HOKTICULTURE. 37 



Among other general conclusions from the studies, the author indicates that 

 cotton-seed germination is poorer than that of the other seeds, perhaps because 

 bought from local mills ; that weevil attacli is the greatest source of damage 

 to the samples ; and that the presence of hard seed in pulse crops sometimes 

 necessitates a 50 per cent higher rate of sowing. Scratching the surface of 

 such seed with a pin caused it to sprout within a day when placed under 

 conditions otherwise suitable, and a practical machine for the purpose is 

 needed. 



[Seed tests and barley analyses], A. Voigt (Jahrb. Hamburg. Wiss. Anst., 

 26 (1008), pp. .'ilS-'i'i-'i). — Brief descriptive notes state the more important 

 observations made in the examination of different varieties of clover and 

 grass seed, sources of oil and fiber, and by-products. 



A i-eport of the results of 12,605 analyses of barley, representing from 100 to 

 1,000 tons per sample, accompanies data showing that 94.4 per cent of the 

 samples had purity percentages of 93 or higher. Parallel tests were made by 

 different authorities interested, with an average difference of less than 0.523 

 per cent. 



Tables show without comments the results of purity and germination tests of 

 20,085 seed samples received from 527 sources in 11 European countries. 



Report of the seed control station in Lund, 1909, A. Vilke (Frokontrol- 

 lanst. Lund Verks. 1909, pp. 39). — Tables and a descriptive text state the re- 

 sults of mechanical analyses of seeds of grasses, legumes, and fiber and other 

 crops. Statistical studies show the frequency of occurrence of the principal 

 weed seeds in seeds of each of the economic varieties analyzed. 



The destruction, of weeds by chemical means, H. C. Long (Sci. Amcr. 8up., 

 71 {191J), Nos. 1831, pp. 76, 77; 1832, pp. 93, 9-'i, figs, i-i).— General discussions 

 of the prevalence, injury, and cooperative destruction of weeds, are followed by 

 a review of worls on the destruction of weeds by spraying already noted from 

 various sources. Citations are given to the publications from which the data 

 has I)eon compiled. 



Killing' weeds with, arsenite of soda, E. V. Wilcox {Ilaioaii Sta. Press Bui. 

 30, pp. 15). — The author reviews previous work on the use of chemicals for 

 weed destruction and reports studies with a stock solution obtained by boiling 

 together about 2 lbs. sal soda to 1 lb. white arsenic per gallon of water, and 

 diluting with from 15 to 20 parts of water. This solution was used on oi 

 {StachytarpJieta dichotomii), lantana, spurge (Euphorbia peplus), sow thistle, 

 pig-weed, purslane, cockle-burr (XantJiium strnmarium), glue {Acacia fame- 

 sianaj, dodder, Japanese nut-grass, honohono (CommeUna nu\li flora), crota- 

 laria, and other weeds. 



A single application ultimately killed the leaves and stems of all. The effect 

 was usually manifest in 2 or 3 hours but the leaves of the Japanese nut-grass 

 did not turn brown until the second day. The mixture killed alfalfa as well 

 as the dodder with which it was infested. The Hitchcock berry, German ivy, 

 and the nettle {Hesperoenide sandiciehensis) were also destroyed by its use. 



The author suggests the application of 100 gal. per acre of the diluted mix- 

 ture. By the use of a 5 gal. knapsack spray, a laborer can spray from 1 to 2 

 acres per day. 



The possibility of danger from the use of arsenite of soda is discussed, with 

 special reference to Hawaiian conditions. 



HORTICULTURE. 



Experiments in frost protection. A, G. McAdie (Mo. Weather Rev., 38 

 (1910), No. 12, pp. 189Ji, 1895, figs. 2). — This article briefly reports experiments 

 which indicate that the efficiency of methods of frost protection by means of 



