FIELD CROPS. 235 



Shelter-tent experiments with Sumatra tobacco, W. Frear (Pennsylvania 

 Sfa. Rpt. 1908, pp. 139-171, pis. 9). — The work and results described in this 

 ju'ticle have been noted from another source (E. S. R., 20, p. 1032), with the 

 exceptions that the weather conditions are described in greater detail and 

 that the cost per acre of growing the tobacco at Cocalico is given as $161.81 as 

 compared with $156.75 in the earlier statement. 



Turkish tobacco experiments in the Cape Colony, L. M. Stella (Agr. Jour. 

 Cape (load Hope. ,1'/ {1909). Xo. .'/, pp. 377-386. pus. ,5). — The results of cultui'e 

 tests with Turkish tobacco are briefly summarized and complete directions 

 for growing, harvesting, and preparing the crop are given. In 1906 when the 

 tests were begun 3,000 lbs. were grown on 7* acres and sold at an average 

 price of Is. Od. per pound. The following years 13,000 lbs. were grown and 

 sold at an average of Is. lid. per pound. About 70 acres of Turkish tobacco 

 were planted in 1908 and the production under favorable conditions is esti- 

 mated at 35.000 lbs. 



The Florida velvet bean and its history, Katherine S. Bort ( U. S. Dcpt. 

 Agr.. Bur. I'Uint Indu.s. Bui. I'lU pt. 3. pp. 25-32. pis. 3, fig. /).— The history 

 of the Florida velvet bean and the identity of the plant are discussed. The 

 name Stizolobium deeringianuni n. sp. is pi'oposed and a technical description 

 given. 



Variety tests of rye and wheat, N. P. Nielsen (Tidsskr. Landbr. Planteavl, 

 15 (1908), Xo. 3, pp. 365-382). — A study of.tlie comparative yielding capacity 

 of wheat and rye at four Danish experiment stations from 1899 to 1904 showed 

 that the average yields of wheat at three of the stations ranged from 78 to 92 

 Iier cent of the average yields of rye. At the fourth station where the crops 

 were grown on fallow ground the average yields of wheat from 1900 to 1904 

 ranged from 88 to 95 per cent of those of rye, and in 1906 and 1907 the yield 

 of wheat was 118 and 126 per cent, respectively, of the rye yields. Square- 

 head or Stand wheat and Brattiugsborg rye were grown in the tests. 



Viability of weed seeds in feeding stuffs, C. L. Beach (Vermont Sta. Bui. 

 138, pp. 11-20, pis. ,}). — A commercial feed was found to contain over 20 per 

 cent of apparently unground weed seeds, 26.4 per cent of which possessed the 

 l)ower to germinate. The germinating power of these seeds was destroyed when 

 they were steamed before passing through the alimentary tract of the cow, but 

 when they were fed unsteamed 4 per cent of the seeds found in one sample of 

 feces germinated, and in another sample 5 per cent. 



" Weed seeds sorted from this feed were placed rather more than half way 

 down in a 100-ton silo full of mature silage when it was filled about October 1. 

 These were taken out early in December, planted and many of them germinated. 

 Laboratory gei-mination tests also indicated that the heat, fermentation and 

 pressure of the silage did not inhibit germination." 



Weed seeds placed in ])iles of horse or cow manure and kept at temperatures 

 of 120 to 201° F. had rotted at the end of 2 months. A similar trial of one 

 month resulted in a failure of the seeds to germinate, though some of the seeds 

 remained firm. From 2.3 to 12.8 per cent of the weed seeds in calf feces were 

 found to germinate when used as a top-dressing. The harm which may result 

 from these noxious weed seeds is pointed out. 



Iron sulphate and mustard, H. A. B. Vestergaard (Ugesln: Landm., 53 

 (1908), Xo. 10, pp. 133-13()). — In experiments at Funen the yields of grains 

 were Increased about 60 i)er cent by applying 50 ]l)s. per acre of a 10 per cent 

 solution of iron sulphate. Different machines for applying the solution are 

 described and illustrated. 



