1092 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



wounds of various kinds, and in the present paper he takes up the subject of gum 

 formation in acacias and other leguminous plants. 



Lessons from the grain-rust epidemic of 1904, M. A. Carleton ( U. S. Dept. 

 Ayr., Farmers' Bui. .'in. pp. ?4, figs. 6). — The author describes the nature of rusts 

 attacking wheat and oats, and gives reasons for the unusual prevalence of rust in 

 L904. This is attributed to the fact that there was an unusual amount of moisture 

 and a delayed period of ripening of the grain. 



The amount of injury due to rusts is reported as having been very great, and as 

 means for preventing its repetition the author suggests the investigation of resistant 

 or early maturing varieties. Attention is called to the resistance of some varieties of 

 durum wheats, and while they are more resistant than the common varieties there 

 is as great variation among the durum wheats as among the common varieties. 



The importance of growing hard winter wheats where practicable is pointed out 

 as a means of escaping serious injury by rusts, and seed selection with reference to 

 rust resistance is strongly urged. The author comments upon the partial resistance 

 of different varieties of oats and other cereals. 



Rapid method of removing smut from seed oats, J. C. Arthur (Indiana Sta. 

 Htil. 103, pp. 257-264)- — A description is given of a method of treatment of seed oats 

 on a large scale, which was tested under the author's supervision in an elevator in 

 Benton County, Ind. 



All the grain was handled by machinery at the. rate of about 500 bu. per hour, and 

 it was subjected to formaldehyde at a cost of about one-third of a cent per bushel. 

 To carry out the treatment a vertical drop or chute about 3 ft. square and 40 to 50 ft. 

 high was prepared, and on the inside were placed shelves or deflectors sloping down- 

 ward, alternating on two opposite sides from top to bottom. As the grain dropped 

 from the top it was thrown from side to side by the deflectors and thus thoroughly 

 mixed. 



By means of a small steam pump the formaldehyde was thrown against the falling 

 grain near the top of the drop in a fine spray. By the time the grain reached the 

 bottom it had been thoroughly moistened with perfect uniformity. The grain is 

 allowed to remain in the bin for at least '2 hours, after which it can be sown or may 

 be run through the drop a second time anil dried with a blast of cold air. 



Tests were made of treated seed iii which the efficiency of this method was demon- 

 strated. It is said that a number of grain elevators in Indiana have provided 

 machinery for this work and will treat seed oats without any expense to the 

 purchaser. 



Treatment of oats for smut, A. N. Hume (Illinois Sta. Circ. 89, pp. 3). — The 

 author describes the formalin, hot water, and other treatments for the prevention of 

 oat smut, and from practical trials recommends the treatment with formalin or with 

 hot water as the most practical. 



Potato rot, G. Barbut ( Prog. Agr. et Vit. (Ed. L'Est), 26 (1905), No. 9, pp. 264- 

 269, pi. 7). — A description is given of the potato rot, due to Phytophthora infeslans, 

 and attention called to the different power of resistance possessed by different varie- 

 ties of potatoes. 



Brief accounts are given of spraying experiments to control the disease, and the 

 author recommends thorough spraying with Bordeaux mixture, to lie followed by a 

 second or third application if the temperature and moisture are suited to the rapid 

 development of the fungus. Tomatoes being subject to attacks of the same disease, 

 the author recommends a similar treatment for their protection. 



Rotting of potatoes (Jonr. Bd. Agr. [London], 11 (1905), No. 11, pp. 676-678).— 

 Notes are given on the destruction of stored potatoes due to the action of the fungi 

 Phytophthora infeslans and winter rot (Nectria solani). This latter fungus is said to be 

 quite common in stored potatoes, and in the earlier stages it produces a softening and 

 swelling of the tubers, which are later attacked by bacteria, showing forms of wet rot. 



