FIELD CROPS. .733 



either an increase or a decrease in permeability, and that within wide limits 

 tbej- may be completely reversible and entirely devoid of injurious effects. 



The oxidases of Cytisus adami, F. Keeble and E. F. Abmstrong (Proc. Roy. 

 8oc. [Lonflon], So: li. Ho {191^), Xo. B 581. pp. .',60-.', 65). —A study has been 

 made of C adami, which bears yellow, buff, and purple flowers, to determine 

 from its oxidases the origin of this so-called graft hybrid. This plant, which 

 is supposed to have been derived from C. purpureus budded on C. laburnum, 

 has been considered a i>ericlinal chimera, that is, a dual organism composed 

 externally of one species and internally of another. 



The author's investigations on the oxidases confirm Baur's hypothesis, the 

 oxidases of the flowers produced from the different iwrtions of the plant show- 

 ing different reactions. There was also found evidence to supiwrt their own 

 claim that oxidases may migrate from cell to cell. It is believed that certain 

 tissues of the vascular system may be regarded as secretors of oxidases which 

 have among other functions the formation of flower pigments. 



The primary color factors of Lychnis and color inhibitors of Papaver 

 rhceas, G. H. Shull {Hot. Guz., 5.', {I'.il2), \o. 2, pp. J 20- t.i5).— The main sub- 

 stance of this report has already been noted (E. S. R.. 20, p. 827). but later 

 studies have resulted in discoveries necessitating the withdrawal of L. dioica 

 for the present as an example of dominant white, apparently without affecting, 

 however, the general considerations as originally presented. A bibliography 

 is appended. 



Cell number in the fruit of the prairie berry, B. H. A. Gkoth (yeic Jersey 

 .<^7a.s. Rpt. J!) to, pp. 2H7-291, p/.s. 2).— The results of a study of heretlity of 

 fluctuation as shown in the prairie berry or garden huckleberry, a cultivated 

 variety of Solatium nigrum, are given. Considerable variation in the number 

 of cells in the fruit had been previously noted, and the fruits of several plants 

 grown from the seed of a single fruit were examined and the variation observed. 

 ^Vhile the averages appear consistent and instructive, the author holds that 

 Ihe variation in individual plants was so great that they can not be considered 

 eouclusive. 



Observations concerning evolution, derived from ecological studies in New 

 Zealand, L. Cockayne (Trans, and Proc. New Zeal. In.st., 4', {1911), pp. 1-50, 

 pis. S, figs. 3). — The results of an ecological study of the plants of New Zealand 

 are given and the bearing of some of the facts upon evolution of species is dis- 

 cussed. The main object of the i)aper is to supply material of a botanical nature 

 to students of evolution. A bibliography of the subject is appended. 



FIELD CROPS. 



[Field husbandry experiments], J. E. Howitt and C. A. Zavitz {Ann. Rpt. 

 Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm, 37 {1911), pp. 46, 47, 51-^4, 175-248, figs. 

 11).— The work of 1910 has been previously noted (E. S. R., 25, p. 527). 



A list of the weeds attracting most attention during the year is followed by 

 descriptions of the Russian thistle {Salsola kali var. tenuifolia), crab or finger 

 grass (Digitaria sauguinalis). water hemlock or spotted cowbane {Cicuta macu- 

 lata), and wood horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum), together with brief notes 

 on their eradication. Spraying white cockle with a 30 per cent solution of 

 iron sulphate prevented seed production and spraying ragweed in oats with a 

 20 per cent solution gave profitable results. Samples of red and alsike clover 

 and alfalfa seed were tested for purity and the results are reported. 



Weather conditions in 1911 are reviewed and a table is given showing the 

 precipitation for April to September, inclusive, in each of the past 12 years. 



