FIELD CROPS. 833 



Variability in the chemical composition of the descendants of a seed- 

 bearing- beet in the first generation, K. Andelik and J. Urban {Orig. Commnn. 

 S. Interna t. Cong. Appl. Cheni. [Washington and New York], 25 {1912), Beets. 

 I-Ve, App., pp. 515, 516). — In the study of 100 Individuals it is noted that the 

 range of variation in the nitrogen content of the roots equaled 88.2 per cent of 

 the average for this character (0.24S per cent), and in the leaves equaled 67.1 

 per cent of their average nitrogen content (0.325 per cent). 



In tlie dry matter of the roots it reached 33.4 per cent of the mean of this 

 character (23.56 per cent), and in the leaves 71.9 per cent of the moan (13.78 

 per cent). In the ash content of the roots it was 64.7 per cent of the average 

 (0.692 per cent), and in the leaves 81.8 per cent of the average (3.25 per cent). 

 The variations in weight of the leaves during the vegetative period equaled 

 189 per cent of their average weight (357 gm.), and those of the roots 183 per 

 cent of the average (331 gni.). The range in variation of sugar content 

 reached 28.5 per cent of the mean of the descendants examined (16.3 per cent). 



The cultivation of cane and the sugar industry, J. B. Sobrinho (A Lavoura 

 da Gannaea Industria Assucareira. Sao Paulo: Sec. Agr., 1912, pp. 127, figs. 

 92). — This report presents the status of the sugar-cane industry of Brazil and 

 describes the methods of cultivation and manufacture. 



Sugar cane and sirup making, A. P. Spencep. {Florida Sta. Bui. 118, pp. 

 51-61, figs. 7). — This bulletin consists of recommendations and directions for 

 growing sugar cane and for the pi'oduction of sirup. The topics treated include 

 soil, rotation, fertilizers, planting, cultivation, harvesting, seed cane, laying 

 down the bed, stubble or rattoon cane, varieties, Japanese cane, cane grind- 

 ing, evaporation of juice, fermentation in sirup, diseases of sugar cane by H. S. 

 Fawcett, and insect enemies by J. R. Watson. A plan of a small sirup evajiorator 

 is included. 



Results of field trials on the manuring of swedes, E. E. Stokes {Midland 

 Agr. and Dairy Col. Bui. 6, 1912-13, pp. .!f6-53). — In these trials manurial appli- 

 cations of 150 lbs. sulphate of ammonia, 500 lbs. superphosphate, and 60 lbs. 

 sulphate of potash were applied per acre. When nitrate of lime was used in 

 place of sulphate of ammonia, slightly better returns were obtained, especially 

 if the nitrate of lime was applied as a top-dressing. Wherever lime was used 

 the cost of increase was greater than the increased return of crop. 



The value of sweet clover, J. F. Sinn {Clarinda, lotva, 1912, pp. 61). — This 

 book takes up the history of the plant and discusses the different species, the 

 time of seeding, the preparation of soil and amount of seed to sow, including 

 inoculation and fertilization, and the value of the plant as a hay crop, pasture, 

 fertilizer, and seed crop. 



Research into the variety classification of Triticum vulgare, F. Moebius 

 (Landw. Jahr'b., 43 (1913), No. 5, pp. 711-789, pis. S).— A careful study of the 

 morphological characters of 415 heads of wheat, involving 20,000 kernels and 

 59 varieties, is reported, data being given on the thickness of the spikelet, 

 length of the raehis, and weight and thickness of the kernel. From this data 

 various correlations were computed between the length of spike and thickness 

 of the spikelet, the thickness and weight of the kernel, and the spike form. The 

 data are presented in tabular form from which a classification is made into 3 

 groups. Group 1 includes the thick spike variety (those over 30 mm.), group 

 2 medium varieties (between 20 and 29.9 mm.), and group 3 loose spiked vari- 

 eties (under 20 mm.). Bach group is subdivided into club form and nonclub 

 form with another subdivision into white and red glume. 



A report of the investigations concerning the chemical composition of 

 •wheat, 1906 to 1912, inclusive, R. W. Thatches (Wasliington Sta. Bui. Ill, 



