•If t&ri *hi raN* £3 ^a, ' ^ N ;, ' .m v./d U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF EXPERIMENT STATIONS EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD ►AKY r. * ■ Volume X, 1898-1899 WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1899 s/,10 /f92-9? U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Scientific Bureaus and Divisions. Weather Bureai Willis I.. Moore, Chief. Bubeai OF Ammai iNDisiitv — D. E. Salmon, Chief. Division ok Statistics — J.Hyde, Statistician. Division of Entomology — L. O. Howard, Entomologist. in\i-;<>\ of Chemistry— H. VV. Wiley, chemist. Division of Botany— F. V. Coville, Botanist. Division of Forestry — G. Pincliot, Chief. Division of Biological Survey— C. Hart Merriam, Biologist. Division of Pomology— G. B. Brackett, Pomologist. Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology— B. T. Galloway, Chief. Division of Soils— M. Whitney, Chief. Division of Agrostology— F. Lamson-Scribuer, Agrostologlst. Office of Experiment Stations — A. ('. True, Director. THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. College Station; P. H. Canebrake Station: W. ALABAMA — I I'hnrii . Mell. Uniontow Collins.1 Arizona — Tucson : R. EL Forbes. Arkansas— FayetteviUe : R. L. Bennett." California — Berkeley : E. W. Hilgard. Colobado — Fort Collins . L. G. Carpenter.* Connecticut — New Haven: State Station; s. W. Johnson.* Storm: Stuns Station; W. O. At- water.* Dela ware — Newark : A. T. Neale.* Flobida — Lake City : W. b\ Focum.* Georgia — Experiment: R. J. Redding.* Idaho — Moscow: .!. P. Blanton. Illinois— TJrbana: E. Davenport." Indiana— Lafayette •. C. S. Plumb." Iowa- Ames: C. F. Curtiss. Kansas — Manhattan : J. T. Willard.§ Kentucky Lexington: M. A. Scovell.* Louisiana — Audubon Park, New Orleans: Sugar Station. Baton Rouge: State Station. Calhoun: Eorth Louisiana Station ; W. C. Stubbs.* Maine — Oronoi C. D. "Woods.' Maryland College Park: H.J.Patterson.* Massachusetts— Amherst: 11.11. <; U-ll. Michigan — Agricultural College : C. D. Smith.* Minnesota— St.Antlwng Park, St. Paul: W. M. Liggett.* Mississippi — Agricultural College: W. L. Hutch- inson.* Missouri — Columbia: H. J. Wain.-. Montana — Bozeman .• S. M. Emery.* Nebraska — Lincoln : T. L. Lyon. J Nevada — Reno : J. E. Stub New Hampshire— Durham : C. S. Murkland. | New Jersey — New Brunswick : E. B.Voorhees.* New Mexico— Mesilla Park : F. W. Sanders. New STORK Geneva: State Station ; W. II. Jor- dan.* Ithaca: Cornell University Station: LP. Roberts.* North Carolina— Raleigh .- G. T.Winston.* NORTH DAKOTA— Agricultural College: J. H. Worst,* Ohio— Wooster: C E. Thorne.* Oklahoma — Stillwater: J. Fields.* Oregon Corvallis: T. M. Gath.* Pennsylvania — State College: H. P. Armsby.* Rhode Island — Kingston .- A. A. Brigham. South Carolina — Clemson College: H. s. Hart- zog. South Dakota— Brookings: J. H. Sbepard.* Tennessee — Knoxville .• R. L. Watts. || Texas — College Station : J. H. Connell.* Htah — Logan : L. Poster.* Vi:kji"m Burlington: J. L. Hills.* Virginia Blacksburg : J.M. McBryde.* Washington -Pullman: E. A. Bryan.' Webt Virginia — Morgantown : J. H. Stewart.* Wisconsin — Madison : W. A. Henry.* WYOMING — Laramie: E. E. Smiley.* * Director. \ Assistant director in charge. ; Acting director. i hiirman of council. || Secretary. EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, EDITED BY A. C. TJRUE, Ph. ]>., Director, E. W. Allen, Ph. D., Assistant Director— Chemistry, Dairy Farming, aucl Dairying. AY. H. Beal — Meteorology. Fertilizers and Soils (including methods of analysis), and Agricultural Engineering. Walter H. Evans, Ph. D. — Botany and Diseases of Plants. C. F. Langworthy, Ph. D. — Foods and Animal Production. E. V. Wilcox, Ph. D. — Entomology and Veterinary Science. R. A. Emerson — Horticulture. J. I. Schulte — Field Crops. With the cooperation of the scientific divisions of the Department and the Abstract Committee of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. EDITORIAL NOTES. Page. The reading course as a factor in agricultural education 1 Agricultural experiment stations in Japan 101 Irrigation investigations 201 An Egyptian school of agriculture 202 The late Dr. E. Lewis Sturtevaut 301 National Society of Agriculture in Egypt 303 The late Senator Justin S. Morrill 501 Experiment-station movement in Russia 601 Present status of the experiment stations in Russia 60J Agricultural experiment station in Alaska 701 Agricultural appropriation act 1899-1900 801 Irrigation investigations of the Department of Agriculture 901 Statistics of land-grant colleges and agricultural experiment stations, 1808. .. 1003 SPECIAL ARTICLES. Scandinavian seed-control stations, F. W. Woll 4 Physical and meteorological researches, principally on solar rays, made at the station of agricultural climatology at the observatory of Juvisy, Camille Flammarion 103,203 Official methods of analysis of fertilizers and feeding stuffs adopted by the Belgian State laboratories and the agricultural experiment stations of Holland 304 Biological and dairy building of New York State Experiment Station 401 Convention of Association ot Official Agricultural Chemists, 1898, W. If. Beal. 504 Twelfth annual convention of the Association of American Agricultural Col- leges and K.xperimeut Stations, W. I ! . Beal 704 Investigations on the metabolism of milch cows, ( >scar Hagemaun 803, 903 HI IV EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. LIST OF STATION PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. Alabama Canebrakk si enoN: _J^"; Bulletin 18, March, L895 846,854,89b Twelfth Annual Report.1897 628,693,697 Alaba m \ i Iollege Station: Bulletin 89, January, 1898 37 90,January, L898 469 91, February, 1898 1:J1 92, April, 1898 VSl 93, *,pril,1898 577 94, June, 1898 552 95, August, L898 738 96, August, L898 837 97, September, 1898 892 98, November, L898 ■ 1041 99, December, 1898 1051 Tenth Annual Report, 1897 1097 Arizona Sta hon: Bulletin 27, December, 1897 124 28i March, 1898 420 29, June, 1898 851 Arkansas STATION : Bulletin 49, January, 1898 48 50, January, 1898 542 51, May, 1898 595 52, July, 1898 673 53, September, 1898 943 54, December, 1898 1085,1089 55, December, 1898 1044 California Station : Bulletin L20, March, 1898 55 121, August, 1898 617 Exchange Seed List, March, 1898 361 Seed I to I letin, L898-99 963 Report, 1895-1897 220, 222, 223, 224, 225, 228, 229, 235, 244, 245, 216, 250, 253, 254, 255, 258, 262, 267, 274, 276, 285, 297, 298 Colorado Station: Bulletin 41, February,. 1898 266 42, February, 1898 240,246 43, March, 1898 372,374 44, March, 1898 521 45, May, 1898 597 46, June, L898 743 47, July, 1898 770 48, 1898 795 49, September, 1898 1018,1019,1030 Connecticut State station: Bulletin 125, April, 1898 60 126, May. 1898 374 127, May, 1898 337 Twenty-firai Annual Report, 1897 214, 218, 229, 232, 242, 246, 253. 258, 261, 262, 265, 267, 273, 276, 280, 285, 295, 297 Connecticut Storks Station: Bulletin 18. December, 1897 884 Tenth Annual Report, 1897 616, 663, 664, 678, 681, 683, 693, 697 PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. V Delaware Station: Page. Bulletin 36, 1897 134 37, L898 39G 38, 1898 35 1 3!). 1898 345 40, 1898 33 1 41,1898... 958 42, December, 1898 962 Ninth Annual Report,, 1897.... 514,515,519,520,522,546,551,556,562,571,596,599 Florida Station: Bulletin 42, August, 1897 367 43, September, 1897 226 44, January. 1898 347 45, March, 1898 658 46, July, 1898 867 47, September, 1898 1053 48, October, 189S 1068 Annual Report, 1898 954. 962, 971, 972, ! I! 19 Georgia Station: Bulletin 36, October, 1897 160 37, November, 1897 138 38, December, 1897 149 39, December, 1897 139 40, September, 1898 1040 Idaho Station : Bulletin 11, 1898 559 12, 1898 630 13, 1898 617 14, 1898 760 15, July, 1898 (Annual Report, 1898) 749, 763, 765, 797 Illinois Station : Bulletin 49, January, 1898 142 50, February, 1898 540 51, May 1898 781 52, June, 1898 752 53, July, 1898 844 Indiana Station : Bulletin 67, December, 1897 176 68, March, 1898 143 69, March, 1898 157 70, May, 1898 693 71, June, 1898 674,677 72, August, 1898 843 73, October, 1*98 1042 74, November. 1898 1013 Tenth Annual Report, 1897 236, 254, 263, 275, 280. 296, 297 Iowa Station : Bulletin 36, 1897 22,27,47,54,58,68,89,98 37, 1898 241 38, 1898 646 39, 1898 1048 Seventeenth Biennial Report, 1896-97.... 252, 257, 259, 263, 271. 296, 297 Kansas Station : Bulletin 69, June, 1897 190 70, July, 1897 L48 71, July, 1897 142 6730— No. 11' 8 VI EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Kansas Station— Continued. rage. Bulletin 72, July, 1897 382 73, July, 1897 351 74, July, 1897 343 75, August, 1897 319 76, February, 1898 359 77, March, 1898 369 78, April, 1898 346 79, April, 1898 395 80, June, 1898 646 81, September, 1898 891 Annual Report, 1897 196 Kentucky Station : Bulletin 70, December, 1897 359,393 71, December, 1897 337 72, February, 1898 344, 363, 382 73, February, 1898 355 74, May, 1898 372,393 75, June, 1898 336 76, August, 1898 734 77, September, 1898 842, 864 78, November, 1898 958 Louisiana Stations: Bulletin 50 (second series) 38 51 (secoud series), 1898 389 52 (second series), 1898 547 Special Report, Part IV, Geology and Agriculture 330 Tenth Annual Report, 1897 96 Maine Station : Bulletin 41, January, 1898 395 42, February, 1898 355 43, March, 1898 337 44, May, 1898 - "381 45, October, 1898 734 46, November, 1898 855 47, December, 1898 1089 48, January, 1899 1089 Thirteenth Annual Report, 1897 824, 826, 835, 871, 879, 885, 892, 894, 896, 898 M a RVLAND Station : Bulletin 51, December, 1897 75 52, February. 1898 136 53, March, 1898 394 54, March, 1898 350 55, May, 1898 660,662 56, June, 1898 633 57, August, 1898 868 58, August, 1898 864, 872 Massachusetts Hatch Station: Bulletin 50, January, 1898 472,484 51, February, 1898 428 52, March, 1898 436, 457 53, April, 1898 474 54, July, 1898 428 55, November, 1898 1055 56, November, 1898 1077 57, November, 1898 1033 PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. ATI Massachusetts Hatch Station — Continued. Page. Meteorological Bulletin 109, January, 1898 26 110, February, 1898 26 111, March, 1898 26 112,April, 1898 328 113, May, 1898 328 114, June, 1898 328 115, July, 1898 419 116, August, 1898 419 117, September, 1898 419 118, October, 1898 826 119, November, 1898 826 120, December, 1898 826 Tenth Annual Report, 1897. 607, 617, 622, 623, 624, 626, 636, 639, 647, 661, 675, 679, 697 Michigan Station: Bulletin 151, February, 1898 48 152, February, 1898 49 153, February, 1898 , 47 154, March, 1898 136 155, March, 1898 470 156, March, 1898 470 157, May, 1898 596 158, May, 1898 580 159, June, 1898 692 160, June, 1898 766 161, July, 1898 734 162, November, 1898 1020,1045,1046 163, November, 1898 1043 Special Bulletin 2, November, 1896 168 3, October, 1896 1 797 4, November, 1896 151, 169 5, December, 1896 125 6, December, 1896 196 7, January 20, 1897 771 8, March 18, 1897 246 Ninth Annual Report, 1896 116, 121,124, 130, 136, 146, 147, 148, 151, 152, 153, 157, 168, 169, 180, 182, 184, 188, 189, 193, 195, 196 Minnesota Station: Bulletin 55, December, 1897 466 56, April, 1898 543 57, June, 1898 575 58, June, 1898 671 Mississippi Station : Bulletin 42, November, 1897 390 46, March, 1898 48 47 (special), March 25, 1898 36 48, May 1,1898 136 49 (special), June 25, 1898 428 50, September, 1898 547 Tenth Annual Report, 1897 315, 397 Missouri Station : Bulletin 41, January, 1898 566 42, April, 1898 564 43, May, 1898 -548 Annual Report, 1897 35,36,44,48,68,95,96,98 VIII EXPERIMENT' STATION RECORD. M<.\ i ana Station: PaSe- Bulletiu L4, April, L897 177,196 L5,July, 1897 391 NkBUASKA Si a He in : Bulletin 50 45 51, December 30, 1 s; »7 463 52, January 11. 1898 494 53, March 31, L898 429 54, June 8, 1898 428 55, August 20, 1898 638 56, August 31. 1898 637 Eleventh Annual Report, 1897 246, 273, 296, 297 \ i \ ai>a Station : Bulletin 34, December, 1896 31 •::,. December, L896 147 36, December, 1897 163 37, December, 1897 631 Ninth Annual Report, 1896 297 New Hampshire Station: Bullet in 17, October, L897 48 48, November, 1897 (Ninth Annual Report, 1897 ) 419, 429, 432, 440, 453, 459, 492, 498 49, January, 1898 36 50, February, 1898 395 51, March, 1898 354 52, April, 1898 350 53, May, 1898 730 54, June, 1898 726 .V., July, 1898 726 56, August. 1898 923 57. September, 1898 915 New Jersey Stations: Bulletin 125, November 27. 1897 161 126, November 29, 1897 440 127, November 30, 1897 497 128, February 2,1898 656 129, June 10. 1898 650 130, October 10, 1898 946, 992 131, October 12, 1898 977 132, October 18, 1898 1031 Special Bulletin R, December 31, 1897 198 Annual Report, 1897 426,431,433,435,443,457,474,476,480,482,490,494,498 New Mexico Station: Bulletin 23, April. 1897 246 21. August. 1897 324 25, February, L898 562 26, June, L898 745 27, June. 1898 854,871 Nkw York Cornell Station: Bulletin 1 12. January. 1898 - 460 1 13, February, 1898 143 111. January. 1898 455,468 115. February, L898 i:,(i 146, February, 1898 |ctober, 1897 396 33, March, 1898 590,593 31. May. 1898 631.644 35, June, 1898 624 36, September, 1898 763 37, October, 1898 842 8outb Dakota station : Bulletin 56, .Ian nary. 1898 145 57, February, 1898 460 .vs. March, L898 424 59, April, L898 '. "'(329,639 60, May, 1898 629 Annual Report, 1898 797 PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. XI Tennessee Station: rage Bulletin Vol. X, No. 3, September, 1897 26 1, December, 1897 767 Tenth Annual Report, 1897 196 Texas Station': Bulletin 43, April, 1897 125 44, July, 1897 194 45, December, 1897 342 46,1898 838 Tentb Annual Report, 1898 1020,1098 Utah Station: Bulletin 51, December, 1897 77 52, January, 1898 30 53, February, 1898 146 54, February, 1898 175, 179 55, March, 1898 661 56, April, 1898 634 57, June, 1898 986 58, July, 1898 977 Vermont Station: Bulletin 60, October, 1897 459 61, November, 1897 437 62, January, 1898 440 63, March, 1898 623 64, April, 1898 623 65, May, 1898 623 Virginia Station: Bulletin 73, February, 1897 429 74, March, 1897 771 75, April, 1897 794 76, May, 1897 794 77, J nne, 1 897 1037 78, July, 1897 1032 Washington Station: Bulletin 29, December, 1896 583 30, December, 1897 550 31, December, 1897 545 32 593 33, May, 1898 736 34, May, 1898 760 35, May, 1898 867 36, May, 1898 869 Sixth Annual Report, 1896 716,727,735,760,798 West Virginia Station : Bulletin 50, January, 1898 162 51, January, 1898 136 52, March, 1898 152 Special Bulletin, May 1,1898 136 Spray Calendar 374 Tenth Annual Report, 1897 1067,1098 Wisconsin Station : Bulletin 63, October, 1897 45 64, January, 1898 39 65, February, 1898 155 66, April, 1898 136 XII EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Wisconsin Station— Continued. PaSe- Bulletin 67, Jni - -■ 385 68, J L898 - 695 69, September, 1898 889 Fourteentli Annual Report,1897 720,727,728,729,730,735,740,741,746,751, 755, 757, 759, 762, 77:;. 774, 775, 776, 777. 77S. 781, 782, 7*:,. 7*7, 790, 792, 797, 798 Wyoming Station: Bulletin 34, November, 1897 ll :::,. December, 1897 2i> :;»;.A|.iil. 1898 346 37, June, L898 iU7 38, September, 1898 965 39, December, L898 1025 Eigbth Annual Report, L898 999 UNITED STATUS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. Farmers' Bulletin 19 revised) 661 :;i revised) 42 60 revised; 148 70 168 71 179 72 147 73 197 74 181 7: 154 76 354 77 , 335 7S 397 7ii 397 80 569 81 540 82 547 83 531 XI 698 85 678 86 928 87 999 Cultivation of Tobacco in Sumatra 545 Special Report <>ii tlie Beet-Sugar Industry in the United States. 1897 741 yearbook, 1897 516, 521, 522, 523, 541, 542, 519, 551, 555, 570, 582, 598, 599 Division oi Agrostology : Bulletin 7 I revised | 518 Hi 342 11 515 12 541 13 718 11 718 15 718 Circular 5 (revised) 42 6 43 6 (revised) 245 7 928 8 1005 PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. XIII Bureau of Animal Industry: Page Bulletin 19 393 20 ; 488 21 793 22 703 Circular 22 '. 98 23 396 24 rm 25 791 Fourteenth Animal Report, 1897 992,998,999 Division- or Biological Survey: Bulletin 8 23 8 revised ) 25 9 726 10 724 11 723 Circular 17 198 Division of Botany: Bulletin 16 (revised) 17 19 236 20 516 Circular 13 (revised) 47 14 54 15 151 16 - 1012 Division of Chemistry: Bulletin 13, Part IX 872 50 624 51 606 52 749 53 877 54 819 55 832 Division of Entomology: Bulletin 9 (new series . 60 10 I new series ) 565, 568, 51 19, 570. 571 11 (new series) 370 12 (new series) 370 13 (new series) 375 11 | new series ) 1071 15 (new series) „ 1069 16 (new series , 1074 1 7 i new series) 1058 \x t new series) 1061 7 (technical series) 66 Circular 27 'second series) 15!) 28 ( second series ) 169 29 (second series) 469 30 (second series) 469 31 (second series) 658 32 (second series) 655 33 (second series) 659 34 ( second series | 654 35 (second series) 654 XIV EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Division of I ntomology — Continued. Page. ( lircular 36 I second series) 655 37 Becond scries) 1075 Bibliography of (In- More Important Contributions to American Economic Entomology, VI 470 Office of Experiment Stations: Bulletin 15 i re\ ised) 780 52 173 53 171 54 573 55 976 Circular 38 - 599 List of Publications of the- Office of Experiment Stations on the Food and Nutrition of Alan 281 Office of Fiber Investigations: Report Xo. 10 541 11 737 Section of Foreign Markets: Bulletin 7 (revised) 397 8 (revised) 397 11 96 12 97 13 197 Division of Forestry: Bulletin 15 * 52 16 51 17 613 18 643 19 642 20 966 21 927 Circular 18 , 195 19 441 20 442 21 443 Library : Bulletin 22, April, 1898 198 23, August, 1898 397 24, October, 1898 643 Division of Pomology : Bulletin 7 552 Division of Publications: Bulletin 3 196 1 298 The Departmentof Agriculture and Its Work 397 Office of Road Inquiry: Bulletin ItJ (revised) 196 Circular 31. - '. 396 Division of Soils: Bulletin 12 30 13 , 328 11 1026 Division of Statistics: Bulletin 13 (miscellaneous series; 130 14 (miscellaneous series] 197 15 (miscellaneous series) 298 PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. XV Division of Statistics — Continued. Page. Circular 9 846 Crop Circulars, May and June, 1898 197 July, August, and September, 1898 397 October, 1898 697 November, 1898 697 Eeport 155 (new series) 97 Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology: Bulletin 15 551 Circular 16 560 Weather Bureau: Bulletin 21 26 22 326 Aneroid Barometers 827 Instructions for Aerial Observers 327 Instructions for Obtaining and Tabulating Records from Recording Instru- ments 327 Instructions for Voluntary Observers 1020 Investigation of tbe Cyclonic Circulation and tbe Translatory Movement of West Indian Hurricanes 327 Moisture Tables 419 Monthly Report of the River and Hood Service, January-March, 1898 125 April-June, 1898 328 July-September 1898.... 827 Monthly Weather Review, Vol. XXVI, Nos. 1-3, January-March, 1898 124 - XXVI, Nos. 4-6, April-June, 1898 325 XXVI, Nos. 7-9, July-September, 1898 418 XXVI, Nos. 10-12, October-December, 1898 . 1017 Normal Annual Sunshine and Snowfall 327 Report of the Chief of the Weather Bureau for 1896-97 328 Report of the Chief of the Weather Bureau for 1898 827 Tbe Probable State of the Sky along the Path of Total Eclipse of the Sun, May 28, 1900 827 Wrecks and Casualties on the Great Lakes, 1895-1897 125 XVI EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. I'i mi l. a.i i »f different light rays on Colons leaves 112 II. Action of different light rays on the coloration of plants 114 I i<;. l . J acobsen's seed -testing apparatus - 12 Sensitive plants grown in different colored light 105 :;. Sensitive plants grown at the same temperature in different colored light L06 I. Lettuce plants grown in different colored light 108 :». Relation between annual temperature and sun spots 204 ii. Relatiou between temperature and sun spots, using two-year ay erages. 205 7. Temporal lire ofsubterraneau water and of the soil at different depths. 208 8. Annual ram Call at Tans sin re 1689 210 9. Fleischer's apparatus 312 10. Biological and Pairs Building, New York State Experiment Station, exterior view 401 1 1. Same building, basement plan 102 12. Same building, first-floor plan 403 13. Same building, second-floor plan 405 1 1. Effed of alternation of temperature on plants 609 15. Apparatus lor use in digestion experiments wirh cows 808 lti. Parts of apparatus for use in digestion experiments with cows 809 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, EDITKD BY A. C. TRUE, Ph. D., Director, E. W. Allen, Ph. D., Assistant Director — Chemistry, Dairy Farming, and Dairying. W. H. Beal — Meteorology, Fertilizers (including methods of analysis), Soils, and Agricultural Engineering. Walter H. Evans, Ph. D. — Botany and Diseases of Plants. C. F. Langworthy, Ph. D. — Foods and Animal Production. F. C. Kenyon, Ph. D. — Entomology and Veterinary Science. R. A. Emerson — Horticulture. J. I. Schulte — Field Crops. With the cooperation of the scientific divisions of the Department and the Abstract Committee of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. CONTENTS OF Vol. X, No. i. Page. Editorial notes: The reading course as a factor in agricultural education 1 Scandinavian seed-control stations, F. W. Woll 4 Recent work in agricultural science 16 Notes 99 SUBJECT LIST OF ABSTRACTS. CHEMISTRY. New method for water analysis — Application of oleic acid as an indicator in the quantitative determination of mineral matter, E. d'Huart 16 Percentage of phosphoric acid in potable waters, C. Lepierre 16 Note on the estimation of citrate-soluble phosphoric acid in Thomas slag, M. Passon 17 A new method for the estimation of starch in grains, L. Lindet 17 On the practical application of the refractometer in butter examination, A. J. Swaviug 17 The examination of filled cheese, A. Devarda 18 A new drying oven with a constant temperature, M. C. Schuyten 18 BOTANY. Notes upon bean and pea tubercles, B. D. Halsted 21 Some botanical notes on corn, L. H. Pammel and R. Combs 22 i II CONTENTS. ZOOLOGY. Page. Tho jack ral>l>its of the United States 23 The jack rabbits of the United States, T. S. Palmer 25 Mil EOBOLOGT. Oklahoma weather ami crops for 1897, G. E. Morrow 26 Meteorological ohscrvations, J. E. Ostrander and A. C. Monahau 26 Solar and terrestrial magnetism in their relations to meteorology, F. II. Bige- h»w 26 \\ ATKK — SOILS. The soils of Tennessee, C. F. Vanderford 26 Drinking water, N. E. Wilson 31 Soil moisture, J. B. Weems and J.J. Edgerton 27 Mechanical analyses ami water content of "Wyoming soils, C. B Ridgaway... 29 The electrical method of moisture determination in soils, F. D. Gardner 30 The chemical composition of Utah soils, J. A. Widtsoe 30 FERTILIZEBS. On Wiborgh pbospbate, its manufacture and agricultural value, L. F. Nilson. 32 The assimilation of nitric acid as well as the action of different nitrates, W. Schueidewind 34 Report of analyses of commercial fertilizers for the fall of 1897, L. L. Van Slyke 36 Analyses of commercial fertilizers, B. W. Kilgore et al 36 The inspection of fertilizers in 1897, F. W. Morse 36 Bacteria obtained from manure and their physiological role in the decomposi- tion of manure, S. A. Sewerin 35 FIELD CROPS. Cooperative experiments iii agriculture, C. A. Zavitz 36 Experiments with cotton, J. F. Duggar 37 Red rice, W. R. Dodson 38 Sugar-beet investigations in Wisconsin during 1897, F. W. Woll 39 The sugar beet in Pennsylvania, H. P. Armsby 40 Report on the results obtained with sugar cane on the experimental fields at Dodds's Reformatory, 1896, J. R. Bovell and J. P. d' Albuquerque 40 .The cultivated vetches, J. G. Smith 43 Variety tests of wheat, oats, and potatoes, G. C. Watson and E. H. Hees 41 Manuring meadows, L. Graudeau 42 HORTICULTURE. Vegetable tests of 1897, L. R. Taft, H. P. Gladden, and M. L. Dean 47 Preliminary report on Arkansas seedling apples, J. T. Stinson 48 Fruit growing in Wyoming, B. C. Bufftim 44 The culture of native plums in the Northwest, E. 8. Goff 45 Notes on pruning, F. W. Card 45 Results of thinning fruit in 1897 46 Stimulating and holding fruit buds, II. E. G lazier < 46 Strawberries and grapes, H. E. Glazier 46 Strawberry growing in New Hampshire, F. W. Rane 48 Cooperative experiments with small fruit, D. T. Price 48 Raspberries, blackberries, and grapes, L. R. Taft and H. P. Gladden 48 Report of South Haven Substation 49 Hybrid roses, gooseberries, and strawberries, J. L. Budd 47 CONTENTS. Ill FORESTRY. Page. Notes on the annual growth of forest trees, W. R. Lazenhy 50 Forestry conditions and interest of Wisconsin, F. Roth 51 Forest growth and sheep grazing, F. V. Coville 52 SEEDS — WEEDS. Report of the Danish seed, control for 1*96-97, O. Rostrn n 53 Seed testing, C. R. Ball r>4 Dodders infesting clover and alfalfa, L. H. Dewey 54 DISEASES OF PLANTS. The alfalfa leaf spot disease, R. Comhs 58 The olive knot, F. T. Bioletti 55 A destructive disease of maize, M. Raciborski 56 The diseases of the sugar cane in Java, J. H. Wakker and F. A. F. C. Went ... 56 Rhizoctonia stvobi, a new disease of Finns slrobus, E. Scholz 57 On the viability of the winter spores of certain rust fungi, J. Eriksson 57 Annual report of the superintendent of spraying for Ontario, 1897 58 Preparation and application of fungicides, W. C. Sturgis 60 ENTOMOLOGY. Proceedings of the ninth annual meeting of the Association of Economic Entomologists 60 Revision of the Tachinidae of America north of Mexico, D. W. Coquillett.. .. 66 On the biology of Ocneria dispar in Russia, N. Kulagin 66 The San Jose scale, H. Osborn 68 A remedy for trial in the destruction of the worm of the vine (Cochylie), J . D u f ou r 67 FOODS— ANIMAL PRODUCTION. Comparison of the tbermogenetic or dynamogenetic power of simple food stuffs, with their nutritive value, A. Chan veau 70 The importance of asparagin for animal nuti itiou, M. Chomsky 71 Examination of Swedish fodder plants, IV, A. G. Kellgren and L. F. Nilson 72 The cooking of meat 73 Pig-feeding experiments, J. Klein 73 Pig-feeding experiments, J. Klein 74 Horse feeding: Tests of the digestibility of oats, hay, and the "new corn prod- uct," H.J.Patterson 75 Poultry experiments, J, Dryden 77 DAIRY FARMING — DAIRYING. Investigations on the care and keeping of milch cows, Backhaus 83 On the influence of the food on the fat content of the milk, F. Friis 86 Obtaining milk under aseptic conditions, Backhaus and W. Cronheiin 87 Some new experiments in churning 88 Effect of period of lactation on milk and quality of butter, G.L. McKay and J W.Wilson 89 Investigations on the utilization of casein, Backhaus 89 VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. On the result of the rinderpest investigations at Koch's experiment station in Kimberly 91 The sheep fluke, N. A. Cobb 93 Contribution to the natural history of Trichina S2)iralis, J. Y. (iraham 93 Tuberculosis in cattle and tuberculin, Nocard 94 IV CONTENTS. STATISTICS— MISCELLANEOUS. Tenth Annual Report of Louisiana Stations, 18!>7 96 Annual Report of Missouri Station, 1897 96 Sixteenth Annual Report of Ohio Station, 1897 96 Spain's foreign trade, F. II. Hitchcock 96 Our trade with Spain, 1888-1897, F. H.Hitchcock 97 Final report on the crops of 1897, J. Hyde 97 Experiment station notes on miscellaneous subjects, J. II. Worst 97 List Of officials and associations connected with the dairy interests in the United States and Canada for 1898 98 Index to Iowa Station liulletins 25 to 36 98 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. Experiment stations in the United states: Alabama College Station: Bulletin 89, January, 1898 37 Arkansas Station: Bulletin 49, January, 1898 48 ( alifornia Station: Bulletin 120, March, 1898 55 Connecticut State Station : Bulletin 125, April, 1898 60 Iowa Station : Bulletin 36, 1897 22, 27, 47, 54, 58, 68, 89, 98 Louisiana Stations: Bulletin 50 (second series) 38 Tenth Annual Report, 1807 96 Maryland Station: Bulletin 51, December, 1897 75 Massachusetts Hatch Station: Meteorological Bulletin 109, January, 1898 26 Meteorological Bulletin 110, February, 1898 26 Meteorological Bulletin 111, March, 1898 26 Michigan Station: Bulletin 151, February, 1898 48 Bulletin 152, February. 1898 49 Bulletin 153, February, 1898 47 Mississippi Station: Bulletin 46, March, 1898 48 Bulletin 47 (special), March 25, 1898 36 Missouri Station: Annual Report, 1897 35,36,44,48,68,95,96,98 Nebraska Station : Bulletin 50 45 Nevada Station : Bulletin 34, December, 1896 31 Now Hampshire Station: Bulletin 47, October, 1897 48 Bulletin 49, January, 1898 36 New York State Station: Bulletin 134, December, 1897 36 North Dakota Station : Bulletin 31, March, 1898 97 Ohio Station : Bulletin 84, July 1, 1897 (Sixteenth Annual Report, 1897) 96 CONTENTS. V Experiment stations in the United States — Continued. Oklahoma Station : Page. Bulletin 30, January, 1898 26 Bulletin 31, February, 1898 46 Pennsylvania Station : Bulletin 39, November, 1897 41 Bulletin 40, December, 1897 40 Tennessee Station : Bulletin, Vol. X, No. 3, September, 1897 26 Utah Station : Bulletin 51, December, 1897 77 Bulletin 52, January, 1898, 30 Wisconsin Station : Bulletin 63, October, 1897 - 45 Bulletin 64, January, 1898 -'---- 39 Wyoming Station : Bulletin 34, November, 1897 44 Bulletin 35, December, 1897 29 United States Department of Agriculture: Farmers' Bulletin 31 (revised) - 42 Division of Agrostology: Circular 5 (revised) 42 Circular 6 43 Division of Biological Survey : Bulletin 8 23 Bulletin 8 (revised) 25 Bureau of Animal Industry : Circular 22 98 Division of Botany: Bulletin 16 (revised) 47 Circular 13 (revised) 47 Circular 14 54 Division of Entomology : Bulletin 9 (new series) 60 Bulletin 7 (technical series) 66 Section of Foreign Markets: Bulletin 11 96 Bulletin 12 97 Division of Forestry : Bulletin 15 52 Bulletin 16 51 Division of Soils: Bulletin 12 30 Division of Statistics: Report 155 (new scries) 97 Weather Bureau : Bulletin 21 26 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Vol. X. Xo. 1. Among the many important agencies for agricultural education in this country must be counted the form of university extension work in which home-reading courses are conducted on the Chautauqua plan. The encouragement of agricultural education by this means has been undertaken by several of the agricultural colleges, and with such success as to demonstrate its practicability and value. The interest aroused in systematic reading along definite lines has had a beneficial effect upon the reader, apart from the information gathered, in cultiva- ting the habit of thoughtful reading and in teaching him how to help himself. Xot infrequently it has had the effect of arousing in the pupil a desire for college education or at least of helping him to appreciate the benefits of college training. This is a matter of unusual importance in the case of agriculture, as one of the difficulties met with in attract- ing students to courses in agricultural colleges has been the disparaging of "book farming" by farmers and the failure of the farmer's boy to realize the value to himself of an agricultural course — that there is anything in farming beyond what his father can teach him. The interest which has been aroused in reading courses where sys- tematic effort has been given io their inauguration has been quite remarkable. The success of the enterprise in the State of Xew York, where this and other forms of university extension among farmers have been most extensively undertaken, has been especially striking and its results are likely to be very far-reaching. That there is an increasing demand for education by this means is also shown by the year's experience of Cosmopolitan University, which is devoted entirely to instruction through the medium of correspondence. Although in operation less than one year, this institution now has upon its rolls nearly 20,000 students, distributed throughout the United States, Cen- tral America, and Canada, who are pursuing courses of reading in a wide range of subjects, under the direction of a faculty located at the university. This faculty numbers fourteen, besides assistants, and their instruction is given entirely through correspondence with the individ- ual pupils. Indeed the instruction is more individual than iu ordinary school work, for the individual circumstances and capabilities of the pupils have to be learned and taken into account in assigning and directing the work, l 2 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Among its numerous departments the university has one for agri- culture, which has met with such success as to be of interest to students of agricultural education. It is especially encouraging as showing the desire for agricultural education by a large body of people who are unable to take up even the short courses offered by so many of the agricultural colleges. This department is presided over by Dr. Lewis McLouth, formerly president of the South Dakota Agricultural Col- lege The field of agricultural science and art has been divided and subdivided under numerous heads, and general and special courses planned to suit the varied demands of pupils. These cover the whole range of the subject, from climate and soil, plant production, animal production, and agricultural industries, to agricultural engineering and business management. In planning these courses and selecting books for the reading. Dr. McLouth has had the counsel of various educators in this field and of specialists. The number of excellent books on various phases of agriculture which have been published during the past few years has been a great aid to this work. The announcement of the agricultural department states that — "The need of the average farmer of to day is undoubtedly the power to take a comprehensive view of the agricultural possibilities of his own surroundings. This is obtainable only by study over a field broad enough to enlarge the limited horizon of everyday practical experience. The problem which he must have clearly in mind is, What is the utmost I can do with my present surroundings? "Thinking brains and trained hands are necessary to success in farming as in all occupations; but the power of good thinking can come only from a thorough analysis and complete understanding of the subject. The science and practice of farming, in its highest form, finds scope for as much knowledge and trained skill as any of the so- called 'learned professions.' " It is to assist those who are debarred by circumstances from attend- ing an agricultural college but who feel the need of this technical training that the agricultural department of the university is striving. It is gratifying to note that although this department has been organ- ized but a few months nearly 200 persons have taken up the agricultural course, and the interest and enthusiasm displayed by a considerable proportion is most hopeful. These pupils have been drawn from nearly all the walks of life — professional men, retired business men, horticulturists, nurserymen, farmers and breeders, mechanics, clerks in stores, farm laborers, factory operatives, etc. Both sexes and nearly all ages are represented. Each reader is invited to send to the univer- sity once a month a written abstract or synopsis of his month's reading for discussion and criticism. At the completion of each course exam- inations are taken if the reader desires. Questions may be freely asked by pupils at any time concerning difficulties in the reading or in any way bearing upon the subject-matter of study. There are no fees of EDITORIAL. 3 any sort. The only expense to the reader is that for books and post- age. "The sole conditions of membership are earnestness and reason- able preparation." The entire enterprise is declared by the founder of the university to be a benevolent one, and the expense of conducting it is at present borne by him. No attempt is made to compete with or take the place of existing means of education. The aim of the university is "to till a gap in existing means of education, and to bring an opportunity for liberal education, in the true sense of the term, within the reach of all who are unable, because of financial or family reasons, to attend established colleges." Persons whose circumstances and means are such as to enable them to attend the regular schools and colleges are strongly advised to do so. These various efforts which are being made for popular education in agriculture recognize the fundamental fact that the length and expense of a four years' college course is an insurmountable barrier to the average farmer's son ; and the earnestness with which the opportunities offered are being embraced in many localities is a recognition of the rapidly increasing evidence that the farmer needs special training for his occupation. While it is not pretended that the reading course will take the place of the more thorough instruction in agriculture, it will be far better than no course at all. It will open the mind of the pupil to the wonderful progress which is being made in agricultural science and practice. It will enable him to take more thorough advantage of the information furnished through books, bulletins of experiment stations, agricultural reapers, farmers' institutes, etc. And it may prove au incentive to keep those boys on the farm who are fitted to get the most in every way out of a farmer's life. SCANDINAVIAN SEED-CONTROL STATIONS. F. W. Wui.i, M. S., Assistant Professor of Agricultural Chemistry, University of Wisconsin. The plan of establishing special seed-control stations began to be discussed in the Scandinavian countries at about the same time that it was in Germany, viz, in the early part of 1869, but the latter country led in the realization of the plan by nearly two years. The seed-con- trol station at Tharand, Saxony, was established by F. Xobbe in May, 1869, while that at Copenhagen, Denmark, was opened in February, 1871, by E. Moller-Holst. The Danish seed control celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary in 1896, on which occasion a special report on Danish seed control, 1871-1896,' was prepared for publication by the present director of the station, O. Kostrup, containing an account of the activities of the station since its establishment, and a statement of the present methods of seed analysis followed by the station. Much of the information given in the present article is gleaned from this report and from B. Jonsson's exhaustive paper on the history and present condition of the seed control.2 The annual reports and other publications of the various stations have furthermore been drawn upon for information concerning the work done by the stations. The other Scandinavian countries did pot organize seed-control sta- tions until several years after the establishment of the Danish station, viz, Sweden in 1876 and Norway in 1884. The two stations of this kind existing in Finland date from 1880 and 1882. (See p. 7.) The conditions which brought into existence the seed-control sta- tions in the countries named were similar to those found in other coun- tries where such stations were established. Since these conditions are well known to students they need not be considered in detail here. Many kinds of seed sold in the Scandinavian countries during the early stages of the seed control were imported from Germany or sur- rounding countries, and the frauds described by Kobbe and other early champions of seed control in Germany were also found in the Scan- dinavian countries, including the use of powdered quartz, white or artificially colored, of any shade desired as an adulterant of clover seed, known to the trade as "Bohemian Mountains;" peat dust for adulterating timothy seed; bleaching of seed; admixtures of killed 'Dansk Frokontrol, 1871-1896, O. Roatrup, Copenhagen, 1896. Published by Nordiske Forlag, 81 pp., ill. 52 K. Landt. Akad. I laudl. Tidskr., 33 (1894 ), pp. 257-28(1, 321-372 (E. S. R.; 6, p. Mir.). 4 SCANDINAVIAN SEED-CONTROL STATIONS. seed of Plantago lanceolata in red clover seed; of charlock and white mustard seed in turnip, rape, or cabbage seed, etc. Besides seed con- taining worthless adulterations or foul weed seeds, old and inferior seed true to name or seed mixed with that of other cultivated plants of less value was imposed upon an unsuspecting or patient public in much the same way that is possible under present conditions in this country. It was found also that seed whieh could not be sold in coun- tries where seed control had been established was exported to countries where there was no such control and found a ready market there, until these countries partly as a matter of self-protection founded similar institutions. The effect of the work of the Danish seed-control station became noticeable almost immediately after the establishment of the station, especially as regards the purity of the seed examined. The quality of the seed on the market, as is shown in the average purity and germination of the seed samples analyzed, has been gradually improved from year to year since the work of the station began, and is now of a very high order. Selecting a dozen of the more common kinds of seed of legumes and grasses for comparison, we have in illustration of the fact stated the data presented in the following table, which has been compiled from the summary statements published by the station:1 Summary of results of Danish seed analyses, 1S70-1S96. PURITY OF SEED. Kind of seed. 1870-71. 1871-72. 1875-76. 1880-81. 1885-86. 1890-91. 1895-96. Per cent. 80.5 83.6 82. 5 91.5 91. 0 88.0 60.0 28.5 22.0 42.0 57.0 39.3 Per cent. 88.0 86.0 88.0 86.0 87.0 96.0 72. 0 65.0 21.0 44.0 00. 0 60.0 Per cent. 91.7 91.5 90.8 90. 5 90.6 94. 9 53.0 39.5 55.5 86.2 82. 0 61.3 Per cent. 97.7 96.3 96.5 97.7 94.4 98.0 60.7 78.0 87.2 80.6 90.7 84.3 Per cent. 97.7 96. 5 96.5 98.7 96.1 97. 9 74.8 65. 4 88.4 80.8 92.7 79.3 Per cent. 95.9 95.9 95.5 98.3 95.8 98. 3 81.4 69.7 94.4 93.2 93.0 86.2 Per cent. 97.5 96.7 97.0 98.5 96.3 98.5 Meadow foxtail 77.5 84.1 Rough-stalked meado w 97.9 94.0 95.8 87.0 Average 63. 8 71.6 77.3 88.5 88.6 91.5 93. 5 GERMINATION OF SEED. Red clover White clover A 1 si ke clover Black medick Rye grass Timol liy Meadow foxtail Velvet grass Fiorin grass Rough-stalked meadow grass Meadow fescue Orchard grass Average of grass species 91.0 83.8 81.0 93. 5 84.0 89.0 3.0 27.0 42.5 26.0 51.0 40.4 81.0 79.0 72.0 79. 0 86.0 86.0 6.0 34.0 8.0 12.0 41.0 35.0 92. 1 90 9 88.4 81.0 75.3 87.2 45.5 27.0 45.5 1.0 70.5 71.8 91 + 72 84 + 14 88 + 8 81+9 80.9 83.3 44.4 4li. 7 90.5 65.5 90.3 82.6 53.0 91+82 84 + 15 81 + 17 96.3 93. 1 91.0 68.4 79.5 83.0 77.2 94.4 81.8 86+8* 79+15 86 + 9 81 + 8 88.2 92. 2 68.0 80.0 91.8 88.3 89.1 83.6 85.2 90.6+ 8.32 82.6 15.7 90.9+ 8.3 92. :■ :>. .s 93. 6 95.5 74.9 88.1 94.7 79.4 93. 0 1 Dansk Frokontrol 1871-1896, p. 10 ; Aunual Report 1895-96, p. 7. 2 The figures added represeut the percentage of hard seed. 6 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. HISTORY OF SEED CONTROL IN SCANDINAVIA AND FINLAND. Denmark. — As already stated, the first seed-control station in Den- mark was established in < Jopenhagen in 1871. This was at first a pri- \atc enterprise and was conducted for several years at a pecuniary loss, being maintained through the public spiritedness of its founder, E. M.ill.M- Hoist. The Slate Agricultural Society in 1881 made an annual appropriation of 1,000 and later of 2,000 crowns ($268 and $536, respectively) for the support of the institution, and in 1883-84 the Government appropriated 2,000 crowns, which was increased in 1886 t<» 5,000 crowns ($1,340) annually. The State did not, however, assume full control of ill*' station until L891, when the present incumbent, O. Rostrup, was appointed director. The government of the station is in the hands of a seed-control commission of five members, appointed by the State, which determines the policy and the working rules of the station. The number of seed samples analyzed by the Danish seed-control station since its establishment aggregates 30,897. The average num- ber of samples analyzed annually has during late years approximated 1,800. The Copenhagen seed-control station is the only public institu- tion of its kind in Denmark. Sweden. — The first Swedish seed-control station was established in Halmstad in 1S70. Later other stations came into existence, as shown in the following statement, furnished through the kindness of Dr. Jonsson, director of the Lund seed-control station. Swedish seed-control stations, 1896. Counts {Ian). Halland Kulinar Skaraborg Wostmanland Stockholm Oestergotland Krisl iaustad Goteborg and Bohuslan. Oerebro Malmohua Westerbotten .1 < ' 1 1 1 1 1 : i m 1 Upsala Jonkoping ( lefleborg Vestemorrland Sodra Elt'sborg Norrbotten Gotlaad Varmland Location. Director. Halmstad E. Kaluiar A. Skara O. Westeras J. Stockholm 0. Linkoping C. Kristianstad | L. Goteborg \ J. Oerebro. ). Lund 11. I'mea (!. Ope r. Upsala i T. Jonkoping R. Gone A. Bernosand C. Boras A, LuleS P. Hemse T. Molkom J . Lyttkens Atterberg ... Nylander O. Bergatrand Stjernquist . . A.Blum J. Wahlstedt . E.Alen Widen Jonsson X.Pahl F. Broman von Post Tolf West man G.Strokirk ... W.Essen Hellstrom A. Satervall. . A. Andersson. Tear of es- tablish ment. 1876 1877 1877 1877 1878 1878 1879 1879 1880 1880 1880 1881 1882 1882 1883 1883 1885 1889 1889 1891 Xumber of analy- ses made in 1895. 246 603 32 150 1,001 401 345 261 831 1,255 39 137 345 365 189 434 210 58 39 215 A number of the twenty seed-control stations in operation at the present time are combined with "chemical stations" under the same director. They are supported partly by State and county aid, partly by the income from analysis fees. The State appropriation varies from 350 to 850 crowns ($93.80 to $227.80) annually to the various stations, or 10,000 ($2,680) in the aggregate. In a few cases, e. g., Lund, the SCANDINAVIAN SEED-CONTROL STATIONS. 7 director is dependent upon the analysis fees as payment for his serv- ices. The stations presenting a fall report of their receipts and expenditures during 1894-95 received from 57.8 crowns (Lulea) to 2,071.58 crowns (Stockholm) in analysis fees (equivalent to $15.49 to $555.28, respectively). The stations report to the State Agricultural Department (Kongl. Landtbruhsstyrelsen) and work under the regula- tions prescribed by the Department. The total number of seed samples analyzed annually by the stations has of late years exceeded 0,000. In 1894, 6,581 samples were analyzed, and in 1895, 7,078 samples. Of the latter number, 2,400 samples were analyzed for farmers, 3,770 for seedsmen, and 842 samples were bought in the open market by the stations themselves; 5,153 complete and 1,925 partial analyses were made. In addition to this analytical work a majority of the stations furnish to seedsmen tags guaranteeing the quality of seed in bags from which samples are drawn and analyzed. Finland. — Two seed-control stations are in operation in Finland, one in Helsingfors and one in Aabo, established in 1880 and 1882, respec- tively. Both stations are operated in connection with a chemical sta- tion, and are supported partly by the Government and partly by annual grants from the city in which each is located. The number of analyses (including chemical analyses) made during 1895 at the Helsingfors station is given as 2,435, 412 being seed analyses. At Aabo 1,006 analyses were made in 1895, of which number 225 were seed samples. Norway. — Official seed control was organized in Norway in the begin- ning of 1884, when the seed-control station at Haug was established by the Agricultural Society of Kristians ami (county). Later (in 1880) control stations were established in Ohristiania, Hainar, and Trondhjem, and the station at Haug was discontinued. The Ohristiania station is largely supported by an annual appropriation from the patriotic Society for Norway's Weal ( SelsTcabfor Worges Vel), while the other stations have small subsidies from the counties in which they are located and are primarily dependent for their support on the analysis fees received. The number of analyses made at the Ohristiania control station during the decade 1886-1897 aggregates 2,029, viz, 1,724 complete and 305 partial analyses. About 200 samples are analyzed annually. METHODS OF ANALYSIS. The methods of analysis in vogue in the seed-control stations of the Scandinavian countries were worked out by representatives of the three countries, constituting the Scandinavian seed control committee, in meetings held in Copenhagen in the latter part of 1890. The rules proposed by this committee were subsequently approved by the respec- tive government authorities, with but insignificant changes. The meth- ods and regulations concerning the seed control have therefore during late years been essentially the same in all the Scandinavian countries and in Finland as well. A summary of the methods of analysis and the regulations governing the seed control in these countries is given below. 8 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A complete seed analysis includes determinations of (1) genuineness, ('_') purity, 3) weight, and (4) germination. If partial examinations are desired covering one or more points, the fact that such examinations alone have been made, and that the certificate does not give any guar- anty for the general quality of the seed, is to be expressly stated. (1) Genuineness.— The genuineness of the seed is determined by the aid of the standard seed collection of the control station or the seed manuals. Both popular and Latiu names of the seed examined are given in the certificate, and, so far as practicable, also the variety and cultural form. (2) Purity.— The purity of the seed is determined in average weighed samples by hand picking or screening. As the lower limit for the size of the sample used for this purpose the average dry weight of 1,000 seed multiplied by 10 is generally taken. An exception is made in case of seed a hectoliter of which weighs more than 25 kg. For such seed the lower limit is found by multiplying by 5. The sample must never weigh less than 2 gm. and for large seeds like beans, etc., at least 300 gm. is required. In purity determinations the seed is separated into (1) pure .seed and (2) impurities. The latter include (a) offal (fragments of plants and seeds, dirt, sand, stones, etc.), (b) foreign culture seed, and (c) weed seed. The quantities of these different components are determined by weighing, aud are given on the certificate issued, calculated to per cent of the seed. The weed seeds are separated into harmless and noxious seed. Under the latter are included the following II kinds in addition to rust spores and sclerotia: Agrostemma githago, Bromus secalinus, Bunias orientalis, Centaurea cyanus, Chrysanthemum segetum, Cirsium arvense, Cuscuta trifolii, Matricaria inodora, Ranunculus repens, Rapha- nus raphanistrum, Rhinanthus crista galli, Sinapis arvensis, Brassica campestris, and Sonchus arvensis. (3) Weight. — For the determination of the dry weight of 1,000 seeds thiee lots of 200 seeds of the thoroughly mixed sample of pure seed are counted and weighed. The fresh weight of 1,000 seeds is found by mul- tiplying by 5. If the parallel determinations differ more than 5 per cent for small seed (i. e., average dry weight per 1,000 seeds below 5 gm.) and 10 per cent for huge seed (i. e., average dry weight per 1,000 seeds over 5 gm.) the determinations are repeated. A dry-matter determina- tion is then made of the sample of pure seed by grinding 10 to 20 gm. of large seed in a small mill and weighing out 2.5 gm. of the ground seed. In ease of small seed 1 gm. of whole seed is weighed out. These quantities are dried for 1 hours in a steam oven. The percentage of dry matter thus found, multiplied by the fresh weight of 1,000 seeds, gives the dry weight of 1,000 seeds, which is reported with 3 decimals in the analysis certificate. The determination of the hectoliter weight of cereals and legumes is obligatory in case of complete analysis, the result being expressed with 3 decimals. SCANDINAVIAN SEED-CONTROL STATIONS. 9 (4) Germination.— The three samples of 200 seeds each used for the determination of the fresh weight are taken for this determination. If the parallel results calculated in percentage of pure seed do not come within 6 per cent a new germination test is made. For this determina- tion such methods, apparatus, temperature, etc., are adopted as will give the highest and most uniform results in each particular case. The seed may be soaked in water for 10 minutes prior to being placed in the germination apparatus. Of late years soaking has, however, gen- erally been abandoned, as it has been found of no advantage in hasten- ing the germination. The germination test is discontinued at the end of the number of days given below, in case of the various kinds of seed: Days. Cabbage, radisb, mustard 8 Spergula, barley, rye, wbeat, timothy, flax, kidney vetch, birds' foot trefoil, lupine, medick, bean, pea, clover, bean vetch ( Vicia faba), buckwheat 10 Common oats, Tartarian oats, lentil, latkyrus, Orobus, vetches (exclusive of Vicia faba) 12 Fioriu grass, foxtail, tall oat grass, yellow oat grass, reed canary grass, Brachypodiuru, brome grass (Bromus arreusis and B. mol- lis), meadow fescue, reed meadow grass, rye grass, Schedonorus, esparcet, serradella, caraway, carrot, parsnip, etc 15 Aira, sweet vernal grass, quaking grass, crested dog's tail, orchard grass, lyme grass, hard fescue, giant fescue, Festuca heleropln/lla, sheep's fescue, red fescue, Festuca sylratica, velvet grass, psamma grass 20 Meadow grasses ( Poa spp. ), seed of most trees 25 Besides the germination proper, the so-called germinative energy, i. e., the number of seeds germinating in certain briefer periods of time, is given. These differ with different seeds, and are as follows: Days. Lucern, yellow mustard, turnips 2 Red, white, and alsike clover, kidney vetch, ruta-baga 3 Black medick, spurry, timothy, brome grass (Bromus arvensis and B. mollis) 4 Common and Italian rye grass, florin, tall oat grass, meadow fescue . 5 Carrot, fodder beet, meadow foxtail, velvet grass, Kentucky blue grass (3 Hard fescue, orchard grass 7 Meadow grass (Poa spp.) 8 In regard to the germinative energy of seed of different age Moller- Holst found that Scandinavian seeds germinate better and more rapidly in the spring than during the preceding fall, but as a rule the germi- native energy continues to increase during the following six to twelve months. As long as this is the case the seed can not properly be called old, even if they have lost their brightness and color, which is apt to hap- pen, particularly with white-clover seed. It was found that the germi- native energy increased during five to fifteen months after the first germination test was made for red clover, white clover, alfalfa, caraway, barley, orchard grass, and common rye grass. 10 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 5 Hard seed.— The hard seed of legumes and nongerminated seed of very slowly germinating tree seed, which prove viable on being cut open, are given in a special column as "bard." Other seeds which have not germinated are given as "dead." The germination of beet seed is calculated in percentage of viable bolls. The proportion of hard seeds in seed of leguminous plants has been determined at the Danish seed-control station since the summer of 1874. Experiments in the open held having shown that about half of the hard seeds germinated during the summer, the percentage of germination is increased by one-half the percentage of hard seeds. Since 1887 the per- centages of germinated and hard seeds have been given separately in the analysis certificates, and according to common usage in Denmark the viability of a sample of leguminous seeds has come to mean the sum of the germinated and hard seeds. In the other Scandinavian countries and in Finland only one-third of the hard seeds are as a rule considered viable. A greater proportion of hard seeds is found soon after harvest than later on, the proportion decreasing somewhat in the course of the winter. The samples of red, white, and alsike clover analyzed at the Danish station during the year 188G-87 contained on an average the following percentages of hard seed: November, 1G per cent; December, 12 per cent; January, 10 per cent; February, 9 per cent; Marcb, 9 per cent; April, 9 per cent; and May, 9 per cent. The germinative ability of hard seeds increases with age, but the method of keeping the seed has a marked influence, a dry, warm atmos- phere being favorable to the preservation of their hardness. Where the proportion of hard seeds approaches 20 to 30 per cent or exceeds these figures, as is often the case with white and alsike clover, the matter of hard seeds becomes one of great importance. Under ordinary conditions and with other leguminous seeds the depreciation from this cause is considerable. Efforts have been made to prepare hard seed so as to secure perfect germination, but they have not been altogether successful until lately. The seed-coat crusher (fropraparator) constructed by K. Hj. Mlsson, director of the Svalof seed station in Sweden, maybe said to have prac- tically solved the problem. The seed crusher consists of an emery cyl- inder, which is rotated at the rate of 3,200 revolutions per minute. The .seed passing through the machine is thrown against tbe cylinder and its seed coat scratched so as to readily permit the entrance of water to the germ of the seed. The earlier form of the machine worked in a satisfactory manner, but its capacity was too small, viz, only one to one and one-half bags of seed (100 to 150 kg.) per day. The machine as now perfected and manufactured has a capacity of 100 to 200 kg. per hour, according to the kind of seed treated. The price of the seed machine, which is patented, is 300 crowns ($81). The treatment by the process has been SCANDINAVIAN SEED-CONTROL STATIONS. 11 found to have no injurious effect on tbe seed. The machine has been generally adopted by Scandinavian seedsmen. Germination tests of seeds before and after being run through the "Mlsson" or "Svalof" seed-coat crusher show the great improvement resulting from this treatment. The Copenhagen station has published the following results: Red clover containing 25 per cent of hard seed — germination before treatment (in three days), Gl per cent; after treatment (in three days), 9G per cent. White-clover seed containing 31 per cent of hard seed — germination before treatment (in five days), 62 per cent; after treatment (in three days), 90 per cent. Alsike clover seed containing 6G per cent of hard seed — germination before treatment (in four days), 27 per cent; after treatment (in three days), 98 per cent. LATITUDE ALLOWED IN SEED ANALYSIS BY THE DANISH SEED- CONTROL STATION. The latitude allowed in seed analysis for purity is 2 per cent; for germination of pure seed, 3 per cent in case of over 95 per cent germi- nation, 4 per cent in case of 90 to 95 per cent germination, and 5 per cent below 90 per cent germination ; for germination of seed purchased (pure viable seed), 5 per cent; for grain weight, G per cent for legumi- nous seed and 10 per cent for grass seed; for weed seed, 0.3 per cent (see below). The amount of discount per pound to be allowed for deficiency in purity and germination is calculated as follows: Deficiency per cent X price per pound Discount for impurity = - Guaranteed purity. „. , j. , „ . ,. Deficiency per cent x price per pound Discount for deficient germmation = , — •'— ^ , \ —J J Guaranteed germination. Hard seeds. — If certain percentages of hard and of viable seeds are guaranteed the hard seeds are calculated as equal to one-third the value of the viable seeds, unless another relation is agreed upon at the time of the sale. Weight. — For each deficient per cent a discount of one-half of 1 per cent of the price of the seed is given. Weed seeds. — For the deficiency, calculated in percentage of the seed, 15 per cent of the cost of the seed is deducted for each per cent of weed seeds unless these are harmless. In such case the discount is given for a possible excess of impurities. If the seed is guaranteed free from noxious weeds beyond a certain maximum, a content of 100 dodder seeds and 200 other foul weed seeds per kilogram beyond this maximum is allowed. In case of a greater content of weed seeds a discount of 2 per cent of the cost of the seed per kilogram is given for each 100 and 200 weed seeds, respectively, contained therein beyond the maximum quantity allowed, the greatest discount allowed being 25 per cent of the cost of the seed. 2231— No. 1 2 12 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. GERMINATION APPARATUS. The Nobbe clay disks arc used to some extent in a number of Scan- dinavian seed-control stations, but where a large number of analyses arc made either the Jacobsen or the Strokirk germination apparatus is used. The former (fig. 1), constructed by C. P. Jacobsen, of Copenhagen, consists of a large, square, metal tank, in which are placed narrow glass plates (a). On these, round felt pieces are laid, which are connected with the water in the tank by means of small wicks. A thick, loosely woven mat is placed on the felt, and on this again a piece of filter paper, upon which the seeds to be tested are spread. A small glass bell supplied with a nar- row opening at the top, to provide for circulation of air, is placed over the disks. The disks of felt and the woven mat also have holes in the middle to facilitate Circulation. Fhk l.-Jacobaen's seed-testing apparatus. A gas burner (c) heats the water in the tank, and to distribute the heat more evenly a metal plate (b) rests loosely on small pillars, which sup- port it a couple of inches above the bottom. This apparatus is easily regulated as to moisture and temperature, is easily cleaned and examined, takes comparatively little room, and gives very satisfactory and comparable results. The two pieces of apparatus of this kind in use in the Danish seed-control station in 1896 had a capacity of 253 and 119 germination tests, respectively, at a time. The tank, disks, glass plates, etc., were cleaned with boiling water once every week, and the filter paper renewed every four days. The temperature of the bath ranges from 15 to 26° C, the temperature during the night being 1(J to 17° C. Experiments made with a view of finding a more favorable temperature have always given negative results, as shown in the following series of experiments made by the Danish seed control: Effect of constant ami variable temperatures on germination. Orchard grass Common rye grass Italian rye gniss . . Number of sam- ples. Viability at — 18-25° C ST. 3 83.5 82.5 Constant at 25° C. 8C.3 81.9 82.1 SCANDINAVIAN SEED-CONTROL STATIONS. 13 These results corroborate those obtained by Stebler, who recommends on the average 19°, not higher than '26°, but where it is possible not below 15°. TA(fS FOR SEED IN BAGS. A number of Swedish and Finnish control stations offer seedsmen an opportunity to guarantee the quality of their goods by furnishing tags for seed in bags which upon analysis has been found to come up to a certain standard. If a quantity of seed analyzed does not come up to the standard it can not be sold with station tags. The standards refer to the percentages of pure germinated seed in the goods, and are as follows : Minimum pure germinated seed for good* supplied with control tags. Per cent. (1) Cereals (straw and grain crops) 90 (2) Fodder plants: Red clover 80 White clover, alsike clover, rnedick, kidney vetch 75 Brome grass (Bromus arvensis and B. mollis), meadow fescue, timothy, ryegrass (Lolium italicum and L.pratense) 80 Orchard grass, tall oat grass 65 Hard fescue, red fescue, sheep's fescue 60 Crested dog's tail, florin grass 55 Reed canary grass, Aira ccespltosa, A. flexuosa, yellow oat grass, sweet vernal grass, meadow foxtail 40 Velvet grass 35 Meadow grass ( Poa spp. ) 30 (3y Various crops: Rape (Brassica spp.) 95 Spurry (Spergula satira and S. maxima), mustard 90 (4) Root crops: Mangel-wurzels, ruta-bagas 95 Beets 85 Carrots 55 (5) Tree seed : Conifers 70 The tags furnished give the main results of the analyses as follows: Name of seed, dry weight of 1,000 seeds, percentage of pure viable seed, hard seed, dead seed, chaff', dirt, etc., seed of other cultivated plants, weed seed, number of noxious weed seed per kilogram of sample, name of station, date, etc. The Finnish stations, in addition to information similar to that given above (in Swedish and Finnish), give on the reverse of the tag the num- ber of each of the following noxious weed seed found in 1 kg. of the seed, the names of the weed seeds being given in Latin, Swedish, and Finnish : Agrostemma githago, Agrostis spica venti, Rumex crispus, /•'. domestica, Thlaspi ar reuse, Barbarea vulgaris, Guscuta trifolii, Anthemis tinctoria, Matricaria inodora, Cirsium arvensis, Centaurea cyanus, Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Bromus secalinus, Raphanus raphanistrum, Brassica cam- pestris, Sinapis arvensis, Bunias orientalis, Sonchus arvensis, and Clavi- ceps purpurea. 14 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The total amount of seed examined and supplied with tags during 1895 by the thirteen Swedish seed-control stations called upon to do this work was in the aggregate 1 ,599,141 kg., or over 14,000 bags. The two Finnish stations supplied tags for 6,529 bags of seed during 1895. COST OF SEED ANALYSES. The tariff of the Danish seed control for analyses of seed samples is as follows: Tariff of the Danish seed control for seed analyses. 1 letermination of — c.uuineness 1.0 crown =$0.27 Hectoliter weight 1.5.. do.. = .40 Absolute weight 1. 5.. do.. = .40 Purity of large seeds 2. 0..do..= .54 Purity of small seeds 3.0..do..= .80 Number of Cuscuta seeds per kilogram 3. 0 . . do . . = .80 Pure viable seed, large seeds 4. 0..do.. = 1. 07 Pure viable seed, small seeds... 5. 0..do.. = 1. 34 Complete analysis, large seeds 5. 0..do.. = 1. 34 Complete analysis, small seeds 7. 0..do.. = 1. 88 Seedsmen who offer farmers the privilege of free examination of seed purchased of them pay 3 crowns (SO cts.) for such complete anal- ysis of large seeds and 4 crowns ($1.07) for the other kinds of seed. The tariff in force at Norwegian seed-control stations is lower than that of the Danish station, viz, complete analysis of seed offered for sale, 4 crowns ($1.07); of that grown by the sender, 3 crowns (80 cts.); of that purchased for own use, 3.60 crowns (96 cts.). Discounts are given to all parties whose annual analysis fees reach 50 crowns ($13.40) as follows: For 50 crowns, 20 per cent; 55 crowns, 21 per cent; 65 crowns, 22 per cent; 80 crowns, 23 per cent; 100 crowns, 24 per cent; 125 crowns, 25 per cent; 155 crowns, 26 per cent; 190 crowns, 27 per cent. Swedish seedsmen pay 3 crowns (SO cts.) for a complete seed analysis at their seed-control stations, 5 crowns ($1.34) for determination of the different kinds of foreign seeds, and 25 ore (6.7 cts.) per tag furnished. Customers within the particular county in which the station is located and which contributes to the support of the station, pay only 1 crown (27 cts.) for a complete seed analysis, including determinations of gen- uineness, purity, and germination; and 5 crowns ($1.34) for determina- tion of different kinds of foreign seeds. The tariff at the Finnish control stations is somewhat lower, viz, 3 Finnish marks (58 cts.) for a complete analysis of large seeds, 4 Finnish marks (77 ets.) for small seeds, and 20 penni (4 cts.) per tag furnished. PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT. The majority of the Scandinavian seed-control stations have one officer, the director of the station, or a director and assistant. A few SCANDINAVIAN SEED-CONTROL STATIONS. 15 stations employ additional temporary help during the rush of the sea- son. The largest Scandinavian seed station, the Danish seed control, is officered as follows: 1 director, 1 first assistant (bookkeeping and correspondence), 1 gardener, and 9 assistants; the latter and the first assistant are women. The larger stations are supplied with Jacobseu's germination appa- ratus; others use that of Strokirk or Nobbe's plates. The Nobbe ther- mostat for seed examinations or larger thermostats are often found. Other apparatus met with are Stjeruquist seed examiner, Stebler dia- phanoscope, Sommer and Eunge liter weight, jSobbe seed duster ("spreufege"), Svalof seed-coat crusher, "seed horn," Maercker seed marker, analytical balance, microscopes, pocket lenses, sieves, etc. As important as any of the preceding apparatus are the standard collections of pure seeds of cultivated plants and of the different weeds. These collections are invaluable for identifying foreign seeds in sam- ples received for examination. Mention should also be made of the reference library with which the stations (or the officers privately) are supplied, consisting, first of all, of manuals on seeds and seed testing (Nobbe, Harz, .Settegast), and of works on botany, microscopy, tech- nology, etc. Whenever tests are reported by any seed-control station, blanks are furnished stating the results of the examinations. These are generally reported on a printed form in which the percentages, etc., are tabulated so as to show the value of the seed at a glance. RECENT WORK IX AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. CHEMISTRY. New method for water analysis — Application of oleic acid as an indicator in the quantitative determination of mineral matter, E d'IIuart (2. Gongres Internal. Ghim. Appl, 1896, IV, pp. 289-293).— In the method proposed oleic acid or oleiu and soda solution, used separately, are substituted for the soap solution ordinarily employed in testing the hardness of water. The method is as follows: To 50 cc. of water add a few drops of pure olein, and then slowly run iu decinormai soda solution until a lather appears on shaking, •which rapidly disappears on standing. To another sample of 100 cc. of water add a few drops of hydro chloric acid and boil until the carbon dioxid is completely expelled. Cool, neutralize the acid carefully, evaporate to 50 cc, and test as above directed. The result thus obtained, subtracted from the first determination, gives the amount of soda equivalent to carbon dioxid in the water. Boil a third sample of 50 cc. of water until the free carbon dioxid and that of the bicarbonates is driven off. Cool, filter, make up the volume to HO cc. with distilled water, and test as before. This furnishes data for calculating the amount of carbon dioxid in the form of bicarbonate. To a fourth sample of 100 cc. of water add sufficient ammonium oxylate to completely precipitate the calcium salts. Boil for half an hour, Alter, cool, evaporate to 50 cc, and test as before to determine the equivalent in caustic soda of the magnesia present in the water. In comparative tests results obtained by this method agreed closely with those obtained by gravimetric methods. Percentage of phosphoric acid in potable waters, C. Lepierre (2. Congrh Internal. Chim. Appl, 1896, IV, pp. 267-272, dgms. 2). — This is a study of the method proposed by Villiers and Borg.1 As a result of the study, tue following modification of the method is proposed: Evaporate 1 liter of water to dryness in a porcelain, or better iu a plati- num dish, with the addition of dilute nitric acid to separate the silica. Take up in nitric acid and evaporate again to dryness to remove the last traces of silica. Filter and wash until the filtrate amounts to 50 cc and add 2 cc of molybdic solution, prepared by dissolving 150 gm. of 1 Bui. Soc. Chiin. Paris, 9 (1893), p. 486 (E. S. R., 5, p. 519). 16 CHEMISTRY. 17 ammonium molybdate in 1 liter of water. Tlie phosphoric acid is deter- mined by comparing the coloration thus produced with tbat of stand- ard solutions of phosphate to which an equal 'quantity of molybdic solution has been added. Note on the estimation of citrate-soluble phosphoric acid in Thomas slag, M. Passon {Ztsehr. Angeic. Chem., 1897, No. 23, pp. 746- 749). — Instead of the solution used by Wagner, the author recommends a solution containing 140 gm. crystallized citric acid and 30 gin. tri- potassium citrate in 1 liter. This solution gives results identical with the Wagner solution and is much easier to make. The tripotassium citrate is prepared by adding to a solution of citric acid rather more than enough potassium hydrate to neutralize the acid, evaporating the solution on a water bath until it begins to crystallize, allowing it to cool, and then stirring until a complete crystallization has taken place. The mother liquor is then drawn off, the salt washed with as little water as possible until the alkaline reaction disappears, then several times with alcohol and ether, and finally dried between folds of filter paper. — J. b. lindsey. A new method for the estimation of starch in grains, L. Lindet (Ztsehr. Angeiv. Chem., 1898, No. 7, p. 166). — Ten grams of the ground grain is treated for 24 hours at 40 to 50° C. with a solution containing 2 per cent of pepsin and 1.5 per cent of hydrochloric acid. The solu- tion is then brought into a small sack made of fine bolting cloth (SO to 100 mesh) and suspended in water until the starch appears to be entirely removed. The water should be changed frequently during the washing. The combined waters are filtered through a tared filter to collect the starch. The paper should be dried, first at 50° C. and later at 105° C. to constant weight. — J. b. lindsey. On the practical application of the refractometer in butter examination, A. J. Swaying (Laudic. Vers. Stat, 49 (1897), No. 1-5, pp. 341-347). — The author states that shipments of pure butter from Holland and Friesland to England have repeatedly been held to be suspicious on account of being below the limit for volatile fatty acids adopted by English chemists. This difficulty, it is believed, could be avoided by the use of the refractometer, which is also a great saving of time. The results are tabulated for 024 samples of butter examined with the refractometer and for volatile fatty acids. Of these, 353, or 56 per cent, showed a refractive index of 52.5° or less; and 127, or 20 per cent, showed a refractive index of 52.5 to 54°. These 480 samples were proved to be pure, natural butter. The remaining 144 samples, or 24 per cent, showed a higher refractive index (than 54°) and were in part identified as adulterated. In the case of butter containing admixtures of other fats it is con- sidered necessary to make an examination with the polarizing micro- scope, in addition to determinations of the volatile fatty acids and the 18 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. refractive index, to detect crystals of foreign fats. The refractive index and volatile fatty acids are given for a number of vegetable and animal fats, and the application of tliese data in the examination of mixed butters is described. The examination of filled cheese, A. Devarda (Ztschr. Analyt. ( Item., SO (1897), iVo. 12, pp. 75 1-766, fig. 1). — To obtain large quantities of cheese fat for investigation the following method is recommended: From 50 to 100 gin. of finely cut cheese is placed in a flask with 50 to 80 cc. water, 100 to 150 cc. ether, and 2 drops of phenolphthalein solu- tion. The whole is vigorously shaken and dilute caustic potash added until the reaction is distinctly alkaline, when the shaking is repented. After standing a short time the layer of fat solution may be drawn oft', filtered, and dried at 100^ C. If the fat has been thus extracted, the Reichert-Meissl method is believed sufficient to indicate the presence of foreign fat. Water is determined in the cheese by drying the. finely cut sample 24 to 30 hours in vacuo over sulphuric acid at room temperature, com- pleting the operation by heating to constant weight at 100° C, 2 to 6 hours being generally sufficient. The cheese, after drying by the above-described method, is finely ground and extracted with water-free ether. The crude fat thus obtained is dried 2 hours at 100° O. — l. h. merrill. A new drying oven with a constant temperature, M. O. Schu yten (GJw)i). Ztg., 21 (1897), No. 100, p. 1049, fig. 1).— This is on the principle of the water bath with a constant level. A double-walled drying oven is connected with an automatic constant-level reservoir of pure water by means of a connecting tube, which is provided with two stopcocks. One of these cocks is intended to establish connection between the oven and reservoir, and the other to allow egress of the liquid from the oven. Sodium nitrate is dissolved in the water to elevate the boil- ing point, the requisite amount being determined by trial. If the tem- perature of boiling is too low, more nitrate is added; if too high, some of the solution is drawn off and its place supplied with fresh water from the reservoir. When the desired point has been once reached and connection with the fresh-water reservoir established, the temperature remains constant. The temperature of boiling of the solution is con- stant so long as its density is constant, and this remains so indefinitely, inasmuch as the water lost by evaporation is renewed automatically from the fresh- water reservoir. — j. t. Anderson. Second International Congress of Applied Chemistry, 1896 (Deuxiime con- gres international chimie appliquie, 1S96. Paris: Association des Chimistes dc Sucrerieet Distillcrie, 1897, 5 vols. ).— This contains a report of the proceedings of the congress and the papers presented, edited by F. Dupont. Volume I (pp. 721, ill.) contains reports of section 1 on sugar and section 2 on" alcohol and fermented products; Volume II (pp. 544), of section 3 on agricultural industries, section 4 on agricultural chemistry, aud section 5 on official analysis and apparatus of precision; Volume III (pp. 499, ill.), of section 6 on chemical industries, section 7 on photography, and sec- CHEMISTRY. 19 tion 8 on metallurgy, mines, and explosives; Volume IV (pp. 659, ill.), of section 9 on chemistry applied to medicine, pharmacy, hygiene, and food, section 10 on electro chemistry and electro metallurgy, and section 11 on purification, etc., of water from manufactories. Volume V (pp. 360) contains a list of members and names of com- mittees, with reports of excursions, etc. Quantitative analysis of phosphates, R. M. Caven (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 16 (1807), pp. 20S,209; aba. in Jour. Chem. Soc. [Loudon], 74 (189S), No. 42.',, II, p. 1S7). Kjeldahl's process, J. O. Sullivax (Jour. Soc. (hem. Ind., 10 (1897), pp. 111,112; ahs. in Jour. Chem. Soc. [London], 74 (18DS), Xo. 425, II, p. ISO). — The author used in the analysis of malt extract and ale a mixture of 1 part strong sulphuric acid and 2 parts of Nordhausen acid, adding 0.5 gm. of mercuric oxid at the beginning and completing the oxidation with potassium permanganate. The use of mercuric chlorid for preserving samples of juice for analysis, H. Courtonne (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1890, I, pp. 251,252). Simple method for analyzing organic materials (butters, oils, "waxes, hydro- carbons, essences, etc.), by the determination of the critical temperature of solution, L. Crismer (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1896, IV, pp. 273-288, dgms.2). International agreeement in agricultural analysis, II. W. Wiley (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1890, II, pp. 237-240). On the analysis of beets, F. Sachs (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1896, I, pp. 286-290, figs. 2). A method of analysis applicable to salt and crude potashes, F. Jean (.'