FIELD CROPS. 73 5 



Alfalfa, W. P. Brooks (Massachusetts Sta. Bui. 154 (1914), pp. 143-111, pis. 

 2). — This bulletin considers alfalfa as a crop for Massachusetts farmers; gives 

 results of experiments with manure and potash as fertilizers, a comparison of 

 different methods of seeding, and a test of a commercial culture for inocula- 

 tion ; and discusses methods of the production and management of the crop. 



In conclusion it is noted that " a heavy application of lime is in almost all 

 cases necessary, usually, from It] to 2i tons at least. On soils which are low in 

 humus and relatively poor, one good application of manure plowed in is bene- 

 ficial, but in general, fertilizers should be preferred to manure because less 

 likely to bring in weeds, grasses, and clovers. The best source of potash for 

 the crop is sulphate, and one of the best sources of phosphoric acid is basic-slag 

 meal. The Grimm variety is superior. 



"Among the principal obstacles to success are leaf spot or rust, which can be 

 prevented by cutting when it first appears; dodder, which can be avoided by 

 care in the purchase of seed; the competition of weeds, grasses, and clovers, 

 which is reduced by avoiding manures or fertilizers rich in nitrogen; and 

 winterkilling, which is due to poor drainage, formation of ice, and insufficient 

 growth for protection. 



" The method of seeding attended with least risk is sowing alone in late 

 summer after most careful preparatory tillage. The crop should be cured with 

 little exposure to direct sunshine and little handling to avoid loss of leaves. 

 It is a mistake to sow alfalfa in fields infested with witch grass. The growth 

 of weeds, grasses, and clovers can be largely prevented by harrowing after the 

 first or second cutting of anj- season when they are first present in noticeable 

 proportion. Annual top-dressing with slag meal and potash will in most cases 

 be desirable." 



Cultivation of carrots with cereals, E. Gbabneb (Wiener Landio. Ztg., 64 

 (1914), No. 23, pp. 208, 209, figs. 2; ahs. in Jour. Bd. Agr. [London], 21 (1914), 

 No. 2, pp. 149). — The results here given show successful crops of carrots grown 

 in 1912 and in 1913 when seed was planted in the winter wheat during April. 



Lea's cotton book, compiled by J. J. Lea (Netv Orleans, La., 1914 ed., pp. 

 124, fiffs. 6). — This book gives a record of climatological conditions affecting the 

 growth and culture of the American cotton crop; a statistical history; a sum- 

 mary of the rules of the New Orleans Cotton Exchange ; and data on the cotton 

 milling industry, the cotton ginning industry, weights and values of lint cotton, 

 seed cotton, cotton seed, and cotton picking. 



The pollination and fertilization of hops and the characteristics of 

 "seeded" and "seedless" hops, E. S. Salmon (Jour. Bd. Agr. [London], 20 

 (1914), No. 11, pp. 953-966, pis. 3, figs. 7; 21 (1914), Nos. 1, pp. 22-31, pis. 4, 

 fig. 1; 2, pp. 123-133, pis. 2; 3, pp. 23-220, fig. Jf).— This article discusses the 

 history of hop production and cultural and marketing methods, and presents 

 evidence to show the value of planting male hops in the hop fields in order 

 that the size and quality of the product may be improved by fertilization of the 

 flower. 



Hop manuring experiments. — Brief report for 1913, with summary of 

 the eighteen years 1896-1913, B. Dyee (London, 1914, pp. 4). — This leaflet 

 briefly brings up to date the results of the continuous hop manuring experiments 

 carried on at Golden Green, Hadlow, Tunbridge, showing the average of the 

 results of 18 seasons, together with the detailed results of the crop of 1912-13. 



A plat receiving, aside from a complete commei-cial fertilizer, additional appli- 

 cations of nitrate of soda consisting of 200 lbs. in January, 400 lbs. in February, 

 and 200 lbs. in March, is recorded as giving the largest average yield, 16f cwt.. 

 of the best quality of hops. 



