FIELD CROPS. 733 



In 50 years of selection in breeding pure lines of wheat without effect In chang- 

 ing the genetic factors. The authors note that when breeders of either plants 

 or animals have obtained changes in the genetic factors they must have used 

 heterozygous individuals for tliose factors. 



Hybridization of cereal species, F. .Tksknko (Ztschr. Induktive Abstam. u. 

 Vcrerhungslchrc, 10 {1913), No. 4, pp. 311-326, figs. 7).— The literature on the 

 crossing of rye and wheat is reviewe<l briefly. The author then gives the results 

 he obtained during ]901)-1012 in attempting to cross-fertilize over 0,000 wheat 

 and rye flowers, this resulting in only 35 hybrid kernels. The methods em- 

 ployed and the results obtainetl in the hybridization of wheat and rye, and in 

 using the resulting hybrids in further crossbreeding, are explained and dis- 

 cussed. 



It is noted that judging from the small amount of materfal obtained, the 

 genetic factors seem to segregate in generations of these hyl)ridizations similar 

 to those of variety crosses of cereals. 



A study of mountain forage plants, F. Briot {Jahrh. Weidcw. u. Futtcr- 

 laues, 1 (1913), pp. llJf-125). — This gives in tabular form the results of botani- 

 cal analyses of open and wooded pastures in the central part of France, as 

 studied in 1903 with a view to improvement. These results show that in gen- 

 eral half of the growth found either in the open or in the woods was wild 

 plants that could well be replaced with tame grasses before fertilizers could be 

 used at a profit. 



Fiber growing in Texas, W. D. Hobnaday (Amer. Thresherninn, 16 {1913), 

 No. 6, pp. 9, 10, figs. 3). — This article describes a new fiber plant belonging to 

 the Agave family and which has been used as a basis of investigation by H. C. 

 Stiles in the lower Rio Grande Valley territory. It is a plant described as 

 being able to endure low temperatures, decorticating easily, and having a fiber 

 of about 30 in. in length, the most important feature being its hardiness. 



Analytical investigations and experiments in the cultivation of Medicago 

 sativa in Uruguay, J. Schroder {Rev. Inst. Agron. Montevideo, No. 12 {1913), 

 pp. Jf7-67). — The author reports mechanical and chemical analyses of alfalfa 

 seed from different countries, and discusses the chemical analysis and feeding 

 value of alfalfa hay found on the markets of Montevideo, the influence of time 

 of harvest on the chemical composition and feeding value of alfalfa hay, and 

 the effect of rain on the composition of hay. In fertilizer experiments the 

 yields of green forage ranged from 51,700 kg. to G2,S00 kg. per hectare, the larg- 

 est yield being obtained with barnyard manure, superphosphate, and potassium 

 sulphate. The yield without fertilizers was 23,000 kg. per hectare. The aver- 

 age composition of alfalfa hay on the Montevideo market was found to be 

 water 10.3, protein 18.1, fat 3.1, nitrogen-free extract 31.6, crude fiber 20.9, and 

 ash 10 per cent. 



Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), M. Calving {Ilacicnda, 8 (1913), No. 

 12, pp. 368-370, figs. 5). — This gives a description and discus.'^es the uses of 

 this plant in Egypt, and rotations in which it is used there. Its cultivation in 

 Italy is also noted. In trials at stations in central Mexico, a July 14 seeding 

 produced as follows: August 27, 29,750 kg.; October 5, 31,000 kg.; November 

 5, 18.000 kg.; and December 21, 13,850 kg. per hectare. Four varieties, viz, 

 Muscowi, Fachl, Saida, and Kadrawi are described, and a rotation of maize, 

 wheat, and berseem for Mexico is discussed. 



Experiments in electro-culture, Gkrlach {Mitt. Kaiser Wilhelins Inst. 

 Landn\ Bromherg, 6 {1913), No. 1, p. 15). — The results here given with car- 

 rots show no noteworthy influence of electricity. 



Contributions to the studies of castor beans, L. Rigotard {Agron. Colon., 

 I {1913), No. 1, pp. 15-21). — This gives descriptions and analyses of numerous 



