826 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.43 



method of operation and curing, and comparative freedom from interference 

 l)y unfavorable vs^eather, the average shrinkage can be determined by weigh- 

 ing a gtven quantity or by a v^^ater analysis. The percentage of shrinkage 

 found will be applicable until the conditions are changed. 



Abaca (Manila hemp) : The fiber monopoly of the Philippine Islands, 

 G. S. Lee (Sci. Mo., 11 {1920), No. 2, pp. 159-170, fig. i).— The author discusses 

 the nature, use, and climatic adaptation of the abaca plant {Musa texHlis), 

 and describes cultural methods and practices employed in growing the crop 

 and preparing the fiber for market. Data on the fiber industi-y in the Philip- 

 pine Islands are included, together with brief notes on the culture and uses of 

 maguey, sisal, and minor fiber plants. 



Daily development of kernels of Hannchen barley from flowering to 

 maturity at Aberdeen, Idaho, H. V. Harlan (Jour. Agr. Research [f7. S.], 19 

 (1920), No. 9, pp. 39S-430, pis. 9, figs. 17).— This paper, a contribution from the 

 Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, in cooperation with the 

 Idaho Experiment Station, reports studies on the growth of barley kernels from 

 flowering to maturity. In describing the technique of measurement and dis- 

 cussing experimental methods, the author notes at the emergence of the awas 

 offered a very accurate index of the stage of the development of the spike. 

 Detailed daily measurements of the developing kernels are included in tabular 

 and graphic form. The observations may be summarized as follows : 



In the early stages of development of the barley kernel measurable growth 

 occurred during 12-hour intervals, and during 24-hour intervals until near 

 maturity. The period from flowering to maturity in three successive years at 

 Aberdeen was 26 days. 



The growth immediately after flowering was so rapid that the increase in 

 length was readily measurable at 12-hour intervals. The length growth was 

 completed by the seventh day, and as soon as the rate of growth in length de- 

 creased the lateral diameter showed its most rapid increase. The dorsoventral 

 diameter continued to increase almost until maturity. The increase in dry 

 matter was very uniform throughout the period of growth, the percentage of 

 water decreasing uniformly from flowering to maturity. Analyses indicated 

 that during growth carbohydrates increased most rapidly and the ash least 

 rapidly. 



Several well-marked steps in development were observed. About the fifth 

 or sixth day after flowering the growth in length was checked, and a rapid 

 gain in dry matter began. On the ninth or tenth day a sticky substance was 

 secreted, causing the glumes to adhere to the kernels. About the fifteenth or 

 sixteenth day the kernel toughened, the lemma began to lose color in the dorsal 

 surface, some of the awns dropped off, and the kernel had reached its maximum 

 water content. 



Maturation occurred gradually, the cells along the furrow continuing active 

 longer than elsewhere. The actual date of cessation of growth, even luider 

 unusually uniform external conditions, is held to be largely dependent on the 

 temperature and humidity at the time of ripening. 



Development of barley kernels in normal and clipped spikes and the 

 limitations of awnless and hooded varieties, H. V. Harlan and S. Anthony 

 (Jour. Agr. Research [V. S.], 19 (1920), No. 9, pp. ^31-^72, figs. iS).— Data are 

 presented showing the results of studies of the development of barley kernels 

 in normal and clipped spikes in an effort to ascertain the value of the awn, an 

 undesirable factor in barley production, and the reasons for the limitations of 

 bearded and awnless varieties. 



The studies of the effect of removing the awns were conducted in 1915 by the 

 Bureau of Plant Industry at University Farm, St. Paul, Minn., with Manchuria 



