FIELD CROPS. 441 



The great value of returning to the land partially rotted trash (leaves 

 and tops) and plowing under rather than burning is pointed out. If the 

 uiud press-cake and molasses are applied to the land, one-fifth of the 

 potash and one-third of the nitrogen removed in the cane is also saved. 



In the irrigation tests 20 plats were regularly irrigated, receiving 

 from 46.5 to 48 in. of irrigation water, and 8 others received no irriga- 

 tion whatever. The average yield of sugar on the 20 irrigated plats 

 was 24,755 lbs. per acre, and on the unirrigated plats, 1,600 lbs. The 

 rainfall during the growth of the cane was 46.56 in., most of which 

 fell during the colder months. Some results obtained in overirrigation 

 are given and the evil effects of this practice are pointed out. 



Experiilients in testing 13 varieties of cane .and in planting 1 and 2 

 continuous cut and luicut canes in the row, and l-e3'e pieces 6, 12, and 

 18 in. apai't, are luider way and are briefly reported upon. Some results 

 obtained in planting 1 and 3 eye pieces of plant cane 11 months old arc 

 given, showing that "1,901 pieces of cane, bearing 1,901 eyes, pro- 

 duced relatively as many canes as 2,411 pieces of cane bearing 7,233 

 eyes. Out of the 7,233 eyes, 4,697 died." The results lead the author 

 to urge experiments by planters in the use of less seed than is usually 

 planted. 



The results of some analyses by the aspartic-acid method of soils 

 yielding from 1 to 4 and from 5 to 10 tons of sugar per acre are tabu- 

 lated, and some notes are given on the value of lime in sugar soils. 



Important problems in plant breeding, W. Edler {Landw. Wchnhl. Sachsen, 

 2 {1900), Nos. 35, pp. 303, 304; 36, pp. 310, 311). — Some of the more important points 

 to be observed in the breeding of a number of the more prominent cereal and root 

 crops are discused. 



Grain breeding, T. Mansholt (Filhling's Landw. Ztg.,49 {1900), Noa. 8, pp. 296- 

 299; 9, pp. 327-334). — A discussion of the i^rinciples and methods involved in the 

 improvement of grains by selection, etc. 



The effect of size of seed on the crop, T. H. Middleton ( Vviven^Hy College, of Wales 

 apt. 1899, pp. 68-70). — Wheat, oats, and beans were used in this experiment and 

 large and small seed of each croj^ jilanted. The most striking results were secured 

 with wheat. The yields obtained from the large seed were almost double those 

 o1)tained from the small. The difference was less marked with oats. With beans 

 practically the same results were secured with small as with large seed. 



Field experiments, J. A. Murray and T. H. Middleton ( Universitg College of Wales 

 L'pt. 1899, jip. 3-26, 31-42). — Results are given of a number of cooperative experi- 

 ments with fertilizers on grass lands, potatoes, and root crops. 



Field experiments {Bd. Agr. [London] Rpt. Agr. Education, 1899-1900, pp. 37-42, 

 4-5-71, 74-89, 91-96, 99-107, 110-113, 117-124, 126-133) .—The experiments reported 

 have been carried out at eight different collegiate institutions. They consist of fer- 

 tilizer experiments with swedes, potatoes, hops, mangolds, grass lands, and jierma- 

 nent pastures; seeding experiments with alfalfa and sainfoin; and rotation experi- 

 ments. A number of the fertilizer experiments reported have been noted from other 

 sources. 



Farm experiments at Dalmeny {Farm and Home, 19 {1900), No. 969, p. 294). — 

 A seniiofticial summary is given of the results secured in the experimental work 

 V)eing carried out on Lord Roseberg's farm. An application of 4 cwt. of ground 

 lime yearly has given better results than where much larger amounts have been 



