FIELD CROPS. 729 



Root crops, F. Gillanders (New Zeal. Depf. Agr., Leaflets for Farmers, 

 No. SO, 1)1). 11). — Directions are given for manuring, growing, and cilltivating 

 root crops in New Zealand, witb a special discussion of turnips, mangolds, kolil- 

 rabi, carrots, and parsnips. 



Winter and spring- work in selecting seed corn, W. A. Graham {N. V. Dept. 

 Agr. Spec. Bill., IDIO, Jan., pp. 10, figs. S). — This bulletin presents information 

 designed to assist in the selection of seed corn. Score cards of 12 States are 

 presentwl in ])arallel columns for purposes of comparison. 



Some lessons from the corn shows, H. Garman (KentKckg Sta. Bid. 1//.'), 

 pp. 271-290, ]ils. (1). — Good ears of corn and some deviations from desirable 

 types for Kentucky are illustrated by photographs and the different points of 

 the score card discussed in full. Standards of perfection for S varieties are 

 presented in parallel coluums and suggestions made for the prejiaration and 

 display of corn exliibits. A bibliography on corn improvement is appended. 



Paspalum dilatatum, H. W. Potts (Dept. Agr. N. 8. Wales, Farmers' Bui. 8, 

 pp. 25, figs. -'/). — Pusinilinii dihilatiiin proved a succulent and palatable food for 

 all kinds of stock at seasons when most grasses are dry and for the same reason 

 gives promise of usefulness as a tire break. Its deep rooting habit confers 

 drought resistance. Directions for harvesting, testing, and judging the seed are 

 outlined. A botanical description and discussion of tlie ])lant and analyses of 

 the hay are given. 



Three much misrepresented sorghums, C. It. Ball {U. S. Dept. Ayr., Bur. 

 Plant Indus. Circ. 50, pp. I't, figs. 2). — The results obtained by experiment sta- 

 tions and other information likely to assist farmers in determining the value of 

 shallu ("California wheat"), "chocolate corn." and gooseneck sorgo ("Texas 

 seeded ribbon cane"), are presented. Their hi.story, l)otanical relationship, 

 yields, the feeding value of their grain and forage, and other crop characters 

 are discussed with special reference to extravagant claims made for these crops 

 by seedsmen and others. 



Possibilities of the sweet potato in Macon County, Alabama, G. W. Carver 

 {Alahama Tuskegee 8ta. Bui. 11, pp. 5-10, figs. 8). — The origin and history of 

 the sweet potato are briefly stated, varieties discussed, climatic and soil re- 

 quirements outlined, and directions given for seed selection, the construction of 

 the plant bed, the making of vine cuttings, the preparation of the land, plant- 

 ing, fertilizing, harvesting, and storing, together with notes on insect enemies 

 and fungus diseases, and recipes for canning and for preparing of numerous 

 dishes. 



In a 30-day feeding trial in which from 2.75 to 3.5 lbs. of sweet potatoes were 

 substituted for 1.5 lbs. of corn in the rations of 4 mules, the mules looked as 

 well and were able to do as much work as 4 check mules. Hogs fed 8 lbs, of 

 sweet potatoes per day made a total gain of 24.5 lbs. in 28 days as compared 

 with gains of 33 and 53.5 lbs. made by hogs fed on shorts and corn, respectively. 



Tobacco growing in Ireland, G. N. Keller (Dept. Agr. and Tech. Instr. 

 Ireland Jour., 10 {1910}, No. 2, pp. 270-278). — A general discussion is given 

 of the work in 1909 at the same center's and upon the same areas as in 1908. 



Fifty-six varieties were tried of which 8 were imported seed, but none of 

 these showed commercial superiority. In connection with the 16 varieties 

 grown commercially, field and soil conditions, rotation, preparation of land, 

 manuring, planting and cultivation of the experimental crops are outlined and 

 notes given on topping and suckering, ripening, harvesting, curing, seed saving, 

 insects and diseases, grading, packing, and marketing. Tables show the ex- 

 penses, yields per acre, and prices secured for various types of tobacco grown at 

 the different centers during 1908. 



