276 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.40 



Genetics, 7 (1918), No. 2, pp. 119-12.',).— The red coloration of the type seen in 

 raoiNg homers was found to be dominant to the blue color, and the checked 

 wins-pattern dominant to the barred. This conclusion is based on over 400 

 offspring. For tabulating purposes the matings are grouped according to the 

 external appearance of the parents only, there being 8 out of a possible 10 

 groups. The expected ratios are computed by assuming that individuals 

 heterozygous for one of the characters dealt with are as numerous as complete 

 homozygotes, but that double heterozygotes are twice as likely to occur. 



Observations on the skulls of Japanese cattle, K. Iguchi (Jovr. Col. Agr. 

 Tohohu Imp. Univ., 5 [1918), No. 1, pp. ISO. pis. 5; 7 (1917). No. 5, pp. 321- 

 3J f 9, pis. 5). — These papers continue the author's reports (E. S. R., 26, p. 472) 

 on the craniometry of Japanese cattle. Measurements of 51 dimensions of each 

 skull are given. The 57 specimens dealt with were collected from six localities 

 in tlic Empire, Including ChoSM □ and small islands near Formosa. 



Studies on the chromosomes of the common fowl as seen in testes and in 

 embryos, M. P. GUTKB {Biol. Bui. Mar. Biol. Lab. Wood* Hole, SI (1916). No. 

 /. pp. 121-268, pis. 7, figs. 2). — Continued studies confirm, in general, the author's 

 earlier observations on spermatogenesis in the fowl (E. S. EL, 21, p. G70). The 

 large curved element, interpreted as a sex chromosome, is clearly shown in 

 nearly 1,0(10 primary spermatocytes, is surprisingly constant in size and shape, 

 and has been found in I.angshan, Plymouth Rock, and Rhode Island Red 

 breeds. It is apparently a bivalent chromosome, as there are two visible in 

 earlier stages. It passes undivided into only one of the two secondary sper- 

 matocytes resulting from each primary spermatocyte division, and in this way 

 there are produced two types of spermatids, one with and one without the ele- 

 ment. The author now believes that this latter class degenerates, and that all 

 the functional Spermatozoa arise from the firs! Class. He bases this belief on 

 microscopic evidence of a riot of Irregular cell division among spermatids lack- 

 ing this element with resultant decrease in size, on measurements which indi- 

 cate a general uniformity in size of mature Bperm, and on a certain logical 

 necessity, if the facts of spermatogenesis are to be consistent with the chromo- 

 some counts of the embryo 



Microscopic examination by the author of embryos in the tenth to fourteenth 

 day of Incubation showed two of these curved chromosomes in dividing cells 

 of male Chicks and only one in those of females This indicates that in poultry 

 the female, and not the male, produces two kinds of germ cells with respect 

 to the sex Chromosomes and harmonizes with the breeding evidence that a hen 

 is never homozygous for a dominant sex linked factor. 



Live stock production for 1919 ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Off. Sec Giro. 123 (1918), 

 pp. /.'/). — This circular, issued in October, 101^. considers the food needs for 

 1!»1!>, and urges the Increased production of live stock as part of the agricultural 

 program for the period beginning with the autumn of 1918. The discussion is 

 based largely on data presented relating to the exportation and production of 



beef, pork, and dairy products and to wool production, requirements, and 



supplies. 



Certain desert plants as emergency stock feed. E. O . \\ i n (' . fif, / 



-. Bui. 7t8 {1918), pp 87, />/*. 8, fig. 1).— This bulletin was prompted by the 

 Shortage Of feeding stuffs In the arid Southwest. The author deals with about 

 12 species of plants growing in the desert regions near the Mexican border 

 Whlcb have been or might be used as emergency feed for cattle OD the rai 

 These plants are mostly yuccas and agaves. 



The essentia! factor in the utilization of these feeds la the production of 



an apparatus that will reduce them to B Satisfactory mechanical condition, since 

 hand Chopping consumes much time and Is otherwise unsatisfactory r..ur 



