19:i«J FIELD CROPS. 831 



The author classifies the tobacco soils into three groups as regards acidity or 

 " lime requirement." Soils requiring up to 3,000 lbs. calcium oxid per acre are 

 not producing good crops as a rule, but are comparatively free from root rots. 

 Soils requiring from 3,000 to 8,000 lbs. calcium oxid per acre are in good to- 

 bacco condition, but in this group pathogenic fungi, which may cause root-rot 

 during certain seasons, are abundant in the soil. Soils requiring over 8,000 

 lbs. of calcium oxid are usually comparatively free from such fungi, and even 

 in unfavorable seasons little disease is found, but the tobacco may be of slightly 

 inferior quality. 



Although applications of two tons of peat per acre produced 10 per cent 

 increa.se in yield, this form of organic matter was deemed too expensive, and 

 cover crops, especially timothy, with rye as a second choice, were recommended. 

 Low-yielding soils are said to have responded favorably to additional applica- 

 tions of organic matter and acid phosphate, but presented no evidence showing 

 the lack of potash. 



Selection e.\periments with Deli tobacco, IV, J. A. Honing (ileded. Deli- 

 Proefsta. Medan, 2. ser.. No. 10 {1920), pp. ^3-59). — In continuation of work 

 previously noted (E. S. R., 42, p. 237), the author describes further observations 

 on pure line selections of Deli tobacco. 



Velvet beans (t7. S. Dept. Agr., Dept. Circ. 121 {1920), pp. S).— This contains 

 a brief description of the velvet bean, with notes on planting, feeding value, and 

 varieties. • 



Hairy vetch seed production in the United States, L. W. Kephabt and R. 

 McKee {U. S. Dept. Agr. Bui. 876 {1920), pp. 32, figs. 7).— A detailed discussion 

 of the merits of hairy vetch, factors involved, in seed production, and the cul- 

 tural methods and field practices employed in the raising of seed of the crop in 

 Michigan and other northern States. The practices followed in seed growing 

 in the southern States are also indicated, together with brief notes on disease 

 and crop pests. A description of a spiral vetch separator, which is considered 

 the most efficient separator for removing rye or other cereals from vetch, is 

 included. 



The authors consider hairy vetch a valuable legume for green manuring and 

 general soil improvement, especially in Michigan, other States bordering on the 

 Great Lakes, and in most of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast States. The plant is 

 adapted to a wide range of soil types, but is said to do best on rich, sandy 

 loam. The crop can be seeded with ordinary farm machinery with but little 

 or no modification. The difficulty encountered in separating seed of hairy vetch 

 from cereals with the ordinary seed separators has been obviated by the use of 

 the spiral vetch separator. 



Formerly the bulk of the seed was imported from the Baltic Provinces of 

 Russia and northeastern Germany, but the quantity has been greatly reduced in 

 recent years, re.sulting in a high price for seed and stimulating domestic pro- 

 duction. Michigan has been the principal center for hairy vetch seed in the 

 United States, producing about 1,000,000 lbs. annually during the period 1915- 

 1919, or one-half or more of the seed used in this country. However, seed 

 production has proved successful in practically all localities where the crop can 

 be gjown. 



Experiments with Indian wheat in Mesopotamia, 1917-18, C. C. Gak- 

 BETT {Bagdad: Govt., 1918, pp. 12). — This reports field tests of Indian and 

 'Iraq wheat varieties in the vicinity of Bagdad and other points in the Tigris- 

 Euphrates Valley. 



Wheat varieties of the Ahaggar District, Sahara, L. Ducellier {Bxil. Soc. 

 Hint. Nat. Afrique Nord, 11 {1920), No. 6, pp. 91-93).— This article Includes brief 



