8L4 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



inflow, causing a large and continuous shrinkage in the artesian area, even in ordi- 

 nary wet years. The writer believes these drafts will be restored by extraordinary 

 wet seasons, but that the irrigated area should not be increased hereafter. 



The value of meadows and their irrigation, Strecker ( Finding's Landw. Ztg., 

 54 (1905), No. 20, pp. 678-693). — After showing the high importance of meadows to 

 animal industry the possibility of a large increase in hay crop by the correction 

 of streams, drainage, and especially by irrigation, is urged. 



It is estimated that the crop on one-third of the total area of 15,000,000 acres may 

 be increased nearly 50 per cent, thus increasing the total yield by about 16 per cent. 

 Suggestions are given for laying out irrigated meadows. The importance of irrigation 

 and drainage to remove humic acid by aeration and other salts by solution, and tr* 

 distribution of fertilizers by irrigation are discussed. 



The writer concludes that (a) small streams may be cheaply used; (b) water is 

 most easily controlled on low riparian meadows; (c) the simplest system should be 

 used to distribute water; (d) the regulation of stream flow by numerous small dams 

 is a benefit to power users except during low water; (e) small storage reservoirs are 

 useful; (f ) irrigated hay if properly handled brings a better price than common hay; 

 (g) the drainage from small towns should be utilized; (h) ground water may be 

 raised to advantage by wind power; (i) steep land will absorb more rainfall if fur- 

 rowed transversely; (j ) a small quantity of water will insure a good aftermath. 



Water as a plant food, Backhaus (Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 54 (1905), No. 22, pp. 

 757-762). — The quantity of water used by plants in Germany in producing one part 

 of dry matter is estimated as 350 parts, or about 14 inches of rain for a crop of 4.5 

 tons to the acre. 



In hay culture, light, heat, and plant food are usually abundant, the crop depend- 

 ing solely on available water. Experiments during 1904 showed increases in yield 

 due to irrigation as follows: Oats — grain 35 per cent, straw 56 per cent; wheat — grain 

 94 per cent, straw 169 per cent; grass — 1st cut 220 per cent, 3rd cut 348 per cent; hemp 

 46 per cent. 



The actual value of increase in crop for each cubic meter of water applied was 

 1.3 cts. to 3.3 cts., equivalent to 827 to $70 per acre foot. 



The author reviews the methods to be employed, noting the relation of irrigation 

 to water power and the value of local organization. Deep culture, increase of humus, 

 the selection of suitable plants, the chemical action of water, the value of sewage 

 irrigation, and the importance of land drainage are discussed. 



Cultivation of salt lands, A. Rolet (Jour. Agr. Prat, n. ser., 9 (1905), No. 22, 

 pp. 710-712). — A method of removing sodium chlorid by flooding in square checks 

 and draining in open ditches is described, and for the complete reclamation of salt 

 lands for the use of vineyards, it is recommended that rice be grown one or two 

 years, grain two or three years, and then rice again to complete the removal of salt. 



Laying" out rice plantations, G. Carle (Jour. Agr. Prat., n. ser., 10 (1905), No. 

 46, pp. 626-630, figs. 3).— Directions for surveying and constructing dikes, laterals, 

 drains, and leveling checks for rice fields, with special reference to quantitative esti- 

 mates of cost. The methods suggested are adapted to rough lands and to crops other 

 than rice. 



A report on terrestrial magnetism and meridian line work in Louisiana, 

 W. C. Stubbs, G. D. Harris, et al. (Geol. Survey La. Bid. 2, pp. 49, pis. 6). — This 

 bulletin summarizes the results of work which has been done with a view to estab- 

 lishing meridian lines in Louisiana for the use of surveyors, engineers, and land 

 holders, and of measurements which have been made to ascertain the changes that 

 are continually taking place in the earth's magnetic field within the State. 



The model farm, F. Graftiau and E. Warn ants (Jai ferme demonstrative. Liege: 

 Henri Poncelet, 1905, pp. 42,p>ls. 2, figs. 3). — A description of a model farm plant, built 



