1086 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



merely for the sake of changing, and that there is more likelihood of loss by 

 a change than of making any practical gain. 



An outline of the classification of varieties is given and descriptive notes on 

 most of the Russian, Hungarian, and American varieties entering into these 

 experiments are presented. 



Seed separation and germination, G. E. Stone (Massdchusctts »S7a. BuL 

 121, pp. /'/, fiffs. -'/). — A brief account is given of the methods used in and the 

 advantages to be derived from the separation of seed, together with a report 

 on the j-esults obtained from seed separation. 



The average increase in germination of heavy seeds of garden crops and 

 millet selected by the water-separation method was 61 per cent. The differ- 

 ence in weight of onion seedlings grown from heavy and light seed separated 

 by water amounted to 37.42 per cent. With the exception of carrot and tomato 

 seed the greatest weight of seedlings was obtained fi'om the largest seed. From 

 a sample of onion seed separated by the air method 33 per cent of light seed 

 was obtained, and of 200 .seeds selected from this sample the heavy seed gave a 

 germination of 02.5 jier cent and the light seed of .55 per cent. 



In other seed work at the station the percentage of discarded onion seed 

 from a number of samples sepai'ated averaged 12.6 per cent, and that of 85 

 samples of tobacco seed 15.5 per cent. From the best tobacco seed only 2 per 

 cent was discarded, while in the pooi'est sample 37 per ceut was considered 

 without value. In the case of the onion seed 1.6 per cent was discarded from 

 the best sample and 43 per cent from the poorest. 



The results of germination tests of 373 samples of seed during the past 2 

 years shf)w that the average germination of onion seed was S2.5 per cent, the 

 highest being KM) and the lowest 28 per cent. 



Seed inspection, C. D. Woods and R. L. Hammond (Maine 8ta. Bui. 152, pp. 

 49-8J1). — The chief requirements of the law regulating the sale of agricultural 

 seeds are enumerated, the conditions under which the station makes free analy- 

 ses of seeds are described, the violations of the law discussed, and the applica- 

 tion of the written guaranty is explained. Tables are given summarizing the 

 results of examinations of samples of seeds by the station, with a list of the 

 weeds obtained from seeds so reported upon. 



The distribution of pedigree seed, J. H. Sheppard and O. O. Churchill 

 (North Dakota Sta. Bui. 10, pp. .',15-510, pis. '.)). — The method of seed distribu- 

 tion in use at the North Dakota Experiment Station is outlined, and a few of 

 the iniitroved strains of seed which have been or are now ready for distribution 

 are described. 



A summary is given showing that from 1898 to 1006, inclusive, 2,462.5 bu. of 

 seed have been distributed by the station to 045 farmers. Brome grass seed 

 amounting to 112.5 bu. was sent to 373 persons. Golden Dent corn to the amount 

 of 111.75 bu. to 118 persons, and 550.75 bu. of Minnesota No. 163 wheat to 102 

 persons. These three crops were the most widely distributed. 



Weeds and methods of eradication, H. L. Bolley (Nortli Dakota Sta. Bui. 

 SO, pp. 51 1-51 '1, pis. 2). figs. 5). — This bulletin reviews the weed work of the 

 station and rei»orts the results of weed control by means of chemical sprays. 

 The author discusses native and introduced weeds, the identification of weeds, 

 the kinds of injury occasioned by them, the particular instances when they may 

 be a benefit, the causes of weediness, weed and seed inspection laws, and the 

 methods of holding weeds in control. 



Under the subject of weed destruction or control by means of chemical 

 sprays, the author discusses types of spraying api)aratus and machines, the 

 method of mixing sprays and their application, and the effectiveness and benefits 

 of the work. Notes on the control or eradication of special weeds, including 

 dandelion in lawns, conclude the bulletin. 



