FIELD CROPS. 849 



latetl and lUscussed. The use of 5 t-wt. of superphosijhate ])er acre increased the 

 yield of retted straw but reduced the yield of scutched flax, together with the 

 quality. On foul land this application encouraged the growth of weeds. The use of 

 superphosphate in conjunction with 3 cwt. of kainit per acre was also found unprofit- 

 able. An application of the same (juantities of superphosphate and kainit, together 

 with 2 fwt. of sulphate of annnonia per acre also failed to give profitable results. A 

 plat which had received 5 cwt. of kainit per acre gave a small profit as compared 

 with the check plats, showing that kainit has no detrimental effect on the flax crop. 

 Muriate of potash applied at the rate of 1 cwt. per acre gave better results than any 

 other fertilizer application tested, indicating that potash fertilizers benefit the flax 

 crop, and that muriate of potash is more effective in this respect than kainit. Flax 

 seed grown in Ireland gave less profitable results than seed obtained from the conti- 

 nent. Pernau Crown flax was more productive and more remunerative than Riga 

 Child. The Irish system of scutching was compared with the Courtrai system, and 

 the results from a financial aspect were in favor of the Irish system. 



Experiments ■with forage crops, T. von Weinzierl {Ztschr. Landir. Versuchsiv. 

 Ocxferr., ■', (190J), Xo. -', pp. 49-oSO, ph. 11, figs. 5, dgms. 24, plan 1). — This extensive 

 rejKirt treats of the results obtained in culture tests with different forage plants con- 

 ducted in an alpine grass garden from 1890 to 1900. In a brief summary of the 

 results the author points out that certain forage plants ordinarily grown on the plains 

 undergo a morphological, as well as physiological, change when grown in the moun- 

 tains, which insures their successful culture at higher altitudes. It was further found 

 that alpine species, such as Poa alpina, PJdeum ■michelii, P. alpinum, could be success- 

 fully grown at an altitude as low as 800 meters in regions where a moist mountain 

 climate prevailed. In general, however, alpine species produced seed best under the 

 conditions prevailing at the altitudes where they normally occur. 



The following species are recommended for profitable seed production in an alpine 

 climate: Poaviolacea, P. dwtichophylla, Festucn rupicaprina, F. violacea, F. rubra fal- 

 lax, F. scheuchzerl, Phleum alphium, Trisetum suhspicatum, Trifolium alpinum, and 

 Phacafrigida. For certain sections establishing meadows at altitudes varying from 

 1,300 to 1,600 meters is considered profitable. Grass mixtures for alpine meadows 

 and for resodding steep slopes are given. A study of the root tubercles of different 

 leguminous forage crops was made and the results tabulated. The length, thickness, 

 form, and location of the tuV)ercles are given. 



Guide to the cultivation, harvesting, and marketing of the ginseng plant, 

 ■with names of buyers; also, a treatise on the history, botany, and uses. 

 (New Y(/rk: CroireJl d' Kirkpairirk Co., 190?, pp. 52.) 



The hemp industry in the United States, L. H. Dewey ( U. S. Dept. Agr. Year- 

 hdok lUOl, pp. 541-554, ph. o,fig- 1, map l). — After describing the hemp plant and 

 the principal uses of hemp fiber, the article enumerates the different regions, both 

 foreign and domestic, in which hemj) is cultivated; discusses the soils suited to the 

 crop, and gives directions for its culture and treatment, including methods of harvest- 

 ing, retting, and breaking. Statistical data on the price and production of hemp in 

 Kentucky are also given. 



Fertilizer experiments with oats, W. 'SlvLhV^R [Fiihling'.^ Landw. Ztg.,51 {1902), 

 Xo. ^, pp. 27-5-278). — From the results of experiments here reported it was concluded 

 that the use of 40 per cent of potash salt applied either alone or in conjunction with 

 other fertilizers is not profitable. A heavy application of 40 per cent of potash salt 

 increased the yield of straw without increasing the yield of grain. 



Experiments with winter oats, Schacht [Deut. Landw. Presse, 29 {1902), No. 

 41, pp. 353, .5-5^).— The culture of winter oats is discussed, and the results of experi- 

 ments in deteT'iiiining the germinative energy of small and large grains are reported. 



Sowing oats and barley at different rates (Reading CoL, Agr. Dept. Rpt. 1901, 

 jip. 26-29). — The results with barley showed that 2 bu. of seed per acre in drills 11 

 in. apart gave the best yield of grain and that the greatest weight per bushel was 



