lf>181 FIELD CROPS. 239 



The influence of green light upon the drying of tobacco leaves, H. Jensen 

 (Proof Stat. Vorstenland. Tabak [Dutch East Indies], Meded. 10 [iSi^], pp. H- 

 22, fig. 1). — Laboratory and lield experiments are outlined for the purpose of 

 determining the relative influence of white and green light upon the curing of 

 the lower and upper leaves of tobacco as compared with leaves cured in dark- 

 ness. 



The general conclusion is drawn that light has comparatively little influence 

 on the quality and color of the leaf, and that its importance has been greatly 

 overestimated. Average percentages of brown leaves in samples of lower leaves 

 are given at 74.S7, 75.69, and 77.5 for white, green, and dark chambers, respec- 

 tively. Similar data for samples of upper leaves show 90.98, 90.37, and 89.45 

 per cent of brown leaves. 



Observations on the combustion of tobacco, E. Sidenius {Proefstat. Vor- 

 stenland. Tabak IDtitcIi East Indies'], Meded. 22 (1916), pp. 25-69, pis. 2; abs. 

 in Internat. In-st. Agr. [Rome], Internat. Rev. Sci. and Pract. Agr., 7 (1916), 

 No. 8, p. 1119). — Chemical analyses of the ash from good and poor qualities of 

 tobacco and from the lower, middle, and top leaves of plants grown at different 

 points are presented in tabular form, together with numerous fertilizer tests on 

 field plats and with individual plants, and irrigation tests. 



The general conclusion was reached that the properties of the soil and 

 climate have a predominating influence on combustibility which special fer- 

 tilizer treatment does not remedy. In one case reported potassium fertilization 

 gave good results, but required such large amounts of fertilizer (20 gm. of 

 potassium nitrate per plant) as to be practically prohibitive. Injection of pot- 

 ash salts into plants was without positive results. Application of horse manure 

 in one experiment produced a serious decrease in combustibility. 



Analyses of the leaves from different parts of the plant showed that com- 

 bustibility was highest in the bottom leaves, decreasing as the top leaves were 

 approached. This was specially true when the rains did not occur until late in 

 the season. Supplementary irrigations were found to occasion considerable loss 

 in combustibility. 



Tests of winter wheat (Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1916, pt. 6, pp. 428, 

 429). — The following varieties of wheat have proved to be hardy when exposed 

 to severe winter conditions in Connecticut : Dawson Golden Chaff, Fultz, Mary- 

 land Flint, Dietz Longberry, Early Genesee Giant, Rocky Mountain, Jones Win- 

 ter Fife, Bearded Winter Fife, New Amber Longberry, Martin Amber, Poole, 

 Fultzo-Moditerranean, Mammoth Red, Stover, and Klondike. 



Wheat, C. F. Noll (Pennsylvania Sta. But. 148 (1917), pp. 3-15, fig. i).— Tests 

 with 13 varieties of winter wheat for the 10-year period of 1906-1916 and with 

 33 varieties and selections for the period of 1913-1916 are reported, and the 

 varieties briefly described in tabular form. Milling and baking tests conducted 

 during 1910 and 1914-1916, inclusive, are also noted. 



Dawson Golden Chaff gave the highest average yield for the 10-year period, 

 amounting to 34.5 bu. per acre, while Fulcaster Selection 44-09 was highest for 

 the shorter period, with an average yield of 40.4 bu. per acre. Harvest King, 

 with 31.9 bu., and Currell Prolific, with 40 bu. per acre, respectively, were sec- 

 ond for the two periods, while Fultz gave the lowest average yield for the 10- 

 year period, 29.7 bu., and Eclipse for the shorter period, 28.5 bu. per acre. 



In the milling and baking tests, the flour from most of the varieties is said 

 to have compared favoi-ably with standard spring patent flour in bread-making 

 qualities and yield. The 1910 tests included Dawson Golden Chaff, Reliable, 

 and Fulcaster, the last-named making the largest loaf and giving the best 

 quality of bread. 



