FIELD CROPS. 233 



Demtschinsky method gave lower yields when hilling and transplanting were 

 resorted to than when they were omitted. The Demtschinsky method and to 

 a less degree the Zehetmayr method increased the percentage of grain, the 

 1.000-kernol weight, and the size of kernel. All things considered, the author 

 believes that on the heavy clay soil used in the test only the Zehetmayr method 

 compared favorably with carefully conducted drilled seeding by the older 

 method. He regards transplanting as impractical for extensive agriculture, 

 and states that it brings lower yields than the ordinary drill seeding method. 



Compilation of the results of tests of the Demtschinsky, Zehetmayr, and 

 otheF cultural methods and their variations, A. Einecke (.Lnndir. Jahrb., Jfl 

 {1911), Ko. 2, PI). 281-335, fig. 1; ahfi. in Jour. Bd. Agr. [Londwh^, IS {1912), 

 'So. 10, pp. 857-859). — This article is compiled from reports transmitted by the 

 minister of agriculture of the Prussian Agricultural Chambers to the experi- 

 mental and bacteriological institute of the Royal Agricultural High School. 

 Much of the data presented has already been published, and has been noted 

 from other sources. 



The results obtained in these experiments, which were carried out in Ger- 

 many, agreed fairly well, indicating that transplanting and deep setting of 

 cereals is unprofitable. Although Demtschinsky estimates that from 16 to 

 20 days' labor per acre is sufficient in the use of this method, the extra labor 

 required in these experiments varied from 53 days per acre in Pomerania to 

 120 days in Wiesbaden. 



The results favored hilling up the plants in rows and Indicated that this 

 method prevented lodging without involving much extra labor. A special 

 machine was used in planting. The effect of these treatments varied some- 

 what with the different cereals. Both earthing up and transplanting were 

 favorable in case of winter rye on sandy and clay soils, but winter wheat was 

 less favorably affectetl and the tests on spring rye were unsuccessful. Both 

 these methods gave good results in 2 experiments on spring barley, but the 

 results with oats were too variable to justify definite conclusions. 



In general the Demtschinsky method resulted in longer heads and a greater 

 production of grain per plant than the ordinary methods, and although un- 

 successful financially, it drew the attention of German agriculturists to the 

 possibilities of deep plowing and earlier, thinner seeding. 



Tests of new grain culture methods, R. Fruwieth ( Wiener La^ndw. Ztg., 61 

 (1911), No. 33, pp. 385-387). — This is a report of experiments conducted to 

 determine the merits of hilling up wheat, rye, and barley, and of covering the 

 small plats with soil, as compared with the ordinai-y cultural methods. Tables 

 state the weight of grain per 100 heads, the 1.000-kernel weight, the proportions 

 of the kernels which passed through sieve meshes of various sizes, and the 

 depth of drilling and covering. 



In view of these and other tests the author does not feel that the recent 

 severe criticism of these methods is any more justified than the earlier en- 

 thusiasm. He does not recommend any diminution in rate of seeding when 

 they are used. 



[Experiments with field crops], G. Auchinleck (Imp. Dept Agr. West 

 Indies, Rpts. Bat. Sta. [etc.] Grenada, 1910-11, pp. -^-6). — In experimental 

 sowings of Crotalaria retusa. indigo, Bambarra ground nuts (Voandzeia sub- 

 terranea), Tephrosia Candida, and the sword bean {Canavalia gJadiata), only 

 the last named germinated well under a cacao shade. Variety tests of sweet 

 potatoes, yams, and tanias are reported. The quantity of seed set on both 

 limed and unlimed rows of alfalfa was negligible and no apparent increase 

 resulted from the tripping of alternate rows. 



