848 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The chemistry of the corn kernel, C. G. Hopkins (Illinois Sta. Bui. 53 — Abstract, 

 pp. 4, jig. 1). — An abstract of Bulletin 53 of the station (see p. 844). 



Report on experimental manuring, J. A, Murray (Aberystwyth: University Col- 

 lege of Wales, 1897, pp.28). — Results of cooperative fertilizer experiments on grass, 

 mangel-wurzels, Swedish turnips, and turnips are reported. 



Fertilizer experiments with kainit, B. Sciiul/.k (Jahrb. Agr. Chcm. Vers. Stat. 

 Breslau, 1896; abs. in Centbl. Agr. Chem., 28 (1899), Xo. 2, pp. 90-92).— The results of 

 numerous cooperative experiments on potatoes in different parts of Germany in 1896 

 are reported. The yield was not increased to an important degree by kainit api>li«''l 

 to the previous crop. The starch was invariably decreased with the large applica- 

 tions of kainit (1,781.4 lbs. per acre) and usually with the smaller applications (890.7 

 lbs. per acre). 



Fertilizer experiments with potash salts, H. Wehnert and A. Emmerling 

 (Jahrb. Landwirtschaftskammcr, Schleswig-Holstein, 1897; abs. in Centbl. Agr. Chem., 28 

 (1899), No. 2, pp. 92-95). — Experiments of the same character as those of Schulze, 

 noted above, led to the conclusion that applications of 890.7 lbs. of kainit per acre 

 do not injuriously affect the starch content of potatoes, although the use of double 

 this amount reduced the amount of starch. The economy of using larger amounts 

 is considered doubtful. 



The latest information regarding the use of commercial fertilizers in beet 

 culture, J. Stritesk Y (Xeue Ztschr. Biibenz. Ind., 42 (1899), Xo. 3, pp. 21-24). — A gen- 

 eral discussion of the subject. 



Top-dressings of sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda, Kloepfer (Fiihling's 

 Landw. Ztg., 4S (1899), Xo. 3, pp. 114-116; 4, pp. 138-142) .^Sulphate of ammonia and 

 nitrate of soda were applied as a top-dressing to winter wheat in the spring, the 

 sulphate of ammonia being applied about the middle of March, while the nitrate of 

 soda was applied about 1 month later. The records of 5 tests show that the use of 

 sulphate of ammonia was more effective than the use of nitrate of soda. 



HORTICULTURE. 



Report of the horticulturist, J . Craig ( Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 

 1897, pp. 90-103, 121-130, figs. 7). — Descriptions are given of 7 seedling 

 black currants: Beauty, Standard, Success, Monarch, Clin>ax, Star, 

 and Winona, which after 7 years' trial are believed to be superior to 

 any commercial varieties of the same season. These have been selected 

 from about 150 seedlings produced by W. Saunders in 1884. 



Ten American and 107 English gooseberries and a few hybrids have 

 been tested since 1893. Few of the English varieties have succeeded. 

 A table gives notes as to the hardiness and health of plants and the 

 color of fruit for G5 varieties of gooseberries. The following varieties 

 are recommended: lied Jacket, King of Trumps, London, Speedwell, 

 and Kiccardo. 



A test of thinning peaches and plums, made by M. Burrell at St. 

 Catharines, Ontario, is reported. Three six-year-old Hyne Surprise 

 peach trees were chosen; one was thinned June 22, one 10 days later, 

 and the third left unthiimed. On the thinned trees the fruit was left 

 about 2 in. apart. At the time of thinning, the fruit on the tree first 

 thinned was ^ to § in. long and on the tree thinned later, 1 to 1£ in. 

 long. Thinning was found to increase the total yield and the size 

 of fruits and to decrease the amount of rot. Three trees of Moore 

 Arctic plum were treated similarly to the peach trees. The results 



