186 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



order to determine the most economical distribution of work between animal 

 and mechanical power. 



Competitive tests of cultivators and weed cutters, von Stockhausen 

 (Arb. Deut. Landw. GeselL, 1913, No. 237, pp. 1-23, figs. 21 ) .—Thirty-one 

 cultivators and weed cutters were tested in 3 groups. Group 1 comprised those 

 with a worliing width less than 6 ft., group 2 those with a working width from 

 6 to 12 ft., and group 3 those of a working width of 12 ft. or more. 



The machines gave both favorable and unfavorable results, it being found 

 in most cases that the machine tested was adapted to some particular conditions 

 of soil. This indicates that it is practically impossible to develop a machine 

 which will satisfy all conditions. Several improvements are suggested in the 

 shaping and tempering of shares, in the means of raising and lowering shares 

 and beams, in the arranging and spacing of shares, and in the arrangement of 

 the hitch. 



Trials with cultivators, A. Christensen and M. Daxl (Tidsskr. Land- 

 okonomi, 1913, No. 1, pp. SJf-75, figs. 29). — The tests included 22 single and 

 double row cultivators of different makes. Illustrated descriptions are given 

 of the different machines, with the decision of the judges in regard to their 

 strong and weak points. Some of the machines gave very good results and were 

 excellent in construction, but for the most part the judges criticised the shape 

 and temper of the shares, the stiffness of the moving parts, and the poorly 

 designed hitches. 



The grain drill, C. A. Gilmoke and H. Milne (Canad. Thresherman and 

 Farmer, 18 {1913), No. 3, pp. 1-9, figs. lJt).—ln this study of the grain drill 

 each part is considered separately, special attention being paid to different 

 styles of construction and the material used, and comparison being made of the 

 different types. The requisites of a grain drill are summed up as follows: (1) 

 Furrow openers that will make a proper seed bed and deposit all the seed at 

 the desired depth in any soil, (2) an adjustable force feed suited to distribute 

 evenly all kinds of seed, and (3) light weight and draft combined with strength 

 and durability. 



A table for grain drill adjustment is given. 



Practical country buildings, W. A. Radfokd {Wausau, Wis., 1912, pp. 192, 

 figs. 501). — This is a handbook containing plans, details, and specifications for 

 the construction of dwellings, bams, stock and implement sheds, ice houses, 

 and other types of farm structures. 



Planning the farm house, L. W. Chase (Canad. Thresherman and Farmer, 

 18 {1913), No. 3, pp. 36, 3S, 39, 10, figs. ^).— This article gives suggestions on the 

 general arrangement and design of country homes, and includes plans showing 

 their application. The arrangement is based chiefly on the amount of heat 

 required by each room and the idea of obtaining a combinatioa of convenience, 

 comfort, and economy. 



Conventional designs for agricultural engineers {Amer. Thresherman, 15 

 {1913), No. 2, pp. 92, 93). — Two hundred conventional designs, compiled by 

 L. W. Chase, are given, which have been adopted by the American Society of 

 Agricultural Engineers as recommended practice. 



RURAL ECONOMICS. 



Interest paid by farmers on loans {TJ. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Statis. Crop 

 Reporter, 15 {1913), No. Jf, pp. 27-29).— Replies collected by the Bureau of Sta- 

 tistics to inquiries made of about 3,000 bankers in the United States are here 

 summarized as to the average of the current rates of interest paid to banks 

 by farmers for 3 to 6 months' loans (both secured and unsecured) and the 



