FIELD CKOPS. 33 



position of the crop. Attentiou has been directed to (1) effect of phosphorus 

 when used alone, and in combination with potassium and nitrogen; (2) influ- 

 ence of quantity of lime applied to the soil; (3) variation in first and second 

 cuttings; (4) amounts of mineral elements soluble in water; and (5) separation 

 of the nitrogen and phosphorus bodies." The data are for the most part re- 

 ported in tabular form. Among the conclusions drawn are the following: 



"Alfalfa cut in bloom contains the largest amounts of the more valuable 

 plant foods and nutritive constituents in the leaves. . . . When the fertilizer 

 used contained both phosphorus and nitrogen, the increase in the amount of 

 phosphorus over that found in the crop from unfertilized soil was not as great 

 as where phosphorus without nitrogen was applied. . . . Increasing the amount 

 of calcium and magnesium in the soil by the addition of lime containing 55 per 

 cent calcium oxid and 40 per cent magnesium oxid has caused a greater propor- 

 tion of calcium and magnesium to be absorbed by the plant. Where this is the 

 case the yield has been decreased. . . . The percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, 

 potassium, and calcium are higher in the first cutting of alfalfa, where the 

 yields were larger, than in the second cutting. The large amount of these ele- 

 ments removed indicates a rapid depletion of the essential mineral constituents 

 from the soil. The nitrogen content of alfalfa is less in the second cutting than 

 in the first, and increases in the third cutting. Rain removes a considerable 

 portion of the mineral and food elements which are not securely combined in 

 the alfalfa plant. . . . Approximately 66 per cent of the nitrogen in the first 

 cutting is protein, and 77 per cent in the second cutting. The amiu nitrogen in 

 the crop of the first cutting is increased by the larger application of lime. 

 About 50 per cent of the total phosphorus of the alfalfa plant exists in the form 

 of organic phosphorus." 



Under the most favorable circumstances the loss of leaves may be as high 

 as 15 per cent of the total crop. 



Arabian alfalfa, R. McKee (J7. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant Industry Circ. 119, 

 pp. 25-30). — This paper describes the life history and temperature requirements 

 of Arabian alfalfa, which was introduced into the United States in 1902, with 

 data on yields produced at Chico and Mecca, Cal., since 1906. Some of the con- 

 clusions of the investigators are as follows: 



" This variety is not hardy to severe winter conditions and can be grown 

 successfully only in sections having a very mild climate. After cutting, the 

 plants make new growth more quickly than any other variety. . . . 



" In the first 2 years Arabian alfalfa makes a much heavier early-spring and 

 late-fall growth than ordinary alfalfa. . . . 



"The roots of Arabian alfalfa are very soft and gophers attack them in pref- 

 erence to other varieties. The short life period, normally but 3 years. Is an 

 inherent characteristic. On account of its upright soft crown and soft roots 

 Arabian alfalfa is severely injured by close pasturing or heavy trampling. 



" This variety can not be recommended for use except in a short rotation, and 

 even then it should be used for soiling or hay purposes only." 



Floral abnormalities in maize, J. H. Kempton (?7. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant 

 Indus. Bui. 278, pp. 18, pis. 2, figs. 2). — The study of the abnormal forms and 

 displaced parts of the inflorescence of maize in this bulletin was carried on as 

 a means of tracing the evolutionary history of the plant. The type used was 

 mainly the pod corn (Zea tunicata), and hybrids with Hopian, Chinese, Salva- 

 doran, and Mexican varieties. 



The author draws the following conclusions : " Inverted seeds have been 

 found on the male and female inflorescences of maize. These inverted seeds are 

 developed from the lower flower of the spikelet, which is normally aborted. 

 Flowers having ovaries and stamens always had the normal number, three, if 



