrate of lime, 188 lbs, 

 calcium cyanamid, and 387 lbs. of fish meal with 2 proprietary fertilizers. Each 

 supplied 35 lbs. of nitrogen, and was applied in conjunction with 4 cwt. super- 

 phosphate and li cwt. sulphate of potash, except in case of the proprietary 

 mixtures. 



The greatest increases in profit followed the use of sulphate of ammonia and 

 calcium cyanamid. 



Work of the German potato station in 1911 (Dent. Landiv. Presse, S9 

 (1912), Nos. l-'i, j>p. 150, 151; 15, pp. 16//, 165). — Variety tests conducted in 1911 

 with special reference to starch content and disease resistance are reported. 



Potato experiments in Northwest district, A. H. E. McDonald (Agr. Gaz. 

 N. 8. Wales, 22 (1911), No. 10, pp. 881-885). — Notes are given on the earliness 

 and other qualities of 9 varieties of potatoes which were tested in 3 different 

 localities. A table states the yields secured. 



At each center an. application of 4 cwt. of sulphate of ammonia, 13 cwt. super- 

 phosphate, and 3 cwt. sulphate of potash was followed by a greater profit than 

 an application of 8 cwt. dried blood, 8 cwt. superphosphate, and 4 cwt. of 

 sulphate of potash. Each of these mixtures was applied at the rate of 4 cwt. 

 of the mixture per acre. 



The danger of using foreign potatoes for seed, W. Stuart and W. A. Orton 

 (U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant. Indus. Circ. 93, pp. 5). — The authors state that 

 foreign potatoes should not be used for seed because of the danger of intro- 

 ducing the leaf-curl disease from Germany or the black-scab or wart disease 

 from England. 



This Department has tested over 100 foreign-grown varieties and the results 

 during their first year show lower yields than the best American varieties. 

 American growers and seedsmen have coi-roborated these results. The few 

 foreign varieties that proved fairly satisfactory required from 2 to 3 seasons 

 for acclimation. 



[Variety and manurial experiments with sugar cane], J. P. D'Albuquerqui: 

 and J. R. Bovell (Rpt. Agr. Work Barbados, Imp. Dept. Agr. West Indies, 1908- 

 1910, jyp. 4-109). — This report is largely made up of tables stating the results 

 of variety and fertilizer tests conducted during the period 1908-1910. Experi- 

 ments along the same lines have been conducted for considerable periods, and 

 the summary of results presented here are in harmony with those which have 

 already been noted (E. S. R., 24, p. 542). 



