FIELD CKOPS. 135 



sugar content has been reached. A table is presented showing the relation 

 between sugar content and weight in different strains, for the purpose of illus- 

 trating his views. 



Methods of making' germination tests of sugar-beet seed, H. Plahn {Bl. 

 Zuckerriibenbau, IS (1911), No. 3, pp. 3S-Jil). — The author points out the unre- 

 liability of the germination test of sugar-beet seed as usually made. He con- 

 tends that the samples should be gi'aded according to the size of ball, each 

 grade then tested separately, and the results averaged with reference to the 

 percentage each grade represents of the whole sample. Tlie results of testing a 

 sample of seed by the usual and tlie proposed methods are given in tables for 

 comparison. 



Test of treated and untreated beet seed, H. K. Gunther (BL Zuckcniiben- 

 hau, n {1010), No. 24, pp. 339-393). — Results reported of experiments with 

 treated and untreated beet seed show that in every instance a beneficial effect 

 on the yield of beets and on the sugar content was observed as apparently due 

 to impregnating the seed balls with certain chemical solutions or in paring down 

 or removing the coat of the seed ball before planting. 



Fifteen years' practical experience in beet seed production, H. Schmidt 

 (BL Zuckcrhiljenhau, 11 {1910), Ao.s. 10, pp. lei-KJ.'j; 11, pp. /77-iS/).— This 

 article describes in detail the production of sugar-beet seed and points out the 

 market requirements for it in Germany and Austria. Tables are given showing 

 the requii'ed germinating capacity as based on the size of ball and the latitude 

 allowed in making the germination tests. 



Tests of 6 varieties of wheat, H. Compain {Ann. Ecole Nat. Agr. Rennes, 

 3 {1909), pp. I'i7-15'i, /i(j'<. 6). — In connection with a comparison of the six 

 different varieties the method of clipping the grain when young to prevent a 

 possible lodging was tested. These varieties all made good growth during the 

 winter and were in very vigorous condition at the end of April so that lodging 

 later on was feared. On May 8, the plants on one-half of each plat were clipped, 

 this consisting in removing the extremity of the leaves. 



The results showed that in some varieties there was an apparent gain in yield 

 due to clipping, while in others no advantage was discernible and hi the case 

 of 2 varieties it proved a disadvantage. 



The heating of seeds, E. Miege {Ann. Ecole Nat. Agr. Rennes, 3 {1909), 

 pp. l.'il-l-'/6). — In the experiments repoi'ted here, seeds were heated at 30, 45, 

 and 70° C. for 3, 6, 12. and 24 hours. 



After 6 hours of heating at 30°, the weight of the seeds had not changed, but 

 after 6 hours of heating at 70°, hull-less barley had lost 0.47 per cent of its 

 weight, hulled oats 0.22, barley 0.35, oats 0.37, wheat 0.47, corn 0.87, and sugar- 

 beet seed and buckwheat 0.14 per cent. After 24 hours of heating the loss in 

 weight in some cases had about doubled. 



In general the results of heating did not show a marked advantage. In some 

 cases it was found that as a result of the desiccation the physiological maturity, 

 whou the seeds are fresh, was apparently improved. 



Weeds and how to eradicate them, T. Shaw {St. Paul, Minn., 1911, 3. ed., 

 rev., pp. 236, pi. 1, figs. 21). — The subject of weeds is treated in a comprehensive 

 manner, individual species are described, and methods for their eradication and 

 control, including the use of sprays are presented. Among the different topics 

 to which chapters are devoted in the book are the injurious effects of weeds, the 

 possibility of their destruction, agencies concerned in their distribution, the 

 methods and principles generally applicable in destroying weeds, the methods 

 of eradicating weeds of the thistle family, the means of destroying weeds of the 

 mustard fami]j% the specific modes of combating the weedy grasses, and the 

 eradication of miscellaneous troublesome plants. 



