138 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECORD. 



varieties in jjeneral produced more straw, hut the excess of grain was more 

 than eiiual to the deficiency of straw in the new varieties. A chemical study 

 of the different varieties is reported, and the percentages of husli and Ivernel in 

 air-dried samples, the comjwsition of the kernels and of the straw are given in 

 tables. 



The potato crop, I). Youn(; (Trail.-!. Hi(ihJ(ui<l mid Afir. Soc. Scot.. 5. ser., 18 

 U906). pp. l-'iS-K!'), flfjs. i)). — The history of the potato is reviewed, statistics 

 on the crop given, the process of hybridizing described, and disease resistance of 

 varieties and the si)raying and manuring of the crop discussed. 



Fertilizer experiments with sugar beets, A. H. Danielson {Ciilnrdilo Hta. 

 Bill. 11.'), pp. 23). — Fertilizer experiments were conducted from 1903 to 1905, 

 inclusive. This work was in part cooperative with the Bureau of Chemistry 

 of this Department. 



In 1903 the best financial results were received from the plat treated with 

 150 lbs. of nitrate of soda per acic. The results of this season further show 

 that the use of 15 tons of cow manure per acre was more profitable than the 

 use of 30 or 60 tons. In 1904 on a different field the most profitable results were 

 secured where 330 lbs. of acid phosphate rock and 165 lbs. of nitrate of soda 

 were applied per acre. The use of nitrate of soda alone, however, gave very 

 nearly as good results. The third year the largest financial returns were se- 

 cured with 100 lbs. of sulphate of potash and 199 lbs. nitrate of soda were 

 given per acre. The use of 426 lbs. of nitrate of soda alone, however, yielded 

 only 11 cts. per acre less than the plat on which it was applied with the sulphate 

 of potash. 



The general conclusion is reached that the soils in (luestion contain ample 

 supplies of potash and phosphoric acid and an excess of lime, while being some- 

 what deficient in nitrogen and humus. Nitrogen in the form of nitrate of soda 

 was the only element showing a decided effect in increasing the yield over the 

 cost of application. Potash and phosphoric acid in the fertilizer applications 

 seem to neutralize the effect of nitrate of soda ui)on the yield, although the 

 quality of the beet was good. Applying the nitrate of soda at the time of plant- 

 ing, or in part at this time and in two applications later, gave practically the 

 t-ame results. 



The net profit from reasonalile (luantities of manure seemed to he mainly ob- 

 tained in the residual effects in the second year, while the third year its use 

 seemed to have no further intluence. Refuse lime cake from the sugar factories 

 showed no value as a fertilize!'. Soluble fertilizers applied to the seed improved 

 the germination. It was found that the tops were about 44 per cent of the 

 weight of the clean beets. A 15-ton crop, therefore, produces 6.6 tons of freshX 

 green tops, which will air-dry to aliout one-eighth of the original weight, or 

 0.8 of a ton. 



The influence of stripping on the yields of cane and sugar, C. F. Eckart 

 (Hdicaiidii SiKjar J'lautcrs' Sta., Div. Afjr. and Chem. Bill. 16, pp. 2-'/, dgms. 

 Jf). — Three series of experiments on the influence of stripping sugar cane ai"e 

 given, and the results indicate that in some instances the process is profitable, 

 while in others it is not. The data are regarded as showing that careful field 

 experiments should be carried out on each plantation, to determine whether 

 or not the dry leaves may_ be economically removed from the cane, and plans 

 for carrying out such experiments are outlined. 



Experiments with fertilizers on tobacco, C. E. Thornk (Ohio Sfa. Bill. 172, 

 pp. 213-230, dijiii. 1). — The plan of these experiments from previous results 

 have been heretofore shown (E. S. R., 17, p. 245). 



