540 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECOKD. 



When the soil was dry and the weather cool, cutting the potatoes shortly before 

 planting so that no water was lost from the cuttings produced no unfavorable 

 results, but cutting S days before planting resulted in a loss of moisture in the 

 prepared seed, and a reduction in yield was observed. 



The effect of salt water on rice, G. S. Fraps (Texas Sta. Bui. 122, pp. 3-6. 

 flg^ ^)._I{iee plants were grown in pots 8 in. in diameter and 8 in. high, and 

 treated with salt water of a concentration equal to 0.05, 0.3 and 1.0 per cent. 

 The results secured showed that water containing 0.3 per cent or more of salt 

 is dangerous to the ci'op, while water containing less may also be injurious. 

 It is advised that the use of water containing 0.5 per cent or more of salt be 

 avoided. :Methods for the detection of salt in water are outlined. 



The rice crop of 1907—8 in Indo-China, R. Pidance {Bui. Econ. Indo-Chine, 

 n. so: 11 (190S). A'o. 72. pp. 261-2S3). — The yields of the different provinces 

 are given in tables and the behavior of the different varieties of rice cultivated 

 is described. 



Liquid distillery refuse as a fertilizer for beets (Ann. Dir. Hydraul. et 

 Ammor. Agr., Min. Agr. [France], 1007, No. 36, pp. 25-29). — The results of 

 experiments along this line are reported and discussed. 



The use of this material not only acted as a fertilizer but also supplied 

 moisture to the growing crop. The beets treated with this substance were 

 improved in form, being smoother and tapering more regularly than beets grown 

 without this treatment. While the proportion of the crown to the rest of the 

 beet was increased the tare in the crop was diminished by reason of the better 

 form. The percentage of purity was also in favor of the beets fertilized with 

 this liquid refuse. When applied at the rates of 500, 1,000, and 1,500 cubic 

 meters per hectare (from about 5.3,530 to 100,590 gals, per acre) the results 

 were very profitable. 



Experiments with, varieties of sug-ar cane, F. Watts et al. {Imp. Dept. 

 Agr. West Indies, Siigar-Cane Expts. Leeward Ish, 1907-8. pt. 1, pp. 76). — This 

 is the customary report on varietal tests with sugar cane on the islands of 

 Antigua and St. Kitts (E. S. R., 20, p. 639). 



On the island of Antigua as plant canes. Sealy Seeding, B. 208, B 15G. and 

 B 306 headed the list among a number of varieties heading similar lists the 

 year before. On the basis of their merits as plant canes Sealy Seedling, B 208, 

 B 156, B 306, and possibly B 376, and D 109 are recommended for Antigua. 

 Sealy Seedling, B 306 and D 109 have also rattooned well in these islands. Con- 

 sidering the behavior of the varieties both as plants and rattoons, Sealy Seed- 

 ling is recommended for heavy soil in indifferent tilth, and B 208 for the best 

 soils in first-class order. Among rattoon canes in St. Kitts, White Transparent 

 came within the first seven at 6 different stations. Striped Singapore cane, 

 Burke, D 74, Rock Hall, and B 147 are regarded as hardy canes. 



Seedling and other canes in the Leeward Islands, 1907—8, F. Watts et al. 

 {Imp. Dept. Agr. West Indies Pamphlet 56, 1909, pp. 55). — A summary of the 

 results of the cultivation of seedling and other canes at the experiment stations 

 in the Leeward Islands in 1907-8 which have been noted above from another 

 source. 



Manurial experiments, F. Watts et al. {Imp. Dept. Agr. West Indies, Sugar- 

 cane Expts. Leeward Ish, 1907-8, pt. 2, pp. 22, dgms. 2). — The experiments here 

 reported are in continuation of work previously noted (E. S. R., 20, p. 6.39). 



The use of nitrogen gave substantial increases in yield, which were greater, 

 however, when i)hosphate and potash were used in conjunction with the nitrogen. 

 In 2 experiments sulphate of ammonia furnishing 60 lbs. of rfitrogen used alone 

 caused a gain of 4.1 tons in one instance, and 3.9 tons of cane in another. In 

 one experiment the increase from the use of 60 lbs. of nitrogen in the form of 



