FIELD CROPS. 551 



turnip manures and states that phosphatic and potassic manures 

 without nitrogen do not form a reliable manure for the turnip crop. 



A short report is given on experiments of sowing several varieties of 

 turnips and Swedish turnips on land infected with finger-and-toe disease. 



An experiment with seaweed as a manure for potatoes is reported. 



Winter barley for brewing purposes ( Dent. Landw. Ztg., 24 (1897), No. 92, p. S35). 



Studies of the carbohydrates in rye, barley, and •wheat at different stages of 

 development, II. Jensen-Hansen (Medd. Carlsberg Lab., 1896, pp. 145-192; French 

 resume, pp. 69-80). 



Beet crop of Russia in 1896, S. Antonov (Zemledgelie, 1897, pp. 62,63). — The 

 beet crop of 1896 was 637,618 tons, 53.4 per cent of which was produced in the south- 

 western governments of Kiev, Volyn, and Podolia. 



Experiments in electroculture of beets in 1896, N. I. Kazxakov (Yyestnik 

 Imper. Ross. Obsh. Sadov., 1896, pp. 457-459). — Having obtained encouraging results 

 in 1895, the author continued his experiments in 1896, but with rather indifferent 

 results. The line of investigation will be pursued further. To produce an electric 

 current, copper and zinc plates were placed at the opposite ends of tin- rows and 

 connected by insulated wires. — P. FIREMAN. 



Introduction of the carrot into England (Farmers' Gaz., 56 (1897), No. 43, p. 

 654). — A historical note. "It seems that this vegetable was not introduced into 

 this country before 1510." 



Cowpeas (Vigna catjang), .1. G. Smith | I . S. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1896, pp. ;JS7- 

 296). — Several groups of varieties of the cow-pea are described ami its importance as 

 a soil renovator and a forage plant is pointed out. The method of cultivation and 

 harvesting and the ways in which tin- crop may bo used are given. The forage 

 value of cowpeas is compared with red clover and alfalfa. The chief functions of 

 the crop ale summarized as follows: (1) "To furnish a large amount of nitrogen 

 abstracted from the air and fixed in the roots and stubble in a conveniently avail- 

 able form for the use of succeeding crops; (2) to produce a large yield of vines and 

 peas rich in digestible protein, which, either as hay or for soiling purposes, will 

 take the place of the concentrated nitrogenous foods; (3) to supply humus which 

 acts directly and indirectly to produce fertility by breaking down and rendering 

 available the basic minerals of the soil." 



The cowpea, S. M. Tracy and E. R. Lloyd ( Miseissippi Sia. Bui. 40, pp. 1<;9-182).— 

 Directions are given in a popular way for planting, fertilizing, and using a crop of 

 cowpeas and for saving the seed. A classification of varieties is given and the 

 varieties adapted to special purposes are noted. 



The culture of crimson clover, Taxcre (Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 16 (1897), No. 20, 

 pp. 606-609). — The characteristics of the crop are discussed and directions for its 

 culture are given. 



Observations on the growth of maize continuously on the same land for nine 

 years, E. H. Jexkixs (Connecticut State Sta. Bpt. 1896, pp. 335-841). — The work of 

 previous years is discussed in detail in the Annual Report of the station for 1895 

 (E. S. R., 8, p. 392). The results of the experiment in 1896 are given in tables with- 

 out discussiou, which is reserved. 



Field crops, P. P. Deheraix (Les plantes de grande culture. Paris : Georges Carre 

 et C. Naud, 1898, pp. 236). — A popular work on the culture of grains, potatoes, and 

 beets. The discussions pertain to agriculture in France. 



Introductory notes on the experiments of 1896, R. P. W right (Glasgow and 

 West of Scotland Tech. Col., Agr. Dept. Rpts. 1896, pp. 7-19).— Notes on the methods of 

 conducting experiments and drawing conclusions, with discussions on the various 

 fertilizers used in the experiments. 



How to preserve green forage (Dcut. Landw. Presse, 24 (1S97), Xo. 85, p. 779). — 

 Directions are given on preserving green forage without the use of a silo. 



