FIELD CROPS. 729 



the highest average Increase, 8 tons 6-5 cwt., of mangels. Analyses showed no 

 difference in sugar percentages or dry matter following applications of 2*. 5, 

 10, and 15 cwt. of salt per acre. A table states the results obtained in 1904-1909 

 in a test of 28 varieties of mangels. 



In a test of the comparative feeding value of swedes, grown after wheat, and 

 treated with basic slag (30 per cent) and superphosphate, the amounts applied 

 were lOJ and 7^ cwt. respectively ; the yields 16 tons 10 cwt. and 17 tons 12 

 cwt., and the total feeding values £44 16s. 6d. and £43 12s. A table states the 

 results of tests comparing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as fertilizers for 

 swedes during 1905-1909 and a special test of 5 phosphorus sources applied in 

 amounts costing £1 per acre each during 1907-1909. In another test, yields of 

 20 tons 13 cwt. and 22 tons 6 cwt., respectively, followed the use of (1) 3J 

 cwt. potassic superphosphate, and (2) 3 cwt. superphosphate and 2 cwt. kainit, 

 each in conjunction with 4 cwt. steamed bones and 1 cwt. sulphate of ammonia. 

 The check plat yielded 15 tons 3 cwt. and the results agree with those of the 

 previous year. A table states the result of tests of 48 varieties during 

 1904-1909. 



In variety tests of potatoes. Epicure produced the highest yield among the 

 early varieties, and was ready for digging early in July. Colleen was the best 

 of the second earlies, and Cottar of the main crop varieties. As in previous 

 years, immature second crop seed produced a heavier crop of salable potatoes 

 than ordinary mature seed. Greened seed remained unharmed at 30° F. and 

 produced strong sprouts after being exposed to a temperature of 28°, while 

 ungreened potatoes were slightly frosted at 30°, badly frosted at 28°, and 

 entirely killed at 26°. 



Salt and copper sulphate had little, if any, effect in the destruction of thistles. 



The germination of beans was considerably accelerated by steeping in 10 

 per cent ammonia solution, especially for periods of 24 and 36 hours. After 

 the tenth day those steeped for 12 hours grew more rapidly than those steeped 

 for a longer period. 



Tables state the results of applications of various fertilizers to grass at 

 different centers, and of tests of manufactured compounds on swedes and 

 mangels. Among grass mixtures shown in 1908 with barley as a nurse crop, the 

 use of 4 lbs. each of red clover, white clover, and Pacey's perennial rye grass, 

 and 2 lbs. each of alsike and Italian rye grass, producetl the highest 2-year 

 average yield of 2 tons 414 lbs. per acre. 



Possible rotation crops for southern Rhodesia, H. G. Munday {Rhodesia 

 Agr. Jour., 8 {1910), No. 1. pp. 59-68, pis. 2).— Attempts to establish dry- 

 land alfalfa appeared unsuccessful, but " it seems probable that Egyptian 

 olover will prove a good summer rotation crop with maize." 



The velvet bean excelled the cowpea as a hay crop and was more palatable 

 to cattle than other hays fed. It was successful for either dry fodder or 

 ensilage when planted 3 by IJ ft. apart, or at the rate of 25 pounds per acre, 

 and produced nodules while the cowpeas did not. 



The yellow lupine proved earlier than the white or blue, but the blue appeared 

 the heaviest cropper. The Virginia Mammoth peanut and a local variety 

 yielded 697 and 451 lbs. per acre respectively, but were seriously injured by 

 crows. 



Boer manna proved more drought resistant than Japanese millet and yielded 



5 ton per acre of dry forage. The author recommends it in rotation with 

 corn and for use in breaking in land. 



Teff grass is recommended as a green manure or as a cleaning crop on old 

 land. Ten weeks after sowing it yielded a ton per acre and 3 weeks later was 



I 



6 or 8 in. high. 



