640 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



sorghum in the section north of the central line of Kansns and Missouri, and 

 Sumac south of it. In a test of 8 sorghum varieties conducted in northwestern 

 Texas the growing periods ranged from 92 days in case of Ked Amber to a 

 maximum of 120 in case of Gooseneck, while the yield ranged from 4 tons in 

 case of Minnesota Amber to 7^ tons each in case of Sumac, Gooseneck, and 

 Honey. The number of leaves, degree of sweetness, juiciness, and tenderness, 

 and the principal objections are stated in connection with each variety. 



Descriptions of tlie varieties tested are followed by discussions of the factors 

 limiting sorghum growth; means of securing the best forage yields; sorghum- 

 cowpea mixtures; growing pure and improved seed; and harvesting, curing, 

 storing, feeding, and marketing the crop. 



The Eckendorf breeding standard, Schmelzer (Illus. Landw. Ztg., 30 

 (1910), No. 1, p. 2, fig. 1; abs. in Jour. Landw., 58 (1910), No. 2, p. iS-'/).— The 

 author calls attention to the fact that von Vogelsang has established a model 

 for the Eckendorf type which can readily be adapted to other beet types. It 

 provides for the designation of the size and form of the beet by means of 7 

 figures. 



Yields of sugar canes: Crops of 1910, J. B. Harrison and F. A. Stockdale 

 (Jour. B4. Agr. Brit. Guiana, 4 (1911), No. If, pp. 210-212). — These pages report 

 data from plantation reports, showing the acreage devoted to each of a number 

 of cane varieties as well as the yield secured. 



Cultivation of tobacco in the Philippine Islands, B. E. Brewer (Philippine 

 Bur. Agr. Farmers' Bui. 16, 1910. pp. 23. pis. 3. figs. 8). — A brief handbook of 

 information for the tobacco grower in the Philippine Islands. 



Winter wheat in western South Dakota, C. Salmon ( U. S. De/pt. Agr., Bur. 

 Plant Indus. Circ. 79, pp. 10). — This paper deals vv-ith the advantages of, and 

 difficulties likely to be encountered in, growing winter wheat in the semiarid 

 section of western South Dakota. 



In a 3-years' test at the Bellefourche experiment farm the average winter 

 killing of the best varieties was less than 15 per cent. Three-years' variety 

 tests showed no varieties superior to the Russian winter wheats Kharkof and 

 Turkey. The author considers summer fallowing the best method of pre- 

 paring the seed bed, although this is likely to increase the danger fi*om soil 

 blowing. Data are given concerning a 3-years' experiment to ascertain the 

 best time of seeding winter wheats but the results obtained were not uniform. 

 The author recommends early sowing at the rate of 3 pk. per acre if the 

 seed bed is well prepared and there is sufficient moisture to germinate the 

 grain. 



A new English wheat variety, H. Fabeb (Tidsskr. Lamdokonomi, 1911, No. 4, 

 pp. 237-2.^)- — The history and special characteristics of the wheat variety 

 Burgoyne Fife are discussed. 



Work done under the seed control act, H. L. Bolley (North J)akota Sta. 

 Rpt. 1909, pp. 67-93, figs. 2).— During the six months ended December 31, 1909, 

 the seed laboratory received 10 miscellaneous samples for Identification, 302 

 samples of field seeds for purity or germination tests, and 131 samples of 

 garden seeds and 277 samples of flower seeds for germination tests, the results 

 of which are summarized. An enumeration is also given of the principal weed 

 seeds found in the field seeds. The methods of examination are briefly de- 

 scribed. 



Experiments conducted during the year with the so-called " hard " seeds of 

 legumes indicate that such seeds will not when planted germinate sufficiently 

 quickly to be of any advantage to the farmer. Tests with " hard " clover seed 

 treated with hot water at a temperature of 80° C. for 1. 2, and 4 minutes, at 

 90" for 1 minute, and with 0.1 of one per cent caustic potash solution for 1 



