FIELD CROPS. 241 



the results tabulated. In nearly all cases the mixed fertilizers gave 

 the best results. The soil was poor in phosphoric acid and hence in 

 every case the absence of this element caused a greater reduction in 

 the yield than the absence of either potash or nitrogen. In all experi- 

 ments superphosphate gave better results than natural phosphate. 



The largest crop of alfalfa was obtained from the application of barn- 

 yard manure. The fertilizers without nitrogen gave a better result 

 than any of the complete fertilizers except barnyard manure. 



In the experiments with sugar beets the complete fertilizer contain- 

 ing natural phosphate produced an excess of 8,832 kg. over the plat 

 which received no manure, while the fertilizer containing superphos- 

 phate produced an excess of 18,590 kg. The author concludes that 

 superphosphate is indispensable in sugar-beet production. 



Report of the Rain Belt Substation (Colorado Sta. Ept. 1896, pp. 

 175-182; 18-1, 185). — Notes are given on the crops of corn, sorghum, 

 and small grain grown at the station during the year. 



A study was made of the roots of Indian corn indifferent soils and at 

 various stages of development. "Thirty days after planting roots 

 were traced 1'J, It. deep and 3 ft. from the plant. Later some roots 

 were traced 5 It. deep and as far aside."' In the black adobe soil the 

 roots were located mostly in the upper foot of soil, while in the deep 

 heavy clay soil they were found to grow down at a moderately sharp 

 angle and the greater part of them to feed in the upper 2 ft. of soil. 



Notes on wind-breaks and improvements made at the station are 

 given. 



Broom corn (U. S. Dept. Ayr., office of Experiment station* Circ. 28, pp. 4). — Note- 

 on varieties, culture, feeding value, and use. 



Late sowing of carrots among spring and fall grains, Schiemeb (Braunachw. 

 landw. Ztii.. 65 {1897), No. ?9, p. 182). 



Variety tests of cereals, clover, and grasses, 1889-'95, B. Laiisen (Norsk 

 Landmansblad, 15 ( 1896), 7*/'. 577-579, 587, 588) 



Curing clover on racks, F. Wagner (Mitt. dent, landw. Gesell., I .' (1897), No. 12, 

 pp. 160, 161). — The article describes the use and the construction of the racks. 

 Clover cured on racks had a higher feeding value than clover from the same field 

 cured in the swath. The use of the racks is recommended during wet weather and 

 in moist climates. 



The cowpea (Florida Farmer and Fruit Grower, n. ser., (1807), No. 29, p. 450). — 

 A popular article on the culture of the cowpea and its relative value for feeding 

 purposes. 



Forage plants for South Dakota, E. C. Chilcott (South Dakota sta. Bui. 51, 

 pp. 1-19). — Attention is called to the importance of native forage plants, and the 

 work conducted at the station is described. Kafir corn and Jerusalem corn did not 

 mature seed, and in this respect were inferior to Indian corn. Besides these crops 

 amber cane, brown durra corn, yellow millo maize, rape, oats and peas, sand vetches, 

 rye, spurry, and millet were grown. Sachaline, cowpeas, soy beans, and flat or 

 everlasting peas have given poor results and are considered failures. Sweet clover, 

 serradella, sainfoin, and lupines were too coarse and woody to be of much value 

 as hay. 



Observations on several new forage plants, L. Rougier (Prog. Agr. et Fit., 28 

 (ISO?). Xo. SO. pp. 10?-106). — Experiences with the cultivation of comfrey, flat pea, 

 clover, sachaline, hairy vetch, and woad are given in a popular manner. 



