190 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



of irrigation, suggestions made for the planning and preparation of farms for 

 irrigation, and directions given for the use of the flooding, check, basin, border, 

 and furrow methods. Irrigation is discussed with special reference to the 

 production of rice, alfalfa, grain, sugar beets, potatoes, and orchard fruits. 



The problems of an irrigation farmer, C. S. Scofield {U. S. Dept. Agr. Year- 

 hook 1909, pp. 1 97-208). — The present status of irrigation in America, the rela- 

 tion between underground water and alkali, cooperative problems, and com- 

 munity relationships peculiar to irrigation farming are discussed. Suggestions 

 are given for selecting and starting an irrigated farm, choosing, tilling, and 

 marketing crops, arranging crop rotations, and using water in an economical 

 manner. 



Clearing land through the use of dynamite, A. J. McGuike {Minnesota Sta. 

 Bill. ]1G. pp. Jill-'i,21). — The advantages and limitations of the use of dynamite 

 in clearing laud are set forth in these itages and directions for removing stumps 

 by this means given in full. 



Another use for the small farm engine, H. B. Bonebright {Gas Rev., 3 

 {1910), No. .'i, pp. 7), 16, figs. 2). — The use of a small gasoline engine for 

 operating a home-made concrete mixer is described. 



A constant supply of fresh water, I. G. Shellauargeb {Gas Rev., 3 {1910). 

 iVo. Ji, p. 22). — The installation of a force pump and gasoline engine for this 

 purpose is briefly described. 



Information in regard to fabricated wire fences and hints to purchasers, 

 A. S. CusHJiAN ( C'. .S. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1909, pp. 285-292, fig. i).— This 

 article discusses the proper selection of wire for fencing in farms, poultry 

 plants, sheep pastures, etc. The author believes that a wire fence should never 

 contain wires of lighter gauge than No. 9 or No. 10, except for poultry or 

 rabbit fencing. 



Economy of the round dairy barn, W. J. Fraser {lUinois Sta. Bui. l.'iS, pp. 

 Jih' fifjs. Ji). — This bulletin discusses the advantages of round barns for dairy 

 farms and gives details of constructing a round barn 60 ft. in diameter, large 

 enough for 40 cows. This is the type of barn which has been in use at the 

 station for over 2 years and which has given satisfaction. The cost of erecting 

 such a barn is compared with that of erecting a rectaiigular barn. 



In the station barn, the cow stable is on the ground floor, well lighted by 

 16 windows. A 10-in. brick wall is carried up 9 ft. above the stable floor. This 

 wall contains a 2-in. air space to prevent moisture from condensing on the 

 inner wall and making the barn damp, an important point, as many barns with 

 a solid stone or brick wall are objectionable on account of dampness. The 

 King system of ventilation was used. To economize S[)ace and lumber the hay 

 chute was used for a ventilator, and to economize space the milk room was 

 locatetl under the driveway. The itemized cost of building showed a total of 

 $3,670.61. Other round barns are described and illustrated. 



" The round barn is the more convenient, because of the unobstructed mow, 

 which reduces the labor required in mowing hay, and because of the greater 

 ease and fewer steps with which the feed can be gotten to the cows, owing to 

 the central location of the supply. The circular construction is the strongest 

 because advantage is taken of the linear strength of the lumber. All exposed 

 surfaces are circular, and withstand greater wind pressure, as the wind can 

 get no direct hold, as on the sides or gable ends of a rectangular barn. In 

 round numbers, rectangular barns require, according to their construction, from 

 34 to 58 per cent more in cost of material than round barns with the same floor 

 area and built of the same grade of material." 



"A polygonal barn has the disadvantages of both the rectangular and the 

 round barn, and is less stable than either. It must necessarily have u heavy 



