FIELD CROPS. 145 



the rotation is consetjueiitly in its second course. Only commercial fertilizers are 

 used in connection with this experiment. The history of each plat is given in detail. 

 The smallest yield of shelled corn, 20.7 bu. per acre, was obtained in 1893, and the 

 largest, 81.43 bu., in 1896. The third year 1.14 tons of corn stover per acre were 

 produced and the tifth year 3.08 tons, being the smallest and largest yields respec- 

 tively for the iirst course of the rotation. The mininmm and maximum potato crop 

 during the first 5 years was 125.2 and 253.3 bu. for the third and fourth years of the 

 rotation, respectively. A general increase in the yield of potatoes as the rotation 

 jirogressed was apparent. With rye the yields of grain tended to decrease and of 

 straw to increase. The earlier grass crops were very small, but the use of lime on 

 the land produced a marked improvement. In 1898 the yield of a plat having been 

 limed 2 years before amounted to 4.56 tons per acre. In this rotation 120 lbs. of 

 nitrate of soda per acre were em])loyed as a top-dressing for the grass land, but the 

 authors believe that for a yield of 4 tons per acre about 350 lbs. should have been used. 



In the second course of the rotation in 1902, after the land had been limed and the 

 top-dressing of the nitrate of soda increased, the second year's hay crop amounted to 

 3.8 tons and the first year's clover and grass crop to 6.27 tons per acre. The results 

 of different rotation experiments carried on'by the station are considered to indicate 

 that in renovating worn-out soils of this character it is probably better to begin the 

 rotation with rye than with Indian corn or potatoes. 



Broom corn, C. P. Hartley [U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bid. 174, pp- 3 J, Jigs. 

 10). — This bulletin gives a description of the broom corn jjlant with directions for 

 the culture of the crop and its preparation for market. Broom-corn smut {Sphace- 

 lotlieca sorghi) is described and a method for its control suggested. Notes are also 

 given on the insect enemies of the plant and statistics of the crop are presented. 



The book of corn, H. Myrick {Neto York and Chicago: Orange Judd Co., 1903, 

 pp. XVl + 368, figs. 99). — A popular treatise, noting the history of the corn plant, 

 describing the different species, together with different strains and varieties, outlin- 

 ing the breeding and selection of seed corn, presenting rules for judging corn and 

 discussing in general a wide range of subjects pertaining to the culture and uses of 

 the crop. 



Corn improvement for Missouri, G. M. Tucker {Missouri Sta. Bid. 59, pp. 73-91, 

 figs. 5). — The possibilities of corn improvement are considered and the methods for 

 the work outlined. The uniformity in size of kernel, the percentage of germination, 

 and the number of Ijarren stalks are given as factors influencing the stand. Direc- 

 tions for perfecting the stand are presented. The type of ear with reference to its 

 length and circumstance, })utts and tips, and space between the rows, and the type 

 of kernel with reference to the uniformity on the ear and its shape are described. 

 The suggestions for selection are summarized as follows: 



"Begin with tlie whole field or breeding plat, from which select the best plants, 

 according to performance. . . . From these best plants select by the eye and 

 by measurements the best ears. . . . From these best ears select the best ker- 

 nels. . . . From these best kernels select the few very best for the breeding plat 

 and plant the whole field with the remainder." 



Cotton ginning, D. C. Roper ( Tivelfth Census United States, Census Bid. 2, pp. 46, 

 maps 13). — The quantity of cotton ginned from the crops of 1899-1902 is given by 

 States and Territories and by coimties together with other data pertaining to this 

 branch of the cotton industiy. 



Grasses and forage plants in Idaho, L. F. Henderson {Idaho Sta. Bid. 38, pp. 

 193-25'}, figs. .^.7).— The grass plats at the station have been left undisturbed to deter- 

 mine how long the different species would sustain themselves. No cultivation was 

 given but the weeds were cut out. A list of 80 species of grasses and leguminous 

 plants wliich entered into this work is given. The entire list is considered in groups 



7130— No. 2 — u;3 4 



