FIELD OROPH. 847 



The management and improvement of the range, E. Nelson ( Wiioinhuj Stu. 

 Rpt. 1902, pp. 34-37). — jVIethods of range niariagenient and improvement are briefly 

 mentioned. Amonj, the means described are resting, rotative pasturing, reseeding, 

 harrowing, and discing. 



Experiments with cereals on the development of roots and adventitious 

 shoots from the nodes above ground, C. von Seelhorst {Jour. Landw., 50 {190^), 

 Xo. J, pp. J 65, 166, ph. 4). — By covering the nodes of growing plants of wheat, oats, 

 barley, and rye with soil, both roots and shoots were produced from the nodes. 

 Wheat produced the best growth. 



The influence of fertilizers on the form of cereal plants, M. Clausen [.Tour. 

 Landw., 49 {1902), Xo. 4, pp. 365-388). — From the results of experiments here 

 reported it is concluded that applications of nitrogen lengthened the lower internodes, 

 while the upper internode was relatively shortened. Nitrate of soda was more effect- 

 ive in bringing about this result than nitrogen in the form of ammonia. An increase 

 in the length of the lower internodes increases the tendency to lodge, especially when 

 the strength of the upper and lower internodes is out of proportion. The ammoniacal 

 nitrogen not only produced the highest total yield, but also the strongest plants, as 

 compared with nitrate of soda. 



Changes of nitrogenous substances in cereals during ripening, N. Nedokut- 

 scHA.iEW {Landw. Yem. Stat., 56 {1903), Xo. 4, pp- 303-3 10) .—Th\s article notes briefly 

 the work and views of different investigators on this subject, and reports the author's 

 own results. The grains of wheat, rye, oats, and barley were analyzed at 6 different 

 stages during about 1 month preceding their maturity. The results are shown in 

 tables. The data obtained indicated that the ripening of the grain is a gradual change 

 of the solul)le substances into solid and stationary form. The author states that the 

 amid combinations in the grains under the influence of unknown causes seem to 

 change to albumin. The increase in albumin in the grain takes place at the expense 

 of the amid nitrogen. The proportion of the total nitrogen in the form of asparagin 

 is shown in connection with the other data. 



Alfalfa, F. E. Emery ( Wi/omingSta. Rpt. 1903, pj). ^«'-^e) .—The value of alfalfa for 

 Wyoming is discussed and compilations from various sources are given showing the 

 digestible nutrients in alfalfa hay and other feeding stuffs, together with the com- 

 pai'utive money values. 



Breeding and cultivation as a means of improving and increasing the cul- 

 ture of barley for brewing purposes, Remy {Dexii. Landir. Presse, 29 {1902), Xos. 

 19, ji. 155; 20, pj). 163, 164; 21, ]>. 176). — The results of observations on the plant 

 fo(jd and moisture requirements of different varieties of barley are presented and 

 discussed. Hanna barley i)roduced a large total crop and a good yield of grain with 

 a comparatively small moisture supply, and in addition did not prove very sensitive 

 to a sui)])ly of soil moisture above the normal. It was found that this variety as com- 

 pared with the Goldthorpe reaches its maxinmm water consumption 2 weeks earlier, 

 enabling it to use more of the moisture stored in the soil during winter. The results 

 of experiments indicated that by selecting plants having a small number of inter- 

 nodes, long upper internodes, and producing a high percentage of grain the produc- 

 tiveness of the variety can be increased. The possibility of obtaining varieties in 

 which the moisture requirement is reduced and the period of maximum moisture 

 consumption comes earlier in the season is discussed. Seed selection, improved cul- 

 tural methods, and the rational use of fertilizers are recommended as means for 

 impi'oving the crop. 



The culture of forage beets in different sections of France, P. P. Deiierain 

 {Ann. Agron., 28 {1902), Xo. 7, pp. 351-350). — This article discusses cooperative dis- 

 tance exi)eriments with forage beets conducted at different times. Attention is 

 culled to the composition of beets grown at varying distances, and reference is made 

 to previous recommendations of the author that good beets with a low content of 



115-t7— No. -t ()2 4 



