486 EXPEHIMKNT STATION JtlX'ORD, 



Beet diggers, G, Fischer {Masch. Ztg., (j (JflOS), Xo. 20, pp. 220-232, figs. 6).— 

 This iiitiele deals with the difficulties met witli in tlie construction of satisfac- 

 tory beet diggers, resulting in their pi'ohibitive cost, and the progress made 

 recently in tlieir manufacture. Several ty[)es are illustrateil and their mode 

 of operating descrilted, witli remarks on their relative efficiency. 



rarm implements in Germany, li. 11. Dknnis (Daihj Consular inid '/'rndr 

 Rpts. [U. S.], 1908, No. 3253, pp. i-.'/),— This is an account of the domestic 

 and foreign agricultural machinery on exhibition at the German Agricultural 

 Society show lield at Canustatt-Stuttgart in 1908. The reasons why American, 

 English, and other foreign-made agricultural machinery is so little used in 

 (Jermany are also discussed, witli suggestions to American manufacturers re- 

 garding the increase of trade in agricultural imi)lements and machinery. 



Strength test of harness leather, G. It. Chatburn ( Xcbraska Stti. Rpt. I'.lOt; 

 p. 73, fig. 1). — In two breaking tests, made on new If-in. farm harness tugs 

 with attached hame tugs, the leather failed by tearing through the buckle hole. 

 The results gave value* of 1,000 and 1,050 lbs., respectively, for the beginning 

 of failure, and 1,400 and ],.570 lbs. for the breaking load, from which it is cal- 

 culated that on earth roads in fairly good condition the tug is capable of haul- 

 ing practically tons. 



Lighting country homes by private electric plants, T. H. Amrine (Illinoifi 

 Sfa. Circ. 121, pp. 3-5, figs. 11; Univ. III. Eiigin. Evpt. Htn. Bui. 25, pp. 35). ~ 

 This bulletin discusses the features essential to the success of installing and 

 maintaining at a reasonable cost a satisfactory electric light plant for country 

 homes, and presents the design of such a plant in sufficient detail so that it is 

 believed it will enable anyone to decide on the size and equipment necessary to 

 install a similar plant. 



Such plants are now considered practicable by the introduction of the tungsten 

 filament lamp, which, because of its high efficiency, reduces the necessary size 

 of storage battery. Proper attention to the selection of fixtures and planning 

 of tlie lighting arrangement contributes largely to the economy of the system. 

 Shades should be selected with reference to their ability to diffuse the light or 

 throw it in a given direction as may be required. Tlie placing of fixtures is 

 also important and should be governed by their usefulness rather than ap- 

 pearance in the room. These points are illustrated by an example of a lighting 

 scheme for a medium-sized private residence. A glossary of technical terms 

 is appended. 



RURAL ECONOMICS. 



The State and the farmer, L. II. Bailey (Ac/c York and London. 1908, pp. 

 XI I +177). —The autlior discusses what it is wise and legitimate for govern- 

 ments to do in aid of the farmer and how, in general, it may be accomplished. 

 The present-day needs of rural communities are believed to be greater technical 

 knowledge of agriculture, governmental protection, the development of the co- 

 oiterative spirit, the establishment of common centers of interest in rural dis- 

 tricts, and development of individual initiative. For the improvement of these 

 needs State and Federal governments sliould cooperate not for the sake of the 

 individual farmer but because of its bearing on National welfare. 



Agricultural legislation, H. I^. Ri'Dloff i Fiililing's Laiidir. Zlg., 57 (1908). 

 Xos. I'l, pp. .'i'.n-502; 15. pp. 535-5 'i2). — A sunnnary of the titles of different 

 laws relating to agriculture' are presented and discussed in this article. The 

 legislation considered begins with the decree of September 28, 1701, in France 

 and is brought down to 100.'). The agricultural legislation of Belgium. Argen- 

 tina, Hungary, and the two cantons of Aargau and Xeuch.atel in Switzei-land are 

 likewise sunnnarized and discussed, 



