412 



Journal of Agricultural Research 



Vol. XIX, No. 9 



Again, as in the length and the lateral diameter, the kernels toward the 

 base increase more rapidly. The fourth kernel never becomes as promi- 

 nent as it does in the other measurements. After the growth in length 

 and lateral diameter has been completed, there is a tendency toward a 

 greater permanent increase in the kernels near the center of the spike. 



As a whole, the progress of kernel growth is significantly indicated by 

 these three measurements. After the peak is reached there is a slight 

 decrease as maturity approaches. This is especially true in the length 



/ ^ J -^ s e 7 e 3 /o // /^ /-^ /'^ 



Fig. 7. — Graph showing average lateral diameter of barley kernels from flowering until near maximum 

 development, plot i, 1917. Numerals at end of lines indicate days from flowering. 



and in the lateral diameter. This fact will be referred to again when 

 the course of water content is discussed. 



COURSE BY DAYvS OF DRY MATTER, WATER, NITROGEN, AND ASH IN 

 THE KERNEL FROM FLOWERING TO MATURITY 



The chemical phase of the study is based on the laboratory determina- 

 tions made on the same samples from which the measurements were 

 secured. In 1916 the material was analyzed by Mr. Anthony. The 

 analyses in 1917 were made by the Bureau of Chemistry of the United 

 States Department of Agriculture. While the chemical investigations 

 involved no such elaborate determinations as those of Schjerning, the 

 results are parallel with those from his work and that of Wheldale. 



