FIELD CROPS. 35 



it is noted that with both these crops irrigation can be made to pay if great 

 care and intelligence be exercised. 



The yields of oats and wheat following alfalfa were produced at a profit by 

 irrigating in 1912, the grain values ranging from $18.15 to $30.r.O, as compared 

 with $6.53 and $8.40 without irrigation. Sugar beets following alfalfa in 1912 

 gave increased yields with an increased water supply, while the sugar content 

 slightly decreased. Better yields were obtained under irrigation with early 

 than with late seeding. With the early seeding the crop had a value of $54.25 

 when not irrigated, while with 2 irrigations it was $87.50. 



The reseeding of depleted grazing lands to cultivated forage plants, A. W. 

 Sampson (U. 8. Dept. Agr. Bui. //, pp. 5//, pis. 8, figs. 4).— In this bulletin the 

 range problem and investigations of these problems in the National Forests 

 are briefly discussed, and studies reported continuing previous work (E. S. R., 

 22, p. 35). The following grasses were used in over 500 experiments in 1909, 

 1910, and 1911; Hard fescue (Festuca duriuscula), broom grass (Andropogon 

 sp.), Canada blue grass (Poa compressa), slender wheat grass {Agropyron 

 tenerum), blue grama grass (Bouteloua oligostachya) , Italian rye grass 

 (Loliurn italicum), smooth or Hungarian brome (Bromus inermis), Kentucky 

 blue grass (P. pratensis), mesquite (Hilaria cenchroides), orchard grass 

 (Dactylis glotnerata), perennial rye grass (L. perenne), redtop (Argostis 

 nJha), tall meadow oat grass (Arrhenatfieruin elatius), and timothy (Phleum 

 pratense). The following nongrasses were also used: Alfalfa {Medicago sa- 

 liva), alfilaria (Erodium cicutarium) , alsike clover (Trifolium Uyhridum), 

 bur clover {M. denticulata), Japanese clover (Lcspedeza striata), red clover 

 (T. pratense), Australian saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata) , and white clover 

 (T. repcns). By far the best results were secured with timothy, 64.37 per cent 

 being at least partially successful. Smooth brome grass and perennial rye 

 grass ranked next. Very few of the nongrasses yielded satisfactory returns, 

 the best results being with white and alsike clovers and alfilaria. 



In studying the different cultural methods employed with timothy, redtop, 

 and Kentucky blue grass, a light brushing to cover the seed was found to give 

 better results than tramping with sheep, or no treatment. The altitude of the 

 area planted formed an important element in reseeding. The yield at 4,800 

 ft. was about 4 times that at 7,800 ft, and the difference in the viability of the 

 seed produced was even greater. Autumn seeding proved superior to spring 

 seeding. The cost of reseeding with a mixture of timothy, Kentucky blue grass, 

 and redtop ranged from 80 cts. to $3.50 per acre, but usually averaged about 

 $1.50. 



" The reseeding investigations show that the returns secured from sowing 

 suitable cultivated forage plants on certain ranges fully warrant the expense. 

 It Is not to be presumed, however, that all overgrazed ranges can be success- 

 fully reseeded to cultivated plants. On the contrary, it is unquestionably true 

 that existing conditions In the major portion of the native grazing lands are 

 antagonistic to the establishment of introduced plants. This is due primarily 

 to one or all of 3 conditions : Excessive elevation, poor soil, coupled with insuffi- 

 cient moisture, or too much and too aggressive native vegetation." 



A note on two textile plants from the Belgian Kongo, E. Mestdach {Bui. 

 Agr. Congo Beige, S {1912), No. S, pp. 619, 620, figs. 2; abs. in Internat. Inst. 

 Agr. [Rome], Bui. Bur. Agr. Intel, and Plant Diseases, S {1912), No. 12, pp. 

 2639, 26^0). — Two new fiber plants, akonge {Triumfetta semitriloba) and losa 

 {Manniophyton africanum) , are here described. 



Alfalfa seed production, P. K. Blinn {Colorado 8ta. Bui. 191, pp. S-16, 

 figs. 13). — This bnlletiii is a report of progress in work which was instituted 



