FIELD CROPS. 595 



gave the highest yiekls. The weight per bushel was light among all 

 varieties. 



In experiments with different quantities of seed per acre 3, 4, 5, 6, 

 and 8 pecks were sown, with little difference in yield. The comparison 

 of sowing in drills 6 and 8 in. apart was inconclusive. 



Farm crops, C. O. Flaog {Rhode Island Sta. R2)t. 1895, pp. 183-188, 

 Jiijs. 2). — This is a record of a number of trials on the station farm in 

 which the growth of timothy and clover was very much benefited by 

 heavy applications of lime. Clover failed where no lime had been 

 applied. 



On a 4-acre piece of sod 1,580 lbs. of a complete fertilizer and 2,300 

 lbs. of air slacked lime were applied per acre. Corn was planted and 

 the yield per acre was 62.43 bu. of shelled corn and 3,909.75 lbs. of 

 stover. 



Experiments in planting at different distances, J. Raulin {Ann. 

 Sci. Agron., ner. 2, 1 {1896), Xo. 3, pp. 391—103, pjs. 2). — After discuss- 

 ing the tabulated results of experiments made in 1893, 1S94, and 1805 

 with beets, potatoes, wheat, and barley, the author states that the best 

 distance for planting varies for different kinds of plants; that there is 

 an interval for each kind more advantageous than any other, and that 

 in determining this it is necessary to bear in mindthat diminishingthe 

 distance increases the total weight of the crop but lessens the weight 

 of the product of the individual plant, and conversely, and that this 

 takes place in different proportions for each kind of plant. The best 

 distance, then, is the least distance beyond which increasing the dis- 

 tance does not improve the development of the plant, and so increase 

 the value of the crop. 



In general, the author concludes as follows: The total yield i)er acre 

 increases as the distance between the hills diminishes, but this increase 

 becomes less and less as the minimum limit is approached, and entirely 

 disappears or even becomes negative below a certain limit. These 

 variations depend much on the nature of the plant, on the develoi>ment 

 of its roots, and, in a certain degree, on the richness of the soil. Under 

 given conditions the most favorable distance for each kind of plant is 

 the one which returns the largest net profit per acre; and this depends 

 on the total weight of the crop, the pecuniary value of the unit of weight 

 (individual beet, tuber, kernel of grain, etc.), the weight of the seed 

 sown, and the manual labor. The pecuniary value of the individual 

 beet, tuber, etc., depends on the weight and richness in starch and 

 gluten of the grain, on the proportion of starch for the potato, and of 

 sugar for the beet. 



Investigation of the 1896 crop of barley in Wiirtemburg, Behrend ( Wiirt. 

 WochenhJ. Landw., 1S96, No. 51, pp. 747-75J).— Tabulated analyses with reference to 

 moisture and protein content of 20 samples of barley grown iiniler varied conditions 

 of location, soil, and manuring; and discussion of results. 



Sea Island cotton in peninsular Florida, G. E, Macy {Florida Farmer uud Fruit 

 Grower, S {16'00), No. 51, pp. 805, SUC). 



