FIELD CROPS. 237 



[Root cotton], S. KusANo (Jour. Col. Agr. Imp. Univ. Tokyo, 4 (1911), 2Vo. 1, 

 pp. 67-82, pis. 2, fig. 1). — This so-called cotton is a fibrous cork tissue derived 

 from the root of the tropical plant Fagara integrifoliola. It is at present used 

 in caulking the seams of small boats. It is spoken of as unwettable, but takes 

 up 16.2 per cent of its oaa'u weight in water when kept in a moist chamber for 

 a week (maximum temperature 22° C.) or 26.1 per cent when kept in a steam 

 sterilizer for 3 hours and left until the next day, as comi)ared with 15.2 and 

 20.2 per cent respectively in case of ordinary commercial cotton. Its specific 

 gravity is only about half that of ordinary cotton. 



The bast fibers of Gomphocarpus fructicosus, A. Hebzog (Tropenpflanzer, 16 

 (1912), No. 3, pp. 113-125, figs. 8).— A brief review of the literature of the 

 subject is followed by a statement of the results of observations of the water 

 content and of the microscopic and other characters of the fibers. Tables state 

 the results of measurements of the cells and micro-photographs show the 

 structui'e of the fibers. 



The origin of cultivated oats, Tbabut (Bui. Soc. Hist. Nat. Afrique Nord, 

 1910, No. 9, pp. 150-161, figs. 5). — This contribution to the study of the origin 

 of cultivated oats deals with Arctia stcrilis, A. fatun, and .-1. harhnta. 



A comparative test of lime-sulphur, lead benzoate, and Bordeaux mixture 

 for spraying potatoes, F. C. Stewart and G. T. French CScio York State Sta. 

 Bill. 3)7, pp. 77-S-'i, pis. Jf). — The experiments described wore conducted for the 

 purpose of determining the relative merits of lime-sulphur 1 : 40, lead benzoate 

 (1 lb. to 50 gal.), and Bordeaux mixture (6:6:50) for sin'aying potatoes. 



The authors conclude that " the results indicate plainly that neither lead 

 benzoate nor lime-sulphur can be profitably substituted for Bordeaux mixture 

 in spraying potatoes. Both lack the stimulative influence possessed by Bor- 

 deaux while lime-sulphur also dwarfs the plants and lowers the yield." 



The Bordeaux rows yielded 100.3 bu. per acre more than the checks, while 

 the benzoate and lime-sulphur rows yielded respectively 6 and 39.5 bu. less than 

 the checks. None of the mixtures burned the foliage, but the lime-sulphur 

 rows were as badly affected with tip burn as were the check rows. 



Lime-sulphur dwarfs potato plants, F. H. Hall (Xcw York State Sta. Bui. 

 3.'f7, popular ed., pp. 2, fig. 1). — This is a popular edition of the above. 



Soy beans, G. Roberts and E. J. Kinney (Kentucky Sta. Bui. 161, pp. 107-131, 

 figs. 2). — This is a brief manual of information for the soy bean grower in 

 Kentucky. Notes on a number of varieties tested are given. 



Three-year average yields after planting in rows 28 in. apart were not enough 

 higher than those secured from rows 35 in. apart to pay for the extra trouble 

 of cultivation. Sowings of 55 lbs. per acre generally excelled in seed yield 

 those of 30 lbs. per acre. 



The soy bean and its uses, A. C. Tonneliee (La Soja Hispida y sus Aplica- 

 ciones. Buenos Aires, 1912, pp. 16, figs. ^). — This brief manual of information 

 on the soy bean quotes many authorities, and reports an analysis of the " green 

 forage " of the plant and the yield secured in a test which the author regards 

 as favorable to the growth of the plant in his locality. 



Tobacco culture in Ohio, A. D. Selby and T. Houseb (Ohio Sta. Bui. 238, pp. 

 263-359, figs. 23). — Earlier tobacco work at the Ohio Station has already been 

 noted (E. S. R., 16, pp. 870, 886; 17, p. 245; 18, p. 696). This bulletin discusses 

 the early history of tobacco culture in Ohio, and gives statistical and othei' 

 studies on its present status and directions for tobacco growing, harvesting 

 curing, and marketing in that State. 



In a rate of planting test the plants were spaced 16, 20, 24 in. etc. up to 40 in. 

 apart in rows 34 in. apart. Those planted 16 in. apart gave the highest yields 



