HORTICULTURE. 437 



Crop rotation and fertilizer experiments with bright tobacco, R. P. Cocke 

 (Virginia Sta. Bui. 198, pp. 3-20, figs. 6). — Results similar to those reported 

 have been previously noted, with descriptions of the experiments (B. S. R., 

 22, p. 137). 



The results here reported indicate the value of using a complete fertilizer 

 for bright tobacco. The value of the crop less the cost of the fertilizer when 

 fertilized with nitrogen, potash, or phosphoric acid alone was $63.43 or less 

 per acre, while it reached $124.54 per acre where a complete application was 

 used. The use of 1,400 lbs. of a 3 : 8 : 3 fertilizer per acre gave a net profit of 

 $19.58 more than 800 lbs. of the same fertilizer, and the effects on succeeding 

 crops were more pronounced. 



The rotation recommended for 6 years is as follows: Tobacco, wheat, grass, 

 grass, corn with crimson clover as a cover crop, and cowpeas. An average yield 

 of tobacco under this rotation of 1,257 lbs. per acre, having a value of $116.98. 

 was secured. It was found that the use of lime darkened the color of bright 

 tobacco, showed little benefit to corn and wheat, but had a most satisfactory 

 influence on the growth of grass. 



Wheat breeding experiments, E. G. Montgomery (Nebraska Sta. Bui. 125, 

 pp. 5-16, figs. 9). — A historical sketch of wheat culture and wheat-breeding 

 work in Nebraska is followed by a statement of the results of variety tests at 

 the station and of tests of improved strains by farmers. 



Tests of over 100 varieties already noted (E. S. R., 14, p. 36) have indicated 

 only 3 varieties that were capable of surviving Nebraska's very dry winters, 

 and as Turkey Red excelled the other 2 varieties in milling qualities it was 

 evidently most suitable for general cultivation. Attempts to improve it by 

 the importation of new seed from southern Russia or from Alberta, Canada, 

 have given negative results. Selection, however, produced strains which varied 

 in ability to resist lodging and in shape and quantity of grain, as well as in 

 yielding power. A table states results secured during the period 1907-1910 

 from 26 strains. They varied in yield from 28.88 to 40.75 bu. per acre, but it 

 was diflicult to tell by appearance the best from the poorest yielders in the 

 field. 



In 1910, 26 8-acre fields of improved strains were sown in 20 different coun- 

 ties of the State. The results reported by 21 experimenters showed average 

 yields of 25.9 bu. of the improved Turkey Red as compared with 21.9 bu. of the 

 locally grown Turkey Red. The 3 strains used in this test were Nos. 287, 425, 

 and 48. " No. 48 has proved to be a very satisfactory yielder in comparison, 

 but was reported as somewhat light in color." A fourth strain. No. 42, which 

 is now ready for distribution " appears to be superior to any of the other 

 varieties so far tested, especially in color and quality." 



Is Federation wheat degenerating? J. T. Peidham (Agr, Qaz. N. 8. Wales, 

 23 (1912), No. 3, pp. 213-215).— An accoirat is given of the occurrence of 3 

 mutants in Federation wheat and of the crops secured from them. Inquiry 

 indicated that a number of other variations had been observed in this variety 

 at the different experiment farms. 



Twenty fi^ve years' plant improvement in Sweden, N. H. Nilsson (Sveriges 

 Utsadesfor. Tidskr., 21 (1911), No. If, pp. jf75-i87).— This is a history and ex- 

 planation of the organization and work of the Swedish Seed Improvement 

 Society. 



HORTICULTTTRE. 



Eadium as a means of forcing plants, H. Moltsch (Osterr. Oart. Ztg., 7 

 (1912), No. 6, pp. 197-202, figs. 3).— A summarized account of the author's ex- 

 periments in the use of radium chlorid and radium emanation in forcing plants. 