. Congres Internal. Chim. Appl., 1896, III, pp. 20, 21). — Detailed directions are given for the analysis of mixtures of caustic alkalies, and alkaline chlorids, carbonates, and sulphates. Commercial methods of analysis of flour and meal, M. Arpin (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1S96, II, pp. 58-03). Note on the determination of metaphosphoric and pyrophosphoric acids in superphosphates, Piron and Nay de Mkzence (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1890, II, pp. 174-177). — The method proposed for the determination of metaphosphoric and pyrophosphoric acids is as follows: Digest 2.5 gm. of the superphosphate in a 250 cc. flask with 100 cc. of ammonium citrate for 12 hours. Make up the volume to 250 cc. with water and filter. To 100 cc. of the filtrate add a slight excess of nitric acid (about 15 cc). Heat at a temperature near the boiling point for 1 hour, cool, and precipitate phosphoric acid in the usual way. The difference between the amount of phosphoric acid thus determined and that found by precipitation in 100 cc. of the filtrate in the usual manner, without treatment with nitric acid, gives the amount of metaphosphoric acid contained in the superphosphate. The agricultural value of Thomas slag, Cluss (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1S98, Xo. II, p. 248). — The author describes a modification of the Wagner method for ascertain- ing the agricultural value of the phosphoric acid in Thomas slag. To 100 cc. of the usual citrate acid solution containing the slag is added 20 cc. of concentrated nitric acid, and the solution boiled in an Erlenmeyer flask until the volume is reduced to about 20 cc. Twenty-five cubic centimeters of concentrated sulphuric acid is then added, and the solution boiled (about 10 miuutes) until the silica is deposited. The solution is then made to 250 cc, and the phosphoric acid estimated in 100 cc. of the filtrate. — J. B. lindsey. Determination of nitrates by titration, J. Cotrait (2. Congres Internat. Chim. AjjpL, 1896, II, p. 1S3). — The method employed is as follows : Place in a test tube 10 cc. of pure sulphuric acid and 10 cc of the solution to be tested, covering the surface with a few drops of naphtha to exclude the air. Add a solution of ferrous sulphate until the brown coloration of the solution just becomes permanent. The ferrous sulphate solutions are made of different strengths, that of the more concentrated solutions being such that one-tenth of a cubic centimeter corresponds to 10 nig. of nitrate, while in case of the weaker solution it corresponds to 2 mg. of nitrate. From the amount of solution used the percentage of nitrate present is calculated. 20 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Estimation of nitrates and nitrites as nitric oxid. J. Coteatt Ztsekr. Angeic. itraci "f the preceding paper. Determination of nitric acid by electrolysis, K. UUBt a [Ztsekr. EleJetrot - . [London — The nita • - jeminormal sulphuric acid is reduced to ammonia, as g copper cathode and platinum anode. The method described is applicable only to pur.- nitrates blorida and other substances naturally occurring in nitrates interfere with it- accora The direct determination of potassium carbonate in salt. A. ACLARD ■'mat. Chim. Appl., 1896, 1, pp. 154- .— This ia Heyer'a method completed and modified in some details. The determination of animal and vegetable fats, T. Tayix>R .. t ongres Internet. Chim. . ,1V, pp. S87S40, pit Study on the determination of tannins. F. AGLOT ':. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1896, III, pp. 1-'.' ■ — See below. Studies on the estimation of tannin, E. Allot Ztsekr. Angeic. Ckem., pp. 181-183). — The author reviews the various methods employed for tl mation of tannin, call- attention to their weak points, and offers suggestions, based upon his work, for their improvement. — j. B. lutdset. Determinaticn cf copper in vegetable substances, B. H. Pail and A. J. Cowh- ; i -i .' /• at. Falsi/., 11 (!■:•■ . No. 1 Ztsckr. Angeic. • No. 2 . Detection of copper in canned peas, Boomer and Moor [Bee. Internat. Falsi/., ; ab*. in Ztt ew. Ckem., 1898, No. 14, p. The determination of ergot of -wheat in flour, A. Muxes Her. Internal. Falsi/., 11 (1898), Xo. l,p. 20; abs. in Ztsckr. Angew. Ckem., 1898, No. 14, p. The detection of formic aldehyde in feeding stuffs, A. Jorissem Rev. Internat. ., 11 (1808j, Xo. lt p. 12; abs. in Ztschr. Angeic. Ckt The total nitrogen in urine, L. Moxkkt 9. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl.. I IV. pi>. 67- . — A modification of the Kjeldahl method >aid to be very exact is reported. The substance is oxidized with fuming Xordhan.sen sulphuric acid and manganese dioxid. and the resulting ammonium sulphate is decomposed by means of a strong solution of alkaline sodium hypobroruite. the resulting nitrogen being measured in a eudiometer. On FebJing's solution, M. Z. JovrrsCHrrscH Neue Ztsekr. Ribenz. Ind. The author shows that Fehliug's solution is reduced by min- eral acids, H>« > . HN< » . and HC1, when these are added in such quantities that the" solution still gives an alkaline reaction with litmus paper, and explains it by a decomposition of the tartaric acid by the stronger acids. This change also takes place when Fehliug's solution is kept for a length of time in well-stoppered glass - — I . W. WOIX. Ash of Gidgea acacia (stinking wattle , F. B. Guthrie Anr. Caz. Wales. S ."• •: abs. in J 5 London]. 74 {1898), No. 71, potash 0.6. soda 0.72. phosphoric acid 1.47 per cent. The dry mutter of the leaves contained 26. 9J per cent of protein. Composition of the ash of canary seed, T. S. Hofmax (Landbonw. Tijdsehr.,5 - [London. ." II, [,.186). A new process for determining starch in the grain of cereals. L. Lixoet :. • Internat. C 'tm. Appl., 1896, II, pp. ':. 71 .— Seep.17. New extraction apparatus for the determination of fat, Louise .. Congres Int'Tnat. (.'him. Appl., 1896, ll,p\ .1). Apparatus for rapid and accurate determination of milk fat, F. M. Arxdt {Miles Ztu . Hydrogen generator, C. Aschman ( Chem. Ztg., :l • / . Blkier ( Chem. Ztg , 21 ( 1807), Xo.OS, p. 102S, fig. 1).— The instrument consists of a succession of four bulbs and terminates in a stem so constructed that the bulbs and the stem are of exactly the same volume (say 10 cc.) and have graduation marks accordingly. The stem is subdivided into tenths and hundredths. The pipette is filled by a suction tube at the top. and this tube is pro- vided with a piueh cock, by means of which the outflow of the liquid is regulated. If 10 cc. or less is wanted, fill the stem only — that is, to the first 10 cc. division — and allow the desired quantity to tiow out. If more than 10 cc. and not more than 20 cc. is desired, fill the stem and the first bulb — that is, to the second 10 cc. mark — and allow the desired volume to fiow out. This form may be used for burettes as well as for pipettes. — j. r. ANDERSON. Regulations for the construction and calibration of measuring apparatus pro- posed by the Association of German Chemists (2. Congres Internal. Chim. Appl., 1896, II, pp. S75-378). On normal saccharimeter weights, H. Courtonne (2. Congres Iiiternat. Chim. Appl., 1806, II, pp. 307-400). Graduation of saccharimeters, A. Jobin (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1S0G, II, pp. 370-300). Unification of saccharimetric scales, D. Sidersky (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1896, II, pp. 301-396). Report on agricultural-chemical work, V. Stein (Tidxxlcr. Landokon., 16(1897), Xo. 5-6, pp. 649-674). — The main results are given of the analyses of 7,111 samples of agricultural products made during 1897, with general discussions. The uuniber of samples of various products analyzed was as follows: Feeding & tun's, 496; artifi- cial fertilizers, 1,265; dairy products, 5,312 (viz, milk, 2,581; butter, 2,695; and cheese, 36); manures, 37; soils and marls, 10; root crox>s, 16; and sundry products, 8. — F. W. WOLL. BOTANY. Notes upon bean and pea tubercles, B. D. IIalsted (Proc. Soc. Prom. Ayr. Sri., 1897, pp. 77-81). — The author calls attention to some observations made upon the prevalence of root tubercles under varying conditions of growth of the host plants. In his experimental work at the Is'ew Jersey Station he found that in every ease there was a decided 22 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. increase in yield of beans on soils where several successive crops of beans had been grown over the yield where grown on a soil for the first time. The roots of the plants growing upon old ground were supplied with lather abundant tubercles, with the exception of a portion of a plat which was shaded. Here the tubercles were much less abundant. In the new soil the tubercles were usually almost entirely absent, and during the days <>f thinning the plants, about twelve days after plant- ing, almost none were observed. At the same time they were very abundant upon the plants in the old ground. This seems to indicate that the root tubercle organisms were present in unusual amount in the old land and in comparatively limited amount in the soil of the new plats. The study reported on tubercles on the roots of peas was in connec- tion with experiments made to test different kinds of soil treatment on the crop. One portion of the land had received sulphur, a second cor- rosive sublimate, a third carbonate of lime, and a fourth copper sul- phate. All these substances were spread on the soil and spaded in for the second crop of the previous year and consequently had been in the soil for several months before the crop under consideration was sown. The plants were pulled at frequent intervals throughout the growth of the crop and the small proportion of tubercles on the plat where sul- phur had been used was noted, the number being less than one-tenth of that where the soil had received no treatment. In the other plats, while there was some difference in the root systems of the plants, there was no decrease in the amount of root tubercles. Comparisons were made between the tubercles on the roots of beans and peas. The differences in structure and external appearance were so striking as to almost suggest a separate origin. The difference in the root systems of the two plants, however, would probably account for the difference in form of the tubercles. Some botanical notes on corn, L. H. Pammel and R. Combs (Iowa Sta. Bui. 36, •pp. S49-855, figs. 8). — Brief notes are given on the origin of corn, and on studies of llir flower, fruit, germination, diseases, and enemies of the plant. A few experi- ments (in the germination of corn in the laboratory, greenhouse, and held are reported, in which there was generally a slight loss in the held germination as compared with the others. There are reported three diseases of corn as prevailing in the State, namely, smut, rust, and a bacterial disease. The flora of Kansas, A. S. Hitchcock (Industrialist, .'/ (1898), No. 3, pp. 190-19S, pis. ■/).— Notes are given on the flora of the State. Maps show the distribution of the ditterent species by counties. A revision of the genus Cordiceps, G. Massee (Ber. Mycol., .'/> ( 1898), No. 78, pp. 49-57, pis. J). — Translated by R. Ferry. The Rocky Mountain species of Thermopsis, A. Nelson ( Hot. da;., ..'.: (1898), No. 4. pp. 275,270, pi. 1). — Thermopsis divaricata and T. arenosa are described as new species. Studies on surface tension and cohesion, Z. Kamkri.ixo (Hot. Centbl., 73 (1S98), Nos. 11, pp. 369-374 ; 1.', pp. 439-444; 13, pp. 465-473). Flowers and insects, C. Robertson (But. Ca:., 25 (1S9S), No. 4, pp. 229-245). The organography of plants with special reference to the Archegoniates and ZOOLOGY. 23 Spermatophytes, I, K. Goebel (Organographie der Pfianzen, insbesondcre der Arche- goniatcn und Samenpflanzen. Jena: (!. Fischer, 1898, pp. IX-\-282, figs. 130). The appearance of sex in the higher fungi, G. VON Beck (Verhandl. K. K. Zool. Bot. Gesell. Wien, 48 (1898), No. 1, pp. 4-6). Influence of nutrition on the evolution of plants, P. Dangeard (Botaniste, 6. ser., 1898, No. 1, pp. 1-63). On the summer germination of the spores of truffles and the production of teleutospores, A. de Gp.amont de Lesparre (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1S9S), No. 5, pp. 443-447, Jigs. 9). On -winter germination and fertilization, A. de Gramont de Lesparre {Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1S9S), No. 3, pp. 281-285, figs. 5). Alinite, H. Jensen (Ugeskr. Landm., 42 (1897), No. 47, pp. 629, 630).— A pure cul- ture of Bacterium clleubachensis, prepared by Caron, which is claimed to do for the small grains what Nitragin has been shown to do for the legumes. Experiments by Hartlieb at the Bonn experiment station have, however, failed to show any merit in the new preparation. — v. w. woll. The nitrogenous coloring material of fungi, R. Van Den Dries (Cellule, 13 (1897), II, pp. 415-446). Investigations concerning chlorophyll, G. Bode (Inaug. Diss, Jena, 1898, pp. 40). Concerning the transpiration of Halophytes, 0. Rosenberg (Of vers. K. Svenska Vetcnsk. Akad. Forhandl., 54 (1S97), No. 9, pp. 531-549). Means of defense in plants, A. Gilkinet (Bui. Acad. Boy. Sci. Belg.,3. ser., 33 (1897), No. 12, p. 21). Concerning the elongation of nodes, P. Van Tieghem ( Ann. Sci. Nat. Bot., 8. ser., 5 (1S97), No. 1-2, pp. 155-160). Phosphorescent sap in the higher plants, M. W. Bei.terinck (Nature, 57 (1898), No. 1483, p. 511). — Notes the occurrence of phosphorescent sap in Euphorbia plios- phona. Polyembryony and its morphology in Opuntia vulgaris, W. F. Ganong (Bot. Ga;., 25 (1S9S), No. 4, pp. 221-228, pi. 1). Concerning reduction phenomena in plant nuclei, W. Relajeff (Per. Deut. Bot. Gesell., 16 (189S), No. 2, pp. 27-34, figs. 3). Concerning the translocation of nutrient materials at the death of the leaves, G. Ramann (Ztschr. Forst u. Jagdw., 30 (1S9S), No. 3, pp. 157-166). The reserve matter of Ficaria ranunculoides, Leclerc du Sablon (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1S9S), No. 12, pp. 913-915, fig. 1). On the cholesterins of the lower plants, E. Gerard (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1S9S), No. 12, pp. 909-911). Experiments in the cross-fertilization of willows (Jour. Bot. [Zojk?om], 36 (1898), No. 424, pp. 122-124). Laboratory manual in practical botany, ('. II. Clark (New York: The American Book Co., pp. 271). ZOOLOGY. The jack rabbits of the United States ( JJ. 8. Bcpt. Agr., Division of Biological Purvey Bui. 8, pp. 84, pis. <>,figs. 2, maps 3). — Introduction (pp. 1-23). — A popular description is given of the various species of jack rabbits of the United States, their food habits, depredations, dis- tribution, etc. The sx>ecies noted, found in the United States, are the prairie hare or white-tailed jack rabbit (Lepus campestris), which lias a range extending over the northern part of the Great Basin and the Great Plains westward from central Iowa, but probably never occurs in such numbers as the black-tailed jack rabbit; the California jack 24 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. rabbit (L. californicus), which, according to recent investigations is restricted entirely to the region west of the Sierra; the black-tailed rabbit or Texan jack rabbit ( />. texiamis); the black eared jack rabbit or eastern jackass hare (L. melanotis), found on the Great Plains from eastern Kansas to the Rocky Mountains and western Texas; Allen's jack rabbit (L. alleni) of the deserts of southern Arizona and Sonora; and the Bio Grande jack rabbit ( /.. merriami) of tbe lower Gulf coast and the Rio Grande region as far as the mouth of Devils River. Abundance and rapidity of increase (pp. 24-L'9). — In this chapter it is shown that the breeding habit of the rabbits is such (on an average three per litter and a litter every three months) as to make the animals increase with extreme rapidity, though the evidence on hand does not substantiate the view that the rabbits breed every six weeks in the year. Each species seems to have a regular breeding season and a definite period of rest, for no data are at hand that show that the young- are born within the United States during the months of October, November, and December. But it may be said that the period of ges- tation is about thirty days and that it takes about two months for the young tn reach maturity. The practical bearing of these facts is more or less obvious. Drives or hunts for the extermination of rabbits should take place before the beginning of the breeding season. In southern California they should be made in December, January, February, or early in March; in Colorado and Utah, the 1st of February; in Idaho, somewhat later. Injury to crops and means of protection (pp. 30-35). — The rabbit attacks most garden plants and the bark of orchard trees and seldom ignores alfalfa. Five jack rabbits, it is estimated, consume as much food as one sheep. The method of protection advised is the construc- tion of fences of boards or wire about fields, the use of burlap, and whitewash on single trees. Methods of destruction (pp. 36-4G). — The method of inoculating with chicken cholera or with the so-called tin tinallogy disease and the prop- agation of the bladder worm and the rabbit scab [Sarcoptes cuniculi), rabbit measles (Gysticercus pisiformis), and the liver coccidium (Coc- cidium oviforme) as tried in Australia is briefly noted, with the com- ment that the diseases caused by parasites offer little hope as a means of destruction. Of the various methods of poisoning, the use of strychnin is thought most worthy of recommendation. Paris green, Loudon purple, lead salts, tartar emetic, barium carbouate, and sulphate of iron and corro- sive sublimate, on the other hand, have not been found successful. Phosphorus has been advocated, and means of using it are described. The bounty methods as followed in Arizona, California, Idaho, Kan- sas. Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Australia and the amount of money expended are briefly noted. The natural enemies of the jack rabbits mentioned are the barn owl ZOOLOGY. 25 (Strix pratincola), Audubon's caracara (Polyborus cheriway), prairie fal- con (Falco mexicanus), western red-tailed hawk, western horned owl (Ilubo virginianm subarcticus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysa'tos), marsh hawk (Circus hudsonius), various cayotes, wolves, and foxes. It is pointed out, however, that birds of prey seldom molest the larger hares. The epidemics to which they are subject are more or less local and occasionally reduce their numbers materially. A tabular partial list of the epidemics in the West is given. Rabbit drives and hunts (pp. 47-64). — The formation of rabbit drives and hunts as followed in southern California, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, and Colorado is described. The following table summarizes the results noted : General summary of 305 jack rabbit drives and hunts in the West.1 California, 1875-1897. Colorado, 1893-1896. Idalio, 1894-1897. Oregon, 1894-1895. Utah, 1894-1890. Total. 2217 494, 634 2,389 20, 000 3 12 33, 063 2,755 6,500 2 29 34, 329 1,271 5,000 <12 12, 202 1,016 2,000 235 61,318 1,752 5,500 305 Total number of rabbits killed Average number per drive 635, 546 2,175 1 Including 10 from California and 2 from Idaho for which no figures are available. These drives are not considered in obtaining the averages. 2Both drives and hunts. 3Hunts. 4Drives. The value of the jack rabbit (pp. 05-79). — In this chapter the value of jack rabbits for coursing, for their skins, as game, and for canning, is discussed. It is thought that the canning industry, especially in Cali- fornia, might be very profitable and might make the rabbit pay largely for its own destruction. The jack rabbits of the United States, T. S. Palmer ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Biological Surrey Bui. &', rev., pp. 88, pis. 6, figs. 3, maps 3). — Largely a reprint of the first edition. The additions note a special subgenus (Macrotolagus), and give further data on the subject of bounties and on rabbit drives as carried on in Cali- fornia and Idaho during 1896 and 1897. An appendix gives an account of an Indian rabbit hunt of the 16th century, and of the modern hunts of the Pueblo Indians, which were very similar in inany respects to the rabbit drives of California. In the Fresno rabbit drive of March 21, 1896, at least 20,000 rabbits were corralled and killed. Some insectivorous mammals, R. Elliott (Bpt. Ontario Ent. Soc, 1896, pp. 16-21, figs. 4). — The distribution and usefulness of the little brown bat ( Vespertilio gryphus), the silvery bat (Lasionycteris noctiragans), the browu bat (Jddouyctcris fiiscus), the red bat (Atalapha noveboracensis), the hoary bat (J. cinerca), the Caro- lina bat ( Vesperugo carolinensis), the star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata), the shrew mole (Scalops aquaticus), the hairy-tailed or brewers mole (Seapanus americanw), the short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), Cooper's shrew (Sorex cooperi), broad- nosed shrew (S. plaiyrhinus), the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and the skunk (Mephitis mephitica) are briefly noted. Yeast and alcoholic fermentation, J. R. Green (Xature, 57 (189S), Xo. 1486, pp. 591-594).— -The author summarizes the present information relating to these subjects. 'Jfi EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. METEOROLOGY. Solar and terrestrial magnetism in their relations to meteor- ology, F. II. 15k;hlo\v , r. 8. Dept. Ayr., Weather Bureau Bui. 21, pp. 176, charts 39). — This is a technical explanation of the author's theory that the atmospheric; conditions which culminate in the storms travers- ing the United States are in part dne to the direct magnetic action of the sun upon the earth, in which an attempt is made to correlate the observations bearing on this subject into general scientific laws. The general topics treated are the relation between magnetism and meteor- ology, the determination of the 26.68-day solar magnetic period, analysis of the polar magnetic field along the terrestrial meridians, deflecting forces of the equatorial electromagnetic field, some relations between the terrestrial magnetic field and the meteorological elements, and solar magnetism. Oklahoma weather and crops for 1897, G. E. Morrow (Oklahoma Sfa. Bui. SO, pp. 12). — A general account of the soil, meteorological conditions, and agricultural products of Oklahoma, with a record of temperature and rainfall iu 1897 as com- pared with previous years at a number of places in the Territory. Meteorological observations, J. E. Ostrander and A. C. Moxahan (Massachu- setts ITatch Sta. Met. Buls. 109, 110, 111, pp. 4 each). — These bulletins contain notes on the weather and the usual summaries of meteorological observations during Jan- uary, February, and March, 1898. Meteorological observations in Denmark, 1896-97 (Holt's Lommebog Landm., lS98,pp. 88, 89). Fonstal meteorological studies, E. Hoppk (Centbl. Gesam.Forstw. Wien,24(lS9S), No. 4, pp. 147-166). WATER— SOILS. The soils of Tennessee, 0. F. Vanderford (Tennessee Sta. Bui., Vol. X, No. 3, pp. IV+31-139,fif/s. 37, maps 3). — This is a preliminary report on a systematic survey of the soils of Tennessee, commenced about 6 years ago. "It is not intended as a complete treatise on the subject. The station has a con- siderable amount of material which must be reserved for future discussion. This bulletin contains, after a description of the objects and methods of the survey, the physical and chemical analyses and climatological and botanical relations of a number of the most important typical soils of Tennessee. The notes made by the agriculturist on the agricultural treatment of the soil have been pretty fully incor- porated for the purpose of interesting the practical farmer. "The bulletin is accompanied by the preliminary soil map of the State, which was compiled by the station, with the assistance of the United States Geological Survey and the Division of Soils of the United States Department of Agriculture. For the purposes of instruction and further study, this soil map has been put upon a relief map of Tennessee 10 ft. 4 in. long by 2 ft. 10 iu. wide, which was prepared by the station in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey. A half- tone plate made from a photograph of this relief-map model is inserted in the bulletin." Mechanical analyses by M. Whitney, of this Department, and chem- ical analyses by J. B. McBryde of fifteen samples of soils (with, in some WATER SOILS. 27 cases, corresponding subsoil) are reported. The regions and geological formations represented are the Knox dolomite (near Knoxville), the Lenoir limestone of Loudon County, Knox shales of Monroe County, sandstone of Greene County, sandstone and conglomerate overlying coal measures in Grundy County, St. Louis (coral) limestone of Frank- lin County, the "barrens" of the highlands of Coffee County, blue limestone of the Nashville formation in Maury County, St. Louis (coral) limestone of Robertson County, sandy cretaceous of Benton County, flatwoods (Porters Creek group of Safford), Paris clay of Carroll County, Columbian deposits (Lagrange sands overlaid by orange sands) of Gibson and Fayette counties, and Columbian deposits (the loess, bluff loam of Safford) of Dyer County. The agricultural value and the best methods of management of the different soils are very fully discussed, especial attention being given to the necessity of protection against washing and the maintenance of a sufficient supply of humus in the soil. A brief account is given of an experiment on four plats of soil on the station grounds with barnyard manure and different mixtures of commercial fertilizers. The crops grown were corn followed by soy beans and cowpeas. Chemical analyses, including the determination of phosphoric acid and potash soluble in 1 per cent citric acid, were made at the beginning and the end of the experiment. The results indicate that the barnyard manure was not only very effective as a direct fer- tilizer, but was more active than the other fertilizers in rendering the phosphoric acid and potash of the soil assimilable. The author concludes that on four-fifths of the farm lauds of Ten- nessee "the use of commercial fertilizers, or fertilizer materials, must come more and more into practice. The making, saving, and use of farm manures, the growing of crops specially planted for the purpose of adding to the humus supply, the careful husbanding of all materials which may be incorporated into the soil to aid in chemical, physical, and biological changes which must be actively persistent if fertility is to be maintained, are acknowledged necessary things." Soil moisture, J. B. Weems and J. J. Edgerton (Iowa 8ta. Bui. 36, pp. 825-848). — This is an account of a continuation during 1890 of work commenced in 1895 : ' "In addition to the effect produced upon the moisture present in the soil by certain crops, attention was given to the influence of spring plowing, fall plowing, and fall plowing with subsoiliug, upon the amount of moisture in connection with grow- ing crops. The soil upon which the experiments were made was of as uniform a nature as possible, in order to reduce the influence of the difference in the mechani- cal condition to a minimum. The weight of the soil varied according to the depth, and the weight for each cubic foot is given in the following table: First cubic foot, 70.23 lbs.; second cubic foot, 98.38 lbs.; third cubic foot, 04.78 lbs.; fourth cubic foot, 103.60 lbs. The above weights are for the air-dried soil, which contained moisture as follows: 2.88 per cent for the first, 2.-64 per cent fur the second, 1.80 per cent for the third, and 1 30 per cent for the fourth cubic foot." ' Iowa Sta. Bui. 32 (E. S. R., 8, p. 477). 2234— No. 1 3 28 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Mechanical analyses' of the soil are given in the following table: Mechanical analyses of the soil ai different depths. Organic matter, loss on ignition. ( !oai w gravel Fine gravel (2 i<> l mm.) sand lit" 0.5 nun.) Medium sand (0.5 to 0.25mm.) ... Fine sand (0.25 to 0.1 nun.) Y.T\ line smiil (0.1 to 0.05 mm.). Silt (0.05 tod. ill nun.) Fine silt (0.01 to 0.005mm.) Claj (0.005 too.ooul mm.) First Second Third Fourth foot. foot. foot. foot. Percent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. 2. 878 2. 843 1.789 1.269 .411 .047 .642 3. 783 . 362 .213 1.018 1.704 7.284 7.678 11.904 13. 354 :i. :!75 3.646 5.091 4.960 :;. :,n 17. 480 24. 949 23.610 17.212 21.673 20.919 22. 730 33. 477 21.354 17. 621 15. 225 6.346 7.410 2.343 1.891 6.366 11.944 9.975 8.957 Total 99.946 100.078 100.098 Tables record weekly observations on the rainfall aurt the moisture content to depths of 4 in., 4 in. to 1 ft., 1 to 2 ft., 2 to 3 ft., and 3 to 4 ft. on the different plats for the period from April 16 to October 23. The rainfall during this period "was 27.77 in., or 3,141.45 tons of water per acre. This amount of rain was larger than the quantity necessary to supply the wants of the crops." The averages of the moisture determinations are given in the follow- ing table: Average moisture content of soils, April 16 to October 23, 1S96. Bare cultivated soil: Spring plowed Fall plowed, subsoiled Fall plowed, not subsoiled. Bare not cultivated : Spring plowed Fall plowed, subsoiled Fall plowed, not subsoiled. Clover plats: Spring plowed Fall plowed, subsoiled . . . . Fall plowed, not subsoiled Oat plats: Spring plowed Kail plowed, subsoiled Fall plowed, not subsoiled. Bailey plats : Spring plowed Fall plowed, subsoiled 1- all plow cil, not subsoiled. Beei plats: Spring plowed Fall plowed, subsoiled Fall plowed, not subsoiled . ( 'mil plats : Spring plowed Fall plowed, subsoiled F'all plowed, not subsoiled. Blue-grass past ure Surface to 4 in. 21. ( 21.' 20.! 20.1 19.! 17.! 19.1 19.! 18.1 19.' 19. 17. 19. 19. 17. 20. 21. 19. 18. 19. 18. 10. 4 in. to lft. /'. /■ Cent. 21. 19 21.81 21.07 21.41 21.03 19.77 19.18 19.84 17. 53 19.82 19. 39 17.80 19.72 20. 15 17. 93 20. 77 21.38 19.57 19.55 20. 45 10.81 17.00 1 to 2 ft. Per cent. 19.32 19.97 19.47 19.81 19.68 17.52 18.59 17.59 15.72 18.47 17. 62 16. 12 18.46 17.36 16.03 18.23 19. 45 17.52 17.74 18.67 17.88 15.68 2 to 3 ft. Per <■< nt. 17.14 17.96 16.69 18.34 lti. 01 14.61 17. 44 15.04 13. 28 15.96 14. 25 13.16 15. 13 14.55 12.66 14.53 17.30 14.08 14.16 16.32 15.05 12.24 J'er cent. 15. 22 13.66 14.80 14.65 13. 02 12. 75 14. 92 13. 58 11.58 11.05 10.55 11.08 9.21 12.47 9.63 10. 17 16.19 9. 99 12.52 12. 34 10.87 11.94 Average. Per cent. 18 20 18.34 18.06 18.47 17.46 16.01 17.56 16.52 14.57 16.32 15.49 14.55 13.11 16.08 14.06 15.90 18.56 15.30 15.92 16.88 15. 83 14.55 ^lade by I. J. Mead. WATER SOILS. 29 The amount of moisture found in the plats July 10 may be taken as representing- the condition of the soil during the dry period. The averages for this date on some of the plats are given as follows: Clover plat: Spring plowed, 12.52 percent; fall plowed, subsoiled, 11.39 per cent; fall plowed, not subsoiled, 9.38 percent. Oat plat (to a depth of 3 ft.) : Spring plowed, 10.80 per cent; fall plowed, subsoiled, 10.87 per cent; fall plowed, not subsoiled, 8.50 per cent. Barley plat: Spring- plowed, 11.26 per cent; fall plowed, subsoiled, 10.36 per cent; fall plowed, not subsoiled, 8.32 per cent. Beet plat : Spring plowed, 15.31 per- cent; fall plowed, subsoiled, 18.05 per cent; fall plowed, not subsoiled, 12.09 per cent. Corn plat: Spring plowed, 15.51 per cent; fall plowed, subsoiled, 16.29 per cent; fall plowed, not subsoiled, 16.23 per cent. "The amount of moisture present in the pasture was uniform for the season when compared with the changes which take place in many of the other plats. This characteristic of the blue-grass plat compares favorably with the results of 1895." Mechanical analyses and water content of Wyoming soils, C. B. Bidgaway ( Wyoming Sta.Bul. 35, pp. 159-188, pis. 5, charts 3). — This is a continuation and extension of work reported in Bulletin 6 of this station (E. S. R., 4, p. 23). The general characteristics of what were considered typical Wyoming soils at the station and substations are described, with notes on natural vegetation and maximum yields of different farm crops. Mechanical analyses of three samples of soil with corresponding subsoil collected at Wheatland, Sundance, Sheridan, Lauder, and Laramie are reported. Chemical analyses of soils and subsoils from each of the above farms are republished from the bulletin above referred to, and a record is given of daily determinations of moisture during the period from April to September on prairie sod and on cultivated (plowed and harrowed) and subsoiled plats (the last two being seeded to oats) on the station farm at Laramie. For purposes of comparison, observations on rainfall and evaporation are also reported. The average results of the mechanical analyses are shown by the following table : Mechanical analyses of Wyoming soils. Wheatland. Sundance. Sheridan. Lander. Laramie. Per cent. 1.05 1.85 8.60 15. 09 40. 16 6.18 4. 33 15.19 Per cent. o. 17 .15 .80 1.93 51.49 20. 93 3. 69 13. 1)9 Per cent. 0.22 .56 10.56 34.33 19.03 5. 73 1. 90 20.28 Per cent. 0. L>1 .21 .67 3.44 54. 74 in. mi 4. 13 13. 36 Per (■' ni . :,. 78 3. 79 7.77 5.90 29.00 Silt 5. 39 ■>. 9-J 22. 98 The results of the mechanical analyses as well as of the moisture determination are shown graphically. From the latter it was found "that the amount of moisture in samples of the same soil, taken the same 30 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. day and nol more thau 12 in. apart, varied from 2 to 4 per cent." The maixmum water content was found two or three days after a heavy fall of rain, "which is doubtless caused by seepage of water from a higher level." The miuimum amount of water was about ~> per cent, and this was observed al the end of June. At the end of the season the prairie sod contained G per cent of moisture, the cultivated soil G> per cent, and the subsoiled land S.\ per cent. The electrical method of moisture determination in soils, F. D. Gardner (U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Soils Bui. 12, pp. 24, fig. 1, charts 6).— As a result of field trials of the electrical method of moisture determination in soils described in a previous bulletin,1^ "some slight modifications in the apparatus and in the method of its operation which will greatly facilitate the taking of the observations and the calcula- t ions of the results" are suggested. These include modifications of the electrodes to insure more perfect insulation and to adapt them to " very light sandy soils having a low salt content and small water capacity," the use of lead-covered underground wires for connecting the elec- trodes, and precautions regarding the cleaning of the different parts of the instrument. The standardization of the electrodes by means of direct determinations of moisture in soil is explained, and observations on the effect of the distance between electrodes on the resistance are reported. "[] Miring the year] fourteen sets of the instruments were placed in the hands of fanners located in widely different sections of the country and on markedly differ- ent types of soil. Observations were made daily of the electrical resistance of the soil at the depths of 1 to 3, 3 to 6, 9 to 12, and 21 to 24 in., except in a few instances where the 1 to 3 in. depth was omitted on account of the very loose and dry condi- tion of the surface soil. The observations were taken during the crop season of the particular locality and extended over periods of from three to four and one-half mouths, the average time being approximately four months for each observer." The results of these observations are reported in charts and tables. The bulletin also contains a note by T. II. Means on a modification of the electrical method of determining the soluble salt content of soils.2 "It has been found that this method is not applicable to soils containing a large amount of soluble salt, as with the alkali soils of the West, for the salt added mate- rially changes the amount of dissociated salt in the soil. This led to a careful review of the work which had previously been done, and it appears probable that the apparent influence of the texture of the soil ... is largely due to the effect of the added salt upon the dissociated salt content of the soil. Correcting for this, the influence of the texture of a soil upon the resistance of a solution seems to be a con- stant which does not vary with the nature of the soil, provided the soil is thoroughly saturated with water. This factor lias not been established with great accuracy as yet, but. it appears to be approximately 0.54 or 0.56." The chemical composition of Utah soils, J. A. Widtsoe (Utah Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 37-84). — This is a report of the first of a proposed series of systematic studies of the soils of Utah, and is devoted to the soils of Cache and Sanpete counties. It includes a general discussion of the 1 U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Soils Bui 6 (E. S. K,, 9, p. 535). *U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of .Soils Bui. 8 (E. S. R., 9, p. 535). WATER SOILS. 31 relation of the plant to the soil, suggestions regarding the maintenance and increase of fertility of I tali soils, descriptions of the Cache and Sanpete Valleys, and chemical analyses of 37 samples of soils from Cache County and 18 samples from Sanpete County. The averages of these analyses are given in the following table: Composition of -toils from Cache and Sanpete counties, J'tah. Insoluble residue Potash (Ka?0) Socla(N;i,oj Lime (CaO) Magnesia (MgO) < )xid of manganese (Mn304). Ox id of iron (Fo/)3) Alumina (AL.O3) Phosphoric acid ( P2Os) Carbon dioxid (CO,,) Organic matter Total Humus Nitrogen (average of 13 determinations) . Water at 15° C. Average of Cache County soils.' Per cent. 81. 09 .99 .53 1.78 .73 .03 2.95 5.61 .22 0.34 Average of Sanpete < 'omit y soils. Per cent. 58. 85 .78 .62 12.50 .84 .10 2.71 8.41 .19 10.14 4.83 100. 03 1. 990 .128 2. 370 2.140 .114 1.830 "The general nature of Cache Valley soils is that of a moderately clayey loam. The soils 011 the hillsides, which have been influenced by the seasonal wash from tbe mountains, contain most clay. Tbe soils along the middle of the valley are more sandy, although occasional tracts of clay soils occur. "Cache Valley soils do not differ much in composition from the majority of the soils of the arid part of America. They are abundantly supplied with all the essen- tial plant foods, and, with proper tillage, will 'last' for an indefinite period. Phosphoric acid is present in least abundance. . . . "The general nature of Sanpete Valley soils is that of a rather clayey soil mixed with an extraordinarily large amount of lime. The excess of lime obscures the properties of the clay. "In composition the soils of Sanpete Valley differ from recorded analyses of soils from other portions of the Great Basin in that they contain more lime. Otherwise they are not strikingly different. They are extremely fertile soils that 'last' for an indefinite period. As in Cache Valley soils, the phosphoric acid is least abundant." Drinking water, N. E. "Wilson (Nevada Sta. Bui. 34, pp. 16). — Tables give analyses, with reference to sanitary condition, of 79 samples of drinking water from different parts of the State, accompanied by explanation of terms used in discussing water analysis and remarks on the dissemination of disease through drinking water. On the relation between geological formations and the composition of the soil, A. Bernard {2. Congres Internal. Chim. Appl., 1896, II, pp. 256-206, dgms. 6). — The soils of Sa6ne-et-Loire are arranged on the basis of their chemical and physical analyses in 6 classes, and the relationship between physical constitution and chemical composition is plotted in diagrams. (1) The granitic soils, represented by 90 analyses, are generally poor in phos- phoric acid, and destitute of lime. (2) Clay soils, represented by 22 analyses, are compact and tenacious, poor in phosphoric acid, and rich in potash. (3) The Lias soils in the 3 stages of transformation, represented by 75 analyses, are remarkably rich in phosphoric acid and potash. 32 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. I i h,- calcareous soils, represented by 53 analyses, are very fertile and less tenacious than the preceding. -mis of the Oxford formation, represented by 90 analyses, arc Btrong, rich, ( layej ca Icareons soils. (6) Ferruginous clays and sands, represented by 230 analyses, arc very poor soils, extremely deficient in lime and phosphoric acid. On the determination of the available constituents of the soil, ('. V. Garola < .-. Congrea Tnternat. Chim. Appl., 1896, Tl,pp. 143-150).— Determinations of the potash and phosphoric acid iii fertilized and unfertilized soils soluble in strong nitric acid I LOO CC. of nitric acid 1.1 sp. gr. and 50 cc. water to each 50 gm. soil), 2 per cent citric acid, and nitric acid of the same acidity (0.013 per cent of hydrogen) as the average found by Dyer in the juice of plant roots.1 The relation between the amounts of phosphoric acid soluble in these different reagents and the productiveness of the soil, as well as the influence of applications of different phosphates upon the amount and availability of the phosphoric acid of the soil, are discussed. FERTILIZERS. On Wiborgh phosphate, its manufacture and agricultural value, L. F. Nilson (7v. Landt. AJcad. Hdndl. Tidskr., 37 (1898), No. 1, pp. 49-63). — This new fertilizer, which promises to become of the highest agricultural importance, is manufactured by a process invented by J. Wiborgh, of the Technological Institute of Stockholm (Sweden). Briefly stated, the phosphate is prepared by fusing a thorough mixture of finely comminuted mineral phosphates, like apatite, and feldspar, with powdered sodium carbonate at a temperature of from 100 to 1,000° C. The reaction which takes place has been studied in a series of experiments by the author, and is expressed by the following formulas: CaFl3. itCaO. 3P206+3Na20. C<)J = 2Na.-0. lOCaO. 3P2Os+2NaFl+3C02. K,0. Al.o,.. 6SiO>+2Na -O. C02=K20. 2Na,0. AW),. 6SiO,+2CO,. The composition of the resulting product is shown by the following analysis: Phosphoric acid 27.01, silica 9.99, sulphuric acid (SO.,) 0.27, potassium oxid 1.54, sodium oxid 11.09, calcium oxid .'18.12, magnesium ox id 2.88, iron and aluminum oxids 4.5, and fluorin (and errors of analysis) 1 per cent. The Wiborgh phosphate maybe easily ground to an exceedingly fine powder of linionite color. It dissolves in hydrochloric acid without residue, and is but slightly soluble in water even at higher tempera- tures. It is easily soluble in ammonium citrate solution, its percentage solubility being on the average 95 per cent, having been determined by Scandinavian and German chemists at from 93 to 90 per cent. The citrate solubility of the phosphate increases with the proportion of sodium carbonate used in fusing the apatite, up to the theoretical amount required for the reaction to take place, which is about 30 parts of sodium carbonate per 100 parts of apatite, the latter containing about 17 parts of feldspar. '.Tour. Chem. Soc. j London], 1894, p. 115; Chem. News, 69 (1894), p. 113 (E. S. R. 5, p. 1013). FERTILIZERS. 33 Relation between amount of sodium carbonate used in fusion and the citrate solubility of the product. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. 20 67 22.5 70.0 25 74 27.5 87.0 30 93 32 5 93 0 The presence of feldspar in fusing- apatite with sodium carbonate is important, since a high citrate solubility can not otherwise be obtained. Fusions with and without feldspar gave the following results: Pure apatite with 2 parts sodium carbonate, 37 per cent citrate solubility; with 3 parts sodium carbonate, 72 per cent; 83 parts pure apatite and 17 parts pure feldspar with 20 parts sodium carbonate, 04 per cent; 83 parts pure apatite and 17 parts pure feldspar with 30 parts sodium car- bonate, 01 per cent. The raw material for the manufacture of the Wiborgh phosphate is found in enormous quantities in Sweden in the Gellivare iron ore, from which the magnetic iron has been separated, leaving a finely divided refuse product of silicic apatite; four-fifths of the latter consists of pure calcium phosphate and one-fifth mainly of feldspar, with some quartz, mica, and hematite. The phosphoric acid content of the raw material reaches 35 per cent. Fertilizer experiments. — Preliminary experiments made with Wiborgh phosphate during 1890 indicated that the phosphoric acid contained therein possessed a greater value than Thomas slag, approaching that of the water-soluble phosphoric acid in superphosphates. The experi- ments were continued on a somewhat larger scale in 1897 with oats grown in sandy soil and with peas and sugar beets grown in marsh soil. The Thomas phosphate used had a citrate solubility of 88 per cent. The glass cylinders used were 50 cm. high, 25 cm. in diameter, with a surface of 0.05 sq. meter. They were filled with 25 kg. sand in the oat experiments and with 15.5 kg. of marsh soil in the pea experiments. In case of the oats a basal fertilizer of 300 kg. potash (sulphate), 100 kg. nitrogen (nitrate), 2,000 kg. powdered marble, 200 kg. salt, and 200 kg. land plaster was applied; in case of the peas, 300 kg. potash (sul- phate) and 200 kg. salt. The results obtained with the first two crops are summarized in the following table: Pot experiments w ith Wiborgh and other phosphates on oats and peas Rale of application of citrate-soluble or water-soluble phosphoric acid per hectare. No pIlOS- Wiborgh phosphate. Thomas phosphate Superphosphate. 50 kg. 75 kg. 100 kg. 150 kg. 50 kg. 75 kg. 31.8 39.2 36.3 57.0 100 kg. 150 kg. 50 kg 75 kg. 100 kg- Yield of oats : Grain (grams) Straw (grams) Yield of peas: Peas ( grams) Vines (grams) 27.4 33.1 22.8 37.4 31.2 39. 6 37.4 52.5 32.8 43.2 47.1 60.7 37.9 46.6 66.4 79.7 26.3 32.3 22.4 43.0 33.9 43.0 46.8 64.6 30.6 46.9 66.0 83.3 19.6 21.9 23.0 38.9 26.6 33.5 36.4 53.3 31.3 4(1.0 48.1 06.5 8.5 10.2 4.3 11.8 :;i EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The experiments with sugar beets were made in glass cylinders 75 cm. high and 26 cm. diameter, cement-lined boxes of 1 cubic meter con- ical, and zinc boxes with a surface of 0.3 square meter, the latter being placed in the -round. There were six trials in the cylinders and cement-lined boxes and five in the zinc boxes. In all cases the marsh soil used in the trials received sulphate of potash at the rate of 267 lbs. and sodium nitrate at the rate of 22 lbs. per acre. The following- table gives the average results of the experiments: i'.ijK l imtntx with ll iborgh and other phosphates on sugar hct ts. Elate of application of citrate-soluble or water-soluble phosphoric acid per hectare. Wiborgli phosphate Thomas phosphate. Superphosphate. 50 Kg. 7.-. kg. lOQkg. 150 kg. 50 kg. 75 kg. 100 kg. 150 kg. 50 kg. 75 kg. 100 kg. In glass cylimlei Yield ol beets (grams) Sugar contenl (per cent) In ceme n1 line il liiixi's: yield of beets (grams) Sugar content (per cent > In zinc boxes : Field of beets (grams) Sugar contenl (per cent i . . . 880 16.38 4. 340 15.00 2, 672 15.01 1.770 17.16 5, 210 15.23 2,998 15.96 17.23 6, 650 15.00 3,120 15.94 ::, 2oo 18. 15 7. nin 16. 08 3, 475 16.21 985 16.00 5, 150 14.77 2.678 15.45 1,850 16.00 6, 120 15.23 3. 066 15.92 2,680 16.92 6, 180 15.00 3,110 15.80 3, 430 17.46 7, 600 15. 84 3,582 16. 08 995 16.62 3,720 15.54 2,815 13.82 1,356 16.00 5,520 14.46 3,238 14.89 2,530 17.08 6, 140 15.38 3,000 10.19 The soil used in the first two series of experiments was extremely deficient in available phosphoric acid, and in check experiments with- out applications of phosphate no crop was produced. The check experiments in the third series gave an average yield of 1,078 gm. of beets, with 13.27 per cent or 143.1 gm. of sugar. The results of the experiments show that Wiborgli phosphate is at least equal to Thomas phosphate or superphosphate for the culture of sugar beets on marsh soils. — P. W. WOLL. The assimilation of nitric acid as well as the action of different nitrates, W. Sciinkidewind (Jour. Landw., 46 (1898), No. 1,2}P- IS). — In experiments with sugar beets in 1894 and 1895, it was found that nitrate of soda acted more quickly than nitrate of potash, a fact which was attributed to the greater diffusibility of the sodium salt. Further experiments with different nitrates were made with oats grown on arti- ficial soil (sand with L'A per cent of peat) in pots in 189G. The nitrogen was applied in the form of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium nitrates, in addition to the nitrates, calcium carbonate, potassium phosphate, potassium sulphate, potassium chlorid, and magnesium sul- phate were applied. The yield and analyses of the crop are tabulated. The largest yield of grain and the smallest yield of straw was obtained from the pot receiving magnesium nitrate. This is attributed to the FERTILIZERS. 35 physiological role which magnesium plays in the formation of seeds. The opposite result was obtained with potassium nitrate, The amounts of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and ohlorin in the crop were practically the same in each experiment. The relative proportions of potash and soda vary to a considerable extent with the relative amounts applied to the soil. Thus, in the experiment with sodium nitrate the crop took up 4.32 gm. of potash and 9.17 gm. of sodium. In the experiment with potassium nitrate, the crop contained 9.08 gm. of potash and 5.39 gm. of soda. The amount of lime which the plant contained was not appre- ciably increased by the application of calcium nitrate. The proportion of magnesium in the grain, however, was decidedly increased by the application of magnesium nitrate to the soil. Bacteria obtained from manure and their physiological role in the decomposition of manure, S. A. Sewerin (Centbl. Bait. u.Par., 2. AM., 3 {1897), Nos. 23-24, pp. 628-633; 25-26, pp. 706-718, figs. 2).— A number of organisms isolated from manure are described and culture experiments with them are reported. The action of some of these organisms was compared with that of Bacillus pyocyaneus on mixtures of horse manure and urine. The decomposition of the manure was measured by the carbon dioxid produced. The results indicate that the organisms were generally effective in reducing the organic matter only when urine was present, but that when the activity of the organisms was once started they not only reduced the organic matter in the urine, but also attacked that of the solid excrement. Green manuring and the value of clovers and cowpeas in maintaining soil fertility, H. J. Waters (Missouri Sta. lipt. 1897, pp. 20-33, figs. 2).— Reprinted from Bulletin 34 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 969). The economic value of farm manures, H. J. Waters (Missouri Sta. Rpt. 1807, pp. 20-25).— Reprinted from Bulletin 34 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 969). The agricultural value of Thomas slag, Cluss ( ,.'. Congres Internal. Chun. Appl., 1896, II, pp. 151-154). — The author quotes experiments at Halle to prove that the citrate soluhility is a reliable indication of the fertilizing value of the phosphoric acid in Thomas slag; thi, Ergebnisse der DUnger-Kontrole, 1896-97. Riga, 1897, pp. 90)— This is a reprint from Baltiachen Wochenachrift fur landwirthschaft, 1897, No. 48, and contains reports on the importation of fertilizers into the Baltic Provinces during 189(5, an account of the inspection work of the Riga Station, and a general review of literature on the quality and use of different fertilizing materials, with special applications to local conditions. The inspection of fertilizers in 1897, F. W. Morse (New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 49, pp. IS).— This is an account of the inspection of fertilizers iu New Hampshire in 1897 1>.\ Hie Experiment Station in cooperation with the State Board of Agriculture, and includes the public statutes of New Hampshire relating to fertilizers; trade values of fertilizing ingredients for 1897; tabulated analyses of 112 different brands of mixed fertilizers and S samples of fertilizing chemicals, including muriate of pot- ash. sul]> hate of ammonia, bone, dissolved boneblack, and tankage; a brief discus- si .1 the price and quality of fertilizers sold in the State, and suggestions regard- ing the selection of fertilizers. The prices of fertilizers were lower during 1897 than thej have ever been before, and the composition of mixed fertilizers generally exceeded the minimum guaranty, very few samples showing deficits in composition. Report on the enforcement of the fertilizer control law, H. J. Waters (Mis- souri Sin. Bpt. 1897, pp. 1-9). — Repriutcd from Bulletin 34 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 970). On the prevention of fraud in fertilizers and feeding stuffs, D. Molinari i : Congree Tnternat. ('him. Appl., 1896, 11. pp. 178-181). The enforcement of laws relative to repression of fraud in fertilizers, E. SlLZE ( .'. Congrea Internal, ('him. Appl., 1896, II, pp. 1S5-189). FIELD CROPS. Cooperative experiments in agriculture, C. A. Zavitz (Ontario Agr. ami F..rpt. Union Rpt. 1897, pp. 13-40). — This is a report of 18 cooperative experiments with fertilizers, fodder crops, roots, grains, musses, and clovers carried ou by 2,835 experimenters throughout Ontario in 1S97. The experiments conducted at the Ontario Agricul- tural College (E. S. II., 9, p. 440) form the basis of the system, and varieties which have there shown themselves to be in the lead are given a further trial in cooperative tests. The results are reported in tabular form and briefly discussed. FIELD CROPS. 37 The summary of the results of the fertilizer experiments shows that the largest average yield was produced with the use of a complete fer- tilizer with oats, a potassic fertilizer with corn, and a nitrogenous fer- tilizer with mangel- wuizels. No one variety of corn showed itself well adapted to all parts of Ontario. Cloud Early Dent has held first place in yield of whole crop for four years in succession. Grass peas were more productive and were better relished by stock when fed green than tares or crimson clover. For the production of green fodder, a mixture of 1£ bu. of oats and 1 bu. of peas and tares is recommended. This being the first year that experiments with grasses and clovers were carried on the comparative results are limited. The three varie- ties of buckwheat tested, Japanese, Silver Hull, and Common Gray, mentioned in the order of their productiveness, gave an average of 28 bu. per acre. Herison Bearded Spring Wheat has given the largest yield of grain per acre for four years, but this season it stood second, the Wild Goose variety giving the largest average yield of four varieties under trial in 1897. The Wild Goose Spring Wheat is considered inferior in quality. Mandscheuri Barley has given the best average yield of grain in the comparative tests and the 6-rowed varieties proved more productive than the 2-rowed and hulless varieties for six years in succession. In the comparative tests of oats during six succes- sive years, the Siberian variety stood first in productiveness for four years but the Oderbrucker gave the largest average yield in 1896 and 1897. Among four leadiug varieties of peas Early Briton for two years in succession produced the largest yields. In cooperative tests of potatoes Empire State gave the best average yields for three years but fell back to third place this season. Dawson Golden Chaff Winter Wheat stood highest in productiveness for five years and was the most popular variety with the experimenters. Experiments with cotton, J. F. Duggar (Alabama College Sta. Bui. 89, pp. 24). — This work comprises variety, fertilizer, and seed tests, and culture and distance experiments. Work along similar lines has been formerly reported (E. S. B., 9, p. 40). Of 17 well-known varieties and 15 cross bred varieties originated at the station, Texas Oak, Griffin, Hawkins, Deering, Mell Cross No. 15, Jones Beimproved, Duncan, Hutchinson, Feterkin, Truitt, and Whatley led in the increased yield of lint cotton over the check variety (Peerless). A classification of lint of the varieties grown in these experiments is given. The results from seed of the same original stock grown for one year in different latitudes were so nearly alike that no effect could be ascribed to latitude or climate. The average results of three experi- ments in two years with fresh, 1-year old, and 2-year old cotton seed showed but a slight difference. The names of parties from whom cot- ton seed may be obtained are given. A plat "laid by" July 20 yielded 25 lbs. of seed cotton per acre more than the average of two plats "laid by" two weeks earlier. The 38 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOTJD. increase is considered sufficient to pay for the extra cultivation. Sub- soiling in January was quite beneficial to the firsl crop but it afforded in) increase the second year. Kows 3 ft. I in. aparl gave practically the same yield whether the plants were 12, 18, or 24 in. aparl in tlie row, but when the distance wxs increased to 30 in. the yield was noticeably reduced. Applying 640 lbs. of slaked lime per acre broadcast showed no increase in tlie cotton crop that year, but the next year cotton, follow- ing cowpeas which were turned under in the spring, yielded more on the [>la1 limed the year before than on the plat which had not been limed. A mixture of barnyard manure, cottonseed meal, and acid phosphate was more effective when applied without composting than when composted about 1 month before using. Bedding on all the fer- tilizer gave better results than reserving one-fourth and applying it in the drill at planting time. An application of 150 lbs. of cotton-seed meal per acre resulted in a larger yield of seed cotton than the appli- cation of .'!l(i U.s. of cotton seed or 70.5 lbs. nitrate of soda, these quan - tities furnishing equal amounts of nitrogen. Acid phosphate proved to be more effective than Florida soft phosphate except when the crude phosphate was employed in compost, A mixture of these two phos- phatie fertilizers was less effective than an equal weight of acid phos- phate and more effective than the same amount of Florida soft phosphate. Cotton-seed meal, acid phosphate, and kainit were applied singly and in different combinations at the rate of 200, 240, and 200 lbs. per acre respectively. The use of kainit alone was most profitable, and cotton seed meal alone stood second. Acid phosphate applied singly gave no increase in yield. The apparent average increase in yield of seed cotton per acre due to the different fertilizers applied to plats which had received no fertilizer, or which received kainit or acid phosphate or both, was 116 lbs. for cotton-seed meal and 151 for kainit. and a decrease of 103 lbs. for acid phosphate. Topping cotton did not prove profitable. Red rice, W. K. Dodson (Louisiana Stas. Bui. 50, 2. ser.,pp. 208-226, />!. l). — A description of red rice is given and the results of experiments conducted to ascertain its origin are discussed. The flower of the rice plant and the natural provision for preserving the seed of red rice are described. The author points out the disadvantages of reel rice in rice tields, considers its botanical relations, and makes suggestions how to prevent its occurrence. A test of 17 varieties of rice is reported. The « speriments led to the following conclusions: •• Red rice is a differenl variety from the white rice. White rice will not produce red seeds when the seed a have been exposed to the weather all winter, as is com- monly believed by planters. Tlie two varieties will cross, producing hybrids, and tin-,, hybrids tend to revert to one of the parent forms, the red rice being a little Btronger. •• Bed rice, being dependent upon self-preservation, is hardier than the white rice FIELD CROPS. 39 ami also has a special device for preventing the seed from reaching the ground in early fall. "The proper methods to be adopted are to use clean seed and prevent red rice from seeding after the general harvest." Sugar-beet investigations in Wisconsin during 1897, F. W. Woll (Wisconsin Sta. Bui. 64, pp.104, Jigs. 5). — The work reported consisted of cooperative culture experiments made by farmers in the counties adapted to agriculture; culture tests at one or more substations in a number of counties, at each of which one-half acre of beets were grown under the direction of tbe station to ascertain the cost of pro- duction; a variety test; and a fertilizer experiment with sugar beets ou marshy soil at the station farm. The results are tabulated and tbe analytical work is described. The season was not very favorable for the growth of sugar beets. For the cooperative experiments 13,760 one-fourth pound packages of seed were sent out with complete directions for sowing, cultivating, etc. Analyses were made of 1,(363 samples of beets from 6$ counties, showing an average of 12.67 per cent of sugar in the juice with 74.1 as the average coefficient of purity. The average yield of beets per acre in these experiments is estimated at 12.8 tons. The richest beets were grown on the drift soils of the State. The counties located in the drift- less section or sandstone section produced beets of the lowest average richness. The author states that " the sugar beet, in order to reach its highest development, requires soils rich in lime, and with us preferably such as are produced by glacial drift overlying limestone formations or produced by the decomposition of the Keweenawan or copper-bearing series (shale, conglomerate porphyry, etc.), in the extreme northwest of the State." The relative value of beets of different degrees of purity, the impor- tance of proper culture, and the influence of the soil are discussed. It was found that white beets are richer in sugar and have a higher coef- ficient of purity than red beets. Proper culture was found to be of greater importance than the use of any particular kind of standard seed. It was observed that in general beets grown after cereals were of good quality, and that beets following summer fallow were excep- tionally high in sugar content and purity. A number of rotations are suggested. The average cost of growing an acre of beets at 28 substations was $28.73 including all items from plowing the soil to storing the beets, except the cost of the seed and the rent of the land. The average yield obtained at 27 substations was 29,850 lbs. of beets per acre. Analyses were made of samples taken at the time the beets were har- vested and about 1 month earlier. Forty-seven early samples from 36 substations averaged 13.49 per cent of sugar in the juice, with a purity of S0.6; while 46 samples taken at the time of harvesting averaged 15.22 per cent of sugar in the juice with a purity of 80.2. At the station farm a 3- acre field was plowed 6 in. deep on May 7, 40 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. and bhe west. th half of the Held was plowed ;i second time 10 in. deep and four lilt lis of it subsoiled to 10 in. on May 20. The field was not particularly adapted to the sugar-beet crop, and on part of the field the crop failed. Thirteen different varieties were grown. Kleinwanzleben (seed imported fr Germany) produced the highest yield on the unsub- soiled half of the field and Agnew Kleinwanzleben (a variety grown in California) on the largely subsoiled half. On the unsubsoiled half the average yield was L8,043 lbs. per acre, with an average of 13.213 per eenl of sugar in the beet, while on the other half the average yield was is, 172 lbs. per acre, with an average of 14.18 per cent of sugar in the beet. The cost of growing an acre of beets in these experiments, not including the cost of seed and rent of land, was found to be $32.15. Eight varieties were grown from high-grade seed. The sugar con- tent in the juice ranged from 13.81 per cent in the Demesmay variety to 1 7.85 per cent in the High Grade Commercial Klein wanzleben. The purity of the latter variety was the lowest, being 79.5 while that of Vilmorin La Plus l{iche was highest, being 86.1. The average yield of beets per acre for all varieties was 28,103 lbs. with an average of 15.04 per cent of sugar in the beet. Fertilizer experiments with beets were conducted on a tile drained marshy soil, and the etlect of different kinds and combinations of fer- tilizers was compared. The average yield of beets per acre on the marshy soil was 11,774 lbs. The best results were obtained from the plat to which a mixture of double carbonate of potash and magnesia, bone superphosphate, and nitrate of soda had been applied. As a rule the beets grown on the unmanured marshy plats were not so good in quality as those grown on the 3 acre field described above. The sugar beet in Pennslyvania, H. P. Armsby (Pennsylvania Sta. Bui. 40, pp. 23). — This bulletin contains a report on cooperative culture experiments with the sugar beet in different counties in 1897 with notes and suggestions of a general character on the beet crop, the requirements for manufacturing beet sugar, and the adaptability of the industry to the State. The results of the experiments and the meteor- ological data for the season are given in tables. Of the 69 samples reported upon 55 had a sugar content of over 12 per cent in the beet and 35 a coefficient of purity above 80; 32 showed a sugar content of over 12 per cent and a coefficient of purity above 80. The average size of the beets and the yield were rather small. Report on the results obtained with sugar cane on the exper- imental fields at Dodds' Reformatory, 1896, J R. Bovell and J. P. ^Albuquerque (Kpt. Ucupt. Fields Dodds' Reform. [Barbados], 1807) pp. 30). — Work in this line has been formerly reported (E. S. R., 8, p. 394). The amount and composition of the rainfall are given in a table, and the results of experiments with manures and varieties of cane and seedling cane are reported. Nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers were applied at different times and in different forms and proportions. Potash was used in the form FIELD CROPS. 41 of sulphate and applied in varying amounts and at different times. The canes were planted on twentieth-acre plats in December, 1894, and harvested in April, 1896. The application of sulphate of ammonia, supplying 00 lbs. of nitrogen per acre, in connection with mineral manures, gave the most advantageous returns in the nitrogen series of experiments. Dried blood, up to the equivalent of 60 lbs. of nitro- gen per acre, was most beneficial when applied during the earlier stages of cane growth. Sulphate of ammonia was fouud preferable to nitrate of soda as a source of nitrogen. The application of finely ground basic slag, furnishing 100 lbs. of phosphate per acre, applied during the early stages of cane growth, increased the yield of sugar, while the application of superphosphate caused a decrease in the yield. In the potash experiments the use of the sulphate, at the rate of 60 lbs. of potash per acre, produced the best results, and when applied in connection with nitrogen and phosphates largely increased the yield of cane and sugar. Among the different varieties Caledonia Queen, Queensland Creole, and Seedling 7 yielded a rich juice and were free from rotten cane. Variety tests of wheat, oats, and potatoes, G. C. Watson and E. H. Hess (Pennsylvania Sta. Bid. 39, pp. 15). — This is in continuation of work previously reported (E. S. R., 9, p. 832). The variety tests were made on twentieth-acre plats. The preparation and manuring of the soil and the seeding and cultivation of all plats of the different crops were as nearly alike as possible. Wheat. — This season 3L varieties were grown. The yield of straw followed quite closely the production of grain. The Mealy variety pro- duced the lai gest yield (42.93 bu. per acre), and the Reliable Minne sota the smallest (29.49 bu.), the one producing about 45 per cent more than the other. During a six-years' test the average yield of 5 of the most productive varieties was 24.4 per cent greater than the 5 least productive varieties. Of 16 varieties tested for eight years Reliable, Eulcaster, Ontario Wonder, Wyandotte Red, and Deitz Long Berry Red, in the order given, were the most productive, the average yields being over 30 bu. per acre. The results from varieties tested two, four, and five years are given in tables. Oats. — Seventeen varieties were grown on duplicate plats, the results for each variety being the average of 2 plats. All varieties were sown at the rate of 8 pecks per acre on April 22. Prize Taker and Everett's Superior Scotch were ripe July 17; Improved American July 26, and Brancher, Buckbee New Illinois, and Black Tartarian July 29. All other varieties ripened about July 22. Henderson Clydesdale produced the largest yield (60.94 bu. per acre), and was followed in the order mentioned by Improved American, Buckbee New Illinois, Japan, Bal- tic White, German White, Victoria, and Wide Awake, the latter yield- ing 58.09 bu. Potatoes. — The yields of 39 varieties of potatoes tested varied from 42 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECORD. 66.3 bo 221.9 bu. per acre. Tbe time of ripening varied from ninety-live I,, <,nc hundred and Bixteen days. The late varieties in general were the besl producers. Greal Divide, Erish Daisy, New Wbite Peaeh Blow, OarmaD No. L,and Carman No. 3, in the order given, produced the besl yields. Manuring meadows, L. Gbandeatj (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1 (1898), No. I3tp, 150).— Barnyard liquor, barnyard manure, phosphoric acid, and a mixture of slag, kaiuit, and ammonium sulphate were applied to irri- gated meadow lands. Analyses showed the soil to contain 0.182 per eein of nitrogen, 0.176 per cent of potash, and 0.095 per cent of phos- phoric acid. The best results were obtained from the plat which received the mixture, the yield being at the rate of 11,657 kg. of hay per hectare. The plat which received the phosphoric acid yielded at the rate of L0,23o kg. of hay per hectare. These applications were profitable, but the barnyard liquor and barnyard manure were applied at a loss. The author recommends the use of nitrate of soda in tbe place of sulphate of ammonia on meadows which are not irrigated. Alfalfa, or lucern, .1. G. Smith ( U. S. Depi. Agr., Fanners' Bid. 31, pp. 28, figs. $).— A revision of Farmers' Bulletin 'M of this Department (E. S. R., 7, p. 380). Field beets, A. ARNSTADT {Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 47 {1898), Nos. 5, pp. 183-186 ; 6, pp, < i. — Popular directions for the culture of Held beets. Breeding forage beets, A. KlRSCHE {Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 47 {1898), No. 7, pp. >).— Notes on the culture and breeding of beets, with results of experiments along these lines. Investigations with forage beets, G. Paturel {Ann. Agron., 24 {1S9S), No. 3, pp, 97-128). — A report on culture and variety tests, including the composition of forage beets. The reproduction of beets by budding and by cutting, L. Gesciiwind {2. Congrh. Internal. Chhn. Appl., 1896, II, pp. ,:27-234).— Directions for propagating beets by these methods ami suggestions as to their value. Canaigre, 1". Mai.kt (Hid. Dir.Agr. et Com., 2 {1S97), No. :>, pp. 273-2S2, fig. 1).— Notes "ii the cull mi', composition, and industrial value of cafiaigre Carrots as a forage crop, II. L. ok VlLMORlN {Jour. Agr. Prat., 62 {1898), No. 14, pp. 501-504, pi. 1). — Cultural notes arc given and 6 varieties are described. Cassava culture, ('. K. McQuariue {Florida Farmer and Fruit Grower, n. ser.,10 {1898), Xo. lt.; i. — Popular notes on the culture of cassava. Experiences in the culture of corn for the grain, F. VON Lociiow {Mitt. Dent. Landw. Gesell., IS >-89). — This article discusses the culture of corn in ( rermany. Cowpeas, J. G. Smith {U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Agrostology Circ. 5, pp. 11). — A n print from tin- "> earbook of this Department for 1896 (E. S. R., 9, p. 551). Crimson clover, C. K. McQuarrxe ( Texas Farm and Ranch, 16{1897). No. 39. p. 2). — Popular notes on growing crimson clover in the Gulf and South Atlantic Stati b. The effect of the direction of the rows on the yield, E. Wollny {Dent. Landw. Presse, . v.». .;./.. ..-■" . — The article discusses the results, which are given in tabular form. It was found that drilled crops in rows running north and south yielded more than when in rows extending from cast to west. Fertilizer experiments in 1897, F. Mathias {Bui. Agr. [Brussels], 14 {1898), No. /, pp. 15-19). — The results of fertilizer experiments on various farm crops during each year from 1886 to L897 are given in tables. FIELD CROPS. 43 Notes on the application of commercial fertilizers on meadows, J. SCHMID- BERGER ( IViirt. Wchnbl. Landw., 1S0S, No. 10, p. 134). Establishing and manuring meadows, Taxc rk {Landw. Wchnbl. Schleswig-Hol- stein, 4S (189S), No. 13, pp. 219-224). — Directions for making and manuring meadows are given and grass mixtures for various soils and conditions are suggested. Flax culture in Holland and Belgium, Gisevius (Mitt. Dent. Landw. G-esell., 13 (1S9S), No. 7, pp. 97, 9S). — The methods of llax culture and the development of the industry are discussed. Heine's variety tests of oats, X. Westermeier (Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 22, p. 239). Field culture of onions, H. Koch (Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 (1S98), No. 24, p. 263).— A note on the culture of onions as a field crop. Comparative tests of varieties of potatoes, X. Westermeier (Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 (1S98), No. 27, p. 293).— A report on 147 varieties. Culture experiments of the German potato experiment station in 1897 (Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 24, pp. 261,262).— The starch content and the yield of tubers and starch of the different varieties are given. The plan of the cooperative experiments is outlined and the different varieties arc described. Culture of the potato, Maizieres (L'Engrais, 13 (1898), No. 3, pp. 60-62, fig. 1). — A popular discussion, with recommendations for increasing the yield by the use of chemical fertilizers and the selection of seed. The sugar beet in Norway (Bl. Zuekerrubenbau, 5 (1898), No. 6, pp. 80-90). — Xotes on sugar-beet culture in Norway and a report on the results of variety tests of sugar beets carried on at the different experiment stations. Culture experiment with sugar beets, Schluter (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 47 The culture of beets and the manufacture of sugar in Belgium, A. Jadoul (1898), No. 6, pp. 233, 234). — The results of a test of live varieties are reported. (Rev. Gen. Agron. [Louvain], 7 (1S0S), No. 3, pp. 121-136). On the amount of juice in beets, H. Pellet (2. Congres Lnternat. Chim. Appl., 1896, I, pp. 1-12). The German beet-sugar industry, J. Goldschmidt ( U. S. Consular Ppts., 1S9S, No. 211, pp. 494-500). — The beet-sugar production of Europe in 1896-97 is reported by countries, and statistics are given to show the development of the industry in Germany. The beet-sugar legislation in Germany from 1839 to the present time is reviewed. The soy bean in Provence, J. Farcy (Jonr. Agr. Prat., 62 (1898), No. 14, pp. 492-404, fig. 1). — This article treats of the culture of the soy bean and of its value for forage. Sulla and its culture, V. de Laffiti: {2. Congres Internal. Chim. Appl., 1896, 1 1, pp. 241-250). — A description and hi.story of sulla (Hedysarum coronarium), with full notes on its distribution and culture. Silos and ensilage, M. D. Eshleman (Pacific Tree and Vine, 14 (1898), No. 47, pp. 142, 143).— Popular notes. Making and feeding stack silage (Landtmannen, 8 (1897), No. 40, pp. 574-579). Tobacco growing, R. S. Nevill (Queensland Agr. .four., 2 (1898), No. 3, pp. 173-175, figs. 2). — Directions for the preparation of plant beds. Cuban tobacco in Florida : How to grow it ; how to cure it ; how to make it pay, K. O. Varx (Fort Meade, Fla.: The Author, 1897). Directions for curing heavy pipe and export tobaccos, R. S. Xevill (Queens- land Agr. Jour., 2 (1S9S), No. 2, pp. 93, 94, pis. 3). The cultivated vetches, J. G. Smith ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Agrostology Circ. 6, pp. 7, figs. 4). — Four varieties of vetches — hairy or sand vetch, winter vetch, spring vetch, and kidney vetch — are described and directions given for their cultivation, with notes on their feeding aud fertilizing value. Culture experiments with sport varieties of barley, summer wheat, and oats in 1897, X. Westermeier (Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), Nos. 4, pp. 150-152; 5, pp. 173-176).— Six new varieties of barley, 7 of spring wheat, and 9 of oats were tested. 2234— Xo. 1 4 44 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The results are given in tables and the comparative merits of different varieties pointed ont. Heine's variety tests of spring wheats, N. Westekmeibk {Deut. Landw. Presse, 98), No. 20, p. 219), Wheat growing by irrigation at Barcaldine, Queensland, W. II. CAMPBELL {Queensland Agr. Jour., i {1898), No. .', pp. 90, 91, pis. 2).— Particulars of experi- ments in wheal growing by irrigation with water from artesian wells. Medeah wheat {Agr. Jour. Cape of Good Hope, 12 (1S9S), No. 5, p. 247).— A note on the historj of this variety. Fertilizer tests with wheat, H. J. Wateks {Missouri Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 9-19).— Reprinted from Bulletin 34 of the station i E. S. R., 8, p. 973). HORTICULTURE. Fruit growing in Wyoming, B. C. Buffum ( Wyoming Sla. Bui. 34, pp. 85-157, figs. 3, pis. 36). — This bulletin reports the results with fruits ai the experimental farms of the State siuee the first planting in 1892. Some of the trees have begun to bear, and so indicate what may be expected, but tiie time since planting has been too short to allow definite conclusions to be drawn. In many cases data regarding the various varieties of fruit are given in notes and tables. In order to show what can be done in the line of fruit growing in the State and also as a mat- ter of history, all of the fruit farms of the State, as nearly as possible, are represented in the bulletin. The illustrations are from photographs. The bulletin also includes suggestions for the culture of orchard and small fruits, irrigation, and the like. A comparison of eastern and western grown trees resulted in favor of the latter. In L892 146 trees of 10 varieties from New York and 52 trees of 1) varieties from Colorado were planted. Some 38 per cent of the former died the first year, as against only 17 per cent of the latter. Of 10 trees of 3 hardy varieties of apples (Ben Davis, Oldenburg, and Wealthy) obtained from ]Sew York, 312.5 per cent died the first year, while of 18 trees of the same varieties from Colorado only 17 per cent died. The eastern trees were received in better condition than the western ones. The following varieties have proved hardy and prolific in sections representing the larger portions of the State and, excepting grapes, may be expected to succeed in sheltered localities up to an altitude of something over 7,000 feet: Apples — Wealthy, Oldenburg, Ben Davis; crab apples — Siberian, Martha, Transcendent, Ilyslop; cherries — Rocky Mountain Dwarf, Morello, Early Richmond; plums — De Soto, Weaver; blackberries — Early King, Stone Hardy, Wilson, jr. ; dewberries — Lucre- tia, Mammoth; currants — Red Cherry, White Grape, Crandall, Lee Prolific; gooseberries — Houghton, Downing; (/rapes — Concord, Wyo- ming Bed, Delaware; yellow raspberries — Caroline, Golden Queen; red raspberries — Turner, Hansel, Thompson Early Prolific, Marlboro; black raspberries — Kansas, Progress, Gregg, Lovett; strawberries — Warlield, Bubach, Mammoth, Sharpless, Gold, Cloud, Parker Earl, ShusterGem, Wilson, Lady Rusk, Captain Jack, Viola, Bidwell, Triumph, Crescent HORTICULTURE. 