138 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.40 



in those having only microscopic hairs the number varied from 40 to 120 per 

 square millimeter. 



The observations are held to indicate a very evident effect of environment 

 upon glandular pubescence, the principal factors apparently being hot, dry 

 weather and unfavorable soil moisture supply. It is concluded that the char- 

 acter can not be depended upon in determining subspecies. 



Variety tests with oats in southern and middle Sweden, A. Akebman 

 (Sveriges Utsddesfor. Tidskr., 27 (1017), Xo. 6, pp. 261-27S; 28 (1918), Xo. 1, 

 pp. 26-55). — The tests reported were conducted in various localities and on 

 different soil types. 



In the region of Lake Miilaren Great Mogul produced the highest yields on 

 clay soil as well as on sandy soil. It is stated, however, that, although the 

 results were favorable, the relatively late ripening period of this variety does 

 not adapt it to soils of medium fertility in northern sections, especially where 

 rust is likely to occur. Among the earlier varieties, Klock III gave the best 

 results generally on all types of soil excepting the moss soils. As a rule Fyris 

 gave lower yields than Klock III, but on certain day soils in the Lake Miilaren 

 region this variety on account of its earliness proved to be the best of the 

 varieties of black oats under test. This variety was promising also by reason 

 of its stooling rapacity and its grain quality. Victory as compared with other 

 varieties gave good results, especially on clay soils, but it was unable to com- 

 pete successfully with Klock III, which ripens about the same time. The 

 variety Gold Rain gave specially good returns on moss and bog soils and sur- 

 passed Ligowo in yield of both grain and straw. 



Potato culture tests in 1917, G. Lino (K. Landtbr. Akad. Ihindl. och Tid*kr., 

 56 (1917), No. 7-8, pp. 607-609). — A possibility of growing potatoes from cut- 

 tings and potato peelings and the effect of the removal of the blossoms on the 

 yield were studied. The plants grown from cuttings produced practically 

 the same quantity of tubers as were secured from the plants grown from seed 

 tubers in comparison. The plants propapatM from peelings did not give so 

 good results as were obtained from those derived from cuttings, hut the out- 

 come of the test indicated the value of this method of propagation when seed 

 tubers are scarce. The removal of the blossoms was apparently without effect 

 on tuber production. 



Lining and loading cars of potatoes for protection from cold, H. S. Bird 

 and A. M. Grimes (U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Market* Dor. n (1918), pp. 26. fin*. 

 >. — Methods of lining cars and of loading potatoes for the protection of ship- 

 ments against cold in the principal types of cars with heaters and in refrigera- 

 tor cars without heaters under favorable shipping conditions are recommend ed. 

 based upon observations of commercial practices and the results of tests and 

 inspections supplemented by conferences with shippers, loaders, and railroad 

 officials at Shipping points in Maine, New York. Michigan, Wisconsin, and 

 Minnesota, and at the markets of Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, and else- 

 where. 



It is stated that approximately 75 per cent of all cars prepared to protect 

 potato shipments from cold are either lined or loaded Incorrectly. Protection 

 from cold is said to depend "largely upon a constant current of warm air from 

 the heater directly to the ceiling, spreading between the ceiling and the top 

 potatoes, thence through openings at the opposite end of the load down to the 

 space beneath the false floor and from there under the false floor to the heater 



afcain." 



Farm practice in growing sugar beets for three districts in Colorado. 

 1914-15. L. A. MOOBHOUSK, K. S. WASHBURN, T. II. SUMMXES, and S. IV \i 

 oi-s (U. 8. Dept. Agr. liul. 786 (1918), pp. 60, figs. SO).— This bulletin presents a 



