644 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.41 



United States, the adaptability of the crop to certain soil and climatic condi- 

 tions, and tlie utilization of rye are discussed. 



The composition of the [sugar cane] planting, 1918-19, J. van Harrevet.d 

 (Meded. Proefsta. Java-Suikerindus., Landbouwk. Ser., No. 2 (1919), pp. 715- 

 733). — Statistics ai'e presented similar to those previously noted (E. S. R., 40, 

 p. 635), showing the relative distribution of the principal sugar-cane varieties 

 grown in Java for the season indicated. 



Sweet potatoes, E. W. Cole, B. C. Thakp, and T. S. Minter (Texas Dept. 

 A(jr. Bill. 62 (1918), pp. 47, figs. 29).— Sweet potato growing in Texas is de- 

 scribed and considerable general information given on diseases affecting the 

 crop, together with notes on insect enemies and on harvesting and storing sweet 

 potatoes. 



The tobacco seedbed, P. A. David (Philippine Agr. Rev., 12 (1919), No. 1, pp. 

 Sl-65, pis. 10). — This paper, a contribution from the Experiment Station of the 

 Philippine College of Agriculture, deals with observations made during 1918 on 

 preparing, sterilizing, fertilizing, shading, and planting tobacco seedbeds, 

 together with information relative to the cost of the various treatments. Con- 

 siderable tabulated data are presented, and the results secured may be sum- 

 marized as follows : 



Shade is deemed important in reducing evaporation and in protecting the 

 seedbed against washing. Germination and development of the seedlings was 

 also best on the shaded beds. A cloth shade gave better results than nipa, cogon, 

 or banana leaves. 



Treatment with formalin, copper sulphate, and hot water, as well as roasting 

 and firing, proved to be most satisfactory in .soil sterilization and disinfection. 

 Applications of 1 : 50 and 1 : 75 formalin at the rate of 10 liters per square meter 

 (about 7.6 qts. per square yard) effectively controlled both damping-off and 

 weeds. A one per cent solution of copper sulphate was also beneficial in con- 

 trolling weeds. The hot water and firing treatments proved to be of little value 

 in killing weed seeds, while roasting was much more effective. 



Based on the average height attained by the seedlings on the variously treated 

 seedbeds at the time of transplanting, dried blood gave the best results, while a 

 combination of sodium nitrate, double superphosphate, and potassium sulphate 

 was next In order. The use of commercial fertilizers as well as manure and 

 compost also hastened germination. 



Selection studies with Deli tobacco, J. A. Honing (Teysmannia, SO (1919), 

 No. 1, pp. 1-11, pis. 2). — This describes observations made during 1916 and 

 1917 on selections of Deli tobacco having to do with leaf color. See also a 

 previous note (E. S. R., 40, p. 635). 



Crop rotation and fertilizer experiments, M. F. Miller and F. L. Duley 

 (Missouri Sta. Bui. 163 (1919), pp. 63-65, figs. 2).— The following tabulated data 

 are presented showing the effect of rotation and manuring on the yield of wheat 

 after 28 years of cropping: 



1917 wheat yield on rotation experiment field. 



Rotation and manure treatment. 



Bushels 

 per acre. 



Continuous wheat, nothing 



Continuous wheat, manured annually 



Wheat in wheat, clover rotation, nothing 



Wlieat in wheat, clover rotation, manured annually 



Wheat in corn, wheat, clover rotation, nothhig 



Wheat in com, wheat, clover rotation, manured aimually 



Wheat in cron, oats, wheat, clover rotation, nothing 



Wheat in com, oats, wheat, clover rotation, manured annually. 



0.2 

 10.9 

 20.7 

 27.4 

 13.5 

 31.0 

 30.0 

 39.4 



