FIELD CROPS. G33 



scribes these and other spray mixtures, the methods of application, and the 

 effect on the potato crop. 



The fractional liquefaction of rice starch, F. J. Wartii and D. B. Darabsktt 

 (Mem. Dcpt. A;;): India, Cliciii. So:, 3 {191.',), No. 5, pp. 135-l.'iG, pi. 1. fig. 1).— 

 This paper doscribos a method of fractional liquefaction of rice starch and 

 its application in dilTcront latins seven varieties of rice. The method involves a 

 wet grinding of the grain and fractional liquefaction of the starch in water at 

 different temperatures for definite periods of time and a conversion secured 

 with malt extract. The samples showed decided degrees of liquefactions at 

 the various periods and uniformity for the same variety. 



Field tests of soy beans, 1914 (Conncclicut State Sta. Bui. 185 {1915), pp. 

 8-17). — This bulletin briefly discusses the uses of the soy bean as a cat<'h 

 croj). green manure crop, seed crop, silage crop, and for hay for Connecticut 

 farmers, and gives results of tests of ]!>l-4 that were planned and carried out 

 by H. K. Hayes and C. D. Hubbell, showing analytical data and comiwsition in 

 comparison with corn and alfalfa. 



Data of 19 varieties grown as forage show the total yields to range from 

 5,389 lbs. to 21.240 lbs., averaging 1G,949 lbs. per acre, and the dry matter to 

 range from 1,247 lbs. to 6,287 lbs. 



The protein ranged from 2.7 to 7.1 per cent with an average of 4.8, fat from 

 0.7 to 2.0 with an average of l.G, nitrogen-free extract from 8.8 to 15.5 with an 

 average of 11.7, and fiber from 4.9 to 12.3 with an average of 8.6. 



The highest yielding variety in grain produced 32.5 bu. per acre. Analyses 

 of the grains show the protein to range from 36.8 to 45.5 per cent, fat from 

 14.1 to 19 per cent, ash from 5.2 to 8.6 per cent, nitrogen-free extract from 26.2 

 to 32.9 per cent, and fiber from 4 to 6.5 per cent. 



The composition and digestible nutrients of soy beans, cotton-seed meal, and 

 linseed meal are compared. Methods of planting soy beans are discussed briefly. 

 The Hollybrook variety is recommended for Connecticut conditions as a crop 

 for soiling, hay, or green manure. 



Physiological changes in sweet potatoes during storage, H. Hasselbring 

 and L. A. Hawkins (f/. 8. Dept. Agr., Jour. Agr. Research, 3 (1915), No. It, pp. 

 331-3.'f2). — The results of the investigations conducted at Washington, D. C, 

 with Jersey Big Stem and Southern Queen sweet potatoes are summarized as 

 follows : 



" During its growth the sweet ix>tato root is characterized by a very low 

 sugar content. The reserve materials from the ^ines are almost wholly depos- 

 ited as starch. 



" Immediately after the roots are harvested there occurs a rapid transforma- 

 tion of starch into cane sugar and reducing sugars. This initial transformation 

 .seems to be due to internal causes and is largely independent of external condi- 

 tions. Even at a temperature of 30° C. (86° F.) both cane sugar and reducing 

 sugars accumulate during this initial period in excess of the quantity used in 

 respiration, while during subsequent periods the quantity of reducing sugar 

 diminishes at that temperature as a result of respiration. These initial changes 

 seem to be associated with the cessation of the flow of materials from the vines. 



" In sweet potatoes stored at a temperature of 11.7 to 16.7° the moisture con- 

 tent remains fairly constant. There is a gradual disaiipearance of starch dur- 

 ing the lir.st of the season (October to March) and j)i'obably a re-formation of 

 starch accom])anied by a disappearance of cane sugar during the latter part of 

 the season (March to June). The changes in retlucing sugar are le.ss marked 

 than those in cane sugar. The changes in starch and cane sugar appear in a 

 general way to be correlated with the sea.sonal changes in the temperature. 



