FIELD CROPS. 



741 



The growth and use of the rape crop, J. A. diAia (Wisconsin 

 Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 56-71, Jigs. 3). — This article gives complete and 

 detailed instructions for the culture and use of the rape crop and 

 reports the results of cutting rape for soiling purposes. The limits to 

 the growth and use of rape are pointed out, the different varieties 

 described, and directions given for the seeding, cultivation, and use of 

 the crop. 



A half-acre plat of rape was used for soiling purposes and furnished 

 feed for one month beginning August 16. The rape was cut close to 

 the ground and owing to the lateness of the season did not make a 

 heavy second growth. A number of trials were made with different 

 methods of cutting and twisting the plants. Results are given in the 

 following table: 



Besults of different methods of twisting and cutting rape. 



Method of treatment. 



Five rows twisted 8 in. from ground 



Five rows cut 8 in. from ground 



Five rows cut 4 in. from ground 



Five rows cut close to ground 



Yield. 



Aug. 29. Sept. 29. Nov. 8 



Pounds. 

 253 

 273 

 293 

 343 



Pounds. 

 157J 

 206i 



Not cut. 



Not cut. 



Pounds. 

 1591 

 153i 

 431J 

 296 



Total. 



Pounds. 

 569| 

 633 

 724| 

 639 



In this test cutting rape 4 in. from the ground gave the best results. 

 Cultivation immediately after each cutting is recommended. 



Another experiment was made to determine the best time for cutting 

 the crop. The following results were obtained: 



Besults of cutting rape at different times. 



The author concludes that rape sown as early as possible, cut 4 in. 

 from the ground, and cultivated frequently, will furnish 3 cuttings 

 during the summer and fall. 



Special report on the beet-sugar industry in the United States, 

 1897 ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Special Report on the Beet-sugar Industry in 

 the U. S., 1897, pp. 240, Jigs. 2, maps 2). — This publication is a compre- 

 hensive report of the conditions of sugar-beet culture and beet-sugar 

 manufacture in the United States in 1897. The results of analytical 

 and experimental work, and statistics concerning the production of beet 

 sugar and the cost of producing sugar beets are given. 



