19171 FIELD CEOPS. 441 



modification of the system of centgener plats suggested by Hays (E. S. R., 13, 

 p. 165) was. adopted. The investigations were conducted with the Federation 

 variety of wheat. Forty-three ears of wheat were examined and the kernels 

 removed and weighed and their ix)sltion in the ear marked. In addition, these 

 weighed and marked kernels were planted, and their location carefuUy marked 

 to test the fertility and vigor of kernels at different positions in the ear and in 

 the spikelet. 



The results obtained indicated that the weight of individual grains increases 

 from either extremity to the middle of the ear. The middle kernels of the 

 splkelets are invariably less in weight and impoverished and, if they germinate, 

 produce less prolific plants. As these grains are undersized and low in weight 

 an efficient grading machine eliminates them. In mass selection for crop im- 

 provement the rejection of the upper and lower portions of the ear of wheat is 

 deemed justifiable. 



The cross-fertilization of wheats, W. J. Spatfokd (Jour. Dept. Agr. So. 

 Aust., 19 (1915), No. Jh pp. 362-375, figs. 6; 19 (1916), No. 7, pp. 628-63S).— 

 This article is a detailed discussion of the principles involved and the methods 

 used in the cross-fertilization of wheats. 



Wheat breeding in New South Wales, J. T. Peidham (Agr. Gaz. N. S. 

 Wales, 26 (1915), Nos. 7, pp. 563-567; 8, pp. 645-650; 9, pp. 737-741; 12, pp. 

 1013-1017). — This article consists chiefly of the assembling and discussion of 

 the underlying principles of plant breeding as formulated by Mendel, De Vries, 

 Johannsen, and others, and supplemented by breeding investigations with wheat 

 in New South Wales. The American Breeders' Association Yearbook for 1907 

 is quoted at some length. 



Notes on some recently imported wheats, F. B. Guthkie and G. W. Nobbis 

 (Agr. Gaz. N. S. Wales, 26 (1915), No. 12, pp. 1018-1022) .—The results of mill- 

 ing and baking tests applied to Russo-Barletta, White Walla, Red Walla, Blue 

 Stem, and BarU, aU imported Argentine wheats, are reported. Russo-Barletta 

 and Baril appear to be the most satisfactory milling wheats. An unnamed 

 variety of wheat imported from Japan and Red Fife from Oregon were also 

 tested. 



Seed wheat. — Varieties for distribution among fanners, A. E. V. Richabd- 

 soN (Jour. Dept. Agr. Victoria, H (1916), No. 2, pp. 65-78, figs. 9). — This article 

 deals with the methods employed by the Victoria department of agriculture in 

 developing varieties of wheat for distribution among farmers. The value of 

 seed selection and grading is pointed out. All varieties are started on 1/10-acre 

 " stud " plats from which seed is selected for 1-acre " seed " plats, which In 

 turn furnish seed for 10-acre " bulk " plats. More or less detailed notes are 

 given on 16 varieties that have been developed, including information as to 

 yielding qualities, cultural characteristics, disease resistance, etc. 



Cost of production of field crops, H. C. Wilson and A. J. Whelan (Jour. 

 Dept. Agr. Victoria, 14 (1916), No. 5, pp. 296-307, figs. 4). — An itemized state- 

 ment of the cost of harvesting wheat in Victoria is given. Three operations 

 are compared, namely, harvesting 12 acres for hay, harvesting 309 acres with 

 a binder for threshing, and stripping and winnowing 24 acres. 



Improved apparatus for determining the test weight of grain, with a 

 standard method of making the test, E. G. Boerner ( U. S. Dept. Agr, Bui. 472 

 (1916), pp. 15, figs. 8). — This bulletin describes an apparatus for accurately 

 determining the test weight of grain, especially designed for use In grain stand- 

 ardization work. The common practices met with in commercial grading are 

 compared and their imperfections pointed out. A standard method for making 

 all such tests is urged, and specifications submitted for that purpose. 



