84 



drill. The crop should be harvested in as dry a condition as possible. Nicaragua 

 will do well in the greater part of Texas, in Oklahoma, western Kansas, and eastern 

 Colorado. 



An analysis made by the chemical division of the Department of Agriculture shows 

 that first-grade wheat of this lot contains 14.76 per cent nitrogen as albumin, whereas 

 the second-grade wheat contains 16.31 per cent, an appreciably larger quantity. Dis- 

 tributed. 



4278. Avena satiya. Oat. 



From Ohio. Received January 9, 1900. 



Early Ripe. An early ripening white oat with medium-length straw which stands 

 up well. For trial in the Northern States. A very good yielder. Distributed. 



4279. Cucumis melo. Winter muskrnelon. 



From Applegate, Cal. Presented by Col. John P. Irish, through Mr. W. T. 

 Swingle. Received January, 1900. 



Casaba. Colonel Irish says that this is a most delicious melon, having a taste 

 somewhat resembling a mixture of muskrnelon and watermelon, with a slight dash 

 of cucumber, which is, however, an improvement. In shape and size it resembles 

 the Hubbard squash, but is covered with long longitudinal stripes. These stripes 

 become closer and finer as they approach the blossom end. There are no ribs and 

 ridges as on the ordinary muskrnelon. In color it is grayish green, and it keeps well 

 far into the winter. Repeated inquiry for this melon in Eastern markets has proved 

 unavailing. It may prove valuable for melon growers in the South. Distributed. 



4280. Triticum vulgare. Wheat. 



From New York. Received January 15, 1900. 



Clawson Longberry. ' ' A dark amber berry of the finest quality; is a giant in growth, 

 with very strong straw ; grain large and long. A longberry cross from the same par- 

 entage (on one side) from which Red Clawson came, but appearing superior to that 

 sort as it was first sent out. It resembles, in some respects, Red Clawson in the field, 

 but is a stronger grower and a more prolific stooler; has a stout, thick-walled, wiry 

 straw of a light-yellow shade. Heads long, wide, and full, tending to club shape on 

 all heavy soils. Chaff dark and free from beards; grain large, of true longberry type, 

 and when grown on strong clay soils would be classed as light red. It delights in a 

 strong clay or clay loam. On such soils, with thorough preparation, it will often 

 yield 50 or more bushels per acre." {Jones. ) Distributed. 



4281. Triticum vulgare. Wheat. 



From New York. Received January 15, 1900. 



Pedigree Early Genesee Giant. ' ' Originated from seedlings grown from a combina- 

 tion of crosses from the leading standard sorts. It is of strong growth and heavy root, 

 with the ability to withstand spring frosts and summer drought, soon covering the 

 ground with a dense growth of side shoots and leaves. It is adapted to a great variety 

 of soils and will be of value to the farmer in cold, bleak sections of northern Illinois, 

 Wisconsin, Iowa, and as far north and west as winter varieties can be grown. It 

 does remarkably well even when sown late. It should be sown on rich, dark, loamy, 

 strong, gravelly, or clay soils. On land liable to heave in the spring, it will prove of 

 great value, as its strong roots and rapid growth quickly repair the slight thinning on 

 wet soils. It grows a little above medium height and is short jointed and stocky, 

 the wall of the straw being very thick and hard, resisting severe winds and rain 

 storms to a remarkable degree without lodging. Heads are long, broad, and square, 

 enlarged near the top and completely crowded out of shape with large, plump, 

 medium-long kernels. A noticeable point in this sort is the prominent row of kernels 

 through center of head, which in most varieties are in a degree deficient. The straw 

 is very strong at the base of the head, which is carried upright even when overripe. 

 Chaff smooth, thick, and hard, varying from a light to a dark-brown color with dark 

 spots. Beards short with many lacking on side of heads and some growing only to 

 short spurs. Grain large and plump, standing out very prominent on the head, of a 

 light-amber shade, very hardy, and rich in gluten." (Jones.) 



