1019] FIELD CROPS. 37 



The average seeding dates were March 25, April 6, 18, and 30. The average 

 precipitation for the 10-year period was 18.77 in., or slightly less than the 

 44-year average for the substation. A comparison of the niontlily precipitation 

 for each year of the experiment with the crop yields is held to indicate that the 

 distribution of the rainfall, together with tlie moisture condition of the soil in 

 tlie spring, is sometimes of greater importance than tlie total amount of pre- 

 cipitation in determining yields. The results obtained may be summarized as 

 follows : 



With the excoptiofi of two years, early seedings produced the best yields, 

 while the average yields of all crops were materially higher with early than 

 with late seeding. Differences between early and late seedings of barley and 

 oats were less marked than with wheat and emmer. Barley outyielded all 

 other crops, and on account of the length of the season in which it can be suc- 

 cessfully seeded, its high feeding value, and high yields, it is recommended for 

 more general planting. The lowest yields were secured from emmer, and the 

 gro\\ing of this crop in the western part of the State is said to be scarcely 

 justifiable. Tliere appeared to be little dilference between spring wheat and 

 early oats, either as feed or cash crops. It is stated that weed growth usually 

 proved to be less troublesome in early than in late seedings. 



Farm pastures in Montana, A. Atkinson {Montana Sta. Circ. 82 (1910), 

 pj). 61-67). — Methods of seeding both dry-land and irrigated pastures in the 

 State for summer pasture and feed are briefly described and suitable seed mix- 

 tures recommended. 



A bad farm practice, W. E. Ayres (Arkansas Sta. Circ. 47 (1919), pp. 4, 

 fig. 1). — Observations made at the Scotts Branch substation in 1918 on the 

 effect of delayed harvesting on the yield and quality of three varieties of cotton 

 are said to indicate that an average loss was sustained amounting to 11.1 per 

 cent in yield and 33.6 per cent in tlie value of lint and seed. It is estimated that 

 the total annual loss in the State due to late harvesting varies from 3i to 5^ 

 million dollars. Increased production of food and feed crops in the South, 

 accompanied by a limitation of the acreage planted to cotton to that which can 

 be harvested at the proper time, is urged. 



Napier and Merker grasses, two new forag'e crops for Florida, J. B. Thomp- 

 son (Florida Sta. Bui. 153 (1919), pp. 237-249, figs. 7).— Napier grass (Penni- 

 setum purpureum), also known as elephant grass, Napier fodder grass, Zinya- 

 munga, Carter grass, and bamboo grass; and Merker grass (P. merlceri), 

 recently introduced into Florida, are briefly described and their production 

 and utilization in the State discussed. Napier grass is said to be indigenous 

 to tropical Africa and Merker grass to South Africa, and to have been intro- 

 duced into this country by the U. S. Department of Agricultui'e in 1913 and 

 1916, respectively. 



Napier grass is described as a rank, vigorous grower, attaining a height 

 of from 6 to 12 ft. or more; growing readily from seed, root divisions, or cut- 

 tings of mature cane ; and giving promise for the region embracing all of 

 Florida, the southern portion of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, southwest- 

 ern Arizona including the Salt River Valley, and certain portions of California. 

 The green feed is said to be highly palatable if harvested at the proper time 

 and to contain a relatively large amount of protein. The best results have 

 been secured with Napier grass on a moist, fertile .soil, although it has proved 

 fairly successful on rather poor land as well and is quite drought resistant. 

 Merker grass is said to be similar to Napier grass in general character and 

 ngri cultural value. 



Field pea production in north Idaho, H. W. Humbert (Idaho Sta. Bui. 115 

 (1919), pp. 3-27, figs. 3).— Field practices and cultural methods deemed best for 



