772 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



In samples of wild roots analyzed, comprising every age np to 5 years, 

 "it was found that the average increase of tanning material from year 

 to year in 10 instances was 1.04 per cent (in water-free material)." Irri- 

 gation apparently did not lessen the percentage of tanning materials. 

 During the year in roots from different localities the percentage of 

 tanning materials varied from 18.17 to 32.5G per cent. Heat, air, and 

 fermentation all cause loss of tanning materials. Analyses are given 

 of canaigre bagasse (food constituents) and of canaigre ash (fertilizer 

 constituents). "Ton for ton [compared with sugar beets] canaigre 

 demands 3 times as much nitrogen and draws 1^ times as heavily on 

 potash and phosphoric acid.'" 



In his summary the author states that canaigre is best adapted to the 

 mild, dry, sunny winter climate of the Southwest; that the plant is not 

 known to be seriously threatened by insects; that it draws heavily upon 

 the soil, especially for nitrogen, and that an annual croi) of 7 tons or a 

 biennial crop of 13 tons is required in order to equal the profit of sugar- 

 beet culture. 



Canaigre, the new tanning plant, H. H. Harrington and D. 

 Adriance [Tc.vhh Sf((. Bill. SS. pp. 7Sf)-797, pis. 7). — This bulletin 

 gives a description of the plant, notes on its x)ropagation, planting, 

 methods and cost of raising, harvesting, drying, and extracting. This 

 information is based upon commercial experience in the State and in 

 Arizona, New Mexico, and California. A large number of analyses of 

 canaigre at different stages of growth and from different localities are 

 given, together with analyses of canaigre roots at from 1 to 17 months 

 old. The method of analysis used and some trials upon the time of 

 extraction are given. The authors assume that 10 tons of roots to the 

 acre can be raised. Allowing $3 per ton for the cost of growing and 

 $5 per ton for the selling price, this gives a profit of $20 per acre. 



The following conclusions are given : 



"(1) The crop seems particularly adapted to west aud south Texas, but may be 

 profitable in iiortli and east Texas. 



"(2) It can not be readily adopted by the farmer of limited means, but on the 

 cooperative plan is almost sure to give good returns. 



" (8) While the root continues to increase in tannic acid for some time, it will pay 

 best to gather when a year, or a season, old. 



"(4) Freezing does not seem to injure the tannin in the root. 



"(5) Our results indicate a demand for ])ota8h as a fertilizer, but this would vary 

 with the soil. 



"(6) Cultivation increases the tannin, gives a root better in color and appeai'ance. 



"(7) The tannin of canaigre is .adapted for tanning the finest grades of leather, 

 giving a leather of fine finish, color, and durability. 



"(8) A low temperature — preferably 120 or 130° — is best for drying the sliced 

 chips." 



Experiments in corn culture, 1896, G. E. Morrow and J. H. Bone 



{Oklahoma Sta. Bui. 21, pp. 3-12). — The corn was grown at the station 

 upon upland prairie soil of average fertility, the season being quite 

 favorable except for excessive rainfall in mid season. The experiraentjs 



