274 EXPEEIMENT STATION" EECOED. 



eggs, their defects, aucl methods of remedying these defects. The work of 

 demonstrating these facts to farmers and egg dealers in Kansas, Olilahoma, 

 Texas, Arliansas, and Missouri is described. 



Edible snails, E. W. Rust (U. S. Dcpt. Agr. Yearbook 191 Jf, pp. .',91-503).— 

 This article gives a description of the principal edible species of snails and 

 treats of their commercial production and the possibilities of the industry in 

 the United States. 



DAIRY FARMING— DAIRYING. 



Dairy husbandry (Missouri Sta. Bui? 131 (,1915), pp. ^7i-^73).— The follow- 

 ing investigations are in continuation of previous work (E. S. R., 31, p. 370) : 



Silage investigation, by 0. H. Eckles. — Little difference was found in the tem- 

 perature of silage preserved in silos built of concrete, wood, or tile. The tem- 

 perature of the silage rarely exceeds 100° F. unless the silage is deficient in 

 moisture or air is present. There was found to be a wide variation in weight 

 per cubic foot, depending upon the amount of moisture and probably upon the 

 amount of grain in proportion to stalk. It was found that shock corn may be 

 ensiled with good results if there is added an amount of water approximate to 

 the amount of dry fodder used. 



Factors influencing the normal composition of milk. The effect of cotton-seed 

 meal and cotton-seed hy-products, by C. H. Eckles and L. S. Palmer. — A marked 

 superiority in the keeping quality of butter made from a ration containing 

 cotton-seed meal was noted. The butter is firmer when cotton-seed meal is 

 added. The character of the roughage fed, however, detei'mines the effect of 

 the cotton-seed meal in the ration to a considerable extent. 



Factors influencing the development of dairy heifers, by C. H. Eckles, T. C 

 Reed, and W. M. Regan. — ^Two 6-months-old dairy heifers were started on a 

 ration much below the normal in content of mineral matter; one received bone 

 meal and chalk in addition. After a year's feeding on this ration typical symp- 

 toms of calcium shortage were observed. It was found possible to restore the 

 animals to normal condition by increasing the calcium in the ration. 



From the data at hand it appears that an animal receiving approximately 

 one-half of the protein called for by the feeding standard is able to make a 

 growth that is almost normal. This indicates that the protein required is con- 

 siderably less than that generally recommended. 



From measurements taken of calves and other growing animals in the station 

 herd it appears from the data so far obtained that the different breeds follow 

 the same curve with the exception that certain ones reach maturity quicker 

 than others. It has also been found that the animal reaches maturity in skeletal 

 growth vei-y much quicker than it reaches maturity in weight. Holstein cattle 

 reach their mature development of skeleton at the age of between four and 

 five years, while they continue to increase in weight normally for at least two 

 years longei'. 



A height measurement taken from the top of the shoulder blade has been 

 found to be more accurate than one taken at the withers. This is due to the 

 fact that certain fluctuations occur in the latter owing to the relaxation of cer- 

 tain muscles which attach on the che.st and shoulder blades and serve to hold 

 the body up. During periods of rest these muscles relax with a consequent 

 decrease in height. 



Development and present state of dairying' in Sweden, E. Haglund (Inter- 

 nal. Inst. Agr. [Romel, Mo. Bui. Agr. Intel, and Plant Diseases, 6 (1915), No. 2, 

 pp. 179-185). — ^A general resume of the dairying Industry in Sweden. 



