FIELD CROPS, 437 



ranged from 1 to 4 per cent for the 3 strains for whicb it is reported. Strain 

 B excelled the others in seed yield and forage production, indicating " that 

 large seed yield and heavy forage production can be combined in the same 

 strain." Broadcast plats and double cultivated rows of Grimm yielded at the 

 rates of 120 and 85 lbs. of seed per acre respectively as compared with esti- 

 mated perfect stand yields of 348 and 430 lbs. per acre from (1) strains D and 

 F, and (2) strain E in hills. 



At Highmore, S. Dak., the sorghum South Dakota 341 yielded 10,975, 5,350, 

 and 7,700 lbs. per acre, respectively, during 1906, 1907, and 1908. At Belle- 

 fourche, in 190S and 1909, its average yields were 3,265 and 5,920 lbs. per acre. 

 Brief reports are given of 5 of the 18 selections made from this variety to de- 

 velop drought resistance, early maturity, and forage quality. 



Among the foxtail millets (ClHrtochloa italica) grown. Common, Siberian, 

 and Kursk yielded at the rates of 2,530, 2,470, and 2,210 lbs. per acre, re- 

 spectively. Common had the shortest maturing period and highest proportion 

 of seed to straw, but was excelled by Kursk both in total weight of plant and 

 weight of seed. Kursk was also the most uniform, perhaps because the bulk 

 seed from which it was grown was a product of two selections made 3 or 4 

 generations back. The remarkable trueness to seed is recorded as " indicating 

 that millet is probably a self-pollinated plant." " The average seed yield of 

 the Kursk progeny rows was . . . equivalent to a yield of 25 bu. per acre." 

 Tables state the dry weight of plants, weight of seed, proportion of seed to 100 

 parts of straw, maturing period, stand in row, and total weight calculated to a 

 full stand. 



Of stocks of brome grass seed tested, " South Dakota No. 26 appeared de- 

 cidedly superior to the others in forage production," and its cultural char- 

 acters are described. Agropyron cristatum, recently introduced from Siberia, 

 appeared very hardy. It started early and was not injured by severe frosts. 

 It is a bunch grass without creeping rootstocks, and resembles western wheat 

 grass (A. smitJiii) in harshness and foliage. Unsatisfactory yields of numer- 

 ous varieties of Canada peas, grass peas (Lathynts satwus), and vetches were 

 obtained at Belief ourche, but breeding work has been taken up with 2 ov 3 

 promising varieties of Canada peas. Western wheat grass proved remarkably 

 drought resistant but scattered and thin in growth. 



Chemical analyses of the grasses tested are summarized from sources pre- 

 viously noted (E. S. R., 6, p. 403: 20, p. 135). 



Alfalfa investigations, P. B. Kennedy (Nevada Sta. Bui. 12, pp. 20-23). — 

 Brief notes on the characteristics* of 13 varieties of alfalfa under test are 

 reported. 



The relation of albumin content, 1.000-kernel weight, amount of protein 

 per kernel, and amount of extract to the malting qualities of barley, A. 

 Wlokka {Wclinscln: Bran., 27 (1910), No. 37, pp. //57-/,63). — In view of data 

 presented the author concludes that as long as the kernel weight remains rea- 

 sonably constant the percentage of albumin present determines the malting 

 value of the barley. As the 1,000-kernel weight increases so does the malting 

 value, provided the method of handling introduces no abnormal decrease of 

 dry substance. Variations of hull percentage and 1,000-kernel weight intro- 

 duce variations of albumin content, but this is too difficult to discern to be of 

 practical importance in buying. Tables show the 1,000-kemel weight and 

 albumin in the dry substance and the weight of protein per kernel of the 

 samples examined, and present groupings of the data secured which show 

 statistically the relation between nlliumin content and 1.000-kernel weight. 



Stand and soil fertility as factors in the testing of varieties of corn, C. A. 

 MooERs (Tennessee Sta. Bui. 89. pp. 37-53. dgms. //).— The author reports the 



