738 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.40 



said to depend upon the method of utilization, being greatest when the tops 

 were used as feed. ■ 



Sweet potato growing, F. E. Miller (U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 999 

 (1919), pp- 30, figs. 22).— Field practices and cultural methods employed in 

 growing the crop are described. Information is also presented on harvestii 

 storing, and marketing the product, and on 10 of the principal commercial 

 varieties of sweet potatoes. 



The spring wheat situation in Ohio, C. G. Williams (.l/o. Bui. Ohio stn.. 1, 

 (1919), No. 3. pp. 67-69). — Spring wheat production in the State is briefly de- 

 scribed, the crop being rated as rather uncertain for the greater part of Ohio. 

 An average yield of 17.0 bu. per acre was secured from Blue Ribbon at Wooster 

 for the years, 1912 1917, while Marquis lias also given good results. Early 

 seeding from March 20 to April 10, at a rate of from 5 to 6 pk. per acre is 

 recommended. 



The survival of weed seeds. W. H BRENCHXEY (<7</r<7. Chron., 3. srr.. 64 

 (1918), No. 166',, p. 198). — Experiments recently carried out at Rothamsted are 

 said to have shown that seeds of certain wee. is common on cultivated soils 

 may survive for 60 years. 



Whitetop and its control. F. J. Pnwi. {Indiana Sta. Ore. 85 (1918), pp. 12, 

 flg St g). — White top i Erigeron annum), said to be the most common and noxious 

 weed of Indiana meadows and, in certain seasons, a serious pest of grain 

 fields, especially oats, is briefly described, its methods of propagation and 

 spread indicated, and preventive and control measures outlined. 



Meadows and other places where the plants are allowed to mature Beed 

 form the chief source of Infestation, while impure ^ra^s and clover seed may 

 be responsible for its appearance On clean lands. Preventive measure- .em- 

 prise the use of clean ^r\-A on well prepared land, breaking badly infested 

 meadows, plowing Instead of disking for oats, and thorough preparation of 

 corn land for wheat, while the most practicable methods of COntTjOl are said 

 to include clipping, grazing with sheep, early cutting of infested hay, and 

 mowing pastures, roadsides, fence rows, and waste places at least two or 

 three times during the season. Spraying with iron sulphate or salt solution was 

 found to he effective, hut, owing to the expense involved, is recommended only 

 where other methods are deemed Inadvisable. 



The utilization of the young rosettes as pot herbs in some localities is noted. 



HORTICULTUBE. 



[Report of the horticultural department], L. GBEENK {Indiana Sta. Rpt. 

 1918, pp. 40-58, fin*. S). — The ion- continued orchard management Investiga- 

 tions (E. S. II., 38, p. t'.ll) have shown that soil moisture may he properly 

 conserved in a young orchard either by thorough tillage with cover crop or 

 by an adequate mulch. The mulch system is well adapted to orchards located 

 on hilly lands which would erode badly if cultivated. The growth of the trt 

 is benefited in proportion to the quantity of mulch applied. A light mulch 

 where the hay crop is less than three fourths ton per acre does little good, 

 and the use of straw or other additional material N aecessary to secure as 

 good results as with tillage. 



The amount of fruit thus far produced under the various systems of manage- 

 ment has gone hand in hand with growth. Aside from soil moisture, the 

 growth made by the trees has shown little or no consistent response to any of 

 the other factors Investigated. For example, the straw-mulch plat, which i- 

 showing an accumulation of organic matter, has made an excellent tree growth, 



