FIELD CROPS. 633 



It is also noted that root blight was not reduced by the drying methods, ex- 

 cept in the laboratory experiments. This advantage was attributed to a more 

 vigorous early growth which the dried seed seemed to induce. 



On the character of beets derived from the same seed ball. O. Munekati, 

 G. Mezzadeoli, and T. V. Zapparoli (Staz. Sper. Ayr. Ital, ^6 {1913), No. 9, 

 pp. 576-588, figs. 9; Sucr. Indig. et Colon., 83 (1914), Nos. 5, pp. 105-110, figs. 

 8; 6, pp. 130-134, fig. 1). — The results show that beets, whether sugar beets, 

 semisugar beets, or stock beets, grown from the same ball i>resent the same 

 variety in form and sugar content that may be noted in field culture. There 

 seemed to be no relation between the weight of individual beets and the sugar 

 content. 



A method of planting .seeds in sectional cylinders, from which the young 

 plants may be transplanted when they have developed from 4 to 6 leaves, and 

 which has proved successful in obtaining beets of uniform and regular form, 

 is described. It is noted that by the time the plants have attained a develop- 

 ment of from 4 to G leaves the root form is determined. 



The weight and sugar content of sugar beets in relation to the area at the 

 disposition of each plant in the field, O. Muneeati, G. Mezzadeoli, and T. V. 

 Zappaboli (Staz. Sper. Agr. Ital, 46 (1913), No. 11-12, pp. 755-779, figs. 6).— 

 In a study of this question with sugar beets, semisugar beets, and stock beets 

 the authors conclude that the condition of the soil has more to do with the 

 points in question than the spacing. 



On the fluctuation of nitrogen content in sugar beets of the same parent- 

 age, F. Strohmee, O. Fallada, and L. Radlbergee (Osterr. XJngar. Ztschr. 

 Zuckerinduft. u. Landto., 43 (1914), No. 2, pp. 193-207, figs. 6).— The results 

 here reported showed no relation between the ab.solute weight or dry matter 

 and the nitrogen content of beets, but well-bred beets of the same parentage 

 showed a variation of nitrogen content of less than 0.1 per cent. 



The wild cotton plant (Thurberia thespesioides) in Arizona, V. Bailey 

 (Bui. Torrey Bot. Club, 4I (1914), No. 5. pp. 301-306, figs. 2).— This article 

 describes the wild cotton plant. Thurberia thespesioides, found in Arizona, 

 giving its zonal range and a list of other plants generally associate<l with it. 



The state grain laboratory and the Montana seed laws, A. Atkinson and 

 B. W. Whitlock (Montana Sta. Circ. 30 (1913), pp. 73-S8).-— This circular 

 describes the purpose of the state grain laboratory, gives the text of the state 

 laws establishing it and providing for seed inspection, and rules and regulations 

 promulgated. 



On germination tests in natural mediums, W. Oetken (Fiihling's Landw. 

 Ztg., 63 (1914), ;No. 5, pp. 167-177).— To test the value of field soil as a medium 

 for making germination tests of seeds, the author placed wheat kernels in 

 loam, humus, and clay soils at 2, 3, and 4 cm. depths, ranging from 5 to 15° C. 

 in temperature, and the soils moistened to from 40 to 70 per cent of saturation. 

 The results were inconclusive. 



Minnesota weeds, II, W. L. Oswald and A. Boss (Minnesota Sta. Bui. 139 

 (1914), pp. -^7, figs. 25). — This bulletin contains illustrations and descriptions 

 and gives methods of eradication of 24 kinds of weeds, in continuation of work 

 previously noted (E. S. R., 28, p. 836). 



Eradication of wild mustard, Rech (Landw. Ztschr. Rheinprovinz, 15 (1914), 

 No. 22, pp. 402-404, figs. 2). — The results here given show that calcium cyana- 

 mid applied to oat fields at the rate of about 25 lbs. per one-half morgen (79.3 

 lbs. per acre) while the dew was on completely destroyed wild mustard, and 

 while the growth of the oats was temporarily checked the final effect of the 

 nitrogen was a vigorous growth. 



