1917] FIELD CROPS. 135 



may also be regarded as due to a change in genetic constitution rather than 

 to a segregation of genetic factors. 



A fourth anomalous maize seed with a small part colored and waxy and the 

 remainder white and horny, which was described by Collins, is regarded as 

 being explainable on the basis of either of the four hypotheses. It is con- 

 sidered of special interest in connection with the segregation and mutation 

 hypotheses because, as is stated, at least two factors instead of a single one 

 are concerned. 



The relation of such somatic segregations and mutations in the endosperm 

 of maize to bud sports is considered. Reasons are given for the belief that 

 in certain cases the production of self-color as a bud sport in variegated 

 plants is to be regarded as a somatic mutation rather than as a somatic 

 segregation. The importance of a genetic analysis of material in which bud 

 sports occur, particularly the recessive bud sports, in order to determine 

 whether the factors concerned are in a heterozygous or homozygous condition 

 is pointed out. 



Eighteen citations to literature on the subject are appended. 



Yields of different varieties of com in Illinois, W. L. Bublison and O. M. 

 Allyn {HUrwis Sta. Bui. 191 {1916), pp. //08--|24).— This bulletin reports re- 

 sults of variety tests of corn in Illinois. The highest yielding varieties for the 

 northern, central, and southern sections of Illinois, respectively, were Western 

 Plowman, Reid Yellow Dent, and Funk Ninety Day. A brief history of some 

 of the varieties tested is included in the report. 



Variety tests of corn, C. B. Hutchison, A. R. Evans, J. C. Hackleman, and 

 E. M. McDonald (Missouri Sta. Bui. 143 (1916), pp. 56, figs. i5).— This bulletin 

 reports the results of variety tests of corn for the 10-year period from 1905- 

 1914, and is supplementary to Bulletin 87 (E. S. R., 23, p. 436). A number of 

 varieties of corn have been tested at the station and from them the more promis- 

 ing varieties chosen for further testing in cooperative experiments throughout 

 the State. The history and description of 12 varieties of corn is given, together 

 with illustrations of each variety. The tests were conducted on seven distinct 

 soil areas, which are described in detail and designated as follows: (1) Black 

 prairie, (2) rolling prairie, (3) level prairie, (4) gray prairie, (5) Ozark 

 border, (6) Ozark uplands, and (7) Missouri lowlands. 



The variety tests at Columbia for the 10-year period showed as the leading 

 varieties of white corn Commercial White, Boone County White, Johnson 

 County White, and St. Charles White. The leading varieties of yellow corn 

 were Reid Yellow Dent, Leaming, Gartner, and St. Charles Yellow. The lead- 

 ing varieties for each soil area named above were as follows: (1) and (2), 

 Commercial White and Reid Yellow Dent, (3), (4), and (5), Commercial 

 White and Boone County White, (6), Commercial White and St. Charles 

 White, and (7), Commercial White and Boone County White, except in south- 

 east Missouri, where St. Charles stood first and Boone County White second, 

 and in north Missouri, where Commercial White stood first and St. Charles 

 White second. 



Study of the root system of flax, A. P. Modestov (Trudy Opytn. Sta. Moskov. 

 Selsk. Khoz. Inst., No. 1 (1915), pp. 67-8^, figs. 11).— The study of the root 

 systems of a number of pure lines showed that long-stemmed flax as compared 

 with other varieties appeared to have a weaker root system and a more limited 

 root penetration. Of the different soils used in the studies peat stood first and 

 sandy soil second in suitability for root development. A better root growth was 

 developed by means of water culture than in clay or clay soil. With 30 per 

 cent of moisture in the soil, the lowest moisture content in the experiment, 

 the aerial portions of the plants developed best and the roots least, while with 



