FIELD CROPS. 33 



vit.ility of good, mature alfalfa soort exceeds 10 years. The variation between 

 different lots of seed is shown in this test by the sample whic-h was only 2 

 years old and had a germinating p"^ver of but 07.5 per cent. The seeds in this 

 sample were small. 



Alfalfa, W. r. IIkadden (Colorado Sta. fiiil. III. i>i>. 12). — A synopsis of 

 Bulletin .'",." of the station {K. S. K.. S. p. TOS). 



The alfalfa seed crop and seeding- alfalfa, A. M. Ten Eyck {Kiuixaft St a. 

 Bui. IS'i, pp. U1-1S1). — This bulletin presents the experience in saving alfalfa 

 for seed as described by several hundred iirominent alfalfa growers throughout 

 the West, but mainly in Kansas. In this way complete directions are given 

 for growing alfalfa for seed and also for seeding the crop and obtaining a good 

 stand. 



Alfilaria (Erodium cicutarium) as a forage plant in Arizona, J. J. Thorn- 

 RER {Arhotui std. Bid. -l.^. pp. 2.?-.7<s', fii/N. ,J, map /). — The introduction and dis- 

 semination of alfilaria in Arizona is discussed, the botanical characters of the 

 plant described, and the factors favoring its growth in the Southwest are pointed 

 out. Chemical analyses of two samples by A. E. Vinson, of the station, resulted 

 in the following data for alfilaria in seed: Moisture content 81.53 per cent, ash 

 3.52, protein 2.38. crude fiber 4.40. nitrogen-free extract 7.82, and ether extract 

 0.30. Good alfilaria hay contained S.88 per cent of moisture, 13.30 per cent of 

 ash, 13.40 per cent of protein, 20.55 per cent of crude fiber, 41.58 per cent of 

 uitrogen-free extract, and 2.20 per cent of ether extract. Directions for collect- 

 ing and sowing the seed are presented. It is shown that sheep have been very 

 instrumental in spreading the iilant. 



On the formation of anthokyan in the stalk of barley, S. Si'zuKi {Bid. 

 Col. Apr.. Tokpo Imp. I'uir.. 7 (lOnG). Xo. 1. pp. 29-37).— The author observed 

 in pot experiments that the red coloration shown in stalks of certain barley 

 plants was due to anthokyan. Plants manured differently produced good stalks 

 of a normal green color. Experiments were made on a sandy soil of great 

 natural fertility and on a loam of poor fertility. Different combinations of 

 fertilizers were applied. The data secured led to the conclusion that formation 

 of anthokyan in the stalks is a sign of deficiency in the soil of available phos- 

 phoric acid or nitrogen, or of both these elements. 



The influence of distance between plants on the quantity and quality of 

 fodder beets, G. Froi.ich (FilhlnKfs Laiidir. Zt(/.. ■'>'> (1906), No. S. jip. 2(].'i- 

 269). — Distance experiments were conducted for several years with fodder beets 

 and the results indicated (luite clearly that narrow i)lanting produced not only 

 a larger quantity of beets and an increase in food material, but also favored tlie 

 production of healthier and better-formed beets with improved keeping quali- 

 ties. The author reconnnends planting the Friedrichswerth fodder beet in rows 

 14 in. apart, leaving the pl.-ints at intervals of in. in the row. 



Clovers and how to grow them, T. Shaw (Xeir York: Orainic Jiuld Co.. 

 1906, pp. 3.'f9, pi. 1. p'l/s. 11). — A general description of the clover plant is given 

 and popular directions for the growing of clovers are presented. An entire 

 chapter is devoted to each of the more important varieties and species. In this 

 li.st are included medium red. alslke. Mammoth, crimson, white. Japan, burr 

 and sweet clovers, and Jilfalfa. A number of miscellaneous varieties of lesser 

 importance, including sainfoin, Egyptian clover, yellow clover, sand lucern, 

 Japanese clover, and beggar weed are briefiy noted. 



Cotton industry in the Leeward Islands, F. Watts (Wcfit Indian Bill.. 7 

 {1906), Xo. 1, pp. 30-35).— The growth of the cotton industry in the islands 

 since 1000. when the present movement was begun by planting a small plat at 

 the Antigua Experiment Station, is described. In 1004, 3,500 acres, and in 1005 



