FIELD CROPS. 841 



100-112, figs. {). — These pages report the phosphoric acid contents of phos- 

 phorites from different regions. Pot tests to determine their assimilability by 

 oats and bucliwheat on sand and clay soils were conducted, and tables present 

 the data obtained. 



A new basis for estimating the value of potatoes, D. Zolla {Rev. G^n. Scu, 

 22 (1911), No. 22, p. 887). — The author suggests the use of the microscope in 

 determining the value of potatoes for specific purposes. Fine grained potatoes 

 should be planted for the table crop. Starch potatoes for manufacturing pur- 

 poses differ histologically from table potatoes in that their tissues are less com- 

 pact and their cells large and rich in starch. 



Rye selection at Svalof, 1910, E. W. Ljung (Sveriges Utsddcsfdr. Tidslcr., 

 21 (1911), No. 6, 2W- 321-323). — These pages briefly summarize the results of 

 21 comparative experiments. A table states the grain and straw yields se- 

 cured, the weight per bushel and per 1,000 kernels, the date of harvest, and the 

 degree of resistance to lodging. 



The quality of g'rain in the season 1910—11, E. Schaffnit {IUus. Landw. 

 Ztg., 31 (1911), No. 99, pp. 911, 972).— Analyses of many rye samples of an 

 abnormal orange-yellow color showed that they were higher in protein content 

 than the usual brown seeds. In germination they tested 98 per cent or over 

 but in growing tests only abou-t 79 per cent. 



During this same dry season red, yellowish-red, or even violet-colored straw 

 occurred. It was attributed to the accumulation of carbohydrates or tannic 

 substances due to disturbed metabolism. The violet straw contained 5.8 per 

 cent protein and 1.6 per cent of fat as compared with 3.1 and 1.3 per cent, 

 respectively, in the ripe yellow straw. 



The sugar beet in 1911, E. Saillard (Jour. Agr. Prat., n. ser., 22 (1911), 

 No. Jfff, pp. 562^56Ji). — Tables state the chemical composition of sugar beets 

 during each year of the period 1907-1911. 



The 1911 crops contained more amid, ammoniacal, and injurious nitrogen 

 than those of preceding years, and the alkalinity during evaporation was less 

 pronounced. Analyses during 1907-1910 indicate that when the ratio of nitro- 

 gen to sugar is highest, that of albuminoid nitrogen to total nitrogen is lowest. 



Biometrical studies of tobacco varieties, G. Rinaldi (Bol. Tec. Coltiv. 

 Tabacchi [Scafatn, 10 (19M), No. 6, pp. 331-366).— Tables state in full the 

 data gathered in studies comparing some of the principal tobacco varieties 

 throughout the vegetation period. The amount of water required for germina- 

 tion, the amounts retained in the different organs of the plant, and the amounts 

 contained in the plants at different periods of growth are also reported. 



The weight of topped plants was greater than that of the untopped plants 

 of the Kentucky, Havana, and Brazil varieties, and was about equal in Herze- 

 govina or Sumatra plants, but in case of Erbasanta and Chineusis. which rep- 

 resented Nicotiana rustica, the plants with ripe seed excelled in weight. The 

 author found that Erbasanta and Chinensis had at first a higher dry matter 

 percentage than plants of the 5 A'arieties of N. tabacum studied, but during 

 later vegetation periods they stood below the Havana and Sumatra varieties in 

 this respect. 



The early fertilization of tobacco seedlings and their later development, 

 L. MoNTF.MARTiNi (Staz. Sper. Agr. Ital., U (1911), No. 10, pp. 79'/-796).— 

 These pages state the results obtained by sowing tobacco seed in April in sand- 

 filled earthen vessels. Different artificial fertilizers were added to the 5 pots 

 in the test and the plants were transplanted late in May. They were set in 2 

 beds, one of which was well fertilized and exx^osed to the sun, while the other 

 was shaded and rather sterile. 