45 Seedling, Manchester, Cumberland, Staymen No. 1, Gaudy, Jucunda Improved, Lovett Early, Iowa Beauty, Eureka, Mitchell Early, Hav- erland, and Jessie. The culture of native plums in the North-west, E. S. Goff ( Wis- consin Sta. Bui. 63, pp. (17, figs. 32). — The native plums of the species Primus americana are considered among- the hardiest of tree fruits. In the winter of 1896-97, the tlower buds of the trees of this species were entirely uninjured while the buds of varieties of Prunus domestica were almost totally destroyed. The native plums are so productive as to require thinning the fruit to prevent injury from overbearing. A figure is given illustrating the tendency to overbear, and showing the effect of thinning. In the opinion of the author the quality of the best native plums is not inferior to that of the European plums, and reports of several growers show that their market value is fully as great. The propagation, culture, insect enemies, and diseases of the native plums are considered. Notes are given on some 180 varieties of native plums. In order to ascertain the cultural methods that are practiced in the Northwest inquiries were circulated among the more successful plum growers in that region. The replies are summarized in the bulletin. Notes on pruning, F. W. Card {NcbrasJca Sta. Bui. 50, pp. 10, jigs. 2). — An experiment was begun in the year 1895 to determine the best time to prune apple trees, the best way of making the wounds, and the best treatment of them. Two trees were pruned the first of every month of the year. A few of the wounds on each tree were left rough as made by a saw, and a few were made smooth with some cutting- instrument, like the chisel. At each pruning some of the wounds, both rough and smooth, were left untreated and others were treated with the following preparations: Liquid grafting wax, shellac varnish, white lead paint, pine tar, and coal tar. Notes are given explaining the conditions under which the various primings were made. Obser- vations were made on the condition of the wounds throughout the year 1895, in the spring and autumn of 1896, and in the spring of 1897. On account of the poor condition of the trees used, it was impossible to determine definitely the most favorable season of the year for prun- ing. There were some indications, however, that the wounds made during the growing season healed better than when made during the winter. As to making wounds smooth or leaving them rough there was little difference between the two methods, what there was being in favor of rough pruning. The rough wounds seemed to heal slightly better, the wood checked somewhat less, and the materials applied stayed on slightly better. Although untreated wounds were found to heal as well as any, except those covered with wax, they checked worst of all. In regard to the various materials applied, the author says: "Taking all things together, nothing seeius to he hotter for covering the wounds made in pruning than common lead paint, which is closely followed by grafting wax. !•; EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The was is Buporior to paint in the matter of healing, bul does not last as well and isnol bo convenient to apply, although in warm weather, when it works well, there .slhil, trouble in tlmregard. Coal tar is useful iu preventing the wood from check- ing, inn appears to be a positive hindrance to healing, so that, in spile of the fact thai it stays well, there is little to recommend it. Pine tar is no aid to healing, being apparentlj a trifle detrimental, while it helps only slightly in the matter of checking, and does Dot Ias1 well, therefore it lias uothing to recommend it. Shellac is a failure. It does nor last and neither aids the wound in healing nor, to any appreciable extent, prevents it from checking. Results of thinning fruit in 1897 {Canad. Hort, 21 {1898), No. 4, p. . ( me tree of each variety of fruit tested was thinned and another as nearly like it as possible was left unthinned. About one-half of the fruil was removed in thinning. The apple and pear, it is thought, were thinned too late to give besl results. In most cases the fruit on thinned trees was larger and better than that on the, unthinned trees and in several eases the iiiithiiined fruit was injured by rot. The results are given in the following table: Results of thinning fruit. Peaches: Alexander Alexander Eonesl John ' lentennial Hale Early Waterloo Craw ford Early Rivers Apple: Spy Pear: Clajiji Favorite . Variety. Time con- sumed in thinning. Hours. 2. 00 .5(1 .25 .25 1.00 .50 .33 .33 Yield. Thinned Unthinned tree. tree. Quarts. 138 06 12 84 111 60 24 162 108 132 Quarts. 114 42 12 60 84 66 24 108 156 180 Stimulating and holding fruit buds, H. E. Glazier (Oklahoma Sta. Huh 31, pp. 15-18). — The author notes various methods of retard- ing the development of fruit buds of plums and reports a test of root pruning in this connection. Trees were root pruned by digging trenches about them, thus cutting the lateral roots. A treated tree was able to resist a greater degree of cold, made a greater growth the year follow- ing treatment, and produced much more fruit than an untreated one. Strawberries and grapes, H. E. Glazier (Oklahoma Sta. Bui. 31, pp. 3-14, Jigs. :;). — Directions are given tor the culture of strawberries in Oklahoma. Some 25 varieties of strawbemes were tested, the major- ity of them giving good results. The dates of blooming, ripening, and first and last picking, and the yield of 19 varieties are tabulated. Brief notes are given on a number of varieties. Grape growing in Oklahoma is discussed. A type of grape having small leaves and a tendency to deep rooting is thought best suited to the conditions of the Territory. For these reasons the Labrusca type is not well adapted to the region. A test of 175 varieties of grapes is reported. The parentage, date of ripening, color, and yield of the HORTICULTURE. 47 Varieties ate given in tabular form. The author says : "In some instances the Labrusca stock has shown fairly good yields, as in the Concord and some others, but our complaint rests largely in the fault of uneven ripening, as is the case at the station." Hybrid roses, gooseberries, and strawberries, J. L. Btjdd (Iowa Sta. Bui. 36, pp. 868-878, Jigs. 6). — Brief notes are given on the most promising hybrid roses produced at the station, and on the best Rosa rugosa hybrids produced elsewhere and tested at the station. By way of summary the author says: "Up to the present, our experience and observation favor the belief that the future favorite roses of the prairie States will be developed from the ironclad Rosa rugosa of east Europe and our native wild roses. It has been fully demonstrated that their hybrids, with our finest half-hardy varieties, follow largely the native species iu hardiness of plant, perfect foliage, and complete unfolding of their llowers. It is also fully demonstrated that fine double varieties can be developed from primitive species in one generation." Over 50 hybrids of the wild gooseberry of Manitoba, pollinated by the cultivated variety Champion, have fruited. In regard to this the author says: "The leaves of all the hybrids are larger and thicker than those of either parent, and the fruit ranges in size on different plants from that of the Houghcon to that of the Champion and Pearl. As compared with the latter sorts, the plants make fully twice as much annual growth of shoots, the leaves are larger and thicker, the thorns are stronger, but not as numerous, and the fruit has longer stems, favoring more rapid picking. . . . The great surprise of this experiment is the fact that not one of the hybrids follows the wild species in leaf, habit of growth, or fruit. The Cham- pion pollen seems peculiarly prepotent. In all other work we have attempted in crossing on primitive forms, a large percentage of the seedlings have followed the mother very closely, often with very slight variations." Crosses of the wild strawberry of Manitoba with pollen of cultivated varieties have not resulted satisfactorily. The author says: "We have secured the needed hardiness and perfection of leaf, but iu no case have we secured the needed size for market or home use." The cultivated species of asparagus, W. Watson ( Card. Citron.. 3. ser., 23 (1S9S), Xos. 583, pj). 122-124, figs. ..'; 585, pp. 147, US, figs. 2; 587, pp. 178, 179, figs. 3). American ginseng : Its commercial history, protection, and cultivation, G. V. Nash ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of Botany Bui. 16, rev., pp. 32, figs. 5). — This bulletin has been revised by M. G. Kains. To keep sweet potatoes (Queensland Agr. Jour., 2 (1898), No. 2, p. 90). — Notes on the storing of sweet potatoes. Observations on recent cases of mushroom poisoning in the District of Columbia, F. V. Coville (U. 8. Dent. Agr., Division of Botany Circ. 13, rev., pp. 24, figs. 27). Vegetable tests of 1897, L. J>. Taft, H. P. Gladden, and M. L. Dean ( Michigan Sta. Bnl. 153, pp. 230-256). — The bulletin consists of descriptive notes and tabular data on most of the new and many of the standard varieties of beans, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, sweet corn, peas, and potatoes. The varieties that have proved most satisfactory aie as follows: Hush beans — Cylinder Black Wax, Flageolet ( ?), Victoria, Golden Wax, Red Valentine, Cream Valentine, Stringiess Green Pod, Byer One Bean, and Improved Goddard ; encumbers — Russian, Choice, Westerlield EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Pickling, White Spine, and Japanese Climbing; lettuce— Grand Rapids, Tennis Ball, RawHon Hoi I ae, All Seasons, Half Century, Landreth Earliest, Italian ice, Simp- son Curled, and Wonderful; tomatoes— Vanghan Earliest, Atlantic, Leader, Ruby, Vdvance, Potato leaf [gnotum, Acme, Beauty, [gnotutn, Perfection, Optimus, Golden Queen, Miner,and Pouderosa; cabbage— Henderson Early Summer, Wakefield, Early Drumhead, All Head, Earlj York, Autumn King, Lupton, Mid-Summer, Succession, and World Beater; potatoes— Irish Cobbler, Sis Weeks, Algoma, White Ohio, Har- rington Peer, Woodhull, Accidental, Uncle Sam, Klondyke, Mill Banner, Good Times, Planet jr., sir Walter Raleigh, Carman X<>. I, Carman No. 3, Enormous, Rural New Yorker No. 2, Peachblow, Livingston Banner, and Beauty of Beauties. Livingston's celery book, E. J. Hollister {Columbus, Ohio: A. W. Livingston's gon8 t898, pp. 96, figs. ?0).— The book contains directions for the preparation of the I, culi me, and marketing of celery, based on twenty years' experience with the Mil crop. Preliminary report on Arkansas seedling apples, .7. T. Stinsox {Arkansas Sta. Bui. 49, pp. :<>. figs. tS).— For several years the author has been investigating the Beedling apples of Arkansas origin. In this preliminary report of the investigation descriptive and historical notes arc given on twenty of the most important of these seedling apples. American apples in Belgium, H. C. MORRIS ( U. S. Consular L'jits., 1898, No. 210, P,,. IS1-4S5). Manual of fruit-tree culture, A. Berne ( Manuel d' arboriculture fruitiere. Mont- pellier: Camille Could; Paris: Masson ei Cie., 1898, pp. 301, figs. 147).— The book treats of soils and fertilizers for fruit trees; planting, pruning, training, varieties, and diseases of firuit trees; the picking and storage of fruit, etc. A large part of the book is devoted to the methods of pruning and training. Damage from cold and best methods of prevention {Florida Agr., 25, Xo. 18, }>p. 178-175). — This is an address by the president of the Florida State Horticultural Society on the damage of cold to orange groves and means of preventing it. Future of some of our native fruits, nuts, and shrubs, J. L. Budd {Iowa State Hort. Soc. Bpt., SS I 1897), pp. 818-3% Winter protection of the peach, J. C. Whitten {Missouri Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 140-159, figs. 5).— Reprinted from Bulletin 38 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 835). Cultivation and management of the peach, J. C. Whitten {Missouri Sta. Bpt. pp. 159-164).— Reprinted from Bulletin 38 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 837). Cooperative experiments with small fruit, D. T. Price {Mississippi Sta. />'"/. 46, pp. 8). — I'll*- bulletin gives variety tests and directions for the culture of straw- berries, raspberries, blackberries, and grapes. From tests of some 50 varieties of Btrawberries, the author recommends the following for northeast Mississippi: Lady Thompson, < irescent, Bubach, Tennessee Prolific, Brandywine, and Lovett. Testsof a limited number of varieties of raspberries and blackberries are reported. Turner was the onh red raspberry and Gregg the only black raspberry that was satisfactory. Of the blackberries tested. Dallas. Snyder, Erie, Lawton, and Taylor did well. Of the '■'>'■'' varieties of grapes tested, Pocklington, Triumph, Reissling, and Moore Early proved the i>est. Notes on small fruits grown in 1897, F. II. Ham. {New York Stale Sta. Buls. 127 and 188, popular ed., pp. 5). — A popular edition of Bulletins 127 and 128 of the station (E. s. R.. 9, p. 1052). Raspberries, blackberries, and grapes, L. R. Taft and H. P. Gladden ( Michigan Sta. Bui. 151, pp. 168-169). — The results of tests of 40 varieties of raspberries and 19 of blackberries are given in tables and descriptive notes. Notes are also given on some 20 varieties of grapes. The following varieties of raspberries were most promis- ing: BZacfc— Palmer, Conrath, Kansas. Gregg, older. Black Diamond, and Mills No. 15; purple — Shaffer, Columbian. Beckwith, and Kedlield; red — Cuthbert, Loudon, Marlboro, Uansell, Phoenix, and Stayman No. 1. Strawberry growing in New Hampshire, F. W. Rane (New Hampshire Sta. Bui. HORTICULTURE. 49 47, pp. 91-114, figs. 7). — A test of 54 varieties of strawberries is reported. A table is given Bhowing the size and character of the foliage, the tendency to produce run- ners and form a matted row, and the amount of blight. The fruit of each variety is illustrated. Notes are given on 12 of the more popular varieties. The bulletin also contains directions for the culture of strawberries and notes from local straw- berry growers. G. F. Beede gives a report of tests of a large number of varieties during live years. The varieties on the merits of which strawberry growers are agreed are: Bubach, Crescent, Lovett, Wariield, Greenfield, Haverland, Beverly, May King, Sharpless, Marshall, and Michel Early. Barrel strawberry culture, J. P. Ohmkr (Amer. Gard., 19 (1S9S), No. 172, p. 287, fig. 1). — Directions for growing strawberries in barrels. Report of South Haven Substation, T. T. I/X ON {Michigan Sta. Bui. 152, pp. 171-229). — The bulletin reports tests of 163 varieties of strawberries, 65 raspberries, 30 blackberries, 22 currants, 20 gooseberries, 76 cherries, 511 peaches, 148 grapes, 110 plums, 96 pears, 19 crab apples, 135 apples, and 11 quinces. The results are given in tables showing such data as dates of blooming and ripening, vigor and produc- tiveness of plants, form, color, quality, and size of fruits, and the like, the tables being accompanied by descriptive notes. Notes are also given on dewberries, service berries, almonds, chestnuts, pecans, hazlenuts, walnuts, apricots, mulberries, nectar- ines, asparagus, and rhubarb. Viticulture, P. Costk-Floret (Les travaux da vignoble. Montpellier : Camilla Coulet; Paris: Masson et Cie., 1S9S, pp. 41S,jigs. 121).- — The book belongs to Bihlio- thbque du " Progres Agricole et Viticole." It treats of the propagation and culture of grapes, soils and fertilizers, insects, diseases, and the like. The chrysanthemum: Its past, present, and future, E. M. Wood (Trans. Massa- chusetts Hort. Soc, 1897, I, pp. 28-42). The dahlia: A practical treatise on its habits, characteristics, cultivation, and history, L. K. Peacock (Ateo, N. J.: W. P. Peacock, 1S96, pp. 56, figs. 11).— The book treats of the propagation, classification, culture, and varieties of the dahlia, with chapters on dahlia exhibitions, the American Dahlia Society, etc. The sweet pea, W. T. Hutciiins ( Trans. Massachusetts Hort. Soc, 1897, 1, pp. 46-60). The propagation of orchids (Amer. Florist, 13 (1S9S), No. 516, pp. 1132, 1333). The selection of trees, shrubs, climbers, and their disposition, G. W. Car- RTJTHKR8 (Amer. Card., 19 (1898), No. 176, Sup., pp. 10, 11). Experiments in the use of commercial fertilizers ( Wiener Illus. Hart. Ztg., 23 (1898), No. 4, pp. 143-150).— The report of the experiments of A. Hubert and G. Truf- faut in the application of commercial fertilizers to various ornamental plants is translated from Journal de la Societe nationale d' horticulture de France. Experiments in fertilizing potted plants with nutrient salt solutions, R. Otto (Gartenflora,47 (1898), No. 8, pp. 210-213, Jigs. 2). — Heliotrope, pelargonium, Fuchsia hybrida, Salvia splendens, and Pentstemon gentianoides were watered with a nutrient solution at intervals of from five to eight days, being watered at other times as needed with ordinary water. The nutrient solution consisted of a mixture of 6 parts ammonium phosphate, 5 parts sodium nitrate, 5 parts potassium nitrate, and 4 parts ammonium sulphate dissolved in water at the rate of 1 part of the mixture to 1,000 parts of water. Other plants of the same kinds were watered entirely with ordinary water as a check. The plants watered with the nutrient solution were of a deeper green color than the others, had larger leaves, more numerous and generally more vigorous branches, earlier dowers, and more abundant flowers and fruit. The horticultural directory and yearbook for 1898 (London: Journal of Horti- culture, 1898, 39 ed.,pp. 4S0). — The directory contains alphabetical lists of the nursery- men, seedsmen, and florists, of the gardeners, of horticultural builders, and engi- neers, of botanical gardens and public parks, of the seats of the nobility, and of the botanical, horticultural, and floral societies of Great Britain and Ireland; county lists of nurserymen, seedsmen, and florists in England and Wales, in Scotland, in Ireland, and in the Channel Islands, and of the seats of the nobility in Great Britain EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Mini Ireland; lists of the principal nurserymen, seedsmen, and florists of European countries and the British colonies, of landscape gardeners, and of commission mer- chants and salesmen a1 the Covenl Garden Market, London; and tables, receipts, and miscellaneous information of interest to horticulturists. Garden-making ; suggestions for the utilizing of home grounds, L. II. Bailey Vein For*: The Macmillan Co., 1898, pp. (17, figs. 256).— The book is one of the Garden-craft series. It contains a chapter on such topics as preparation of the laud, sowing and planting, winter protection, forcing plants, insects and diseases, etc.; a chapter on the plau of the place, including discussions of the "picture in the land- Bcape," the fundamentals of landscape gardening, specific examples, and how the improvements arc made; a chapter on planting the ornamental grounds, containing a list of ornamental plants hardy in centra] Michigan, and remarks by Ernest Walker on plants for floral effects, flower beds, carpet-bedding, borders, annuals, bulbous ami tuberous plants, hardy herbaceous perennials, climbing plants, etc.; a chapter on the fruit plantation, contributed largely by L. R. Taf't, and including the grape, small fruits, northern orchard fruits, and subtropical fruits; a chapter on the vege- table garden, written in large part by F. A. Waugh; and a chapter on seasonal reminders, giving monthly calendars of garden operations for the North by T. Greiner and for the South by II. W. Smith and V. II. Burnette. Greenhouse management. L. R. Taft (New York: Orange Judd Co., 1898, pp. 382, figs. 1 .s). — This is a manual on the forcing of flowers, vegetables, and fruits in greenhouses and on the propagation and care of house plants. Chapters are devoted to the insect enemies and fungus diseases of greenhouse plants and the preparation and uBe of insecticides and fungicides. FORESTRY. Notes on the annual growth of forest trees, W. E. Lazenby Proc. Soc. Prom. Agr. ISci., 1897, pp. 15-19). — This is the presidential address delivered by the author at the Detroit meeting of the Society. The importance of growing forest trees and the preservation of wood- lands is pointed out, and the author urges the planting of forest trees for timber, shelter, and protection, as well as for ornament and land- scape effect. A report is given on an experiment begun in the fall of 1882, in which the seeds of a dozen or more varieties of native forest trees were col- lected and placed under suitable conditions for planting the following spring al Columbus, Ohio. The species selected were wild black cherry, black walnut, black locust, sugar maple, catalpa, red maple, cucumber tree; white, black, and blueash; bur, scarlet, aud yellow oaks; American chestnut, Kentucky coffee tree, and beech. The seeds were planted in the spring of 1883, and, with the exception of the chestnuts, oaks, and black walnuts, all the trees were transplanted from the seed bed when a year old. The trees were grown in rows 3^ ft. apart aud 2 ft. in the row. Careful cultivation was given for the first few years until the trees had attained sufficient size to shade the ground, when no further culti- vation was needed. Notes were taken from time to time on the annual growth and diameter, and the following observations were made relative to the growth of the trees: "(1) The increase in diameter of trunk did not hear a constant ratio to the increase iu height, hut appeared to be mainly dependent upon the leaf development. That FORESTRY. 51 is, wlien the plantation was thinned tlio trees invariably branched lower, and while making a more rapid increase in diameter made a slower upward growth. "(2) Some species grew with great uniformity, despite the variation in season, while others presented a considerable difference from year to year. For example, the catalpa, white ash, and yellow locust represented the greatest variation in annual growth, both in height and diameter. The black cherry, black walnut, honey locust, and oaks showed the least variation. In all cases the growth was the greatest when there was the most rainfall during the growing season. "(3) When the foliage was injured or removed early in the season, or the early growth was arrested by a severe drought, it took several years to overcome this check to normal increase, no matter how favorable the seasons were immediately following. "(4) The greatest annual increase in diameter of trunk invariably took place in the side most fully exposed to the light, but the greatest growth in length of branches was often on the side not fully exposed. That is, although there was a greater aggregate growth of limbs and branches on the most exposed side, the greatest growth in length of single branches was frequently on the shady side. "(5) But one so-called 'annual ring' was formed each growing season, and this was usually so well denned as to be easily counted. As a rule these rings furnish not only a convenient but reliable record of the age of trees. "(6) The trees that made the most rapid growth were the following: Yellow locust, black cherry, catalpa, white ash, and black walnut." The average height and diameter of ten specimens of several varieties at the end of fifteen seasons' growth are shown in the following table: Growth of trees in fifteen seasons. noisht. Yellow or black locust IJIack cherry Catalpa White ash Black walnut The most rapid growth for any one year was made when the trees were three years old. The growth during this season was as follows: Yellow or black locust, 5 ft. 1 in. ; black cherry, 4 ft. 3 in.; catalpa, 3 ft. 7 in.; white ash, 4 ft. 10 in.; and black walnut, 3 ft. 7 in. Forestry conditions and interests of Wisconsin, F. Koth ( U. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Forestry Bui. 16, pp. 76, pi. 1). — This bulletin is a report, by the author, of investigations made during the summer of 1807, in cooperation with the State Geological Survey of Wisconsin. An introductory chapter is given by B. E. Fernow, chief of the divi- sion, in which the object and methods of the investigation are outlined and some conclusions and recommendations given. The inquiry was undertaken in order to ascertain definite and authoritative knowledge regarding the forest conditions of one of the most important regions of lumber production. The wooded area of this region is steadily being reduced by logging, and to some extent by clearing, and little or nothing is done either to restock or protect the cut-over lands. The present system is estimated to cause an annual loss of about 800,000,000 leet of lumber. Of the 17,000,0U0 acres of forest lands, more than 8,000,000 52 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. have been cur and largely burned over, so that it is said nearly one- half of the area is reduced almost to a desert condition. The author reviews the forest conditions of the past and present, and the supplies of white red or Norway, and jack pine, hemlock, cedar, tamarack, spruce, and balsam fir, together with hard-wood supplies. The possible rate of accretion is given, but this growth is greatly reduced by clearing, logging, and forest tires. The effect of the forest on climate and rainfall is stated. The author claims that many of the rivers heretofore navigable or furnishing a large water supply have been so reduced as to have their former utility greatly impaired. The extent and injury of forest tires in the State are mentioned, and sugges- tions offered for reducing them to the minimum. The forest conditions in different counties are given in some detail, together with lists of the, principal forest trees of northern Wisconsin, the surface features of the State, amount of standing timber, etc. Forest technology and uses of wood, P. Rizzi (Teenolofi'ia forestale ed utiUzza- zione dri boschi. Milan: F. Fallardi, 1897, I'ol. I. pp. VII-\-221; 1S9S, Vol. II, pp. 110, ill). Forest-zoological guide, C. Keller (Forstzoologischer excursions fiihrer, pp. 277, figs. ?s. Leipsic and Vienna: Carl Fromme, 1897; aba. in Zool. Centbl., 5 (1898), No. 4, p. 109). — An introduction to the study of forest injuries. The subject is consid- ered from the standpoint of leaf, bark, and wood injuries; injuries in mountains, and finally, injuries by mammals are considered. In an appendix all injuries are arranged according to the species of tree affected. The work is of value for its arrangement. How to apply forestry in spruce lands, A. Cary (Forester, 4 (1898), No. 3, pp. . — The author reviews the general forest conditions of Maine and northern New Hampshire, referring particularly to the spruce timber, and gives in consider- able detail the trees found on a half acre of heavy spruce timber in northern New Hampshire. He shows how that about 3,000 ft. of timber could be taken from this land, which would in no way diminish the value, but would rather improve the growth of what was left. Wood pulp supplies and forestry, B. E. FERNOW (Forester, 4 (1S9S), No. 3, pp. 52-66.) — The author in an address read before the American Paper and Pulp Associa- tion, at its meeting February, 1898, pointed out the rapid development of the paper pulp industry and the' rate of consumption of timber and the possible advantage of forest management for the continued production of pulp wood. Notes on Pinus rigida, De Lapasse (Rev. Faux et Fonts, ,;. ser., 2 (1S9S), No. 0, PP. M-295). Forest growth and sheep grazing, P. V. COVILLE ( U. S. Dept. Ayr.. Division of Forestry Bui. 15, pp. 54). —Thia bulletin is a report of observations made regarding the effect of sheep grazing on forest growth in the Cascade Range Forest Reserve. flic author concludes that sheep grazing without proper restrictions and regulations is detrimental to the reproduction of forest growth, to soil conditions, and to water- flow. Wherever forest growth is to he maintained and the washing of soils, with consequent Hood dangers, avoided, the greatest care and judgment should be exer- cised as to the manner in which sheep grazing may be carried on without detriment. Forest trees, II. Loubie | I.es essences for estieres. Fori*: Masson et Cie., 1898, pp. 191).— Treats of the species of trees that yield resin. The development of state forestry in Saxony, FtiRST (Forstw. Centbl., 20 (189S), No.4,pp. 192-197). SEEDS — WEEDS. 53 Forest conservation, A. J. Boyd (Queensland Agr. Jour., 2 (1S9S), Xo. 2, pp. 154- 158, pi. 1). Notes on the growth of forest trees, A. Heimerl (Wiener lUttx. Cart. Ztg., 23 (1S9S), No. 3, pp. 95-110, figs. .'.'). Investigations in the stand of forests, Ziklaskowski (Ztsehr. Forsi u. Jagdxo., SO (189S), No. 3, pp. 139-157, figs. 5). Report on culture experiments with Japanese, Indian, Russian, and Amer- ican forest trees in Bavaria, H. Mayr (Forstw. Cental., 20 (1898), Xos. 3,pp 115-181; 4, pp. 178-190, figs. .'). The reforestation of mountains, P>. de la Grye (Rrv. Eaux et Forets, 3. ser., 37 (1898), No. 3, pp. 69-82). The reforestation of the Loire basin, C. Broilliard (Rev. Eauxet Forets, 3. ser., 2 (1898), No. 8, pp. 241-253). The fertilization of forests, A. Thezard (2. Congrcs Tnternat. Chim. Appl.,1896, II, pp. 100-226). Japanese and Chinese conifers, Maxwell T. Masters (Bui. Rerh. Boissier, 6 (1S9S). Xo. 4, pp. 269-274). — Pinus scipioniformis is described and critical notes are given of other species. A list of 34 species of coniferous trees occurring in Japan is given. The specimens determined are in the De Candolle and Boissier herbaria. The Robinia and Sophora (Rev. Eauxet Fonts, 3. ser., 37 (1SDS), Xo. .5, pp. 149- l-~>4).— Xotes are given on Robinia pseudacacia and Sophora japoniea). Osier culture, A. Schmid (Die Anpjlanzung and Behandlung der Korb- und Bandwei- den. Stuttgart : E. Ulmer, 189S, 2. ed., pp. 116, pis. 4, figs. 20). Concerning the production of the cork oak (Jour. So<: Agr. Brabant- Hainaut, 1S97, Xo. r,:). American oaks, J. Houba (Bui. Soc. Cent. Forst. Belg., 5 (1898), Xo. 4, pp. 263-283). The distribution of pines in Cevennes, G. Fabre (R< t. Eaux et Forets, 3. ser., 37 (189S), Xo. 6, pp. 176-178). Wyoming junipers, A. Nelson (Bot. Gaz.,25 (1898), Xo. 3, pp. 196-199, figs. .').— Tbe relationship of the species of Jnniperus is discussed and ./. knighiii n. sp. is described and figured. Late and early frosts in their relation to forestry (Muttrieh, 30 (1S9S), Xo. 4, pp. 201-233). SEEDS— WEEDS. Report of the Danish seed control for 1896-97, O. Rostrtjp (Copenhagen: 1898, pp. 37). — The report shows that 1,702 samples of seeds were examined from July 1, 1896, to June 30, 1897. Of this number 934 samples were from seed dealers, G9 from seed growers, 508 from farmers, and 251 samples for original investigations. Complete analyses were made of 1,184 samples, purity determinations of 243 samples, germination tests of 310 samples, and miscellaneous determi- nations of the remainder. A summary of the results of Danish seed analyses made during the period from 1887 to 1897, inclusive, is given. The author states that in testing seed there are usually somewhat more hard seed in legume seed during the fall months than at sowing time in the spring. If all samples examined had been tested in the fall, the percentage of hard seed would have been as follows: For red clover, 8 per cent; white clover, 10.4 per cent; alsike clover, 4.5 per cent; black medick, 4.5 per cent; lucern, G.2 per cent; and Anthyllis vulneraria, 7.1 per cent; or 1.5, 0.3, 1.0, 0.2, 1.0, and 1.1 per cent, respectively, greater than the results obtained in the spring. r>4 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The different kinds of weed seeds were determined in the seed sam- ples and results are summarized in the report. The author investigated the effecl of concentrated sulphurie acid on " hard" seeds. It is well known that hard seed coats of wild or culti- vated legumes can be prepared, both by mechanical means and by the aid of chemicals, so as to allow water to penetrate the seed coat more easily and effect germinal ion. A sampleof Lathyrus sylvestris seed was steeped in concentrated sulphuric acid for one minute and the germi- nation of the seed thus treated compared with untreated seed with results as follows: l:.flcct of sulphuric acid on germination of Lathyrus sylvestris. Percentage of germ- ination. Time of germination. With sulphuric acid. Without sulphuric acid. 16 52 16 8 0 8 2 14 12 4 80 to 100 days -• 10 320 days 34 T, ,tal 100 76 The expenses of the control station during 1890-97 were 12,740.22 crowns ($4,754), covered by analysis fees received and by a Govern- ment appropriation of 5,078.47 crowns ($2,119). — f. w. woll. Seed testing, C. R. Ball (Iowa Sta. Bui. 36, pp. 856, 857).— Brief notes are given on Iairopean seed control, the progress of seed testing in America, and seed testing in Iowa. Tables are given showing the results of two tests made at intervals of one hundred days with lettuce, parsnip, and watermelon seed. The seed was secured from five differ- ent linns, and shows quite a range in the germination of the different samples. The lettuce seed had depreciated greatly in the interval exist- ing between the two experiments. The germinative power of the pars- nip seed was slightly higher at the time of the second trial, and the watermelon seed gave a much better germination at the second testing. Dodders infesting clover and alfalfa, L. H. Dewey ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Botany Ore. 14, pp. 7, figs. 2). — Notes are given ou the occurrence of some injurious species of dodder, methods of propagation, distribution, and suggestions for their eradication. The species in the United States which are considered injurious to economic crops are the following: Alfalfa dodder (Cuscuta epithymum), flax dodder (C. epilinum), clover dodder (C. raeemosa chiliana), warty dodder (C. indecora), and field dodder (C\ arvensis). Massachusetts weeds, G. E. Stone (Massachusetts .state Bd. Agr. Bpt. 1807, pp. 268-877). — A statement is given of fche introduction and spread of numerous weeds, together with a list of 30 species of the worst weeds, with directions for their eradication. Plants reputed poisonous to stock, P. M. Bailey (Queensland Agr. Jour., 2 (1S9S), No. 2, pp. 131-133, pi. 1).— All species of the Cycadacese are reputed pois- DISEASES OF PLANTS. 55 onons to stock grazing upon their herbage. Macrozamia miquellii is considered most injurious, as it is believed to produce in cattle a disease called ''rickets." The disease causes a lack of control over the movements of the hind legs. Young- stock in poor condition seem most subject to tlie disease. Affected animals may improve, but they are said never to completely recover. DISEASES OF PLANTS. The olive knot, F. T. Bioletti (California Sta. Bui. 120, pp. 11, ph. 3, fig. 1, dgm. 1). — The author reports the recent discovery in Mer- ced County, California, of the disease known as olive knot, which is said to be caused by Bacillus olece. Attention is called to the lack of satisfactory curative measures and the importance of quarantine regu- lations against infected nurseries or olive groves. This disease, which has been known for some time in Southern Europe and elsewhere, seems to be widely extended, but the specific cause was not known until 18SG, when the specific organism was separated and the disease produced by means of inoculation. The disease was first noticed in the orchard referred to above in 1893 on a single tree. Since that time it has spread over a large part of the orchard. The author visited the place in February, 1898, and made a somewhat lim- ited study of the disease. In the orchard were 141 olive trees, G of which have been destroyed, 13 are seriously injured, 09 show numerous knots, while the remaining 23 show little or no evidence of disease. While there is but little evidence upon which to base judgment rela- tive to susceptibility, in this orchard some varieties seemed more resist- ant than others, since some were not affected, although surrounded by badly diseased trees. The roots of the trees seemed but little affected. On the trunks, wherever there was a jagged wound, such as is made by breakiug off a branch or a blow by a plow, the knots were very numerous, the edge of the wound evidently serving as a place for infection. Occasionally small tubercles, varying from the size of a pin head to that of a pea, are found on the leaves, generally on the under side. The occurrence of affected leaves is very irregular, some of the most badly affected trees showing no tubercles on the leaves. The effect on the fruit could not be definitely ascertained. The owner of the orchard stated that the fruit seemed to be affected, as many olives rotted while undergoing the process of pickling. The nature and symptoms of the disease are given at some length, largely quoted from Savastano's description.1 The author conducted some experiments in a laboratory with knots collected during the winter at the time of his visit, but the material was very unfavorable, most of the knots being old and dry. However, a few were found which were still unbroken, and from the interior of these cultures were made, five of which agreed morphologically with the organism to which has generally been attributed the cause of the disease. Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 1013 (18SG), p. 1111. 56 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. In his conclusions the author states that the olive knot disease is at presenl limited to a very small range in California, but as it promises to be very harmful in some localities special precautions should betaken to prevent its spread. The conditions which favor the growth of the organism arc delicacy of tissue owing to vigorous growth or variety, high sap pressure, wounds, and hot weather. Various precautions are suggested to he observed, in pruning and earing for trees lest the dis- ease may be spread. The author believes that olives from diseased trees are perfectly wholesome and may be used for oil purposes unless the vitality of the tree is seriously affected, but that the fruit is prob- ably useless lor pickling. A destructive disease of maize, M. Kaoiborski (Ber.Deut. Bot. Gesell., 15 (1897), No. 8, pp. 475-47S,pj. J).— The author reports the occurrence in Java of a very destructive disease of maize due to au apparently undescribed fungus, Peronospora maydis. The disease attacks the young plants, the first two or three lea ves appearing healthy, but the subsequent ones becoming white or very light green. Later the leaves change to such a degree that the white spots may be seen at quite a distance. The appearance of the discolored leaves is followed by the wilting and death of the plants. Exam- ination of I he diseased leaves showed the presence of a uniseptate mycelium which bears very numerous haustoria. Through the stomata appear the conidiophores, which are 3 mm. high, 25 // in diameter, and from 3 to <> times diehotomously branched. The conidia are spherical, l."» to 18 n in diameter, and germinate in a. few hours, producing one or niorehyphse. Culture experiments showed that the conidia when inocu- lated upon the leaves of maize produced the characteristic spotting within twelve to eighteen days after the first iutection. The oogonia are L8 to 25 /i in diameter, with a not very thick but resistant membrane, which hears a few small, conical thickenings. While the disease is evidently spread by the conidia being blown about by the wind, the author thinks the oospores in the soil the chief method of infection. The usual practice of alternating sugar cane and maize would tend to increase the liability to disease through the pres- ence of innumerable oospores in the soil where the young maize plants have grown. Thus far the disease i^ known on/y from Java, and it is thought pos- sible that the fungus may have been introduced upon the maize from some of the native grasses. The introduction of the disease into the great maize growing countries would be deplorable. The diseases of the sugar cane in Java, J. H. Wakker and F. A. P. C Went (De Ziekten ran het SuMcerriet op Java. Leiden: /•:. J. Brill, 1898, pp. 217, pis. 25).— The authors describe, figure, and, where known, give remedial measures for the various diseases to which sugar cane in Java is subject. The diseases are grouped into four classes, those of the stalk, leaf sheath, leaf blade, and root. In addition, the gummosis of the sugar cane is discussed. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 57 The diseases treated of are : Stalk diseases — smut ( Ustilago sacchari), red rot (Colletotrichum faleatum), ananas disease or black rot(Thielavi opsis ethaceticus), Marasmius sacchari, top rot, several forms of the sereh disease, and a striped disease; of the leaf sheath — eye spot (Cercospora vaginae), red rot (Selerotium sp.), sour rot (Sclerotium sp.); of the leaf blade — yellow spot (Cercospora kbplcei), Selerotium sp., rust (Uredo kiilmei), ring spot [Leptosphceria sacchari), red spot (JSriosphceria sacchari), eye spot (Gereospora sacchari), leaf spot (Pestalozzia fuscescens sacchari), a disease causing a striped appearance of the leaves; root diseases — root rots, some of which are due to Cladosporium javanicum and Allantospora radieicola. In addition, the authors give a list of saprophytic fungi which have been observed on the sugar cane in Java, together with technical descriptions of the following new species of fungi: Colletotrichwm fal- eatum, Thielaviopsis ethaceticus, Hypocrea sacchari, Marasmius sacchari, and Allantospora radieicola. Rhizoctonia strobi, a new disease cf Pinus strobus, E. Scholz (Verhandl. K. K. Zool. Bot. Gesell. Wien, 17 [1897), No. 8, pp. 541-557, figs. 6). — The author figures and describes a new parasite of the white pine. The attacks of the fungus were noticed in a 13-year-old mixed plantation of pines. The disease, however, seemed to be confined to the one species, although Pinus parolinii was abundant. Several of the trees are dead, and hundreds show the presence of the fungus. During the growing season the diseased trees appear wilted; the leaves on the lower branches become yellow or reddish in color and tend to turn downward. On the dying trees they become brown and in the later stages fall off. A changed appearance in the color of the trunks is noticed, especially near the collar of the tree. In this part of the tree an abundant mycelium is found. The fruiting bodies of the fungus have not been found. A number of successful inoculation experiments are reported in which the fungus was transferred to some trees and the disease was developed. But little is known about means of preventing the disease, but the fungus is thought to gain entrance primarily through the soil. The use of lime ou infected soil has not given advantageous results. The author has given the name Rhizoctonia strobi to the fungus. On the viability of the winter spores of certain rust fungi, J. Eriksson (K. Landt. AJcad. Handl. Tidskr., 3d (1897), Wo. 6, pp. 371- 388). — This is a report of investigations conducted by the author dur- ing the years 1895 and 189G. The main conclusions drawn from the results obtained are summarized as follows: The winter spores of the black and crown rust fungi are viable during the spriug following the fall when they formed, provided they have been outdoors during the winter, exposed to alternate frost and thaws, snow and rain. In the open air, under the climatic conditions prevailing at Stock- 58 l XPERIMENT STATION RECORD. holm, Swedeu, the spores germinate daring the months of April and May. II' the viable spores are prevented from germinating at the regular season by keeping the rusty straw dry and indoors, their via- bility will be preserved during the succeeding summer and full, into the month of September or even until October. The vitality of the spores of the black rust of oats, rye, or barley generally diminishes to such an extent that they are incapable of spreading disease altera year, whether kept in or outdoors. Black rusty wheat si ra w serins to preserve its disease-spreading faculty some- what longer, more than a single winter, but practically speaking may be considered almost without importance. If i lie spreading of grain rust is prevented by cutting, removing, and burning black rusty straw of quick grass and other grass along ditches, etc., the work should be done either late in the fall or very early in the spring, as soon as the snow is gone, so that the spores on the rusty straw shall not succeed in germinating in April or the begin- ning of May, and thus contribute to the spread of disease in its immediate vicinity. — F. W. woll. Annual report of the superintendent of spraying for Ontario, 1897 I Ontario Dept. Ayr., Toronto, 1898, pp. 16). — A detailed report is given of the work conducted under the supervision of the author in spraying for the prevention of fungus diseases of orchard fruits. In addition to spraying with fungicides for the prevention of dis- eases, experiments were made in spraying fruit trees while in bloom with ice water to ascertain the effect of cold rains on the fertilization of flowers and the setting of fruits, also to ascertain whether with heavy blooming the (lower could not be partially sterilized in this way, thus saving the labor of thinning the fruit. Three peach trees, 3 plum trees, 3 pear trees, and 1 apple tree were selected for the work, the trees being in full bloom or just coming into bloom. Water cooled with broken ice was used, and the trees were thoroughly drenched for some time. All the trees were sprayed May 13, 14, and 15, and all except the peach trees again on May 17 and 18. The results were carefully watched, and no difference could be observed on the crop from the sprayed and unsprayed trees of the same variety, nearly 100 per cent of the blossoms setting in every case. It would appear from the results of this experiment that cold rains during the blossoming period do not injure the blossoms unless the rains arc so prolonged as to interfere with proper fertilization. The alfalfa leaf spot disease, R. Combs {Iowa Sta. Bui. 86, pp. 858, 859, fig. 1). — The author figures and describes the cause of alfalfa leaf spot ( Vseudopcziza medica- gink I. The history of the disease and estimations of the probable loss caused by it arc gi \ en. On the barberry bush as a carrier and spreader of grain rust, J. Eriksson (Landtm. Manadsbl., 1897, No. If, pp. 167 Principal results of the studies on grain rusts, J. Eriksson (Rev. Gen. Bot., 10(1898), So. lln. pp. 88-48, fig. 1).— Essentially the same article as in Botanical DISEASES OF PLANTS. 59 Gazette, 25 (1898), No. 1, pp. 26-28. Both are editions of the same article which has appeared in Swedish. Notes on some diseases of trees, L. Savastano (Bol. Soc. Nat. Naples, 11 (1897), pp. 109-127). — The author gives notes on the following diseases: Rot of Indian lig, a bacterial disease of grapes and olives, rot and guminosis of medlars, canker of pop- lars, the Californian disease of grapes at Sorrento, spoiling of lemons, etc. Report on the disease of chestnuts in Limousin, Auvergne, Perigord, etc., L. Okie (Bui. [Min. Agr., France], 17 (1898), No. l,pp. 148-161). A disease of chestnut trees, A. Mathey (liev. Eaux et Fonts, 3. ser., 2 (1808), No. 7, pj>. ..' 26-229). — The attack of Agaricus im Ileus and other fungi is mentioned, and the author states that much of the loss could be prevented by better attention to the trees. Rose leaf blight, B. I). Halsted (Amer. Florist, 13 (1898), No. 512, p. 951, figs. 2). The black speck of the rose, B. D. Halsted (Amer. Florist, 13 (1898), No. 517, p. 1170, figs. 2). — Notes are given of a disease of rose leaves due to attacks of Pilo- bolus crystalinus. Withholding manure from underneath the bushes and applications of fungicides are recommended as preventive measures. The production of gum on cannas, M. L. Ltjtz (Bot. Gaz., 25 (1898), No. 4, pp. 280,281). The lily disease (Florists' Exchange, 10 (1898), No. 16, p. 407). — The author main- tains thai Lilium harrisii will not stand overwatering or other injury, the disease quickly following such treatment. Diseases of variegated plants, B. D. Halsted ( American Florist, 13 (1898), No. 515, p. 1106, fig. 1). — The author claims that the variegation lessens the ability to resist fungus attacks. A disease of Pinus monticola, J. Laurie (Hard. Chron.,3. ser., 23 (189S), No. 591, p. 244). — Reports a disease of this American pine. It proved to be caused by Peri- dermium pini. A new leaf disease of coffee, P. Hennings (Ztschr. Trop. Landw., 1 (1897), No. 8; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 73 (1898), No. 11, p. 410). — Notes are given on Hemileia u-oodii, a new fungus enemy of coffee in German East Africa. Etiology of "Malsania" of Corylus avellana, U. Brizi (Atti li. Accad. Lincei, Hind., 6 (1897), II, pp. 227-231). Notes on Sporotrichum globuliferum, Trabut (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 4, pp. 359, 360). Note on the distribution of Pseudocommis vitis, M. Beleze (Bui. Soc. Mycol. France, 14 (1898), No. l,p. 27). — Notes its occurrence in Scabiosa, Rumex, Teucrium, Acer, Glechoma, Verbena, Viola, etc. On the role of Pseudocommis vitis in the bulb disease of Crocus and dis- eases of the chestnut and palm, E. Rose (Bui. Soc. Mycol. France, 14 (1898), No. 1, pp. 28-36). Concerning Exobasidium vitis on grapes, V. Peglion (Bol. Ent. Agr. e Patol., 4 (1897), pp. 302-304). The grape oidium, L. Degrully (Prog. Agr. et Fit., 29 (189S), No. 14, pp. 417, 418, pi. 1). Influence of fertilizers on the diseases and injuries of grapes, P. Coste-Floret (Prog. Agr. et Fit., 29 (1898), No. 12, pp. 363-372). Concerning the diseases of grapes in Baden during 1897, E. Beinling ( JVchnbl. Landw. Yer. Baden (1S9S), Nos. 6, pp. 68, 69; 7, pp. 83-85). What is the proper scientific name for black rot of grapes ? E. Rose (Bui. Soc. Mycol. France, 14 (1898), No. 1, pp. 24-26). — An extensive synonymy is given, from which the author concludes the name should be Guignardia ampelicida, as that name antedates all others by more than 12 years. The black rot of grapes, A. Prunet (Prog. Agr. el Fit., 29 (1898), No. 14, pp. 426-433). — A report made to the Congress of Viticulturists. 2234— No. 1 5 60 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The black rot in Aveyron in 1897, E. Makre (Prog. Agr. et fit.. ?'J (1898) No. 17,pp.5Sl-5S5). On the treatment of black rot, . undulata, and Q. agrifolia. Eemarks are made on the chemical character of the wax secreted by this insect. Insects of the year in Ohio, F. M. Webster ami G. W. Malty (pp. 40- 40). — Besides the periodical cicada (Cicada septendecim) and the chinch bug (BU88U8 leucopterus), there are noted the San Jose scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus), oyster-shell bark louse (Mytilaspis pomorum), Colorado potato beetle (Doryphora 10-Uneata), asparagus beetle (Grioceris aspar- agi), cankerworm (Anisopteryx vernata), bollworm (Heliothis armiger), Braehyrhynehus granulatus, Coriseus ferns on Leptoterna dolobrata tarnished plant bug (Lygus pratensis), bagworm ( Thridopteryx epliemerw- f or mis) from which a tachiuid (Sturmia distineta) was bred; common mealybug (Dactylopius adonidum), which was observed to be preyed upon by the slug Li max eampestris ; Allorhina it it i da, usually not abun- dant in Ohio, but reported as doing considerable injury in 1890 to tomatoes in the southern part of the State, also as being very abundant this year in the central part of the State; the tachinid (JBupkorocera clarijH'nnis), which was reared from the larva of Ca'lodasys unicornis; Gonotrachelus nenuphar, from which four samples of Sigalphus eurculi- onis were reared; an unknown species of Tyroglyphus found affecting walnuts and chestnuts; larvae of Papilio troilus, the time of the emer- gence of the imago of which is noted; larvre of Onectra distineta, which during the present year did considerable damage to young plums, ENTOMOLOGY. 63 grapes, and nursery rows at Troy; Oberea bimaeulata, a larva of which was found boring iu an apple twig and its method of work noted ; Ram amelis virginiana, the larva' of which were found similarly boring in a twig of witch-hazel; Gonotrachelus posticatus, which was reared in great numbers from a lot of acorns of Quercus alba; and the grape-root worm (Fidia viticida), still a pest in the vineyards along Lake Erie, notwith- standing the increased numbers of parasites. An experiment with tobacco dust a»d kainit as remedies against this pest is noted, which showed that the kainit can scarcely be applied strong enough to be effectual. On the preparation and use of arsenate of lead, A. H. Kirldand (pp. 4G-49). — To make 10 lbs. of arsenate of lead in 150 gal. of water, as used in the work against the gypsy moth, there is required about 13 lbs. 2i oz. of acetate of lead and 5 lbs. 7§ oz. of arsenate of soda. The relative amounts of these two salts must be governed by their purity. The best results are obtained by preparing the poison according to the method described in the paper read by the author at the last meeting (E. S. R., 9, p. GGO). The method of weighing the salts in connection with the gypsy moth work is noted. The cost of the lead mixtures is about 01 cts. per pound, exclusive of freight, labor, boxing, etc., which latter factors it is thought should not increase the cost over J ct. a pound. A 25-gal. galvanized iron tank has been found more convenient in wood- lands than a larger one. To prevent clogging a strainer of wire gauze with 70 meshes to the inch is used, and for the same purpose a wire gauze strainer is inserted in the nozzle of the spraying apparatus. Arsenate of lead when applied to foliage in the form of a spray is shown to be very permanent. Even in unfavorable weather from GO to 80 per cent of larvae are destroyed. Three to four pounds of the mixture are equal in effect to 1 lb. of Paris green, but it is nevertheless a cheaper remedy. Another arsenate of lead, the diplumbic arsenate, has been prepared from nitrate of lead and arsenate of soda at a somewhat smaller cost than that noted for the arsenate of lead. Notes on the malodorous ea rabid, Nomius pygmceus, W. B. Barrows (pp. 49-53). — A very offensive odor was traced to this beetle. Notes on insecticides, C. L. Marlatt (pp. 54-63). — Soaps, resin washes and compounds, pure kerosene, kerosene emulsion; the lime, salt, and sulphur wash; hydrocyanic-acid gas, steam and superheated water, arsenicals, and lime are discussed. No more unsatisfactory material for work against insects can be found than soft soap. The formulas often given are criticised as calling for too large an amount of water. Experiments have shown that an addition of 1 oz. of lime for each quart of diluted soap will render soap fluid when cold, even when in strong solution. Experiments in making a soap with potassium hydrate and oil are mentioned. For trees five years old and under 1 gal. of resin Mash is thought sufficient per tree, while for trees twenty to thirty years old G or 8 gals, may be necessary. Several formulas are 64 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. mentioned. The objection is raised to the Webber and Swingle formula that there is a large amount of sediment. Pure kerosene was used on different trees without ill effects. The soil was mounded up at the base of the young trees to prevent the oil collecting at that point. On one large peach tree sprayed at least !>0 per cent of the scales were killed. The remainder were protected by masses of leaves about the limbs. Identical results were obtained in spraying Euonymus. The experiments were performed when the trees were dormant. A manu- facturing plant for kerosene emulsion in California is noted where the emulsion is made at a cost of 13 cts. per gallon in the undiluted state. When diluted the cost is a little over 1-i cts. per gallon. The lime, salt, and sulphur wash seems to be less effective in northern California, where moist conditions prevail. Successful experiments are noted with hydrocyanic-acid gas on trees on the grounds of the Department of Agriculture. Experiments with formic aldehyde gas produced no results. It is not worth considering in comparison with hydrocyanic-acid gas. The bean leaf beetle, F. H. Chittenden (pp. (54-71). — It is noted that Cerotoma trifurcata has been found on beans in portions of Maryland and Virginia, and it is thought probable that the species is on the increase. A brief account of the literature is given, and of the insect's occurrence in 1897. The insect in its different stages is described. Its distribution is given from Canada southward to the Gulf States and westward to Kansas and Minnesota. It has been found attacking tick trefoil, hog peanuts, cowpeas, and beans. The beetles attack plants somewhat differently, sometimes attacking the edges of the leaves, as in the ease of the hog peanut, sometimes even consuming the mid-rib. In the case of the bean and the eowpea they form large round holes in the leaves. As they feed on the under surface of the leaves and are at rest during the greater portion of the day they seldom attract attention; but on wild plants they are found in the center of the upper surface near the tops. The nature of their work is somewhat similar to that of the grapevine colaspis. The eggs are laid around the stem of the plant in clusters of from C to 10 and the larva', attack the plants at this point. In Minnesota, the first generation is said to feed on beans and the second on cowpeas. In the District of Columbia it is thought that the period of egg deposition extends from the middle of May through June, and that the entire life cycle probably requires six to nine weeks. Spraying with arsenicals and clean culture are advised. Notes on Anarsia lineatella, A. B. Cordley (pp 71-75). — The work of this insect in Oregon on peach and prune trees and strawberry plants is discussed. It is thought that two species must be involved in the description of Anarsia lineatella, or else a dimorphism due to food plants and seasons exists. One of the species it is thought feeds normally on strawberry plants, the other upon trees of the genus Primus. It is thought that possibly one may be Anarsia primus. ENTOMOLOGY. 65 A successful lantern trap, C. P. Gillette (pp 75, 70). — There is here described an apparatus of tin consisting of 3 pieces — a funnel 22 iu. in diameter and 20 in. high, with a stem 2£ in. in diameter which fits inside the neck of a reservoir which has a removable bottom. In the reservoir, which is 5 in. in diameter, is placed a. quantity of excelsior and a 3-oz. wide-mouth cyanid bottle. In one night before 12 o'clock as many as 2,000 moths and 3,000 beetles, besides other insects, were taken in one of these traps hung under an electric light, and the majority of the specimens were uninjured. Oviposition in young forest trees by Tetraopes femoratus, G. P. Gillette (pp. 70, 77). — The method of egg deposition by this insect, as observed by the author, is described. The insect, as watched, occupied one min- ute in cutting a cross slit and about nine minutes iu depositing her eggs in it. Four such cuts were found on one petiole. Three contained two eggs each, the other, one. The insect does not confine its attacks to the soft maple nor to the petioles of leaves. A fern insects that hare been unusually abundant in Colorado this year, C. P. Gillette (pp. 77-79). — There are noted the peach-twig borer {Anar- sia lineatella), which probably reached Colorado from California; Haltica punctipennis, found abundant on grapevines and the red raspberry and to some extent on strawberry plants, and plant lice (Hyalopterus pruni, etc.), against which whale-oil soap in the proportion of 1 lb. to 8 gal. of water was found more effective than the ordinary kerosene emul- sion. Schizoneura americana seems to be greatly increasing in Colo- rado. It begins its attacks at the opening of the first buds, and when the clusters of leaves reach a diameter of 3 to 5 in. they die and the lice migrate to other leaves, which they cause to turn yellow or reddish and to roll. This species has been severely attacked by the larvae of Syrphus americanus. Another syrphid (Eupeodes volucris) was very destructive to Hippodamia convergens, more so than the common lady- bird. Notes on bisects of Norway and Sweden, W. M. Schoyen (pp. 79, 80). — The following common pests are noted: Agriotes obscurus and Diacan- thus emeus, Agriotes lineatus, Oseinis frit, Ghlorops pumilionis (twni- opus), Gecidomyia destructor, Phyllopertha horticola, Oligotrophies alopecuri, Gleigastra (armillata'i), Diacanthus wneus, Tipula oleracea, Anthomyia brassica>, ISilpha opaca, Pieris brassicw, Meligcthes wneus, Psila rosw, Tipula oleracea, Syromastes marginatus, Cetonia metallica, Adimonia tanaceti, Anthonomus pomorum, Garpocapsa ponionella, Phyl- lobius pyri, Phyllopertha horticola, Psylla mali, Aphis mali, Tehphorus obscurus, Phytoptus pyri, Nematus ribesii {ventricosus), Zophodia convo- lutella, Typhlocyba rosw, Aphis rosw, Tetranychus telarius, llylurgus piniperda, Lophyrus rufus, Bupalus piniarius, Gecidomyia, brachyntcra, Tetranychus sp., Orgyia antiqua, Bombyx rubi, Hyponomeuta variabilis, H. padi, and Apoderus coryli. Notes from Maryland on the principal injurious insects of the year, W. G. Johnson (pp. 80-82). — The following insects are noted: Phyto- 66 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. nomus punctatus, Gluvtocnema pidicaria, Epitrix cucumeris, E. parvula, Trichobaris trinotata, Sphinx (Protoparce) Carolina, Aphis gossypii, A. brassica; A. persicce-niger, Myzus cerasi, Biabrotica vitata, Mur- gantia histrioniea, Anthonomus signatus, Graphops marcassitus, Typo- phorus (Paria) canellm, Gonotrachelus nenuphar, and Biplosis pyrivora. In the comments on the San Jose scale (Aspidiotus pernidosus) it is noted that in an orchard containing 28,311 trees 13,000 are now dead or dying-. The partially mature insect has been found in large clusters on crab grass (Panicum sanguinale). Notes on some little -known insects of economic importance, W. G. John- son (pp. 83-85). — The following are noted : Hydrcecia marginidens, found boring into the main stems and larger branches of cosmos plants; Pyrausta ferrugalis, found injuring young tender lower leaves of tobacco in a hotbed; Uranotes melinus, found on beans; Cerotoma trifurcata {G. eaminea), observed in a patch of wax and Lima beans; Grambus caliginosellus, which was very destructive during 1897 to young corn in several counties; Tribal i urn madens, found in mill products sent from the State of Washington; and Aspidiotus forbesi, which during the season has been found very abundant on young apple, pear, and cherry trees. A list of the members of the association is appended. Revision of the Tachinidee of America north of Mexico, I). W. Coquillett ( U. 8. Bept. Agr., Division of Entomology Bid. 7, tech. ser., pp. 154). — This, a purely technical toxinomic monograph, is so arranged as to be of great use to the student. The economic impor- tance and the habits of the group are very briefly noted, and the 98 species of parasites, arranged alphabetically in connection with their proper hosts, are listed. This is followed by a list of the 109 hosts in alphabetical order, with mention of the species of the group parasitic upon them. The orders of the class Insecta are attacked in the propor- tions shown by the following figures: Hynienoptera, 12; Hemiptera, 1; Orthoptera, 4; Coieoptera, 17; and Lepidoptera, 130. Leucania uni- puncta and Orgyia leucostigma, each with 7 species of parasites, are the two forms most severely attacked. Following these lists is a brief explanation of the classification and of the terms employed. A long table of genera and a list of 31 unrecog- nized genera are given, introductory to the systematic arrangement of the genera ana the description of species. On the biology of Ocneria dispar in Russia, K Kulagtn (Illus. Wchenschr. Ent., 2 {1897), No. 27, pp. 418-420).— This pest appeared in great numbers in the government of Kostroma in 1895 and 1890. In 1894 and 1895 it appeared in great numbers along with Ocneria monacha in central Russia. The period of devastation generally lasted about three years, but in the region of Moscow it lasted four years (1893-1890). In 1895-90 in the government of Nijninovgorod the moths appeared from July 8 to 18. It was found that the eggs would sfand a temperature of 40° E. ENTOMOLOGY. 67 (122° F.), but when deprived of their covering were killed by 15° R. The larvae appeared at the beginning of May and molted five times before pupation. Pupation occurred at Moscow July 2. In some places in Vovoneseh 20 per cent of the young eggs were killed. J n many places the insects were severely parasitized. In Vla- dimir 40 per cent of the pupae were so affected; in Moscow in 1895 20 per cent and in 1800 57 to 00 per cent. In Vovoneseh in 1894 70 to 80 per cent were parasitized. In Moscow the parasites were mostly flies. At one place near Moscow li to 2 pud (49 to 72 lbs.) of eggs were col- lected from one hectare. In Vladimir 70 pud (2,741 lbs.) were collected from 0,000 hectares (14,830 acres). A remedy for trial in the destruction of the worm of the vine (Cochylis), J. Dufoue (Ghron. Ayr. Cant. Vaud, 10 (1897), No. 8, pp. 210-220). — After mentioning the commonly used pyrethrum and the fluctuations in the supply of the same, the author considers the sub- stitution of terebinthiu for pyrethrum in mixtures. It is sufficient to dissolve 3 kilos of black soap in several liters of warm water, afterwards adding thereto cold water to make 100 liters, finally adding 2 liters of the essence of terebinthiu. These. 102 liters of solution will cost about 31 francs — less by half than the cost of the pyrethrum. It is important that not more than 2 per cent of the terebinthiu should be employed, lest it damage the grapes. The following experiments are noted: (1) Soap, 2 percent; terebin- thiu, 1 per cent. Worms treated by plunging bunches of grapes rapidly into the solutiou. Of 21 worms, 3 were killed, 3 injured. (2) Same solution with the addition of colophane. Of 8 worms, 3 were killed, 2 injured. (3) Black soap 3 per cent, terebinthiu 2 per cent. Of 04 worms, 44 were killed and 10 injured. (4) Black soap 3 per cent, sul- phurous terebinthin 2 per cent. Of 10 worms, 11 were killed. (5) Black soap 3 per cent, terebinthin 1 per cent, oil of colza 1 per cent. Of 33 worms, 20 were killed and 5 injured. Analogous results were obtained by replacing the terebinthin with benzin. (0) Soda, 3 per cent ; terebin- thin, 2 per cent, with and without the addition of bine vitriol 2 percent. Many worms killed but grapes greatly damaged. (7) Black soap, 3 per cent ; terebinthin, 3 per cent. Of 24 worms, 1 8 were killed and 5 injured. This last solution, it is noted, burned the grape bunches, the parts most sensitive to its action being not the flower but the small pedicel that supports it. A similar effect follows the use of the 2 per cent solution in a very slight degree, but this, it is thought, is greatly counterbalanced by the worms killed. Contributions from the New Mexico Biological Station, No. 2, on the collec- tion of Diptera from the lowlands of Rio Nautla, in the State of Vera Cruz, II, C. H. T. Townsexd {Ann. Mag. Xat. Hist., 6. ser.. 20 (1897), 115, pp. 19-83).— A new Psychodid (Psychoda punctate! la), a new Tabanid, several Syrphids, and two new Phasiids are described. The distinctive features of Tdbanus mexicanus and varieties are brought out talmlarly, as are also the characters of several forms of the Syrphid genus Nausigaster. The author is confident that several species of this genus occur in North America, and three of them are described by Williston under the name of 68 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Nausigaster punetulata. The author distinguishes the species from N. punctulata as follows: (1) fa) A single spot on the wings ; 5 thoracic vittse ; from California; N. unimaeu- lata n. sp. (/») Spots on wings; the spots not confluent; only 2 thoracic vittse; from New Mexico; .V. punctulata, Will. (2) The 2 wing spots confluent, forming a more or less well-defined and extensive picture, the basal cell mostly filled with the picture; 4 thoracic vittas; habitat, Lowlands of Texas to Brazil; N. meridionalis, Towns. (3) The second basal cell almost wholly hyaline. From the Texas lowlands; X. germinata n. sp. Five new species of Volucella are distinguished from one another and Williston's ClncTophora in the same manner. Viridana n. sp., is distinguished by the occurrence of a prescutal row of bristles; its bright marked, greeu scutellum and copper abdomen ; Chaetophora by its hyaline wings with only a milk tinge in oblique lights; Opalina n. sp., by its metallic scutellum, which resembles the abdomen in color; the absence of stripes on the lace and cheeks and of yellow on the abdomen, and by its wings being strongly shaded -with brown; Raphce.lana n. sp., by its striped face and cheeks; Codiw n. sp., by its brown yellow scutellum, the second abdominal segment resembling it and the rest of the abdomen being yellow; Nautlana u. sp., by its sec- ond and third abdominal segments being of the same color as the scutellum, by a nearly equal subtriangular patch on the anterior corners, and by a similar easily distinguishable patch on the anterior corners of the fourth segment. Report of the State entomologist for 1897, \Y. M. Schoyen (Christiania, 1898, pp. 45, ill. ). Contribution to the knowledge of some of the gall-making insects of Vallom- brosa, G. Cecconi (Malpigia, 9 (1897), pp. 433-457 ). Ants' nests, A. Forel ( Intemat. Jour. Micron, and Nat. Sci., 3. ser., 7 (1897), No. 30, pp. 347-381, pis. 2). — This is a translation of the author's -'Die Nester der Ameiseu" published at Zurich in 1893, and is an interesting discussion of the various forms of nests, the operation of building them, and other collateral questions such as sym- biosis, the kindred relations between ants and plants, nests of mixed colonies, migratory nests, road building, etc. On the attraction of flowers for insects, .1. LUBBOCK (Jour. Linn. Soc. Hot. Lon- don, 33 (1898), No. 231, pp. 270-278). — From the results of a series of tests the author maintains that both color and scent are instrumental in guiding and attracting honey bees. The experiments of Plateau are said to be inconclusive, many of them being conducted upon mutilated flowers with no checks. The author placed drops of honey on the bright blue bracts of Eryngium amethystinum as well as on the flowers, and both were visited indiscriminately. Solutions of sugar and saccharine were placed near by, and the first was visited, while the other did not attract a visitor. The San Jose scale, EL Osborn (Iowa Sta. Huh 36, pp. 860-864, figs. 3). — As this insect does not occur in Iowa, this article, which is a brief popular account of it, the plants that attract it, etc., is intended as a warning notice to those concerned. The woolly aphis of the apple, J. M. Stedman (Missouri Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 36-61, figs. 6). — A reprint of Bulletin 35 of the station (E. S. K., 9, p. 155). The lesser apple leaf folder and the leaf crumpler, J. M. Stedman (Missouri Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 62-80, figs. 6).— A reprint of Bulletin 36 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 157). Insect enemies of the locust, A. D. Hopkins ( West Virginia Farm Eevieto, 6 (1898), No. 3, pp. 88-93, figs. 6). — The author gives a popular description of and figures 3 principal enemies of this tree, namely, the locust leaf beetle, locust tree borer, and the carpenter worm. The unhealthy condition of the yellow and black locusts in the State has within recent years attracted considerable attention. Termites, B. GrRASSl and A. Sandias (Quart. Jour. Micros. Sci. [London], n. ser., 40 (1897), J, pp. 1-75; ubs. in Jour. lioy. Micros. Soc. [London], 1S97, No. 5, pp. 370-372). — ENTOMOLOGY. 69 This is a translation by W. H. F. Blanford of Grassi's Italian memoir on the consti- tution and development of termite societies. The memoir is the result of a long series of observations on Calotermes and Terines. It is concluded that all the species of Termitidae belong to one of two main types of colonies, which are: (1) A colony over which a king and qneen preside. The king and queen once possessed two fully developed wings. When a colony is orphaned a pair of royal substitutes or neotinic forms are chosen. (2) A colony with numerous neotinic queens and with neotinic tings, which are present for only short periods. This type of colony is not founded by the royal forms that govern it, but by detached portions of a preexisting colony. Many fully winged insects leave the nests of these termites every year. Some of those of < 'alotermes fiavicolus found new colonies, but under ordinary conditions those of Termes lucifugus are not able to do so, at least in .Sicily. The males and females swarm separately, and consequently consanguinous mating is scarcely possible. After settling on decayed trees, the winged Calotermes get rid of their wings and begin to burrow; the sexes pair and each pair founds a fresh colony. Communica- tion between the insects in both genera is by jerking convulsions of the whole body which produce sounds which seem to be heard by the insects, and members of the same nest recognize each other. The Termitidse live on triturated, dead, or decayed wood particles mixed with saliva disgorged by their fellows, and their excrement. A colony of soldiers which can not gnaw wood soon dies of starvation, but a single large larva which is con- stantly burrowing can keep 8 or 10 soldiers alive on its excrement. Dead, diseased, or even healthy but superlluous individuals of the sanies species and the salivary secretions arc also eaten. Water is sometimes imbibed, but not habitually. By varying the quantity and proportion of nutriment the insects vary the forms in the colony, obtaining workers, soldiers, anil neotinic forms. The neotinic forms are produced by the administration of large quantities of saliva, which gets rid of parasitic protozoa found within the alimentary canal. Newly hatched larvae receive nothing but saliva, while those destined to become workers or soldiers receive little or none. Termex lucifugus often migrate from one tree to another, carrying eggs and young. Thus it sometimes happens that communication with the male colony is lost and they are compelled to form new colonies. In Calotermes strangers of the same species are received into the nest. If the colony is orphaned, even a royal pair may be so received. Jealousy among royal forms is less noticeable than in the case of bees. Some notes on the parasites of Orgyia leucostigma, L. O. Howard (Proc.Ent. Soc. Washington, 4, No. 2, pp. 60-63). — In the discussion that followed the reading of this paper, an abstract only of which is given, B. E. Fernow mentioned that twenty years ago on the island of Ruegen in the Baltic Sea an outbreak of Orgyia pudibunda occurred, during which the Government expended large sums in an endeavor to destroy the pest. During the progress of this work it was noticed that large numbers of parasites were issuing from the cocoons. Thereupon the work of destruction was stopped and the parasites given an opportunity to finish their work. The result was that next year they had practically exterminated the moth. Thus a large amount of money was saved. W. T. Swingle referred to a case that came to his notice in Florida in which spraying with Bordeaux mixture resulted in killing a. fungus parasite of the orange scale, in consequence of which the scale increased enormously. W. B. Alwood noted that at Richmond, Virginia, an outbreak of Goes pulverulenta on the elm caused losses amouuting to from $15,000 to $20,000. Reports on the results and the cost of liming against the nonne in the Olbersdorf portion of the State Forest Reserve of Augustusburg, Thielemann (Tharand. Forst. Jahrb., 47 (1897), No. 2, pp. 247-253).— The cost of labor is placed at 2 marks (57.6 cts.) for men, 1.08 marks (35.7 cts.) for women, and 60 pfennigs (14.3 cts.) for children. The entire cost of liming 9.32 hectares amounted to 325.01 70 EXPERIMENT STATTON RECORD. marks ($77. 152), or 34.87 marks ($8.30) per hectare. The cost for the collection of nun moths for three years is given as follows: 1894, 794 moths, 110.49 marks; cost per moth, 14 pfennigs; 1895, 701 moths, 137.12 marks; cost per moth, 20 pfennigs; 1890, 398 moths, 03.11 marks; cost per moth, 16 pfennigs. The average number of moths captured per hectare in the three years was 20, 33, and 19, respectively. F00PS— ANIMAL PRODUCTION. Comparison of the thermogenetic or dynamogenetic power of simple food stuffs with their nutritive value, A. Ohauveau (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 125 {1897), No. 25, pp. 1070-1078, ]>. 824-827). — In continuation of the work reported above the author made experiments with pigs in 18'J7. Eight Meisen- Yorkshire boars were divided into four lots of two each. Lot 1 was fed skim milk, bailey, and potatoes; lot 2 the same ration as lot 1, except that whey was substituted for skim milk; lot 3 the same ration as lot 1, with soaked peas substituted for part of the skim milk; and lot 4 the same ration as lot 3, except that the peas were cooked. The test proper began May 17 and continued twenty-two weeks. It was divided into three periods of 42, 42, and 70 days. During the four weeks before the beginning of the test proper the pigs consumed 840 kg. of skim milk, 56 kg. of barley, and 140 kg. of potatoes, and made a total gain of 73.2") kg. The food consumed and the gains made during the test proper are recorded in full. The third period with lot 3 covered only forty two days. In order that a comparison may be made between lots 3 and 4 the food consumed and gains made by lot 4 during the same length of time are included iu the following table, which shows the average results for the 4 lots: Results of feeding pig*. Length ol' ea periment. Food consumed. SKli1'" Barley, milk. Potatoes. Whey. Peas. ^veiyht. Lot 1 Bays. 154 154 126 154 126 Eg. 1,309 574 504 574 504 Kg. 480.9 480.9 372. 4 480.9 372.4 A";/. 472.5 472.5 364 472. 5 364 Kg. Kg. Kg. Lot 2 980 172 50 L„t 3 73.5 94.5 73.5 145 00 Lot 4 173. 75 Do 147.90 FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 75 Ln the first period tbe nutritive ratio of the rations fed to the four lots and the corresponding gains made were — Lot 1, 1:5.3, 21.38 kg. : lot 2, 1 : 6.2, 22.63 kg. ; lot 3, 1 : 5.3, 23 kg. ; lot 4, 1 : 5.3, 24.13 kg. In the seeond period the corresponding figures were — Lot 1, 1:5.56, 26 kg. ; lot 2, 1 : 0.6, 26.75 kg. ; lot 3, 1 :5.i\ sub stance. Protein. Fat. Nitrogen- free extract. Crude liber. Asb. Timothy hay: Per cent. 47.77 39. 3 J 43. 5i 77. 24 67.51 72. 38 72.91 78. 55 75.73 78.08 70.81 74.44 83.90 92. 82 88.39 59. 32 40.40 49.86 63.82 61. 34 62.58 Per cent. 23. 07 18.35 21. 16 87.98 84.22 80.10 81. -14 83.44 82.41 7.".. 84 39. 80 57.82 77. 18 73. 95 75.57 70. 04 05. 05 67.54 79.96 79. 26 79.61 Per cent. 50.78 43. 79 47.28 80. 00 84. 83 82. 42 78.77 81.04 79. 90 52.54 42. 88 47.71 70.21 75.99 73. 10 47. 50 72. 00 59. 78 7;;. oo 75.80 74. 70 Per cent. 50.51 41.0.". 47. 27 8:!. 52 75. 23 70. 38 85. 23 87. 00 80. 12 91.57 84.82 88.19 92. 71 98.70 95.72 54.37 39. 53 46.95 71.28 07. 70 69.49 Per cent. 48. 34 30. 90 42. 62 40. ol 13.26 31.14 .01 23. 11 14.30 Per cent. 39.03 28. 96 33.99 Whole oats: Horse 1 30.61 Horse 2 35.60 Ground oats : 33.10 9.55 48.85 Shelled corn : 29. 20 32. 00 20.50 26.25 Corn meal : Horse 2 62.66 lsrew corn product: 70.75 38. 39 54.57 3-1.66 33. Co 36.16 37.47 5.96 21.72 Mixed ration, with new corn product base : 15.3.-. 24. 45 19. 90 The following- table shows the food consumed per day and the aver- age income and outgo of nitrogen : Income and outgo of nitrogen in experiments with houses. Food consume d pei Duration „ Gain (+) ment. in food. in urine. in feces. or loss ( — ). Dans. Gm. Gm. Gm. Gm. Horse 1 7 36.6 36. 7 27.8 —27.9 6,000 gin. timothy hay 5 42.7 33. 1 34. 9 25.3 Horse 1 2,186 gni. timothy hay, whole oats. 6,000 gm. 5 134.8 07.9 20. 2 i 40.7 Horso 2 3,278 em timothy hay, whole oats. 6,000 gm. 5 142.0 71.9 37.9 +29.8 Horse 1 3,000 em. timothy hay, shelled coin. 3,000 gm. 5 62. 3 20.5 26.1 + 9.7 Horse 2 do 5 62.3 22. 7 42. 1 — 2. 5 Horse 1 . . . . 3,000 gm. timothy hay, corn meal. 2,870 gm. 5 64.0 16. 5 20. 0 + 21.5 Horse 2 3,000 em. timothy hay. corn meal. 3,500 gm. 5 73. 3 38.7 31. 9 + 3.7 Horse 1 2,950 gin. new corn product, 2,950 5 93.3 31.4 20.9 + 41.0 gin. ground oats. Horse 2.... 3,350 gm. new corn product, 3,350 5 105.9 54. 2 24.0 + 27.7 em. ground oats. Horse 1 6,0U0 gm. mixed ration, including 5 103. 9 47.2 24.8 +51.9 new corn product. Horse 2 7,500 gm. mixed ration, including 5 154.9 74.8 32. 1 | 48. 0 new corn product. 111 every case the total amount of food consumed, the water drunk, and the weight of the horses at the beginning and end of the experiment are recorded. