7G0 



EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



A second series of experiments was conducted to test the effect on 

 germination of immersion in running and still water. Comparable lots 

 of different seeds were immersed in running and still water for 24 and 

 48 hours with the following results: 



Effect of soaking on percentage of (termination of seed. 



In addition to the facts shown in this table, it is found that still water 

 not only destroys the germinative ability of some seeds, but also retards 

 it in others. In the case of buckwheat placed in running water, most 

 of the seeds germinated within 24 hours after being placed in the ger- 

 minating chamber, while those soaked in still water did not germinate 

 until after the second day. 



The flaxseed in its botanical, chemical, and agricultural relations (Der Lein- 

 same in botanischer, chemiseher und landwirtschaftlicher Beziehung; noted in Dent. Landw. 

 Presse, 25 {1898), No. 59, p. 660). 



On the ripening of seed, W. Johansen (Abs. in Norsk Landmandsblad, 17 {1898), 

 No. 35, pp. 373-375; 36, pp. 384-386; 37, pp. 399-102). 



Combating juncus in meadows and pastures (Deut. Landir. Presse, 25 (1898), 

 No. 81, p. 869). — Recommends addition of lime, kainit, and other fertilizers. 



Combating mustards -with iron sulphate (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 48, 

 p. 523; 60, p. 667). 



The Russian thistle in Washington, C. V. Piper ( Washington Sta. Bid. 34, pp. IS, 

 2>ls. 2). — The author notes the occurrence of the Russian thistle (Salsola kali tragus) 

 in a number of places throughout the State, and a description of the plant is given 

 with suggestions for its destruction. Numerous weeds which arc sometimes mis- 

 taken for the Russian thistle are briefly described, and an appeal made to farmers to 

 prevent the spread of this pest. 



Twelve of Idaho's worst weeds, L. F. Henderson (Idaho Sta. Bui. 14, pp. 

 91-136, pis. 13, figs. 5). — Descriptive notes are given of 12 of the worst weeds of 

 Idaho, together with the methods by which, they arc distributed and suggestions 

 for their eradication. The following is a list of the weeds: Wild oats, prickly let- 

 tuce or compass weed, Russian thistle, tumbling mustard, cow herb, Canada thistle, 

 dodder, false flax, sunflower, squirrel-tail grass, common tumbleweed, andhorehound. 



Report of the botanist and entomologist, C. V. Piper ( Washington Sta. Ppt. 1S96, 

 pp. 29-39). — The author briefly reviews the laboratory work of the year, gives notes 

 on the occurrence of the Russian thistle, and states that a bulletin is in course of 

 preparation in which attention will be called to the most serious weed pests of the 

 State. Need of a revision of the State weed law is pointed out, and notes are given 

 on the herbarium and field botanical work of the season. The entomological work 

 of the season is briefly described, and reference made to the more common injurious 

 insects (E. S. R., 8, p. 321). 



