FIELD CROPS. 635 



a lubricant. The crop removes less important plaut food from tlie soil than does 

 corn. 



Results of analyses and of determinations of tlie constants of corn oil are 

 reported and digestion experiments of tlae station previously noted (E. S. R., 

 11, p. 277; 12, p. 872) are summarized. Frequent citations are given of the 

 literature of the subject. 



The chemical composition of Kafir corn, R. O. Baibd and C. K. Feancis 

 {Jour. Indus, and Engiii. Cliem., 2 {1910), No. 12, pp. 521-53Ii, fig. 1). — ^This 

 article presents material noted above. 



[Growing- Pampas grass in Mexico], L. MaetInez {Estac. Agr. Expt. San 

 Juan Bautista, Tabasco, Boh 1, pp. 8). — Suggestions for growing Gynerium 

 argenteum are followed by data on the labor cost of its production in Mexico. 



[Experiments in peanut culture], A. Schulz {Min. Agr. [Argentina] Div. 

 Ensenanza Agr. [P»5.], //. ser., 1910, No. 11, pp. 16, figs. 3). — Paris green used 

 at a strength of 1 : 1,000 destroyed the vines, so early planting to avoid insect 

 pests is advised. Yields obtained on light, strong, and clay soils are reported 

 in tabular form. The 1,000-kernel weight from hulls containing 1, 2, 3, and 4 

 kernels ranged from 595.8 to 380.3 gm. on light soil, from 567.1 to 413 gm. 

 on strong soil, and from 625 to 461.2 gm. on clay soil. The shelling percentages 

 of the 1, 2, 3, and 4 kernel legumes were 71, 72, 74.3 and 74.7, respectively. 



Itemized statements are given comparing the cost of production of the crop by 

 laborers v. students, and oxen v. horses. Tests indicate that hilling is dis- 

 advantageous, especially on strong land, and that to secure uniform germina- 

 tion the dry, unshelled seed should be soaked in water for 24 hours, and then 

 kept in the shade for about 36 hours, or until the germinating kernels burst 

 the hulls. Planting 32 in. apart each way gave too much space. 



On the production of potatoes of a high, starch, content, W. Cheistie 

 {Tidsskr. Norske Landhr., 11 {1910), No. 9, pp. ^36-^7 ).— This paper gives 

 an account of potato trials conducted at the Hedemarken Exiieriment Station 

 during 1906-1909 and discusses the various factors that influence the yield, 

 quality, and general value of the potato crop. Successive plantings at 10-day 

 intervals, beginning May 10, showed a continuous decrease of total yield and 

 value per acre of crop and of starch percentage. Planting June 20 produced 

 only § as large a yield, with less than ^ the value per acre. The starch ner-- 

 .centage fell from 15.7 to 13.2. 



A study of the composition of the rice plant, W. P. Kelley and A. R. 

 Thompson {Ilawaii 8ta. Bui. 21, pp. 7-51, charts 2). — The earlier rice work of 

 the station (E. S. R., 20, p. 137; 22, p. 29) is briefly reviewed, and studies re- 

 ported of the effect of fertilization on the composition of the rice plant, the 

 absorption of nutrients by the plant, and the carbohydrates found in it, with 

 frequent references to other work bearing upon the subject. Data are presented 

 for two different crops of rice, including detailed analyses of the plants just 

 before the formation of the flower, at the time of full flower, at maturity, and 

 at the first and second harvests. The authors regard their conclusions, as drawn 

 from this data, as preliminary but probably correct. _ 



Fertilization with nitrogen, with or without minerals, markedly increased 

 growth at all periods, and considerably increased the percentage of nitrogen 

 found in the dry matter at the first harvest of each crop, but that in the 

 matured plant was not materially changed by fertilizers. Minerals alone or 

 with nitrogen slightly increased the growth in the spring crop but with a corre- 

 sponding decrease in the fall growth. 



The potash content at every period of growth was higher after the application 

 of complete fertilizer than when nitrogen alone was used. A decreased absorp- 

 tion of potash followed the application of minerals alone. 



