FIELD CROPS. 439 



experiments the di astatic value was highest in the barley from the barn- 

 yard manure plat and in the malt obtained from it. It has been shown 

 that diastase is present where the starch is in the least favorable con- 

 dition for modification, and as the grain from the barnyard manure plat 

 was least matured the reason for the high disastatic value is believed to 

 be explained. A better range of results was ol >tained from the Warmin- 

 ster than from the Eothamsted plats, which is attributed to the char- 

 acter of the soil. The low quality of the barley from a certain plat and 

 of the corresponding malt is attributed to the lodgment of the crop, 

 which was indirectly the result of manurial conditions. 



The authors conclude that all of the investigations undertaken have 

 led to the confirmation of the statement that "conditions affecting 

 malting quality are bad or good just in proportion as they affect 

 maturation." 



Methods of curing clover and alfalfa, M. Maercker [Braun- 

 schweig. landw.'Ztg., 45 (189? i. X<>. 34, pp. 151, 152). — The author com- 

 pares the methods of curing clover and alfalfa in the field and on the 

 drying rack. The racks arc described and explanations of how to use 

 them are given. The advantages of curing on the rack during wet 

 weather are pointed out. 



One-half of a field of El hectares of alfalfa was cured in the field and 

 the other half on racks. Three cuttings were made during the season. 

 The rack method of drying produced 1,644 kg. more hay per hectare 

 than the other method of curing. Calculations based on analyses 

 show that the rack-dried hay contained ll'S kg. crude protein, 629 kg. 

 nitrogen-free extract, and 1,183 kg. of dry matter more than hay cured 

 in the shock on the field. Field curing is considered detrimental to 

 the following growth, as the shocks necessarily retard growth on the 

 ground occupied by them. 



The author concludes that the increase in yield warrants the practice 

 of rack drying, although somewhat more expensive. 



Results of experiments with corn, cotton, forage crops, and 

 tobacco, I). X. Barrow (Louisiana Stas. Bui. 47, 2. ser., p}>. 104-124).— 

 A comparison of 20 varieties of corn was made in connection with fer- 

 tilizer tests. Farmers Pride produced the largest crop, 35.3 bu. per 

 acre, followed by Creole with 33.4 bu., and Mosby Prolific, Madison 

 and Champion White with 32.1 bu. each. The yields are considered 

 small but comparative. The results are tabulated. 



Drought interfered with the fertilizer tests with corn, cotton, and sugar 

 cane and conclusive results were not obtained but the results are given. 



Alfalfa and crimson clover grown on bayou bottom land were 

 destroyed by the floods, while Italian rye grass, orchard grass, and 

 red top were injured by the dry weather. Bed clover, rescue grass, 

 and Texas blue grass are reported as making good growth. Rescue 

 grass and Texas blue grass are considered very desirable for winter 

 pasturage. 



