1910] FIELD mors. 0,35 



Statistics on the distribution and production of sugar cane varieties in 

 Java in 1917, J. van Habbkveld {Arch. SuikerirtdiM. Nederland. Indie, 26 

 (1918), No. 48, pp. 2039-2122, figs. 2; Meded. Proefstnt. Java Suikerindus., 

 Lan&oouwk. Ser., No. IS (1918), pp. 84, figs. 2). — Tabulate! data are presented 

 similar to those previously noted I E3. S. R., 40, p. 37). 



The three leading sugar cane varieties, 247 B, 100 POJ, ami EJK 28, occupied 

 41, 28, and 6 per cent of the total area, respectively. The average yields of 

 raw sugar from these varieties amounted to 185.1, 142.8, and 171 pikols per 

 hectare, respectively, as compared with 187.2 pikols (about 8.7 tons per acre) 

 from all other varieties. 



The sugar cane in India, C. A. Barrer (Trans. 3. Internal. Cong. Trap. Agr. 

 1914, vol. 2, pp. 118-130). — The author discusses the characteristics of the 

 native canes of India. 



Sugar and the sugar cane in the Gurdaspur District, J. H. Barnes (Agr. 

 Research Inst. Pusa Bvl 69 (1918), pp. 100, pis. 7, fig. 1).— This publication 

 comprises a detailed account of sugar-cane growing and of sugar production in 

 the Gurdaspur District of India. The chemical composition of the different 

 varieties grown in the region has been determined for the seasons of 1911-1912 

 to 1915-1916. The sugar trade in the district and the improvement of the 

 existing industry are fully discussed. Considerable statistical matter supple- 

 ments the text. 



The classification of Indian sugar canes, C. A. Barrer (Trans. 3. Intrmat. 

 Cong. Trop. Agr. 1914, rol. 2, pp. 131-145). — The author outlines the methods 

 employed in the identification of sugar-cane varieties In India, and briefly 

 notes the characteristics of the three classes of Indian sugar canes thus far 

 identified. 



Experiments in planting sugar-cane sets with a single eye-bud, and pot 

 experiments with other seeds placed in different positions while planting. 

 M. L. Kui.kakni (Agr. Jour. India, Indian Sci. Cong. No., 1918, pp. 125-128, pi. 

 1, fig. 1). — Preliminary observations on the effect of planting different kinds 

 of seeds in various positions in the soil are briefly noted. 



Sugar-cane sets with a single eye-bud sown with the bud turned upward 

 are said to have shown a germinntion of above 80 per cent, the plants germi- 

 nating simultaneously and germination occurring one week earlier than with 

 ordinary sets sown in the usual way. The cane is also said to be less liable 

 to lodge nnd to facilitate cultivation between the rows. Due to the high rate of 

 germination obtained with this method, the tillers are removed and only the 

 mother canes allowed to develop. 



In the other crops studied the earliest germination was obtained when the 

 seed was planted as follows: Cotton with the apexes turned upward, jowar 

 (Andropogon sorghum) and wheat with the apexes turned sideways, sann (Cro- 

 talnria junce.a) with the apexes turned downward, and gram (Circr arielinum) 

 with the apexes turned either sideways or upward. 



Selection experiments with Deli tobacco, II, J. A. Honing (Meded. Deli- 

 Proefstat. Medan, 2. ser., No. 2 [1918}, pp. 84. pi. /).— This reports the con- 

 tinuation during 1917 of work along the same general lines as previously 

 noted (E. S. R., 38, p. 741). 



Recent work in Australia on the improvement of wheat, F. B. Guthrie 

 (Trans. 3. Tnternat. Cong. Trop. Agr. 191! h vol. 2. pp. 20-47). — This presents a 

 review of work done since 1910 in the improvement of wheat through selection, 

 hybridization, etc.. in the different states of the Commonwealth. Notes on the 

 possible extension of wheat production in Australia are appended. 



