248 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



393; 45, p. SOS). — Tlie results (if investigations on the iuiluenco of the stooling 

 caiiacity on the jiroductiveness of different varieties of wlieat, oats, barley, and rye 

 are reported and compared with the results ol)tained by Schril)aux in similar work. 

 The ])lants under observation were grown in rows 6 m. long and 25 cm. apart. 

 Single kernels were planted 5 cm. apart in the row. The different varieties entering 

 into the experiments are described. The data for each plant, comprising the length 

 of stem and head, the total weight, the number and total weight of the ki;rnels pro- 

 duced, and the average weight per single grain are shown in tables. The author 

 states that the results do not indicate, as Schriljaux asserted, that the most jiroduc- 

 tive varieties of grain have the lowest stooling capacity. This was found to be the 

 case in a number of instances, but is not regarded as occurring with sufficient regu- 

 larity to be considered the rule. 



The different stems of the plant were studied in order to determine wliether any 

 relation existed between the order of their appearance and their productivity. The 

 data show that the stems thrown up in the stooling process were frequently as i^ro- 

 ductive, and sometimes more so, than the initial stems, and this is regarded by the 

 author as showmg that the initial stem can not be considered as being regularly 

 the best. 



A comparison of the first 3 stems with the 3 following ones, with reference to the 

 same point, did n(jt shijw a regular advantage in favor of the earlier appearing stems. 

 It is shown that under normal conditions more than 3 stems per plant are seldom 

 produced. For breeding purjjoses the selection of well-stooled plants, but only those 

 with uniform stems and heads, is recommended. 



Stack ensilage, A. Conlon ( Council Agr., Tasmania, Bui. 7, pp. 8, figs. 0). — Direc- 

 tions are given for the preparation of stack ensilage, and the temperatures recorded 

 hi the stack are shown on a chart. 



HORTICULTURE. 



Cassell's dictionary of practical gardening, W. P. Wkigiit {London, Paris, 

 Neiv York, and Melbourne: Cassell & Co., Ltd., 1902, vols. 1, pp. VII-\-4S0, pis. 10, 

 figs. 335; 2, pp. 480, pis. 10, figs. 219). — This is a well-illustrated encyclopedia of 

 practical horticulture, dealing with the jiropagation and culture of fruits, vegetables, 

 foliage, and flowering plants and shrubs, out of doors and under glass. The articles 

 on each subject are concisely written. Such matters as the derivation of ])lant names, 

 habitats of different ])lants, history of introduction, and botanical details are omitted. 

 Attention is centered on propagation, soil, and general culture, with a list of the 

 best species or varieties. Notes are usually given also on the height, flowering period, 

 degree of hardiness, and color of the flowers of different plants. Various horticul- 

 tural practices are described and explanatory entries made under the different terms 

 used in horticulture. The materials used in gardening operations are also described. 



New experiments in electro-culture, P. Van Biervliet [Rev. Gin. Agron. \Lou- 

 vahi\, 12 {1903), No. 5, pp. 193-200). — The author conducted some electro-culture 

 experiments with barley, oats, potatoes, strawberries, and carrots, using the elec- 

 trical machine devised by S. Lemstn'im (E. S. R., 14, p. 352). The season for the 

 experiment was very unfavoral)le. Nevertheless, the results on the whole show 

 consideral)le increase on the plats subject to electro-culture. This increase was about 

 50 per cent for strawberries, 13.8 per cent for potatoes, 13 per cent for carrots, 10.5 

 per cent for barley grain, and 21.65 per cent for barley straw. Notwithstanding the 

 unfavorableness of the season, and the necessity for interpreting the results ol^tained 

 with caution, the author still believes that the application of electricity as proposed 

 by Lemstrom has a decided influence on crop growth. 



Is it nacre advantageous to use seeds the year they are harvested, or after 

 several years preservation? Grosdemange {Rev. Ilort. ^Paris'], 75 {1903), No. 13, 



