536 EXPEKIMENT STATIC IST KECORD. 



generation crosses between tliem. the Sumatra being the female parent, there 

 was a positive correlation between number of leaves and height of plant, 

 although in all but one case this was less than +0.5. It was further shown 

 that a large number of leaves was associated with a slightly smaller leaf area 

 and that the longer leaves were on the average also the broader ones. 



The inheritance of characters was studied in crosses between Cuban and 

 Uncle Sam Sumatra, Uncle Sam Sumatra and Cuban, Small-leafed Sumatra 

 and Broadleaf, and Havana and Cuban, tlie first mentioned being the 

 female parent in each case. Environment was found to be an important 

 factor in producing fluctuating variabilities. The number of leaves per plant 

 under normal or nearly normal conditions was least affected. The reciprocal 

 crosses appeared to be equal within the limits of fluctuating variability. The 

 Fi generation was intermediate in the character studied and was, as a rule, 

 somewhat larger than tlie average of the parents. All of the characters con- 

 sidered except the number of leaves per plant showed added vigor. This gen- 

 eration did not appear more variable than the parents, the variability being 

 slightly greater than the average of the parents in 6 cases and less in 5. 

 Different variates in Fi gave similar results in F2 w^hich is regarded as indi- 

 cating that the fluctuating variation was due to environment. The F2 genera- 

 tion was more variable than the parents. When sufficient numbers of variates 

 were studied, the F- showed a range of variation equal to the combined range 

 of the parents and the Fi generation. Leaf number and average leaf area 

 appeared to be inherited independently, and it is pointed out that this being the 

 case the desirable leaf-size characters of one variety may be combined with the 

 number of leaves of another form. The results also showed some variation in 

 the correlation between height of plant and number of leaves, and a large 

 positive correlation was apparent between length and breadth of leaf. 



The author concludes that the results are entirely in accord with the Men- 

 delian interpretation of quantitative characters by the hyjiothesis that a mul- 

 tiplicity of factors exists, each independently inherited and capable of adding 

 to tlie character. Observations on the cured leaf of several Fi crosses indicated 

 that the leaves of this generation are low in quality. 



The prospects for wheat cultivation in Natal, B. R. Sawer (Agr. Jour. 

 Union So. Africa, 2 (1911), No. 5, pp. 5Ii2-561, figs. 12). — The author gives a 

 classification of wheats, summarizes work of other experimenters, and states 

 the results of variety and irrigation tests at Weenen. 



Results of seed tests for 1911, F. W. Taylor (Neio HampsJiirc Sta. Bui. 

 156, j>p. Vi). — This bulletin presents in tabular form the results of seed tests 

 made in 1911, and gives in addition the text of the law of New Hampshire 

 passed in 1909 for the purpose of regulating the sale of agricultural seeds. 

 During the year 72 samples of seed were examined as against 238 for the year 

 before. 



Purity and germination of agricultural and vegetable seeds sold in North 

 Carolina, O. I. Tillman (Bui. N. C. Dept. Agr., 32 {1911), No. 10, pp. 78, pis. 8, 

 figs. 2). — The text of the North Carolina pure seed act follows tables stating 

 the results of purity and germination tests of seeds collected and analyzetl in 

 accordance with its provisions. Tests of samples submitted by correspondence 

 are also reported. 



Eradication of charlock and wild mustard, C. SAndob (Kisirlet Eozlem., l.'i 

 (1911), No. 5, pp. 720-727).— All the field mustard was killed when sprayed 

 with a 20 per cent solution of iron sulphate, but the destruction was less com- 

 plete in case of charlock or wild radish. A proprietary powder was also tested. 



Johnson grass control, F. "\V. Wilson ( Arizona Sta. Rpt. 1911, pp. 51f9, 

 550). — This article deals with the control of Johnson grass and gives directions 



