1^-01 FIELD CROPS. 639 



Interim report to the Board of Trade of tlic Empire Flax Growing Com- 

 mittee on tlie ycneral situation and immediate prospects of supply in 

 April, 1»19 {London: [Ot. lirit.] Bd. Trade, Empire Flax Oroicing Com., 

 Interim h'pt., 1919 pp. 11). — This comprises a brief report on the present status 

 and future possihilitii's of llax culture in the United Kingdom and the British 

 Empire. 



Experiments with Kherson and Sixty-Day oats, C. W. Wabbubton and T. R. 

 Stanton (U. S. Dept. Agr. Bui. 823 (1920), pp. 12, figs. 7,5).— This bulletin is a 

 compilation of results from oat variety experiments, includins Kherson and 

 Sixty-Day. cctnducted by this Department and the State experiment stations, 

 independently and in cooperation for periods ranging from 4 to 14 years and 

 covering a wide scope of soils and climatic conditions. The histories and 

 descriptions of the two varieties are included, together with brief statements 

 on yields of straw, weights per bushel, percentage of hull, and improvement 

 work. The yield data from the different stations are tabulated in both detailed 

 and sunmiarized form, and with the aid of numerous diagrams are fully dis- 

 cussetl. In conclusion, the authors designate the varieties and types that have 

 proved best for each section of the country. A list of 51 titles, comprising 

 literature cited, is appended. 



A general consideration of the results note<l led to the conclusion that the 

 early varieties, Kherson and Sixty-Day, yielded well in most of the spring-oat 

 sections of the United States. The summary of average results indicates that 

 at more than 50 per cent of the stations under a wide range of climatic con- 

 ditions, early varieties have outylelded midsea.son and late varieties. Kherson 

 and Sixty-Day are said to have given the best results in the warmer humid, 

 subliumid, and semiarid .sections. Late varieties were superior in yield to 

 those of the midseason group at only a few stations. 



Oats in Michigan, .T. F. Cox (Michigan Sta. Spec. liuJ. 101 (1920), pp. 10, 

 figs. .'t). — This is a popular de.scription of cultural methods and field practices 

 deemed best for growing oats in the State, together with notes on varieties, 

 seed treatment, and rotations. 



Seed potato preparation, II. P. Hibbard (Michigan Sta. Quart. Bui. 2 (1920), 

 i\'o. 4, pp. 176-179, fig. 1). — Comparisons of the different parts of the potato 

 showed that the stem-end pieces bore as vigorous sprouts when sepai-ated from 

 tlie seed ends as the seed ends themselves, and no one section proved to be uni- 

 formly better than another. Tests indicated that two eyes or more gave perfect 

 germination, and that the practice of planting small tubers of proper weight 

 and cutting the larger ones to suitable size is sound from both physiological 

 and commercial viewpoints. 



Soy beans, C. R. Megee (Michigan Sta. Spec. Bui. 100 (1920), pp. 11, figs. 

 5). — The author recommends the culture of the soy bean for hay, silage, and 

 green manure, and describes methods of planting and harvesting applicable 

 to the various uses. He reports a variety test of soy beans in 1919 in which 

 the highest acre yields were made by Manchu, Ito San, Early Brown, and 

 Black Eyebrow, with 5.107, 4,931, 4,7G0, and 4,688 lbs. of air dry hay, re- 

 spectively. These varieties are considered among the best for Michigan con- 

 ditions. 



Sudan grass, H. N. Vinall (f7. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 1126 (1920), 

 pp. SO, figs. 11). — The origin and adaptation of Sudan grass are discu.ssed, and 

 field practices in growing the crop for liay, silage, pasture, and seed produc- 

 tion are described. Practical .suggestions for its utilization, together with 

 comparative analyses and information on the control of diseases and pests, 

 are included. 



i;3G21°— 20 i 



