1082 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



per cent; third day, 55 per cent; fourth day, 52 per cent, and fifth day, 5 out of 7 

 seeds germinated. The percentage viability of seeds does not therefore appear to 

 differ whether the seeds take 1 or 5 days to pass through the digestive tract of the 



cow. — F. W. WOLL. 



Notes on -weeds, W. Carruthers (Jour. Iloij. Agr. Soc. England, 63 {1902), pp. 

 379-288, figs. 8). — Illustrated notes are given of a number of the more troublesome 

 weeds to which the author has had his attention called by means of specimens 

 received and inquiries regarding the habits and methods for eradication. A brief 

 study is also reported on the British brome grasses and a key is added for the deter- 

 mination of the different species known to occur within the Kingdom. 



Killing weeds in lawns, L. R. Jones and W. J. Morse ( Yermonl Sta. Rpt. 1902, 

 •pp. 243-248, figs. 2). — Notes are given on the destruction of chick weed and crab grass 

 in lawns. For the destruction of chickweed raking the lawns or soM"ing them with 

 salt, or both methods combined, were found effective when made the last week of 

 Jime. The application of 2 qt. of salt to the square rod, followed by thorough raking 

 of the chickweed and a liberal sowing of grass seed, was completely successful in 

 exterminating chickweed and in securing a full stand of grass. It is suggested that 

 where salt is used on a lawn it should be done cautiously on a small scale, as the effects 

 will vary in different soils and seasons. For the eradication oi the crab grass the 

 authors suggest care in selection of seed to avoid the introduction of this plant, which 

 is an annual ; the use of grass seed, fertilizer, and water freely so as to keej) the grass 

 in vigorous growth; and the hand weeding of the crab grass if it should appear. 



DISEASES OF PLANTS. 



Report of the vegetable pathologist, D. ^IcAlpixe {Jour. Dcpt. Agr. Victoria, 

 1 {1902), No. 8, pp. 801-808, pils. 2). — Among the subjects reported upon an account 

 is given of experiments on the resistance of varieties of wheat to the rust, and the 

 fact is brought out that so far as economic importance is concerned the only rust 

 occurring in Victoria is that known as summer rust {Pucdnia graminis). So far as 

 it has been determined this rust, which is very abundant in Australia, produces 

 uredospores — which would retain their vitality only during comparatively mild 

 weather — and teleutospores, but the relationship between the teleutospores and the 

 subsequent production of rust has not been determined. Notes are also given on 

 the treatment of grain for the prevention of stinking smut, formalin, copper sulphate, 

 and corrosive sublimate solutions being used. The different solutions were efficient 

 in preventing the occurrence of stinking smut, but the most satisfactory treatment 

 was that where the seed was soaked for 10 minutes in a solution of 1 lb. <>f formalin 

 to 100 gal. of water. Notes are given on the l)lack spot of apples and pears due to 

 Fusicladium sp., as well as the bitter rot of apples. 



Attention is called to experiments for the prevention of a fungus disease of grasses. 

 This fungus {Isaria graminipcrdn) is figured and described, and it is shown that a 

 liberal application of nitrogenous manures, sulphate of ammonia being tlie most 

 satisfactosy, gave absolute exemption from attacks of the fungus. The application 

 of the fertilizer not only prevented the occurrence of the disease but stimulated a 

 greater production of forage. 



The diseases of cultivated plants, G. Delacroix {Maladies des plantes cultivees. 

 Paris: Mta. Agr., 1902, pp. 73, figs. 81). — Illustrated descriptive notes are given of a 

 large number of diseases of cereals, potatoes, beets, forage plants, vegetables, orchard 

 and \'ineyard fruits, etc., together with brief suggestions of the most approved methods 

 of combating these troubles. 



Notes on some important plant diseases of the Tropics, F. Noack {Ztsdir. 

 Pflanzenkrank., 12 {1902), Xos. 4,pp- 227-234; J, pji- 283-291). — Brief critical notes are 



