430 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOED. 



cent of nitrogen-free extract, 8.74 per cent of crude fiber, and 8.85 per cent 

 of ash. 



The water consumption of lupines, von Seelhorst (Jour. Lanclw., 51 (1909), 

 No. 1, pp. Ill, 112). — This article points out briefly some inaccuracies occurring 

 in a previous report on experiments conducted to measure the water consump- 

 tion of these plants (E. S. R.. 20, p. 740). 



Meadow fescue; its culture and uses, H. N. Vinall ( JJ. 8. Dept. Agr., Farm- 

 ers'' Bui. 361, pp. 22, figs. 7). — This points out that meadow fescue is most im- 

 portant in eastern Kansas and southeastern Nebraska, but calls attention to its 

 value in pasture mixtures for the east-central States. The certain and strong 

 germination of the seed, the palatability, and the ability to endure trampling 

 and to thrive in wet spots are regarded as peculiarly advantageous for grass 

 mixtures. The production of meadow fescue seed has been quite important 

 in eastern Kansas, but owing to the prevalence of rust and the uncertainty of 

 price the production is decreasing. Ordinary cheat (Bromiis secalinus) is the 

 worst impurity in commercial seed. Tall fescue is regarded as a substitute for 

 meadow fescue where rust makes this grass unprofitable. 



The necessity for new standards of hop valuation, W. W. Stockberger 

 (U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant Indus. Circ. 33, pp. 11). — This circular points 

 out the desirability of a definite standard for judging the quality of hops 

 based upon other considerations than that of origin alone. In a discussion of 

 the subject the author describes present methods of valuation, points out de- 

 ficiencies of existing methods, together with the necessity for new standards, 

 and gives data concerning the movement for an international standard. 



Improvement of the oat crop, C. W. Warburton (t/. 8. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant 

 Indus. Circ. 30, pp. 10, fig. 1). — The need for improvement is discussed and the 

 lines along which improvement can be effected are described. Under methods 

 of improvement, mechanical selection, introduction of new seed, the use of 

 the seed plat, individual plant selection, and hyl)ridizatiou are discussed. Va- 

 rieties most likely to lend themselves to improvement work are listed. A 

 description of a method for testing individual plant selections, as described by 

 J. B. Norton (E. S. R., 18, p. 698), is reproduced. 



A critical period in the development of oats, I, Vikhlyaer (Zhur. Opuitn. 

 Agron. [Russ. Jour. Expt. Landw.], 9 {190S), No. 2, pp. 257-270 ) .—The author 

 observed that a high soil moisture content when the crop is heading is con- 

 ducive to a large yield, while a low moisture content tends to reduce produc- 

 tion. According to his observations the mean temperature during the entire 

 vegetative period is in inverse ratio to the yield and the length of the growing 

 period. 



Potato notes, E. II. Bennett, W. Paddock, and S. A. Johnson {Colorado 8ta. 

 Circ. 1, pp. IJf). — This circular presents brief notes on the potato industry and 

 potato investigations in Colorado, selection and treatment of seed potatoes, 

 irrigation, potato diseases and insect enemies, and the marketing and storing 

 of the crop. 



Preliminary report on potato germination troubles in 1909, T. O. Johnson 

 ET AL. (Virginia Truck 8ta. Circ. 2, pp. 3-7). — Upon investigation it was esti- 

 mated that owing to losses from the rotting of Irish potatoes, largely confined 

 to the Maine seed, the stand in the vicinity of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Va., 

 was from 85 to 90 per cent, in the vic.inity of Cape Charles, Accomac Court 

 House, and Onley 75 to 85 per cent, and at Nandua and Davis Wharf 55 to GO 

 per cent. The losses in Maine Cobbler, the principal variety planted, ranged 

 from 5 to 95 per cent. It is believed that these losses may have been due to 

 a combination of the following unfavorable conditions: Immature seed, pos- 

 sible injury from high temperature during transit and storage, cutting too 



