742 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol. S7 



from the nonirrigated plats. The percentage of forked beets bore no apparent 

 relation to the amount of water used. 



The author concludes that sugar beets do not require large quantities of irri- 

 gation water, provided it is properly applied, but that they are sensitive to the 

 time of application. 



The weeding of wheat, E. Rey {Jour. Agr. Prat., n. ser., 29 (1916), Nos. 19, 

 pp. S2Jf-326; 20, pp. 346-348; 23, pp. 392-394; 25, pp. 429, 7/50).— This is a gen- 

 eral discussion of the beneficial effects obtained from weeding wheat. The 

 author cites a number of authorities in support of his arguments, giving the 

 results of several experiments and emphasizing the economic phases. 



The effect of heating seeds upon the development of the plant; experiments 

 made in Russia with wheat, S. J. Wokobikw (KhozCaistvo, 10 {1915), Ao. ^7- 

 4H, pp. 1075-1083; abs. in Internal. Inst. Agr. [Rome^, Internat. Rci. Sci. and 

 Pract. Agr., 7 {1916), No. 4. pp. 52'i-530). — The author reports experiments 

 with "Arnaoutka " (a mixture of different varieties) and Kubauka wheats, 

 strains of Triticum durum, to determine the effect of relatively high tempera- 

 tures upon the plant embryo. The seeds were planted in pots after exposure 

 for 20 minutes to a temperature of 80° C. (176* F.). The pots received 60, 40, 

 and 20 per cent of the amount of water required to saturate the soil. The 

 results obtained are summarized In an appended table. 



The author concludes that heating has a stimulating effect upon the embryo 

 and promotes a tendency to xerophytic structure, shown in the reduced height 

 of the plant, the decreased relative weight of the leaves, and the dimensions 

 of the cells. Since xerophilous plants best withstand a lack of water, it can be 

 assumed that where moisture is abundant, heating the seed jtroduces no modi- 

 fication in the structure of the plant, but where it is limited, lieated seeds produce 

 plants so modified as to withstand drought. 



Root-crop seeds. — Harvest and trade of 1915—16, L. Helweo {Tidsfkr. 

 Planteavl, 23 {1916), No. 3, pp. 487^18, fig. 2). — An article discussing at some 

 length the yield and quality of turnip, field beet, rutabaga, and carrot seed 

 secured in Denmark in 191 .i. including a review of a numl>er of court decisions 

 in settlement of ca.ses arising in the root-crop seed trade. 



Yellow rocket, a dangerous weed, E. A. Bessey {.Michigan Stn. t<pcc. Bui. 

 80 {1917). pp. S, 4). — Yellow rocket, winter cress, or herb barbara (Barharca 

 barbare4x), said to have been introduced as an impurity in clover and grass 

 seeds, is briefly described and methods of eradication recommended- 



HORTICTTLTiniE. 



One thousand hints on vegetable gardening. Mae S. Cboy {New York and 

 lAmdon: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1917, pp. VI I +275). — This work comprises prac- 

 tical hints arranged in short paragraphs on the culture of the common vege- 

 tables, fruits, and nuts, together with ml.scellaneous suggestions relating to 

 gardening and garden equipment, planting tables, etc. 



[Report of horticultural investigations], A. C. Habtenboweb (Gitam Stn. 

 Rpt. 1916. pp. 26-38. pis. 2). — Notes are given on the acquisition and distribu- 

 tion of seeds and plants during the year, together with data on general fer- 

 tilizer and cultural tests of beans, peppers, eggplants, radishes, carrots, 

 muskmelons, cucumbers, watermelons, squash, okra, pumpkins, sweet corn, 

 onions, and udo. 



A test was started on August 1, 1915. to determine the longevity of vegetable 

 seeds when stored in ground-glass top exhibition jars and when stored in cloth 

 sacks in insect-proof wooden cabinet drawers. Germination tests were made 

 at semimonthly intervals until the following June 15. The data as here pre- 



