eee 
452 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 June, 1900. 
It appears that there is only one single exception to this rule, an excep 
resented by the black rust in wheat, which retains a germinating power (almos 
insignificant, it is true) after the lapse of two winters. Fe Mi 
As a matter of fact, the power possessed by the fungus to propagate 1tse 
from one plant to another by means of spores transported by the wind oF 
otherwise only exists in the case of very short distances, 10 to 25 metres. 
Krom all these observations, the propagation of rust can scarcely be under- 
stood otherwise than on the supposition of the presence of an infernal ge” 
of the disease. j a of 
The method indicated to resolye this question is to cultivate grains °° 
cereals very sensitive to rust in a well-sterilised plot. After several abortive 
attempts, Mr. J. Eriksson has observed cases of rust in vegetables cultivat 
under glass. He discovered in the protoplasm itself of the cereal special col 
Buel of an oblong form, slightly recurved, either single or united im ea 
cellule. 
In this myce-plasmatie state, the fungus lives in symbiosis with the cereal; 
and under the action of exterior agencies (plant food, heat, light) the t° 
forms of life, hitherto intimately intermingled, separate themselves, thes? 
corpuscles first appearing and afterwwards an intecellular mycelium. _ he 
Thus, the discoveries of Mr. Eriksson in many important points modify L A 
general ideas on the subject of rust, and without doubt will also modify t 
methods practised by practical men to combat the disease. 
HOW MUCH WILL CORN SHRINK? 
Aun farmers are aware that the longer they keep their corn the lighter it will 
get; hence it is to their advantage to get rid of the new crop as soon ** 
possible, unless in the face of a rising market. In the autumn of 1898 4? 
experiment was made by Professor Atkinson, at the Iowa experiment statio0s 
to ascertain the amount of moisture contained in an ear of corn. A. crib wat 
constructed upon the platform of a pair of scales, the scales so construct 
that an exact register of the weight could always be made. Seven UE 
pounds of corn were husked and placed in the crib on 19th October, 1898. 1 
crib was 133 feet long by 74 feet wide. The corn was then weighed once ones 
week for a year. During the first three months the loss was 630 Ib., or 9 P© 
cent. of the original weight. During the next three months, from 19th January 
to 19th April, the loss was 390 Ib., or 5 per cent. of the original weig?™ 
During the next three months the loss was 2201b. During the last three 
months the loss was 190 Ib. ‘The loss during the full year was 1,430 Ib., 0% * - 
trifle more than 20 per cent. This means that a bushel of corn weighing 50 Ibe 
when husked like this sample, will weigh 64 Ib. at the end of the year. 
HOW TO DEAL WITH WEEDS. 
“ ProuaH deep and plough them under,” says one man. ‘ Plough shallow ant 
expose them to the sun,” says another. Which is the better way? The m4 
who wants to get his land into fine tilth will not be satisfied with one deeP 
Tee es After the first ploughing, he will harrow and cross-plough. oe 
aving buried all the weeds at the first ploughing, he brings them all up 28" 
at the second, and trusts to the harrow to clear them off. But whilst piles i 
weeds are removed in this way great quantities lie half-buried with their co 
wholly or partly covered, and a third ploughing and more harrowing i 
scarcely see the end of them. By shallow ploughing, say to a depth of 4 inche 
the roots are left exposed to the sun and wind, and then get thoroughly kaillee 
when they may either be harrowed off or ploughed in at the next Gal 
ploughing. Weeds should never be allowed to ripen their seed. us 
