58 



But 5 were below 10 per cent, of albuminoids, and all but 4 were be- 

 low 13 per cent. 



The grain cannot be said to be extremely variable. The averages 

 for the country is here given, together with an average of 49 analyses 

 of ryes from all sources given by Koenig : 



The extremes of albuminoid in Koenig's analyses were 16.93 and 7.91 

 per cent., which is wider than among our specimens. The difference 

 between our grain and that of the Continent appears in the greater 

 moisture of the latter, as is to be expected, together with more ash and 

 oil and less fiber. For different parts of the United States the averages 

 are very nearly concordant, the only variation being the difference of 

 half a per cent, albuminoids and a little more fiber in ten specimens 

 from the South. The nitrogenous constituents are practically the same. 

 This cereal is richer than corn in this element, and not quite so rich as 

 wheat. 



Eye cannot be considered as being very susceptible to climatic con- 

 ditions; in fact, it will flourish where other cereals will not. It re- 

 quires therefore no greater care in its improvement than the selection 

 of the variety giving the largest yield, and careful cultivation. 



BARLEY. 



Of American barley, from any point of view, but little has been known 

 hitherto. Until lately, only nine chemical anaylses have been made, 

 and, as Professor Brewer remarks, these are too few in number for gen- 

 eralizations. Statistics show that we have not produced enough of the 

 cereal to supply the demand, and that it is always necessary to import a 

 large amount every year. A study, therefore, of the conditions which 

 affect the production of barley in the United States, which portions pro- 

 duce the most valuable grain, and how the composition varies in differ- 

 ent localities as the result of climate and general environment, will be 

 of interest, as showing the possibilities and best localities for the exten- 

 sion of the growth of this cereal. 



Before discussing the results of our examination of the numerous 

 American specimens collected through our agents, it will be of interest 

 to give abstracts of some investigations on the production of barley in 

 certain portions of Germany and this country, showing the yield, weight, 

 physical characters and composition, and the directions in which it is 

 considered desirable that this grain should be developed. 



