SEPTEMBER, 1900, TO DECEMBER, 1903. 65 



grain yield of the North Finnish Black variety was 12.6 kilos per are, while the for- 

 eign varieties yielded 16.4 kilos per are. These foreign sorts, it must be remarked, 

 were all varieties which had been especially bred — some from Svalof and others from 

 the experiment station in Tystofte, in Denmark. During six years of cultivation at 

 Mustiala this North Finnish Black oat has lost none of Us early -ripening qualities. In 

 good years the foreign-grown sorts here yield best, but in bad season they yield nothing 

 at all, while the North Finnish Black always yields about the same amount. This variety 

 deserves thorough trial in Alaska and the North Atlantic States, and should be used 

 for breeding purposes wherever an early ripening variety of oat is desired. To get the 

 best results it should be sown as early as possible. These various varieties have been 

 analyzed in Mustiala, and it has been found that the North Finnish Black variety has 

 13.58 per cent of dry weight of protein, while the South Finnish Brown oat, for exam- 

 ple, only 10.7 per cent, and the South Finnish White 11.77 per cent, and foreign oats 

 only 11.79 per cent protein. Although, because of the small yield of the North Fin- 

 nish Black variety, the actual protein quantity per are is smaller than that of the for- 

 eign sorts, the fact that the former is really richer in protein is an important point 

 for plant breeders. The figures are: North Finnish Black, 1.54 kilos per are; foreign, 

 including Canada variety, 1-73 per are. There have so far been very few experi- 

 ments here in Finland en gros. Those few have been, however, very satisfactory." 

 (FairchUd.) (See No. 5513. ) 



6175. Hordeum tetrastichum. Barley. 



From Mustiala, Finland. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 426, August 1, 1900), April 3, 1901. 



Four-rowed Lapland. "This comes from Pillo, a town lying 30 kilometers north of 

 the Arctic Circle. It is a stunted variety, which ripens at least 10 to 14 days earlier 

 than South Finnish or European varieties, and although it does not produce large 

 quantities of grain, but small kernels and in small quantity, it deserves the especial 

 attention of plant growers in Alaska. Dr. G. Grotenfelt is at the present time busy 

 with its culture and hopes to maintain its earliness and, by crossing, increase its 

 productiveness. At the present time it is almost ripe here in the Doctor's experi- 

 mental plats, while all other sorts (except No. 427, L. & F.) are quite green. For a 

 very short-season locality and also for breeding purposes this may prove of consider- 

 able value where barley is grown. Secured through Dr. Grotenfelt' s kindness." 

 ( FairchUd. ) 



6176. Brassica rapa. Turnip. 



From Mustiala, Finland. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 428, August 1, 1900), April 3, 1901. 



White Tankard Purple Top. ' ' A Scottish variety of fodder turnip which has been 

 grown here for fifty years. This variety, grown on Finnish soil, has proved superior to 

 that grown from seed imported from Scotland, and it is worthy a trial in Alaska. Its 

 growth in spring is particularly rapid, and it therefore escapes the attacks of insect 

 enemies better than other sorts. Will be sent by Director G. Grotenfelt in Novem- 

 ber." (Fairchild.) 



6177. Fagopyrum esculentum. Buckwheat. 



From Mustiala, Finland. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 430, August 1, 1900), April 3, 1901. 



Finnish. "This buckwheat is for planting in Alaska. It is believed to be an early 

 ripening variety. It is cultivated in east Finland on a large scale, but little in west 

 Finland. It is now in bloom in Doctor Grotenfelt' s experimental plats. Will be 

 sent by Doctor Grotenfelt in November. ' ' ( Fairchild. ) 



6178. Brassica campestris. Turnip. 



From Mustiala, Finland. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild ( No. 

 429, August 1, 1900), April 3, 1901. 



Mustiala. ''A variety of Swedish turnip which has been originated here in Mus- 

 tiala and grown for over fifteen years. It is the best sort that has been tested here 

 and is very regular in growth and altogether to be recommended for fodder purposes 

 in Alaska. ' ' ( Fairchild. ) 



