342 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOED. 



Tests of varieties of wheat, C. F. Noll {Pennsylvania Sta. Bui. 125, pp. 

 43-56) . — This bulletin Includes the results of tests of about 30 varieties of wheat 

 covering the years 1910 to 1913, inclusive. It is noted that 5 of these varieties 

 have been in tests continually for 23 years. The yields in 1910 ranged from 15.7 

 to 33 bu., in 1911 from 20.3 to 39.2 bu., in 1912 from 15.7 to 26.4 bu., and in 

 1913 from 18.9 to 44.1 bu. per acre. The average yields of the 3 best yielding 

 varieties for 1909 to 1913, omitting 1910, were Dawson Golden Chaff 32.3 bu., 

 Turkish Amber 32.2 bu., and Fulcaster 29.7 bu. per acre. 



Tabulated data include weights per measured bushel; average yields for 

 periods of 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 22 years, respectively ; and descrip- 

 tions of varieties tested. 



The seed control act, H. L. Bolley (Nortli Dakota 8ta. Spec. Seed Bui. 2, 

 pp. 3-16, figs. 2). — This bulletin contains the text of the North Dakota pure 

 seed law of 1913, with comments and notes thereon, and some instructions for 

 collecting and sending samples of seed to the state seed commissioner. 



A ready reckoner for grain buyers. — Wagonloads of various grains re- 

 duced to bushels and pounds, also wheat dockage (MimieapoUs, Minn., 1913, 

 2. ed., pp. 68). — This publication presents figures showing wagonloads of various 

 grains reduced to bushels and pounds, also wheat dockage, extending in weights 

 up to 100,000 lbs. 



HORTICULTURE. 



[Report of botanical investigations], B. D. Halsted et al. (New Jersey 

 Stas. Rpt. 1912,)pp. 349-402, pis. 26). — Inheritance studies of various crosses of 

 sweet, pop, and flint varieties of com (E. S. R., 28, p. 739) were continued in 

 1912. The transmission of texture and color in the progeny of these crosses 

 is discussed. In one block of corn it was observed that the dark seed from the 

 husk or cobless variety which had been pollinated with Black Mexican yielded 

 corn growing on more or less perfect cobs. Individual grain husks were present 

 but were sufficiently reduced in many cases to expose the grains of corn. 

 Isolated grains of corn growing on poorly-developed ears from various crosses 

 were found to be somewhat larger and heavier than grains from well-developed 

 ears, but the specific gravity of these grains was only slightly increased. 

 Attention is called to the fact that in a mixed ear of com the sugary grains 

 may be distinguished from the flinty grains by their more elevated position, as 

 compared with the adjacent flinty grains. This may be noticed as soon at 

 least as the ears are ready for the table. A study of the zigzag and irregular 

 types of corn, such as Banana and Country Gentleman, shows that there is a 

 normal 2-row arrangement of the unfertilized ovules and that the irregular 

 arrangement is due to the lack of pollination of many ovules in each row. 

 Ovule fertilization appears to take place from a midzone on the ear and to 

 proceed toward the base and tip. The possible value of this fact in making 

 selections for earliness and greatest vigor is pointed out. A preliminary test 

 relative to germination of corn indicates that the slender epicotyl can accom- 

 modate itself readily to various planting depths and position of the seed in the 

 soil. 



Forty-eight Fi crosses of peppers studied by the author are here discussed 

 in part with reference to character transmission. Considerable variations in 

 size and shape of peppers growing on the same plant were noted. Variation in 

 shape within the variety appears to be due to the extent to which the placenta 

 fills the cavity and to the more or less regular development of seed over the 

 surface of the placenta. Size of fruit within the variety is governed largely 

 by more or less perfect nutrition. Late maturing peppers within a variety are 

 more nearly uniform in size than ttie early maturing peppers. 



