FIELD CROPS. 467 



growth, so that by the enci of the season the ground was again well covered. The 

 injured leaves remained green and fresh, and the smaller inner leaves of these par- 

 ticular plants were induced to make a better growth by this treatment. The results 

 showed that the removal of the leaves and injury to the same had practically no 

 effect on the sugar content, but that it reduced the weight of the beets. Cutting 

 away the inner leaves had the least effect. It is estimated from the data obtained 

 that the removal of entire leaves, or parts of the same, whether by hail or otherwise, 

 may cause a reduction of 30 per cent in the weight of the crop. 



Investigations -with sugar cane ( Verslag. Proefstat. Suikrrriel, ]]'est Jura, 1903, 

 pp. 85-94)- — Water cultures of sugar cane were successful in development when 

 nitrogen was furnished in the form of nitrate of potash, while plants given nitrogen 

 as ammonium sulphate i)erished. The plants seemed to absorb the ammonium sul- 

 pliate, but were incapable of assimilating it. It is concluded from these results that 

 under field conditions cane draws upon the nitrates for its nitrogen supply and that 

 ammonium sulphate can be useful to the plants only after it has undergone nitrifi- 

 cation. 



The increase in the weight of dry matter was studied by making 200 sections of a 

 leaf in the morning, and the same number at different times during the day from 

 leaves of the same plant and apparently ecjual in all respects to the one from which 

 the tirst lot of sections had l)een made. The dry matter in these sections was deter- 

 mined and the increase noted. It is concluded that under favorable weather condi- 

 tions an increase in weight of the dry matter of more than 15 per cent in the course 

 of a forenoon indicates good growth, an increase of 10 to 15 per cent, medium, and 

 from 5 to 10 per cent, poor growth, while an increase of only 5 per cent may be 

 regarded as practically a stagnation in growth. 



Observations with reference to the transpiration of water by the cane plant showed 

 that the quantity was approximately 5 liters per day. lixperiments on the respira- 

 tion of the plant w^ere made and the daily quantity of carl)on dioxid formed and 

 glucose consumed in different varieties is given. 



Cuttings of 4 or 5 internodes are recommended for planting. 



Experiments in grow^ing tobacco of the Sumatra type under shade, E. H. 

 Jkn'kins {Cuinii'ctlcnt tStalc Sta. Jijtl. J:h)J, pt. 4, pp. 441I, 447). — It was found that mos- 

 quito netting as a covering for tlie growing crop was as durable as cheese cloth and 

 shaded the plants to a much less extent. The author does not consider shade at all 

 necessary in that latitude, and believes the value of shade to lie in the protection 

 from insects, high winds, hail, and drought, and in providing a higher and more 

 equable temperature and a damper atmosphere. 



Owing to an unsatisfactory growth of part of the crop an intended comparison of 

 curing on the stalk and curing the primed leaves became impossil)le. The pole-cured 

 crop of this season was about 250 lbs. less than the pole-cured crop of 1901 and also 

 inferior to it in quality. The finished crop of 1901 was sold at an average price of 

 $1.59 per pound. 



Preliminary report on fertilizer experiments -with tobacco at the Deli 

 Experimental Fields in 1902, I). J. IIissink {Meded. ' >S Lands Flantentuin, 1903, 

 Xo. (J J, pi. 3, pp. GS). — The plan and purpose of the experiments on the different 

 fields are described, and data with reference to planting, cultivating, and harvesting 

 the crop, together with meteorological records, are presented. 



Influence of climate and soil on the composition and milling qualities of 

 winter wheat, A. M. Soule and P. O. A\\natter ( Tcmiessee Stu. Bid. Vol. XVI, No. 

 4, j>j>. ol-ss, fifjii. 22). — The experiment here reported is cooperative between the 

 fetation and the Bureau of Plant Industry of this Department. Former results of 

 similar work have been previously noted (E. S. K., 13, p. 546). 



