8f>8 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



promoted by selecting seed from the largest stalks of thedesired type. A definition 

 of an early cotton is given and varietal characters, seed selection ami importation, 

 earliness of northern seed, and storm-proof cottons are discussed. 



To test the effect of fertilizers on earliness, phosphoric acid, potash, and nitrogen 

 were each applied separately and in combination, in small, medium, and excessive 

 quantities. Acid phosphate and potash or kainit were used at the rate of 100, 200, 

 and 500 lbs. per acre, and nitrogen or sulphate of ammonia at the rate of 250 and 

 500 lbs. per acre. The mixture was made up of 1 part of kainit, 1] parts of cotton- 

 seed meal, and 2 parts of acid phosphate, and was applied at the rate of 225 and 600 

 lbs. per acre. Potash and nitrogen were apparently without effect upon the plants, 

 but acid phosphate caused a rapid growth and greatly increased the yield. 



The results indicate that increase in earliness and yield and rapid growth are the 

 result of supplying abundant plant food, and that it is sufficient to furnish the soil 

 with only the lacking elements. After 65 days of growth the plants on the acid 

 phosphate plat were 18 in. high with from 8 to 16 squares to the stalk, while the 

 plants on the nitrogen, potash, and unfertilized plats at this time were only from 6 

 to 9 in. high, with from to 4 squares per stalk. The yields of the first pickings 

 were largest on the phosphoric acid plat. Notes on the effect ami use of fertilizers 

 are ^ivem 



Handbook of heath culture, P. Gkaebner (Handbuch der Heidekultur. Leipzig: 

 Wilhelm Engelmann, 1904, />]>■ VIII \ 296, figs. 48, map 1). — This book discusses the 

 origin, flora, climatic conditions, soils, and management of heath lands. The differ- 

 ent types and classes of heathers, classified according to the predominating species 

 of plants, are described. 



Abaca (Manila hemp), II. T. Edwards {Philippine Dept. Int., Bureau of Agr., 

 Farmers' Bui. 12, />/). 29, pis. 6). — This bulletin presents the more essential details 

 of the Manila hemp industry, suggests certain lines of improvement demanded by 

 present conditions, and offers elementary information required in establishing a new 

 plantation. 



The jute industry considered in relation to its introduction to the Philip- 

 pines, W.S.Lyon {Philippine Dept. Int., Bureau Agr., Farmer* Bui. 11, j>/>. l .'). — This 

 bulletin is a synopsis of the jute industry as practiced in India, with explanations of 

 the possible benefits accruing to Philippine agriculture from the cultivation of the 

 better India varieties. 



Solanum commersonii, L. Grandeau {Jour. Agr. Prat., n. ser., 8 {1904), No. fS, 

 j)j>. 597, ~>98). — A description of the plant, with historical notes, is given. 



A culture test of Solanum commersonii, L. Grandeau {Jour. Agr. Prat., v. 

 ser., 8 {1904), No. 47, pp. 665, 666). — The seed used consisted of 2 tubers with nor- 

 mal characteristics, I tuber with a violet skin, 2 small tubers with the skin slightly 

 greenish in color, and 2 aerial bulblets from plants producing violet-skinned tubers. 



The 2 tubers of ordinary type gave a yield of 1.04 kg., the violet tuber yielded 2.57 

 kg. of tubers which grew in a cluster at the base of the plant, the greenish tubers 

 sent root stalks from 2 to 3 meters in length in every direction and produced 7.72 

 kg. of tubers of different sizes, and the 2 bulblets gave a yield of 1.31 kg. of good- 

 sized tubers. These results represent heavy yields. 



Potatoes at university farm, S. B. Green and H. Cuzner {Minnesota Sta. Bui. 

 87, pp. 1.'). — A variety test with potatoes is reported and brief notes of the different 

 varieties grown are given. The list included a number of seedlings obtained at the 

 station. The yield ranged from 42.5 to 304 bu. per acre, and the rotten tubers from 

 about 1 to 42.3 per cent. 



Varieties of the type of Sir Walter Raleigh and Rural New Yorker showed the 

 greatest rot-resistance. Clay Rose and Seedling Xo. 49 were the only varieties nearly 

 exempt from rot, while in Commercial and Clinton the rotten tubers amounted to 



