760 EXPERIMENT STATION EECOED. 



liist of seeds of hardy herbaceous plants and of trees and shrubs (Roy. 

 Gard. Ken; Bui. Mi.^c. Tuforui.. 1901, App. J, pji. 40). 



A new seed-sorting- apparatus, G. Martinet [Ann. Agr. Snme, 1 {1900), No. 2, 

 pp. 56-59, fig. 1). — In this apparatus seeds are allowed to drop through a funnel 

 which is curved at its lower extremity in a horizontal direction. The falling seeds 

 acquire a certain momentum and are projected at different distances, according to 

 their size and weight, into partitioned receptacles. The lighter seeds drop into the 

 first receptacle while the heavier seeds are throwni farthest and intermediate grades 

 fall between. A blast of air directed against the seeds as the)' leave the funnel aids 

 in the separation. 



Some results are recorded which show the germinating jiower of seed collected in 

 the different receptacles. 



Rice weeds in Louisiana, W. R. Dodsox {Louisiana Stas. Bui. 61, 2. ser.,j)p., 402- 

 437, fig^. 17). — An account is given of the more important weeds occurring in the rice 

 fields of Louisiana, and the methods of their distribution are discussed at consider- 

 able length. Various means of destruction are suggested; among them, l^urning, late 

 plowing, flooding, hand weeding, etc. Among the weeds the most troublesome is 

 that known as red rice, which is a variety of the cultivated rice. Among the other 

 weeds described are the large indigo {Sesban or Seshania macrocarpa), the curly indigo 

 {jEschynomene virginica), tadpole grass {Rhynchospora corniculata) , bull grass {Pani- 

 cum agrostidiforme) , etc. 



DISEASES OF PLANTS. 



Upon the after effect of sulphur -when applied to soils for the 

 purpose of preventing potato scab, H. J. AVheelek, B. L. Hart- 

 well, and N. L. C. Moore {Rliodt Island Sta. Jij)f. 1S99, pjj. 163- 

 167): — In a previous bulletin of this station (E. S. R., 8, p. 797) the 

 effect of sulphur applied at the rate of 600 lbs. per acre in the pre- 

 vention of potato scab was described. In 1897 similar experiments 

 were continued in which sulphur at the rate of 300 lbs. per acre was 

 used, the seed tubers being rolled in sulphur and the sulphur not 

 adhering to the tubers being dusted OA'er them before covering in the 

 hills. As a result of this treatment the number of scab))y tubers was 

 reduced about 9 per cent. An injurious action of sulphur upon the 

 plants was noticed where no lime had been applied to the soil. The 

 germicidal action of sulphur is explained by the acid liberated b}' the 

 oxidation of the sulphur. On neutral or slightly alkaline soil a more 

 marked influence as a preventive of scab would be expected. 



In 1898 experiments were conducted to ascertain the after effect of 

 applications of sulphur under various soil conditions. These experi- 

 ments were conducted in galvanized-iron pots, the soil having lieen 

 taken from pots which had been used the 2 previous years in experi- 

 ments on potato scab. Each pot received a fertilizer of nitrate of 

 soda, acid phosphate, muriate of potash, and high-grade sulphate 

 of potash. Different pots received lime, wood ashes, or some form 

 of calcium. Comparisons were made with and without sulphur. The 

 experiments were conducted with oats and millet. The results, which 