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 77 An attempt was also made to feed the horses on oats alone. At the beginning of the trial one horse consumed 6,000 gin. and the other 0,750 gin. of oats per day, but after a few days refused to eat. The experiment could not be continued long enough to permit the determi- nation of the coefficients of digestibility. The author's conclusions are summarized as follows: " (1) Timothy hay proved to be loss digestible by horses than by ruminants. "(2) Grinding oats increased their digestibility. "(3) Corn meal was considerably more digestible than shelled corn. "(1) Feeding concentrated foods or grain with hay decreased the digestibility of the hay. "(5) It is impossible to maintain horses on a grain ration alone; they must have a long forage. "(6) Making a 'mixed feed,' of the grain and long forage is the best manner of feeding horses. "(7) The new corn product was better digested by horses than timothy hay. "(8) Grinding fodder to the condition of the new corn product or of coarse bran does not destroy its value as long forage." Several tests were made of the value of the new corn product as a substitute for hay under various conditions of work. In the author's opinion, those who attempt to feed this material for the tirst time should gradually accustom the horses to it before substituting it entirely for hay. He believes it may be successfully used as a hay substitute. Poultry experiments, J. Dryden ( Utah iSta. Bui. 51, pp. 33, pis. 4). — In the winter of 1890-97 feeding tests were made with nine lots of chickens t<> test the influence of age, breed, and exercise on the amount and cost of egg production. In addition, the relative fertility of eggs under different treatments and the relative value of two incubators was also tested. Lots 1 to 8, inclusive, were made up of 1 chickens each, and lot 9 of 5 chickens. Lots 1 to 0 were Rose-Comb Leghorns, lot 7 Brahma- Leghorn pullets, lot 8 Light Brahma pullets, and lot 9 Barred Plymouth Rock pullets. Lots 1 and 5 were old hens, lots 2 and 0 late hatched pullets, and lots 3 and 4 early hatched pullets. Lots 1 to '.) had no exercise; they were fed grain from boxes. Lots 4 to 9 had exercise, the grain fed being scattered in straw litter. In other respects all the lots were treated alike. The food consisted of a mash of bran and shorts, chopped corn, and oats, 2:1:1, fed in the morning with a little whole grain (a mixture of wheat, corn, oats, and barley). The corn was fed sparingly and the barley was discontinued after a short time, since it was not relished by the chickens. In the evening whole grain only was fed. The chickens were usually given cut meat and bones three times a week, and were supplied with cabbage or other green food. Occasionally they were given a little cayenne pepper during the winter, and they had access to coal ashes and gravel. 78 EXPERIMENT .STATION RECORD. The results of the feeding tests are summarized in the following table : Results of feeding tests with chickens. Lot. WITHOUT EXERCISE. Old lions Late hatched pullets Earlj hatched pullets WITH EXERCISE. Early hatched pullets old hens Late hatched pullets Brahma-Leghorn pullets Light Brahma pullets Barred Plymouth Rouk pullets Oosl of Nuniher of e^!j;.s laid. Value of food. eggs. ('flits. 53£ 61 $0. 56 56* 137$ 1 . :'.-j 61* 157J 1.68 02 181| 1.88 62 100J * l.llll 03 150J 1.51 73* 145 1.47 81J 147:i 1.4(1 03 "'■'; .7il Cost of Average £%!£&. food per weighl of "?,';;' '°' dozen egjsper y|fr ^ eggs. Genu. Pounds. 9.9 1.57 4.9 1.411 4.0 1.49 4. 1 6.9 5.0 6. 1 6.6 0.4 1.42 1.52 1. 39 1.52 1.63 1.48 fowl. Pounds. 8.4 15.98 19. 51 21.46 13. 54 17.42 18.39 20. 03 9.8 The principal conclusions reached were the following: The profit in feeding young hens or pullets w;is six times as great as in the case of hens three or four years old. Early hatched Leghorn pullets gave better results than those hatched later. The chickens which had exercise consumed more food and produced more eggs at less cost than those which had no exercise. Exercise had no apparent effect ou the weight of the chickens. However, the eggs produced by the chickens having no exercise weighed 3 per cent more than those produced by the chick- ens having exercise. The eggs of the Leghorn hens weighed more than those of the Leghorn pullets, and those of the Light Brahma pul- lets more than those of the Leghorn pullets. The eggs of the. Barred Plymouth Rock pullets averaged about the same as those of the Leg- horn pullets. In the author's opinion, with intelligent care and feeding the average capacity of a Leghorn pullet is 200 eggs per year. No advantage was observed in crossing Brahmas and Leghorns. A trial of two different incubators was made. This included a com- parison of the relative fertility of old, medium, and fresh eggs of the different lots of chickens mentioned above. The data were not regarded as sufficient for drawing definite deductions concerning the incubators. Exercise apparently reduced the percentage of fertility of the eggs. The percentage of fertility was highest with eggs from early hatched pullets and lowest with eggs from old hens, though the results are not regarded as conclusive. The fertility of eggs averaging live days' old was 300 per cent greater than eggs averaging twenty-two days' old. The bread of Italian peasants, R. Castelani {Ann. Ig. Sper., n. ser., 6 (1S96), No. 1, pp. 89-110). — The composition is reported of bread made from wheat, corn, rye, barley, oats, millet, rice, legumes, potatoes, acorns, and chestnuts. These materials were used alone or in different combinations. The samples of bread were gathered from different provinces. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 79 Chemical composition of several sorts of flour used in Belgium, Lecocq (Bui. Assoc. Beige Chim., 10 (1896), p. 316; abs. in Ztschr. Angew. Chew., 1898, No. 14, p. 326). — The maximum, minimum, and average protein, fat, ash, and water in several sorts of fine wheat flour are recorded. When the figures for ash and protein were unusual, the starch and cellulose were also determined. A Soudanese cereal (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 23 (1S98), No. 590, p. 232). — An editorial note on the use of Vaspalum longiflorum in Soudan. This grain has the following percentage composition: Water 9.20, protein 7.67, fat 5.34, starch and dextrin 77.33, crude fiber 2.56, undetermined 3.90. For purposes of comparison the analyses of other cereals are given. A study of the constitution of the gluten of different cereals; the influence of this factor on the value of flour for bread making, E. Fleueent (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1896, II, pp. 64-70). Average analyses of Danish concentrated cattle foods, V. Stein (Holt's Lomme- bog Landm., 1898, p. 67). The carbohydrates of bailey and malt, A. R. Ring (p. 436-440). — A continuation of the study of the composition of Norwegian fodder plants begun by the author in 1894 (E. S. R., 6, p. 568; 9, p. 2(58). The present report includes analyses of samples of hay from legumes (8 samples) and from grasses (15 samples). — f. w. woll. The method to be followed in considering the subject of animal production, MOller (Jour. Landto., 46 (1S9S), No. 2, pp. 143-151).— The author divides the sub- DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 83 ject into (1) breeding, (2) feeding and feed stuffs, (3) hygiene, (4) races, breeds, and strains of domestic animals, and (5) societies for the advancement of animal produc- tion. These main divisions are further subdivided. Feeding of new oats ( Tidskr. Landtrnan, IS (1897), No. 37, pp. 665, 666). — It is stated that from eight to ten weeks should pass after harvesting before oats are fed to horses. Measurements and weights showing the development of horses and bulls, S. C. A. Tuxen (Landmansblade, SO (1S97), No. 4,2, pp. 578-582). On the red Danish cattle, (Lavdtmannen, 8 (1897), No. 40, pp. 561-564, ill.). Potatoes as a food for swine, H. Knudsen (Nord. Mejeri Tidn., 12 (1897), No. 41, pp. 4S6, 4S7). Horse breeding in Austria-Hungary (Jour. Bd. Agr. [London}, 98, No. 4, pp. 456- 460). — This article, which gives statistics and other information concerning horse breeding in Austria-Hungary, is prepared from a report by M. de C. Findlay in the "Appendix to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Royal Commission on Horse Breeding in Ireland [C. — 8652].'' The hygiene of the horse, H. Goldschmidt (Hestens Sundhedspleje. Copenhagen: Det Nord. Forlag., 1897, pp. 104). On poultry raising and egg trade in Denmark, A. Oeksnevald (Tidsskr. Norslee Landbr., 4 (1897), No. 10, pp. 461-471). New treatise on practical aviculture, J. V. Lasseron (Traite d! 'aviculture pra- tique. Paris: Socie'U' d' Editions Scientifiques, 1898, pp. :.'60, ill.). — This is Volume XI of Encyclopedic des connaissances pratiques. It is a popular handbook describing the different breeds of chickens and other poultry. The diseases of poultry are also discussed. There is a chapter on rabbits. DAIRY FARMING— DAIRYING. Investigations on the care and keeping of milch cows, Back- haus (Ber. Landw. Inst. Univ. Kbmgsberg, 2 (1897), pp. 34-89). — These investigations were made upon a part or the whole of the herd at the Agricultural Institute. They include studies of the individual varia- tion in milk yield and the utilization of food by different cows, feeding and milking twice or three times a day, watering, effect of exercise, light in the stable, etc. The individual variation in milk secretion. — The record is summarized for eight East Prussian Dutch cows, together with the creamability of the milk of each cow, number of fat globules, live weight, etc. The yield of solids-not-fat varied all the way from 2.33 to 3.02 times the total yield of fat with different cows, supporting, the author believes, his theory that some cows are primarily butter cows and others cheese cows. No relation was found between the live weight and the milk production. The milk of different cows varied materially in the size of the fat globules, and this affected the centrifugal creaming of the milk, the effect of the larger globules being noticeable, not especially in the fat content of the skim milk, but in increasing the fat content of the cream. Utilization of food by milch coivs. — From the record of the eight cows the food units consumed are calculated from the digestible food eaten with the use of Kiihn's proportion of protein 6, fat 2.5, and nitrogen-free extract 1; and the milk units produced are calculated on the basis of 84 KXP'-'.RIMENT STATION RECORD. 1 kg. of fat or 5 kg. of solids-not-fat to 1 milk unit. The results of these calculations are given in the following table: Relation between food consumed and milk produced by different cows. Cow number. Total milk units pro (lured. Total food units con- sumed. Food units consumed tor produc- tion of 1 milk unit. 1 141.80 3,410 139. 08 3, 327 113.70 3, 270 15ii. 4.s ::. 134 141.36 3,410 120. f>8 1 3,095 134.18 i 3.425 137.12 3,430 70 34 29 69 70 50 24 31 25.49 2 23. 92 3 28 70 4 22.82 24.13 0 25. 07 7 25 66 8 25.02 Total 1,078 30 "fi- .s(u 83 24 Xd To the above is added the values of the milk units and food units, and the cows are arranged according to production and profit. The author concludes that the merits of a cow can best be judged of by testing the amounts of food consumed and the production of milk, etc., six months after calving. With a view to finding a practicable means by which the profitable utilization of food by a cow (futterdankbarJceit) could be determined, studies were made in which at four different stages of lactation the grain of the eight cows was increased and the effect observed on the production. The periods were each seven days long, the last four days being considered. There was a wide difference among the cows with respect to their response to the increased grain. Some gave no increase, while others in every case gave a noticeable increase in production.1 The author considers that the results warrant the making of such tests in practice in studying the value of cows. Feeding twice and three times a day. — The results are given of three experiments on this subject with different lots of cows. The conclusion is that for milk production alone it is sufficient to feed twice daily, as feeding three times gave no increase in the yield of milk. Physiologi- cally feeding only twice a day is believed to be preferable, as the cows are more quiet under this system. Where the production of beef is considered, feeding three times a day is considered advisable, as there was a greater increase in live weight under that system. The watering of coirs. — The author reports an experiment previously noticed (E. S. R., 4, p. 773). In addition, an experiment is given with eight cows, lasting from September 5 to October 9, 1897. Every other week the cows were supplied with water in the stalls by means of auto- matic troughs, and on alternate weeks they were watered with pails. The average milk yield was 14.79 kg. when water was supplied automatic- 1 It would appear that all of the animals were fed the same amount of basal ration and of grain without regard to live weight. DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 85 ally, and 14.18 kg. when the cows were watered with a pail. There was practically no difference in the amount of fat and of solids-uot-fat pro- duced under the two conditions. The cows drank nearly 2 liters more of water per day when the water was kept before them. Summing up the two experiments, the author believes the results show that automatic troughs materially increase the milk production and are to be recom- mended. Effect of exercise on milk secretion. — An experimeut on this subject was made with eight cows from October 17 to November 20, the cows being turned out in a yard and allowed to exercise at will for an hour each day on alternate weeks, but daring the rest of the time kept in the stable all day. The average yield of milk was 12.31 kg. for the weeks the cows were exercised and 11.88 for the time they were given no exercise. There was practically no difference in the yield of fat and solids-not-fat. An increase in milk yield was shown by all of the cows when they were given exercise. Milling twice, three times, and four times a day. — An experiment is reported with eight cows in milking twice, three times, and four times daily, the interval between milkings being divided equally. The periods were seven days long and only the last four days of each period were considered. Frequent milking was found to increase the yield of milk, and this was true for fresh cows as well as those well advanced in milking. The author is convinced that under intensive conditions, where milk commands a high price, the increased yield will warrant milking three times a day, dividing the time between milkings as equally as possible. Under other conditions milking twice a day is considered sufficient except in the case of cows giving a large quantity of milk, which should be given two additional milkings. Concerning the composition of the milk at different milkings, on the average of nine weeks of milking twice daily, the morning's milk contained 3.12 percent of fat and the night's milk 3.17 percent; the average of three weeks of milking four times a day gave 3.(50 per cent of fat for the fore- noon's milk and 3.17 for the afternoon's milk. Where the time between milkings was irregular it was found that a milk richer in fat was pro- duced on the shorter interval. Changes of milk as a result of being in heat. — The results of two series of observations each on five cows are given. The results indicate that the changes in the milk due to the cow being in heat are relatively unimportant and may be entirely avoided when the milk is to be used for ordinary purposes. For special purposes, as the production of milk for infants, it is advisable to reject the milk at this time. Effect of light. — The results are given of three experiments on the effect of light on cows. In each experiment the windows were dark- ened during the alternate periods and the stables kept as dark as prac- ticable. In general, the results of all the experiments showed that excluding the light had little effect on the milk production, but the 86 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. effect on the live weight appeared to be unfavorable. The advantages of well-lighted stables are considered apparent. On the influence of the food on the fat content of the milk, F. Friis (Mdlheritid., 1897, Oct.; Norsk Lcmdmansblad, 16 (1897), No. 45, pp. 198-501; Biet, 18, {1897), pp. 238-217).— The author reviews the cooperative cow feeding experiments conducted at the State experiment station at Copenhagen since 1888, with special reference to the effect of food on the fat content of the milk (E. S. li., 9, p. 490, and previous volumes). The following summary of 76 series of experiments is repro- duced from the paper : Summary of Danish feeding experiments with cows on the effect of food on quality of milk. Year. Num- ber of series in- cluded. Basal ration. Additional rations in experi- mental period. Fat in milk. Pre- para- tory period. Ex Post- peri- experi- mental mental period, period. 1888 -K9 1896 40 lbs. > roots, 7 lbs. bay, straw ad libi- tum. 3.6 His. mixed grain, 2.8 lbs. bran, 3.2 lbs. oil cakes, 5.8 lbs. bay, straw ad libi- tum. 7.G lbs. bay, straw ad libitum. 34 lbs. roots, 7.3 lbs. > hay, straw ad libi- tum. 2 lbs. oil cakes, 28.6 lbs. roots, 6.3 lbs hay, straw ad libi tu in. 1.7 His. oil cakes, 3 lbs. bran, 27 lbs. roots, 9.3 lbs. hay, straw ml libitum.' 3 lbs. oil cakes, 3(1 lbs. roots, K.4 Lbs. hay, straw ad libitum. (U lbs. concentrated feed. . Basal ration 10.^ lbs. concentrated feed. No roots Ter ct. 3.14 Per ct. 3.13 3. 1C 3.20 3.19 3.22 36 lbs. roots 10i lbs. concentrated Iced ... 8£~lbs. concentrated feed, 20 His. routs, til lbs. concentrated Iced. 40 lbs. roots. 5.4 lbs. mixed grain, 1 .8 lbs. oil cakes. 3.6 lbs. mixed grain, 3.6 lbs. oil cakes. 1.8 lbs. mixed grain. 5.4 lbs. oil cakes. fi lbs. mixed grain 3 lbs. mixed grain, 3 lbs. bran. 0 His bran 5.2 lbs. mixed grain 2.6 lbs. mixed grain, 2.6 lbs. wheat. 5.2 lbs. wheat 3i lbs. mixed grain ]'l lbs. mixed grain, 1J lbs. molasses feed. 3 J lbs. molasses feed 3.20 3.21 3. 16 3.16 :i. 22 3. 20 3.23 3.09 3.10 3.10 3.08 3. 1 1 3.11 3. 25 3.23 3. 20 3.22 3.17 3. I.'. 3.20 3. 17 3.20 3.04 3.11 3.12 3.09 3.10 -.',. 12 3.16 3.12 Per ct. 3.33 3.37 3.23 3.28 3.30 3.33 3.32 3.31 3.51 3.26 3.29 3. 29 3. 24 3.25 3. 2:1 3.27 3.21 ' Amounts are. stated in Danish pounds, 1.1 lbs. avoirdupois. In the opinion of the writer the experiments prove that "the feed under practical conditions, as found in this country, exerts an entirely insignificant (forsvindende) influence on the fat content of the milk." It is noted that although the differences in the rations fed to the different lots were considerable the rations may all be regarded as normal for milch cows, such as met with in the feeding practice on Danish dairy farms. The question whether abnormal feed mixtures can appreciably change the fat content of milk was not included in the investigations of the station. Only the effect of the food on the percentage of fat in the milk is considered in this paper. The author notes that the experi- DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 87 inents showed that different feeding stuffs and food mixtures in a very large measure influence the quantity of milk yielded, as well as the health and general condition of the cows. — F. w. woll. Obtaining milk under aseptic conditions, Backhatjs and W. Cronheim (Her. Landw. Inst. Univ. Konigsberg, 2 (1897), pp. 12-32). — Tins article treats of the method of obtaining milk as free from germs as possible. The author believes that the more recent investigations show the impossibility of obtaining milk from the udder of the cow, either by milking tubes or by washing the udder, etc., which is entirely free from germs. The results are given of the determination of the germ content of milk from numerous creameries in Gottingen and Konigsberg during several months of the year. These showed very wide variations — from about 2,000 to over 20,000,000 germs (per cubic centimeter). The milk of eight cows of the university herd, which was milked with care into a sterile pail, rejecting the first five spurts of milk, showed a germ content ranging in six trials from 1,800 to If, 750, the average for the whole being 0,000. In many trials using milking tubes or milking into sterile vessels, the lowest germ content found was 1,300. It was frequently found that at a low temperature the germ content of milk changed very little, although in some cases there was a decrease. The increase which may take place in handling milk by pouring it from one vessel to another and in cooling, is shown by three experi- ments, summarized as follows: Germ (■■>nt< )it of milk before mid after handling. Directly after milking After pouring into another vessel Alter passing through tlio milk cooler After catching in another vessel under the cooler Alter rilling in bottles and keeping for four or live hours in the cold Experiment of berT" 14, 400 19,400 21, 600 21,400 35, 000 10, 000 28,000 :s8, ooo 78, 600 102,000 10,80(1 6, 000 39,600 17, 600 23, 200 Several experiments are given showing the infection from the cow's body, from which it is concluded that the cows should be carded and brushed twice daily and the udder and adjoining parts washed once. Numerous experiments are also reported on the effect of the surround- ings of the cow, bedding, excrement, feed, and manner of milking on the germ content. It is concluded that for obtaining aseptic milk the conditions are best in milking in the open air, although the proper ventilation and general cleanliness of the stall are important matters. Peat is regarded as a very favorable bedding, and if straw is to be used it should be fresh and clean and free from any mold, dampness, etc. The lowest germ content of the milk was observed when peat was used for bedding. Experiments showed that infection with old manure was 88 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. especially to be guarded against, as this contains more particularly the peptonizing bacteria. This relates to manure which is allowed to accu- mulate in the stall or dry upon the cows. Experiments by the author and those cited from other investigators indicate that it is important in obtaining milk with low germ content to avoid all feeding stuffs in a state of fermentation or in a spoiled condition. The germ content may also be reduced by keeping the milk from the first part of the milk- ing— about one fourth — separate from the rest and using it for a different purpose. The use of a milk pail having a cover with only a small hole in the top is recommended instead of an open pail. The effect of dairy utensils of different kinds — wood, tin, enamel, etc. — is considered, and also the cleaning of dairy utensils. Wooden utensils should be avoided. Sodium hydrate is recommended for clean- ing dairy utensils, followed by washing and scalding with water and sterilizing with steam under pressure or in a sterilizing oven. In conclusion a diagram is given showing the effect of various methods of treatment, as noted above, in reducing the germ content of the milk. It is stated that by avoiding some of the precautions milk may contain 2,000 times as many bacteria as that obtained when all precautions are observed. This shows the importance of employing ''aseptic'' methods in obtaining and handling milk for domestic pur- poses. Some new experiments in churning {Moll: Ztg., 11 (1897), No. 52, pp. 847, 848). — A short account is given of some experiments by Fahreu- bach at the Agricultural Institute at Leipsic. The effect of the size of the fat globules on the rapidity and the completeness of churning was studied in S series of experiments with sweet cream and 6 with ripened cream. The milk of two cows, distinguished by the difference in the size of the fat globules, was mixed, and from the mixture cream with large and with small globules was prepared by a method not noted in the abstract. The two kinds of cream were alike in fat content and in other respects except the size of the globules. The average results with the sweet and ripened cream were as follows: Churning properties of cream with large and small fat globule*. Sweet cream : Cream with large fat globules. Cream with small fat globules Ripened cream : Cream with huge fat globules. Cream with small fat globules Number of : Time re- globules in ', quired 0. 000001 co. for of fat. churning. 30. 04 104. 01 28.80 87.30 Minutes. 46 54 42 58 Degree of churna bility. 95.12 91.01 97. 13 95.00 The cream with large fat globules churned quicker and more com- pletely than that with small globules, and the difference in respect to thoroughness was greater in case of the sweet cream. On an average DAIRY FARMING — DAIRYING. 89 the churnability of the ripened cream was nearly 3 per cent greater than that of the sweet cream. Experiments were also made with cream of different fat content and from different kinds of cows. The results of these experiments, which are not detailed in the abstract, showed that under some circumstances the effect of the size of the fat globules on churning may be obliterated by other conditions. A fat content of the cream too high or too low to be advantageous diminishes the churnability in a greater degree than large fat globules increase it. The viscosity of the cream also had a very marked effect on the churning. An accountis also given of von Stoekhauseifs investigations (E. S. R., 9, p. 1087). Effect of period of lactation on milk and quality of butter, G. L. McKay and J. W. Wilson (Iowa Sta. Bui. 36, pp. 865-867). — In continuation of previous work (E. S. E., 9, p. 91) a test was made with two lots of 4 and 7 cows, respectively, to study the effect of the period of lactation upon milk yield and the.quality of butter. The first lot averaged sixty-two days since calving, and the second lot one hun- dred and ninety-five days. The two lots were fed, under like con- ditions, the same rations of sheaf oats, clover hay, corn, barley meal, and sugar beets. The total milk yield in fifteen days from lot 1 was 972 pounds, and from lot 2, 88(i pounds. The milk from each cowT was kept separate, the cream was removed by a separator, and the butter was made and handled by the same methods. The butter was judged by an expert, and no difference was observed as due to a difference in the period of lactation. The authors believe that the trouble experienced with cream from cows in an advanced stage of lactation is due to the fact that the cows are not fed a sufficiently succulent ration. As the period of lactation advances the fat globules in the milk become smaller and the cream more viscous. Succulent food, it is stated, will cause a more abundant secretion of milk furnishing less viscous cream. The authors also advise the addition of sour milk to start the ripening of the cream. This insures a rapid development of lactic-acid fermentation, and retards the growth of undesirable microorganisms. When the cream is properly ripened they believe no difficulty will be experienced in churning it. Investigations on the utilization of casein, Backhaus (Ber. Landw. Inst. Univ. Konigsberg, 2 (1807), pp. 1-11). — The author points out that the fat of milk sells for about twice as much as the casein, although the relative nutritive value of fat to protein is given by Kouig as 3 :5 for human food and by Kfihn as 2.5 : 6 for animal nutrition. The author believes that in the interest of dairying some means should be found for utilizing the casein more profitably. The uses to which casein has already been put in the industries and as a food for man and animals are noted. 90 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The author made numerous investigations to find a practicable method by which the casein might be precipitated from milk and pre- pared commercially for food. The plan which he finally worked out consists in curdling the casein with rennet and converting- the casein into a soluble form. It was found that the hitter could be accomplished by adding certain salts to the casein, as trisodium citrate. Experiments showed 2.5 gin. of the citrate per liter of milk to be the best amount. The preparation was partially freed from water by pressing and then dried at a temperature of from 50 to 00° 0., preferably in a vacuum or a well-ventilated oven. The final product is a white powder, nearly free from taste or odor, which dissolves in water, giving a cloudy solution. In order to prevent the solution from curdling on heating, the sodium citrate used in preparation may be made slightly alkaline, or about 10 per cent of carbonate of soda may be added to the salt. It was found in further experiments that the casein could be rendered soluble by rubbing the mixed precipitated casein with a mixture of 1.5 gm. of sodium citrate and 1 gm. of trisodium phosphate for each liter of milk originally taken. The author believes the method is so simple that it may be employed at creameries without difficulty. An experiment on a large scale is to be undertaken, together with experiments on the use of the prepara- tion of casein for cooking and for food. Report of the milk-control station in Christiania, Norway, 1897 (Norsk Land- mansblad, 17 (189S), No. 3, p. 34).— During 1897, 3l2,'_T>!> samples of milk, cream, skim milk, etc., were analyzed for fat content (by the De Laval butyrometer), 27,449 of these being samples of new milk. The average percentage of fat in the new milk was 3.4(17, against 3.44 per cent in 1895 and 3.461 per cent in 1896. The monthly averages in 1897, each of which include analyses of about 2,000 samples, ranged between 3.322 per cent (in April) and 3.745 percent (in October). — F. w, woll. Contribution to investigation on the addition of skim milk to whole milk, V. IIoudekt (.'. Congres Internal. Chim. Appl.,1896, IV, pp. 294-JDS). A practical method for the preservation of milk samples for analysis — Analysis of curdled milk, P. Dornic (2. Congrfo Internal. Chim. Appl., 1896, II, pp. 7,r>-Sl). — Use of preservatives not recommended. Sample heated to boiling and tightly stoppered. The use of acidimetry for testing milk which has soured or is in process of souring, P. Dornic (2. Congres Internat. Chim.Appl., 1896, II. pp. 82-86,dgm. 1). Indigo carmin as a means of testing fresh milk, L. VAUDIN (Rev. Internal. Falsi/., 11 {1S9S), Xo. l.pp. 24, 25; abs. in Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1S9S, No. 14, p. 324). On the determination of fat in cream, butter, and cheese, N. Gerber and M. M. Craandi.ik (Milch Ztg., 27(1898), No. 3, p. 35). — Preliminary report of a modi- fication of Gerber's method, by which reliable determinations of the fat in cream, butter, and cheese can be made. — F. W. woll. Further remarks on the determination of the fat content of cream, N. (Fer- rer and M. M. Oraandijk (Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 5, pp. 65, 66). — Quotes largely from Farringtou and WolPs book on "Testing Milk and Its Products,'' as to the sources of error in cream testing. — F. W. woll. On the accuracy of centrifugal methods of fat determination for the examination of cream, H. Schrott (Milch Ztg., 26 (1S97), No. 52, p. S30).— Dilu- tion of cream with water or Avith skim milk of known fat content previous to the VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 91 analysis gives unsatisfactory results. The author recommends the construction of special test hottles for cream. — f. w. woll. Determination of fat in cream by Gerber's acid-butyrometric method, M. Sciimoeuer (Milch Ztg.,27 (1S9S), Xo. 3, pp. 33-35). — The author calls attention to the possible error in the Gerber method arising from impure amyl alcohol, or from adding the acid aud the amyl alcohol in other proportions than those given by the inventor. He shows that the method does not give reliable results with cream when tests are made according to Gerber"s directions. By a modification proposed, viz, dilution of 1 part of cream with 2 parts of water and adding acid and amyl alcohol in the same proportions as in case of tests of whole milk, fairly satisfactory results were obtained. The difference between the results obtained by gravimetric analysis and by the modified method was within 0.5 per cent. — f. w. woix. Centrifugal machines for the Gerber acid-butyrometric method (Milch Zt. m 2.30 j). m 4.30 p. in White. Red. Green. 1 Beg. C. Beg. G. Beq. O. 32.0 31.0 30.7 40.0 39.5 37.0 49.0 46.0 41.5 42.0 40.0 39.0 41.0 40.5 40.3 30.0 30.0 30.0 Blue. Beg.C 29.5 35.0 40.0 38.0 40.2 30.0 From the above table it will be seen that the temperature of the hot- houses decreased as the extreme right of the spectrum was approached. The temperature was the same in all the hothouses during cloudy days or when they did not receive the sun's rays directly. The decrease of the temperature in the blue house, as compared with the white, is explained by the fact that the absorptive power of the glass of the hothouses increased as the violet extremity of the spectrum was approached. The ability to absorb the sun's rays determines the heat in the hothouses. All rays traverse the white glass, and it is therefore in this house that the highest temperature was found. ( )n the other hand, blue glass has the greatest absorbing power, and the hothouse covered with blue glass had therefore the lowest temperature. In 1895 sensitive plants, grown from the same lot of seed and equally vigorous, were placed in each hothouse. Their height at that time was 0.027 meter. The plant placed in the red house developed extraordi- narily and attained a size lifteeu times as great as that in the blue house, where the plants remained nearly stationary. The red light pro- duced the effect of a chemical fertilizer, although in this case actinic rays were absent. These plants were all equally cared for. The sensi- tiveness of the plant grown in the red house had attained such a degree that the slightest movement or breath was sufficient to cause the clos- ing of the leaflets and the drooping of the pedicels. The sensitive- ness diminished under the white or green color, while under the blue light the plant was almost insensitive. The plant in the red house blossomed September 24. In the white house it increased in stockiuess and was very vigorous but did not increase in height. It showed flower buds, but they did not open. The plant under the red glass had a lighter colored foliage than that under the white. The foliage was paler than that under the green, while the blue was much darker. The difference of the temperature between the hothouses was not very great. There were, nevertheless, several degrees difference between the white and the blue. The intensity of illumination decreased in the same proportion as the temperature rose. The height of the plants in the different houses after an experiment of 3 months was relatively as follows: Blue hothouse, 0.027 meter; white hothouse, 0.1 meter; green hothouse, 0.152 meter, and red hothouse, 0.12 meter. PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES. 105 A photograph taken October 22 shows at a glance the influence of different solar rays (flg. 2). The difference observed might have several causes, viz: (1) The difference in the solar rays admitted; (2) difference in temperature which, compared with that in the white house, was lowest in the blue and highest in the red house; (3) difference in the amount of light, the intensity of which was greatest in the white hothouse and least in the blue; and (4) to difference in humidity of the soil and the air, which was lowest in the white hothouse and highest in the bine. It would be interesting to know whether the results obtained are due to these differences. If the differences depend upon temperature, they would differ accord- ing to the seasons. In the spring the temper- ature of the hothouses during daytime remains below the optimum for the growth of plants. The amount of growth, therefore, would follow in this order : White, red, green, and blue; and during the summer, when the temperature often surpasses the optimum for plant growth, the maximum of growth would occur in the inverse order, namely: Blue, green, red, and white. The blue hothouse, the temperature of Fig. 2. — Sensitive plants growu in different colored light. which is nearest the optimum, should favor the greatest growth. On the contrary, the results obtained in the different houses were absolutely identical in spring and summer, notwithstanding the difference in tem- perature. The greatest development was always produced in the red hothouse, and the minimum in the blue, where there was almost no growth. The results indicate that the inequality in growth is not due to differences in temperature. The sensitive plant in the white hot- house owes its feeble growth to the combined action of excessive light and temperature. In 1896 experiments were begun to compare the development of 106 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. plants in white and red light under the same temperature and the same intensity of light. The same temperature was obtained in the different houses by means of screens of loosely woven white linen, which allowed only a limited passage of the sun's rays but which did not alter the quality of the rays. The subjects of the experiments were sen- sitive plants, maize, peas, beans, lettuce, strawberries, fig-trees, Achy- rantha, Perilla, Coleus, Strobilanthes, Tradescantia, grapes, etc. Some of the most interesting results are appended. On June 13 three pots of equally vigorous sensitive plants, 0.03 meter in height, were placed in each hothouse. Their increase in height at different dates is shown in the following table: Height of sensitive plants in differen t colored hothouses Date. Red. White. Green. Blue. Meter. (1.03(1 .230 .380 . 47U .500 Meter. 0. 030 . 120 .240 .270 .280 Meter. 0. 030 .080 .100 .100 .100 Meter. 0. 1130 .035 .035 .035 .035 The sensitive plant in the red hothouse attained a greater height and was more sensitive than that in the white hothouse, and its vegetative development was more advanced. It began to bloom October 1, while the plant in the white hothouse began October 12. The sensitive plant in the green hothouse remained almost at a standstill, became etiolated and, the nutrition becoming insufficient, the plant ceased to grow. The plants in the white hot- house, grown under the same condi- FlQ. 3.— Sensitive plants growji at the same temperature in different . . n +r.Tnnar,m colored light, tions ot teinpera- tirre, moisture, and illumination as those of the red hothouse, attained a height of only RED WHITE GREEN BLUE PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES. 107 0.28 meter, while those in the red hothouse readied 0.5 meter. A photograph taken October 12, 1896 (fig. 3), shows the differences in growth under similar temperatures. It will be noticed that the sensi- tive plant in the white hothouse had gained in stockiness what it bad lost in height. Indeed, the diameter of the stem and the surface of the leaves were larger in the plants in the white hothouse than in those in the red. The weight of the above-ground part of the plants of the different hothouses was as follows: Effect of different colored lights on the iveiglit of sensitive plants. Hothouse. Weight of stems and leaves. Weight of ;m average leaf. ' Diameter of stem. White Grams. 8. 400 4.000 .300 .150 Gram. 0. 600 .250 .150 .095 Mm. ;s 0 Red . . 2 0 1 5 Blue 1 0 It will be seen that, notwithstanding the great height of the sensi tive plant grown under red glass, its weight is about half that of the plant grown in the white hothouse. In experiments with other plants results were obtained which differed somewhat according to the species. The results with Strobilantlies dyerianus agreed entirely with those for the sensitive plant. Young summer lettuce was placed in different hothouses during June and July. The results in the white hothouse and in the open air were identical. The leaves were large, thick, of a reddish-brown color, and formed a well-rounded head. The lettuce in the red house was drawn, the leaves were long and straight, blanched, drooping, and widely separated by long internodes. The plants in the green house increased in height a little, while the leaves were less curled than those in the red house. The lettuce in the bine house added only a few leaves, without growing at all in height. The height attained by the different plants was as follows: In the red house, 1.5 meters; in the white, 0.6 meter; in the green, 0.4 meter; in the blue, 0.1 meter. The lettuce in the red house bloomed 15 days earlier than that in the white house. Figure 1 (p. 108) shows these differences. In the experiment with maize, young stalks measuring 0.15 meter in height were set out in the hothouses in May. They were measured July 22 with the following results: In the white hothouse, 1 meter; in the red, 0.4 meter; in the green, 0.2 meter; in the blue, 0.15 meter. These results differ from those observed in the case of the sensitive plants in that the development of maize was less in the red hothouse than in the white. In the experiments with peas and beans the most vigorous growth occurred in the white hothouse. There was less development in the red, and the minimum of growth was obtained in the blue hothouse. 108 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The beans bloomed and fruited in the white as well as in the red hot- house, but perished in the green and blue. Peas bloomed in all hot- houses except the blue, where the plant did not grow any during the two months of the experiment. The peas in the green house remained in bloom for three weeks without fruiting. Only those in the red and white houses fruited. The following assortment of vines was placed in each of the hothouses : One of Chasselas, two of Frankenthal, and two of Melinet. The Chas- selas, and one vine of Frankenthal, were planted in 1894, the vines of Frankenthal and Melinet, in 1895. Beginning with April 10, a dirler- Fig. 4. — Lettuce plants grown in different colored light. ence in development could be noticed, due to the unequal temperature of the hothouses. The vines in the white and red houses started earli- est. The growth of stem and number of leaves of a Melinet in the different houses (May 10) is given below: Groivth of graperhies under colored gla&s. Hothouse. First branch. Second branch. Third branch . K umber of leaves. Red Meter. 0.80 .48 .50 .20 Meter. 0.83 .02 .45 .20 Meier. 16 8 Blue 0.18 16 White 12 PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES. 109 The results with the Frankenthal were absolutely the same. There was an extraordinary development of branches iu the red house, sur- passing the white in this respect. This difference was greatly increased by pinching off the branches. The plants in the green light soon stopped growing and made only a few new leaves. The plants in the blue house continued to grow slowly. To recapitulate: The vine in the white house grew but slowly; its wood was well developed ; it remaiued short and vigorous during the entire season. The vine in the red house grew in length, but lost much in vigor; its numerous branches had fre- quently to be pinched back, and its foliage was but little colored. The vine in the blue house grew slowly, considering the rapid start made; it remained vigorous with large dark-green leaves. One year-old vines behaved in the same manner; the vines in the white hothouse were vig- orous and developed a more luxuriant growth than those in the other houses. In general, the phenomena in case of the grapes were similar to those observed in the case of sensitive plants. However, the bine rays were not so unfavorable to the development of the vine as they were for other plants. The experiments with vines were concerned only with the vegetative growth, and not with the fruiting. The development of Perilla was intense in the white and red houses, the plants in the white surpassing in vigor those in the red. The plants in the green house changed little during the experiments, while those in the blue remained inactive. Experiments with Coleus showed little difference in growth. The plant in the white hothouse spread and made a magnificent ornamental plant. That in the red house, while showing less foliage, increased in height. In the green and white houses there was very little develop- ment. The results with Achy ran tha accord with those for the sensitive plant. The plant in the red house grew so much in length that its branches could hardly hold np. Three young potted strawberry plants of the same age and vigor were placed in each hothouse in May. Iu June the plants fruited with the following result: Effect of different colored liyht on fruiting of strawberries. In the open air — In white hothouse In red hothouse . . In green hothouse In blue hothouse . Number Total Average of weight of weight of fruits. fruit. fruit. Grains. Gram. 70 46.40 0.66 .73 46.80 .04 25 9.80 .39 12 4.20 .35 5 1.80 .36 Only the plants in the white hothouse and those in the open air pro- duced any considerable number of fruits. The plants receiving the total radiation yielded five times as many fruits as those which grew 110 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. under the red light. Those in the green hothouse yielded about one- tenth as much as those in the white. The weight of the fruits from the blue hothouse was insignificant. The strawberries which received only colored light were very watery and insipid. Their average weight was half that of those which had received the total radiation. The different rays of the solar spectrum modify not only the above- ground growth of plants, but also affect the entire vegetative part of the plant. The root system of the young plants which had been grown in hothouses was poorly developed. It was greatly reduced in the red house, and in the blue there was almost no root system. The weight of the roots of the sensitive plants in the different houses, October 13, was as follows: In the white house, 5 gin.; in the red, 1.0 gm.; in the green, 0.09 gm.; in the blue, 0.05 gm. The nutrition of the plant is to a great extent dependent upon the root system. It is partly due to this dependence that the plants in the red, blue, and green houses had so little vigor. It is well known that the red and orange portions of the spectrum favor assimilation, trans- piration, and respiration ot plants. The natural result of this is an increase in the vegetative activity and in the function of nutrition. It is evident, therefore, that differences of growth, vegetative activity, vigor, development, sensitiveness, and coloration of plants result from differences in radiation. Microscopic examination of sections of the sensitive plant showed that the anatomical structure and the diameter of the plants in the red and white houses differed. The epidermis was thicker, and the woody fibers of the stem were more numerous in the plant in the white hothouse, the pith was much less developed, the cells were better formed, and the partitions thicker. Notwithstanding the great care which was taken in conducting these experiments, it was very difficult to avoid all sources of error. Glass considered monochromatic for the red as well as for blue proved unsat- isfactory for the reason that some yellow rays passed through them. In further study of this subject, experiments were conducted in which the three different colors were obtained from the spectrum derived from a prism. Plants were placed in the different regions of the solar or electric spectrum and the modifications due to different rays thus observed. For this purpose a prism was constructed capable of giving a spectrum of great dimensions, and in which could be placed such liquids as car- bon bisulphid aud spirits of turpentine, the refractive power of which is very high. The source of light was an electric arc lamp. The use of carbon bisulphid was discouiinued on account of its volatility and excessive inflammability, and as a substitute spirits of turpentine, the refracting power of which is far less, was used. The index of refrac tion for spirits of turpentine is 1.470496 for the red and 1.493874 for the violet. The difference in dispersion of the two is, therefore, 0.023378. A straight slit was placed against the prism filled with turpentine and PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES. Ill a convex lens placed between the prism and the arc lamp. These were placed at a distance from the prism equal to double that of the focus of the lens The prism was placed in the position of least deviation to the spirits of turpentine, which was in this case 30°. The spectrum reflected upon a screen .'i meters from the prism measured about 25 cm. (nearly 10 in.) in length. The arc light gave a constant intensity of 10 amperes and burned twenty hours daily. Notwithstanding- the limited size of the spectrum a series of experiments was started, which permitted the verification of the results obtained in the colored hot- houses. These experiments were on the growth of flax and vetches, and on the transpiration of leaves. August 25 a small box of flax was exposed to the luminous region of the spectrum. The plants had sprouted and reached a height of 0.04 meter, and the cotyledons were slightly expanded. On August 27 the first leaves were beginning to expand in the red portion of the spectrum, and some leaves appeared in the yellow, but no change was observed at the right end of the spectrum. On September 4, ten days after the beginning of the experiments, the box with the plants was photographed and the plants were measured. In the red light the stems had attained a height of 0.085 meter, and in the blue 0.040 meter. The temperature remained the same for all plants during the time of experiment; it varied between 10° and 30°, with an average temper- ature for the ten days of 18° O. On account of great difficulties encoun- tered the experiments had to be discontinued. They were continued far enough to verify the favorable action of the red rays upon the growth of plants. This favorable action seems to be due partly to the infra red rays. The pure green of the spectrum was very small, and on this ac- count plants exposed to green rays received some yellow rays. The use of carbon bisulphid would have provided a more extensive spectrum. The common vetch ( Vicia communis) is very sensitive to light, and grows very rapidly under a weak illumination. Pots of three plants each were placed in different portions of the spectrum and separated by small black screens At the commencement of the experiment their height was 0.04 meter. The average height of the plants in each pot August 15 was as follows: Bed 0.09, yellow 0.08, green 0.05, violet 0.07; and August 20, red 0.21, yellow 0.185, green 0.16, violet 0.15 meter. As in the other cases, the maximum growth took place in the red por- tion of the spectrum, the results obtained witli the spectrum of the elec- tric light and in the hothouses with colored glasses agreeing. EFFECT OF WHITE AND COLORED LIGHT ON TRANSPIRATION. In the course of the above experiments the transpiration of the leaves under different rays of the spectrum was measured. It was found that grapevines attained the maximum of transpiration in white light, there being a decrease from red to bine. An experiment on leaves of maize exposed to different regions of the luminous electric spectrum gave 4485— No. 2 2 112 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. more definite results. The maize plants were fifteen days old; the stems were equally vigorous, and each bore five leaves. The experi- ment was begun September 14, with an average temperature of 20° C, and each leaf was inclosed in a glass tube. The experiment lasted 26 hours, and the transpired water was as follows: Effect of different colors on transpiration of maize. Color. Weight of leaf. transpired per » of leaf. Red Yellow Green with some yellow rays Violet It will be seen that the maximum transpiration occurred in the orange-yellow and the minimum in the violet portion of the spectrum. ACTION OF DIFFERENT PORTIONS OF THE SPECTRUM ON THE COLOR OF VEGETABLE TISSUES. The many different colors of plants are mostly due to light. The green color of the leaves, due to chlorophyll, can only be produced in the light. The blue, yellow, red, and other colors are partly due to pigments and partly to cell sap. The writer has investigated the role of light in the coloration of the different tissues of flowers, fruits, etc. For these researches colored-glass hothouses and absolutely mono- chromatic solutions were used. The solutions were contained between the walls of special vessels in the interior of which the flowers, fruits, leaves, etc., were exposed. The red was obtained from a solution of carmin in ammonia, the green from a concentrated solution of copper chlorid, and the blue from a solution of copper sulphate and ammonia. According to Sachs, the development of the coloring matter is inde- pendent of the action of light. It is developed in the leaves at the expense of substances which are produced under the action of light. The author's experiments indicate that light acts not only on the nutri- tion of the plant, but also on the coloring of the tissues. It sometimes exerts a direct action on the flower, and in this case the coloring is due principally to light. Plants may be classified according to the cause of coloration into three groups, namely, those in which coloration is due (1) to the direct action of light, (2) to the action of the light and to the food material in the leaves, and (3) to other causes than the action of light. Chloro- phyll is directly due to the action of light. It is not immediately de- stroyed when the plant is placed in darkness, but remains unchanged as long as the plant has not exhausted its reserve, disappearing only when the reserve material has been exhausted. Observations on EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, VOL. 10, NO. 2 Action of Different Light Rays on Coleus Leaves. A, full radiation; B, red rays; C, green rays; D, blue rays; E, open air; F, subdued light; G, diffused light; H, very dim light. THE HEUOTYPE PRINTING CO. BOSTON PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES. 113 flowers are to the same effect. It has been known for some time that to obtain white lilacs it is only necessary to place colored lilacs, espe- cially the Marly variety, in a hothouse kept at a constant temperature of 15° C. Duchartre states that the lilac would become white if placed in a very light hothouse if the temperature remained constantly at 15° C. He attributes the decoloration of the flowers to the more ener- getic oxidation of the air of the hothouse. The experiments of the author were conducted on Marly and Persian lilacs, planted in colored hothouses andin theopen air. The panicles were budded and at the time of planting were slightly colored. In the white hothouse the lilacs became pink and almost entirely lost their color. In the red, green, and bine houses they become absolutely white. The hothouses had a varying temperature, during the night falling to 1° and rising during the day to 2o°. Lilac buds inclosed in a dark hood become discolored notwithstanding the temperature was the suine as in the surrounding air. If the panicles were inclosed when already more or less colored red shades were obtained. Thus it is possible to obtain on one stem flowers of all shades between the white and violet red. If panicles already colored are placed under a colored bell jar, flow- ers varying from pale blue to clear red violet will be obtained. These results are neither due to temperature nor to activity of growth, but are evidently caused by differences in light. The writer's experiments covered a great number of plants, and it was found possible to change the form, size, and color of the leaves of plants with different colored light. Among the most remarkable results were those obtained with the Coleus. In the accompanying plate some of the differences observed on this plant due to its culture, character of solar rays, or the different intensity of light are shown. In Plate I, A represents a leaf exposed to full radiation in the white hothouse, and B one grown in the red hothouse. It can be seen that the red pigment decreased in red light, the leaf spread, and its form changed. Leaf C, grown under the green-colored glass, is diminished in size, the red pigment has disappeared, being replaced by a yellow coloration. In leaf I), grown in blue rays, the red pigment has almost completely disappeared. On the same plate are also shown four other leaves of Coleus, the first grown in the open air, the second under a slightly diffused light through a garden frame, the third in diffused light, and the fourth under a still weaker light. The transformation of the plant in this case is gradually accomplished under an attenua- tion of light, as in the preceding case under the influence of different rays. The largest and most curious leaf is the third. The fourth was greatly diminished and modified, having changed from poppy red with a dark edge to yellow and light green. Comparing these eight Coleus leaves it will be seen that the leaf from the hothouse under total radiation has developed much more than the one grown in the open air; that those from the red house and diffused 114 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. light show increased size and a particular coloring; and that those from the green and blue hothouses and under very feeble light have lost almost all their resemblance to the normal leaf. These experiments establish the fact that light, without the aid of any other factors, is able to modify plants. Results not less curious have been obtained with other plants, some of which are shown in the colored plate (PI. II). The red flowered crassula was placed in the dark at a time when its buds were only slightly colored. It shows only a narrow, colored edge bordering a white flower. The purple leaves of Alternanthera amena became abso- lutely green under the red glass. Geranium leaves lost their reddish- brown tone and changed under the red, blue, and green rays into the three following forms: In the red hothouse they were large, well cut, and pale green ; in the blue, almost round and dark green ; in the green, small and very pale green. Similar experiments were made with fruits by surrounding the branches with colored glasses. The same results as indicated above were produced with peaches, apples, cherries, aud strawberries. In certain plants the leucites, to which their coloration is due, act according to the way in which they receive the light. Others vary under the influence of light in combination with the plant's nutri- tion. Still others are altogether insensible to the action of light. To the last class belong carrots, beets, radishes, potatoes, truffles, etc., the underground colorations of which are evidently independent of light. [Concluded in next number.] EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, VOL. 10, NO. 2 Action of Different Light Rays on the Coloration of Plan.s. i, Red-flowered crassula: (A) in sunlight; (B) in darkness. 2, Alternanthera amaena: (C) full radiation; (D) red rays. 3, Geranium leaves; (E) full radiation; (F) blue rays; (G) green rays; (H) red rays. THE HELIOTYPE PRINTING CO. BOSTON RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. CHEMISTRY Sulphuric acid as a reagent in the analysis of fatty acids, E. Twitchell {Jour. Soe. Ghem. Ind., 16 {1897), No. 14, pp. 1002-1004).— The reaction between concentrated sulphuric acid and any fat involves chiefly the unsaturated fatty acids of the fat and consists primarily of the addition of sulphuric acid to the unsaturated carbon atoms of these acids. On this assumption the author concluded that a separation of the unsaturated oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids from the unattacked saturated palmitic and stearic acids could be made and possibly a dif- ference in the action of sulphuric acid in the different members of the group of unsaturated acids might then be shown. The following ten- tative method was adopted: Weigh from 0.5 to 1 gm. of the fatty acid in a glass stoppered Erlenmeyer flask; melt and allow to solidify in as thin a layer over the bottom as possible. On the layer pour about 3 cc. of 85 per cent of sulphuric acid. There is usually no combination until the flask has been slightly warmed. At a certain temperature the com- bination takes place very rapidly and forms a clear solution. When this occurs the flask is quickly cooled, 50 cc. of petroleum ether added, the stopper inserted, and the flask shaken violently for a minute or two, then allowed to settle and the petroleum ether decanted. The flask is rinsed twice with 10 cc. of petroleum ether, the washings added to the first extract, and the whole poured into a separatory funnel and washed once or twice with water. The petroleum ether is then evapo- rated, and the residue, consisting of the saturated fatty acids, is weighed. — j. p. street. Needed reform in the analytical methods for fodders and feeds, E. Schulze {Landtv. Vers. Stat., 49 {1898), No. 6, pp. 419-441).— The author calls attention to the impurity of the ether extract obtained from feeds in the ordinary analysis and the inaccuracy of the methods for crude fiber. None of the present methods for fiber are accurate for all classes of fodders and feeds. He suggests that after the material is dried and finely pulverized it be extracted with ether, alcohol, malt extract, and water. This will bring into solution the fats, lecithin, soluble carbohydrates, starches, amids, soluble proteids, etc. The insoluble residue will consist of the insoluble proteids, the cell walls, and a part of the ash constituents. By determining and deducting 115 116 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the asli and protein content of this residue there would remain the nitrogen -free material insoluble in the above-named solvents. The method as suggested is simpler and easier of manipulation than that suggested by Konig.3 — J. p. street. Report of the chemist, R. C. Kedzie (Michigan Sta. Bpt. 1896, pp. 128-131).— A general summary of the work of the chemical department during 1896, including more detailed notes on the ash of epiphytes (noted elsewhere) and the dauger result- ing from the use of Paris green against insects on peppermint. A chemical exami- nation of the oil distilled from peppermint plants sprayed with Paris green gave distinct reactions for arsenic. Report of the agricultural chemical laboratory at Helsingfors, Finland, for 1895 (Landtbr. Styr. Meddel, 1897, No. 19, pp. 130-139). On E. Salkowski's investigations on the effect of heating albumen in water under pressure, R. Neumeister (Ztschr. Biol., 36, No. 3, pp. 420-424).— -This is a controversial article. The cleavage products of albumin, I, O. Folin (Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., 25, No. 1-2, pp. 152-164). Contribution to the study of the albuminoids of flour of legumes and cereals, E. Flei-rent (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 19, pp. 1374-1377).— According to the author, bean flour contains 31.04 per cent total nitrogenous mate- rial, made up of 18.92 per cent legumin, 0.2 per cent albumin, and 11.92 per cent gluten. The gluten consists of 9. 52 per cent glutenin and 2.40 gliadin. The so-called vegetable casein is regarded as legumin and glutenin and vegetable fibrin as albumin and gliadin. The properties of nitrogenous constituents are briefly discussed, as well as the use of bean flour with wheat flour for bread making. The occurrence of glutamin in plants, E. Schulze (Landw. Vers. Stat., 49 (1898), No. 6, pp. 442-446). The chemical structure of galactose, A. Woiil and E. List (Ber. Dent. diem. Gesell., 30 (1897), No. 19, pp. 3101-3108). The classification of the proteids, A. Wroblewski (Ber. Dent. Chem. Gesell., 30 (1897), No. 19, pp. 3045-3053). The optical properties of tannin, P. Waldex (Ber. Deut. Chem. Gesell., 30 (1897), No. 19, pp. 3151-3157). The effect of different temperatures in the extraction of tanning materials, J. G. Parker (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), No. 2, pp. 106-110.) Studies on the determination of tannin, E. Aglot (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1898, No.S,pp.lSl-lS3). Standard methods for the sampling and analysis of tanning materials (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), No. 1, pp. 6-10). — A report on the recommendations of the international conference of leather-trades chemists held in London September, 1897. Methods for sampling and chemical analysis arc recommended for trial until the next conference, to be held in Vienna in July of this year. — J. P. street. Further contributions to the chemistry of protein precipitation, H. Sch.jekn- ing (Ztschr. Analyt. Chem., 37 (1898), No. 2,pp. 73-87). Commercial analysis of starches, L. Laze (2. Congrcs Internal. Chim. Appl., 1896, II, pp. 27, 28). On the saccharification of starch by the amylase of malt, H. Pottevin (Comi>t. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 17, pp. 1218-1221). Spirits from cellulose and wood, E. Simonsen (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1898, Nos. 9, pp. 195, 196; 10, pp. 219-228). Introduction to the study of the alkaloids, with special reference to tb.3 vegetable alkaloids and ptomaines, I. Guarescht (Einfilhrung in das Studium der 1 Landw. Vers. Stat., 48 (1897), pp. 81-110; Ztschr. Untersuch. Nahr. u. Genussmtl., 1898, No. 1, p. 3 (E. S. R., 9, p. 1021). CHEMISTRY. 117 Alkaloide, etc. Berlin, 1896-97, pts. 2, pp. VII + 304-657) .—German translation by H. Kunz-Krause with author's cooperation. The lecithins of sugar cane, E. C. Shorey {Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 (1898), Xo. ?, pp. 113-118). Additional notes on the sugar-cane amid, E. C. Shorey (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 (1898), No. 2, pp. 133-137). Study on the reducing sugar in 13 varieties of corn, C. Istrati and G. CEttin- ger (Bid. Soc. Sci. Bucharest, 1897, p. 516: abs. in Bui. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 20 (1898), Xo. 8, p. 368). — This is a study of the sugar content of the green stalks of maize with a view to their utilization in sugar making. The estimation of sugar by electrical methods, J. Formanek (Ztschr. Untersuch. Nahr. u. Genussmtl, 1898, No. 5, pp. 320-322). A new titration method for the determination of glucose, lactose, and other reducing bodies by Fehling's solution, E. Riegler (Ztschr. Analyt. Chem., 37 (1898), No. 1, pp. 22-25). The determination of sugar and the polarimetric examination of sweet wines, A. Borntrager (Ztschr. Analyt. Chem., 37 (1898), No. 3, pp. 145-172). Clerget's method of estimating cane sugar, A. R. Ling (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), No. 2, pp. 110, 111). Note on the estimation of moisture in invert sugar, L. T. Thorne and E. H. Jeffers ( Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), No. 2,pp. 114-116, fig. 1). The action of subacetate of lead and of neutral acetate of lead on solutions of lactose. Determination of saccharose in the presence of lactose and of glu- cose. Determination of saccharose and of lactose in condensed milks, H. Pellet (2. Congres Internal. Chim. Appl., 1896, II, pp. 437-432). On the methods for determining the fineness of flours, V. Vedrodi (Ztschr. Analyt. Chem., 37 (1898), No. 2, pp. 87-92). The determination of phosphoric acid by titration, A. Hebebrand (Ztschr. Analyt. Chem., 37 (1898), No. 4, pp. 217-233). — The ammonium-magnesium phosphate obtained in the usual manner is thrown upon a filter and washed with 96 per cent alcohol. The precipitate is then washed into a beaker, dissolved by adding a slight excess of fifth-normal hydrochloric acid, and titrated with fifth-normal sodium hydrate, using for an indicator an alcoholic solution of carminic acid (Acidum carmi- nicum Merck). — l. h. merrill. The determination of nitrites, B. Grutzner (Rev. Internal. Falsi/., 11 (1898), No. 1, p. 21; abs. in Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1898, No. 13, p. 307).— -From 0.1 to 0.2 gm. nitrite in 500 cc. of water is decomposed with 0.5 gm. potassium chlorate. A known volume (in excess) of tenth-normal silver solution acidified with nitric acid is added and the mixture vigorously shaken. After a few minutes the excess of silver is titrated with tenth-normal sodium chlorid solution. Volumetric estimation of sodium, H. J. Horstman-Fextox (Jour. Chem. Soc. [London], 73 (1898), No. 424, pp. 167-174). Methods and solvents for estimating the elements of plant food probably available ill soils, \V. Maxwell (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 (1898), No. 2, pp. 107- 110). — This is a brief preliminary note on investigations more fully reported else- where (see p. 128). Simplification of Hopkins's method for the estimation of uric acid in urine, O. Folin (Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., 24 (1897), No. 3, pp. 224-245). — The author calls atten- tion to the possibility of error in Hopkins's method, and seeks to correct it by the substitution of ammonium sulphate in place of ammonium chlorid as a reagent for the precipitation of the uric acid. — j. b. lindsey. A new modification of Clerget's method, specially applicable to after prod- ucts and molasses, A. R. Ling and J. L. Baker (Jour. Soc Chem. Ind., 17 (1S98), Xo. 2, pp. 111-114). 118 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Note on the tests for distinguishing boiled from unboiled milk, A. Leffmann (Analyst, 23 (1S9S), No. 265, p. 85). — When a solution of diamidobenzin is added to unboiled milk, with a few drops of hydrogen dioxid, a deep blue color appears. This property is lost if the milk is heated to 180° F. On the determination of the amount of butter contained in margarin, A. MttNTZ and II. COUDON (Ann. Sci. Agron., 1897, II, No. 2, pp. 281-294). The testing of margarin, butter, and cheese (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1897, No. 24, pp. 700-792). Butter and fat analysis, A voisr Asboth (Rev. Internat. Falsi/., 11 (1898), No. l,p. 15; abfi. in Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1898, No. 14, p. 325). The determination of butter and the preservation of milk samples for analy- sis, Delue (Rev. Internat. Falsi/., 11 (1898), No. 1, p. 27; abs.in Ztschr. Angeiv. Chem., 1898, No. 14, p. 324). Analysis of butter, F. Jean (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1896, IY,pp. 239-249). Observations on the analyses of samples of butter fat and other fats, E. Spaeth (Ztschr. Untersuch. Nahr. u. Genussmtl., 1898, No. 6, pp. 377-384). Analysis of lard and detection of vegetable oils in lard and in mixtures of lard and suet, J. Jean (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1896, II, pp. 401-426). Contributions to fat analysis, W. FAHRION (Ztschr. Angeiv. Chem., 1898, No. 12, pp. 267-273). On O. Polimanti's method of estimating fat, J. Nerking (Arch. Physiol. \_Pfiii- ger~\, 71, No. 7-8, pp. 427-430). — This is a controversial article. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of peanut oil in olive oil and other oils used for food, J. Bellier (2. Congres Internat. Chim. Appl., 1896, IF, pp. 311-319). New reactions for detecting cotton-seed oil in mixtures, G. Morpurgo (Ztschr. Nahr. Untersuch. v. Hyg., 12 (1898), No. 7, p. 119). — Tests proposed by Cavalli, and by Tortelli, and Ruggeri are described. On the partial saponification of oils and fats, R. Henriques (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1898, No. 15, pp. 238-245, fig. 1). On the determination of carbon monoxid diluted with large quantities of air, A. Gautier (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 11, pp. 793-795). The action of certain reagents on carbon monoxid -with a view to its deter- mination in the air of towns, A. Gautier (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 12, pp. 871-875). Preliminary study of a method of determining small amounts of carbon monoxid in the air, A. Gautier ( Compt. Rend. Acad. Set. Paris, 126 (189S), No. 13, pp. 931-937). On the determination of small quantities of carbon monoxid in the air and in normal blood, L. de Saint-Martin (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1S9S), No. 14, pp, 1036-1039). A colorimetric method of determining silicic acid in water, A. Jolles and F. Nkurath (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1S9S, No. 14, pp. 315, 316). Rare ash constituents of the residual liquor from sugar manufacture, E. O. VON Lippmann (Her. Dent. Chem. Gesell., 30 (1897), No. 19, pp. 3037-3039).— -The author records finding in appreciable quantities lithium, titanium, manganese, and strontium. — J. p. street. G-asometric apparatus, O Bleier (Bet: Dent. Chem. Gesell., 31 (1898), No. 3, pp.236- 239, figs. 2). Reflux condensers, J. J. Sudborough and M. E. Feilmann (Jour. Soc. Chem. hid., 16 (1897), No. 12, pp. 979, 9S0, figs. 3). — Description of a condenser for use in boiling ethereal and alcoholic solutions. — j. p. street. A new hydrostatic balance, B. W. Gerland (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), No. l,p. 13). A constant temperature device, H. P. Cady (Jour. Phys. Chem., 2, No. 4, pp. 242- 244, fig. 1). — A constant temperature water bath. BOTANY. 119 BOTANY. Root tubercles and their production by inoculation, D. H. Otis (Industralist, 24 {1898), ¥o. 6', pp. 363-378, pi. 1, Jigs. 2).— The author makes a general statement relative to the presence and function of tubercles on the roots of leguminous crops, and reviews the earlier as well as more recent investigations relative to them. He also reports investigations on root tubercle development of soy beans. Soy beans have been grown at the Kansas Station since 1890, but frequent examinations of the roots failed to reveal the presence of any tubercles on them. The author secured from the Massachusetts Station a quantity of soil in which soy beans had been grown and tubercle development previously noted. Two varieties, yellow and medium green soy beans, were grown and different methods of inoculation prac- ticed. In some of the plats a small quantity of inoculated soil was placed in each hill at the time of planting. In others an extract of the soil was made and this used for inoculation. The methods of culture and details of growth are given, in which it appears that the rows inocu- lated at the time of planting attained on the whole a little greater height than those inoculated with the extract after planting; the difference, however, was slight. All the inoculated plants showed a fairly uniform distribution of tubercles as well as a greater diameter of the lower part of the stem than the plants not so treated. Analyses of the crop showed a slight increase in nitrogen, protein, and water content. The yellow soy beans inoculated with the extract gave the largest yield of both beans and fodder, while the medium green not treated yielded the greatest quantity of beans, and the plat inoculated with soil the most fodder. The field experiments were repeated in pots and extended to include a number of varieties of soy beans, and all plants inoculated either with soil or extract showed well-defined tubercles on their roots. The author undertook experiments in the greenhouse to ascertain the time of tubercle appearance. The first visible tubercles appeared thirteen days after the beans were planted, or eight days after the plants were above the ground. The effect of sterilizing the soil was noted, the Kansas soil being already sterile and the Massachusetts soil having been heated to 200° C. Experiments in which the plants were inoculated at the top, middle, and bottom of pots showed that the organism producing the tubercles is incapable of very great vertical distribution throughout the soil. In order to secure proper distribution, a mechanical mixing of the soil is necessary. Inoculation experiments, in which different amounts of infected soil were used, showed no particular difference, either in the development of the plants or the tubercles on the roots. The action of light on the micro-organism was found to be without any appreciable effect. The effect of different temperatures on the inoculating material was tested, in which soil was heated to ten different points, varying from 120 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 40 to 150° C. Somewhat similar experiments were made in heating the soil extract, and it was found that the tubercles develop best at the lower temperatures and seem to decrease as the temperature increases. In pot experiments, in which adzuki beans, cowpeas, Canada field peas, alfalfa, and red clover were planted and inoculated with Massachusetts soil, no tubercles appeared on the roots of the adzuki beans or the cow- peas; the alfalfa showed a few, while on the clover and Canada field peas they were very numerous. This seems to show that the form of the organism causing the tubercles on the different plants varies. Microscopic studies were made of sections of the soy-bean tubercle, and investigations made on the extent of the distribution of the micro- organism of the soy bean tubercle in the United States. It was found to be indigenous in the States of Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Tennessee, and has been established by inoculation in Connecticut and Kansas, while no tubercles have been found on this plant when grown in California, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, or South Dakota. The other States reporting have either not grown soy beans or have made no examination of their roots. Concerning Alinit {Nature, 57 (1898), No. 1479, p. 418). — A note is given of this new substance prepared by Frederick Bayer & Co. It is claimed that it will have a beneficial effect on the growth of cereals, as in the case of Nitragin for leguminous crops. Alinit is a creamy yellow powder containing 2.5 per cent of nitrogenous constituents. It is the result of four years' laboratory experiments with different forms of bac- teria, and the discoverer, M. Caron, claims that the specific organism used is a pure culture of Bacillus ellenbachensis alpha. The bacillus, in the form of spores, is contained in the powder and belongs to the well known aerobic bacteria designated as the hay bacilli, resembling very closely Ji. mycoides and B. megatherium. It is claimed that when used as a fertilizer for cereal crops by the rapid growth of the micro-organism in the soil the combined nitrogen is made more available for the plant and that some of the atmospheric nitrogen is also secured. Further experiments will be necessary to determine the value of this substance. The ash of epiphytes, R. C. Kedzie (Proc. Soc. Prom. Agr. Set, 1897, pp. 71-7(1). — In a previous paper entitled "The chemical tripod in floriculture" the author stated that all plants in order to live and grow must receive nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. Soon after the publi- cation of this paper his attention was called by correspondents to the question of the presence of these substances, especially potash and phosphorus, in epiphytic plants. Analyses of a number of plants were made, in which it was found that these epiphytes were not deficient in potash or phosphoric acid. The author believes that the plants secure their mineral constituents from the water, the winds, and the bark of trees. The statement is made that in ordinary culture many of the orchids, like the cattleyas, degenerate and die within a few years. The author thinks that this is due to the lack of mineral fertilizers and sug- BOTANY. 