FIELD CEOPS. 229 



tests, Bruce Mammotli Iiiteruiediate Smooth White carrot, 20.60 tous; millet, 

 3 tests, Japanese common, 10.44 tons; grass i)eas and vetches, 1 test, hairy 

 vetches, 9.20 tous; potatoes, late varieties, 8!J tests. Empire State, 157.78 bu., 

 jnedium varieties, 108 tests, Burpee Extra Early, 151.18 bu., early varieties, 

 217 tests, Extra Early Eureka, 149.58 bu. Cooperative fertilizer tests with 

 a number of these crops are also described and reported. 



[Effects of manures on old land hay], D. A. Gilchrist (Armstrong CoL, 

 Xeiccusti<-ui)Oii-Tyne, Agr. Dept. Bui. 7, pp. 33). — Cooperative fertilizer experi- 

 ments were carried on in the counties of Cumberland, Durham, and Northum- 

 berland, and the results are here reported, together with suggestions for the 

 manuring of old land hay and pasture. 



It is concluded from the results secured that on heavy soils phosphatic 

 manures alone are as a rule most profitable for old land, while on the lighter 

 soils potash should be added to the phosphatic manure. Nitrogenous manures 

 either alone or in combination did not appear profitable. On heavy soils 

 phosphatic manures favored the development of leguminous i)lants, while on 

 the lighter classes of soils a potash manure was also required to produce this 

 effect. Basic slag was the most effective source of phosphorus, especially on 

 heavy soils. Although bone meal gave good results, it was slower in its action 

 than basic slag. 



The botanical history and classification of alfalfa, C. S. Scofield (U. 8. 

 Dcpt. Agr., Bur. Plant Indus. Bui. 131, pp. 11-19, figs. 2).— This article dis- 

 cusses the origin of the alfalfa plant and Its common names, its early scientific 

 name, the confusion of generic names, the type of the genus Medicago as well 

 as that of the genus Medica, and the seed characters of alfalfa and related 

 genera. An analytical key to the genera is also given. 



In summarizing the article the author states that alfalfa was brought into 

 Greece by the Persians about 490 B. C, and that it was known to the Greeks 

 and Romans as " Medike " and " Herba Medica " on account of its supposed 

 Median origin. It is thought probable that the name lucernjs derived from 

 the name of the valley of the Luzerne river in northern Italy. The name 

 alfalfa is derived from the Arabian " alfacfacah," meaning the best kind of 

 fodder. The prevalent botanical name, Mcdicago sativa, is considered as being 

 improi)erly used because the name Medicago belongs to another plant not 

 congeneric with alfalfa and generally known as Trigonclla radiata. It is 

 stated that the correct botanical name of alfalfa is Medica sativa. 



Alopecurus agrestis, C. Fruwikth (Arh. Deut. Landiv. Gesell., 1908, No. 

 136, pp. 20, pis. 6, figs. 2). — The botanical characters of this grass are described 

 and its growth, distribution, prevention, requirements, and uses are discussed. 



The period of plant food assimilation and dry matter production in the 

 bush bean under different fertilizer and weather conditions, F. Fest (Jour. 

 Landw., 56 (1908), Xo. 1, pp. l-'p', fig. 1, dgms. 6). — The results of the experi- 

 ments here reported showed that when phosphoric acid was supplied in excess 

 the potash content was influenced only in the first half of the vegetative period 

 and no other plant food elements were affected. An inadequate supply of 

 potash decreased the percentage of potash and increased the percentage of 

 lime. During the early period of growth a lack of potash increased the per- 

 centage of nitrogen, but seemed to have no important effect on the phosphoric 

 acid content. A lack of nitrogen manifested itself during early growth through 

 a decrease in the nitrogen and potash content and an increase in the lime con- 

 tent, while the phosphoric acid content was not modified to any important 

 extent. The percentage content of lime was inversely proportional to the per- 

 centage potash content of the plant. 



