1019] FIELD CROPS. 521 



ward the work previously noted (EL S. K.. 39, p. 224). testing In the present 

 scries (lie comparative direct action of phenols on plants. 



Considerable similarity was noted in the effects of various phenols upon 

 barley and pea plants In water cultures. Phenol at M/100 was quickly fatal 

 to roots, although pens in orcinol or resorclnol continued growth for a few 

 days, apparently at the expense of the stored material in the seeds. Marked 

 differences were noted in the action of different phenols at M/lOOXj and 

 M/100 X-jV, hut at lower concentrations no Injurious effects were observed for 

 any of the poisons employed. The occurrence of root recovery sometimes fol- 

 lowed by comparatively good growth in strong solutions suggests a temporary 

 suspension of the plant's activities, or else a lowering (by oxidation) of the 

 concentration of the solution. None of the few apparent indications of stimu- 

 lation by the poisons employed was confirmed by determinations of the dry 

 weights. 



In case of plants killed by high concentrations of the phenols, molds soon 

 appeared, usually on dead roots and on the solutions. Phenol In strong con- 

 centration prevented mold formation nearly to the end of the experiments, 

 cresols preventing mold format ions altogether. No molds grew in the absence of 

 root injury. 



Studies on the embryo sac and fertilization in (CEnothera, M. Isiiikawa 

 (Ann. Bot. [London], $8 (1918), No. 126. pp. 279-317, pis. 3, figs. 12).— The 

 author, reporting a study of gametophytic behavior and fertilization phenomena 

 in (E, nutans and (E. pycnocarpa and in their hybrids, states that the embryo 

 sac arises either from the micropylar or from the chalazal member of the tetrad, 

 both sometimes simultaneously developing into complete embryo sacs. The 

 embryo sac is tetranucleate, this being regarded as a diagnostic character (pro- 

 duced possibly by mutation) of the Onagracese. Self-sterility in some hybrids 

 is regarded as due to deficient growth of the pollen tube. 



Abortiveness as related to position in the legume, B. D. Halsted (Proc 

 Soc. Prom. Agr. Sci., 38 (1917), pp. 68-72).—- From studies designed to locate 

 definitely in the seed pod the best seed for crop production, the author reports 

 details in regard to five legumes. He states that aborts are associated primarily 

 with basal position in all the subjects studied except the Canada held pea, in 

 which the failures were most numerous in the seeds from the tip and next in 

 those from the basal portion. 



Studies in the classification and nomenclature of the bacteria. — VII, The 

 subgroups and genera of the Chlamydobacteriales, R. E. Buchanan (Jour. 

 Bad., 3 (1918), No. 3, pp. 301-306).— The present contribution (E. S. II., 39. 

 p. 828) deals with the new order Chlamydobacteriales and the family Chlamy- 

 dobacteriacce thereunder, including five genera. 



A promising chemical photometer for plant physiological reseai-ch, C. S. 

 Kipgway (Plant World, 21 (1918), No. 9, pp. 23J,-240).— This has already been 

 noted from another source (E. S. II., 39, p. 524). 



FIELD CROPS. 



Forage crops, T. A. Kiesselhacii (Nebraska Kta. Bui. 169 (1918). pp. 36, 

 figs. 8). — Forage crops adapted to Nebraska conditions are briefly described 

 and the cultural practices deemed best for their production outlined. The crops 

 dealt with include grasses and legumes for permanent pastures and meadows, 

 annual pasture and hay crops, soiling crops, silage crops, and root crops for 

 stock feed. 



A brief preliminary report is presented on a series of tests with forage crops 

 begun in 1914, including data on the comparative yields of perennial, biennial, 