121 gests that possibly it could be avoided by giving the plants a weak solution of phosphate of potash. He quotes articles in which similar recommendations have been made elsewhere. Report of the botanist, C. F. Wheeler (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1S96, pp. 133-135). — The author gives a brief summary of the work carried on during the year, the lines of investigation being seed testing, plant diseases, herbarium work, and weed studies. Among the new weeds are reported the bladder ketmia (Hibiscus trionum), winged pigweed (Cyeloloma platyphylla), and tumbling mustard (Sisymbrium altissi- mum). Of these the latter two are liable to prove troublesome. Report of the department of botany and forestry, W. J. Beal (Michigan State Bd. Agr. Rpt. 1S9G, pp. 501, 502). — A tabular statement is given showing additions to the herbarium and museum during the past year. Plant protection against animals (I. mezzi di difesa delle pidnte contro gli animali. Naples: Geremicca, 1897, pp. 43). The preparation and use in class of certain cryptogamic material, M. A. Bar- ber (Kansas Univ. Quart., 7 (1898), No. 2, pp. 111-113). Elements of scientific botany, J. Wiesner (Elemente der wissenschaftlichen Bota- nik. Vienna: Alfred Holder, 1898, vol. 1, pp. VIII, + 372, figs. 159).— This volume treats of the anatomy and physiology of plants. "What is Alinit ? J. STOKLASA(Ann.Agron., 24 (1898), No. 4, pp. 171-174).— Taken in part from Chem. Ztg., 1898, No. 20, pp. 181, 182. Investigations of the bacteria in Alinit, A. Stutzer and R. Hartleb (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par , 2. Alt., 4 (1898), Nos. 1, pp. 31-39; 2, pp. 73-77).— Studies are reported on the morphology and physiology of Bacillus ellenbachensis alpha. Alinit ( Deut. Landw. I'resse., 25 (1898), No. 22, p. 243). On a new generic type of Schizomycetes, E. Roze (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 11, pp. 858, 859) . Pathological notes, M. Molliard (Rev. Gen. Bot., 10 (1898), No. Ill, pp. 87-101, pi. l,figs. 6). — Notes are given on the proliferation of the flowers of Bromns erectus caused by Ustilago bromirora ; on the action of U. longissima on the floral structures of Glyceria aquatica ; on a parasitic dimorphism of Pteris aquilina; and on morpholog- ical changes in Symplocos due to Exobasidium symploci. The behavior of the kinoplasm and nucleolus in the division of the pollen mother cells of Asclepias cornuti, W. C. Stevens (Kansas Univ. Quart., 7 (1S98), No. 2, pp. 77-85, pl.l). Chlorophyll and its derivatives, F. G. Kohl (Bot. Centbl., 73 (1898), No. 12, pp. 417-426). Can isolated chlorophyll grains separate oxygen in the light? L. Kny (Bot. Centbl., 73 (1898), No. 12, pp. 426-439). Observations of stomata by a new method, F. Darwin (Proc. Cambridge Phil. Soc., 9, No. 6, pp. 303-308; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 73 (1898), No. 12, pp. 452-454). Studies of extra-floral nectaries, V. A. Poulsen ( Vidensk. Meddel. Naturh. Form- ing. Ejobenhavn, 1897, pp. 356-371, pis. 3 ; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 73 (189S), No. 12, pp. 454, 455). Anatomy and physiology of plants arranged for secondary classes, A. Daguillon (Anatomie et physiologie vege'tales, a V usage des ele'ves secondaire classique. Paris, 1898, pp. 279, figs. 253). Morphology and biology of the unicellular algae, K. Bohltn (Of vers. K. Sren*k<< Vetensk. Akad. Forhandl. (1897), No. 9, pp. 507-529, figs. 10). — A preliminary contribu- tion to the knowledge of the subject. Contributions to the knowledge of nyctrotropic movements, L. Just (Jahrb. Wise. Bot. IPringsheini], 31 (1898), No. 3, pp, 345-390, figs. 2). The role of water in growth, C. B. Davenport (Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., 28 (1898), No. 3, pp. 73-84). 122 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The role of phosphoric acid in vegetation according to the recent publica- tions of Stoklasa and Dubbers, L. Grandeau (Jour. Agr. Prat., 62 (1898), I, No. 9, pp. 310-312). The transpiration of plants and its dependence on external conditions, 0. Eherdt (Die Transpiration der Pjianzen und Hire Abhandigigkeit von ausseren Beding- ungen. Marburg: Ehcert, 1898, pp. VI + 97, pis. 2, fig*. 2). Investigations on plant transpiration, 0. Spanjer (Bot. Ztg., 56 (1898), No. 3-4, pp. 35-81,1)1. 1). On the structure of the mycorihizas, L. Mangin (Compt. Betid. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 13, pp. 97S-981). Movements cf the sensitive plant grown in water, G. Bonnier ( Compt. Hind. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1S9S), No. 14, pp. 1001-1007). Action of electricity on plants, Tolomei (Atti B. Acad. Lincei, 5.ser., 7 (1898), No. 6, pp. 177-183). The action of X-rays on the living plant cell, G. Lopriore (Nuora Bassegna, 1897 ; abs. in Bot. CentbL, 73 (1898), No. 12, pp. 451, 452). — The author is said to have subjected Fallisneria spiralis for half an hour to the action of X-rays. The pro- toplasmic streaming was hastened. Longer exposure checked it. The action was also noted on the pollen tubes of Genista and Darlingtonia coronlllafiolia. FERMENTATION— BACTERIOLOGY. The unorganized ferments, or enzyms, concerned in the brew- ing and distilling industries, I. O'Sullivan (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 16 {1897), No. 12, pp. 977-979). — The author describes the enzyms con- cerned in the preparation of malt and in the fermentation of brewers' wort. These are diastase of translocation, which does not erode starch granules or liquefy starch paste, but dis olves " soluble starch;" cytase, a cyto-hydrolyst, which dissolves cellular matter and is rendered inac- tive on heating (it is not present to any extent, therefore, in kiln-dried malt); and diastase of secretion, an amylo-hydrolyst, which liquefies and hydrolyses starch paste at al) temperatures up to 80°. Analytic- ally it is shown that they contain nitrogen and are not albuminoids. The difficulty of proving their purity without altering the properties upon which their designation depends forces the conclusion that we do not know with certainty the composition of these important products of life. — J. P. STREET. Red yeasts, Katherine E. Golden and C. E. Ferris (Bot. Gaz., 25 (1898), No. i, pp. 39-46, pis. 2).— The authors describe three red yeasts which were obtained from the air of the laboratory and are designated by the numbers 1, 2, and 3. The growth of the different organisms on different media is fully described, and they are compared with the two well-known species of red yeasts, Saccliaromyces rosaceus and S. glutlnis. Of the three forms studied not one proved to be a true Saccliaromyces, although No. 2 in all probability will prove to be S. glutinis. No. 1 appears to be a form between Saccliaromyces and Torula. It forms spore-like bodies under ordinary conditions for spore formation, but as they neither form the spore wall nor bud in germinat- FERMENTATION BACTERIOLOGY. 1 23 ing they are not to be considered true spores. The authors believe that this is an undescnbed species. No. 3, which from its peculiar appear- ance is easily recognized, is thought to be a new species of Mycoderma. Insects and yeasts, I. Giglioli (Xature, 56 (1S97), No. 1459, pp. 57 5-577, figs. 3). — This briefly notes the results of experiments performed at the Portici Laboratory for Agricultural Chemistry to bring out the relations of insects, ants, flies, etc., to the invasion of fruits by yeast. As the yeast plants pass unaffected through the intes- tine of the fly and even multiply greatly in it, flies are very important factors in tlie transmission of alcoholic ferments. Fermentation of must, E. H. Rainford (Queensland Agr. Jour., 2 (1S9S), No. 2, pp. 125-128). What do we know concerning the origin of the Saccharomycetes ? A. KLOCKEK and Schioxning (Ann. Just. Pasteur, 12 (1S9S), No. 2, pp. 156-159). On the physiology of gentianose ; its decomposition by soluble ferments. E. Bourquelot (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1S9S), No. 14, pp. 1045-1047). Industrial sterilization by heat and high pressure, E. W. Kuhn (2. Congris Internat. Chim. Ajtyl., 1896, I, pp. 702-713, pis. 3). Contributions to our knowledge of the micro-organisms and sterilizing processes in canning industries. II, The souring of sweet corn, S. C. Prescott and W. L. Underwood (Tech. Quart., 11 (1S98), No. 1, pp. 6-30, pis. 5). — A former article of this series was published in Tech. Quart.. 10 (1897), No. 1, pp. 183-199 (E. S. R., 9, p. 120). On the nitric ferment of Stutzer and Hartleb, W. KrCger (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. AM., 4 (1898), No. 5, pp. 1S4-1SS). Relation of bacteriology to agriculture, A. Stutzer (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Eongr., Stockholm, 1897, I, pp. 387-402, ill.). — Translated from the German. The influence of the culture medium on the growth of bacteria, M. Deele- man (Arb. E. Gesundheitsamte, 13 (1S96), No. 3, pp. 374-402). Concerning the presence of bacteria, especially of root tubercle bacteria, in living plant tissues, O. ZINSSER (Jahrb. Wiss. Bot. [Pringsheim~], 30 (1897), p. 423; abs. in Naturw. Rundschau, 13 (1898), No. S, p. 101). Contributions to the knowledge of acetic bacteria, D. P. Hoyer (Bijdrage tot de kennis ran azijnbacterien. Delft, 1897, pp. 122). An injecting syringe for bacteriological purposes, A. Cantini (Centbl. Bakt. w. Par., 1. Abt., 23 (1S98), No. 5-6, pp. 217, 218, fig. 1). — There is described and figured a small syringe consisting of a small graduated glass tube drawn out to a needle point at one end and connected at the other with a rubber bulb. The apparatus has the advantage of being readily and quickly constructed in the laboratory. The bulb can be attached to glass tubes of different sizes. Apparatus to facilitate the processes of fixing and hardening material, W. C. Stevens (Eansas Univ. Quart., 7 (1S98), No. 2, pp. 107-110, figs. 3). Contributions on fermentation, A. Stavenhagen (Ber. Dent. Chem. Gesell., 30 (1897), No. 19, p. 2963). The ferments of wine diseases, J. Laborde (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (189S), No. V, pp. 1223-1226). On the causes of the incomplete fermentation observed by Simonsen in sugar solutions prepared from wood, B. Tollens (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1898, No. 15, pp. 99'y t><\ 114. j>p. 288, maps .;. London : Eyre, $• Spottiswoode, 1897 '). — Tables give summaries of observations during this period at 492 stations, distributed as follows: 287 in England and Wales, 151 in Scotland, and 54 in Ireland. The maps show the main watersheds and catchment basins of the principal rivers. These tables include data contained in similar tables published in 1883, which covered the period from 1866 to 1880, with the addition of the rainfall records from 1880 to 1890. Future rainfall, A. B. M. (Nature, 58 (1898), No. 1489, pp. 30, 31, chart 1).— By charting the series obtained by "algebraic addition, step by step, of a series of plus and minus values," it is shown that there is a regular recurrence in Great Brit- ain at intervals of about thirty-five years of cold and wet periods. This bears out the statement of Bruckner that such periodicity occurs in various parts of the world. WATER SOILS. 125 Investigations on the relation of atmospheric precipitation to plants and soils, E. Woi.i.ny (Forsch. Agr. Phys. [Wollny], 20 {1898), No. 3, pp. 346-360) .—This is a general discussion of the influence of an excess or deficiency of water, injurious effects of water on the mechanical properties of soils, the leaching of soils, the accumulation of soluble salts in the soil, and the influence of snow, hail, etc. Forecasts of frosts, R. ('. Kedzie {Michigan Sfa. Spec. Bui. 5, pp. 10). — A popular discussion of means of forecasting frosts and protecting plants from injury. Among the means of protection suggested arc irrigation and smudges. On a new form of constant volume air thermometer, which shows the total pressure directly, and may be graduated in degrees of temperature, J. R. E. MUKRAY (Proc. Roy. Soe. Edinburgh, 21 (1895-1897), pp. 299-302, figs. 2). Exploration of the air by means of kites ( Cambridge, 1S9-, pts. 3, pp. 43-128, ph. 7; reprinted from Ann. Astron. Observ. Harvard College, 42 {1S97), I). Forestry-meteorological studies, E. Hoppe ( Centbl. Gesam, Forstiv. Wien, 24 {1898), No. 3, pp. 99-126). On measures for the amelioration of the climate, H. Steinmetz {Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, I, pp. 110-139, ill. and charts). — Treats of the frost phenomenon, drainage systems, and the forest problem. The influence of the movements of the moon on the oscillations of the atmosphere, P. Garrigou-Lagraxge {Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 {1898), No. 16, pp. 1173-1176). Influence of diffused solar light on the growth of plants, J. Wiesner {Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. IS, pp. 1287-1289). Monthly reports of the River and Flood Service, W. L. Moore and P. Morrill ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau Docs. 153, pp. 18, chart 1; 156, pp. 14, chart 1 ; 158, pp. 19, chart 1). — Resumes of observations on river stages and conditions of naviga- tion during the months of January, February, and March, 1898. Wrecks and casualties on the Great Lakes during 1895, 1896, and 1897, W. L. Moo he and N. B. Conger {U. S. Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau Doc. 159, pp. 23, charts 3). — A chronological record. WATER— SOILS. The Beeville Station: Soils, climate, water supply, and irriga- tion equipment, J. H. Connell and S. A. McHeney {Texas Sta. Bui, 43, pp. 929-958, pis. 4, figs. 11).— This is the first report of the experiment station in this part of southern Texas provided for by- State appropriation. Soils. — The region presents a gently rolling surface, which is largely devoid of forest growth, except along the water courses. The open prairie is covered with mesquite grass. ''The surface of the soil is a dark brown sandy loam, which lies over a whitish marl, carrying a large percentage of lime. This dark surface soil in some cases shades into a chocolate red, or turns to a sandy white on some of the hillsides. In the valleys it is almost black, because of the large amount of decayed vegetable matter contained, and in such situations it is usually heavy and obstinate under the plow, and the surface soil is several feet in depth, while on the slopes and tops of hills it varies from 6 to 18 in. in depth." The soils of this region are located on the Fayette beds, and for the purpose of investigation were divided into three main groups: (1) Vegetable soils, (2) orchard soils, and (3) field crop soils. Samples of these soils were taken at three different depths, 1 to 6 in., 24 to 30 in., 120 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. and 48 to 54 in., and analyzed. The results of analysis are given in the following table: Analyses of Beeville soils. Vegetable soil. Orchard soil. Field crop soil. 1-6 in. 24-30 in. 48-54 in. 1-6 in. 24-30 in. 48-54 in. 1-6 in. 24-30 in. 4 8-54 in. Per ct. Per ct. Per ct. Per ct. Per ct. Per ct. Per ct. Per ct. Per ct. 87.92 67.9 19. 82 89.06 80.2 18.99 89.74 62.88 20.21 Organic matter 4.36 4.79 1.63 3.70 4.38 2.36 4.87 5.12 3.42 Water 1.55 2.55 .92 2.07 4.25 .62 2.50 3.30 1.05 Oxida dI' iron and alumina. 4.57 7.08 2.86 3.65 10.13 2.95 .95 6.33 1.49 Calcium ox id .76 10.21 43.19 .67 .72 39.93 .60 9.04 35. 37 .47 .63 .65 .41 .31 .94 .13 .51 .39 Sulphuric arid .09 .10 .19 .05 .04 .24 .08 .10 .10 Potassium <>xid .32 .24 .11 Trace. Trace. .16 Trace. Trace. Trace. .13 .16 .25 .75 .37 .21 .86 .69 .62 58 67 20.56 32.8 1.14 12.05 28.40 .04 .03 .04 .01 .13 .04 .06 .04 .01 The conditions which tend to cause a rapid destruction of the organic matter in these soils are discussed and the means of preventing this loss arc explained, the use of velvet beans as a green manure being especially recommended. The presence of sulphur and gypsum in the geological formation from which the soils are derived probably partly explains the rapid destruction of the organic matter. Climate and rain/all. — Data for rainfall, temperature, cloudiness, and direction of the wind for each month from January, 1896, to August, 1897, are tabulated, and a chart shows the average annual precipitation in different regions of Texas. The maximum temperature recorded (104°) occurred in July and August, 1897; the minimum temperature (19°) occurred in January, 1897. Agricultural water supply. — After general remarks on soil water, absorptive power of soils, and effect of subsoiling, the underground water supply of this region is discussed. It is stated that the region is underlaid at a depth of from 50 to 150 ft. by "a coarse water-bearing sand that supplies an abundant flow of good water in dug or bored wells at all times. This water rises to within 30 ft. of the surface in some cases, and cau be economically raised for irrigation purposes and is largely used for domestic consumption. Windmills are in general use, but thus far we have been unable to learn of tlie successful use of mills for irrigating crops of more than 1 or 2 acres in each case." The flow of these wells is, however, decreased to a marked extent by long-continued drought, the lowest point probably being reached during the months of September and October. "'The well on the station grounds is dug to a depth of 57 ft., and a 4- inch hole bored from this point to a depth of 74 ft. The water usually stands 8 ft. deep in the dug portion of the well, or a distance of 49 ft. from the surface of the ground. While using a windmill for driving the pump, the water fell some 20 ft. in this well, and when pumping with a gasoline engine we exhausted the water to a point as far down as was reached hy the deep-well cylinder, but on forty strokes per minute (in April, 1897), this pump, on a 15-inch stroke, was run to lift 1,000 gal. of water per hour for twelve hours, and in removing these 12,000 gal. the water in the well was lowered, but not exhausted. WATER SOILS. 127 "In September, 1897, a careful test was made of the available supply in this well. The pump was placed on a 24-inch stroke and was run at the rate of forty-four strokes per minute. At this rate the well supplied 24 gal. per minute delivered at the reservoir (equal to 1,440 gal. per hour), but this fast pumping partially exhausted the supply of water in the well, after which a flow of 13 gal. per minute was obtained. This, we concluded, was the normal force of the stream supplying the well after some months of drought and very low average rainfall throughout the section to the north and west supposed to supply this sheet water that flows at a depth of 75 to 90 ft. below Bee County. During the preceding spring season the supply had been mate- rially stronger." To the north of Beeville and along the coast flowing wells are obtained by tapping this water bearing stratum. Irrigation. — The need of irrigation in the region of Texas in which Beeville is situated and the duty of water are discussed and the pump- ing outfit at the station is described. This consists of "a windmill and gasoline engine, so arranged as to use either wind or explosive gas as power for driving the pump, and is situated in a depression, or 'draw.' The reservoir is located on the rise of the hill and is 500 ft. east of the well and pump station. The top of the reservoir is some 15 ft. above the ground level of well. Water must be pumped from its level to sur- face of well (49 to 70 ft.) plus the 'rise' from well to discharge pipe in reservoir (15 ft.). This provides for a total pump lift of 64 to 85 ft. When pump is used regularly and water is lowered in well the lift is probably about 80 ft." At the beginning a 12 foot steel windmill was relied on entirely to pump the water required, but "in many cases the windmill tailed to show sufficient strength to run the pump for days at a time. In snch cases the experimental crops would suffer severely from droughts." "An existing popular idea to the effect that windmills can be relied upon to lift irrigation water from depths of 75 to 100 ft. must be critically examined by those intending to use mills for this purpose. All semi arid sections are supposed to have frequent and strong winds, but for windmill irrigation purposes they must also be regular, or, just at the critical crop-growing period, a calm may occur and entirely ruin the prospects of the farmer or trucker, and so cause the loss of labor and capi- tal invested for that season. The regularity with which the wind blows, the depth from which water must be pumped, aud the size of the receiving reservoir are the factors that determiue the success of windmill irrigation plants." In the spring of 1897 a 4-horsepower gasoline engine with pumping apparatus was installed, and it has been used with very satisfactory results. With this plant the cost of raising 1,000 gal. of water 65 to 85 ft. through 560 ft. of 2.^-inch pipe has been found to be 8.42 cts., or at the rate of $4.58 per acre (2 acre-inches). The construction of reservoirs is discussed and directions are given for the construction of dams with concrete, masonry, and puddle cores aud with surfaces of coal tar mastic and concrete gravel. Statements regarding methods of distributing and applying irriga- tion water are reprinted from the Yearbook for 1895 of this Department, and the influence of irrigation water on the increase and rise of alkali in soils is briefly discussed. 4485— No. 2 3 128 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Investigations on the influence of the physical properties of soils on the growth of crops, E. Wolln y ( Forsch, Agr. Phys. [ Wollny], 30(1898), ¥o.3, pp. 291-344). — This is a detailed account of experiments during several years with a large variety of crops grown in boxes and pots. The special subjects investigated and reported on in this article are inclination and exposure of the surface of the soil, depth of the cultivated soil layer, fineness of the soil particles, color of the soil, and character of the soil. VS ith normal weather conditions and sufficient moisture the greatest yield was obtained on soils having a southerly exposure and the greater inclination (not over 30°). Plants also started growth earlier in the spring on the soils with the greater inclinations. In dry weather, however, the opposite results were obtained. There did not appear to be any direct and uniform relation between the depth of the soil and the growth of the plants. Within the limits experimented with (less than 0.25 to 2 mm.) the smaller the soil particles the greater the yield. Plants germinated more quickly and uniformly and produced larger crops in dark-colored soils than in light-colored soils. \Yith approximately the same chemical composition the highest yields were obtained from humus soils; the lowest from sandy soils. The experiments show in general that the influence of the physical properties of soils on their productive capacity is of the highest impor- tance and that fertilizers exert a most marked influence upon the physical properties of soils. Relative sensitiveness of plants to acidity in soils, W. Maxwell (Jour. Amer. Ghem. Soc, 20 (1898), JVo. 2, pp. 103-107).— The methods followed in the study of this subject are thus described : "Two tubs having a diameter of 24 in. and a depth of 20 in. and perforated bot- toms, which were covered with linen cloth, were each tilled with 120 lbs. of air- dried soil of moderate fertility, having a neutral behavior toward acid and alkaline tests. These tubs were placed in tin pans which were 6 in. deep, the perforated bottoms of the tubs being raised 4 in. above the bottoms of the tin pans. The tin pans were filled with water up to the level of the perforated bottoms, and the water was kept up to that level until the soil in the tubs had absorbed moisture to satura- tion, the water absorbed being 48.2 per cent on the water-free weight of the soil. To tub No. 1 enough citric acid was added to make the whole volume of water absorbed a one-tenth per cent solution. To tub No. 2 citric acid was added to make the absorbed water a one-fiftieth per cent solution. In each of the tubs 17 varieties of seeds were planted, these being planted in a circle and equal distances apart. The seeds germinated quickly, were up within four days, and had a healthy appear- ance. After the plants were up and 1 in. high the mode of applying the acid was changed. When the acid was applied in the water absorbed by capillarity from the tin pans it was not equally distributed through the mass of the soil, but was more or less lixed by the bases in the soil at the bottom of the tubs, and did not reach the plants. Therefore the acid was dissolved in water and applied around the plants at the surface. This was controlled by determining the loss of water from the tubs by evaporation and replacing the lost water, with the weight of citric acid dissolved in it necessary to bring up the whole volume of water in the tubs to one-teuth per cent and one-fiftieth per cent solutions, respectively. This was repeated every fourth day." W ATE R SOILS. 129 The plants experimented with were black and white mustard, beets, mangel-wurzels, rape, carrots, white lupines, common bean, Windsor bean, winter vetch, crimson clover, alfalfa, pearl millet, wheat, maize, oats, and barley. The results show that all the cruciferous plants and clovers succumbed at once to the acid. Although certain of the legu minous plants and Graminese made considerable growth, only pearl millet reached normal development. "Its growth was steady and quite normal as compared with a plat of millet growing in a held near by, which it actually exceeded in development." Soil humus, E. F. Ladd {Xorth Dakota Sta. Bui. 32, pp. 272-276).— A brief explanation is given of "what is meant by the term soil humus and iu what way its presence in the soil is beneficial," based in part upon results of the author's own investigations and in part on results obtained at other stations. "The average of fifty-four determinations gave 13.79 per cent of organic matter for North Dakota soils and 4.55 per cent of humus." In eight analyses of North Dakota soils 41 per cent of the phosphates was found in the humus, the proportion ranging from 10 to 91 per cent. From 46 to 80 per cent of the total nitrogen was found in the humus, the average proportion being 61 per cent. The objects and methods of soil analysis, E. W. Hilgard (Proc. Soc. Prom. Agr. Sci., 1897, pp. 20-25). — This is a plea for the complete analysis (at least for the determination of lime, magnesia, iron, and soluble silica in addition to nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash) of the strong acid solution of soils. It is claimed that analysis must not only show whether "nitrogen, phosphoric acid, or potash are deficient or abundant, but it must also show what, from the general character of the soil, is the form in which these substances should be applied, and in what manner." This information can be obtained only by the deter- mination of other constituents besides nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash. It is questioned whether the sulphuric-acid method proposed by Goss has any advantages over the nitric acid method heretofore practiced. The use of dilute hydrochloric acid for determining available potash and phosphoric acid in soils, as proposed by Goss, is believed to be a promising method. "The remarkable effect of calcium chlorid, however, causes me to suggest that the effect of neutralization would, in the case of HC1, be quite different from that of citric acid, so far as potash is concerned; for in many cases the amount of calcium chlorid formed by neutralization will greatly exceed in its effects that of the HC1 itself, and it would therefore seem that as a general reagent for the determination of available potash the latter is unavailable for the great majority of soils." Drinking waters, E. F. Ladd (North Dakota Sta. Bui. 32, pp. 267-270) .—The total solids and sodium chlorid in twenty samples of artesian water and complete mineral analyses of three of the samples are reported, with notes on the interpretation of results of water analyses. The underground waters of the Arkansas Valley in eastern Colorado, G. K. Gilbert ( U. S. Geol. Survey Bpt. 17, pt. 2, pp. 551-601; aos. in Tech. Quart., 11 {1898), No. 1, Rev. Chem., p. 23). 130 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Preliminary report on artesian waters of a portion of the Dakotas, N. H. Darton (/'. 8. Geol. Survey Upt. 17, pt. .', pp. 603-695; abs. in Tech. Quart., 11 (189S), No. 1, Her. ('linn., pp. .'•■', 24). The water resources of Illinois, F. Leverett ( U. S. Geol. Surrey Rpt. 17, pt. 2, pp. 695-828; abs. in Tech. Quart., ll {1898), No. I, Her. Chem ,p. 24). Temperatures of different soils, D. J. Crosby {Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 198- 200).— A reprint from Bulletin 125 of the station (E. S. R.,7, p. 374). Soil temperature observations at the observatory of Catania, 1892-1896. E. Trixcai.i (Alii dcoad. Gioenia Sci. Nat.; abs. in Nature, 58 {1898), No. 1489, p. 40). — "In addition to confirming the well-known laws according to which the diurnal and annua! variations of temperature decrease and undergo retardation with increasing depth," tlic results of these observations "show that at Catania the velocity of transmission of the diurnal fluctuations is about 20 cm. for every 74 hours, and that those fluctuations become practically unimportant at a depth of 60 cm., where they only amount to a lew tenths of a degree when the atmospheric temperature changes as much as 17 degrees." Researches on the composition of the soil of Crau and of the soils and clays of Durance, G. Castin {Ann. Sci. Agron., 1898, 1, Nos. l,pp. 155-160; 2, pp. 161-239).— Analyses of typical soils of this region with notes on their characteristics. Examination of marsh soil samples, G. E. Stangeland {Tidsskr. Norske Landbr., 5 {1898), pp. 180-182). Forests and subterranean waters in level regions, E. Henry {Ann. Sci. Agron., 1898, I, No. 1, pp. 1-24). Iowa Geological Survey. VI, Report on lead, zinc, artesian wells, etc. ( Des Moines: loira Geological Surrey, 1897). — Contains, among others, papers on artesian wells and relation of Wisconsin and Kansas drifts in central Illinois. FERTILIZERS. The fertilizer industry, J. Hyde and G. K. Holmes ( U. S. Bept, Ayr., Division of Statistics Bui. 13, pp. 27). — This bulletin contains statistics of production aud consumption of fertilizers in the United States; a preliminary report on a statistical study of the relation between the fertilizers applied and the profit obtained in cotton grow- ing: and notes on fertilizer inspection, with abstracts of the different State fertilizer laws and a list of fertilizer inspection officials. It is estimated that the total number of establishments in the United States that manufacture fertilizers is about 700. In 1880 the census reported 364 ; in 1890, 3(J0. " Since 1890 there has been a very consider- able development in the manufacture of fertilizers, especially in South Carolina and Florida, where phosphate mining has assumed large proportions." It is stated that attempts to collect statistics of the production of fertilizers have been unsuccessful. ''With respect to consumption, however, the case is different, and it has been possible, with the aid of State fertilizer inspectors and other State officials, to ascertain approx- imately the quantity and value of the commercial fertilizers consumed in the United States in the calendar year 1896." More or less complete data are also given for the period from 1891-1895, aud for the first nine months of 1897. FERTILIZERS. 131 The data for 1896 and up to October 1, 1897, are given in the follow- ing table : Commercial fertilizer* consumed in the United states in ism; and up to October 1, 1897. State. 1896. To October 1,1897. Amount. Valu.-. Amount. Value. Tons. 13, 000 20, 000 150,000 56, 355 150, 000 171, 704 187, 429 199, 497 335,618 26, 389 100, 000 32, 270 10, 051 $401, 700 600, 000 4,621,501) 1, 736, 298 3, 750, 000 4, 034, 944 2,811,435 2,792 958 4,698 652 580, 558 1,400.000 575, 234 165, 842 Tons. 14, 000 $108, 660 150, 000 203, 097 240, 000 401 979 3 120 000 96, 154 42, 550 12, 542 1.000 25, 883 25, 335 18, 500 19, 445 28, 433 19, 550 51, 192 3,500 41,900 200 2,000 5,530 486, 125 574, 665 488, 750 1, 279, 800 i 87, 500 1,047,500 6, 000 51, 500 110, 621 647 075 532 164 462 500 Ohio Utah Total 1, 624, 063 270, 854 32, 301, 582 5, 387, 287 Grand, total 1,894,917 37, 688, 869 Purchases for farm use as reported in census of 1890, at average value for 1896. Statistics of production and consumption of fertilizers are repub- lished from the Tenth and Eleventh Censuses and from reports of the U. S. Department of Labor and of the Geological Survey, and a state- ment of imports and exports of fertilizing materials is quoted from reports of the Bureau of Statistics of the U. S. Treasury Department. Returns from 1,495 cotton planters, giving "the cost of fertilizers used in raising cotton in 1896 on an average acre under cotton cultivation" besides "other items of expense and the income received from the cot- ton and seed," are stated in tabular form, those who made a profit being separated from those who suffered a loss and each class tabulated according to the amount expended for fertilizers. "It appears that there were 21 planters who spent less than$l each per acre for fertilizers, and that their average profit was $4.62 per acre. The planters who spent from $1 to $1.99 per acre for fertilizers had an average profit of $5.09 per acre; those who spent from $2 to $2.99 had an average profit of *5.34; those who spent from $3 to $3.99 had an average profit of $5.91 ; those who spent from $1 to $4.99 had an aver- age profit of $7.96; those who spent from $5 to $5.99 had an average profit of $8.76; while the planters whose fertilizers cost them per acre $6 and over, had an average net profit per acre of $12.51. "It will thus be noticed that increase of expense for fertilizer in cotton raising apparently leads to increase of profit, and further, that, as far as this table discloses, the point of diminishing returns was not reached in the total for the five States that are included, and where it was reached, apparently, in any State, the result is probably a chance one due to the small number of returns." 132 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Investigations on manure at Lauchstadt, 1896-1897, M. Maercker and W. Schneidewind (Lanchc. Jahrb., 27 (1898), No. 1-2, pp. 215-240, pis. 3). — These include (1) studies of the loss of nitro- gen from manure in deep stalls and in open and covered manure heaps, and (2) experiments with preservatives. Three experiments with deep-stall manure are reported, two with manure from cattle and one with manure from sheep. The first experi- ment with cattle was made with 12 animals and lasted for 136 days (June It; to October 29, 1896). In the second experiment 14 steers were used and the experiment lasted from November 6, 1896, to May 21, 1897 (197 days i. The experiment with sheep was made with four lots of 15 animals each and lasted from June 20, 1896, to January 14, 1897. The stalls used in these experiments were 0.65 meter deep and had impervious cement bottoms. Parallel with the experiments on deep-stall manure under cattle, studies were made of the losses of nitrogen from open and covered heaps of manure from animals fed the same kinds and amounts of food and supplied with the same amount of litter as in the deep-stall experi- ments. Samples of manure for analysis were taken daily. Not only the total nitrogen, but also the albuminoid, amid, ammoniacal, and nitric nitrogen were determined. In the experiments with preservatives the manure from 9 cows dur- ing a period of 11 days was divided each day into four lots which were sampled for analysis and packed separately in pits. Lot 1 received no preservative; lot 2 received 30 per cent of marl containing 13 per cent of carbonate of lime; lot 3, 30 per cent of marl and 2 per cent of peat; lot 4, 6 per cent of sodium bisulphate, corresponding to 1.5 per cent of free sulphuric acid. The total albuminoid, amid, ammoniacal, and nitric nitrogen in the fresh manure and in the manure after remaining in the pits three months were determined. The results of the experiments show that the loss of nitrogen in deep stalls was small when the manure was examined immediately after the animals were removed from the stalls, being in one case 13.2 per cent and in another 13.25 per cent of the total nitrogen. This was true whether the experiments were conducted in winter or in summer. The loss, however, increased to 34.8 per cent when the manure was allowed to remain four weeks during warm weather after the animals had been removed from the stalls. If the manure, therefore, can not be carried to the field immediately after the removal of the animals it should be covered with soil or treated with a preservative. In an ordinary uncovered manure heap the loss of nitrogen was 37.4 per cent. In a covered heap it was very little less, being 36.9 per cent. This slight difference in the loss in the two cases is thought to have been due to the fact that the weather conditions were especially favor- able to the preservation of manure in the uncovered heap, being wet and cloudy, while the manure in the covered heap was allowed to FERTILIZERS. 133 become too dry. That decomposition was more rapid in the covered heap than in the uncovered heap is shown by the fact that the loss of organic matter was 30 per cent in the former and only 22 per cent in the latter. This shows the importance, especially in case of covered manure heaps, of keeping- the manure moist and well compacted. In case of the covered and uncovered heaps the liquid manure was allowed to drain off and was collected in separate receptacles. Under these conditions there was almost a total loss of the nitrogen iu the liquid, the amount falling from 0.2-0.3 per cent to 0.01-0.05 per cent. It appears that during the decomposition which goes on in the manure heap considerable amounts of nitrogen in the simpler forms are converted into albuminoid and similar complex compounds, this change being greater in case of deep-stall manure than in that from ordinary stalls. By adding an excess of 0.5 per cent of sulphuric acid to the manure which had remained in the deep stalls 136 days the amount of albuminoid nitrogen was reduced from 65.1 per cent to 47.5 per cent of the total nitrogen, ammoniacal and amid nitrogen being- correspond ingly increased. The addition of 30 per cent of marl to the manure reduced the loss of nitrogen from 22.6 to 9.9 per cent, and the addition of 30 per cent of marl and 2 per cent of peat reduced the loss to 6.1 per cent. The best results, however, were obtained by adding 6 per cent of sodium bisul- phate, corresponding to 1.5 per cent of sulphuric acid, which reduced the loss to 1.3 per cent. The manure treated with sodium bisulphate remained practically unchanged. On the losses of ammonia which take place in the preparation of barnyard manure, P. P. Deherain (Gompt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 19, pp. 1305-1310).— This is a brief account of laboratory experiments with ammonium carbonate, urine, and urine and straw, undertaken for the purpose of explaining the losses of nitrogen from manure. A solution of ammonium carbonate lost 73 per cent of its nitrogen in 30 days in the open air. In a closed flask in which was suspended a dilute solution of sulphuric acid to absorb ammonia 12.1 per cent of the nitrogen passed off from a solution of ammonium car- bonate in 3 days and 21.2 per cent in 8 days. In closed flasks provided with sulphuric acid to absorb ammonia and sodium hydrate to absorb carbon dioxid 39.3 per cent of the nitrogen escaped in 3 days and 83 per cent in 8 days. In an atmosphere charged with carbon dioxid the escape of ammonia was very slight. Urine exposed to the air lost 45 per cent of its nitrogen in one month. In a closed flask the loss in the same time was only from 5.6 to 6.6 per cent. In flasks provided with sulphuric acid for absorbing the ammonia 21 per cent of the nitrogen of the urine escaped in 5 days, but at the end of that time none of the ammonia formed had been absorbed by the sulphuric acid. At the end of 11 days, however, 19 per cent of the nitrogen of the urine was found in the sulphuric acid. When provision was made for absorption of 134 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. both ammonia and carbon dioxid in a closed flask there was a loss of only 2.9 per cent of nitrogen in 5 days, but 52 per cent in 11 days. In experiments in which 4 parts of urine were mixed with 1 part of straw (an insufficient amount to absorb all the urine) and exposed to the air during the summer (June, 1897), 58.3 per cent of the nitrogen escaped in 2 days, TO per cent in 1 days, 72.6 per cent in 0 days, and 75.7 per cent in 8 days. These figures serve to indicate the great losses which may occur when insufficient amounts of litter are used. In experiments in which litter was used in larger quantities, 1 part of litter to 2 of urine, the losses of nitrogen in the open air were only 7.2 per cent in 8 days. In closed flasks in which arrangements were made for the absorption of the ammonia and carbon dioxid 7.9 per cent of the nitrogen escaped in 3 days, 31.5 per cent in 6 days, 52.6 per cent in 8 days, and 59.7 per cent in 12 days. In an atmosphere of carbon dioxid no nitrogen escaped from the mixture, although the larger part of the nitrogen present was converted into ammonia. This is the con- dition in a well-constructed and compacted manure heap. Potash : Its commercial and agricultural relations and a chem- ical method for its accurate estimation in soil, A. T. Neale, W. H. Bishop and C. L. Penny {Delaware Sta. Bui. 36, pp. 24, Jigs. 3). — The economy of using potash fertilizers is discussed and it is shown that in spite of " a decline iuvalues of all farm products and in spite of a decline of 65 per cent in the phosphate market the muriate of potash has been held for fifteen years unchanged in quality and in price." In view of this fact it is recommended that those systems of farming be practiced which utilize the latent potash of the soil. For this purpose the old-fashioned combination of lime and clover is con- sidered especially valuable. It is suggested that from Ih to 10 bu. of stone lime per acre applied with an ordinary grain drill with fertilizer attachment will be found as effective in many cases as the heavier applications which have been hitherto applied. The results of an experiment with different fertilizer mixtures during 1894-1897 on sweet corn, crimson clover, cowpeas, oats, and red clover are reported. Muriate of potash gave noticeably good results on sweet corn aud red clover, and the mixture of muriate of potash and acid phosphate was especially effective on cowpeas. Potash was determined in the first and second foot of the soil of these plats by the following method: Samples of soil were ignited to dull redness and pulverized until they would pass a sieve of 80 meshes to the inch. Five hundred grams of this pulverized soil was placed in a 2-liter Jena glass flask with 1 liter of 20.7 percent hydrochloric acid, aud heated by means of steam to 100° in a rotary apparatus for 7 hours. The apparatus used for this purpose is described and figured. The acid solution obtained was filtered without washing, and a portion of the filtrate was taken for further operation. The amount so used was found by calculations based on the chlorin content of the acid solution. The method of calculation is fully explained. FERTILIZERS. 135 The acid solution taken for analysis was evaporated to dryness in a liter Jena flask, using an air blast to hasten evaporation. The special apparatus used for this purpose is described and illustrated. The dried residue was taken up with water and boiled until all the normal salts were dissolved and the basic precipitate was in the form of a fine pow- der. All the bases present which formed insoluble carbonates or bydroxids were precipitated by addiug freshly prepared silver carbonate until all cblorin was precipitated. A second partition similar to the one just described was effected at this point by weighing the solution with tbe insoluble precipitate and, after drying the latter at a gentle heat, deducting its weight. The fil- trate from this precipitate contains potash and soda, a trace of magne- sia, some lime as bicarbonate, a little manganese, and some silver carbonate, and is alkaline in reaction. It was evaporated to dryness, which separated the silver, manganese, and lime. The filtrate from this residue was acidified with hydrochloric acid, and the potash deter- mined in the usual way. In all cases evaporation was hastened by the use of the air blast. The method "is designed for investigations important enough to justify the expense. The cost of so slow and tedious processes would be prohibitive for transient commercial purposes." The results of the determinations of potash in the soils of the differ- ent plats showed no variations which could be traced to the different systems of fertilizing employed. Inoculation of soil with ferments, P. P. Deherain {Ann, Agron., 24 {189S), No. 4, pp. 174-180). — This is a geiieral discussion of the subject under the following heads: The introduction of ferments into the soil — Nitragiu, alinite, and nitrifying soils; organisms which naturally occur in the soil, and influence of medium on the activity of organisms. The necessity for investigating the conditions under which it proves profitable to inoculate soils with organisms which fix nitrogen is pointed out. It is suggested that the couti*adictory results obtained by different investiga- tors may be due to insufficient knowledge as to the medium which is best suited to the growth of the different organisms. The conservation of barnyard manure viewed from a practical standpoint, A. Arnstadt (Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 47 {1898), No. 2, p. 66). The fertilization of the Campine, L. Bareel {Rev. Gen. Agron., 189S, Nos. 2, pp. 73-77; 4, pp. 173-177) — Green manuring, the use of night soil, and sewage irrigation are discussed, especial attention being given to the last. Investigation on the action of sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda, G. Kloepfer ( Uvtersuch ungen iiber die Wirkung des schwefelsduren Ammoniaks mid des Chili salpeters. Essen: G. D. Baedecker, 1898). Comparative experiments with ammoniacal and nitric nitrogen {Deut. Landw. I'resxe, 25 {1898), Nos. 25, pp. 271, 272, figs. 2; 26, pp. 284, 285, figs. 4).— This is a sum- mary of the experiments by Kloepfer, which indicated that sulphate of ammonia is more economical than nitrate of soda, especially for application to cereals in the spring. Ammonium salts vs. nitrate of soda, P. Wagner {Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 {1898), Nos. 30, p. 327, fig. 1; 31, pp. 336, 337).— -Experimental data are quoted to show tbat the conclusions of Kloepfer (see above) regarding the greater economy as a fertilizer of ammonium salts over nitrate of soda are erroneous. 136 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Nitrate of soda crisis in Chile and the guano trade in Peru (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 47 {1898), No. 5, p. 195). Apparatus for grinding superphosphate (Ztsihr. Angew. Chem., 1898, No. IS, pp. SOS, S04,fig. 1). Difference in action of muriate of potash and sulphate of potash (L'Engrais, 13 (1898), No. 13, pp. 300-302). — A popular summary of investigations on this subject. The use of potash salts, Maizikki.s (L'Engrais, 13 (189S), No. 17, pp. 395-397).— Statistics of the production and distribution of the various Stassfurt salts, by countries, 1893-1897. The use of salts of potash in agriculture (L'Engrais, 13 (1898), No. 18, pp. 420, 421). Analyses of licensed commercial fertilizers, F. W. Woll ( Wisconsin Sta. Bui. 66, pp. 7). — Analyses of five samples of fertilizing materials are reported, accompa- nied by notes on the terms used in stating analyses and on valuation of fertilizers. Composition of commercial fertilizers, H. B. McDonnell kt al. (Mart/land Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 49-105, fig. 1). — Tabulated analyses and valuations of 393 samples of fertilizing materials examined during the period from August, 1897, to January, 1898; a list of fertilizers "licensed for sale in Maryland for the year ending Febru- ary 1, 1898; and the text of the State fertilizer law. Commercial fertilizers, H. A. Huston and W. J. Jones, Jr. (Purdue University Spec. Bui. May, 1898, pp. S). — General statements regarding the amount and char- acter of fertilizers sold in Indiana during the past season, notes on valuations, and tabulated analyses and valuations of 340 samples of fertilizing materials. Commercial fertilizers, B. H. Hue ( West Virginia Sta. Bui. 51, pp. 51-85). — This bulletin includes tabulated analyses and valuations of 184 samples of fertilizers examined during 1897, accompanied by notes on the nature and source of various materials supplying phosphoric acid, potash, and nitrogen; and on humus, stim- ulant fertilizers, home-mixing of fertilizers, valuation, and inspection of fertilizers. The text of the State fertilizer law is given. Analyses of commercial fertilizers, B. W. Kilgore (Mississippi Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 7). — Analyses and valuations of 39 samples of fertilizing materials are reported. Fertilizers, J. H. Stewart and B. H. Hite ( West Virginia Sta. Spec. Bui. May 1, 1898, p. 1). — Tabulated analyses and valuations of 144 samples of fertilizers reg- istered in West Virginia during the period from January 1 to May 1, 1898. Inspection of commercial fertilizers, R. C. Kedzie (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 209-222).— A reprint of Bulletin 126 of the station (£. S. R., 7, p. 380). Manuring experiments, 1897 (Jour. Agr. and Lnd. South Australia, 1 (1898), No. 9, pp. 680-687). — A report on cooperative fertilizer experiments. Fertilizer experiments conducted at Mustiala experiment station (Finland) during 1894, A. Rindell (Landtor. St, jr. Meddel,, 1897, No. 20, pp. 1-30).— Includes field trials with fertilizers for oats, examination and analyses of marsh soils, pot experiments with different phosphates, and culture trials with potatoes. FIELD CROPS. Some experiments in corn raising, 0. D. Smith {Michigan Sta. Bui. 154, pp. 259-288, dgms. 2). — This bulletin gives a report of the work with the selection of seed, thickness of planting, and cultivation of corn, and on the study of the relative value of the leaves, stalks, and ears; the loss in the silo of corn cut at different stages of growth; and the stage of growth when the crop contains the largest amount of nutriment. The results are discussed and given in tables. In 1897 two plats were plauted to corn ; one with seed grown in 1895, FIELD CROPS. 137 the other with seed grown in 1896. In 1895 the corn had ripened well; in 1896 the crop was not fully as mature. The seed of 1895 produced a total yield of 19,134 lbs. per acre and the seed of 1896, 17,210 lbs. The dry matter produced per acre was 7,749 lbs. and 6,970 lbs., respectively. The difference in favor of seed of 1895 was over 11 per cent. In 1896 five plats and iu 1897 four plats were planted to corn, the thickness of planting being different for each plat. The season of 1896 was wet, while of 1897 the summer was dry. The distance of planting and the results for the two seasons are given in the following table: Yields per acre of fodder corn on thickly sown and thinly planted plats, 1896-97. No. of plat. Distance of planting. Green fodder. Dry matter. Pro- tein. Nitrogen- free extract. ^(le Fat. fiber. 1 2 3 4 1896. Seed drilled in rows 7 in. apart Rows 14 in., kernels 3 iu. apart Rows 2 ft. 4 in., krnl. 3 in. apart Rows 3 ft. 9 in., bills 1 ft. 10 in., 4 ker- Lbs. 30, 608 17, 008 21,860 19, 344 16, 416 16, 870 19, 724 16, 100 17, 210 Lbs. 9,411.96 5, 483. 38 7, 500. 17 5,814.81 4, 790. 19 5, 940. 00 7,454.00 6, 295. 00 6, 970. 00 Lbs. 300. 24 188. 08 588. 01 389.01 331. 96 237. 87 394. 48 Lbs. 6, 056. 59 3, 651. 93 5, 016. 11 3, 785. 44 3,115.06 3, 965. 97 4, 871. 83 Lbs. ' Lbs. 2,459.35 164.71 1, 295. 72 110. 76 1, 359. 03 269. 2G 1,208.90 1 185.49 5 1 Hills 3A- ft. by :Ji ft., 4 kernels to a kill. 1897. 922.11 i 170.05 ! 1, 347. 00 96. 67 2 3 Rows 14 in., kernels 3 in. apart Rows 28 in., kernels 3 in. apart Rows 42 in., kernels 3 in. apart 1, 600. 40 156. 01 4 526. 80 4, 885. 23 1, 085. 78 120. 00 The results obtained at other stations are considered and the com- position of the dry matter of the crops is given. For silage corn 3 J ft. between rows and from 3 to 6 in. between plants in the rows are con- sidered favorable distances. Cultivation tests were made on three plats. The corn was planted May 8 and was harrowed and given two cultivations prior to June 25, when the test was begun. Plat 1 was left without cultivation; plat 2 was cultivated twice per week up to July 21, and again August 6; and plat 3 was cultivated twice after June 25. On July 22 the weeds were cut from all the plats. From June 25 to the end of August 30 soil samples were taken for determining the water content, the average being given in the following table : Water content of three com plats. Plat 1, uncultivated. Plat 2, cultivated twice a week. Plat 3, ordinary cultiva- tion. Per cent. Amount per cubic foot. Per cent. Amount per cubic foot. Per cent. Amount per cubic foot. First foot 12.70 12.55 14.51 Pounds. 11.18 12.30 14.22 14.91 12.99 14.86 Pounds. 13.12 12.73 14.56. 14.79 12.22 15.18 Pounds. 13.02 11.97 Tbird foot 14.87 The relative development of ears, stalks, and leaves was studied in 1896 and 1897. The composition of these different parts of the plant at 138 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. different dates is given in tables. The results in the following table were obtained in 1897: Total weight and weight of dry matter of leaves, stalks, and ears of 200 stalks of dent corn. Total weight. Dry matter. Leaves. Stalks. Ears. Total. Leaves. Stalks. Ears. Lbs. 1.69 26. 20 56.37 71.50 Total. Lbs. 184.0 197.0 181.0 128.5 Lbs. 187. 50 207. 50 191.75 163.50 Lbs. 22.50 110.50 150.00 154. 75 Lbs. 394. 00 515. 00 522. 75 446. 75 Lbs. 34.48 52. 36 53.65 42.77 Lbs. 31.74 48.91 44. 85 38.13 Lbs. 67.91 127. 47 154.87 152. 46 From investigations to ascertain when corn contains the largest amount of nutriment the results in the following table were obtained: Yields per acre of green fodder, dry matter, and nutrients. Date Sta"e of Uate' growth. Green fodder. Dry matter. Protein. Nitrogen- free extract. Fat. Fiber. August 10 Tasseled August 25 Roasting ... Septi in l»er 6 Glazing September 15 Ripe Pounds. 21, 203 25, 493 25, 865 23, 007 Pounds. 3, 670. 24 5, 320. 39 7,110.29 8, 020. 24 Pounds. 472. 73 576. 08 711.03 696. 96 Pounds. 1, 828. 15 3,212.45 4,554.14 5, 356. 72 Pounds. 67.90 143. 11 199. 08 242. 61 Pounds. 1,010.05 1,148.67 1,294.78 1,413.17 The results show that "to secure the greatest yields per acre of valuable nutrients the corn should not be harvested until fully glazed and until the early ears are well ripened." An experiment was made to ascertain the losses in the silo with corn cut at different stages of growth. The results are tabulated below: Losses of original substance and dry matter in the silo. Date. August 10 ... August 25 ... September 6 . September 15 Corn put in. Taken out. Loss. Loss. Dry matter put in. Dry matter taken out. Loss. Lbs. 2,709 3,246 3,297 2,934 Lbs. 2,508 2,939 3,100 2, 626 Lbs. 201 307 197 308 Per ct. 7. 42 9.45 6.00 10.40 Lbs. 468. 93 676. 79 906. 35 1,022.79 Lbs. 374. 70 508. 74 706. 80 748. 67 Lbs. 94.23 168.05 1011.55 274.12 Loss. Per ct. 20.08 21.81 22. 01 26.80 In a discussion of the best time for cutting corn, the author quotes the results from a number of other stations. Fertilizer, culture, and variety experiments on corn, R. J. Red- ding ( Georgia Sta. Bui. 37, pp. 35-63). — The work comprised variety tests, fertilizer tests, distauce experiments, and a comparison of snb- soiled and unsubsoiled plats. The results are reported in tabular form. Meteorological data for 1897 are given. Similar work has been formerly reported in Bulletin 30 of the station (E. S. R., 7, p. 913). Fifteen varieties of corn were tested this season. The author con- siders further testing necessary before commenting on the results. FIELD CROPS. 139 Shaw Improved and Higgin Improved are the only varieties tested for six years in succession and are considered as being- uniform and per- sistent in yield. A general fertilizer test proved unsatisfactory. It is stated that previous tests have indicated that, in a commercial fertilizer for corn on an average soil of middle Georgia, available phosphoric acid, potash, and nitrogen should be in the relative proportion to each other of 7: 1.3: 3.4, which would be secured in a mixture of 1,000 lbs. acid phos- phate, 50 lbs. muriate of potash, or 200 lbs. of kainit, and 1,000 lbs. of cotton-seed meal. The results of the distance experiments confirm the general con- clusions drawn from previous experiments that "the more nearly the area of soil appropriated to each individual plant approaches the form of a square the greater will be the yield." Spacing the plants at differ- ent distances in rows of uniform width resulted in better yields from corn planted 4 by 3, with one plant in the hill, than when planted 4 by 2 or 4 by 4. An experiment with subsoiled and unsubsoiled land for corn indicated that " subsoiliug of the land covered by the experiment was not profit- able." Subsoiling produced no appreciable effect. Abstracts from former bulletins and the condensed reports on variety tests of cotton, the results of which are soon to appear in bulletin form, are given. Fertilizer, culture, and variety experiments on cotton, B. J. Bedding {Georgia Sta. Bid. 39, pp. 107-135, pi. 1). — These experiments are a continuation of work formerly reported in Bulletin 35 of the sta- tion (E. S. B., 9, p. 127). The results of the experiments and the meteorological data for the season are given in tables. Fertilizer for- mulas for various crops, with directions for mixing and applying them, are appended. Among 2L varieties of upland cotton, Nancy Hanks, Texas Bur, Jackson "Limbless," and Culpepper Improved ranked highest in the value of lint and seed, in the order mentioned. Nancy Hanks, yielding 1,473 lbs. of seed cotton per acre, stood first in the yield of seed and lint, matured earlier and proved most profitable. Strickland Improved produced the largest bolls and Texas Oak and Jackson "Limbless" yielded the largest percentage of lint (37.1 per cent). King Improved, a small boiled, small seeded, early variety, and Strickland Improved, a large boiled, large seeded, late variety, yielded on an average of 7 plats each, 1,134 lbs. and 1,349 lbs. of seed cotton per acre respectively. A number of varieties, including Jackson "Limbless," are described in detail, and the address of the dealers in different varieties of cotton seed are given. Distance experiments have been made for seven consecutive years. Plants were placed 1, 2, 3, and 4 ft. apart in rows 4 ft. apart. This year the best yield was obtained with a distance of 3 ft. between plants, 140 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. while on an average for seven years a distance of 1 ft. has given the best results. "In five of the seven years the most productive plats were those planted 4 by 1 and 4 by 2." Subsoiling in connection with these experiments proved ineffective. An experiment carried on for four years to ascertain the relation between the width of the rows and the distance between the plants when allowing 6 sq. ft. for each plant led to the conclusion from the average results for the period that the distance between rows should be little if any greater than the spaces between the plants in the row. The distances between the rows were 3, 4, 5, and 6 ft. and those between plants in the row 12, 14.4, 18, and 24 in. The average results show a regular increase in yield from the 6 ft. by 2 in. plats to the 3 ft. by 24 in plats. Four different fertilizer tests were made. As between applying all the fertilizer before planting or applying part of it before planting and part of it at planting time, the results indicated no advantage in dividing the fertilizer. A comparison of raw bone meal and acid phos- phate showed that raw bone meal was not a profitable source of phos- phoric acid. A general fertilizer test was made on 17 plats. The normal application consisted of 408 lbs. acid phosphate, 32 lbs. muriate of potash, 208 lbs. of cotton-seed meal, and 32 lbs. nitrate of soda per acre. On some of the plats the various constituents were increased 50 per cent, but the amount of nitrate of soda remained constant in all cases. On plats which had received 50 per cent more of each of the three ingredients at an increased cost of $2.63 per acre the increase in the yield of seed cotton per acre over the plats which had received the normal application was only 23 lbs. The results show that the appli- cation of 468 lbs. of acid phosphate, 36 lbs. muriate of potash, and 286 lbs. of cotton-seed meal gave better financial results than any other proportions used in these experiments. Drilling and bedding on the fertilizers gave slightly better results than applying them broadcast. The effect of various potash salts on the composition and yield of potatoes, T. Pfeiffer, E. Franke, O. Lemmermann, and H. SCHILLBACH (Landiv. Vers. Stat., 49 (1897), No. 4-5, pp. 349-385). — A series of experiments were conducted to ascertain the effect of equal amounts of potash in various forms. The experiments made in 1894 led to no conclusions. In 1895 the work was continued in thirty-six pot and twelve plat experiments. Bach pot contained 27 kg. of poor, sandy soil. The plats were a square meter in size, each surrounded by a solid wall and containing an equal amount by weight of soil bedded on a layer of gravel. In each set of experiments a fixed quantity of fertilizing material containing no potash was applied. In addition, 1 or 2 gin. of potash in the different forms mentioned below was applied to each pot and 15 gm. to each plat. The application of magnesium chlorid in connection with sulphate of potash and the application of kainit supplied equal amounts of chlorin. In 1896 the investigation was continued on the plats to ascertain the effects of the crude potash salts on the succeeding crop. FIELD CROPS. 141 In the following table are the average results obtained from several pots in the pot experiments and from two plats in the plat experiments : Yield of tubers and starch in 1895 and 1896 and a comparison of their production with and without potash. Kind of pot- ash fertilizer. No potash Pure potassi- um chlorid . Pure potassi- um sulphate Pure potassi- um sulphate and magne- sium chlo rid (34.05 per cent chlorin) Kainit (33.45 per cent chlorin) . .. Hartsalz (38.45 per cent chlorin) . . . Pot- ash ap- plied per pot. Yield per pot and per plat, 1895. Pot experi- Plat experi- ments, ments. Gm. 301.3 331.7 322.2 330.0 341.2 325.0 255. 2 317.6 292.0 226.5 278.2 Gm. Gm 40.55 3,970.5 g-jElk088.7 50.18 39.30 (?)33.93 40.17 4, 058. 5 Gm 674.7 767.3 773.2 641.6 633.5 Increase (+) and decrease (— ) of tubers and starch, calculated per acre, compared with yields obtained without potash, 1895. Pot experiments. **£%*■ Lbs. + 3,358 + 2,316 + 3, 171 + 4.409 + 2,619 —5, 095 / +1,800 \ -1,024 /(— 8,266?) \ —2, 547 Lbs. +1, 283 + 793 4- 962 + 900 615 588 + 1,069 - 134 (—730?) — 45 Lbs. -7, 891 1+ Lbs. + 819 + 873 —1,683 Yield from plats, 1896. Gm. Gm. 1,660.3 324.8 1, 611. 0 302. 2 1,705.8 323.5 1,654.2 285.7 1,739.0 333.1 1,533.5^ 290.1 The amount of potash, lime, magnesia, chlorin, and sulphuric acid in the tubers and in the stems and leaves, and the amount of starch in the tubers is given in tables. The following table gives the average mineral constituents of the fresh tubers for both seasons : Average mineral constituents of fresh potatoes. 1895. 1896. Potassi- um oxid. Per cent. 0.506 .524 Calcium oxid. Per cent. 0.016 .013 um oxid. Per cent. 0.039 .038 Chlorin. Per cent. 0.067 .022 Sulphuric acid. Per cent. 0.095 .084 It is suggested that the low yields in 189G and the small chlorin content for the same year, which showed itself in the stems and leaves, may possibly be connected, but that from a single experiment no such conclusion could be safely drawn. From the results obtained the authors draw the following conclusions: Potassium chlorid applied immediately before planting potatoes in quantities furnishing up to 250 kg. of potash per hectare (about 220 lbs. per acre) is as beneficial as an application of the sulphate supply- ing the same amount of potash. Under these conditions the chlorin contained in the chlorid is not detrimental to the growth of the plants. 142 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The same amount of potash in the form of crude salts applied in the spring is of no benefit, and may even diminish the yield of starch. This is caused, on the one hand, by the high chlorin content of the crude salts, and, on the other, by the presence of magnesium compounds, especially magnesium chlorid. An insufficient amount of chlorin in the soil may influence the growth of the potato plant in such manner that the application of chlorids may be of direct benefit. Large yields of starch have been obtained even with a high chlorin content in the entire potato plant. It seems possible, therefore, that new varieties of potatoes may be bred, which are able to use larger amounts of chlo- rin, or may even be in need of larger amounts to produce a maximum yield. Strictly speaking, the results apply only to the variety ("Prof. Maercker") which was grown in this experiment. Experiments with wheat, C. 0. Georgeson, F. C. Burtis, and D. H. Otis (Kansas Sta. Bui. 71, pp. 163-174). — The series of experi- ments reported consisted of growing wheat continuously without manure, growing it in rotation, comparing subsoiled with surface- plowed land, different times of seeding, and testing a number of varie- ties. A severe frost during the latter part of November interfered materially with the results. Work along this line has been reported in Bulletin 59 of the station (E. S. B., 8, p. 594). An acre plat, which was in wheat continuously for seventeen years without manure, gave an average yield of 19.57 bu. per acre for the period. During this period three crops were complete failures and two others but little short of failures owing to winterkilling. An experiment with subsoiled and surface-plowed plats resulted in lighter yields on the subsoiled plats. Another experiment in this line, and in continuation of one formerly reported (E. S. B., 8, p. 594), resulted generally in smaller yields on plats subsoiled in 1894 than on plats which had been only surface plowed. The experience of the col- lege farm with subsoiling for wheat and corn indicated that there is a positive loss of labor and yield by subsoiling. The comparison of different dates of seeding showed that in general the best results were obtained from seedings made from September 7 to 21. On the average the seeding of September 16 made the best showing. The rotation experiments have not been in progress long enough to warrant definite conclusions. They have shown, however, that a yearly application of 20 tons of barnyard manure per acre causes an excessive growth of straw and fails to develop the kernel. This year wheat was sown after some catch crops of soy beans and cowpeas. The best yields were obtained from the wheat seeded on soy-bean stubble. Out of 57 varieties grown at the station for several years only the Turkey, Tasmanian Bed, and Crimean have withstood the severe frosts in November so as to yield at the rate of 10 bu. or more per acre. The sugar beet in Illinois, P. G. Holden and 0. G. Hopkins (Illinois Sta. Bui. 49, pp. 52, figs. 13). — This bulletin reports the results FIELD CROPS. 143 of culture experimeuts with sugar beets carried on at the station and throughout the State, gives instructions for sugar-beet culture, discusses other points of interest in this connection, such as the cost of produc- tion of the beets and their manufacture into sugar, and points out how Illinois is adapted to the production of beet sugar. The results of the experiments, meteorological data from 1889 to 1897, inclusive, and sta- tistics for various beet-sugar producing countries are given in tables. At the station the original Kleinwauzleben gave the best results. The beets averaged over 1 lb. in weight and contained about 15 per cent of sugar with a purity of 85. Improved Kleinwanzleben and Short French gave satisfactory results, while Long French was medium in quality. In no case did the sugar in the juice fall below 12 per cent or the coefficient of purity below 80. Analyses made of beets harvested weekly for a period of ten weeks, beginning September 14, showed that in general there was an increase in the sugar content and the purity as the season advanced. Plowing 8 and 10 in. deep showed no marked difference in the results, but samples from land subsoiled 16 in. deep were lower in purity than samples from unsubsoiled plats. Beets grown in rows 15, 18, 22, 28, 36, and 44 in. apart decreased in sugar content and purity as the distance between the rows increased. The sugar beet in Indiana, H. A. Huston and J. M. Barrett (Indiana Sta. Bui. 68, pp. 32, Jigs. 13). — This bulletin discusses the method of growing sugar beets, the necessary climatic conditions, the factory requirements, and the results of cultural experiments made in the State in 1897. Meteorological data and analyses of beets grown in 35 different counties are tabulated. The results of the analyses show a wide range, but in every county from which more than one sample was received, beets of a satisfactory character were produced. In very many cases the work was not properly done and many samples were received from parties who did not get their seed from the station and who had no knowledge of the proper methods of sugar-beet culture. "What has been accomplished already seems to indicate that, taking everything into consideration, Indiana will be found admirably adapted to the production of the sugar beet, but the fact is not yet proven." Sugar-beet investigations, J. L. Stone, L. A. Clinton, G. C. Caldwell, G. W. Cavanaugh, et al. (Neiv York Cornell Sta. Bui. 143, pp. 493-574, Jigs. 9). — This bulletin contains general remarks on sugar- beet cultivation and reports of fertilizer experiments and cooperative culture tests with sugar beets. Notes are given on the condition and preparation of the soil, seeding, thinning, tillage and harvesting the crop. Fertilizer experiments were made at the station to determine the effect of different fertilizers on the yield and quality of sugar beets. The plats, 14 in number, were 4 by 5 ft. in size, each surrounded by a brick and cement wall to avoid the transportation of fertilizer material from one plat to another. For three years previous the soil had been 4485— No. 2 4 144 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. cropped heavily without the application of any fertilizer. The different fertilizers were applied singly and in various combinations. Klein- wanzlebener seed was planted May 19 and later on the beets were thinned to 28 plants per plat. Analyses were made October 4, 9, and 20 and November G and 27, and in general it may be said there was an increase in the sugar content and purity from the first to the last analysis. The largest yield was obtained from the application of untreated phosphate rock, the highest percentage of sugar from the application of muriate of potash, and the highest coefficient of purity from the use of a complete fertilizer; but, on the whole, the effect of the various fertilizers was not very marked. Cultivating beets five or seven times during the season gave prac- tically the same results; and cultivating weekly from June 1 to Sep- tember 5 indicated no appreciable gain over cultivating once every two weeks during the same period. The analysis of samples from the cooperative experiments is described in detail and the results are given in tabular form. Analyses of the upper and lower halves of beets showed that the upper halves were richer in sugar, while the purity, with one exception, was higher in the lower. It was found that in pressing beet pulp the juice which first ran from the press was lower in sugar content and purity than that from the last part of the operation; hence the authors advise when making analyses to express as much as possible from the pulp. Anal- yses of 112 samples of beets grown on sandy loam averaged 16.66 per cent of sugar in the juice, with a purity coefficient of 83.1 ; while 109 analyses of beets grown on clay loam gave an average sugar content of 17.29, with a purity coefficient of 83.8. The distance between rows had no effect on the quality of the beets. Plats which had received barnyard manure the previous year produced beets higher in sugar content and purity than plats which had received barnyard manure the same season the beets were grown. The effects of previous crops, as pointed out, are in favor of unfilled grain crops as compared with hay, potatoes, corn, and cabbage, but the difference in the quality of beets grown after these crops was small. A series of analyses, made to determine the influence of size of beet on sugar content and purity, showed that in general the smaller the beet when matured the higher the sugar content and coefficient of purity. Beets ranging from 1| to 2 lbs. are considered to be most profitable. In one experiment the crowns were removed from the beets and ana- lyzed separately. The seven analyses reported show on an average a sugar content of 12 per cent and a coefficient of purity of 73.07 for the crowns, and a sugar content of 13.9, with a purity coefficient of 80.4, for the beets below the crown. FIELD CROPS. The following table is based on the results of experiments 145 Relative amounts of leaves, crowns, and crownless beets per ton of whole crop and the con- tent of plant food. Propor- tion of parts. Composition of parts. Nitro- gen. Phos- Potasli. phoric acid. Pounds. 520 340 1,140 Pounds. 3.33 1.46 3.19 Pounds. 5.67 1.53 4.10 Pounds. 0.59 .41 1.28 Total 2,000 7.98 11. 30 2. 28 The composition and production of sugar beets, L. L. Van Slyke, W. H. Jordan, and G. W. Churchill (New York State Sta. Bui. 135, pp. 543-572). — This bulletin discusses the conditions required for the successful growth of sugar beets and the outlook for the sugar- beet industry in the State of Xew York, and gives a report of the cul- ture experiments made with sugar beets at the station and in various parts of the State. About 140 samples of Kleinwanzlebeuer and Vihnorin Improved beets, grown under favorable climatic conditions iu various parts of the State, varied from 12.7 per cent to 19.6 per cent of sugar iu the juice, giviug an average of 16.1 per cent, with an average coefficient of purity of 82.5. The average weight of one beet was 16.5 oz. The experiments at the station showed the cost of producing an acre of beets, based on hand labor at $1.25 per day and team at $3.50 per day, and hand labor at 75 cts. and team at $3.00 per day, to be $75.80 and $54.30, respectively. The yield was about 16.25 tons per acre; but for 1,000 lbs. of beets the loss of weight by removing the crowns was 73 lbs., and by washing off the dirt, 49 lbs., giving a yield of 15.1 tons of marketable beets per acre. The beets contained 16 per cent of sugar in the juice, with a coefficient of purity of 81. The average weight of one beet was 12 oz. A portion of the land was fertilized with 250 lbs. of sulphate of potash, 300 lbs. acid rock, 200 lbs. dried blood, aud 200 lbs. nitrate of soda per acre, which increased the yield about 6 tons per acre over the unfertilized portion of the field. This increase is consid- ered to pay for at least twice the amount of fertilizer used. Sugar beets in South Dakota, J. H. Shepard (South Dakota Bui- 56, pp. 32, map 1). — This bulletin discusses the resources and facilities of South Dakota for the manufacture of beet sugar and gives a report of the cooperative culture experiments with sugar beets for 1897. A description of ten regions of the State, differing from each other in vegetation and crop conditions, is given. Meteorological data for the growing season of 1897, analyses of well water, chemical and mechan- ical analyses of soils, aud the results of sugar beet experiments are 146 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. given iii tables. The work of previous years in this line is briefly reviewed. The average sugar content in the juice for the different regions ranged from 14.7 to 19.6, and the coefficient of purity from 81.6 to 87.8. The average for the ten regions was 16.4 per cent of sugar in the juice, with a purity of 85.6. Analyses were made of 951 beets, averaging 383 gm. in weight. The results of a test of five foreign varieties made at the station are given in a table. Utah sugar beets, 1897, J. A. Widtsoe ( Utah Sta. Bui. 53, pp. 87- lir,). — In this bulletin the mean temperature and the precipitation at the station for each month for the years 1891 to 1897, inclusive, and the results of cooperative culture experiments with sugar beets are given in tables. Of the samples analyzed 211 were grown in eight different counties. \ were received from Idaho, and 54 were taken from the sta- tion farm. These 269 samples showed an average of 14.24 per cent in the juice, with a purity coefficient of 83.1. Field experiments, C. D. Smith (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 110- 114). — An outline is given of experiments conducted on the college farm during the year. The details are published in other publications of the station (E. S. R., 8, pp. 882, 883; 9, p. 131). Subsoiling experiments (p. 114). — Of three plats of sandy soil the first was plowed 4 in. deep, while the other two were plowed 8 in. deep, but one of these was subsoiled 6 in. below the furrow. In 1895 and 1896 all plats were planted to corn. The second year the depth of plowing for all plats was 6 in. The first year was unusually dry, while the second year was unusually wet. The subsoiled plat produced a slightly better yield than the plat not subsoiled in 1895. but the second year there was no apparent gain. In addition the article contains accounts of dynamometer tests and observations on the shrinkage of cord wood (p. 195). On the possibility of improvement of agricultural plants, II. NiLSSON (Ber Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, I, pp. 454-457; 11, App. 16, pp. 40, ill. ) Report of the Department of Agriculture, New Brunswick, 1897, C. H. Labillois (Rpt. on Agr. for New Brunswick, 1S97, pp. 1-100). — The crops of 1897 under general cultivation in the province are briefly described and the meteoro- logical data for the season tabulated. The reports and accounts of 51 agricultural societies for the year are given. Planting at different depths, P. G. Holdex, F. P. Clark, and A. A. Ckozier (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 200,201). — A reprint from Bulletin 125 of the station (E.S.E., 7, p. 395). Alfalfa, H. Hitie'r (Jour. Aijr. Prat., 62 (1898). No. 17, pp. 601-603).— An article discussiug the extent of alfalfa culture in France and the value of the crop as a feeding stu If. Alfalfa, A. A. CKOZIEK (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 197, 198). — A reprint from Bulletin 125 of the station (E. S. R., 7. p. 396). Variations in the hereditary ability of certain characters in the hybridiza- tion of barley, P. Bolin (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, II, App. 11, pp. IS). FIELD CROPS. 147 Studies on variation and improvement, with special reference to G-oldthorpe barley, W. .Johanxsen (Ugeslr. Landm., 43 (189S), No. 11, pp. 140-142). American red clover (Finding's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), No. 5, pp. 237-239). Crimson clover in Michigan, A. A. Crozier (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1S96, pp. 171-180). — A reprint from Bulletin 125 of the station (E. S. R.. 7, p. 382). Bokhara clover (Melilotus altissimus) (Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. ■:.', p. 350). The common names of the clovers, A. A. Crozier (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 182-190). — A reprint from Bulletin 125 of the station (E. S. R., 7, p. 396). Clover sown every month in the year, A. A. Crozier (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 181, 182).