FIELD CROPS. 531 



The weight of the kernel and its importance, H. Quante (FiiJiUng's Landw. 

 Ztg., 60 (1911), No, 1, pp. 1-28). — In this article the author discusses the 

 absolute specific and volume weights of kernels of the common grains in their 

 relation to each other and with reference to their value in determining the 

 quality of the grain. It is pointed out that the absolute weight or the weight 

 per thousand kernels is of the greatest importance, as it points out directly the 

 development of the embryo and the quantity of reserve material contained in 

 the kernel. 



Methods of conducting variety tests, H. Scholz {FiUiJing's Landw. Ztg., 

 59 {1910), Nos. 22, pp. 776-785; 23, pp. 807-830) .—The author discusses at some 

 length the faultiness of ordinary methods of conducting variety tests and pro- 

 poses means by which the possibility of error may be eliminated or much 

 reduced. 



Test of local and improved varieties of barley, G. Pammer and E. Freudl 

 (Wiener Landiv. Ztg., 61 (1911), No. 2, pp. 10, 11). — The results of variety tests 

 carried on for 3 years are reported and discussed. It was found that while the 

 local varieties gave good results, the improved varieties gave better results, 

 and among these Loosdorf Thaya, Zaya, and Laa are mentioned as being 

 especially promising. 



Barley culture in Wisconsin, R. A. Moore and A. L. Stone ( Wisconsin Sta, 

 Bui. 212, pp. 3-17., figs. 7). — Discussions of the status and of classes of barley 

 in Wisconsin and in the United States are followed by directions for barley 

 breeding, growing, and marketing, and the prevention of smut. 



Five years' tests reported by 1,020 members of the Wisconsin experiment 

 association show that Oderbruclver barley gave a 5-year aveiage in different 

 parts of the State of 35.7 bu. per acre, or 4.9 bu. above that of the other 

 varieties tested. At the experiment station the 10-year average for this variety 

 was 50.7 bu., as compared with 28.7 bu. of the common barley secured by 

 Wisconsin farmers, and 25.8 bu. for the United States as a whole. 



The management of clover in corn belt rotations, J. A. Drake (Ohio Sta. 

 Circ. Ill, pp. 3-19, figs. 4)- — This circular, prepared in cooperation with the 

 Office of Farm Management of this Department, is based largely on conditions 

 in the corn belt area of Ohio. A general discussion of the value of clover in 

 rotations is followed by suggestions on rotations including various grain crops, 

 including a description of benefits which have been noted from a light mulch for 

 clover of straw or cornstalks. 



Bird's foot clover or yellow trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and its value as 

 a pasture grass, H. Witte (Sveriges Utsddesfor. Tidslcr., 21 (1911), No. 2, 

 pp. 106-110). — The author reports and discusses the results of trials of grass 

 seed mixtures containing bird's foot clover. This clover appeared, in Denmark, 

 to demand less lime in the soil than red clover and to be less sensitive to 

 drought, outyielding red clover in dry seasons. It also outyields red clover on 

 poor soils but should not be grown in cold or acid soils. 



Increased yields of corn from hybrid seed, G. N. Collins (XJ. 8. Dept. Agr. 

 Yearbook 1910, pp. 319-328). — Similar discussions and data from the same 

 author have already been noted (E. S. R., 24, p. 236). In work with first 

 generation hybrids in sweet corn it was observed that " in 8 of the 10 hybrids 

 the yield per plant exceeded the average of the parents, and in 6 instances it 

 exceeded that of either parent. The average yield of all the hybrids compared 

 with the average of the pure strain showed an increase of 57 per cent." 



Corn growing in Washington, G. Severance ( Washington Sta. Popular Bui. 

 38, pp. 8, fig. 1). — The author suggests methods of soil preparation, and of 

 planting, seed selection, harvesting, and ensiling corn in Washington. 



