FIELD CROPS. 37 



Two new strains of rye, K. von Rumker (Ztschr. Gesam. Getreideio., 1 

 (1909), No. 1, pp. 2-1 ; abs. in Zenthl. Agr. Chem., 38 {1909), No. 11, pp. 759- 

 761 ) .—Both the varieties discussed produced 6 or 7 per cent more flour than the 

 usual 05 per cent average. The yields were 8 and 7.75 double centners per 

 morgen (46.6 and 45.1 bu. per acre), respectively, from plantings of yellow and 

 blue kerneled rye at the rate of from 13 to 15 kg. per morgen (3 to 31 pks. per 

 acre). Kernel color is not an indication of a mixed or hybrid race but a useful 

 character of a pure race, the writer holds. Yellow kerneled samples grew 

 slightly higher in protein, fat, and ash than the blue-kerueled on analysis of the 

 dry substance. 



The production of cigar-leaf tobacco in Pennsylvania, W. Freak and E. K. 

 HiBSiiMAN {U. S. Deit. Agr., Fanncrx' Bui. 4I6, pp. 2Jf, figs. 9). — A discussion 

 of the varieties and character of cigar-leaf tobacco, grown in Pennsylvania, is 

 followed by an outline of the processes of cultivation, harvesting, curing, and 

 handling. The diseases and enemies of tobacco and its cost of production are 

 also dealt with. 



Experiments in turnip culture, A. Carlier (Belg. Hort. et Agr., 22 {1910), 

 No. 15, p. 235). — Each plat in this exiDeriment received a mixture of 400 kg, 

 superphosphate, 800 kg. kainit, and 50 kg. sulphate of ammonia per hectare 

 (356, 712, and 44.5 lbs. per acre, respectively). In addition one series received 

 200 kg. nitrate of soda at one application, and the other series half that amount 

 when the turnips were from 6 to 7 cm. high and the other half when they were 

 about 15 cm. high. The average yields from the 2 series were 10,725 and 

 12,442 kg. of roots per hectare, respectively. 



The relative amounts of dry matter in several varieties of Swedish tur- 

 nips; a comparison between the results obtained in the North of England 

 and other parts of Great Britain, S. II. Collins {Proc. Univ. Durham Phil. 

 80c., 3 {1909-10), No. 5, pp. 303-306). — This article gives the percentage of 

 total dry matter and the order of merit of each of a number of varieties of 

 swedes tested in the North of England, Great Britain, and elsewhere. The order 

 of merit varied little with the locality. 



The development of the grain of wheat, Miss W. E. Brenchley and A. D. 

 Hall {Jour. Agr. Sci., 3 {1909), No. 2. pp. 195-217, pi. 1, figs. 20).— The authors 

 recognize 3 stages in tlie formation of the wheat grain: (a) A period during 

 which the pericarp is the prominent feature, (b) one during which the endo- 

 sperm is being filled, and (c) the period of rii>ening or desiccation of the grain, 

 " Each plant possesses, as it were, a special mold," the product of which is 

 uniform in content of nitrogenous and nonnitrogenous materials and ash. 



Desiccation rather than chemical changes characterizes the rii>ening process. 

 A day or two before the farmer regards the grain as ripe it has attained its 

 maximum dry weight of grain. 



Tables state the green and dry weights per thousand grains, the specific 

 gravity, and the chemical composition of wheats grown experimentally at 

 Rothamsted. 



Correlation in wheat, C. Deneumostier {Ann. Oeinbloux, 20 {1910), No. 5, 

 pp. 274-288, dgms. 3 ) .—The investigations reported in this article do not verify 

 the law enunciated by von Liebenberg (E. S. R., 0. p. 633). Data on the stiff, 

 white-strawed Hybrid of Massy showed direct correlation between length of 

 culm and weight of ear, length and weight of culm, and indirect correlation 

 between density of culm and length of head. Tables show the length and 

 weight of culms and ears and the density, number of grains, and total weight 

 of grains and number of spikelets per ear for each of a number of hybrids 

 tested. 



