734 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Emnier: A grain for the semiarid regions, M. A. Carleton ( U. S. Dent. Agr., 

 Farmers' Bui. 139, pp. 16, figs. 3). — This bulletin is a popular discussion on the value 

 and use of emmer and its adaptation for cultivation in the semiarid regions of this 

 country. The botanical cliaracteristics of emmer are pointed out and compared with 

 those of spelt. The names often incorrectly used for this grain are given, and its 

 history and distribution are outlined. Experiments with emmer at some of the 

 experiment stations and tests made by individual farmers are briefly reviewed, and 

 a number of analyses of the grain are shown in tables. Descriptions are given of 2 

 varieties of spring emmer, Ufa and Yaroslav, and attention is called to the fact that 

 at present no varieties particularly adapted for fall seeding are grown in the United 

 States. The valuable qualities secured from crossing emmer with common varieties 

 of wheat are enumerated as follows: (1) Resistance to fungus attacks, (2) drought 

 resistance, (8) increased fertility of the head, (4) nonshattering, (5) stiffness of straw, 

 and (6) increase of gluten content of the grain. The cultivation of this crop is briefly 

 noted. 



Note on tlie culture of Manila hemp in the Philippines, de Berard {Agr. 

 Prat. Pays Chauds, 1 {1901), No. 1, pp. 89-104) .—The varieties of Mnsa te.itilis prin- 

 cipally cultivated in the island of Luzon are briefly descriljed and notes on the 

 climate, soil, culture, and cost of i>roduction are given. 



Experiments in acclimatizing winter oats, 8chlacht {Deut. Landic. Presse, 28 

 {1901) , No 60, pp. 519, 520, fig. l). — This article discusses the methods of acclimatiz- 

 ing winter oats and the conditions required to insure success. 



Experiments with oats and peas {New Jersey Slas. Rpt. 1900, pp. 264, 265, pis. 

 2). — P^xperinients in growing oats and peas for grain and for hay are reported. Two 

 bu. each of oats and peas per acre were sown broadcast. The yield amounted to 50 

 bu. of seed, weighing 24 lbs. per bushel, and 2,205 lbs. of straw. The mixture of 

 grain consisted of 75 per cent of oats and 25 per cent of peas. The analysis of the 

 crop during storage, and of the grain and straw at the time of thrashing, is given in 

 a table. The same mixture grown for hay and harvested the last week in June pro- 

 duced a satisfactory yield. The composition of the green and cured fodder is 

 tabulated. 



The ground-nut crop, J. W. Leather and C. Benson {Dept. Land Records and 

 Agr., Madra.'i, 1900, Vol. 2, Bid. 41, PP- 167-174) -—^otes are given of the peanuts 

 raised in India and the amount of oil and moisture, etc., in a number of varieties. 



Fourth report on potato culture, L. A. Clinton {Neiv York Cornell Sta. Bid. 

 196, })p. 43-'i',), fig. 1). — This work is in contimiation of tillage experiments with pota- 

 toes now in progress for a numl)er of years ( E. S. R., 10, }>. 950). This bulletin gives 

 the results for 1899, 1900, and 1901. 



In 1899 a plat sprayed 6 times with Bordeaux mixture and Paris green yielded at 

 the rate of 48 bu. of potatoes more per acre than a plat not sprayed. The results 

 obtained in 1900 indicated that thorough preparation of the soil and intensive tillage 

 are insufficient for the absorption and retention of moisture when the supply of 

 humus is not maintained. In 1901 the average yield of the plats planted May 16 

 was 250 bu. per acre, the yield of a plat planted on June 12, 162 bu. per acre, 

 and the yield of another plat planted June 17, 197 bu. per acre. Spraying 

 with Bordeaux mixture increased the yield in nearly every case during the entire 

 period. A test of pruning potato vines to one main stalk showed that this process 

 did not increase the yield. The author recommends harrowing potato land after 

 potatoes are planted and before the plants are above ground. Notes are given on 

 potato planters and diggers, spraying apparatus, and methods of keeping seed potatoes. 



The influence of selecting seed tubers from productive plants on the yield 

 of potatoes, voNSEELRORSTandG. Frolich {Jour. Landw., 4^ {1900), No. 4, pp- 317- 

 324).—T\ni experiments here described are in continuation of work previously 

 reported (E. S. R., 13, p. 41). The results obtained agreed with the results of pre- 

 vious work, and the authors consider their conclusions of the previous year substan- 



