38 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECORD. 



average increase in yield was from 20 to 30 per cent after the use of potash, 

 but the effect on the quality of the product was doubtful. 



Seed varieties of Lupinus aug-ustifolius and L. luteus, B. Kajanus {Ztschr, 

 Induktive Abstam. u. Vcrerbungslehre, 7 {1912), No. 3-4, pp. 235-239, pi. 1). — 

 The author describes his method of separation by color marking on the seeds 

 from 3'ellows and blues. Five types of L. angustifolius and 3 of L. luteus were 

 segregated and bred true. It was noted that black was dominant over normal 

 colors. 



African manioc, Henby, Yves, and P. Ammann (Agr. Prat. Pays Chauds, 

 12 (1912), No. 110, pp. 353-368, figs. 3; abs. in Internat. Inst. Agr. [Rome], 

 Bui. Bur. Agr. Intel, and Plant Diseases, S {1912), No. 8, pp. i769-i77i).— This 

 article describes the cultivation of this root crop and the manufacture of its 

 products, flour, glucose, and alcohol. 



Veg-etative experiments with 88 varieties of oats, G. Schneider {Landw. 

 Jahrb., 42 {1912), No. 5, pp. 767-833, pi. 1, figs. 20).— In this work the root 

 systems were especially studied as a factor bearing directly upon crop produc- 

 tion. 



The above ground parts ranged from 18.1 to 54.3 per cent of the root weight, 

 averaging 29.9 per cent at the time of heading and from 10.6 to 2S.3 per cent 

 at harvest time, with an average at the latter period of 17.3 per cent. It is 

 noted that the largest yield of grain was not due to more rapid development 

 in germinating, growing, or maturing, or to a longer vegetative period, but to 

 the large functioning capacity of the variety. The early ripening varieties as 

 a rule gave better yields than the late. The percentage of glume to kernels 

 followed inversely the functioning ability of the root and the length of the 

 vegetative period. The larger the spikelet and the higher it was placed on the 

 panicle the heavier as a rule were its kernels found to be. 



A study of the weight of the differently placed kernels on the panicle showed 

 those on the base of the spikelet to be the lightest. The average relation of the 

 outer kernel to the inner on the spikelet was as 100: 66.4, and to the middle as 

 100 : 30.9. The inner and middle kernels were never found to have awns. 



A bibliography is appended. 



Breeding and seed production of the Fichtel Mountain oats, Raum {Landw. 

 Jahrb. Bayern, 2 {1912), No. 11, pp. 841-940, figs, i.^).— This gives the history, 

 description, and methods employed since 1895 in the breeding of this variety 

 of oats. 



Wild plantain fiber from India {Bui. Imp. Inst. [So. Kensington], 10 {1912), 

 No. 4, pp. 536, 537).— It is noted that a strong fiber from 4 ft. to 5 ft. 6 in. in 

 length was manufactured from a species of the wild plantain. 



Variety [and manurial] tests of potatoes, A. L. Dacy {West Virginia Sta. 

 Rpt. 1912, pp. 31-54, fids. 3). — This paper records results of variety and fer- 

 tilizer tests of potatoes conducted at Reedsville, Long Reach, Terra Alta, Letart, 

 and Salama. This work was begun in 1905 and continued with more or less 

 irregularity through 1912. 



The average yield of merchantable tubers of the best 10 varieties for the 7 

 years' trial ranged from 91.5 to 116.8 bu. per acre. The effect of altitude was 

 noted and 7 varieties are named and recommended for high altitudes. Twenty- 

 two varieties are described and typical tubers of 35 varieties are pictured. 



As results of the fertilizer tests it is noted that " in amounts up to 500 lbs. 

 per acre it does not pay to apply even a high-grade fertilizer broadcast; that 

 the same amount (500 lbs.) applied in the furrow at planting time produces a 

 very profitable increase in the crop . . . and that in most seasons it is profitable 

 to apply 1,000 lbs. to the acre, putting 500 lbs. in the furrow and applying 500 

 broadcast" 



