FIELD CEOPS. 533 



the hybrids in a similar manner to morphological characters. In 190S-9 crosses 

 were made with various weak and strong rust-resistant wheats, and the results 

 showed a complex segregation. As results through segregation into new grada- 

 tions of resistance beyond the limits of the parents, lines both more or less 

 resistant than the parents were easily discerned in the Fa plat. Crosses between 

 lines of somewhat similar or of only slight difference in rust resistance also 

 gave ti'ansgressive segregation in the offspring. The complex segregation and 

 the appearance of segregation in crosses of lines of similar resistance are ex- 

 plained by much independent evidence as the influence of Mendelian factors 

 on the rust characters. 



The inherited gradations of rust resistance to which different sorts and lines 

 point indicate, therefore, no independent original variety, but different combi- 

 nations of a number of factors whereby different combinations of factors can 

 produce somewhat the same external resistance to rust. The new gradation 

 occurred through various new combinations of factors, which are incited by 

 crossing lines of different or somewhat similar rust resistance. 



Collection and sowing' of alfilaria seed, A. W. Sampson ( TJ. 8. Dept. Agr., 

 Rev. Forest Serv. Investigations, 2 (1913), pp. 14-17). — The most effective 

 method of collecting alfilaria seed was by picking it up by hand when the soil 

 conditions and growth of other plants prevented the use of rakes. The best re- 

 sults were obtained by seeding S lbs. per acre on a well prepared seed bed in the 

 fall and then covering lightly. It is noted that the seeds require special treat- 

 ment and exposure to weather conditions in order to fit them for planting the 

 same season they are gathered, as they have a thick, hard seed coat that retards 

 germination. 



Seed color in red clover, W. B. Gernert (Proc. Anter. 8oc. Agron.. If (1912), 

 pp. 8-'f-90, fig. 1). — In this paper the author describes his methods of propagat- 

 ing clover plants in order to study the lines of heredity in seed color. Plants 

 with seed varying in color from yellow to purple were used. The results thus 

 far obtained are discussed but no conclusions reached. 



A study of red clover seed with relation to its color, J. F. Eastman (Proc. 

 Amer. 8oe. Agron., 4 (1912), pp. 91-102).— This paper gives tabulated data and 

 discusses the results of a series of investigations embodying "(1) a study of the 

 location of the seed in individual heads with respect to weight, color, and in- 

 heritance of color; (2) the influence of soil fertility upon the proportions of 

 dark and light colored seed; (3) a comparison of the apparent viability, weight. 

 specific density, and composition of purple and yellow seed; (4) the location of 

 the coloring matter in the purple seed and the effect of different solvents upon 

 it; and (5) a comparison of the plants produced from purple and yellow 

 seed." 



The immediate effect on yield of crossing strains of com, L. Carrier (Vir- 

 ginia Sta. Bui. 202, pp. 3-11, figs. 2). — This bulletin gives the results of cross- 

 ing different and unrelated strains of the same variety, by means of which the 

 yields were increased up to 30 per cent in the same season. The varieties used 

 were Learning, Boone County White, and Collier Excelsior, the seed being ob- 

 tained from Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, Nebraska, and Kentucky. Six thousand 

 kernels of the crossed com weighed 2,104 gm., as compared with 1,792 gm. from 

 self-pollinated com. 



The practical application of this method of increasing yields is discussed. 



The influence of width of rows on the yield and nutritive value of corn 

 ^own for fodder, S. Weiser and A. Zaitschek (Landw. Vers. Stat., 81 (1913), 

 No. 1-2, pp. 49-S8). — Rows were planted SO cm. (31.5 in.), 60 cm., and 40 cm. 

 apart The wide spacing showed somewhat higher content of protein and crude 