— A reprint from Bulletin 125 of the station (E. 8. R., 7, p. 396). Detasseling corn, C. D. Smith, A. A. Crozier, and J. T. Berry (Michigan sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 205-208. ) — A reprint from Bulletin 125 of the station (E. S. R., 7, p. 3S3). Cattle ranges of the Southwest : A history of the exhaustion of the pastur- age and suggestions for its restoration, H. L. Bextley ( V. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 72, pp. 32, figs. 9). — This is a popular bulletin in which the early use and pres- ent condition of Texas pastures are described, methods of how to renew the stock ranges suggested, and the obstacles to be overcome in their renewal pointed out. Descriptive notes are given on the following promising grasses and forage plants native in the Southwest: Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), black grama (Hihiria mutica), buffalo grass (Bulhili, dactyloides), Colorado grass (Panicum iexanum), curly mesquite (Hilaria cenchroides), ground plum (Astragalus crassicarpus), needle grass (Aristida fascicnlata), side-oats grama (Boutcloua curtipendula), stolley vetch ( Vicia leavenwor thii), tallowvreed (Actinella linearifolia), western wheat grass (Agropyron spicatum), blue grama (Bouteloua oligostachya), and wild bean (Phaseolus helvolus). "Native grasses are by far the best for home use. They are suited to the climate and the climate is suited to them." Profitable fodder crops, C. H. Gorman (Agr. Gaz. New South Wales, 9 (1S9S), Xo. ■':, pp. 2S1-2S3). — Popular notes on alfalfa and sorghum. Potash and phosphoric acid fertilizers for meadows, A. Rindell (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, 1, pp. 312-320). Hops, R. H. McDowell (Nevada Sta. Bui. 35, pp. 24). — This is a popular bulletin on hop culture, with general directions fbr the cultivation, harvesting, curing, pack- ing, and marketing of the crop. Characteristics of various lupine varieties (Deut. Landw. J'resse, 25 (1898), No. 40, pp. 436, 437, figs. 11). — Seven varieties of lupines are described. Modiola (Pacific Rural Pre*x,55 (1898), No. 19,p.2S!>). — Notes on this forage plant, newly introduced from Chile into California. The plant has been identified as Modiola decumbens. The oats supply of the United Kingdom [Jour. Bd. Ayr. [Loudon], 5 (1898). No. 1, pp. 25-28). Potatoes, L. R. Taft (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 341-349).— A reprint from Bulle- tin 131 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 216). Raising rice without water (Jour. Jamaica Ayr. Soc, 2 (1898), No. 5, p. 203). — A short note on this method of rice culture. The beet sugar industry and its development in California, E. W. Hilgard (Pacific Rural Press, 54 (1897), No. 2.'. p. -ill |. — A discussion of sugar beet culture and factory operations in the manufacture of beet sugar, with notes on the development of the industry. Cultivation of the soil for sugar beets (Pacific Rural Press, 55 (1898), No. in, p. 292). — Popular notes on preparation and cultivation of the soil for sugar beets in southern California. The sunflower (Jour. Jamaica Agr. Soc, 2 (1898), No. 5, pp. 184-186).— Directions for the cultivation and utilization of sunflowers are given in a popular mauner. Tobacco culture, W. Sauxders (Canada Cent. Expt. Farm Bui. 30, pp. 14).— This bulletin contains historical notes on the tobacco plant and directions for its culture. 148 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The methods of cultivating and harvesting the crop and preparing it for market are discussed and insect remedies suggested. Some of the earliest and best yielding varieties tested at the Central Experimental Farm are White Burley, Connecticut Seed Leaf, Pennsylvania Seed Leal. Pryor Yellow, Climax, Yellow Mammoth, Oro- noko Yellow, Safrano, Brazilian, and Canadian. Tobacco as a perennial, W. DAROCZI (Jour. Jamaica Agr. Soc, 2 (1898), No. 5, jij>. 197-199). — It is reported that tobacco can be grown as a perennial and that each succeeding crop is heavier and of better quality when so grown. Methods of curing tobacco, M. Whitney ( U. S. Dept. A'///. 60, ]>ji. /■">). — A revised edition | E. S. K\. 9, ]>. 748). Fodder turnips, 11. L. DE Vilmorix (Jour. Ayr. Prat., 62(1898), Xo. 22, pp. 790-792, plm 1), — A popular article on fodder turnips, with notes on the principal varieties. The cultivation of grain, G. Heuze (Jour. Ayr. Prat., 62 (1S9.S), Xo. is, pp. 647- 649). — A discussion on the cultivation of drilled grain during the period of growth. Four years variety tests with winter wheat, A. Sempolowski (Deut. LandW. I'nss, . 25 (1898), Xo. f',8, p. 412). — Tabulated reports of the experiments are given. with notes on the different varieties. Harvesting wheat at successive stages of ripeness, P. G. Holden and L. J. BRIGGS (Michigan Sta. Ept. 1890, pp. 202-204).— A reprint from Bulletin 125 of the station (E. S. R., 7, p. 395 I. Manuring of our modern highly improved varieties of wheat, M. Maercker t Braunschw. Landw. Ztg., 50 1 1898), Xo. 18, p. 77). — A discussion of the results of fer- tilizer experiments and variety tests. The newly improved square head varieties of wheat gave better results than the older square head varieties. Rotation of crops (Agr. Jour. Cape of (rood Hope, 12 (1898), No 7, pp. 865-369).— A general discussion on crop rotations with special reference to seven and four year systems. HORTICULTURE. Vegetable growing, S. C. Mason and W. L. Hall (Kansas Sta. Bui. 70, pp. 135-162, pis. 5). — Detailed directions are given for the con- struction and use of hotbeds and cold frames. The results obtained in the cultivation of the cauliflower at the station are given. Manure applied to the soil at the rate of 50 loads per acre before setting the plants did not increase the yield very noticeably. Figures are given illustrating the tendency of cauliflower to form com- pact white heads during the cool part of summer and to form less com- pact dark colored heads during the warm weather later in summer. Early Snowball cauliflower matured earlier, produced more and larger heads than the Early London, and the heads were of better quality. Methods of growing cabbage to get early maturity are repoited. By one method the plants are started in the fall and kept in protected cold frames over winter. By another method they are started in winter in the greenhouse or hotbed. A table is given comparing the yield of ten varieties of asparagus on manured and unmanured soil. The varieties giving the greatest yield were the Hub and Donald Elmira. A fairly successful method of forc- ing asparagus under greenhouse benches is described. Of the varieties forced Donald Elmira gave best results. HORTICULTURE. 149 A method followed by English gardeners to increase the earliness of potatoes was tested. The tubers were packed in sand in greenhouse flats with the "seed" end exposed above the sand. The flats were placed under the bench in a cool propagating house late in February. A month later, when the tubers had sprouted, they were set in furrows in the field in the same position they had in the flats. At the same time unsprouted tubers were planted as a check. Tables are given showing the comparative yield often hills of the sprouted and unsprouted lots dug June 16 and of the remainder dug July 24. The authors say "it will be observed that the proportional difference is greater with the early digging than the later, and that the difference in the ripe tubers would not be sufficient to make the experiment pay for the trouble. The real gain was found in the examination made June 1, which gave table potatoes a week ahead of the ordinary method." In 1893 a large number of varieties of onions were tested, of which Prize Taker gave the best results. In 1891 a fertilizing experiment was made with onions. A heavy application of barnyard manure gave better results than any of the more concentrated fertilizers. In 1895 tests of subsoiling and irrigating were made in connection with onions. The yield of onions on a subsoiled and unirrigated plat was about 103 lbs.; on an irrigated and nonsubsoiled plat, 167 lbs. ; on a plat neither irrigated nor subsoiled, 173 lbs.; and on a plat both subsoiled and irri- gated, 241 lbs. In 1896 the experiment was continued, but thrips ruined the crop entirely. In 1897 a comparison of the old vs. the new onion culture was made. The yields by the two methods are given in a table. iSTo conclusions are drawn. Most of the onions were of inferior size, owing to injury from thrips. A test was made of different grades of soil for forcing lettuce. The soil varied from poor garden loam to a mixture of one-fourth sand and three-fourths garden loam. A number of plantings were made. The earliest plantings gave the best results in the mixture of half sand and half loam, the next later planting gave best results in soil one-fourth sand and three-fourths loam, and the latest planting gave best results in the poor loam. A test was also made of varieties. Bartelde Den- ver Market gave the heaviest heads, Grand Eapids next heaviest, and Black Seeded Simpson lightest. Plants set 6 by 6 in. apart gave a greater yield per square foot of bench than plants set 8 by 8 in. ; but the average weight of the heads was considerably less in the former case than in the latter. The method of forcing tomatoes at the station is given, and the treat- ment of (Edema considered. The yield from 30 plants of each of the following varieties was: Xew Stone, 86.5 lbs.; Fordhook First, 66.5 lbs.; Royal Red, 65.7 lbs.; Dwarf Champion, 60.3 lbs. Watermelons, H. N. Starnes (Georgia Sta. Bui. 38, pp. 67-103, pis. 3, Jigs. 5). — The bulletin discusses watermelon culture, including soils, fertilizers, planting, cultivation, gathering, marketing, seed saving, 150 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOKD. insect enemies, varieties, and similar topics; reports the results of fer- tilizer and variety tests in 1S95 and 1897, and describes 40 varieties. The results of fertilizer and variety tests are given in tables. The results of the fertilizer test of 1895 were not conclusive on account of irregularities in the land on which the plants were grown. In 1897, superphosphate, nitrate of soda, cottonseed meal, muriate of potash, and kainit were used in varying amounts and in different combinations. In the author's opinion, the results of this work, though much more conclusive than the previous work, are not altogether satisfactory. A moderate amount of fertilizers gave better results than a larger amount. As a source of nitrogen, nitrate of soda gave a larger early yield, a greater total yield, and somewhat larger fruit than cottonseed meal. In a similar way, muriate of potash proved superior to kainit as a source of potash. In 1895 25 varieties and in 1897 30 varieties of watermelons were tested. The data obtained are recorded in tables. The results of the two years were very different. For instance, the variety (Lord Bacon), which in 1895 ranked first in yield and second in size, in 1897 dropped to twenty first in yield and sixth in size, while Augusta Sugar Loaf, which in the former test ranked twenty-third in yield and twenty- first in size, in the latter test ranked second in yield and seventeenth in size. Strawberries : Cultural notes and variety tests, W. J. Green (Ohio Sta. Bui. 85, pp. 21, pis. 3). — The author believes that while good varieties are of the utmost importance to strawberry growers, and while the highest standards have not been reached, nevertheless there is danger of making the variety question too prominent. Intensive cul- ture should be given more attention. To secure the finest berries where sufficient water is at hand, summer planting is recommended. The plants are set in triple rows in imitation of the matted row. By thin- ning beds set in the spring, plants can be obtained for the summer planting. Notes are given on 70 varieties of strawberries, summarizing- the behavior of each for the whole time it has been on trial at the station. The following varieties are recommended for general culture: Bubach, Brandy wine, Greenville, Haverland, Lovett, and Warfield. The most promisiug new varieties are: Aroma, Anna Kennedy, Beauty, Coper- nicus, Clyde, Carrie, Enormous, Glen Mary, Hall Favorite, Portage, Buby, Bio, Staples, Tennessee Prolific, and three unnamed seedlings. Practical advice on the hybridization of the grape, P. Castel (Prog. Ayr. et Yit., 29 (1898), No. 15, pp. 162-468).— This is a summary of a series of articles on the hybridization of grapes. In regard to the choice of parent plants for hybridizing the author gives the following rules: (1) Plants should be chosen which present in the greatest degree possible those characteristics desired in the resulting hybrid. (2) The HORTICULTURE. 151 parent plants should be hybridized in such way as to utilize the char- acteristics of each to the best advantage; for instance, to obtain direct producers, American species of grapes should be pollinated by French grapes, while to obtain stocks for grafting the reciprocal hybrid should be obtained. (3) Parent plants should be chosen which will give the maximum of variation to the seedlings. (4) In the production of hybrids or crosses the maximum of vigor and fertility should be maintained by the constant introduction of unrelated species or varieties. The problems of modern viticulture, the author says, are as follows: (1) To obtain new stocks for grafting, which shall exhibit great resistance to phylloxera, adaptation to calcareous soils, affinity for scions of French grapes, and such other characters as tend to facilitate their culture; (2) to obtain direct producers, which shall show great resistance to phylloxera, adaptation to the soil to be used, a high sugar content, fruitfuluess, early maturity, resistance to fungus diseases, fruit of good quality and color, and any characteristic facilitating their culture; (3) to obtain new varieties resistant to black rot. Report of the horticulturist, L. R. Taft (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 114-119, charts 3). — This report gives general outlines of the work of the department during the year, the results of the various experiments being published in bulletin form. The arrangement of orchards at the station and substation is described and illus- trated by charts. Education of horticulturists, L. R. Taft (Michigan Hort. Soc. Rpt. 1896, pp. 220- 226). Cocoa culture in Samoa, H. J. Moors (U. S. Consular Rpts. 1898, No. 212, pp. 65-68). Market gardening with limited capital, H. W. Collingwood (Massachusetts State Bd. Agr. Rpt. 1897, pp. 65-94). New creations in the vegetable kingdom, D. W. Beadle (Canad. Hort., 21 (1898), No. 6, pp. 217-224, pi. l,figs. S). — Remarks on how improvement of plants is effected and examples of results secured in the improvement of plants by the horticulturists of Ontario. Rotations in vegetable gardening, A. Magniex (Jour. Soc. Nat. Hort. France, Congrcs Hort. 1898, pp. 22-35). Rotations in vegetable gardening, J. Foussat (Jour. Soc. Nat. Hort. France, Congrcs Hort. 1898, pp. 30-51). Rotations in vegetable gardening, E. Zacharewicz (Jour. Soc. Nat. Hort. France, Congrcs Hort. 1898, pp. 52-57). Rotations in vegetable gardening, J. Lavialle (Jour. Soc. Nat. Hort. France, Congrcs Hort. 1898, pp. 58-63). On the improvement of peas, H. Tedin (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, II, App. 12, pp. 25). Horse-radish, M. G. Kaixs ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Botany Circ. 15, pp. 8). — A discussion of the culture, uses, enemies, yield, and profits of horse-radish. The history of the radish, G. Henslow (Gard. Chron., S.ser., ?3 (1898), No. 600, p. 389). Vegetable tests, H. P. Gladden and U. P. Hedrick (Michigan Sta. Rpt. l.S,r«;, pp 350-374).— A reprint from Bulletin 131 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 225). The apple orchard, L. R. Taft (Michigan Sta. Spec. Bui. 4. pp. 1-12).— A popular bulletin giving suggestions for the culture of apples. Grafting the apple (Nat. Nurseryman, 6 (1898), No. 5, p. OS).— A reprint from E. S. R., 9, p. 750. 152 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. English orchards {Jour. Bd. Agr. [London], 5 {1898), No. 1, pp. 1-10).— Notes on the present status of English orchards, with suggestions for their improvement. Fruit list recommended for general planting in various fruit districts of Colorado | Colorado Bd. Hort. ISO?, pp. 147-152). Experiments with orchard cover crops, J. Craig | Michigan Hort. Soo. Iipt. 1896, pp. 275-280). — The author discusses the relative value of several cover crops as a winter protection to orchards and as green manures. The discussion is based on the results of experiments made at the Central Experimental Farm of Canada, and published in pari previously \Y.. S. R., 9, p. 841). Future of peach growing in the United States, J. H. Hale {Michigan Hort. Soc. Rpt. 1896, pp. 287-806). Pruning the peach, R. Morill {Michigan Hort. Soc. Rpt. 1896, pp. 310-325, fitjs. 12). Relative hardiness of fruit buds of peaches and plums, J. Craig {Mich i 'gun Hort. Soc. Rpt. 1896, pp. 861-366). — This article is also printed in Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. L896 (E. S. R., 9, p. 841). About thinning peaches, A. E. Micklb {Canad. Hort., 21 {1898), No. 6, pp. 225, Thinning Fruit {California Fruit Grower, 22 {1898), No. 22, pp. 6, 7).— A reprint liom U. S. Dept. Ayr., Fanners' Bulletin 73. (See p. 197.) Fruits at the agricultural college, L. R. Taft and H. P. Gladden {Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. -::S-S40).—X reprint of Bulletin 130 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 134). Fruits at South Haven, T. T. Lyon {Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 286-827).— A reprint of P.ulletin 129 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 131 ). Raising and marketing of fruit, W. F. Taber {Massachusetts State Bd. Agr. Rpt. 1897, pp. 119-140). Evaporation from fruit trees {Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 23 {1898), No. 597, pp. 337, 338). — The author reviews the work of J. B. Lawes, L. H. Bailey, and A. L. Kniseley on the evaporation of water from the twigs of trees in winter, and reports observa- tions of his own on the evaporation from twigs of different sizes. The data are tab- ulated. The loss of water from the large twigs was greater than from the small ones, but the percentage of water lost was practically the same in all cases. Studies in pollination, J. C. WHITTEN {Missouri Hort. Soc. Rpt. 1897, pp. 101- 103). — Lists of apples, peaches, plums, cherries, and grapes are given, showing the varieties which fruited and those which failed to fruit when their flowers were covered with sacks. Fruits of the tropics ( Wiener Illus. Gart. Ztg., 22 {1898), No. 6, pp. 209-213). A practical handbook of fruit-tree culture, .J BcVitner {Fraktisches Lehrbuoh des Obstbaus. Frankfurt, 1898, pp. 574, figs. ~>57). Small fruits in the home garden, S. T. Maynard {Massachusetts State Bd. Agr. Rpt. 1S97, pp. 225-287, figs. 3). — Suggestions regarding culture of small fruits. Strawberries, L. C. Corjjett ( West Virginia Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 88-110, pis. 3). — Direc- tions for the culture of strawberries are given and the results of variety tests in the years 1896 and L8! '7 are reported. The data obtained are given in tables. The rank of the different varieties as to size of fruit and productiveness for both years is shown by tables and by a chart. Descriptive notes are given on the varieties tested and a typical fruit of each is illustrated. Irrigation of grapes, B. Chauzit {Prog. Agr. et lit., 29 {1898), No. 23, pp.698-705). Self-sterility among cultivated grapes, S. A. Beach {Michigan Hort. Soc. Rpt. 1890, pp. 64-68). — The data on which this paper is based were published in the Annual Report of the New York State Station for 1895 (E. S. R., 9, p. 52). Obervations during 1892-1897 at the viticultural station of Neauphle-le- Chateau, V. MOUILLEFERT {Ann. Agron., 24 {1S98), No. 5, pp. 215-253). Viticulture and vinification in the province of Salta {La viticultura y la vinifi- cacion en la Provineia Salta. Buenos Ayres, 1897, pp. 69, pis. 7). Azaleas for forcing, R. M. Grey {Florists Exchange, 10 {189S), No. 19, pp. 480, 481). — Notes on culture and varieties of azaleas. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 153 The chrysanthemum : Its culture and management, T. D. Hatfield Amer. Gard., 19 {1898), No. ISO, Sup., pp. 10, 11). Single chrysanthemums {Garden, 58 | 1898), Xo. 1381, pp. 386, 387, pi. 1). Clematis {Amer. Gard., 19 {1898), No. 178, pp. 390, 891, figs 2).— Notes on various species. Improvement of the gladiolus, H. H. Groff {Michigan Sort. So<-. Bpt.l896,pp. 106, 107). Crossing hellebores, T. H. Archer-Hind {Garden, 53 {1898), No. 1385, pp. 474, 475, pi. 1, Jig. 1). — Xotes ou the author's experience in crossing hellebores. How to make a lawn, H. C. Irish {Missouri Hurt. Soc. Bpt. 1897, pp. 87-91). Selection in its relation to horticulture, C.L.Allen ( Florists Exchange, 10 {1898), No. .'1,1). 599). — A paper read before the Eastern New York Horticultural Society. Ornamental trees and shrubs of the open air cultivated for their flowers, A. Charcjuerand {Jour. Soc. Nat. Hort. France, Congres Sort. 1898, pp. 113-128 i. Ornamental trees and shrubs of the open air cultivated for their flowers, C. Baltet {Jour. Soc. Nat. Hort. France, Congres Hort. 1898, pp. 124-141). Shrubs and their propagation (Florists' Exchange, 10 {1898), Nos. IS, p. 462; 19, p. 485 ; -20, p. 500; 23, pp. 574-575). Park woodlands and plantations, J. W. Pettigrew {Amer. Florist, 13 {1898), No. 526, pp. 1423, 1424). — A paper read before the Park and Out-door Art Association. New evergreen hybrids from Rosa wichuraiana, R. M. Grey {Florists' Exchange, 10 {1898), No. 25, p. 623). Systems and types of the ornamentation of gardens and their application, A. Maumene {Jour. Soc. Nat. Hort. France, Congres Hort. 1898, pp. 6-21). Residential sites and environments ; their conveniences, gardens, parks, planting, etc., J. F. Johnson {New York: A. T. DeLamare, 1S9S, ill.). — The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 treats of residential sites and environments, including such topics as thinning out woodlands, model home ground, beauties of plant life, special effect of trees and shrubs and of carpet plants. Part 2 is planting and introduction to undulations, and treats of planting and ti'ansplanting trees and large plants, mass planting, grouping in boundaries, planting borders, herbaceous garden, rockeries, aquatic and bog garden, perpetual effects, etc. Part 3 treats of villa gardens and public grounds under such heads as small gardens, corner lots, planting a church front, locating entrance roadways, planting a small garden, making the most of the back, a town square, etc. Some 50 plans and diagrams are given. DISEASES OF PLANTS. Notes on some peach diseases, L. E. Taft {Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 120-124). — Notes are given on peach yellows, u little peach," root galls, and a gum disease of the peach. The author calls attention to the fact that, while peach yellows is still prevalent in the State, by frequently cutting out the diseased trees the loss is reduced very materially, numerous instances being reported where not more than one tree in a thousand is annually con- demned. Brief notes are given on spraying for the prevention of peach yellows; but, while the use of fungicides may have a beneficial effect on the general health of the trees, there is no evidence to show that it will prevent attacks of peach yellows. Numerous cases are given which may lead to a mistaken identification of peach yellows. Among 154 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the principal ones are dry. hot weather, attacks of borers, overbearing lack of plant food, etc. Under the name of "little peach" the author describes a disease which apparently is of unknown cause. The unhealthy trees were found on all kinds of soil, and as a rule but few trees scattered through an orchard were attacked. The diseased trees live for a number of years and in some cases make a partial recovery. The author has been unable to identify any fungus or bacteria with the disease, nor is he able to ascribe it to any positive cause. He thinks possibly cold weather in the fall or spring, following a season in which growth was continued late into the autumn, may bring about this trouble. An opportunity was offered in the spring of 1896 to test this theory. Some of the diseased trees examined showed an abnormal growth of wood for the season of 1893. Directions were given that these trees be cut back so as to remove the wood that had apparently been injured and thus form a new head from shoots that would be sent out below. Three trees which the owner thought "would die anyway" were thus pruned. They formed good heads during the summer and the follow- ing fall they were apparently the healthiest trees in the orchard. In other cases where the pruning was not sufficient to remove the injured wood "the benefits of the heading back were quite marked, but as the new shoots had to draw their nourishment through the injured tissue the results were less marked." The author states that in the case of 4-year-old trees under high cultivation the injury seemed to be about overcome in two years. A number of experiments have been under- taken with commercial fertilizers and it is said that in every case benefits can be seen from their use. Brief notes are given on the occurrence of root galls on peaches, the galls being attributed to various causes, and, since such affected stock is worthless, the author advises against planting it. Attention is called to the exudation of gum from the tissues of peach trees that have been injured by brown rot or other causes. Where patches of gum are numerous or large, it is recommended that the branches be cut off below the spots and proper attention given the trees to develop new shoots and ripen their wood. The grain smuts: How they are caused and how to prevent them, W. T. Swingle ( V. IS. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 75, pp. 20, fiijs. 8). — The substance of this bulletin has already appeared as Farm- ers' Bulletin 5 and in an article by the author in the Yearbook of this Department for 1894. The different smuts of grain are described and various treatments suggested for their prevention. A new fungicide for the prevention of oat smut is mentioned which, as the author says, has not yet been extensively tested for smuts, but it is thought it will prove effective. This fungicide, to which the name "Sar" solution has been given, consists of a mixture of flowers of sulphur, resin, caustic soda, and water. The formula given produces a sticky solution which DISEASES OF PLANTS. 155 must be kept iu tightly corked jugs or in closed barrels or casks. When ready for use, 1£ pt. of the solution is added to 50 gal. of water and the seed soaked for 24 hours. A bacterial rot of cabbage and allied plants, H. L. Kussell ( Wisconsin Sta. Bui. 65, pp. 39, Jigs. 15). — This bulletin gives the com- pleted results of the investigations of the author and his assistants, 1 1 . A. Harding and F. Crauefleld. A sketch of this work was presented by the author in a paper read before the Association of American Agri- cultural Colleges and Experiment Stations, 1897. The author's investi- gations of this disease were conducted at the same time as those of E. F. Smith, which have been previously noted.1 The conclusions of the two authors practically agree in the cause of the disease, biology of the organism, and methods of prevention. Plant diseases in Holland, C. A. J. A. Oudemans (K. Akad. Wetten. Amsterdam, 1897, June, .'6; aba. in Ztschr. Pfianzenkrank., S (1898), No. 1, p. S3). — The author reports young peas attacked by Brachyspora piai, n. sp.; leaves of rye affected by Marsonia 8ecalis, n. sp. ; gooseberries attacked by Hendersonia grossularice, n. sp. ; and buckwheat by Fusicladium fagopyri, n. sp. In addition to these new species the following are noted : Ascochyta graminicola on young rye, Botrytis cinerea on leaves and branches of Prunua cerasus, Scolecotrichum melojphthorum on fruits and vines and melons, Macro- sporium parasiticum on shallots, Cladochytrium graniinis on oats, and Helminthosporinm gramineum Eabh., which is said to be identical with H. teres Sacc. and H. gramineum Eriks., on winter rye. Notes on plant parasites, 6. Wagner (Ztschr. Pflanzenkrarik., S (1898), No. 1, pp. 7-10). — Notes are given of a number of parasitic fungi. Among them are a number of Uredinea- — Cystopus candidus, Plasmopara viilcola, Brema lactuccu, etc. Club root of cabbage, B. D. Halsted (Amer. Gard., 19 (1S9S), No. 177, p. 373, jig. 1). — A brief account is given of experiments made to determine the susceptibility of cabbages to the fungus Plasmodiophora brassicce. It is shown that the first three weeks of the life of the plant is the period of greatest susceptibility. On this account seed beds should be looked after very carefully. Lime at the rate of 35 bu. per acre will destroy the fungus in the soil. Finger and toe (club root) of swedes and turnips (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 23 (1898), No. 593, pp. 281, 282). — Aa a result of experiments carried on at Reading it is said that quicklime, chalk, or gas lime well mixed with soil will greatly lessen attacks of the disease. Basic slag will to some extent do the same. Swedes or turnips should not be grown for about two years on areas that have received lime. Mycological notes, C. Wehmer (Ccnibl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. Abt., 4 (1898), No. 5, pp. 189-195, pi. 1, fig. 1). — The author describes a 2-spored form of Merulius lacrymans, fermentation of kidney beans, and a Botrytis disease of the Chinese primula. A contribution to the biology of Exoascus deformans, von Derschai (Landw. Jahrb., 26 (1897), No. 6, pp. 897-901, pi. 1). A remarkable gall disease of a North American species of Abies in the Ber- lin Botanic Garden, P. Hennings (Verhandl. Bot. T'er. Pror. Brandenburg, vol.37, p. 26; abs. in Ztschr. I'flantenkrank., 8 (1S98), No. 1, pp. 39, 40) .—Festal ozzia tumefa- ciena, n. sp. from Abies nobiiis is described. Bean canker, G. Massee (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 23 (1898), No. 594, p. 293, Jig. 1).— A disease of French beans and scarlet runners is figured and described. The cause is said to be Glaosporinm lindemuthianum . 'Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. Abt., 3 (1897), Nos. 11-12, pp. 284-291; 15-16, pp. 408-415; 17-18, pp. 478-486. U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 68, pp. 22 (E. S. R., 9, p. 847, 849). 156 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Studies on potato diseases, ('. Wehmkr (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. AM., 3 (1897), Xos. 23-24, pp. 646-G5S ; 25-26, pp. 727-743. pis. 2).— Experimental studies are re- ported on Phytophthora and Fusarium diseases. In addition to Fusarium solani, tin* author states that F. moschatum and Spicaria solani attack the potato and produce symptoms quite like the ordinary Fusarium disease. Investigations concerning a new potato disease, K. Sato ( Prometheus, 1898, Xo. 3, pp. 136-140). Potato scab and its prevention, HoLURTJNG (Ztschr. Naturw., 70 (1898), No. 3, pp. 226, 227). Experiments in soaking seed potatoes for the prevention of scab, Teichert {Ztschr. Spiritusind., 21 (1898), Xo. 13. p. 119). Experiments in the repression of potato scab, T. Pemy (Ztschr. Spiritusind., 21 (1898), Xo. 7, pp. 57-/>9). Phytophthora infestans and the potato rot, E. Roze (Bui. Soc. My col. France, 14 (1898), Xo. 2, pp. 58-69). A new generic type of Schizomycetes, E. Roze (Bui. Soc. Mycol. France, 14 (1898), Xo. 2, pp. 69-74, pi. 1). — The author characterizes a new genus of Schizomy- cetes, to which the name Chatinella scissipara is given. It was found in decaying tulip leaves and in the parenchyma of potatoes. Culture experiments with hetercecious fungi, H. Klebahn (Ztschr. Pflanzen- krank., 8 (1S9S). Xo. 1, pp. 11-30, fig. 1).— The author reports culture experiments with the secidia from Bibes nigrum, with Vaccinia carids, P. schroeteriana, the secidia of orchids, and puccinia of Phalaris arundinacea, and the specialization of Puccinia smilacearum digraphidis, P. phragmites, I', coronata, P. dispcrsa f. secalis, P. cari-bis- tortce, and P. menthw. Recent investigations on the leaf spot of beets, Frank (Ztschr. J'er. Bubenz. Ind., 1897, p. 589; aba. in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. AM., 3 (1897), No. 25-26, pp. 754, 755). — The author descrihes the action of Cercospora beticola on beet leaves, and rec- ommends soaking seed for 21 hours in a sort of Bordeaux mixture before planting. Heterodera radicicola on the roots of Corylus avellana, C. Casali (Giorn. Vit. e Enol., 5, Xo. 6). Results of field experiments conducted in 1896 with the wet and dry rots of sugar beets, Frank (Fiihling's Landiv. Ztg., 46 (1897), No. 22, pp. 663-672). Trials of methods of combating smut in barley, G. Grotenfelt (Landtbr. Slyr. Meddel., 1897, No. 20, pp. 133-140). — Trials were made with the Jensen hot-water method, Ceres powder, and the carbon bisulphid method. Investigations on the root disease of grapevines, J. Behrens (Centbl. Halt. u. Par., 2. AM., 3 (1897), Nos. 21-22, pp. 584-589; 23-24, pp. 639-645; 25-26, pp. 743-750).— Studies are given on Dematophora necatrix and allied forms. On the application of fungicides to grapevines, D. McAi.pixk (Ztschr. Pflanzen- krank., 8 (1S9S), Xo. 1, p. 11). — Notes the advantageous use of a 10 per cent solution of sulphuric acid as a wash for the prevention of grape anthracnose. Effect of temperature on the action of sulphur on grapes ( Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank., 8 (1898), No. I '. pp. 55, 56). — The best results where sulphur was used to prevent the grape Oidiuni followed applications made soon after pruning, the temperature being between 2.~> and 31 C. Spraying peach trees for peach curl ( Canad. Hurt., 21 (1898), Xo. 6, pp. 236, 237, figs. 2). — A test of Bordeaux mixture for leaf curl of peaches is noted. Very good results were obtained. New copper fungicides, L. Degrclly (Prog. Agr. et Vit., 29 (1898), No. 18, pp. 445-447). — A new fungicide, composed of sulphate of copper 3 kg., lime 1 kg., and desiccated white of egg or dried blood 100 gm., is described. It is claimed for this mixture that it will remain on leaves for months, ordinary rains not washing it off. On the use of benzin and carbon bisulphid for nematodes, etc., J. Rit/.ema- Bos (Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank., 8 (1898), Xo. 1, pp. 42-46, fig. /).— A description is given of an injector for the use of these insecticides against nematodes, phylloxera, etc. ENTOMOLOGY. 157 Turmeric paper as a test for Bordeaux mixture (Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank., 8 (1898), Xo. 1, p. 55). — The use of turmeric paper as a test of the acidity of Bordeaux mix- ture is recommeuded. Fungicides, insecticides, and spraying, J. Troop (Indiana Sta. Bid. 69, pp. 35-40). — Directions are given for the preparatiou and application of several of the more common fungicides and insecticides, and a sort of spray calendar is also u,iven in which the directions for prevention of fungus and insect attacks are arranged under the names of the host plants. ENTOMOLOGY. Report of the apiarist, R. L. Taylor (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 138-167). — The author discusses the relation of queens to foul brood, various kinds of section comb foundation, the relation of honey to heat, what becomes of the food, preservation of comb and the rendering- of wax, wintering, foul brood, swarming, and natural vs. artificial swarms. To determine whether foul brood is carried by queens, a queen from a badly infected colony was transferred to a perfectly healthy one. with the result that no foul brood was developed — an important result bear- ing on the possibility of spreading the disease in shipping queens. The general conclusions arrived at from the experiments with foun- dation is that the quality of the wax has as much if not more to do with the quality of the foundation than the mode of manufacturing. This suggests questions as to whether the undesirable qualities of the wax come from the honey used in producing it or from the excessive boiling, and whether the quality of the wax can be improved. A water-bath melting vessel devised by the author for extracting candied honey from comb is described in detail. It consists essentially of an outer upright cylinder made of tin, galvanized iron, or copper, and an inner one 2 or 3 in. less in height and 4 to 6 in. less in diameter. The inner vessel stands on metal supports about an inch from the bot- tom of the other and so that the space between the two is equal on all sides. A spout provided with a wire gauze guard at its inner end runs from the bottom of the inner vessel through the outer and con- ducts off the honey as fast as it melts. Each can is provided with a cover and the space between is filled with water. Experiments were made with a view to determining exactly the point at which heat begins to be detrimental to the flavor and color of honey. The question is important from the fact that in the absence of an extractor heat has been employed for extracting. In the first experi- ment honey was heated in a water bath and samples removed at 145°, 165°, 185°, 200°, and 202° F. The first sample showed no effects what- ever, and the differences between the first and second were so slight as to give rise to conflicting decisions. The differences between the second and third were twice as great as between the first and second, and it was noted that in heating to 165° the honey rapidly deteriorated both in flavor and color. The differences between the third and fourth were twice as great as between the second and third and between the fourth and fifth there was evidence of a still more rapid deterioration. 158 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Farther experiments with candied honey and honey from different plants revealed the fact that the temperature at which liquefaction occurs varies with the kind of honey. Willow herb and basswood honey became limpid at 145°, while alfalfa honey at that temperature became only slightly limpid and no more transparent than before heat- ing. Samples of alfalfa honey taken at 168° and 180° were dissolved, but not limpid. At 194° the honey was fairly clear, but very much injured in color, having become an amber brown. The flavor, however, was but slightly affected. Samples of willow herb honey were nearly water white at 145°. Basswood samples were a little more golden in color. The change in raising from 145° to 180° was nearly the same with each but many shades lighter than alfalfa honey. The change in flavor at 180° was very slight, at 194° it was noticeable and about the same with each sample. Comparing the two extremes it was noted that less change was found to have taken place in samples heated in tin than in those heated in earthenware, but alfalfa honey was injured least in flavor. The flual conclusion is that the difference between the danger point and the melting point is so great that there is little risk. If the heating is done gradually and as it should be injury scarcely begins before the temperature rises to 170°. The melting of virgin comb with the honey has no effect on color or flavor at any temperature otherwise safe. An attempt was made to answer the complicated question "What becomes of the feed in feeding for profit, etc. % " The factors which affect this, as the character of the bees and their persistent energy in comb building, etc., the character of the queen, the season, the size and con- dition of the brood chamber, etc., are considered, and detailed data given of a feeding experiment with three strong colonies of dark hybrid bees for a period of four and a half weeks. The data are discussed at length but no conclusions are drawn. For the preservation of combs the author has followed four methods: (1) Placing them in hives with strong colonies where the bees might have free access to them; (2) keeping the combs in closed hives in the shop, the hives being placed one above the other, separated by layers of paper and covered with a tight-fitting cover, so that all will keep perfectly dry; (3) hanging the combs up to light and air; and (4) plac- ing the combs in the hives in the bee cellar where the temperature is not sufficiently high for the propagation of the bee moth, provision being made for the exclusion of mice. The first method, where possi- ble, is considered the best and safest although the second has been used with success ; the third does well for a season or so, especially if the combs are old and tough, but fresh combs appear to be injuriously affected by light. In rendering wax the author prefers an open tin vessel 20 in. in height and 24 in. in diameter to the ordinary wax extractor. For combs containing cocoons he uses a rendering tank and prefers a tin ENTOMOLOGY. 159 vessel such as is used inside of tbe ordinary wax extractor and a tin scoop such as is used by grocers. The method of conducting the opera- tion is explained. Experiments on the relative merits of cellar and out-of-door winter- ing showed a saving of 9.19.~> lbs. of stores per colony in cellar as con- trasted with out-of-door wintering. Only 3 hives in 120 stored in the cellar were lost from dysentery. For success some stores are necessary, and not less important are temperature and dryness. The author's cellar remained at 45° with a moisture saturation of about 95 per cent; for a drier one it is thought 40° might do. Concerning foul brood reference is made to the author's report for 1S94 (E. S. R., 7, p. 906), to the fasting cure and the drug cure. Where the treatment of colonies must be delayed a mixture of \ oz. salicylic acid in 1 oz. alcohol and 1 pt. of water added at the rate of 1 pt. to 4 qts. of thin sirup of honey has a decided influence in checking the disease. Fennel (1 part to about 000 parts of the food noted above) is noted, and also burning. In preventing swarming the author states that he relies on a queen trap so constructed that the queen once in can not return to the hive. In hiving swarms he has been almost entirely successful in meeting the difficulty of large absconding swarms by giving the swarm a double brood chamber and removing the lower section in two days. Some experiments were made on the amount of food necessary to produce brood. From the figures obtained the conclusion is drawn that almost exactly 2f lbs. of honey is used up in rearing 1 lb. of brood and that artificial swarms do fully as good work as natural swarms. The Mexican cotton-boll weevil in 1897, L. O. Howard ( U. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Giro. 37, 3 ser., pp. 7). — During 1897 the studies of Anthonomus grandis in Texas were continued. The spread of the weevil toward the north and east has been very slow. It is checked by the first frost, and there is some doubt as to whether it will continue beyond the region of volunteer cotton. In rearing experiments undertaken by C. H. T. Townsend at Tobasco, Mexico, where the weevils are common, no parasites were found. The shortness of the crop in nearly all of the infected region reduced the number of insects so that few were found; but on bottom lands where the cotton was not hurt by the prevailing drought, the weevils were very numerous. They were found to be present at San Antonio, Kenedy, (Juero, Victoria, Beeville, Yoakum, Gonzales, Moravia, Har- wood, Shiner, Thompsonville, and Port Lavaca. No great damage is expected for 1898. In several instances the weevils were found in ginned seed and seed cotton. This fact, which is new, indicates a much greater opportunity for spreading than has hitherto been supposed. Besides the sharpshooter, formerly reported as being mistaken for this pest, an acorn weevil has been found to produce similar confusion, 4485— No. 2 5 1G0 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A machine for dusting the plants with poison at the rate of 10 acres per hour is noted, and instances cited to show the advantage of domes tic fowls as destroyers of the weevil. Otherwise than this the remedies noted are the same as have been given before. The San Jose and other scales in G-eorgia, H. N. Starnks (Georgia 8ta. Bui. 36, pp. 31, figs. 21).— A popular account of the San Jose scale and its habits, with special reference to Georgia, together with brief mention of the following scales, more or less common in the State : Florida red scale (Aspidiotus ficus), California red scale (Aonidia aurantii), English walnut scale (Aspidiotus juglam-regite), gloomy scale (A. tenebricosus), greedy scale (A. camellia}), new peach scale (Diaspis lanatus), oyster-shell bark louse (Mytilaspis pomornm), long or Glover scale (Jf. gloverii), purple scale (M. citricola), and the scurfy scale ( Ch ionaspis furfu rus ). According to the map showing the distribution of the pernicious scale, it has been found in 22 places in 17 counties, and 17 other places are suspected, making 27 counties in all. A slight variation in the usual list of food plants for the insect is noted for Berrien County, where it has been found on elm, rose, walnut, black gum, corn, sugar cane, and certain weeds. The introduction of parasitic and predaceous enemies of the scale as allies for its destruction is mentioned with favor. Sphcerostilbe cocco- phila, the twice-stabbed ladybird (Chilocorus bivulnerus), and Pentilia mi sella are noted as most effectual, especially the fungus. Both of the ladybirds as adults attack preferably the older, while the larvae attack the younger scales. Of the three classes of artificial remedies — total destruction, whale- oil soap, and hydrocyanic acid gas — thought worthy of note, the first is regarded as the best. The last is not thought a suitable remedy for use by small growers or by any than experienced persons. Two appli- cations of whale-oil soap (2 to 2£ lbs. to the gallon, warm) a month apart, or about the middle of November and again about the middle of December, followed in the spring by several applications of kerosene and water (1 to 15) at intervals of two weeks, is recommended. Late winter or early spring use of the whale oil soap in the latitude of Georgia is followed by disastrous results. The method is successful only when the buds are thoroughly dormant, i. e., during December. An emulsion of 8 oz. of ivory or whale oil soap, 1 gal. boiling water, and 1 qt. kerosene used in the strength of 1:15, is recommended, but the simpler remedy of kerosene and water in the proportion of 1: 15, applied with the Weed Tank, is thought better. The use of pure ker-. osene is mentioned, but is not at present recommended. The gas method is treated at some length with special reference to conditions obtaining in Georgia. A tent weighing only 40 lbs. is described, which can be made at a cost of from $0.50 to $7. The cost of an outfit that can be kept in constant motiou by a gang of 4 men is ENTOMOLOGY. lb'l placed at $84, reckoning- the cost of a tent at 87. With such an outfit 102 large 12-foot trees can be treated per night (the best time to work) of 12 hours. Smaller trees would require more tents, but 200 trees per night could be treated. The amount of chemicals required for a 12-foot tree is placed at If fluid oz. of sulphuric acid, 11 of water, and 5J oz. avoirdupois of 08 per cent potassium cyanid. If the foliage be wet a little more of the chemicals is necessary. This makes a cost per tree of about 1 cts. For treatment of nursery stock a double air-tight chamber is recommended. The time of exposure is placed at at least 45 minutes. The San Jose scale and how it may be controlled, J. B. Smith (New Jersey Stas. Bui. 125, pp. 16, Jig. 1). — The author here gives a sum- mary of observations and conclusions, the details of which are to appear in the Annual Report of the station for 1807. At the outset no hope of exterminating the scale in the State is held out, although it may be kept within control. The insect is well estab- lished along the Delaware River from Burlington to Camden in gardens, orchards, and hedges, and another colony exists at Jersey City Heights where it is believed to have been carried by birds. The country about Parry within a radius of 10 miles contains many infested places. "The entire section of the State north of the red shale line, running obliquely irom Trenton on the Delaware to a point north of Perth Am boy on the Kill von Kull, is yet free, excepting only the spur already mentioned, which includes Jersey City and runs north as far as Hackensack." Although the insect has existed in the State for ten years the damage sustained is comparatively slight and local. "Practically none save peach trees have been actually killed," and "uo single fruit grower has sustained serious injury." So far as examinations made in 1807 can show there are but two large nurseries within the State having more than a local trade that have traces of the scale, and these are slight. Four, possibly five, nurseries in Burlington, Monmouth, and Atlantic counties with a local trade are infected. The purchaser should demand a guaranty from the grower rather than a certificate. There can be no doubt as to the destruction to certain fruits, peaches being especially sensitive and following them thin-leaved varieties of plums. Other varieties, and large trees as compared with young trees, suffer less. The latter fact is owing partly to the scale not being able to develop well in the shade, a statement that is particularly true in moist weather. In conclusion, past experience proves that a single application of any remedy should not be relied upon, but that after a thorough treatment of the infested trees, continual vigilance must be exercised and all omissions promptly attended to with secondary treatment. Little hope is to be had from natural checks save the effect of moist weather, cold, and shade. The California ladybirds introduced have not survived, 162 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. and the native parasitic and predaceous forms though increasing in number very rapidly, have thus far not produced any noticeable bene- ficial effect. Sphccrostilbe coccophila lias been introduced into two orchards, in one of which it has become well establishd and may be of service. Adalia bipunctata is noted as having been found attacking the larva-. Of the various remedies of which the author treats, whale-oil soap (at the usual rate of 2 lbs. to 1 gal. of water or in summer half that strength) and kerosene (applying the finest spray and making the thinnest possible coating and then only when the weather favors evap- oration and on dry trees) are especially noted. On some trees the buds are injured by strong solutions of soap, bub this effect may be obviated by spraying just before the tr^es leave out. The application of kero- sene, preferably of 150°, though that of 110° has been successfully applied, should be preceded by trimming the trees at least a month before spraying. Summarizing his methods of treatment, he states that badly infested trees should be treated in the winter with either soap or kerosene, according to circumstances, and this followed by one or more summer treatments. Of the two methods, since it is safer, whale-oil soap should be used where it may be effective. "The scales are not hard to kill; the only difficulty is to get all of them." Relative to certificates and legislation, the author plainly shows that he believes the former more or less worthless and part of an impracti- cable method. The practice of giving certificates to nurseries has been discontinued for the reason that the certificates are apt to be misused and because of the impossibility of certifying the absolute freedom from the scale. Little sympathy is evinced with the effort to control insects by law, though the author seems to favor a law providing for the destruction of plant pests and for a salaried official whose duties shall be to locate the scale. The periodical cicada in West Virginia, A. D. Hopkins ( West Virginia Sta. Bui. 50, pp. 46, pis. 4, figs. 23, map /). — More than two- thirds of the entire territory of the State, as learned through circular postal cards sent to all parts of the State, is infested with Brood XV of this insect, which was first recorded for the State May 15, 1795, and has been recorded regularly at 17-year intervals ever since. A large part of the southern portion and some of the eastern portion of the State are uninfested with this brood. Nowhere does the insect seem to occur above an elevation of 3,000 ft. Where the broods occur the loss occasioned by the oviposition of eggs is very considerable, not only greatly disfiguring twigs but causing them to die and break off. Very often the punctures of the twigs, especially in old and more or less unthrifty trees, never heal over, owing largely to their being immediately attacked by the woolly aphis. Sim- ilar injury is also shown to be due to similar wounds produced by the tree cricket, which are kept from healing by the same aphid. ENTOMOLOGY. 163 On the northern border of the infested district the adults appear nearly two weeks later than those along the southern border. As between the lowest and the highest altitudes there seems to be a dif- ference of appearance of about four weeks, which corresponds with the difference in average summer temperature to be found between the localities. Between the northern and southern boundaries of the region this difference is 3.5°, between the lower and higher altitude 10°. Each degree of difference in the mean summer temperature appears to make about three and one-half days of difference in the time of the first general appearance of the cicada. Whether this seeming rule will also apply to other broods remains to be determined. The character of the weather at the time of emergence is important. If it be cold the insects become chilled, crawl slowly, and become an easy prey to birds, poultry, and other predatory enemies. The author notes rinding an isolated specimen in May, 1895, which, although appearing two years earlier than the normal time, he feels certain belongs to Brood XV. None were seen or heard during the spring of the next year, but during the fall of 1890 several specimens were heard. This appears to be the second record of an occurrence of this cicada in the fall of the year. At Morgantown, West Virginia, the first cicadas Avere heard May 27 and 30. Copulation commenced about June 9, oviposition about the 13th. The leaves and wounded twigs began to wilt four days later. The insects began disappearing the last wreek of June and none were heard after July 1. Eggs on twigs began hatching August 20 and all the young during the following week seemed to have emerged. The eight broods and nine swarms occurring in the State are XVII (1S98), XX (1900), XXI (1901), XXII (1902), V (1905), VIII (190G), XI (1910), and XV (1914). It will be noted that they occur in periods of 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, 4, and 4 years. The author gives brief notes, historical and otherwise, on each of these broods and swarms, and then notes the sections of the State where several broods overlap. Of the eight broods in point of numbers XXI, XXII, V, VIII, and XV are most to be feared, the last being the largest swarm. Among natural enemies mentioned, aside from numerous predatory and parasitic insects not definitely named and a contagious disease often of an epidemic nature, are English sparrows, hogs, poultry, and squirrels. Some common injurious insects of western Nevada, E. H. Hill- man (Nevada iSta. Bui. 36, pp. TX-\-39). — A popular descriptive list of 39 insects, including a brief key for their identification. The habits of each are brought out and in most cases the most practical remedies. Some of the more important points are the probable occurrence of two distinct broods of Euvanessa antiopa in Xevada, the first about dune, the second in August or September. It has fed only on the elm and willow, Vanessa cardui does not feed on hollyhock in that region. 164 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The apple aphis (Aphis mail) seems to confine its attack mostly to young trees, and is attacked by a disease probably of bacterial nature that destroys large numbers during the latter part of the summer. The bodies shrivel up, turning to a dark-brown color, and remain on the leaves. The woolly aphis (Schizoneura lanigera) is thoroughly estab- lished and is especially favored by the character of the Nevada climate. In many orchards uninfected trees are the exception. Mytilaspis porno rum has not yet been found in the State on fruits, but has been taken from the Lombardy poplar in Carson City. Other insects treated are as follows: Flat-headed apple-tree borer (Chrysobothris femorata), pear and cherry slug (Selandria cerasi), imported cabbage butterfly (Pieris rapa), mourning-cloak buttertiy (Euvanessa antiopa), hollyhock butter fly (Vanessa carya), hop-vine butterfly (Grapta satyrus), tomato worm (Phlegethontius celeus), poplar hawk moth (Marumba modesta), locust- tree carpenter moth (Prionoxystus robinia'), codling moth (Garpocapsa pomonella), ash-gray pinion (Lithophane automata), currant-stem borers (Sesia tipuli/ormis, Chrysobothris femorata), cabbage plusia ( Plusia bras- sica), corn-ear worm (Heliothis armiger), zebra caterpillar (Mamestra picta), cutworms, diamond-back moth (Plutella cruciferariim), snowy tree cricket ((Ecanthiis niveus), plant lice (Aphis sx>l>- ), apple-leaf louse (A. mall), woolly aphis (Schizoneura lanigera), cabbage louse (A. bras- sicce), plum-leaf louse (A. prunifolii), rose-plant Jouse (Aphis sp. '?), currant-leaf louse (A. ribis), elm-leaf louse (Aphis sp.?), cotton wood - leaf louse (Aphis sp.?), poplar-leaf gall louse (Pemphigus sp.?), willow- stem louse (Lacknus sp.?), San Jose scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus), English-walnut scale (Aspidiotus juglans-regioe), oyster-shell bark louse (Mytilaspis pomorum), Lecanium ribis, cottony maple scale (Pulvinaria innumerabilis), imported elm-bark louse (Gossyparia ulmi), rose-leaf hopper (Typhlocyba rosce), buffalo tree hopper (Ceresa bubalus), red spider (Tetranyehus tclarius). Insect injuries to Ontario crops in 1896, J. Fletcher (h'pt. Ontario Ent. Soc. 1890, pp. 58-00, Jigs. 15). — Cereals were attacked by the wheat-stem maggot (Meromyza americana), American frit fly ( Oscin is variabilis), Hessian fly (Cecidomyia destructor), wheat midge (Diplosis tritici), grain aphis (Siphonophora arena), and army worm (Leucania unipuncta). Fodder crops were attacked by three common species of grass- hoppers—the red-legged locust, two striped locust, and the lesser migratory locust. In some cases they were reported to have dis appeared suddenly. This was doubtless due to the increase of their natural enemies — Empusa grylli, tachina flies, and locust mites (Trom- birfiitm locustarum), which seem to be the most efficient workers in keeping down the numbers of grasshoppers. This mite is discussed somewhat at length Another parasite of grasshoppers noted is the hair snake or hair worm. Other insects noted are gray blister beetle (Macrobasis unicolor), clover-root borer (Hylesinns trifolii), clover seed ENTOMOLOGY. 165 midge (Cecidomyia leguminicola), white grub (Lachnosterna, sp.), clover cutworm (Mamestra trifolii), zebra caterpillar (Mamestra picta), two hymenopterous insects (Trichogramma pretiosa and Telonomnus sp.), red-backed cutworm (Carneades ochrogaster), black army worm (Xoctua fennica), striped cucumber beetle (Diabrotiea vittata), squash bug (Anasa tristis), apple curculio (Anthonomus quadrigibbus), apple maggot ( Trypeta pomonella), cigar-case bearer (Coleophor a fietcherella), pear slug (Selandria cerasi), phylloxera {Phylloxera vastatrix), grape thrip (LJry- throneura vitis), strawberry-leaf roller ( Phoxopteris comptana), red spider (Tetranychus sp.), and black peach aphis (Aphis per sicce-niger). Root crops were attacked by the clover cutworm (Mamestra trifolii), zebra caterpillar (Mamestra picta), and white grub (Lacnosterna sp.). As parasites on the zebra caterpillar Trichogramma pretiosa and a new species of Telonomnus are mentioned. Vegetables were attacked by the red-backed cutworm (Carneades ochrogaster), striped cucumber beetle (Diabrotiea vittata), and squash bug (Anasa tristis); fruits, by the apple curculio (A nthonomus quad- rigibbus), apple maggot (Trypeta pomonella), (which has not hitherto been known to attack fruit trees in Ontario), cigar case bearer (Coleophora fietcherella), pear slug (Selandria cerasi), phylloxera (Phylloxera vasta- trix), grape thrip (Erythroneura vitis), strawberry-leaf roller (Phoxopteris comptana) (the two broods of which did considerable injury around Picton in Prince Edward County), a red spider (Tetranychus sp.), and black peach aphis (Aphis persica-niger). Injurious insects, etc. (Jour. Bd. Agr. [London], 4 (1898), 4, pp. 468- 480, Jigs. . 231-234).— This work comprises a number of recent observations on the biology of several aphides and forms a continuation of an earlier communication. The morphological peculi- arities and the biological phenomena are considered in connection with surrounding conditions of life. Germany's exclusion of American fruits, J. B. Smith (North American Review, 66 (1S9S), No. 4, pp. 460-465). — The reason for the exclusion of American fruits by the German Government is explained as due to a misunderstanding of the nature and means of dispersal possessed by the San Jose scale. 8o far as known, the insect has never spread from fruit to tree. It can only crawl before it becomes fixed to its host plant, but if infested fruit should be brought sufficiently close to a plant there is no doubt that the scale could be spread in this way. The San Jose scale, L. R. Taft (Michigan Sta. lipt. 1898, pp. 124, 125). ^-Briefly discusses the scale and its treatment, and notes the scales that may be mistaken for it. The black peach aphis, L. R. Tait (Michigan Sta. Rj>t. lS9G,pp. 125-127). — Numer- ous complaints are noted. The insect was particularly injurious to young trees, and was distributed by ants and other insects. Tobacco water, salt, nitrate of soda, kerosene emulsion, bisulphid of carbon, and wood ashes are noted as remedies. The box-elder plant bug, L. < >. Howard ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Circ. 28, 2.8er., pp. 3, fig.l). — The general appearance, method of work, distribution, habits, and remedies against Leptoeoris irivittatns are very briefly discussed. Mites injurious to plants, von Schlechtendal (Ztschr. Xatiirw. [Jena], 70(1898), No. 3, pp. 328, 229). The pests and blights of the tea plant, G. Watt (Calcutta: Supt. Govt. Printing, India, lS9S,pp. III-\-4G7-\-XVII, figs. 11). — A report of investigations made in Assam and Kangra. The culture of the tea plant is discussed with special reference to diseases and insect pests. The spruce gall louse, W. Brodie (Ontario Dept. Agr. Spec. Bui., Mag, 1S9S, pp. 2, pi. 1). — A popular circular on Chermes abietis. Report of the consulting entomologist, G. C. Davis (Michigan Sta. Rpf. 1890, pp. 135-138). — Lygus pratenais, mushroom insects ( Tyroglyph us phylloxera, Sciaria vu Igaris, Aphodins granarius, and Ips fasciatus), little red cherry beetle (Adimonia cavicollis), false chinch bug (Xyssius augustatus), grasshoppers, and the Hessian fly (Cecidomyia destructor) are mentioned. Ten or more common varieties of wheat at the college farm were severely injured by the last insect. Spraying — -why and how, L. R. Taft ( Michigan Sta. Spec. Bui. 4. pp. 13-19, Jig. 1). — A popular discussion of the subject, noting formulas for insecticides, fungicides, and apparatus. Instructions in spraying (Ontario Dept. Agr. SjJec. Bui., Mar., 1898, pp. 16, figs. 13). — Directions are given for the preparation of fungicides and insecticides and the treatment of different host plants for the prevention of attacks of injurious fungi and insects. White arsenic as a substitute for Paris green, L. R. Taft (Michigan Sta. Rpf. 1S9G, pp. 119, 120). — Arsenic is found to be much less expensive than Paris green and fully as efficient if not more so. One pound is placed in 2 gal. water with an equal weight of freshly slacked lime and boiled for 30 to 40 minutes. The resulting insolu- ble calcium arsenate is sufficient for 400 gal. water. At this strength it can be employed on all kinds of fruit along with Bordeaux mixture. It costs about one-fifth as much as Paris "recn. 170 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. On some parasites of Coccidse, with descriptions of two new genera of Aphe- lininee, L. < >. Howard I Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington, 4 {1898), No. 2, pp. 133-lS8,figs. .,').— Besides describing two new species, the representatives of two new genera, namely, Archenomus bicolor and Azotus marshali, notes on distribution are given. Prior to 18!U Aspidiotiphagus citrinus was unknown. In this country sinee then it lias been taken from is species of scale insects and from many localities in the United States, from Grenada, British West Indies; Portici, Italy; Punduloya, Kandy, Ceylon; Hongkong and Amoy, China; Tamsui, Formosa; Yokohama, Japan ; Newlands, Cape Colony; Adelaide, South Australia ; and Honolulu, Hawaii. A similar wide distribu- tion has also been found lor Prospalia aiirantii, Aphelinns fuscipennis, A. mytilaspidis, and A. diaspidis. trrhenophagus chionaspidis has also an almost universal distribu- tion. As a new locality for A. diaspidi*, San Luis, Mexico, is noted, and for A.fusci- pennis, Natal. A new Swedish egg parasite, C. Aurivillii s [Ent. Tidskr., 18 (1897); abs. in Zool. Centbl., 5 (1898), No. 9, p. 295). — The author describes and figures a pteromalid of the subfamily Tricbograinmatinse, for which he erects the genus Oophthora. I he form seems to be closely related to Trichogramma of Westwood. It differs from that form in its louder, nearly cylindrical, abdomen. The author thinks that Tricho- gramma yreiiosa and T. minutw of Riley may possibly be properly considered as belonging to the new genus. To the species he gives the name ( >senblidis. The speci- mens emerge from the eggs of Senibli8 lularia. The male appears to be dimorphic. Some appear without wings, others with wings. The latter closely resemble the female. Notes on parasitic Hyrnenoptera, with descriptions of some new species, G. Dimmock and W. H. Ashmead {Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington, 4 {1898), No. 2, pp. 148-171). — Brief notes by Dimmock on 70 species, and a description by Ashmead of 29 new species belonging to the genera as follows (the figures denoting the number of species of the genus): Telonomus, Allotria, Eucyrtus, Habrocytus. Elachislns, Cratotechus, Eulophus, Apanteles (6), Protopanteles (2), Microplitis, Aphidius, Hypotherentes, Ischnoscopus, Mesochorus, Neoeryma, Sychnoportus, Phoeogenes, Acrobela, and Asphragis. Parasitic worms on cultivated plants, E. Hknning {Landtmannen, 9 (1898), No. 19, pp. 299-303, ill.). Development of Platygaster, N. Kulagin (Ztscltr. Wiss. Zool., 63 {1897), pp. 193- 235, pis. : ; ahs. in .lour. Hoy. Micros. Soc. [London], 1S9S, No. 3, p. 73). — This para- site of < 'ecidoiuvia, it is learned, occurs in a large number of dipterous, hemipterous, and hymenopterons larva-. The larva of Platygaster lives on the fat body of the host and pupates at the same time with it. The occurrence of one parasite in the same host is not usually fatal; the occurrence of two is. Repressive measures against enemies of field crops, B. Frank {Eampfbuch !/:s. milk 2,100, oatmeal 153. sugar 56 Bread 280, milk 2,190, wheatlet 175, sugar 38 Bread 187, milk 2,166. wheatlef 61, sugar 56 Bread 303, milk 2,350, corned beef 211, canned corn 760 Bread 382. milk 2,378, boiled ham 125, canned corn 425 Bread 298, milk 2.350, corned beef 170, po- tato chips 119 Bread 205, milk 2,325, boiled ham 113, po- tato chips 90 Per ct. Per ct 97. 5 98. 5 98.2 97.6 98.0 97.5 95.7 97.2 97.9 97.6 97.7 Per ct. Per ct. 99. 3 85. 1 98.5 78.0 9«. 1 | 68. 1 98.3 i 75.6 Per ct. 93. 7 92.4 91.9 92.1 Average 11 with mixed diet 95. 7 FOODS — ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 173 As previously stated, in a number of the experiments the urine and feces were analyzed and the balance of income and outgo of nitrogen determined, as shown in the following table: Daily nitrogen balance in the digestion experiments. Ex- peri- ment No. Kind of food and weights per day (in grains). Bread 630, milk 2,525 Bread 430, milk 2,678 Bread 315, beef 758 Bread 200, beef 333 Bread 365, milk 1,941, eggs 492 Bread 299, milk 1,897, eggs 390 Bread 279, milk 2, 157, eggs 517 Bread 354. milk 942, eggs 402 Bread 238, milk 2,550, oatmeal 120, corned beef 100, bananas 482, sugar 50 Bread 354, milk 638, oatmeal 78, corned beef 106, bananas 44 sugar 38, molasses 75 Bread 131, milk 2,609, oatmeal 65, corned beef 75, bananas 2u9, molasses 125 Bread 298, milk 2, 100, oatmeal 119, sugar 59 Bread 353, milk 2,100, oatmeal 153, sugar 56 Bread 280, milk 2,190, wheatlet 175, sugar 38 Bread 187, milk 2,166, wheatlet 61, sugar 56 Bread 303, milk 2,350, corned beef 211, canned corn 760 Bread 382, milk 2,378, boiled ham 125, canned corn 425 Bread 298, milk 2,350, corned beef 176, potato chips 119 Bread 205, milk 2,325, boiled ham 113, potato chilis 90 Nitrogen. In food. In urine. Grams. Grams. 22.5 20.3 28.9 13.7' ?.6.4 22. 5 26.6 19.0 25. 7 15.3 21.0 19.8 21.6 20.4 16.3 29.4 24.3 25.5 20.0 21.9 11.7 25.5 12.6 21.3 16.3 19.5 12.6 18.5 12.0 In feces. Grams. 0.9 .6 1.4 1.0 . 1.5 1.1 1.7 1.8 1.2 Gain Corre- spond- ing gain or loss of protein. Grams. Grama. -0. :: I — 1.! 11.1 14.5 14.9 20.1 12.6 1.9 1.4 1.9 1.6 .9 24.1 3.4 24.0 1.8 19.3 1.3 19.2 1.2 -0.3 I- 8. () +2.0 +0.1 +3.6 f5. 1 +5.4 +5.6 +5.4 + 2.1 +8.0 +3.9 +4.8 —1.3 +2.8 +1.9 —1.5 +4.9 —0.4 — L. +50.0 + 12. 5 + 0.6 + 22.5 + 32.5 +33.8 +35.0 + 33.8 + 13.1 +50.0 +2».4 +30. 0 — 8.1 + 17.5 + 11.9 — 9.4 + 30.6 — 2.5 Nutrition investigations in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 1894- 1896, Isabel Bevier ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Office of Experiment Stations Bui. 52, pp. 48). — These investigations include six dietary studies of families living in Pittsburg, a study of the variation in cost and com- position of bread in Pennsylvania, and a bakery experiment. The dietary studies (pp. 7-43). — The studies were made with the fam- ilies of a lawyer, two mill workmen, a boiler tender, a decorator, and a glass blower. Tables are given showing the kind and amount of food purchased, wasted, and eaten, and its cost, composition, and fuel value. The average results are summarized as follows: Results of dietary studies — cost and composition of food eaten per man per day. Subjects. Cost. Protein. Fat. Cents. Grams. Grams. 21 91 145 13 85 104 9 77 90 22 147 173 20 112 144 16 94 121 Carbohy- Fuel drates. value. Professional man's family (No. 43) Mill workman's family (No. 128).. Mill workman's family (Xo. 129).. Boiler tender's family (Xo. 189)... House decorator's family (Xo. 190) Glass blower's family (Xo. 191) . . . Grams. 380 307 314 683 368 385 Calories. 3, 280 2. 575 2,440 5,010 3, 305 3,0«5 The dietaries are discussed and compared with the results of similar Studies made elsewhere, 174 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Iu carrying on these investigations special attention was given to the amounts expended for food accessories — i. e., tea, coffee, condiments, flavorings, etc. It was found that, aside from tea and coffee, there was a comparatively small expenditure for such materials. "Iu dietary No. 128, $24.52 was expended for food materials and $1.20 for food accessories. While this sum was not large, it should be remembered that as com- pared with the standards this family had insufficient nourishment. The conclusion seems warranted that they could have advantageously expended this sum for flour, bread, potatoes, beans, or the cheaper cuts of meat. This sum expended for flour at the price actually paid per pound for that purchased would have added 8 gm. of protein and 260 calories of energy per man per day to the diet. In the same way iu dietary No. 129 the protein might have been increased 12 gm. per man per day and the fuel value over 400 calories. "While tea and coffee are stimulating and refreshing as beverages, they are com- paratively expensive and furnish little if any nutriment. Either cocoa, whole milk, or skim milk would furnish considerable nutriment besides being useful as a beverage. < >f these materials the skim milk would furnish the largest food return for the sum expended.'' Variations in the cost and composition of bread (pp. 43-46). — Ten sam- ples of bread purchased in the open market were analyzed and the fuel value calculated and determined by the bomb calorimeter. The weight of the loaves and the cost per pound were also recorded. The results are compared with the results of a similar investigation made in Xew Jersey.1 "There is a much greater variation in the price per pound of bread than in its chemical composition, and, moreover, the variations in the latter bear little or no relation to those in the former. The lowest price per pound was 2f cts. ; the high- est, 7i; the average, 3f cts. The protein varied more than either the water or the carbohydrates, the low est proportion being 9.2 per cent; the highest, 15.4 per cent; the average, 10.8 per cent.'' The variations noted in fat and mineral content of the different sam- ples were small and are regarded as unimportant. Variations in the water content were attributed to different methods of baking, while variations in protein and carbohydrate content were regarded as due to differences in the flour and other materials employed. "The variations in cost are dependent almost entirely upon the baker. Different makes of bread sell at different prices per pound, while the nutritive value may be essentially the same in all rases. . . . As a rule, in the New .Jersey samples, the larger the loaf the greater the cost per pound. The study in Pittsburg was too lim- ited in extent to allow many delinite deductions. The size of the loaf, apparently, had no direct bearing upon the price of the bread per pound. This depended rather upon the brand or trade name given by the maker." Bakery experiment (pp. 46-48). — In the experiments made in New Jersey, mentioned above, baked bread was found to contain less fat than the materials from which it was made. To study this point further an experiment was conducted in a bakery in Pittsburg in which the materials and the bread made from them were analyzed. The results of the Xew Jersey investigation were confirmed. U. 8. Dept. Agr., Office of Experiment Stations Rul. o."> (E. S. R., 9, p. 78). FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 175 "It would seem that cither the fat is rendered partially insoluble in ether during the process of halving or that it has heen volatilized. The fact that there is a very considerable loss in the fuel value of the materials in the bread as compared with that of the raw ingredients before baking indicates that the latter is the true explanation, for if the fats had simply been rendered nonextractable their heat of combustion would probably have remained unchanged and there would be no such pronounced loss of heat values as is actually the case.'" The cost of the raw materials and of the bread made from them is also discussed. It was found "that raw materials worth $1.24 when made into bread sold for $2.00, or an increase of 110 per cent over the original cost.*' A comparison of Utah feeding stuffs, L. Foster and L. A. Mer- rill (Utah Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 119-140). — Experiments were made with nine lots of steers to test a number of Utah feeding stuffs and to com- pare indoor and outdoor feeding. Each lot contained 4 steers, with the exception of lot (>, which contained only 2. They were mostly 2-year- olds, of Shorthorn and Devon breed, with a few Aberdeen Angus and Holsteins. The test, which began January 1, 1897, covered 00 days and was divided into two periods of 30 and 51 days, respectively. In most cases the steers were fed coarse fodder only during the first period of the test. Lot 1 was fed alfalfa, with barley in addition during the second period; lots 2 and 7, alfalfa and straw, with barley and bran during both periods; lots 3 and 8, corn fodder, with bran in addition in the second period; lot 4, timothy hay. with bran and pea meal in the second period; lot 5, alfalfa and shredded corn fodder 1 : 1, with the addition of bran and barley in the second period; lotO, shredded corn fodder and roots, with the addition of bran in the second period; and lot 9, alfalfa with barley and bran in the first period and alfalfa and barley in the second. Lots 1 to 0 were kept in the barn and were given some exercise each day in an open yard, and lots 7 to 0 were kept in yards with open sheds. The financial statement is based on the following prices of feeding stuffs per ton: Alfalfa, $4; shredded corn fodder, $5; timothy hay, $6; bran, 810; barley, $10; peas, $20; roots, $3.50; and straw, $1. The results for each lot are tabulated. The principal conclusions reached were as follows: "During the first period the gains were higher and less dry matter was required per pound of gain. The results add proof to the often repeated proposition that as the animal gains in flesh it requires a constant increase in the quantity of food for each additional pound of gain. "For this single trial, feeding a "rain ration with alfalfa during the preliminary period did not prove profitable. "Roots liad the effect of increasing the appetite without giving proportionate additional gaiu. From this and previous trials it may be inferred that roots can not be economically used in feeding simply for the nutrients they contain, being less ] in >ti table when so fed than the ordinary dry fodders. "The results of three trials show that straw may be profitably used as a part ration in connection with alfalfa and grain. The experiment detailed herein shows, too, 44H5 — No. 2 6 176 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. thiit open-yard feeding give9 a better appetite for the straw and enables the steer to make more profitable use of it. •' With the average Utah Bteer and our mild, dry winters, the best results, both in rai.