586 THE SMALL GRAINS 



Cooperative tests of two varieties made at fourteen 

 different localities in ten different counties of the State 

 of New York showed an average yield for Japanese of 

 21.29 bushels an acre, and for Silver Hull of 20.05 bushels 

 an acre. In nine cases the Japanese led in yield, in four 

 cases the latter, and once both were the same. The 

 yields in this test varied from 8.3 to 41.5 bushels an 

 acre. 



In some localities the Japanese variety is preferred for 

 milling purposes, while elsewhere the others are preferred. 

 It seems, then, that the Japanese variety is at least equal 

 in value to the others for flour making. 



649. Minor varieties. A variety known as rye 

 buckwheat yielded best in Canada in a 7-year test of five 

 varieties, those named above included, the average yield 

 an acre being 31 bushels for this time. 



The Tatary buckwheat mentioned above is more hardy 

 in northern localities than are the common varieties. It 

 is distinguished from these (1) by its smaller, greenish 

 white flowers on shorter pedicels, and in smaller heads; 

 (2) by its smaller leaves, which are arrow-shaped ; (3) by 

 the more slender nature of the plant; (4) by its smaller 

 kernels, with wavy or slightly notched angles, and dull, 

 roughish, furrowed surfaces. 



650. Production and distribution. Buckwheat is the 

 least of the cereal crops in this country. The production 

 in the United States amounted in 1909 (Census) to 

 14,849,332 bushels, produced on 878,048 acres. The av- 

 erage yield was, therefore, about 16.9 bushels an acre. 

 The crop had a value of $9,330,592, or $10.63 an acre. 

 About f of this crop was produced in the states of New 

 York and Pennsylvania, the acreage, production, and 

 value being as follows : 



