FIELD CROPS. 



237 



Results of experiments in potato culture, A. Cadoret (Prog. Agr: et Vit. 

 (Ed. 'Est-Ccnfrc). 31 (1010), No. S, pp. 2 3 6-2'fl).— This article presents the 

 results of variety and fertilizer tests conducted with potatoes, including the 

 work of 10 different investigators. 



The rice growing season of 1908-9 in Cochin China, E. M. de Flacourt 

 (Bui. Econ. Indo-Chine, n. scr., 12 (1909), Nos. 79, pp. 3.'i3-^53; 80, pp. 51,0- 

 5J2). — This article discusses early and late rice, the acreage devoted to rice, 

 and the price of paddy and of rice during the first and the last half of each 

 month of the year in each province of Cochin-China. 



Comparative study of the chemical composition of the rice of Iguape and 

 that of other regions, L. Granato (BoI. Agr. [Sao Paulo], 10. .^er., 1009, Sos. 

 8, pp. 631-6-'i5; 9, pp. 72-'i-738) .—Many analyses by Silvestrini of the grain, 

 straw, and hulls of 11 different varieties of rice are given. Varieties grown in 

 different regions and countries are compared as to chemical composition and 

 food value. 



[The relation between the time of blooming and harvest of winter rye], 

 E. IHNE (Arh. Deut. Landw. Gesell., 1909, No. 161, pp. //3).— General observa- 

 tions of the time of blooming of plants and their practical application are 

 given and figures presented for the years 1887, 1888. 1891, 1893, and 1894 to show 

 that the early blooming of rye in the Grand Duchy of Hesse has been followed 

 by a greater yield than has late blooming. It is also stated that early blooming 

 is never followed by a late harvest and that late bloomingt is never followed 

 by an early harvest. 



Sugar cane in Porto Rico, D. W. May (Porto Rico Sta. Bui. 9, pp. 7-40, pis. 

 8). — This bulletin reviews variety, fertilizer, and cultural tests with cane else- 

 where and reports similar trials in Porto Rico, together with brief notes on 

 cultural and grinding practices and cane diseases. 



It was found that all seed cane should be treated before planting. When the 

 seed was put in a tank and water and a few shovelfuls of lime added, the canes 

 germinated more readily and were freer from disease. All imported canes 

 were treated with Bordeaux mixture and this is recommended for use in Porto 

 Rico with all canes. 



Yields of 36.6 tons per acre were secured at the station from plantings of 

 3 seed in holes 7* ft. apart, 49.8 tons from a planting of the same amount of 

 seed 2A ft. apart in furrows in which the seed was planted on end, and 54.1 tons 

 from horizontal plantings wholly covered in furrows in a continuous row. 

 Mole crickets damaged the canes planted in continuous rows and necessitated 

 replanting in a few spots. At Central Aguirre, Otaheite cane yielded 49.76 tons 

 per acre and Christalina 60.56 tons when planted in holes, as is usual in Porto 

 Rico, while the same varieties planted in continuous furrows, as in Hawaii, 

 produced 50.36 tons and 71.48 tons, respectively. The Hawaiian system pro- 

 duced an estimated yield of 406 lbs. more sugar per acre with Otaheite cane and 

 407 lbs. more with Cristalina cane. 



Cane planted 10 ft. apart each way yielded 32.4 tons per acre, 7i ft. apart 

 each way .37 tons, and 5 ft. apart each way 40.7 tons, while the yields of rat- 

 toon cane were 26, .30.9, and 33.3 tons per acre, respectively. Experiments on 

 heavy, medium, and light fertilization of cane planted at these distances showed 

 that close planting is more profitable because of the larger yields of cane, 

 greater economy in cultivation, and less favorable conditions for the growth of 

 grass and weeds. Heavy fertilization was followed by greater differences in 

 yield between the wide and narrow plantings. 



During 3 years' experiments in which the yield of the check plats was con- 

 sidered as 100, the relative yields of plant cane and rattoons following applica- 