- of gain and economic use of funds, are obtained by giving the animal the free- dom of the corral and a good open shed that he may occupy at will. "Timothy hay made the lowest and most unprofitable gain. Its relatively higher market price than alfalfa debars it from profitable use in cattle feeding. " The average yield of the corn-culture experiments and the favorable results from the feeding of shredded corn fodder indicate that corn may be safely reckoned as one of the feeder's resources in Utah. " In rate of gain when fed without grain, alfalfa stood the highest and timothy the lowest of the lots fed indoors. "The quantity of dry matter required for a pound of gain was highest for alfalfa and lowest for corn fodder, with timothy ranking second highest. "Comparing the proportion of digestible dry matter in the different foods, they stand as follows: Barley, 100; pea meal, 89; bran, 70; corn fodder, 68; alfalfa, 64; timothy, 63; straw, 51. "In cost per pound of digestible dry matter, at the market prices quoted, pea meal was the highest and wheat straw the lowest." Corn fodder is discussed at some length and the yields of corn per acre for several years at the station are quoted. In the dry atmos- phere of Utah ''corn fodder may be so thoroughly field cured that there is no danger of heating when shredded and stored where it is pro- tected from the weather." Wheat and corn as food for pigs, C. S. Plumb and W. B. Ander- son (Indiana Sta. Bui. 67, pp. 61-70). — Tests of the value of wheat and corn alone and in combination were made with 16 Chester White pigs, divided into four equal lots. Each lot consisted of 3 barrows and 1 sow. Lot 1 was fed corn; lot 2 dry wheat; lot 3 corn and wheat 1 :1, and lot 4 wheat soaked in cold water. In addition all the lots were fed daily 10 to 12 lbs. of separator skim milk. After a preliminary period of 8 days, the test began January 9 and extended over 105 days. Each lot was confined in a separate iuclosure of about 350 sq. ft., with a small pen attached. To learn something of the time at which pigs may be most economic- ally fattened, during two-thirds of the trial they were not fed all the grain they could have assimilated. During the latter part of the trial they were fed to their full capacity. The corn used was a yellow dent variety grown on the station farm. The greater portion of the wheat was an inferior grade which was purchased. Before feeding it was run through a tanning-mill. Chemical analysis did not show that it differed in composition from the wheat grown at the station. The financial statement is based on corn at 40 cts., wheat at $1.25, and skim milk at 8 cts. per hundred. In general the pigs remained in good health throughout the test. One pig in lot 1 was sick for a day, and one in lot 4 was affected with scours. It was noticed that the pigs fed soaked wheat were some- what inclined to looseness of the bowels though not seriously so. The pigs were weighed each week, and the data of the experiments are recorded in full in tabular form. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 177 The following table shows the principal results of the trial: Results of feeding wheat and corn to pigs. Food consumed. Grain. Weight Skim atJ^!in- milk. mnS- Cost Average [ Grain | daily consumed gain perpouBdP^P^ per pig. of gain. I « Lot 1 (corn) Lot 2 (dry wheat) Lot 3 (corn and wheat) Lot 4 (soaked wheat) . Pounds. 1, 588. 75 1,591.00 1,591.00 1,591.00 Pounds. 11.46 11.46 11.46 11.46 Pounds. 184. 75 17:!. 75 175. 50 189. 25 Pounds. 1.16 1.02 1.12 1.05 rounds. 3. 25 3.67 3. 59 3.36 Cents. 1.49 4.57 2.97 4.70 In order to learn the proportion of grain which passed through the pigs undigested the whole grains in three samples (weighing 5 oz. each) from the feces of each lot of pigs were counted. On an average the 5 oz. of manure from the lot fed corn contained 7 whole grains; from the lot fed dry wheat 1,107 grains; from the lot fed corn and wheat G85 kernels of corn and 12 of wheat, and from the lot fed soaked wheat 1,003 grains. The conclusion is drawn that wheat should be crushed or broken before feeding. A trial showed that 4 per cent of the wheat kernels from the feces of the lot fed dry wheat germinated. [None of the undigested grains from the lot fed soaked wheat germinated. A test was made of the strength of the bones of the pigs in each lot. " Generally .speaking, the result of these tests shows that the hones of the corn-fed lot crushed most readily, while those of the soaked-wheat lot crushed least readily. The principal feature of interest was that the hones of the corn-fed pigs seemed appreciably softer than those of the other three lots." The organs and flesh of the different lots were weighed and examined, but no marked differences were observed. Montana swine feeding, F. Beach {Montana Sta.Bul. 14, pp. 19-33, pis. 2). — A test was made with pigs to learn the value of alfalfa and of stubble fields for pasture and to compare barley with different mixtures of barley, wheat, and peas. On August 22, 9 brood sows (averaging 272.3 lbs.) and 41 pigs (averaging 57.1 lbs.) were turned on an alfalfa pasture of 4£ acres. The pigs were from 2 to 5 months old. They re- ceived 1 lb. of cracked barley per head daily, and were fed in a pen which was so arranged that they could pass in and out. The sows could not enter the pen and received no food in addition to the pasture. At the end of G weeks the sows on an average had gained 5 lbs. in weight. In 2 weeks the pigs made an average gain of 4.5 lbs. per week. Three pigs (boars) were then removed. In the 5 weeks following the remaining pigs made an average gain of 0.42 lb. per head daily. They were then turned into barley, wheat, and pea stubble fields of IS acres, 10.44 acres, and 10.73 acres, respectively. They were not fed grain in addition to what they could find in the fields, except on stormy days, the grain thus fed amounting to 24.1 lbs. in 5 weeks. During this time the pigs made a gain of 22.8 lbs. per head, or 17.5 lbs. deducting the amount 178 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. which it was calculated they gained from the grain fed during stormy weather. On the supposition that 4.5 lbs. of grain are required to pro- duce a pound of pork the 41 pigs gathered 3,238.75 lbs. of grain which otherwise would have been lost. The harvesting had been done in the usual manner, and in the author's opinion the amount of peas and grain remaining in the fields did not exceed that in the stubble fields on the average farm. Seven brood sows were afterwards pastured during the winter on the station stubble fields, which included a 24-acre oat field in addition to those mentioned above. They were given no food in addition to what they could gather, except kitchen slops and a small grain ration on stormy days. "The sows frequently rooted down through 0 in. of snow and found sufficient grain to keep them in good condition throughout the entire winter.'' November 21, 38 pigs from the lot which had been pastured on stubble fields, and 11 others, farrowed about the same time, were divided into one lot of 13 and three lots of 12 each. The pigs averaged about 120 lbs. in weight. They were pure and grade Poland Chinas and grade Chester Whites. Lot 1 was fed barley; lot 2, barley and wheat, 1:1; lot 3, barley and peas, 1:1; and lot 4, barley, peas, and wheat, 1:1:1. The barley and wheat were fed ground and dry, as it was found that when fed whole some grain passed through the pigs undigested. The peas were fed whole and were well masticated. The test was divided into three periods of 32, 21, and 23 days. One pig was dropped from lot 3 at the end of the first period. The wheat was rated at $1, barley at 65 cts., and peas at 70.7 cts. per hundred pounds. The food consumed and gains in weight made : dur- ing the different periods are recorded. At the close of the experiment the pigs were sold at 3J cents per pound live weight. During the first period the average daily gains for the four lots were- 1.62, 1.65, 1.02, and 1.75 lbs., respectively; and the food consumed per pound of gain, 4.89, 4.64, 4.53, and 4.36 lbs. During the second period the average daily gains were 1.68, 1.63, 1.69, and 1.71 lbs.; and the food consumed per pound of gain, 5.05, 5.06, 5.01, and 4.82 lbs., respectively. During the third period the average daily gains were 1.21, 1.22, 1.15, and 1.27 lbs., the amounts of food consumed per pound of gain being 6.71, 6.45, 6.51, and 5.90 lbs. Among the conclusions reached were the following: "Pigs make the greatest gains and consume less grain per pound of gain before they reach 200 to 210 lbs. in weight. "The quality of pork produced from wheat, barley, and peas in the various com- binations used is firm and well adapted for the production of hams and bacon, the fat and lean of the meat being well distributed. "Pigs fed on barley or barley and wheat at present market prices will pay for all food consumed when pork is 3i cents a pound. "The pea combiued with grain is well adapted to the wants of the growing ani- mal, and will give the greatest gains on the smallest amount of feed." FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 179 Some essentials of beef production, C. F. Curtiss ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Farmers' Bui. 71. pp. 24, figs. 17). — The author discusses the most desirable type of cattle for fattening, mentions the characteristics of this type, and illustrates the use of the score card. Diagrams are given showing the method of cutting beef. The bulletin as a whole is based largely on experiments at the Iowa Station. According to the author, animals suitable for fattening, "though rep- resenting different breeds, present that compactness of form, thickness, and substance, together with superior tinish and quality, coupled with an inherent aptitude to lay on flesh thickly and evenly, that always characterizes the beef animal of outstauding merit." For fattening the prime requisite is general form. This point is discussed at some length. The author points out that gains in weight are not a sufficient index of the gains in value in fattening animals. Thus, animals of different breeds may make approximately the same gains in the same period of time, yet in one case the gains may consist of fat accumulated around the viscera while the flesh remains lean. In another case the fat may be well distributed throughout the carcass, making juicy meat. These differences are very clearly brought out by the block test. The fact is noted that in recent years there has been a marked change in the kind of beef preferred. A very large overfat steer is no longer as desirable as the more compact animal of prime quality and medium size — that is, younger animals are more desirable than older ones. "It is a well established principle in animal nutrition that young animals make more economical gains than older ones, and that the amount of food required for a given gain increases as the animal advances toward maturity." The economy of gain at different ages is discussed. In regions where coarse fodders and pasturage are abundant it may be desirable to extend the fattening period. "In the great feeding section within what is known as the 'corn helt' the condi- tions are such as to favor the liberal policy of feeding from first to last, and under these conditions early maturity may he attained by a generous use of the ordinary feeding stuffs throughout the entire growing and fattening period, quite as well or even better than by too extensive use of the more concentrated and expensive grain feeds. That is to say, early maturity may be largely accomplished by the liberal use of the cheaper feeds of the farm, combined with a suitable grain ration, which may be quite moderate except in the finishing period. The modern feeder must combine the advantages of economy of production resulting from early maturity, and the excellence and enhanced value of the finished product that can only come from the right kind of stock well handled. This implies good breeding and contin- uous good feeding. These requirements are no longer merely subservient, but prac- tically imperative." Digestion experiments, J. A. Widtsoe (Utah Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 141-151). — Experiments on the digestibility cf shredded corn fodder, alfalfa hay, timothy hay, and a mixture of 71.5 per cent bran and 28.5 per cent shorts were made with steers. Two steers of common native stock were used and the ordinary methods were followed. The steers 180 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. were fed the rations tested for at least a month before the beginning of the experiments, which covered from 7 to 10 days. The coarse fodders studied were fed alone. Corn fodder was fed with the wheat bran and shorts, and its calculated digestibility was deducted in determining the digestility of the grain. The coefficients of digestibility are shown in the following table: Coefficients of digestibility of various feeding stuffs. Dry matter. Protein. Fat. Xitrogen- free extract. Crude fiber. Ash. Shredded corn fodder: Per cent. 65. 39 63.06 Per cent. 57.57 55.99 Per cent. 76.16 78.88 Per cent. 65.19 63.06 Per cent. 78. 21 73.60 Per cent. 33.32 33. 75 64.23 56.78 77.52 64.13 75.91 33.54 Alfalfa hay: 59.58 60.74 70.27 70.33 54. 09 47.05 71.39 72.21 44.09 47.25 41.72 39.97 60.16 70.30 50.57 71.80 45.67 40.85 Timothy hay : 58.51 57.28 46.59 44.30 37.94 38. J 4 65.57 61.09 57. 92 58.78 25. 62 26 14 57.90 58.14 45.45 38. 04 03.33 58.35 25.88 75. 75 44.98 64.25 18.33 7.50 The results are briefly discussed and compared with similar results obtained elsewhere. Poultry, C. D. Smith (Michigan Sta. Bpt. 1896,pp. 109, 110).— A brief report is given of the poultry kept at the station. Wheat was com- pared with corn as the principal ration for grown chickens. In addi- tion to green food 2.8 lbs. of wheat or 2.77 lbs. of corn was required for a pound of gain. The cost of a pound of gain increased very rapidly as the chickens approached 5 lbs. in weight. A record was kept of the food consumed and eggs laid by three lots of 30 hens of the same age and breed having the same feeding and care. In six months lot 1 hud 2,232 eggs ; lot 2, 2,357 eggs, and lot 3, 2,295 eggs. A record was also kept of the temperature of poultry houses with different areas of glass. The temperature was found to vary but little. The nutritive value of Italian paste made ■wholly or in part of Indian corn, T. Jacoangkli and A. Boxanni (Bol. Not. Agr., 19 {1891), No. 29, pp. 434-44S).— The authors discuss the food of the poor classes iu Italy, calling attention to the fact that Indian corn is the principal food of the poor people in a considerable portion of the southern part of the Italian Peninsula and adjacent islands. It has usually been eaten in the form of polenta; that is, a porridge seasoned with fat, cheese, or other material. Many investigations have been made on the possibility of making satis- factory Italian pastes — i. e., macaroni, etc. — from corn alone or mixed with wheat. The authors report a number of experiments on the digestibility and comparative value of polenta and Italian pastes. In the first test the food consisted exclusively of polenta (corn-meal porridge) seasoned with a little lard, preserved tomatoes, and cheese. In the other tests the food consisted entirely of Italian pastes made of corn, FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 181 wheat, or a mixture of the two, which were eaten in the form of a thick sonp. In accordance with the usual custom the i'ood was taken in two meals — oue at 10 in the morning and the other at 4 in the afternoon. Water was the only beverage used, the quantity consumed varying little from day to day. The coefficients of digestibility and the income and outgo of nitrogen during the different tests are shown in the following table: Results of experiments with polenta and Italian pastes. Coefficients of digestibility. Nitrogen — Food consumed per day. Dry matter Corn-meal porridge 2,912 gin Soup from corn-meal paste, 3,459 Soup from paste £ corn meal, 4, Io\v-gr de Hour, 3,117 gm Soup from paste of best wheat flour, 2,85'J gm Soup from paste of § corn meal and k low grade Hour, 3,077 gm. Soup from paste of low-grade Hour, 2,814 gm Per ft. 91.50 94.78 94.79 Pro- tein. Per ct. 75. 0 89 81 90.54 91.22 90.33 90.76 Fat. Perct. 84.99 85.98 86.79 87.50 85. 70 86.19 Carbo- In hydrates, food. Perct. 94. 00 90.31 96.49 97.40 96. 31 96. 31 Grams. 11.03 13.35 14.01 13.45 13. 33 14.39 In urine. Grams. 7.81 10.51 10.97 10. 03 10.44 11.67 In feces. Grams. 2.69 1. 36 1.87 1.19 1.29 1.33 Gain. G rams. 0.53 1.48 1.07 1.63 1.00 1.39 The authors discuss the experiments at considerable length. The following gen- eral conclusions were reached: The Italian pastes made from corn meal are much better assimilated than the por- ridge. In this respect they are nearly equal to the pastes made from the linest qualify of wheat flour. The corn-meal pastes furnish a food product in which digest- ible protein may be obtained at a less cost than in corn-meal porridge or wheat pastes of different qualities. It is believed that such pastes will prove of the utmost importance in dietaries of people of limited income. The composition and food value of bread purchased in Lisbon in March, 1892, A. de Seabra (Stir la composition ct la valeur alimentaire du pain dn marche" de Lisbovne, aus mois de mars, 1892. Lisbon: Libanio da ,Silva, 1897, pp. 14). — The com- position and digestibility of a number of kinds of Portuguese bread are reported. Few details of methods followed are given. "Chocolate" oats, Balland (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. IS, pp. 1289-1291). — The name " chocolate " oats is applied to oats which have acquired a brownish color from exposure to rain and sun. The composition of such oats and oats of normal color, grown near Mostaganeni, is reported. The value of the kola nut as a part of a ration, L. Bernegau (Die Bedeutung der Kola-Xuss als Beifiitterstoff. Altona: 1897 ; abs. in But. Centbl., 73 (1S9S). No. I .', p. 460). — A brief account is given of a feeding experiment with the kola nut iu Mada- gascar. The author also reports investigations with horses. The addition of kola feeding stuff to the ration enabled the horses, in his opinion, to perform more severe labor, while at the same time they did not lose weight if the ration was diminished. Milk as food ( U. S. Dept. Ait. 1.48 .18 .38 Per cent. 0.91 .20 .38 Kg. 0.26 .02 .')47 Kff. 0. 'J0 . II J . 053 The samples from pasteurized milk contained, on the average, the same amount of fat as those from the unpasteurized milk, while the 188 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. average loss of fat in tlie buttermilk per 100 kg. of whole milk, was slightly less in case of the samples from pasteurized milk. This result is contrary to the teachings of the Danish pasteurization experiments (E. S. 1!., 2, p. 492). The average loss of fat from both pasteurized and unpasteurized milk was 0.049 kg.— F. w. woll. Butter fat in cheese (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Bui. 34, pp. 62-71). — "In order to settle, in a practical manner, the question of fact as to whether the standard of 32 per cent of butter fat in a full-cream cheese was impracticable, Professors Aschman, Frear, and Cochran were directed to have 100 samples of cheese selected in their respective dis- tricts and have them carefully tested for their percentage of butter fat, and it was agreed by all parties interested that the result of this test should be deemed conclusive.'1 The results of these analyses are tabulated, Aschman's average being 32.6 per cent of fat; Frear's, 35.3, and Cochran's, 33.0. "While a number of samples ran below the full-cream standard, there is evidence for the belief that they were in reality 'skim-milk' cheese, and would come under one of the lower classifications of the law, but few falling below that of 'three-fourths cream,' which requires the presence of 24 per cent of butter fat." "[The conclusion is reached] that the standard of 32 per cent of butter fat for a 'full cream cheese' is not too high and is readily attain- able by any careful and practical manufacturer, and that it is in favor of rather than against the manufacturer." To study the variation in the composition of samples taken from different parts of the same cheeses, series of samples were examined by the above analysts, and the results are given. It Avas found that — "The slight variation in the amount of butter fat in different por- tions of the same cheese, the rind being discarded, is not of sufficient amount to influence results, and that even this slight variation may be avoided by taking the samples with a cheese 'trier,' which insures a fair section of the cheese." To test the variation in fat content of cheese made under practically the same conditions on different days, cheese made by one maker on ten successive days was analyzed. All of the samples contained over 39 per cent of fat, and the variation between the maximum and mini- mum was 3.42 per cent. "Under proper management the variation caused by the milk of dif- ferent days is not of sufficient importance to modify results, especially as it is not the intention of the department to prosecute upon close or small margins." The fat content of a number of samples of fancy cheese is given, with the selling price per pound. The college herd, C. D. Smith {Michigan Sta. Bpt. 1S96, pp. 102-106).— The indi- vidual record is given for 12 cows for one year, showing the amount and cost of the food eaten, amount of milk and butter produced, profit, etc. The yield of milk ranged from 4,946.6 to 16,981 lbs. ; the calculated yield of butter from 173 to 652 lbs. ; DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 189 the cost of food per pound of butter from 5.5 to 16 cts. ; and the net profit from $6.08 to $94.05. Except in the case of one cow, the cost of butter was under 9 cts., and the net profit for the year exceeded $22. The 3 cows giving the greatest net profit were the 3 cows consuming the most feed. . . . On the other baud, College Dame Le Brocq, the average per cent of fat of whose milk was 6.33 per cent, returned, on account of her large yield of fat, a net profit of $42.99, although her total cost of feed was but $36.40, an expense less than that of any other cow in the herd save one. . . . "These cows vary, evidently, in their capacity to eat and digest food; they vary also in their capacity to return in butter fat an amount corresponding to the feed consumed." Dairy records, C. D. Smith {Michigan Sta. Bpt. 1896, pp. 223-266, figs. S).—k reprint of Bulletin 127 of the station (E. S. R., 7, p. 885). On the occurrence of tubercle bacilli in market butter, L. Rabinawitsch (Ztschr. Hyg. u. Infektionskrank., 26 (1897), p. 90; abs. in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. AM., 22 (1897), No. 20-21, pp. 610-612). Some of the dangers surrounding the dairy, E. F. Brush (Dieiet. and Hyg. Gaz., 14 (1S98), No. 3, pp. 142-144). Annual reports of the butter and cheese associations of the Province of Ontario, 1897 (Toronto: Ontario Dept. Agr., 1898, pp. 175). — This contains the pro- ceedings of the annual meeting of the associations, including various papers on the feeding and management of dairy stock, butter making, cheese making, creamery management, etc., with a list of members, financial statements, etc. The papers are largely quite popular, those by the college and station officers being based on work reported in detail elsewhere. Annual reports of the dairymen's and creameries' associations of the Province of Ontario, 1896 (Ontario Dept. Agr. Bpt. 1896, I, pp. 1-280).— The proceedings of the annual meetings of these associations. Report of cooperative dairy experiments for 1896, II. H. Dean (Ontario Dept. Agr. Bpt. 1896, I, pp. 256-258). — A very brief account is given of cooperative experi- ments made by private parties on the effect of an increase in the fat content of the milk on the yield and quality of cheese, effect of milling curd at different stages of acidity, effect of putting curd to press at different temperatures, and effect of wash- ing on quality of butter. Dairy bulletin by the dairy school, Guelph ( Ontario Agr. Col. and Espt. Farm Bui. 107, pp. 32). — This consists of popular articles by different authors on methods of sewage disposal, milk testing, care of milk for cheese factories and creameries, mak- ing a starter, separators and the separation of milk, butter making in the creamery, butter making on the farm, and cheese making. On the milk trade in large European cities, W. Minthe-Kaas (Tidxskr. Norske Landbr., 5 (1898), No. 3, pp. 97-119). Composition of human milk, A. H. Carter and H. D. Richmond (Brit. Med. Jour., 1898, I, pp. 199-203; abs. in Jour. Chem. Soc. [London'], 1898, No. 425, p. 175). Cheese yeasts and their systematic application in practice, O. Johan-Olsen (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr, Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, I, pp. 465-468; II, App. 17. pp. 9, ill.). The best medium for lactic acid ferments, O. Jensen (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. AM., 4 (1898), No. 5, pp. 196-199). — The author found a particular kind of peptonized milk furnished the best medium for a number of lactic ferments. A preliminary bulletin on the pasteurization of milk, C. D. Smith (Michigan Sta. Bpt. 1S96, pp. 413-442, figs. 6).— A reprint of Bulletin 134 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 630). On the manufacture of Thyboe cheese, B. Boggild ( Ugeskr. Landm., 43 (1898), No. 13, pp. 162-164). Branding cheese (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Bui. 34, pp. 50-52). — A discussion of the State law requiring the branding of cheese, with some of the difficulties that have been met. 190 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. United States vs. Canadian cheese in England, Dickinson ( U. S. Consular Bpts., 1898, No. 212, pp. 109-111). — Statistics are quoted on the export of cheese from Canada and the United States to England. Considerable more cheese was imported from Canada than from the United States. The Canadian cheese was valued at 9.12 cts. per pound and the United Stales cheese at 9.23 cts. VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. On a new infectious disease of cattle, ('•. Bosso {('entbl. Bald. u. Tar., 1. . I bt., 22 1 189? ), No. 18-19, pp. 537-542, pi. 1). — A disease discov- ered in the neighborhood of Pavia. rtaly, is described which is similar to eharbon or hemorrhagic septicemia, but can not be classed as either. It appeared suddenly, developing the following symptoms: Tempera- ture, 30° C; cud-chewing slow, almost none; weakness in the lumbar region and hinder parts; continued attempt to pass feces; suffering severe. After three or four days the animal's strength disappears and it succumbs, moaning painfully. In a herd of 21, 6 died. The disease was found on wet places and has been observed on dry or high ground. Infection appears to be through drinking water and food. Autopsy showed the heart, caronal arteries, and veins about the sulcus ariculo ventricularis crowded with ecchy- moses from the size of a needle point to that of a needle head. The entire surface of the ventricles was covered with them. The blood was reduced to a thin coagulum. The cardial lymph vessels were very noticeable and were abnormally swollen. The kidneys were very hyperemic, dark red to violet, inclined to black. Culture studies brought to light a motionless bacterium li // by 0.5 to 0.8 /i in size, which resisted many of the usual staining reagents and withstood Gram's decolorizing method. Some obtained from the kid- neys, where they are very numerous, measured 2.7 // long. Injection experiments with guinea pigs, dogs, and white mice resulted fatally in 18, 18 to 24, and 00 hours, respectively. Histological studies showed that the chief alterations occur in the Maipighian glomerules of the kidneys, where there was found great changes in the vascular walls and a great increase in the number of muscles in the endothelium of the vascular loops and the scaling of the outer epithelium of Bowman's capsules, all of which may be character- ized as Glomeruli) nephritis. The specific organisms can be found in large numbers inside the vessel cells in the lymph spaces. The disease is very different from the new septicemia with nephritis described by Thomassen as occurring in cattle, some of the differences appearing in the turbid urine in the latter disease and the motile organism. The organism is also distinct from that found in cases of nephritis found by Hess, Pflug, Mazanti, Rivolta, Mircoli, and others. Some diseases of cattle, N. S. Mayo (Kansas Sta. Bui. 69, pp. 103- 134, figs. ?). — This gives a brief popular account of Texas itch, black- leg or symptomatic anthrax, tuberculosis, and Texas fever. VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 191 From various parts of the State reports were received of a skin dis- ease, identified as Texas itch, caused by the mite Psoroptes communis bovis. In the outbreaks observed the mite was introduced on cattle from the ranges of the South and West. The disease spreads rapidly through a bunch of cattle, apparently by contact of the diseased and healthy animals, and indirectly by posts, feed-racks, etc. As remedies, emulsions of creolin and zenoleum (the latter in the proportion of 1 to 3 and applied with sponges, cloths, andscrubbing brushes) gave the best results. The cost is 2 to 3 cts. per head. The lime-sulphur remedy is also recommended. In opposition to the usual statement that blackleg is more prevalent in low and wet lands, the fact is noted that it seems to cause greater losses in the western part of Kansas, where the altitude is almost 4,000 ft. and the rainfall less than L'O in., than in the eastern part at an altitude of less than 1,000 ft. and an annual rainfall of nearly 40 in. Treat- ment is thought unsatisfactory and the best remedy is prevention by vaccination. The results of tuberculin tests are given. From the fact that, accord- ing to records collected from various sources, of 11,394 cattle tested in the United States 5,759 reacted, and that the number of errors was 12 or about 1 in 950, the author concludes that the test is very reliable. From the same sources it was found that different breeds seem to be affected in different degrees, as shown in the accompanying table: Table showing the distribution of tuberculosis by breeds. Breed. Number Number tested, reacting. Jersey, pure and grades Ill 77 Short 1 1. piii, pure ami grades 293 91 Holstein. pure and grades 283 127 Ayresliire, pure and grades 18 ■ 112 Guernsey, pure and grades 13 7 Devon, pure and grades 20 11 lied Polled, pure and grades 7 A berdeen-Angus. pure and grades Experiments were performed in infecting cattle with Texas fever by means of Hoophilus bovis, which completely confirmed conclusions arrived at by Dinwiddie, Francis, Connoway, and the Bureau of Animal Industry. An account is given of several outbreaks of Texas fever. In one case infected cattle were shipped into Kansas from north of the national quarantine line, but were found to have first come from south of it. In another case 170 head of cattle from California communicated the disease to a herd of 350 natives, 30 of which were lost. The com- paratively small loss is attributed to the small number of ticks on the California cattle. Although remedial treatment is not satisfactory, it is thought that some relief may be given by removing sick cattle to shady and com- fortable quarters, drenching them with sweet milk and removing the ticks. The quarantine method is the most effective remedy. 4485— No. 2 7 192 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A case of a contagious epidemic of pseudotuberculosis in sheep, Turske (Ztsohr. Milchhyg., 9 (1897), Wo. : : abs. in Gentbl. Hall, u. I'm-., l. Abt., 22 I 1897 \, Wo. 20-21, p. 615).— At a slaughterhouse in Danzig II out of a Hock of 150 8 to L2 year-old sheep were found infected with a disease identified as pseudotuberculosis. Enlarged glands, which were somewhat evident before death, came to light when the animals were slaughtered. These glands contained abscess-like formations of a greenish yellow color, but neither caseous nor crumbly. Report of the meeting of the German naturalists and physicians at Bruns- wick, 0. Voces (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Alt., 22 {1897), No. 22-23, pp. 685-693.— One of thf prominent fuels brought out in the summary of the papers read on tuber- culosis at the meeting is that milk maybe tuberculous without the udder itself being affected. An investigation for the repression of beri-beri, C. Ei.jkmax (Arch. Path. Anat. Physiol. [ Virchow},9 I 189? i, No. 1, pp. 187-194; abs. in Centbl. Bakt. it. Par., 1. Abt., 22 ( 1897), No. 18-19, !>/' i.— In Java a disease which resembles human beri-beri occurs in rice- fed poultry. It is concluded from feeding experiments that some sub- stance occurs in the so-called silver husk of rice that neutralizes the effect of feeding rice to hens. Studies in immunization against Staphylococcus pyogenes aureus, Reichen- bach ( Beitr. Klin. Chirurgie, IS, No. 1; abs. in Gentbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Abt., 22 (1897), No. .'.'■ 23, pp. 712, 713). Protective inoculation {Centbl. Bakt. it. Pur.. 1. Abt., 22(1897), No. 20-21, pp. 621-630). — A review of fourteen papers on the use of tuberculin and on analogous agents in other diseases. Parasitological notes, M. STOSSICH (Pol. Soc. Adriat. Sc. Nat., IS (1897), pp. 1-10, pis. 2; abs. in Zool. Centbl., 5 < 1S9S), Xo. 4, p. 124). — New hosts are noted for Asearis megalocephala and other parasites. On the occurrence of scarlet fever in animals, R. Behla (Centbl. liakt. it. Par., 1. Abt.. 21 ( 1891 ), No. 20-21, pp. 777-782). Contribution to the etiology of typhoid affections in the horse, G. P. Piana and P>. Galli-Valerio (Moderno Zooiatro, 1897; abs. Centbl. Pall. it. Pur., 1. Abt., 22 ( 1891 ). No. 20-21, p. i :/■',). On anthrax of the lungs, M. W. Petroff (Puss. Archiv. Path. Klin. Med. ti. Bakt., 91 I, No. 6, p. 565 : abs. in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Abt., 23 I 1898), No. 5-6, p. 219).— A caae of anthrax in a brush maker is described in detail. The person died within six days. Plenty of evidence was found to show that the germs entered through the respiratory passages. The bacillus was also found in the peri-bronchial and sub- pleural lymph vessels, in the lymph glands, and in the kidneys and spleen. Tuberculin investigations at Hamra (Sweden), 0. SvenstrOm (Tidskr. Landt- man, 18(1897), No. 46, pp. 825-828). — Experiments were made on the application of tuberculin inoculations as a preventive against tuberculosis. It was found that tuherculin is of no benefit for this purpose, and that by making repeated tuberculin injections on healthy animals no reaction may be obtained if the animals are exposed to contagion and after some time again tested with tuberculin. Animals should not therefore be injected too often with tuberculin, viz, not to exceed twice a year. It is furthermore noted that tuberculin will finally fail to give a reaction with animals which have reacted once or several times. — v. w. woli.. Bacteriological study on the transmission of Bacillus anthracis from the mother to the foetus, ('. Massa (Prif. Med., 1896, pp. 120, 121; abs. in Centbl. Bakt. n. Par., 7. AM., 22 (1891 I, No. . 2-23, p. 704) — Twenty-five animals, representing do.ns, guineas, mice, and cats, and 119 fofiti were studied. The conclusions drawn are: The transmission of micro-organisms to the fcptns can take place only through placental VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 193 lesions. The placenta in charbon changes rapidly after death, undergoing a peculiar decomposition, no bacilli occur, and the dead foetus does not always contain bacilli. These are found only in the blood and in the surrounding amniotic fluid. New discoveries on Bacillus tuberculosis, its transformation in the common saprophyte, and its resemblance to the Coli bacillus, J. Ferran (Nourellea deco uver tes sur le bacille de la tubereulose ; La transformation en saprophyte .vulgaire et son rapprochement da genera Coli bacilli. Barcelona, 1897 ; abs. in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Abt., 22 ( 1897), Xo. 16-17, pp. 483, 4S4). Tuberculosis in cattle, E. A. A. Grange {Michigan Sta. Bpt. 1896, pp. W2-412). — A reprint of Bulletin 133 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 625). An investigation of tuberculosis in the ass, Julme (Ztschr. Tiermed., 1 {1S97), p. 361; abs. in Bakt. u. Par., 1. Abt., 22 {1897), No. 20-21, p. 614).— It was found that the ass is by no means immune to tuberculosis. A rare case of udder tuberculosis, Eiirhardt (Schweiz. Arch. Tierheilk., 1896, pt. 2; abs. in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Abt., 22 (1S97), No. 20-21, pp. 613, 614).- Iu a healthy cow that two months previous to slaughtering had been diagnosed as affected with tuberculosis of the udder there was found evidence of old lesions in the udder and of fresh miliary tuberculosis in the lungs. Investigations of bovine tuberculosis in Finland, 1894-95, C. Aiilman and II. Sawela {Landfbr. Styr. Meddel., 1897, No. 20, pp. 167-189). The contest against bovine tuberculosis, B. Bang {Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1S07, I, pp. 209 229). Life history of trichina, J. W. Graham {Arch. Mikros. Anat., 50 {1897), pp. 219-275, pis. 3 ; abst. .four. Boy. Micros. Soc. [London'], iS'JS, No. ■!, p. 79). — The fact that young trichina occur in the body cavity free in the tissue and arc unequally distributed in the different groups of muscles the author holds is not supported by the idea of active migration, while the tact that embryos occur in the blood, that the embryo has been found iu the artery of the diaphragm, that embryos occur in blood clots in the lungs, and the existence of lesious and the bleeding of capillaries, and the rapidity of distribution are arguments in favor of the distribution of the parasite being by means of the blood vessels. Filaria and Spiroptera, M. Stossich {Bol. Soc. Adriat. Sci. Nat., IS {1S97), pp. 13-102; abs. in Zool. Centbl., 5 {1898), No. 4, p. 124).— A monograph treating of 317 species of parasites belonging to the genera Filaria, Spiroptera, Oxyspirura, Fila- roides, Spiroxys, and Gougylonema. The duration of immunity after illness with foot-and-mouth disease, Kenner {Berlin Tierarzlt. Wchnschr., 27 (18D7); abs. in Centbl. Halt. u. Far., 1. Abt., 22 ( 1897), No. 20-21, p. 621). — A half year after the disease affected a herd of cattle it appeared again. The animals that had beeu affected in the first attack escaped the second. The struggle with foot-and-mouth disease, Hoexe (Berlin Tierarzlt. Wchnschr., 27 {1S07); abs. in Centbl. Bakt. n. Par., 1. Abt., 22 {1897), No. 20-21, p. 621). Observations on the etiology of foot-and-mouth disease, V. Bares and G. Proca (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Abt., 21 (1S97), No. 23-23, pp. 835-849, Jigs, o).— The author found several bacterial forms and believes that he has isolated one, a fungoid- bacterioid, that is the cause of the disease. This form is of uncertain position, but it calls to mind Babes's Ascobaeterinm Intern. Injection of cultures produced the fever. The causes and importance of udder diseases, .1. Wennerholm (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Ron (jr., Stockholm, 1897, I, pp. 160-173). A case of three-fold infection, L. Gussew ( Centbl. Halt. n. Par., 1. Abt., 11 ( 1 No. 22-23, pp. 849-857, fig. 1). — Infection with Bacillus of charbon, a pus-forming Streptococcus, and Fraeukel's Diplococcus. The origin of tetanus antitoxin in the animal body and its relation to tetanus poison, A. Knorr (Fortschr. Med., 1897, No. 17 ; abs. in Centbl. Halt. n. Par., 1- Abt., 22 (1897), No. 18-19, pp. 567-568). 194 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Topographical anatomy of the horse, W. Ellenberger and H. Baum (Topo- graphische-Anatomie des Pferdes. Berlin: Paul l'arey,1897, 3 col*., pp. o:,l; rev. in Nature, 56 {1897), No. 1460, p. 586). TECHNOLOGY. Paints and painting materials and miscellaneous analyses, H. H. Harrington and P. S. Tilson (Texas Sta. Bid. 44, pp. 9H1-973).— Tesus of the drying properties of crude and refined cotton-seed oil and analyses of thirteen samples of commercial paints are reported. The conclusion is drawn that cotton-seed oil may be used for rough outside painting in summer weather, especially if mixed with a dryer, but in no case will it give the luster or hardness which may be obtained with linseed oil. "Its durability may, however, be even better." It is recommended to buy the oil and pigments separately and mix them to suit, rather than to buy the ready mixed paints. Analyses of 36 samples of mineral waters, 2 of damaged cotton-seed meal, 6 of coal, 4 of copper ore, 2 of iron ore, 2 of clay, 1 of fertilizer, 1 of calcareous shells, 2 of asphalt, 2 of ashes, and 2 of satol (whole plant and inner portion), and the results of an examination of 2 distil- lation by-products from lignite tar are also reported. Notes on cold storage, F. W. Kane (Proc. Soc. From. Agr. Sci., 1897, pp. 53-59). — This is a general discussion of the use of cold stor- age for the preservation of agricultural products of various kinds, including an account of a cold-storage cellar constructed at the Kew Hampshire Station in which apples and potatoes were successfully stored. The principle upon which this storage cellar was constructed is thus explained : "It might be termed climate cold storage, and consists of studying and husband- ing the lowest temperatures of one's climate to do one's bidding. There are few days at a stretch from .September until late in spring in New England, for instance, but that the temperature falls at some time sufficiently to utilize it for cold storage. Being prepared to retain this temperature in cellars or buildings constructed for the purpose until a similar or lower temperature is again realized is the key to its suc- cess. From experience it is believed this simple method can with comparatively little care and expense be made more useful at present (in this our transitory stage) than all others. It is not offered to take the place of other systems already men- tioned, but to meet an apparent need in our rural districts." Wool scouring, E. F. Ladd (North Dakota Sta. Bui. 82, p. 271).— The losses in weight from scouring three samples of wool were 60.01 per cent, 62.64 per cent, and 61.77 per cent. It is stated that these were "fair samples from the sheep as found on the prairies in the sheep belt of the western part of the State. . . . Data that have come under the observation of the writer have shown a loss of from 55 to 70 per cent from scouring samples of North Dakota wool.'' On the natural occurrence of large amounts of potassium chlorid and sodium chlorid in the juice of grapes and in the wines of the saline regions of Oram E. Bonjkan (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 18, pp. 1275-1277).— The French law requires that wine shall not contain more than 0.607 gm. of chlorin per liter. The author found more than this in grapes of the province of Oran and in the wine made from these grapes. AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. 195 A study of some bad wines, E. Kayskk and G. Bakba (Ann. Sci. Agron., 1S9S, I, No. 1, pp. 25-39). Castor oil manufacture (Producers' Gaz. and Settler*' Record [Western Australia], 5 (1S0S), No. 2, p. 127). — A short note on the method of extracting the oil. AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. Progress in timber physics, B. E. Fernow (['. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Forestry Gire. 18, j>p 20, dgms. 11, tables 10). — The infiu- eiice of size on test results and distribution of moisture as factors in timber physics are reported upon at some length. The circular also contains some notes by S. T. Xeely on the " End wise-compression strength to breaking load of beams.'' The most important conclusions given in the circular are as follows : "A difference in strength values derived from a few specimens of the same kind of wood, up to 10 per cent for coniferous wood and to 15 per cent for hard woods. can not be considered a difference of practical importance; such differences can not be relied upon as furnishing a criterion of the quality of the material. "The size of the test piece does not in itself influence strength values (except in compression endwise when the size is less than a cube). " Small test pieces judiciously selected furnish a better statement of average values of a species than tests on large beams and columns in small numbers. " A large series of tests on small pieces will give practically the same result as such a series on large beams and columns; hence, there is no need of finding a coeffi- cient with which to relate the results of the former to construction members. "The influence of moisture on strength appears even greater than the former tests and statements from this Division have indicated." The most important discovery of all is that worked out by S. T. JSTeely, as follows: "The strength of beams at elastic limit is equal to the strength of the material in compression, and the strength of beams at rupture can, it appears, be directly calcu- lated from the compression strength ; the relation of compression strength to the breaking load of a beam is capable of mathematical expression." Dynamometer tests on farm wagons, C. D. Smith {Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1806, p. 110). — k'On good roads the draft of wide and narrow tired wagons was about equal. On plowed land a narrow tired wagon pulled 45 per cent harder than one with wide tires; on a road with sand 2 in. deep, 25 per cent harder; and on sod, 16 per cent harder. A wagon not greased pulled 18 per cent harder than one greased." Shrinkage of cord wood, C. D. Smith (Michigan Sta. Ept. 1896, pp. 110, 111). — Five cords of freshly cut, 18-in. green beech wood weighed 14,336 lbs. on February 7. The wood was piled out of doors, and on October 9 it weighed 7,118 lbs. "Twenty cords of 18-in. slab wood split into stove wood gained 10 per cent in bulk in the operation." Drainage by means of fascines, R. Schmoldt (Dent. Landw. 1'resse. No. 24, p. 262). Windmills, M. Ringelmann (Jour. Ayr. rrat., 62 (1898), T. No. 21, pp. 761, 762). Irrigation on our farm, R. Hittinger (Agr. of Massachusetts, 1897, pp. lit, 142, fig.l). — An account is given of the irrigation of a farm and greenhouses from two artesian wells, the water being raised by a windmill and a steam pump and applied through pipes and revolving sprinklers. 196 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Irrigation in Utah, C. IF. Brough (Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins Press, 1898, pp. XV -\- 212, pis. ')).— The 1 1< is divided into two parts, (1) economic history of irri- gation in Utah, including the formation of the cooperative system (1847-48), economic development under the cooperative Bystem 1 1848-1862), early legislation (1862-1867), transportation and commerce as aids to irrigation (1867-1877), recent legislation (1877-1897), capitalistic irrigation (1890-189-), development of agriculture through irrigation, development of horticulture tlrrough irrigation, and relation of irrigation to other factors of I tali's industrial system; (2) problems of irrigation iu Utah, including advantages of reclaiming the remaining irrigable land, methods of reclaim- ing the whole body of irrigable land, administration of irrigable land already ceded to the State, State control of water, necessity for more accurate means of measuring water, ami marketing of irrigation products. Miscellaneous information and data are given in an appendix. Sewage disposal, IS. F. La Rue (Sci. hner. Sup., 15 (1898), No. 1171, p. 18743, fig. 1). — Different methods of sewage disposal are discussed, broad irrigation being considered "the most satisfactory and effectual means of sewage purification yet tried where suitable land can he procured." Notes on the employment of convicts in connection with road building, R. Stone ( U. S. I>ept. Ayr.. OfficeofBoad Inquiry Hal. 16, r< v., pp. 21, figs. 4).— A reprint of Bulletin 16 of the Office of Road Inquiry of this Department (E. S. R., 7, p. 258), with some additional matter on the subject supplied by various officers in South Carolina, California, and New York. Swine pasture fences, 8. M. Emkry (Montana Sta. Bui. 14, p. 84). — Barbed wire fences for pig pastures at the station have proved unsatisfactory, and hoard fences are objectionable because of their expense and tendency to collect snow drifts. The author recommends the use of woven wire for the purpose. Building silos, C. D. Smith (Michigan Sta. Spec Bui. 6, pp. 17, figs. 10). — General considerations in the construction of silos are discussed and methods of construction of stave silos, round silos with horizontal lining, and rectangular and square silos are explained, with plans and specifications. STATISTICS— MISCELLANEOUS. Tenth Annual Report of Kansas Station, 1897 ( Kansas Sta. Upt. 1807, pp. XX). — This contains the financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, and the report of the council giving an outline of Bulletins 65 to 71 published by the station during the year and an account of the work in progress of the different departments The station staff was changed September 1, 1897, and shows an almost complete reorganization. Ninth Annual Report of Michigan Station, 1896 (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 93-460). — A financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896 ; short reports by the director and heads of departments, including detailed reports of the apiarist, meteorologist, horticulturist, agriculturist, and botanist (noted elsewhere) on the work of the year, and reprints of Bulletins 125 to 134 of the station. Tenth Annual Report of Tennessee Station, 1897 I Tennessee Sta. Upt. 1897, pp. 152—165). — Contains the report of the treasurer for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, brief reports by the heads of the various departments on the work of the year, a general review of the work of the station by the secretary, and a list of the publications of the station since its organization in 1888. Historical Sketch of the United States Department of Agriculture ; its objects and present organization, C. H. Greatjiouse and G. W. Hilt ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of Publications Bui. 3, pp. 74, ph. 3, jigs. 10). — This sketch is compiled from the annual reports of the several Commissioners and Secretaries of Agriculture and deals with the history, work, and growth of the Department under the different administrations since its organization. It is "supplemented with a statement of the origin and duties of the several bureaus, divisions, and offices of the Depart- STATISTICS MISCELLANEOUS. 197 nient . . . and by citations from the several laws under which the Department has attained its present state of development." Of what service are statistics to the farmer ? J. Hyde ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Statistics Bui. 14, misc. ser., pp. 258-270). — A popular discussion id" the value of statistical information to agricultural interests. (Reprinted from the Yearbook of the Department of Agriculture for 1897, pp. 258-270.) Experiment station work — IV (17. S. Dept. Agr.. Farmers1 Bid. 73, pp. 31, figs. •>'). — This is the fourth number of this series of popular bulletins based upon experiment station work in this and foreign countries. The following subjects are discussed: Pure water, loss of soil fertility, availability of fertilizers, seed selec- tion, Jerusalem artichoke, Kafir corn, thinning fruit, use of low-grade apples, cooking vegetables, condimental feeding stuffs, steer and heifer beef, and swells in canned vegetables. Trade of Porto Rico, F. H. Hitchcock (U. S. Dept. Agr., Section of Foreign Markets Bui. 13, pp. 84). — A statistical review of the foreign trade of Porto Pico, showing the nature, amount, and value of the principal imports and exports, the countries with which most of the trade is carried on, etc., for each of the ten years ending witli 1S96. The total export trade of Porto Pico in 1896 amounted to $18,341,130 and the total import trade to $18,282,690. The principal exports of Porto Pico are sugar and coffee. These constitute fully 85 per cent of all agricul- tural merchandise sent from the island to foreign markets. More than 99 per cent of the coffee is sent to Spain, Cuba, and France, and less than 1 per cent to the United States. Out of 122,946,335 pounds of sugar exported from Porto Pico in 1896, 71,875,614 pounds were sent to the United .States. Spain received the next largest amount, 43,600,064 pounds. The principal imports of Porto Rico are rice, wheat flour, and hog products. The two latter are obtained principally from the United States and the former from the British East Indies and through German and Spanish sources. Crcp circulars for May and June, 1898 ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of Statistics Crop ('ire. May, pj>. 3; June, pp. 4). — The circular for May is the first of a series of crop circulars designed to take the place of the new series crop reports heretofore issued. It gives the acreage and condition of wheat, rye, cotton, meadows, and spring pasture, and notes the progress of spring plowing in the different States and Territories up to the first day of May. The June circular extends this information to June 1 and contains in addition a compiled summary of climatic conditions during the spring months of 1898. Report on crops, live stock, etc., in Manitoba, 1898 {Ontario Dept. Agr. and Immigr. Hit I. 55, pp. 19). — Information relative to acreage and condition of the crops, live stock, etc., the rainfall, and other climatic conditions, compiled from the reports of about 350 correspondents. A list of the creameries and cheese factories in Manitoba, with the name and address of secretary of each, is included in the report. Crops and live stock in Ontario (Ontario Bureau Did. Did. 65, pp. S). — A report on the rainfall and temperature of the winter months and on the status of fall wheat, clover, vegetation, live stock, farm supplies, etc., with remarks of correspondents, and farm statistics for Manitoba for 1897. The development of agriculture in Ontario, C. C. James (Ontario Bureau Did. Iipt. 1896, App., pp. -24-48). — A semi-statistical paper dealing with the history and progress of agriculture in Ontario. Brief review of the activity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Government Estates during the second year of its existence, March 30, 1895-March 30, 1896 {St. Petersburg. 1896,pp. 234, Y; dbs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesor., 1S5 (1897), Mag, pp. 4S1, 482). — Among the features of the work were the following: Seven new lower agricultural schools were opened. In the agricultural school atCharkovanew depart- ment has been established for the study of the methods of teaching agricultural Bui jects and applied natural sciences. In 42 places courses in agriculture have hern introduced for the teachers in pnblic schools. The number of instructors in dairy- ing has been increased and the sphere of their activity widened. Of the work in 198 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. separate branches of agriculture may be mentioned the efforts to introduce improved races of cattle and hogs by buying good stock and selling it to the farmers on easy terms. — 1\ FIREMAN. Description of individual Russian farms (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 186 (1S97), July, pp. 1-71; Aug., pp. 315-876; is; i 189"/ ), Oct., pp. 1-95; Nov., pp. 241-280; Dec, pp. 493- 517). — The Ministry <>f Agriculture commissioned a number of experts to describe the methods of farming in different localities of Russia by describing individual farms, especially those that present some particular points of interest. The object was two- fold: (1) to familiarize the tanners with the successful improvements and innovations, and (2) to spread information as to the places where proper seeds, fruit trees, pure- blooded animals, etc., could be directly obtained without the intervention of middle- men. Through the latter means it was hoped that direct cooperation between agri- cult mists would be encouraged and confidence in useful innovations increased. — P. FIREMAN. Review of the activity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Government Es- tates for the third year of its existence, March 30, 1896-March 30, 1897 (St. Petersburg, 1897, pp. VI, 389; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 187 (1897), Oct. p. 231). Among the most important work accomplished during this period was the solution in a legislative way of the questions of granting loans for agricultural improvements and of providing the peasants with land in four Siberian governments — Tobolsk, Tomsk, Yeniseisk, and Irkoutsk. Of the measures which are proposed especial stress is laid on the spreading agricultural information, in part among women, by estah- lishiug corresponding secondary and lower schools. — P. fireman. Agricultural holdings in Germany (Jour. Bd. Ayr. [London}, 5, No. 1, pp. 29-35). — Size and modes of tenure of agricultural land in Germany and a compar- ison with the holdings in Great Britain. Finnish agriculture, X. Grotenfelt (Her. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stock- holm, 1897, I, pp. 240-256). Catalogue of reports and bulletins of New Jersey Stations and index of reports, 1880-1897 (New Jersey Stas. Spec. Bui. B, pp. 44). Accessions to the Department library, January-March, 1898 (/r. S. Dept. Ayr., Library Bui. Apr., 1898, pp. 33). The promotion of agricultural science, I. P. Roberts (Proc. Soc. Prom. Ayr. Set., 1897, pp. 82-85). — Suggestions as to methods of making information in agri- cultural science available to the rural population of the country. Agricultural association in the Scandinavian countries, P. Fahlbeck, G. Taxdkehg, and J. C. La ('our (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, I, pp. 490-518; II, App. 15, pp. 15). Report of the Chemical and Seed Control Station at Aabo, Finland, 1895 (Landtbr. Styr. Meddel, 1897, No. 19, pp. Li!'. 140). Agricultural counselors in the Scandinavian countries, J. Nathorst (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, I, }UK 51—72). Agricultural education in Spain (Jour. Bd. Agr. [London], 5, No. 1, p. 79). — A short note giving a general description of agricultural education in Spain. The annual expenditure on agricultural education, including the payment of agricultural engineers, experts, foremen, etc., is a little over $280,000. Report on agricultural education in Denmark, M. Hey (Bui. [Mln. Agr. France], 1(1 (1SU7), No. 1, pp. 147-16S). — A description of the system of agricultural education in Denmark. Technical instruction for farm women, H. Tveter (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, I, pp. 282-286; II, App. 7, pp. 14). Agricultural institutions in Denmark, N. Heyman (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, I, pp. .'07-209). Bird day in the schools, T. S. Palmer ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Biological Survey Circ. 17, pp. 4). — A popular circular designed to awaken au interest in birds and establish a day on which special attention will be given to birds in schools, etc. NOTES. Arizona Station. — C. S. Parsons has been appointed director and irrigation engineer of the station, to succeed J. W. Tourney, who lias been acting director since November 1, 1897. Professor Tourney "will confine himself to botany and entomology. S. M. Woodward has been appointed meteorologist of the station, to succeed N. H. Barnes, resigned. Florida Station. — At the annual meeting of the board of control, held June 11, it was voted to build an experimental tobacco-curing barn and laboratory. The plans adopted include two curing or drying rooms, provided with artificial heat; a sweat room, and a bacteriological laboratory. The entire process of curing the crop, including all the stages from the field to the rolling of the cigar, are to be scientifically studied, with a view to discovering the causes of the changes taking place and to studying the possibility of controlling these changes and producing them at will. This laboratory is believed to be the only one in existence devoted to this work. Georgia College and Station. — H. N. Starnes has resigned his position as hor- ticulturist of the station, to take effect January 1, 1899, and has been elected pro- fessor of agriculture and horticulture in the college. A. L. Quaintame, assistant biologist of the Florida Experiment Station, has been elected to fill the vacancy caused by Professor Starnes's resignation. Indiana Station. — A. H. Bryan has been elected assistant chemist of the station. Iowa College and Station. — The following changes have been made in the board of trustees: Governor L. M. Shaw, and E. C. Barret, superintendent of public instruc- tion, have become members ex officio, and S. H. Watkins, of Liberty ville; C. S. Bar- clay, of West Liberty, and W. B. Penick, of Tingley, have been appointed in place of C. M. Dunbar, Hamilton Smith, and A. B. Shaw. The following additions have been made to the station stall': Joseph J. Edgerton, assistant in agricultural physics; F. W. Bouska, assistant in dairying; and Miss C. M. King, entomological and botanical artist. A sheep barn, 32 by 10 ft., with wings 16 by 100 ft., is being built. The leading lines of railway are arranging to cooperate in running excursions to the station and college at a very low rate. The -dairy department is now furnishing the U. S. Department of Agriculture with 1,000 lbs. of butter a week for export to foreign markets. An extensive farm imple- ment storage room is now being constructed, which will facilitate the work of instruction in agricultural physics. % Nebraska University and Station. — The board of regents at their June meet- ing established a department of animal husbandry, to be in charge of C. II. Elmen- dorf. Vergil C. Barber, A. B., of the university, was appointed assistant to Dr. Peters in the department of animal pathology. R. A. Emerson, B. Sc. of the Office of Experiment Stations, was appointed assistant professor of horticulture, to succeed F. W. Card, resigned, the appointment to take effect April 1, 1899. New York Cornell Station. — Wilhelm Miller has been appointed assistant in horticultural work and has charge of experiments with chrysanthemums. Oregon Station.— B. L. Pague, of Portland, has been elected a member of the board of regents, rice Samuel Hughes, deceased. Texas College and Station.— At the annual meeting of the board of directors L. L. McGinnis, of Bryan, was elected treasurer, vice L. L. Foster. 4485— No. 2 8 199 200 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The first Farmers' Congress was held at the college July 13-15. In connection with this congress meetings were held of the Texas State Horticultural Society, the State Swine Breeders' Association, and the State Dairymen's Association. The congress was well attended and successful in every way. Wyoming University and Station. — E. E. Smiley has been elected president of the university and director of the station, vice F. P. Graves, who has resigned, to accept the presidency of the University of Washington. Station for Plant Protection at Hamburg, Germany. — A station for plant protection has been established at Freihafen, near Hamburg. Dr. C. Brick, of the Botanical Museum of Hamburg, has been appointed director of the station and Dr. L. Reh, zoologist. The establishment of the station grew out of the discussion of the danger of the introduction of the San Jose scale by means of American fruits. It will also be the duty of the station to control the importation of live plants from foreign countries, investigate means of repression in the case of outbreaks of plant diseases, and exercise control over the great nurseries, vineyards, and fruit orchards in the region. 1 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, EDITED BY A. C. TRUE, Ph. I)., Director. E. W. Allen, Ph. D., Assistant Director — Chemistry, Dairy Farming, and Dairying. W. H. Beal — Meteorology, Fertilizers (including methods of analysis), Soils, and Agricultural Engineering. Walter H. Evans, Ph. D. — Botany and Diseases of Plants. C. F. Langworthy, Ph. D. — Foods and Animal Production. F. C. Kenyon, Ph. D. — Entomology and Veterinary Science. R. A. Emerson — Horticulture. J. I. Schulte — Field Crops. With the cooperation of the scientific divisions of the Department and the Abstract Committee of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. CONTENTS OF Vol. X, No. 3. Editorial notes : Page. Irrigation investigations 201 An Egyptian school of agriculture 202 Physical and meteorological researches, principally on solar rays, made at the station of agricultural climatology at the observatory of Juvisy, C. Flani- marion 203 Recent work in agricultural science 214 Notes 299 SUBJECT LIST OF ABSTRACTS. CHEMISTRY. Legumin and other proteids of the pea, lentil, horse bean, and vetch, T. B. Osborne and G. F. Campbell 211 Proteids of the soy bean, T. B. Osborne aud G. F. Campbell 218 On the solubility of tricalcium phosphate and apatite in water, J. Joffre 218 A method for distinguishing bone phosphate from mineral phosphate, F. Mar- tiuotti 219 BOTANY. Investigations on the native vegetation of alkali lands, J. B. Davy 220 Investigations on various economic plants, J. B. Davy 222 Acidity of the root sap of citrus trees, E. W. Hilgard 223 METEOROLOGY. Meteorological observations, A. 0. Leuschner and C. H. Shinn 224 Meteorological record for 1896 - • -25 I II CONTENTS. WATER — SOILS. Page. Analyses of waters , 228 Alkali and alkali soils, K. H. Loughridge 225 A chemical study of some typical soils of the Florida peninsula, A. A. Persons. 226 Soils of San Joaquin Valley Substation, California, C. H. Shinn 229 Physical effects of lime on soils, J. B. Reynolds 228 Experiments in capillarity with long tubes, J. B. Reynolds 228 Soil temperatures 229 Rocks, clays, coals, plants, and miscellaneous substances • 229 Examination of soils 229 FERTILIZERS. Improvement and fertilization of land, E. W. Hilgard 235 Commercial fertilizers 229 Composition of the ashes of different woods, R. Harcourt 232 Experiments on the availability of fertilizer nitrogen, S. W. Johnson, E. H. Jenkins, and W. E. Britton 232 Alkali, C. H. Shinn 235 FIELD CROPS. Report of the agricultural department, W. C. Latta 236 Chicory growing as an addition to the resources of the American farmer, M.G.Kains 236 Analyses of cafiaigre or tanners' dock, G. E. Colby 244 Experiments with field roots, silage, and forage crops, C. A. Zavitz 237 Report of grasses and fodder plants, A. B. Leckenby 244 Report on grasses and forage plants, E. J. Wickson 245 Notes on hay growing, C. H. Shinn 245 Some economic plants, C. H. Shinn 244 Small culture plats, C. H. Shinn 244 Notes on small cultures, A. V. Stubenrauch 245 The cultivated vetches, J. G. Smith 245 Experiments with varieties of grain, C. A. Zavitz 238 Sugar beets in Colorado in 1897, W. W. Cooke and W. P. Headden 240 Sugar-beet growing in Iowa, 1897, C. F. Curtiss and J. Atkinson 241 Sugar beets, M.E.Jaffa 246 Growing sugar beets for factories, G. H. West 246 Cooperative sugar-beet work 246 Sugar beets, C. T. Jordan 246 Experiments in the fertilizing and curing of tobacco, 1897, E. H. Jenkins 242 Experiments in growing tobacco with different fertilizers. Report on the fer- mented crops of 1896, E. H. Jenkins 242 Results of the experiments with tobacco fertilizers for the years 1892 to 1896, E. H. Jenkins 242 HORTICULTURE. Horticulture at the Southern Coast Range Culture Substation, C. H. Shinn. .. 254 Report of the horticultural department, J. Troop 254 Outline of the work of the horticultural department, S. A. Beach 254 Report of the horticulturist, H. L. Hutt 252 On the use of commercial fertilizers for forcing-house crops, E. H. Jenkins and W. E. Britton 246 Distribution of seeds, plants, cuttings, etc., E. J. Wickson 253 Fruits of the Foothill Culture Substation, C. H. Shinn 254 CONTENTS. Ill I'aga Melons, squashes, and vegetables at the Southern Coast Range Substation, A. V. Stubenrauch .. 254 Garden vegetables and various trees, E. J. Wickson 254 Effects of fertilization on citrus fruits, G. E. Colby and E. W. Hilgard 250 Analyses of oranges, lemons, and pomelos, G. E. Colby 255 Proximate analyses of prunes, plums, dried fruits, and raisins, G. E. Colby 255 Report of injury to fruit trees during the winter of 1895-96, S. A. Beach and C. P. Close 251 Observations on cover crops for orchards, S. A. Beach and C. P. Close 251 Testing fruits, S. A. Beach, W. Paddock, and C. P. Close 254 Almonds, peaches, and nectarines at the Southern California Substation, C. H. Shinn and J. W. Mills 254 Thinning fruit, S. A. Beach 254 Orchard fruits and date palms at the San Joaquin Valley Culture Substation, C. H. Shinn 254 Orchard and small fruits, trees, shrubs, and other plants at the Southern Cali- fornia Substation, C. H. Shinn 254 Olives and olive oil, A. P. Hayne 255 Analyses of California olives, G. E. Colby 255 New apparatus for crushing olives 255 Experiments with fruits, J. L. Budd 252 Examination of sulphured (bleached) fruit 255 Memorauda on wine, table, and raisin grapes, F. T. Bioletti 255 California walnuts, almonds, and chestnuts, G. E. Colby 255 Quantities of mineral matters and nitrogen in violets grown under glass, A. L. Winton 253 FORESTRY. A report of forestry substations, C. H. Shinn 255 Forestry plantations, J. L. Budd 257 Timber and shade trees, C. H. Shinn 258 SEEDS — WEEDS. Tests of the vitality of vegetable seeds, E. H. Jenkins 258 Seed testing: Its importance, history, and some results, C. R. Ball 259 DISEASES OF PLANTS. Report of the mycologist, F. C. Stewart 260 The mildew of Lima beans, W. C. Sturgis 261 On the cause and prevention of a fungus disease of the apple, W. C. Sturgis.. 261 Preliminary investigations on a disease of carnations, W. C. Sturgis 262 Some diseases of ol i ves, F. T. Bioletti 262 Alfalfa leaf spot, R. Combs 263 Report of the botanical department, J. C. Arthur 263 Report of the bacteriologist, F. C. Harrison 264 Blight and other plant diseases, C. S. Crandall 266 Specimens of diseased plants, etc., F. T. Bioletti 267 Literature of fungus diseases, W. C. Sturgis 267 On the prevention of leaf blight and leaf spot of celery, W. C. Sturgis 265 Plum leaf spot, S. A. Beach 265 Prevention of fungus diseases in cherry orchards, S. A. Beach 265 Remedy for fungi and insects, C . W. Woodworth - 267 A steam sterilizer for soils, W. E. Britton 265 IV CONTENTS. ENTOMOLOGY. Page. Report of the apiculturist, R. F. Holterrnann 267 Report of the department of entomology, V. H. Lowe and P. A. Shrine 268 Entomological section, H. Oshorn and E. D. Ball 271 Entomology, W. D. Hnnter 273 Insect notes of the season, W. E. Britton 273 FOOD — ANIMAL PRODUCTION. Second report on food products 280 The composition of hay as affected hy maturity, R. Harcourt 274 Food value of California eggs, M. E. Jaffa 274 Report of the chemical department, H. A. Huston 275 Investigations of California cattle foods, M. E. Jaffa 276 Analyses of feeds, A. L. YVinton, A. W. Ogden, and W, L. Mitchell 276 Different quantities of meal for fattening steers, G. E. Day 277 Comparison of sweet and sour whey for pigs, G . E. Day 277 Comparison of different hreeds of swine, G. E. Day 278 Feeding trials with crossbred swine, W. P. Wheeler 279 The fecundity of swine, A. W. Bitting 280 Report of the poultry manager, L. G. Jarvis 280 Feeding experiments with laying hens, W. P. Wheeler 282 DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. On the question of the processes of milk secretion, Disselhorst 282 Analyses of milk, A. L. YVinton, A. W. Ogden, and W. L. Mitchell „ 285 Analyses of some California creamery butters, M. E. Jaffa 285 Test of milk for tubercle bacilli 286 Experiments in butter making, H. H. Dean 286 Sweet and dent corn for mi lch cows, G. E. Day 289 General system of feeding the dairy herd, W. P. Wheeler 295 Effect of drought upon milk production, L. L. Van Slyke 295 Analyses of butter, A. L. Winton, A. W. Ogden, and W. L. Mitchell 295 Machine-drawn milk r. hand-drawn milk — some bacteriological considerations, F. C. Harrison 290 Effect of the germs isolated from machine milk on the flavor and other quali- ties of butter, F. C. Harrison and M. N. Ross 291 Experiments in cheese making, H. H. Dean 291 Bad flavor in cheese caused by undesirable bacteria in water used in factory, F. C. Harrison 294 Milk fat and cheese yield, L. L. Van Slyke 295 VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Report of the veterinary department, A. W. Bitting 296 Report of the veterinary science section, M. Stalker and W. B. Niles 296 Animal diseases, A. T. Peters 296 STATISTICS— MISCELLANEOUS. Reports of director and treasurer of California Station, 1895-1897 297 Twenty-first Annual Report of Connecticut State Station, 1897 297 Tenth Annual Report of Indiana Station, 1897 297 Reports of director and treasurer of Iowa Station, 1896-97 297 Eleventh Annual Report of Nebraska Station, 1897 297 Ninth Annual Report of Nevada Station, 1896 297 Reports of director and treasurer of New York State Station, 1896 298 CONTENTS. V Page. Index to authors with titles of their publications appearing in the documents of the United States Department of Agriculture, 1841-1897, G. F. Thompson and G.W.Hill 298 The Minnesota plan for agricultural teaching, R. H. Loughridge 298 Farmers' institutes in California, E. J. Wickson 298 Changes in the rates of charges for railway and other transportation services, J. Hyde and H. T. Newcomb 298 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. Experiment stations in the United States : California Station : Report, 1895-1897 220, 222, 223. 221, 225, 228, 229. 235, 244, 245, 246, 250, 253, 254, 255, 258, 262, 267, 274, 276, 285, 297, 298 Colorado Station : Bulletin 41, February, 1898 266 Bulletin 42, February, 1898 240,246 Connecticut State Station: Twenty-first Annual Report, 1897 214,218, 229, 232, 242, 246, 253, 258, 261, 262, 265, 267, 273, 276, 280, 285, 295, 297 Florida Station : Bulletin 43, September, 1897 226 Indiana Station : Tenth Annual Report, 1897 236, 254, 263, 275, 280, 296, 297 Iowa Station : Bulletin 37, 1898 241 Seventeenth Biennial Report, 1896-97 252, 257, 259, 263, 271, 296, 297 Michigan Station : Special Bulletin 8, March 18, 1897 246 Nebraska Station: Eleventh Annual Report, 1897 246,273,296,297 Nevada Station : Ninth Annual Report, 1896 297 New Mexico Station : Bulletin 23, April, 1897 246 New York State Station : Fifteenth Annual Report, 1896 225, 229, 235, 244, 246, 251, 254, 255, 260, 265, 268, 279, 282, 295, 298 United States Department of Agriculture : Division of Agrostology : Circular 6 (revised) 245 Division o f Botany : Bulletin 19....' 236 Office of Experiment Stations : List of Publications of the Office of Experiment Stations on the Food and Nutrition of Man 281 Division of Publications : Bulletin 4 298 Division of Statistics : Bulletin 15 (miscellaneous series) 298 ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. Fig. 5. Relation between annual temperature and sun spots 204 6. Relation between temperature and sun spots, usiug 2-year averages 205 7. Temperature of subterranean water and of the soil at different depths. 208 8. Annual rainfall at Paris since 1689 210 VI EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Vol. X. No. 3. In the appropriation act for this Department for the current fiscal year ten thousand dollars was provided by Congress "for the pur- pose of collecting from agricultural colleges, agricultural experiment stations, and other sources, including the employment of practical agents, valuable information and data on the subject of irrigation, and publishing the same in bulletin form." The general supervision of this work has been assigned to the Director of this Office. It was decided that the best way in which the Office could get the advice which it needed for the formulation of plans of work along the most useful lines was to call a conference in the irrigated region of experiment station officers and irrigation engineers who had been most largely engaged in recent years in making experimental inquiries in irrigation, or in dealing with the administrative and practical problems involved in the use of water for irrigation in the West. This conference was held at Denver, July 12 and 13, 1898, and was attended by experiment station officers from California, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, and the State engineers of Wyoming and Colorado. After careful consideration it has been determined to confine the work on irrigation for the present to two general lines: (1) The colla- tion and publication of information regarding the laws and institutions of the irrigated region in their relation to agriculture, and (2) the pub- lication of available information regarding the use of irrigation waters in agriculture as shown by actual experience of farmers and by exper- imental investigations, and the encouragement of further investigations in this line by the experiment stations. The proposed investigation of the actual amounts of water used by successful farmers in different parts of the irrigated region on different soils and in the growing of different crops is believed to be a funda- mental inquiry. If sufficient funds are provided for its accomplish- ment on an adequate scale, it will furnish the basis not only for just court decisions and the equitable apportionment of water by adminis- trative officers, but also for the more systematic and scientific inquiries with a view to the determination of the minimum amounts of water required for successful agriculture under different conditions, and the maximum area which can be properly irrigated in any given locality. 201 202 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD Tliis investigation should be planned and prosecuted in a manner which its importance demands. The work should be begun at once and pushed rapidly to completion. Every year's delay in this undertaking makes the task of a proper settlement of the great water problems of the semiai id region more difficult and perplexing. The experiment stations are already conducting considerable useful work on problems relating to irrigation farming. They need, however, in several States to concentrate their energies and funds more fully on these problems. And in the larger enterprises they might well have the aid of this Department if means were provided by Congress for this purpose. We have received the regulations and syllabus of the School of Agri- culture, Ghizeh, Egypt, as approved by the minister of public instruc- tion August 14, 1898. From this document we learn that the course of study extends over four years and includes practical and theoretical agriculture, agricultural chemistry, natural science, theoretical and practical chemistry, farm bookkeeping, land surveying, hydraulics, vet- erinary science, physics, arithmetic, algebra and geometry, trigonome- try, Arabic language, and English language. Eight hours a week throughout the course are given to practical exercises in agriculture. Each pupil is allotted a plat of land which he must cultivate with his own hands, "the employment of hired labor or other assistance being absolutely prohibited." This plat consists of one-quarter of a feddan (1.038 acres) the first year, half a feddan the second year, aud three- fourths the third and fourth years. " Every pupil shall be allowed to dispose of the produce of his plat, subject to the approval of the principal." To be admitted to the school the pupils must be at least 14 years of age and must pass an entrance examination. The annual fees for tuition and other expenses are £15 for day pupils and £25 for boarders. The fee for day pupils covers the cost of a mid day meal provided at the school. Pupils may be admitted to the school free of charge, at the discretion of the minister, provided they are in needy circumstances. The instruction in theoretical agriculture includes such subjects as soils, climate, tillage, manuring, the feeding and breeding of farm ani- mals, dairying, culture of different crops, construction and sanitation of farm buildings, and agricultural implements. Special attention is given to irrigation and the culture of crops especially suited to local conditions, among tfhich are rice, cotton, sugar cane, berseem (Egyp- tian clover, Trifolium alexandrinum), beans, wheat, barley, maize, pea- nuts, flax, potatoes, sesame, indigo, fenugreek, chick-peas, and alfalfa. Sugar making and the extraction of cottonseed oil and indigo are also taught. A special topic is the treatment of the salt lands in upper and lower Egypt, including washing, reclaiming, and cropping. PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES, PRINCI- PALLY ON SOLAR RAYS, MADE AT THE STATION OF AGRICULTURAL CLIMATOLOGY AT THE OBSERVATORY OF JUVISY.1 Camille Flammarion, Director of the Station. THE SUN AND THE TEMPERATURE. There appears to be a very curious relation between the annual tem- perature and the variation of the sun spots, which seems to indicate a certain correlation between the two phenomena. It is known that in the manifestation of its activity the sun exhibits a certain periodicity; there are dark spots, facuhe or illuminated spots, and eruptions. This period is about 11 years. The last maximum occurred in 1893 and cor- responded with the maximum temperature, not only in France, but in many other parts of Europe. The last minimum occurred from 1887 to 1890. This corresponded with a series of cold years. Below is given the extent of the spotted solar surface in millionths of the visible solar hemisphere, calculated from data collected at Greenwich, Dehra-Doon (India), and the island of Mauritius, and the average temperatures of each year in Paris. Belation between nun spots and temperature. Tear. Aver, an- nual tem- perature. Extent of sun spots. Year. Aver, an- nual tem- perature. Extent of sun spots. 