1917] FIELD CROPS. 233 



to the belief that perhaps 65 to 75 per cent of the nitrogen recovered was se- 

 cured from the atmosphere. 



Variety tests with pot cultures and in the open field are also described and 

 discussed. 



Variations in the sugar content of the beet in relation to selection in 

 Italy, O. MuNERATi, G. IMezzadboli, and T. V. Zapparoli (Staz. Sper. Agr. 

 Ital., 48 (1915), No. 9, pp. 605-637, figs. 2).— For the purpose of this study an- 

 alyses of beets planted April 2, May 19, and July 11 were made on different 

 dates from July 23 to January 5. Also different portions of the root were 

 analyzed to determine the distribution of sugar in the beet. The data secured 

 relating to sugar content and its fluctuation and the weight of the leaves and 

 the roots are given in tabular form. 



The results of the analysis of different portions of individual beets showed 

 the least variation in the samples taken from the upper third of the root. 

 From other data obtained it is concluded that the composition of the beet at a 

 certain time can not be regarded as indicating its sugar content on an earlier or 

 a later date, if left to grow. It was further brought out that two beets appar- 

 ently identical in all respects may present different values in the transmission 

 of their sugar-producing qualities and that, on the other hand, beets differing 

 in weight and in sugar content may have the same merits or defects. 



The influence of defoliating sugar beets on their sugar content, O. 

 MuNERATi, G. Mezzadroli, and T, V. Zapparoli (Staz. Sper. Agr. Ital., 4S 

 {1915), No. 10-11, pp. 743-771, figs. 2). — The experiments described were con- 

 ducted to determine the influence of removing the leaves of sugar beets on 

 their sugar content, and for this purpose analyses of normal and defoliated 

 beets were made on different dates of the growing period. The results of the 

 analyses are given in tables. 



It was found that beets allowed to develop normally after transplanting 

 increased constantly in weight in proportion to the development of the new 

 leaves. The beets with abundant foliage were able to treble their weight in 

 about three months, while beets with scanty foliage increased but little in 

 weight. Beets from which the leaves were removed from time to time did not 

 increase in weight, and in many instances showed a loss. In the normal beets 

 the total sugar content was also closely related to the development of the 

 leaves, while the beets defoliated sustained a loss in sugar content. The per- 

 centage of sugar also diminished constantly and progressively in the defoliated 

 beets, while in the normal beets, with the exception of an initial reduction due 

 to the growth of the first leaves, the percentage of sugar remained nearly sta- 

 tionary during the constant and progressive increase in the weight of the root. 

 In certain individuals not only was the weight of the root greatly increased 

 and in consequence the total sugar, but also the percentage of sugar. It was 

 found that the defoliated beets were reduced in storage quality. The authors 

 believe that their results confirm the claim that the production of new leaves 

 is carried on at the expense of the sugar contained in the root. 



Notes on the growth of sugar cane, J. M. Taxuqdab (Agr. Jour. Bihar and 

 Orissa [India], 3 {1915), No. 1, pp. 15-28, pi. 1). — Observations are reported on 

 the rate of growth of sugar cane, and the results of excessive growth measure- 

 ments are given in tabular and graphical form. 



Variation in the rate of growth noted during the season suggested that if 

 certain canes spend more energy for their growth during a certain period they 

 will have less energy at their disposal during the period of time immediately 

 following, which causes a reduction in the rate of development. It is concluded 

 from the data obtained that the rate of growth depends upon the degree of 

 moisture and temperature of the soil and the atmosphere, that these two factors 



