699 



By covering the flowers with paper bags seed was obtained, which 

 will be planted with a view to obtaining new varieties. Brief descrip- 

 tions of the several varieties tested arc given, and arc accompanied in 

 each case by an outline figure of a leaf. The following summary is 

 taken frpm the bulletin : 



(1) Those varieties which have the most reaily sale in Louisiana immediately after 

 tlii^giiiy are the Geoigia Yam and .Sugar. 



(2) The most desiralile mealy varieties (preferred in the Northern markets) are 

 the Moutlieru Queen, New Jersey, Barbadoes, and Spanish Yam, and probably Norton 

 and Dog Hiver. 



(3) Varieties to be grown as food for stock are Red Nansemond, Pumpkin, and Cali- 

 fornia. 



(4) The Vineless requires further trial. 



Massachusetts Hatch Station, Fourth Annual Report, 1891 (pp. 14). 



This includes brief statements regarding the work of the station in 

 chemistry, entomology, meteorology, agriculture, and horticulture, and 

 the Treasurer's report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1 891. A colored 

 plate illustrating the different stages of the Gypsy moth {Ocneria disixir) 

 accompanies the text. The analyses made for the station during the 

 year were as follows: Ash 2, fertilizers 24, fodder and ash G8, fodder 6, 

 milk 2, moistnre determinations 459, moisture and starch determinations 

 45, fungicides and insecticides 10. 



The Japanese millets mentioned in the last Annual Eoport, together with two 

 other species of millet and a number of varieties of sf*ja bean, have been under fur- 

 ther trial. The millets show remarkable cropping capacity. Fanicum iialicum in 

 half-acre plats has yielded in one instance at the rate of 72 bushels of heavy seed 

 and 2.16 tons of straw, and in another at the rate of 76 bushels of seed and 2.2 tons 

 of straw per acre. This straw will be analyzed, but from its appearance it is judged 

 that it must equal corn stover in feeding value. An experiment in feeding will be 

 undertaken this winter. Another millet, Panicum crus-galU, yielded at the rate of 

 42.5 bushels of seed and nearly 7 tons of straw to the acre; and another, Panicum 

 miliaceum, at the rate of 90.8 bushels of seed and 65 tons of straw. The latter when 

 green was eaten with all the avidity which cattle usually show for green corn fod- 

 der, and promises to be a valuable crop for soiling or for the silo. 



Several of the varieties of soja bean {Glycine hinpida) which have been under cul- 

 tivation prove well adapted to our soil and climate, and on soil of medium quality 

 have yielded in dilierent years from about 25 to 35 bushels to the acre. * * *^ 



White mustard seed at the rate of about 16 bushels per acre has been raised, and 

 was ripe in time for use in seeding for green manuring upon stubble land and in 

 standing corn. Careful experiments in the use of this crop as a nitrogen conservcr 

 and soil improver have been begun. 



Hemp of 2 varieties and flax of 3 have been successfully raised, but the experiment 

 with flax, wiiich occupied three fourths of an acre, has demonstrated the impossi- 

 bility, at present prices, of growing the crop at a prolit in this section. 