1878 Deg. C. 10.0 8.2 10.6 9.8 10.2 9.9 10.5 9.8 10.3 8.8 22 45 408 740 1,002 1,155 1,079 811 | 381 178 Deg.C. 8.9' 9.5 9.3 9.5 10.2 10.8 10.4 9.9 9.8 89 1879 1889 . . 78 1880 1890 99 1881 .. 1891 569 1882 1892 1,214 1883 1893 1,464 1884 1894. 1,282 1885 974 1886 530 1887 The data are shown graphically in fig. 5 (see p. 204). By adding the years by couplets the effects of local disturbances and 1 Continued from page 114. 203 204 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the great irregularities of temperature will be equalized. Taking the io.sc I0C 9.5° 8.5 1400 1200 IQOQ 800 ' 600 400 200 0 - 1 / w - \\ \ 3 re - w \ r £ ~7 = - - - - - - & \- - \- - - \< - - / X \, - <^< ? ... HI. 10.5° 10° 9.5° 8.5° 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 1879 1880 '81 '82 '83 '84 '85 '86 '87 '88 "89 1890 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 Fig. 5. — Relation between annual temperature and sun spots. average of each couplet, the following figures will be obtained in regard to temperature and sun spots : Relation between sun spots and temperature. Tear. Tempera- ture. Sun spots. Year. Tempera- ture. Sun spots. 1878-79 Deg. O. 9.1 9.4 10.2 10.0 10.0 10.2 10.2 10.1 9.6 34 227 574 871 1,078 1,117 945 596 279 1887 88 Deg. C. 8.9 9.2 9.4 9.4 9.9 10.5 10.6 10.2 9.9 133 1879-80 1888-89 83 1880 81 1889 90 .. 88 1881-82 1890 91 .. 334 1882 83 1891 92 . 892 1883 84 1892 93 . . 1 339 1884 8f> 1893 94 . 1,407 1,128 1885-86 1894 95 . 1886-87 1895-96 752 If these figures are represented graphically they will give the diagram in fig. 6. This data is submitted without comment to the judgment of astronomers and meteorologists. Observations at Brussels, London, Edinburgh, Berlin, Prague, Lyons, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Aries, Mar- seilles, Perpignan, and Montpellier agree with the results at Paris, while other European stations show contradictory results. The sun PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES. 205 spots, the faculte, and the eruptions are certainly an indication of a greater activity of the sun. It is not surprising-, then, if the epochs of the maximum correspond with years of higher temperature. An increase of heat may, however, produce cold; for instance, the melting 10.5' 9.5° 9° 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 ] / \^ \ I i ft / I -/ y t ~- - - - - - - - - % o^ - - \ > - - - -/ - 10.5° 10° 9.5° 9° 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 1878-73 79-80 81-81 81-82 82-83 83-84 84-85 85-86 86-87 87-88 88-89 89-90 90-91 91-92 92-93 93-94 9495 95-96 Fig. 6. — Relation between temperature and sun spots, using 2-year averages. of ice in the polar regions, resulting in the detaching of icebergs by causing cold currents in the sea, will produce a low temperature in some region. STUDY OF THE SOLAR RADIATION. It is possible, by means of proper apparatus, to measure the caloric and luminous radiations of the sun. This can be effected either by allowing the radiations to act together or by separating and distin- guishing their relative actions. The apparatus at the station con- sisted of a Yiolle actinometric register, a brilliant gilded and black combined thermometer, two vaporizing actinometers, a sunshine regis- ter, an horal photometer, and a Cooke radiometer. A record made in 1896 showed the following amounts of heat, by months : Total amount of heat at Juvisxj during 1896. Month. Calories. January j 2,582 February , 6. 4G7 March 9,862 April ! 11, 776 May 18,606 June 14, 778 July 15, 393 Month. Calories. August j ».j|"{ September ^68 October | ? m.837 206 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The year 1805 nave 144,411 calories. By means of silver-print paper, which is more sensitive than the paper prepared with prussiateof iron, the number of hours of sunshine are registered. The following table shows the total number of horns of sunshine and the theoretical num- ber— i. e.? the number of hours between sunrise and sunset: Hours of sunshine at Jurisy in 1S96. Month. January. February March. . . April May .... June July Actual. in. 07 77.40 92.23 121). SO 269. 00 191.15 212. 05 Theoret- ical. 268. 04 280. 40 364. 30 407. 52 468. 29 476. 25 478. 57 Month. August September , October November.. December . . Total Actual. 122. 50 120. 30 90.35 55. 40 25. 00 1, 398. 35 Theoret- ical. 436. 48 371.28 328. 38 269.16 251. 35 4, 402. 72 The proportion of hours of actual sunshine was but 32 per cent. The greatest amount of sunshine occurred during May and the least during January and December. In 1895 the register showed 1,817.15 hours of sunshine. TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR. The temperature of the air in the shade was observed and registered daily by means of a standard thermometer and with maximum and minimum thermometers. Average temperature of the air at Jurisy during 1896. Month. Average for 24 hours. Average of maximum and minimum. Remarks. January . .... February March April , May June July August September ... October November December . Average Deg. C. 2.68 2.65 8.36 9.39 13.01 17.48 19.20 15.82 14.42 8.34 2.82 3.50 9.80 Deg. C. 2.76 2.82 8.60 9.97 12.62 17.50 18.80 15.91 15.00 8.82 3.13 3.74 9. 98 Mild. Cold. Warm. Normal. Do. Warm. Very warm. Cold. Fresh and rainy. Do. Cold. Mild. If the average of 365 days of the year be taken, the annual tempera- ture will be 9.84° instead of 9.80°. In 1896 January was very warm, 0.7° above the normal. February was very dry and relatively cold, 1° below the normal. In conclusion, the winter was warm and the rain- fall much less than normal. Spring was warm and dry. During May the rainfall at Juvisy was only 3.2 mm., the smallest rainfall during May for a century, except May 1880, when a lighter rainfall, 1 mm., was recorded, with the same temperature. The drought was extreme almost all over France and the harvest was threatened. During June PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES. 207 heavy rains revived tbe meadows and permitted the culture of a mid- dling harvest. Hay was scarce. The temperature was very favorable during the period of growth but the rainfall was deficient. The long- drought was followed by a period of rain, storms, and cyclones, which lasted until the end of autumn. These abundant rains retarded the autumn sowing and seriously affected the vintage which had promised so magnificently. Wine was plenty, but of poor quality. The autumn temperature was very cold and considerably lower than normal. Win- ter and spring until May were warm and dry, tbe summer almost normal, while autumn was cold and rainy. Comparing the annual temperatures for the last 12 years, it is seen that the years 1887 to 1891 were very cold and 1893 was very warm. Siuce then the curve has declined. The relation which seems to exist between the tempera- ture and the sun spots has already been pointed out. TEMPERATURE AT AND BELOW THE SURFACE OF THE SOIL COVERED WITH GRASS. The temperature of the interior of the soil plays an important part in the phenomena of plant growth. It affects a large number of food plants which are produced under the surface as well as the roots of the trees, which develop at various depths. One of the first duties of the cliniatological station of Juvisy was the construction of thermometers, registering instruments, etc., to be placed at various depths under the surface of the soil to register the variations in temperature. The tem- perature was recorded by an apparatus one meter above the soil, which could be read and compared constantly. Five thermometers composed of metallic cylinders filled with spirits of wine were placed at depths of 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, and 1 meter, to constantly register the tempera- ture. The comparison of daily curves gives results which are curious as well as important. Thus it can be seen that the amplitude of the curve varies with the depth, being very large at 0.05 and nothing at 1 meter. The following table shows the monthly average temperature observed at the surface of the soil and at different depths in 1896: Average temperature of soil and air at Juvisy during 1896. Month. In tbe air. At sur- face of ground. Below the surface of the ground. 0.05 meter. 0.10 meter. 0.25 meter. 0.50 meter. 1 meter. Deg. O. 2.6 2.6 8.3 9.4 13.0 17.4 19.2 15.8 14.3 8.3 2.8 3.6 Deg. C. 3.4 3.7 10.2 12.7 18.1 22.0 24.4 21.3 17.8 10.8 4.9 4.1 Deg. C. 3.1 3.2 9.1 11.2 16.2 20.8 23.0 19.2 16.4 10.4 4.6 3.8 Deg. C. 2.6 3.0 8.7 10.9 15.9 20.6 22.0 19.0 15.9 10.0 4.2 3.4 Deg. C. 3.2 2.9 8.6 10.5 15..". 20.5 22. 2 19.7 16.5 11.2 5.5 3.7 Deg. O. 5.0 4.7 8.3 10.6 14.5 18.3 21.1 19.4 16.8 12. 1 6.9 5.1 Deg.-C. 6.9 6.8 8.1 11.0 14.0 16.9 19.4 19.1 17.5 14.4 9.8 7.6 _ . 9. 80 12.78 11.75 11.35 11.69 11.91 12.61 208 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Figure 7 gives a graphic representation of the temperature at different depths. Temperature affects plants differently according to the depth of their roots. At 0.05 meter, for instance, is given the temperature for the germination of seed. The maximum, and especially the minimum, temperatures are most important. The highest average temperatures in winter were those at a depth of 1 meter, while in summer the highest temperatures were at the surface of the soil and the lowest at a depth of 1 meter. There is an inversion in the spring and in the autumn. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEP OCT. NOV. DEC. 25' Fig. 7.— Temperature of subterranean water and of the soil at dinereut depths. On this account the average annual temperature is about the same for all the depths. These phenomena vary somewhat from one year to another, the inversions being produced more or less slowly according to the heating or cooling of the soil. At times this inversion is remark- able, as was the case in the spring of 189G. Sometimes it is very incom- plete, as in the winter of 189G. The minimum was observed in February and the highest temperature was attained in July. Hot days com- pletely dry out the superficial layers of the soil, and high temperatures are, unless accompanied by a sufficient rainfall, injurious to plants. PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES. 209 May and June were hot and dry, and plants did not get the necessary moisture. If the average annual temperatures of the soil at different depths are compared, it will be seen that the temperatures diminish from the surface of the soil as far down as 0.10 meter, where it reaches a minimum, from which it rises as far as 1 meter. The increase in tem- perature is less rapid from 0.10 to 1 meter than the decrease from the surface of the soil to 0.10 meter. This phenomena, which at first might appear abnormal, is easily explained. The sun's heat is transmitted through the soil by conductivity. The heating of the soil is either effected through the contact with the warmer air or by the direct action of the sun's rays. The heat is transmitted to the different depths by warming successively the different layers of the soil. The cooling is effected by contact with the colder air, and also by the radiation. The layers of the soil cool from the surface toward the interior, and there is a certain depth where the temperature reaches a minimum. This depth where the temperature is lowest varies according to the different me- teorological conditions during the day. The annual average is 0.10 meter below the surface. Wind, rain, and the condition and the humid- ity of the soil are factors which influence heat and cold. These agents influence specially the superficial layer of the soil and modify its tem- perature. It is not possible therefore to state with any precision whether the soil is warmer or colder at this or that depth. The fluc- tuation of the temperature of the soil at different depths is shown in the following table: Variation in temperature of soil at different depths. Date. In the air. At sur- face of ground. Below the s urface of the ground. 0.05 meter. 0.10 meter. 0.25 meter. 0.50 meter. 1 meter. Au Deg. O. 18.1 16.8 15.1 14.3 14.8 15.1 15.4 17.0 17.8 17.5 16.5 Deg. C. 26.7 25.5 20.7 19.5 18.0 18.6 19.2 22.2 22.9 22.7 23.6 Deg. C. 22.5 22.5 19.7 18.1 17.8 18.1 18. 1 20 0 21.0 21.3 20.7 Deg. C. 22.5 22.2 19.9 18 2 17.6 17.8 17.8 19.4 20.4 20.2 19.9 Deg. C. 22.4 23.1 21.3 19.8 18.8 19.2 18.8 19.6 20.5 20.7 20.5 Deg. C. 21.0 21.0 20.7 20.4 20.0 19.5 19.1 18.7 20.3 20.6 19.6 Deg. C. 19.5 5 19.6 6 19.6 7 19.6 8 19.5 9 19.5 10 19.2 11 19.0 12 19.0 13 19.0 14 19.0 On August 4 the temperature of the soil was the same at 0.05, 0.10, and 0.25 meter below the surface, but it was considerably modified the next day. August 8 the temperature at 0.10 meter was lower than at 0.05 and higher at 0.25 than at 0.05. At this time there was a general cooling off', which acted rapidly on the superficial layers as far as 0.10, but it was of little effect at the lower depths. Other modifications fol- lowed, and the rise and fall of temperatures at different depths were according to the rapidity and the duration of the atmospheric changes. The temperature of the soil follows that of the air, but it gives better 210 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. and more precise indications in regard to the life of the plants. It is considered preferable to take the temperature of the soil, which shows the intensity and the variation of the solar radiation, as well as indi- cates tlie quantity of heat received during the day and the amount lost by radiation. RAINFALL The monthly rainfall collected by the two pluviometers for 189G was as follows : Rainfall during 1S9G, by months. Month. January . February March ... April May June July Month. Rainfall. August September. October — Novemher . December . Total Mm. 36.8 140.6 154.0 50.1 77.7 667.0 In 1893 the precipitation was 526 mm.; in 1894, 503.4 mm.; in 1895, 493 mm. In 189G the first part of the year was dry, followed in the summer and autumn by cyclones, storms, and waterspouts, which are 700. 1 1 1 600. II 1 ill III 1 1 ll III 1 SO0 . 1 iii i nil j 1 ill ll fin i Hi hi I ii ii in 400. III 1 ll ll 300. i 1 ill il I--I Q ?00_ 1 '00. 1 ll 0 lliilllllllllll 111 111 111 Fig. 8— Annual rainfall at Paris since 1689. very unusual in France. The rainfall in September was 140.6 mm.; in October, 154.1 mm., an amount not exceeded since 1689, when the first observations were recorded. On account of the continued rains, which were remarkable for the region, the author conceived the idea of com- paring the results of all the observations made at Paris since the foun- dation of the observatory. The first pluviometer was installed on the terrace of the observatory in Paris in 1688, and regular measurements of the rainfall were made from January, 1689, to December 31, 1754, PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES. 211 except during 1 698. Other periods of observations extended from 1773 to 1797 and from 1804 to 1872. After January 1, 1873, tlie observa- tions were made at Montsouris, 3 kilometers south of the observatory of Paris. The conditions at each place are nearly the same. In fig. 8 the rainfall is represented by vertical lines, the height of which corre- sponds to the quantity of water which fell at Paris from 1689 to 1896, except during the three intervals already mentioned. The diagram is interesting, not only as an exact record, but because it indicates the gradual increase in the rainfall of Paris for the last 200 years. This increase can be seen in the accompanying table, where the averages are given for certain periods : Annual rainfall at Paris since the year 1689. Tear. 1689 to 1719 172(1 to 1754 1773 to 1797 1804 to 1824 Rainfall. Mm. 485.7 409.4 492.5 503.7 Tear. 1825 to 1844 1845 to 1872 1873 to 1896 Rainfall. Mm. 507.5 522.4 557.4 It appears that the rainfall in Paris has increased from period to period, or that the older observations were not carefully made at the observatory at Paris. The condition of the sky during the 24 hours of each day for the year 1896 was noted as follows : Condition of the sky during the year 1896. Designation. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Clear 2 0 4 7 18 3 3 7 8 8 0 4 6 13 8 ll 6 1 15 15 5 10 5 3 0 1 8 9 11 1 2 9 7 12 1 0 7 11 10 3 0 5 5 17 3 1 2 9 13 6 2 4 7 9 8 0 Somewhat cloudy Cloudy 0 3 11 17 Total Number of rainy days 31 3 29 6 31 18 30 31 9 ! 5 30 11 31 9 31 6 30 19 31 20 30 S 31 15 It is seen that the cloudiness was very great during the year. The sky was beautiful in May but almost entirely overcast during January and December. There was on an average one rainy day to two days without it, and during 202 days the sky was completely overcast or very cloudy. SUBTERRANEAN WATERS. The thickness of the water sheets of wells and the temperature of these waters have important climatological bearing. Observations were continued on two wells, the first 13.56 meters and the second 14.08 meters deep. The temperature of the water in each well was as follows : 6216— No. 3 2 212 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Temperature of water in two u'ells at Juvisy. Month. Well A. Well B. Average. Beg. C. 11.3 11.2 11.2 11.4 11.4 11.8 11.9 11.8 11.8 11.5 11.3 11.1 Beg. C. 10.8 10.7 10.8 10.9 11.3 11.4 11.4 11.6 11.8 11.2 10.8 10.9 Beg. G. 11.0 10.9 11.0 11.2 11.4 11.6 11.7 11.7 11.8 11.4 11.1 11.0 11.47 11.14 11.32 We have here two different sheets of water which, notwithstanding tbeir proximity and almost equal depth, have not exactly the same temperature, it being a little higher in well A (the more shallow one), the difference varying from 0.2 to 0.9°. These sheets differ also chem- ically. The water in well B is less potable and contains more lime. Tbe annual difference of temperature of the two wells averages 0.33°. The average temperature of air, soil, and water for 1896 was as fol- lows: Air, 9.80°; at the surface of the soil, 12.78°; the soil at a depth of 0.10 meter, 11.35°; at a depth of 0.50 meter, 11.91°; at a depth of 1 meter, 12.61°; water at a depth of 14 meters, 11.32°. The temperature of the waters of the two different wells varies but little in the course of the year, the cold of winter and the heat of summer being slightly felt. ACTION OF ELECTRICITY UPON PLANT GROWTH. The question of the influence of electricity on plants has been tbe subject of much discussion during the last few years. The results obtained from experience were frequently contradictory. For this reason some experiments were conducted in which copper and zinc plates of 0.70 meter length and 0.15 meter width, bent at right angles, were placed at the extremities of a plate 2 meters wide and 4 meters long and stuck into the ground, the top being a little above the surface. The plates were joined by insulated copper wires. Tbere were thus created zinc soil copper piles on which it is supposed that an electric current could be established. The current was rendered more active by adding a Le Clanche pile of three elements and its influence on tbe germination of seeds tested. August 31, 1894, 56 beans were put in rows on each plate. The current was passed through for ten hours. After this an interrupted current, sometimes during the night and sometimes during the day, was passed through the apparatus. The results are worthy tbe attention, as the evidence of an electric action is positive. PHYSICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCHES. Effect of electricity on the germination of beans. 213 Date. Number of grains germinating. Electric band. Non elec- trified. 4 10 54 54 56 10 34 11 40 13 45 This experiment shows that the germination was more rapid in the electrified seed and also that a greater number had germinated. We repeated the experiments in 181)5 and 1896 on peas and beans with the following results: May 11, 1895, the same number of seeds were placed in each plate. No difference could be seen during the time of germina- tion. The peas bloomed June 16; the fiowers at that time were more numerous and the plants better developed in the electrified plates than in those without. The beans bloomed July 2 over all the plates. The growth of the beans was better in the electrified portion. The peas were gathered twice and gave the following results: Average of elec- trified portions, 941 gm. ; check, 820 gm. Part of the beans were gath- ered twice and yielded: Electrified, 2,900 gm.; check, 2,250 gm. For the other parts there was but one harvest, which yielded as an average for tbe electrified portions 1,410 gm., and check, 1,445 gm. One of the electrified portions gave a yield of 375 gm. less than the check. The results of these experiments show that the parts electrified by piles yielded a harvest from 20 to 28 per cent greater than the natural one. OBSERVATIONS ON TREE TEMPERATURES. To solve some of the questions relative to tree temperatures, elbow- thermometers were constructed, the bulbs of which were inserted in the heart of the tree. Numerous observations made in 1894, 1895, and 1896 permit the following statements : The internal temperature of trees fol- lows that of the air. The temperature of the air is led into the interior parts, and this transmission is more or less rapid according to the diam- eter of the tree and the conditions of the tissues. The temperature varies with the diameter of trees of the same species and exposure. In conclusion, conductivity differs according to species. The sudden vari- ations of the temperature in the interior of the trees are avoided by the modification of the sun. The foregoing are summarized statements of the researches which have been made at the agricultural-climatologic station at the observa- tory of Juvisy. The author believes that much remains to be discov- ered in the lines indicated. RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. CHEMISTRY. Legumin and other proteids of the pea, lentil, horse bean, and vetch, T. B. Osborne and G. F. Campbell (Connecticut State Sta. Ept. 1897, pp. 324-373). — The authors give in detail the methods and results of extensive investigations on the proteids of these seeds. They find that they all contain legumin, legumelin, and proteose, and that in addition the seeds of the pea, lentil, and horse bean contain vicilin. No difference was found in the reactions and properties of preparations of each of these proteids from the different seeds. The results of the investigation are summarized as follows: "Legumin. — Leguuiin forms the chief proteid constituent obtainable from the vetch, pea, lentil, and horse bean. In the first-named seed about 10 per cent of the meal was found to consist of legumin; in the three other seeds this proteid is asso- ciated with vicilin, from which we have no method for its quantitative separation. From the pea about 10 per cent, from the lentil 13 per cent, and from the horse bean about 17 per cent of these mixed proteids were obtained. The lentil contains the least proportion of legumin, which seems to form about two-thirds of the mixed proteids, while the horse bean contains the greatest, as in this seed vicilin is present in relatively small amount. "Legumin is a globulin, for it dissolves readily in saline solutions and is precipi- tated therefrom either by dialysis, dilution, or cooling. By dialysis or by cooling it separates in the form of spheroids, which, after settling from the solution, unite to form a plastic mass. By diluting its concentrated solutions the legumin separates as a viscid translucent fluid. This fluid when treated with water becomes opaque and solid, so that the legumin can be converted into a coarse meal by rubbing with a glass rod under water. Conglutin from lupine seeds and amandin from almonds behave similarly, as do gliadin of wheat and rye and hordein of barley when precip- itated from alcoholic solutions by dilution with water. "Solutions containing more than 2 per cent of sodium chlorid dissolve legumin abundantly, those containing less salt have a solvent power rapidly decreasing with the diminishing salt content, so that a 1 per cent salt solution dissolves very little. Saturation with sodium chlorid or magnesium sulphate does not precipitate legumin from its solution in brine, but saturation with sodium sulphate at 34° precipitates it almost completely. "In pure water legumin is entirely insoluble, but if the solution from which the legumin is precipitated contains acid, this may combine with the legumin and the resulting preparation, like other acid globulins, will then dissolve in pure water. "If seeds containing legumin are extracted with water, more or less of the legu- min is dissolved; from the pea about 4 per cent, from the vetch 2.5 per cent, from the lentil 10 per cent, and from the horse bean 16 per cent. The legumin thus dis- solved is largely precipitated by dialysis in water, by the addition of acids and by lime salts, and very slightly by great dilution with water. These aqueous 214 CHEMISTRY. 215 extracts react strongly acid with litmus, and alkaline with lacmoid, a behavior doubtless due to arid potassium phosphates together with organic acids or acid salts. . . . "In consequence of the varying proportions of these substances in the different kinds of seeds, different amounts of legumin are thus extracted from them. As the proportion of phosphoric acid to potash in these leguminous seeds is much smaller than m most of the other seeds which we have examined, the character of the salts present may fairly be supposed to differ, and consequently the solubility of the pro- teids would also differ when the seeds are extracted with water. . . . "Dissolved in dilute sodium chlorid solution, legumin is precipitated by a little acetic acid, the precipitate being soluble in an excess of sodium chlorid. The solu- bility of precipitates so produced depends on the relative proportions of salt and acid. "Legumin extracted without neutralizing the natural acid of the seed and pre- cipitated by dialysis, either directly or after precipitation with ammonium sulphate, is usually converted to a large extent into insoluble 'albuminate.' This ' albuminate' differs from the similar insoluble products obtained from most other globulins, for when treated with salt solution it becomes gelatinous, can not be filtered, and on washing with water shrinks, becomes opaque, and finally granular so that it can be very readily washed on a filter. This substance appears to become hydrated by salt solution and dehydrated by pure water. "If the acid of the seed is previously neutralized, the globulin extracted by salt solution yields very little if any insoluble ' albuminate/ which indicates that the latter is a product of the action of the acid of the seed. This fact is in harmony with experiments described in a former paper of ours on the action of minute quan- tities of acid on globulins.1 In very dilute acids and alkalies in the absence of salts, legumin dissolves readily and abundantly to solutions from which, if at once neutralized, it is precipitated in a form soluble in sodium chlorid solution. By this treatment no evidence of change has been detected. Solutions made with hydrochloric acid are precipitated by a small excess of acid, but those made with acetic acid are not precipitated by any excess of acid. " Solutions of legumin in 10 per cent sodium chlorid brine are not rendered turbid by long heating in a boiling water bath. "Dissolved in 10 per cent sodium chlorid brine, legumin is precipitated by a very little hydrochloric acid, but a relatively considerable amount of acetic acid is required to produce a precipitate in such solutions. "Sodium chlorid solutions of legumin give large precipitates with tannic acid as well as with picric acid, those formed by the latter dissolving in an excess of salt solution if too much picric acid had not been previously added. With mercuric chlorid no precipitate is produced. " With nitric acid, Millon's and Adamkiewics' tests, proteid reactions are obtained. With the biuret test a violet color is given, which on standing becomes a deep rose red, like that given by peptones. "Legumin has been supposed by some investigators to contain phosphorus, and therefore to belong with the nucleo-proteids. A careful testing of thoroughly puri- fied samples by fusing with caustic soda and nitrate, and treating the solution of the fusion acidified with nitric acid, with ammonium molybdate, showed that in some of the preparations only just detectable traces of phosphorus were present, while other preparations contained none whatever. "Although we have examined large numbers of our preparations of the different plant proteids for phosphorus, we have as yet found none which, in carefully puri- fied samples, contained more than a few hundredths of a per cent of phosphorus; a quantity so small that it is reasonable to consider it as a constituent of the ever- present ash. 1 Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1896, p. 369 (E. S. R., 9, p. 515). 216 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "The composition of legnmin is shown by the following figures, which, except those for the pea, are averages of a number of preparations from each of the differ- ent seeds : Composition of legumin from different needs. Carbon Hydrogen . Nitrogen . . Sulphur ... Oxygen ... Total Per cent. 51.74 6.90 18.04 .42 22. 90 100.00 Lentil. Per cent. 51.73 6.89 18.06 .39 22.92 100. 00 Horse bean. Per cent. 51.72 7.01 18.06 .39 22.82 100. 00 Vetch. Per cent. 51.69 6.99 18.02 .43 22.87 100. 00 Average. Per cent. 51.72 6. 95 18.04 .41 22.88 100. 00 Vicilin. — Vicilin is a globulin associated with legumin in the pea, lentil, and horse bean. But as we have no means of separating vicilin and legumin quantitatively, we can state nothing respecting the amount in which it occurs in these seeds further than that the lentil contains the most and the horse bean the least. In the lentil it probably forms about one-third of the mixed globulins. That vicilin is not a derivative of legumin is almost conclusively proved by the fact that no vicilin can be obtained from the vetch. "The most remarkable characteristic of vicilin is its content of sulphur, less than that of auy other known proteid. This element, it may be noticed, diminishes in quantity with repeated precipitation. . . . " It would seem possible by sufficiently repeated precipitation to obtain from this proteid preparations free from sulphur. • 'In salt solution, vicilin is much more soluble than legumin, so that by repeated precipitation from diluted solutions the two globulins can be separated. "When solutions of vicilin in 10 per cent brine are heated in a water bath they become turbid at 90° and at 95° flocks separate. When heated for some time at 100° this globulin is almost completely coagulated. In water vicilin is insoluble. In 1 per cent sodium chlorid solution it dissolves considerably, while in slightly stronger solutions it is much more soluble, the solution of the globulin appearing to depend on the presence of enough salt to form a soluble compound. "In its other reactions it very closely resembles legumin. "The composition of vicilin we found to be as follows: Composition of vicilin from different seeds. Carbon Hydrogen.. Nitrogen... Sulphur ... Oxygen Total Pea. Lentil. ^eaT I Average. Per ant. 52.36 7.03 17.40 .18 23.03 100. 00 Per cent. 52.13 7.02 17.38 .17 23.30 100. 00 Per cent. 52.38 7.04 17.52 .15 22.91 100. 00 Per cent. 52.29 7.03 17.43 .17 23.08 100. 00 "Legumelin. — We have found legumelin in all the leguminous seeds which we have examined, with the exception of the white bean (I'haseolus vulgaris) and the blue and yellow lupines. "It is difficult to decide whether this proteid should be considered an albumin or a globulin. . . . We now consider legumelin to be more properly classed with the albumins. "The amount of legumelin which we have found in the seeds discussed in this paper was in the pea 2 per cent, vetch 1.5 per cent, lentil and horse bean 1.25 per cent. "No definite coagulation point can be stated for legumelin, for the presence of CHEMISTRY. 217 salts or acids as well as the proportion of dissolved legumelin have a great effect on the temperature at which coagulation takes place. Coagulated legumelin is soluhle in very dilute alkalies. . . . "In dilute hydrochloric or acetic acid the coagulum is not soluble. By adding 10 per cent of sodium chlorid to solutions containing legumelin, and then acetic acid, the acid compound of this proteid is precipitated, which dissolves in water to a solu- tion that on neutralization gives a precipitate insoluble in water. . . . "Owing to the impossibility of separating legumelin from associated proteose, except in a coagulated state, we have learned but little respecting its reactions. "In the following table we give the average of analyses which we have made of coagulated legumelin from different seeds: Composition of coagulated leg umin from different needs. Pea. Lentil. Horse bean. Vetch. Adznki bean. Cowpea. Soy bean. Average. Per cent. 53.31 6.99 16. 30 1.06 22.34 Per cent. 53.22 6.82 16.27 .94 22.75 Per cent. 53.03 6.97 16.22 1.30 22.48 Per cent. 53.31 6.9V 16.24 1.1! 22.37 Per cent. 53.97 7.01 16.31 .88 21.83 Per cent. 53.25 7.07 36. 36 l.ll 22.21 Per cent. 53. 06 6.94 16.14 1.17 22.69 Per cent. Nitrogen 16.26 22 38 Total 100.00 . 100.00 100. 00 100. 00 100.00 100. 00 100. 00 100. 00 "Ritthausen recognized the presence of this proteid in the horse bean and pea, and gave analyses of coagula obtained by boiling extracts of these seeds. These analyses, however, do not agree well with each other and only in a general way with ours. On account of the solubility in alkali of the heat coagulum of this proteid, he did not consider it to be albumin. " Proteose. — As the proteose of these seeds is present in small amount and is diffi- cult to obtain pure, we have not as much information respecting it as is desirable. The pea appears to contain about 1 per cent, the horse bean about 0.5 per cent, and the lentil and vetch evidently less. It is probable that more or less of this proteose may be lost by diffusion, for 10.5 gm. of what was doubtless nearly pure proteose from the pea, after solution and dialysis yielded only about 6 gm. when reprecip- itated. We have obtained a few of the reactions of proteose from the pea and horse bean, but no reactions of this proteid from the lentil and vetch. "By saturation with salt, solutions of the proteose of the pea and horse bean are not precipitated, but by subsequently adding salt saturated acetic acid, a large part of the pea proteose separates, while all but a trace of that from the horse bean is thrown down. Nitric acid in the aqueous solutions of the pea proteose gives no pre- cipitate unless the solution is previously saturated with salt, when a precipitate, soluble on warming and reappearing on cooling, is given by that part of the proteose precipitable by acetic acid from a salt saturated solution, while the part not thus precipitable gives only a turbidity. Both these parts of the pea proteose are precip- itated by copper sulphate, and give a rose-red biuret reaction. "The composition of the preparations from these seeds was found as follows: Proteose. Pea. Lentil. Horse bean. Vetch. 46. 47. 68. 89. 98. 22. Hydrogen Nitrogen Per cent. 50.24 6.76 17.35 1.25 24.40 Per cent. 49.66 6.78 16.57 1.40 25.59 Per cent. 50.17 6.77 16.81 1.27 23.98 Per cent. 50.24 6.66 17. 11 1.87 24.12 Per cent. 49.96 6.76 16.95 2. 75 23.58 Per cent. 50.85 6.75 16.65 j 25. 75 Oxygen Total 100.00 100.00 1 100. 00 100. 00 100. 00 100.00 218 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "46. Precipitated by saturating with salt, and adding acetic acid. "47. From the filtrate from 46. "lis. Total proteose precipitated by alcohol. - "89. Ditto. "98. Precipitated from salt saturated solution by acetic acid. "22. Total proteose precipitated by alcohol. "If the difficulty encountered in purifying these preparations of proteose and the different methods by which they have been obtained are considered, the agreement between them, except for the sulphur in those from the horse bean, makes it prob- able that these figures quite nearly represent the composition of this substance." Proteids of the soy bean, T. B. Osborne and G. F. Campbell (Connecticut State Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 374-382).— The seeds of 2 varieties -were studied, the yellow soy bean and the variety known in Japan as kiyusuki diadzn. From the results of the investigations, which are given in detail, the author deduces the following conclusions: " The soy bean contains as its chief proteid constituent glycinin, a globulin similar in properties to legumiu, but of somewhat different composition, containing nearly twice as much sulphur, 0.4 per cent more carbon, and 0.5 per cent less nitrogen. "We give as the composition of this proteid the results of our analysis of prepara- tion 9, which was obtained from a neutral and perfectly clear extract, for we believe that this represents more accurately the true composition of glycinin than the average of all the preparations: Carbon, 52.12; hydrogen, 6.93; nitrogen, 17.53; sulphur, 0.79; oxygen, 22.63 per cent. " The soy bean contains a more soluble globulin which resembles phaseolin in com- position, and, so far as we could ascertain, also in its reactions. The amount of this proteid is small and the evidence that it is in reality phaseolin was not wholly satisfactory. "Besides these globulins about 1.5 per ceut of the albumin-like proteid legumelin was obtained. We have found legumelin in a number of other leguminous seeds, the pea, vetch, horse bean, lentil, adzuki bean and cowpea. The properties of legu- melin are given in our paper [noted above]. The composition of legumelin as found in the soybean is as follows: Carbon, 53.06; hydrogen, 6.94; nitrogen, 16.14; sul- phur, 1.17; oxygen, 22.69 per cent. "A small quantity of proteose was also obtained from the soy bean, having the following composition: Carbon, 48.76; hydrogen, 6.28; nitrogen, 16.14; sulphur and oxygen, 28.82 per cent. "Owing to the small amount of proteose no evidence was obtained as to the purity or individuality of this preparation." On the solubility of tricalcium phosphate and apatite in water, J. Joffre (Bid. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 19 (1898), No. 9, pp. 372-375).— Tricalcium phosphate was subjected to the action of water for two months. The solution obtained was filtered, evaporated to dryness, and phosphoric acid determined in the residue. The solubility of the phosphate was found to be 0.009 gm. per liter of water. When the phosphate was subjected to the action of water charged with carbon dioxid for the same length of time the solubility was found to be 0.153 gm. per liter. Apatite treated in the same way showed a solubility in pure water of 0.002 gm. per liter; in water saturated with carbon dioxid 0.014 gin. per liter. It is thus seen that the apatite is much less soluble than tricalcium phosphate. Monocalcium phosphate was mixed with carbonate of lime. After three or four days the phosphoric acid CHEMISTRY. 219 soluble in water was extracted and the residue treated with a large quantity of water charged with carbon dioxid. By this means 0.1G1 gm. of tricalcium phosphate per liter was dissolved from the residue insoluble in water, an amount very nearly identical with that dissolved by treating tricalcium phosphate in the same way. These results indicate that when superphosphates are applied to the soil, although a large part of the soluble phosphoric acid is converted into the tricalcium form, it is so uniformly distributed throughout the soil that it is readily dissolved by the carbon dioxid present in the soil or by the acids secreted by the roots of plants. A method for distinguishing bone phosphate from mineral phosphate, F. Marttnotti (Staz. Sper. Agr. Ital, 30 {1897), N~o. 8, pp. 663-668). — The method is based upon the difference in silica con- tent of the different kinds of phosphates. The silica is removed before the determination of phosphoric acid by evaporating the acid solutions to dryness. In the large series of analyses reported the smallest amount of silica found in mineral phosphates was 5.25 per cent, while the greatest amount found in bone phosphates was 0.9 per cent. In bone ash as high as 3 per cent of silica was found. In superphosphates prepared from mineral phosphates the minimum amount of silica was 1.2 per cent. In case of bone ash superphosphates the maximum silica content was 0.8 per cent. Double superphosphates were found to contain about 3 per cent of silica. In a mixture of bone superphos- phate and mineral superphosphate the smallest amount of silica found was 2.26 per cent. From his investigations the author draws the conclusions that (1) mineral phosphates can be distinguished from bone phosphates by the relative quantities of silica which they contain; and (2) bone phosphates and bone superphosphates that contain more than from 0.8 to 1 per cent of silica are adulterated with mineral phosphates and mineral superphosphates. Proteids of the soy bean, T. B. Osborne and G. F. Campbell (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 {189S), No. 6, pp. 419-428). — Reprinted from Connecticut State Station Report for 1897 (see p. 218). Proteids of the pea, lentil, horse bean, and vetch, T. B. Osborne and G. F. Campbell (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 (1898), Nos. 5, pp. 348-375; 6, pp. 393-419).— A. series of papers reprinted from Connecticut State Station Report for 1897 (seep. 214). On the chemistry of chlorophyll, L. Marchlewski (Jour. PraJct. Chem., 1S98, Nos. 5-7, pp. 330-334). On the sugar in orange peel, J. Flatau and H. Tabbe (Bui. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 19 (1898), No. 9, p. 408). The formation of cane sugar from dextrose in the cell, J. Gruss (Ztschr. Ver. Riibenz. Ind., 189S, No. 507, pp. 333-343). Composition of the ashes of some raw tanning materials, W. K. Alsop and J. H. Yocum (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 (1898), No. 5, pp. 338-340).— Analyses of chestnut-oak bark, hemlock bark, quebracho vrood, and oak-bark extract. 220 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. BOTANY. Investigations on the native vegetation of alkali lands, J. B. DAVY (California Sta. Ept. 1895-1897, pp. 53-75, pis. 8, fig. ]).— The object of this investigation was to ascertain if possible whether the characteristic plants of alkali plats would indicate the kind of alkali present aud the degree of its impregnation, so as to enable any one to determine the possibility of reclamation without reference to the station. An introductory note by E. W. Hilgard reviews the previous inves- tigations of the station regarding alkali lands which, summed up, shows that the salts found impregnating alkali lands consist in the main of varying proportions of sodium sulphate, sodium carbonate, and common salt. The total content of this mixture varies from a small fraction of 1 per cent to more than 12 per cent of the total weight of the soil taken to a depth of 4 ft. Of the three compounds named, sodium carbonate, or black alkali, is the most injurious to vegetable growth and to the tilling qualities of the soil. In reclaiming alkali lands for cultural purposes the first thing necessary is a transformation of the carbonate into sulphate of soda by the addition of gypsum. In addi- tion to the salts already mentioned other alkalies are found in varying proportions, but as most of these are in the form of soluble plant food they are available for plant growth as soon as the injurious effects of the surplus of other constituents is removed. The resistance or tolerance of the several salts by plants varies greatly for the different plants and for the different salts. Thus chen- opodiaceous plants are in general very resistant, while, on the other hand, leguminous plants resent even small quantities of any of the injurious alkalies. The Composite are rather tolerant of alkali, while most cultivated grasses are sensitive to it. With a few exceptional cases, the investigations of the station have shown that the bulk of the salts in alkali lands may at all times be found within about 4 ft. of the surface, aud sometimes, as during a very dry season, they may accumulate almost wholly within 6 in. of the surface. Upon the basis of these facts it is thought an estimate of the aggre- gate amount of alkali liable to influence vegetable growth on any land can be made and the methods of reclamation determined. This might be determined by chemical analysis of the soil, but to avoid this expense to the landowners a simpler method was sought, a preliminary sum- mary of which is given in the report. The author collected samples of alkali soils upon which various plants grew at a number of places, and these samples, 58 in number, were analyzed and are reported upon by the agricultural chemist, K. H. Loughridge. In studying the natural vegetation of alkali lands the author made several visits to parts of California that are noted for their alkali soils, and in addition to the soil samples taken collected over 1,500 sheets of BOTANY. 221 botanical specimens, a number of samples of water, and native seeds, roots, etc. From a careful study of the plants collected it was found that most of them were confined to particular soils, at least when in the wild state. These plants are therefore designated as characteristic alkali plants, the most conspicuous of which are Sesuvium, samphire, salt- wort, Kochia califomica, yerba mansa (Anemopis calif ornica), Nitropila occidentalism tall tar weed (Centromadia pungens), several species of Atriplex, alkali heath (Franlcenia grandifolia campestris), tussock grass, salt grass, fine top salt grass (Sporobolus asperifolius), bushy golden- rod, grease wood (Allenrolfea occidental is), and several species of Tissa. In addition to these were found a number of introduced plants which occur as weeds and which tolerate the abnormal conditions of soil and climate. Among these are the common sunflower, sow thistle, mallow, bitter melilot, plantain, Bermuda grass, and Erigcron canadensis. In all there are known to be at least 107 species of plants natives of Cali- fornia which are restricted to alkali soils. One of the striking features of the alkali plats is said to be the gre- garious nature of the plants found upon them. Some species are rare and may be described as local, while others occur in distinct belts or zones of vegetation forming the principal and often exclusive vegeta- tion over large areas, while at least two species, salt grass and alkali he?ith, may be called cosmopolitan. Particular studies were made of the different belts or zones as indi- cated by the plant growth, and samples of soil in these characteristic belts were collected and analyzed. The minimum and maximum of alkali salts tolerated by each plant are given, although the figures are not necessarily from one and the same soil. The observations and analyses when summarized show among other results the following: Pounds of alkali per acre in one foot of soil from the different belts. Belts. Scrub saltbush (Atiiplex poly- carpa) Bushy Golden-rod (Bigelovia ve- ■•leta) Saltwort (Sueda sp.) Tussock grass (Sporobolus air- oldes) Grease wood (Allenrolfea occi- dentalis) Samphire (Salicornia sp.) Sulphates. Min. Max. Pounds Trace. 680 36, 000 7,440 55, 320 Pounds. 37, 880 15, 360 176, 000 146, 000 176, 000 Carbonates. Min. Max Pounds 240 None. 360 160 320 Pounds 19, 000 7,480 24, 240 13, 480 3,400 24, 240 Chlorids. Min. Max. Pounds. None. None. 26, 000 10, 400 5,560 Pounds. 21, 360 3, 720 105, 800 55, 680 85, 880 105, 800 Total salts. Min. Max Pounds. 840 1,800 74, 480 6,600 27, 320 61, 240 Pounds. 78, 240 24, 320 306, 040 155, 280 194. 760 306, 040 The last two belts indicated in the table contain such a large amount of injurious salts as to seem incapable of profitable reclamation. Of the belt characterized as the tussock-grass belt, while the total content of alkali in the soil is high, the grass, which grows abundantly, is said 222 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. to be readily eaten by stock, and further investigations are desired rela- tive to its adaptation and possible use. Summing up the results as far as possible, the distribution of plants in belts or zones is believed to be due to physical and chemical coi di- tions of the soil, and these plants may be used-as indicators of soil con- ditions. The Biglovia and scrub saltbush indicate, from the data at hand, a light gravelly soil with apparently a low alkali content chiefly composed of sulphates. The minimum of sulphates is least and the maximum highest in the scrub saltbush belt, but black alkali and chlorids are least in the Biglovia belt. Samphire indicates a moist soil with excessive chlorids and sulphates. Grease wood, so far as deter- mined, occurs only in a moist soil where sulphates and common salt are heavy and earbonates light. Saltwort depends on heavy chlorids and heavier chlorates with carbonates varying between 360 and 24,000 lbs. per acre. The full extent of the value of these and other plants as alkali indicators can not yet be determined. The author suggests quite a number of plants that may be cultivated on alkali soils. Among these are the saltbushes, samphire, sugar beet, spinach, mangel-wurzel, (Jhenopodia quinoa, Australian saltbushes, etc. Sunflowers are reported growing wild on a soil which contains 9,820 lbs. sulphates, 1,400 lbs. carbonates, 920 lbs. chlorids, and 1,440 lbs. nitrates in the first foot of soil. Other plants belonging to this same family which grow Mild on moderately alkali lands are the Jerusalem artichoke, oyster plant, chicory, true artichoke (Cynara scolymus). Valuable fodder plants which are known to grow on decidedly alkaline soils are mentioned, among the more promising of which are Modiola decumbens, quack grass, tussock grass (Sporobolus airoides), and water grass (Beclcmania erucaformis). In conclusion the author gives a pre- liminary list of plants suitable for cultivation on alkali soils, dividing them into those which are adapted to strong alkali and those which are not tolerant of the strongest alkali. The list is as follows: On strong alkali. — Saltbushes, modiola, wild millet or water grass, Kolreuteria paniculata, sac-saoul (Haloxylon animodendron), Salsola soda, aud 8. indica, and kochia (Kochia spp.). Apparently not tolerant of the strongest alkali. — Sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke, beets, spinach, onion, celery, asparagus, Ekeagnus angusti- folius, and the Peruvian ground cherry (Physalis peruviana). Fodder plants. — Slender grass (Leptochloajmbricata), Johnson grass, quack grass, tall smooth panic grass (Panicum virgatum), smooth buuch grass (Atropis Ian-is and A. calif ornica), obtuse meadow grass (Era- grostis obtusiflora), wild rye (Elymus condensatus), alkali saccatone {Panicum bulbosum), florin, Bermuda grass, jointed barley grass, tea tree, and myall (Acacia spp.). Investigations on various economic plants, J. B. Davy (Cali- fornia Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 205-270).— This is the report of the assistant botanist. Among other economic notes the author suggests as bee plants for late winter and early spring in California the follow- BOTANY. 223 ing: Tagasaste (Gytisus proliferus albus), C. canariensis, borage (Borago officinalis), honey flower [Melianthus major), and Colletia ephedra. Brief notes are given on several forage plants which seem promising for different parts of the State. Aristida oligantha is considered an excellent grass, and what, from an incomplete specimen, appears to be Bromus sterilis is also considered promising for the sage-brush lands in certain parts of the State. Notes are given on several weeds and on an unidentified fiber plant said to occur very abundantly in Monterey County. The latter will be further investigated. Suggestions are made for tree planting in the streets around San Francisco Bay. Numerous trees are suggested and described. Biological studies of Alinit, J. Stocklasa (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. Abt., 4 {1898), Nos. l,pp. 39-41; 2, pp. 78-86; 3-4, pp. 119-130; 7,j>p- 284-295).— Extensive studies of Bacillus ellenbachensis alpha are reported. The author considers it as probably iden- tical with B. megatherium. Concerning Watson's climatic zones, S. M. Macvicar (Jour. Bot. [London], 36 (1S9S), No. 423, pp. S2-S5). Abnormal cell division in the root tip of Allium cepa, B. Nemec (Sep.'AMr. Sitzber. K. Bbhm. Gesell. Wis*. Math-naturw. CI., 189S, pp. 10, pi. 1). The origin of the vascular tissues in the root tip of monocotyledons, L. Bus- calioxi ( Atti R. Acad. Lined, 5. ser., 7 (1898), No. 3, pp. 60-62). Concerning the equilibrium between top and root of trees, P. Fossier (Rev. Eavx et Forets, 3. ser., 2 (1898), No. 9, pp. 288-291). The replacement of main stems by branches, A. Boirivant (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 13, pp. 981-984). Concerning the pulvini of Oxalis and Phaseolus, S. Schwendexer (Sitzber. Kgl. Preu.ss. Akad. Wiss. Berlin, Phys.-Math. CI., 12 {1898), pp. 176-181, pi. 1). On apogamy and the development of sporangia upon fern prothallia, W. H. Lang and G. A. Clark (Bot. Centbl., 74 (1898), No. 3, pp. 72-77). Comparative anatomy of floating and submerged leaves, E. Wollenweber (Inaug. Diss., Freiburg, 1S97, p. 349; abs. in Bot. Centhl., 74 (1S9S), No. 6, pp. 184-186). Influence of low temperatures on the direction of sprouts, H. Vociiting (Ber. Deut. Bot. Gesell, 16 (1898), No. 3, pp. 37-53, jig. 1). The importance of phosphoric acid in the physiology of plants, Meyer (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), No. 9, pp. 341-350).— A general discussion of the subject. Concerning starch and sugar formation in barley and malt, J. Gr ess ( Wchnschr. Bran., 15 (1898), No. 7, pp. 81-84, pi. 1). Acidity of the root sap of citrus trees, E. W. Hilgard (California Sta. Bpt., 1895-1S97, pp. 18 1-183). — Determinations of the acidity of dry and fresh roots of various citrus trees are reported, with a note on the object of the determinations. Investigations concerning chlorophyll, G. Bode (Inaug. Diss., Jena, 1898). Concerning protoplasm and active albumen, O. Loeav (Bot. Centhl .,74 (1898), No. 1, pp. 5-13). On the reaction of protoplasm to thermal stimuli, K. L. Schaefer (Flora,S5 (1898), Nb. 2, pp. 135-140). Researches on the presence of hydrocyanic acid in different plants, A . Hebert (Bui. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 19 (189S), No. 7, pp. 310-313). Concerning proteid formation in plants, W. Zaleski (Ber. Deut. Bot. Gesell., 15 (1897), No. 10, pp. 536-542). A compendium of botany, T. Bokorny (Lehrbuch der Botanik. Leipsic, 1S9S, pp. VI +226, figs. 170). 224 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. FERMENTATION— BACTERIOLOGY. Spore formation among Russian wine yeasts, A. Nastukoff (Centbl. Bait. n. Par., 2. Abt., 4 (1S9S), No. 10, pp. 420, 121). — Out of 35 specimens of yeasts studied 15 formed spores at 25° C. in 48 hours and 13 at 15° C. in 72 hours. On the question of alcoholic fermentation without living yeast cells, M. von Manassf/in ( Ber. Dent. Chem. Gesell., 30 {1S0S), No. 10, pp. 3061, 3062). On some micro-organisms of wine, F. Bordas, Joulin, and De Raczkowski (Compt. Hind. Acad. Sci. Pari*, 1,26 (1898), No. 14, pp. 1050-1053). Introduction to the study of bacteriology with special reference to micro- scopical technique (Einfuhrung in das slndium der Baktcriologie mit besondemr Beriicksichtigung der Mikroskopischen Technik. Leipsic: Geo. Thieme, 1898, 5. ed., pp. Fill + 631, ph. 90). On the biology of bacteria, G. Schlater (Biol. Centbl., 17 (1S97), No. 2, pp. 833- 846; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 74 (1898), No. l,pj). 17, IS). Concerning the biology of Bacillus baccarinii, L. Macchiati (Centbl. Bait. u. Par., 2. Abt., 4 (1S9S). No. 8, pp. 332-340).— -The author gives a sketch of the hiology of the organism which is said to be the cause of "mal nero" or the bacterial gum- mosis of grapes. Concerning the species of acetic bacteria, M. W. Beijerinck (Centbl. Bakt. ?t. Par., 2. Abt., 4 (1S98), No. 6, pp. 209-..-16). Concerning the occurrence of bacteria, especially of the tubercle bacteria in living plant tissues, O. Zinsser (Inaug. Diss., Leipsic, 1897, pp. 30; Bot. Centbl., Beihefte, 7 (189S). No. 5, pp. 337-339). New methods of bacterial investigation, N. J. C. Muller (Neue Methoden der Bakterien forschnng. Sep. Abdr. Beitrag. Wiss. Bot.,pt. 2, pp. 97-176, pis. 20- Stuttgart: E. Nagele, 1898). METEOROLOGY. Meteorological observations, A. O. Leuschner and C. H. Shinn {California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 304-306, 326-328, 330-332, 352,353, 365-367, 414, 415). — The data reported include a synopsis of observa- tions at Berkeley during 10 years (June 30, 1887, to June 30, 1807) on temperature, pressure, humidity, precipitation, and direction of the wind; at the Foothill Substation on seasonal rainfall (1880^1896), mean monthly rainfall (1893-1806), dates of killing frosts (1893-1896), sunshine and cloudiness (October, 1894, to June, 1896), and temperature (Octo- ber, 1894, to June, 1896) at two points having a difference of 180 ft. in elevation ; at the Southern Coast Range Substation on the character of the seasons of 1886-1896, rainfall (October, 1895, to May, 1896), and temperature (July 1, 1895, to June 30, 1896); at the San Joaquin Valley Substation on seasonal (October to May) rainfall at Tulare (1892-1897), tbe average and extreme temperatures at Tulare for 20 years, and dates of frosts (1892-1896) ; at the Southern California Substation on tempera- ture, precipitation, and cloudiness (July 1, 1891, to June 30, 1896); and at the Santa Monica Forestry Substation on maximum, minimum, and average temperature (July, 1893, to April, 1897), and rainfall (1893- 1897). WATER SOILS. 225 The summaries of observations at Berkeley for the years ending June 30, 1896, and June 30, 1897, are as follows: Meteorological summaries for 1S96 and 1897. Pressure (inches) : Mean 30. 048 Highest 30.533 (Dec. 30) Lowest 29. 701 (Apr. 23) Temperature (degrees F.)': Mean of the year 53. 6 Maximum 92. 5 ( May 2(5) Minimum 34 (Dec. 22, Mar. :s, 4) Precipitation (inches) : Total rainfall 28. 713 Dew and fog 0. 035 Humidity (percent): Mean 83.2 Maximum 98 (May 11) Minimum . _ 32 (Nov. 16) Number of clear days 202 Number of fair days 70 Numher of cloudy days 91 Number of foggy days 108 Number of days' on which rain fell 03 30. 034 30. 399 (Jan. 2, Feb. 23) 29. 466 (Feb. 18) 5:;. 9 '.'1 (May 19) 33.7 (Nov. 27) 28. 944 0.080 i 86.1 i 99 (Oct. 5, Apr. 7, May 7) | 51 (Oct. 18, 22) 1 145 1 106 114 67 71 Meteorological record for 1896 {New York State Sta. Ilpt. 1S96, pp. 695-711).— Tabulated daily and monthly summaries of observations on sunshine and temper- ature and a monthly summary of observations on precipitation for the period from 1882 to 1896. The practical importance of agricultural-meteorological observations and brief instructions for carrying them out, P. I. Brouxov (Ept. Met. Bureau Sci. Committee Min. Agr. and Gov. Estates. St. Petersburg, 1897, pp. 137, Jigs. 25; dbs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 186 (1897), July, pp.239, MO). WATER— SOILS. Alkali and alkali soils, R. H. Loughiiidge {California Sta. Ept. 1895-1897, pp. 38-53). — The causes of failure of gypsum to correct alkali in certain cases are discussed. Three of the principal causes are noted : (1) Ignorance of the character of the alkali, gypsum being ineffective on white alkali; (2) the impurity of the gypsum used; (3) insufficient applications of gypsum. Theoretically the amount of gypsum applied should be about one-third more in weight than the amount of carbonate of soda present in the alkali. In experiments it was found "(1) that the amount of gypsum to be applied to alkali soils must be about double that of the carbonate of soda present; (2) that the effect is then apparent within 2 or 3 days ; and (3) that the effect is probably per- manent in the conversion of the carbonate of soda into the sulphate." The results of examinations of alkali soils used for experiments with various plants at Tulare and Southern California substations are reported in detail. From the data thus secured the following prelimi- nary statement as to the ability of different crops to withstand the various salts contained in alkali has been prepared. 226 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Tolerance of plants for the several salts of alkali. Maximum of each in pounds per acre, one foot in depth. Sodium Sodium Sodium Sodium Total suljihate. carbonate, chlorid. nitrate. alkali. GRASSES. Japanese wheat grass (Agropyron japonicum) . . Fin rr n grass (Agrostisstolonifera) Awnless brome grass ( Bromus inermis) Schrader's brome grass (B. schraderi) Egyptian millet (Eleusine coracana) Sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) Meadow fescue ( F. pratensis) Hard fescue (F. duriuscula) Tall fescue (F. elatior) Many-flowered millet (Milium multijlorum) ... Many-flowered paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum) Meadow soit grass (Holcus lanatus) Italian rye grass (Lolium italicum) English rye grass (L. perenne) Bearded darnel (L. temulentum) Blue grass (Poa pratenitis) Rough-stalked meadow grass (P. trivialis) Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) LEGDMES. AnthyUis vulneraria Cowpeas Lentil, large blonde Lentil, petite rouge Lentil, petite European blue lupine (Lupinus cmgustif otitis) . . European blue lupine (L. angustifolius, var.') - . White lupine (L. alhus) Yellow lupine ( L. luteus) Californian lupine (L.carnosulus) Snail clover (Medicago turbinate) Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) Red clover (T. pratense) White clover (T.repens) Hairy vetch ( Vicia villo.ta) Common vetch ( Tr. sativa) Bokhara clover (Melilotus alba) Birdsfoot clover (Lotus villosus) Tall esparcet (Hedysaram coronarium ) MISCELLANEOUS. Barlev Wheat Popcorn Russian sunflower Modiola Sugar beets . Sugar beets Sugar beets '. Australian salt bush (young seedlings) Cotton Japanese hemp Grapevines Pounds. 3,280 2,560 8, 920 7,560 1,920 3,280 4,400 880 1, 320 1,760 1,760 960 1,760 2,560 3,280 880 1,920 2, 200 2,200 1,920 1,760 4,400 3,280 3, 280 960 8,920 2, 200 2,360 960 1,760 880 1,320 2,560 2,560 1,680 1,760 2,560 11,120 11,120 2,360 9,820 6.800 8, 920 7,160 2, 360 10, 360 1,680 1,680 13, 570 Pounds. 3,360 Pounds. 3,280 2,520 2,520 2, 320 2,520 640 2,120 2, 520 840 2,120 920 920 2, 320 1,080 1,520 2, 320 2,320 840 2,320 2,520 2,520 2, 520 2, 120 920 2,120 2,120 3,360 920 2,120 1,520 2,520 920 2,120 7,040 7,040 3, 360 1,400 4,760 3,360 3,040 3, 360 9,320 920 1, 520 200 920 1,040 920 480 Potmds. 1.160 3,080 3,080 1,680 120 1,160 2,640 2,640 200 480 480 480 200 360 360 200 920 1,040 920 480 200 920 360 3,280 200 920 1,040 4,520 4,520 3,280 920 40, 840 3,280 1,520 3, 280 11, 200 1,280 2,240 1,280 3,080 1,160 280 280 1,640 1,640 120 1,280 2,640 1,280 3,080 2,240 2, 240 320 2,240 280 3,080 3,080 2,240 3,080 4,320 4,320 5,040 1,440 1,440 560 320 1,610 Pounds. 9,320 5,640 12, 680 12, 880 4, 560 6,000 8,720 6,120 4,760 4,360 6,120 2,080 4,360 5,640 6, 000 2,680 4,560 5,040 5,040 4,560 4,760 8,720 720 6, 120 2,080 12, 680 6, 120 9, 320 2,080 6,120 2,680 4,760 8,720 5,640 1,680 6, 120 5,640 20 520 20, 52^ 9,320 12, 680 52, 400 12, 680 10, 840 9, 320 30. 920 1,680 1,680 23, 830 ''Continued observation and experiments will without doubt enlarge tbe limits of tolerance as given in tbe tables. . . . The results represent the maximum amount per acre of each salt found in any soil wbere that particular plant was found grow- ing, and without reference to the other salts in the same soil. Thus for the cowpea the maximum of carbonate of soda was found in one soil, that of the sulphate in another, and the chlorid in still some other soil." Analyses are given of a number of samples of alkali soils sent to the station for examination from different parts of the State. A chemical study of some typical soils of the Florida penin- sula, A. A. Persons (Florida ma. Bui. 43, pp. 601-714).— -The first part of the bulletin is devoted to a popular discussion of the following WATER SOILS. 227 topics : The development of scientific agriculture, the value of a chem- ical analysis, the origin of soils, the composition of soils, the inorganic soil constituents, description of the organic soil elements, distinction between nitrogen and ammonia, seaweed as a source of nitrogen, the inorganic soil elements, the effect of lime on soils, explanation of the different forms of phosphoric acid, tbe home manufacture of acid phos- phate, the classification of soils, influence of mechanical condition on soil fertility, average weight of different types of soil, humus and its influence on soil fertility, peninsular soils deficient in humus, legumi- nous crops — beggar weed and velvet bean, nitrification and rotation of crops, irrigation and drainage, and effects of subsoiling. The second part is devoted to analyses by the author and his assist- ant, J. P. Davies, of pine, hammock, and sand soils and subsoils, show- ing coarse earth, fine earth, humus, nitrogen, and moisture at 100° C, and water and organic matter and the mineral constituents in the fine earth. The principal results are given in the following table: Important soil ingredient* in the soils of the central avd southern portions of the Florida peninsula. County. Insoluble Hu- residue. mus. Per cent. Per ct. 97. 5085 0.24 98. 2100 .21 87.5915 .39 97. 5710 .10 99. 0485 .08 Nitrogen. Potas- Phos- sium phoric oxid. acid Per cent. Per cent. 0. 0086 0. 0336 .0111 .0192 .0588 .0608 .0038 .0527 .0041 .0080 .0198 .0333 . 0574 . 0280 . 0033 .0232 .0027 .0288 .0089 .0262 .0106 .0080 .0014 .3224 .0011 .1008 .0125 1. 2S15 . 0058 . 0208 . oooo .0496 .0125 .0112 . 0055 . 0004 .0086 . 2 1 OS . oooo .1027 .0034 .0792 .0106 .0224 .0160 .1175 . 0038 . 0050 .0037 .0088 .ii 00 .0384 .0024 .1360 .0038 . 0064 .0000 . 2768 .0000 2.4000 .0014 .2176 .0000 . 0224 .0038 .0136 . 0043 .0136 .0157 . 0592 . 0208 . 1660 Calcium oxid. Brevard Dade DeSoto Hillsl >oro Lee Marion Orange Osceola Pasco Polk Volusia Average 1951 8197 4032 4256 2740 4975 4202 4472 4682 4305 2000 3085 4155 6090 4818 2060 8857 4261 4670 7362 6082 9472 4830 2190 3950 3590 9165 5205 3022 6618 0852 2.51 1.48 .26 .22 .40 1.36 .30 1.73 1.37 .80 .93 .63 .88 .45 .25 .14 95. 9876 .67 .70 .87 .97 .02 .50 1.15 .47 .35 .29 .15 .25 Per cent. 0. 0378 .0252 .0434 . 0091 .0021 .0261 . 0364 .0833 .0084 .0112 .0497 .0672 .0518 .2464 .1162 .0714 . 0630 . 0350 .0074 . 029 1 . 0028 .0014 .1100 . 0266 .0252 .0434 .0406 .0042 .0126 . 0204 .oust . 0098 . 0084 . 0266 .0280 .0890 .0413 Per cent. 0. 2100 .1075 4. 8787 .0200 .0000 .1150 . 0200 .0850 .3025 .0362 .0537 .1375 .1450 3. 3025 .0000 .0725 .0000 .0350 . 0962 .0137 .0000 . 0000 .0624 .0112 . 0075 . 0300 .0850 .0000 .0125 . 112". .0212 .0062 . oooo .0437 .11222 .0526 . 2805 Similar analyses are given of 11 samples of muck soils taken at depths of from 0 in. to 4 ft. The analyses show that the pine, hammock, aud sand soils are essen- G216— No. 3 3 228 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. tially of a sandy character, and are most deficient in potash and least in phosphoric acid. Frequently they are deficient in humus. "The muck soils of the peninsula arc uniformly of a fertile character. The purest muck beds, occupying vast areas in the central and southern peninsula, extending from Osceola County southward into the Everglades, are unusually rich in nitrogen, but, in most cases, are deficient in potash, phosphoric acid, and lime. Vast tracts of this land in Osceola and Dade counties have already been drained by cutting canals through the muck beds, and are now in a high state of productiveness. Other rich muck areas lie along either bank of the Kissimmee River, which connects Lake Okeechobee with Lake Kissimmee. Still other vast muck deposits occur south of Lake Okeechobee and extend into the Everglades. In addition to the above, muck deposits of varying areas occur all over Florida. "As a rule, the purest muck deposits contain the smallest stores of mineral plant food, but are richest in nitrogen. Many samples are reported in this bulletin, how- ever, which are very pure mucks and which, in addition to nitrogen, contain notice- ably large supplies of both phosphoric acid and lime. Only in potash do they appear to be very deficient. "The average amounts of the several so-called essential plant foods occurring in all muck analyses reported are as follows: Nitrogen, 1.9411 per cent; potash, 0.0443 per cent; phosphoric acid, 0.0897 per cent. "In some instances the muck soils contain excessive 'amounts of chlorin in the form of common salt.'' Physical effects of lime on soils, J. B. Reynolds (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 3, 3, fig. 1). — Series of zinc cylinders, the bottoms of which were closed with wire gauze, were filled in differ- ent cases with clay (80 per cent) and humus (20 per cent), clay (80 and 90 per cent) and lime (10 and 20 per cent), and sand (90, 94, 98, 9L), and 99.5 per cent) and lime (0.5, 1, 2, 6, and 10 per cent). These cylin- ders were placed in water just deep enough to come in contact with the bottom of the soil, and the time required for the water to reach the surface of the soil, the water content of the soil thus moistened by cap- illarity, and the condition of the soil after drying were noted. The conclusions reached were that lime increases the water capacity of all soils and that it makes clay more pervious and friable and sand closer and more adhesive. Experiments in capillarity with long tubes, J. B. Beynolds ( On- tario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 4, o,fig. 1).— A brief record is given of observations on the rise of water in long tubes filled with loam from different depths (0 to 6, 6 to 12, and 12 to 18 in.) in the soil, and with pure sand, sandy soil, and clay loam. The rapidity of rise of water increased but the percentage of water absorbed decreased with the depth at which samples of loam were taken. The capillary rise was most rapid in the pure sand, but ceased when a height of 20.6 in. above the level of the standing water was reached, this limit being attained in 5 days. The rate of capillary rise in all cases decreased with the height above the level of free water. The fine clay soil absorbed about 35 per cent more water than either of the other samples. Analyses of -waters {California Sta. Rpt. '1895-1897 ', pp. 76-10$). — Analyses show- ing mineral constituents in 16 samples of lake and stream waters, 32 samples of spring waters, and 44 samples of well waters are reported. FERTILIZERS. 229 Engineer's report on waterworks, A. Mauston {Loiva State College Agr. and Mech. Arts Ept. 1806-97, pp. 39-48, pis. 4). — An account of the water plant recently constructed at the college. Soils of San Joaquin Valley Substation, California, C. H. Siiinn {California Sta. Ept. 1895-1897, pp. 348-350). — The character of the strata passed through in horing a (30-foot well is noted. The different soil belts of the region east of Tulare Lake to the Sierra foothills are described and analyses of 3 samples of typical soils are reported. Analyses of an alkali crust and of water from a bored well are also given. Rocks, clays, coals, plants, and miscellaneous substances {California Sta. Ept. 1895-1897, pp. 103-106). — Analyses of asphalt, sepiolite (meerschaum), shell rock, and concentrated lye, and tests of the behavior of asphaltuni bricks at dif- ferent temperatures are reported, with a list of a large number of rocks, minerals, plants, etc., sent to the station for identification. Catalogue of the collection of Russian soils, V. V Dokouchayev {St. Peters- burg, pp. 166; abs. in SelsJc. Khoz. i Lyesov., 184 {1897), Mar., p. 714). — Classified ac- cording to different Governments and districts. The analytical results of the specimens of soils exhibited by the Geological Survey of Japan at the Seventh International Geological Congress, at St. Petersburg, Russia {Imp. Ceol. Survey Japan. Toklo, lS97,pp. 28). The most recent works on soils {Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 187 {1897), Oct., pp. 187-216). Variations of soil moisture through May, June, and July, J. B.Reynolds {On- tario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Ept. 1897, pp. 5-7, chart 1). — The results of a series of moisture determinations in a plat of soil during these months, together with the rainfall and average temperature, are shown in a chart. Soil temperatures {New York State Sta. Ept. 1S96, pp. 712-717).— A tabulated summary of tridaily observations during 1896 at depths of from 1 to 18 in. Analyses of soils, A. K. Sabanine {Contrib. Agr. Lab. Univ. Moscow, 1896, pp. 47; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 185 {1897), Apr., p. 242). — Analyses of chernozem soils from different localities of Russia indicate that these soils increase in water con- tent, humus, nitrogen, clay, and silt as one proceeds from West to East. — p. FIKEMAN. Examination of soils {California Sta. Ept. 1895-1897, pp. 29-37). — Analyses show- ing coarse material, tine earth, hygroscopic moisture absorbed at 15° C, moisture and organic matter, humus, nitrogen, and mineral constituents in 2 samples of soil from the Foothill region, 5 from the Great Valley region, and 7 from southern Cali- fornia are reported. A list of soils received for examination is also given. Examination of soil from Lake Temiscaming, J. B. Reynolds {Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Ept. 1897, pp. 7-9). — The results of mechanical and chemical analyses of a sample of soil from this region are reported and its water capacity, texture, and fertilizer requirements discussed. Survey of the literature on the culture of moors {Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 187 {1897), Nov., pp. 413-434). FERTILIZERS. Commercial fertilizers (Connecticut State Sta. Ept. 1897, pp. 65- 157). — This includes abstracts of the State laws relating to fertilizers, a list of the manufacturers complying with the provisions of the ferti- lizer law, a brief summary of the work of fertilizer control in sampling, collecting, and analyzing fertilizers during the year, explanations con- cerning the analysis and valuation of fertilizers, fertilizer sales in Con- necticut, a review of the fertilizer market for the year ending October 31, 1897, by E. H. Jenkins, and tabulated analyses and valuations of 230 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 548 samples of fertilizing materials, classified as follows : (1) Raw mate- rials containing- nitrogen as the principal ingredient— nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, dried blood, cotton-seed meal, linseed meal, castor pomace, horn, and hoof; (2) raw materials containing phosphoric acid as the principal ingredient — dissolved boneblack and acid phosphate; (3) raw materials containing potash as the principal ingredient — high- grade sulphate of potash, double sulphate of potassium and magnesium, muriate of potash, kainit, and soap boilers' "potash"; (4) raw materials containing nitrogen and phosphoric acid — bone manures, tankage, and dried fish ; (5) mixed fertilizers— bone and potash, nitrogenous super- phosphates, guanos, special manures, bone and wood ash fertilizer, and home mixtures; (6) miscellaneous fertilizers and manures — cotton-hull ashes, wood ashes, limekiln ashes, lime, tobacco stems, garbage ferti- lizer, and earth impregnated with sewage. In the 13 samples of nitrate of soda examined, the percentage of nitrogen varied from 15.02 to 16.27, the cost per pound of nitrogen from 13.7 to 15.G cts. with an average of 14.6 cts. The cost per pound of nitrogen in 'A samples of sulphate of ammonia was 14.4 cts. " Sulphate of ammonia, which of late years has been too costly to warrant its use as a fertilizer, is not now more expensive than nitrate of soda as a source of nitrogen." In 65 samples of decorticated cotton-seed meal examined during the year the percentage of nitrogen varied from 6.92 to 8.02, averaging 7.4. The average cost per j>ound of nitrogen in these samples was 11.6 cts. In one sample of undecorticated cotton-seed meal examined the per- centage of nitrogen was 4.48 and its cost per pound 1*6.4 cts. "Decor- ticated cotton-seed meal continues to be the cheapest source of quickly available organic nitrogen. Its use is becoming more general in the tobacco growing sections of this State, but it deserves the attention of farmers generally." The percentages of nitrogen in 2 samples of castor pomace were 4.51 and 4.02, and the cost per pound of nitrogen 18.5 and 21.1 cts., thus showing this fertilizer to be "the most expensive form of organic nitro- gen in our market." Analyses of 7 samples of dissolved boneblack showed a variation in cost per pound of available phosphoric acid of from 5.0 to 6.8 cts., and in 6 samples of dissolved rock phosphate of from 4.4 to 8 cts. "Avail- able phosphoric acid almost invariably costs more in the form of dis- solved boneblack than in the form of dissolved rock phosphate," the average price per pound in the former case being about 6£ cts., in the latter 5 cts. The average cost per ton of the bone manures examined during the year was $20.61; the average station valuation, $28.03, "showing that the station schedule of values for bone has been scarcely lower than is justified by the average selling price of bone." FERTILIZERS. 231 "The retail cash cost of potash in cents per pound in the various potash salts whose analyses are giveu . . . [was] as follows: Retail cash cost per pound of potash in different forms. !n high-grade sulphate In doable sulphate In muriate Iu kainit Highest. Cents. 5.5 6.0 4.5 5.4 Lowest. ('ruts. 4.7 4.7 3.9 4.8 Average. I'i'lltS. 5. J 5.7 4.2 5.1 "Of the 101 analyses of nitrogenous superphosphates [reported], 20 are below the manufacturers' minimum guarantee in respect of one ingredient and 2 in respect of two ingredients. The number which failed to come up to the guarantee is considera- bly smaller than in the previous year. The average cost of the nitrogenous superphos- phates is $30.44. The average valuation is $20.71, and the percentage difference 46.9." Of the 100 samples of special manures examined 25 failed to con- form to the manufacturers' guarantee as regards one ingredient and 4 were delicient in two ingredients. The discrepancies were' specially- marked in cases of mixtures of ground bone and chemicals. "These inequalities are due to the nature of the materials used. It is extremely difficult to uniformly mix dry bone — or some kinds of blood tankage — with fertilizer chemicals, and when once mixed the slight jarring incident to storage and transpor- tation is sufficient to cause considerable mechanical separation of the particles of bone or tankage from the chemicals. Even when a small sample has been very finely pulverized for aualysis great care is necessary to avoid this separation of the differ- ent ingredients." The average cost per ton of the special manures examined was $34.34, the station valuation $24.28, and the percentage difference 41.4. Of 10 samples of home-mixed fertilizers examined, -the average cost per ton was $29.16 (including $2 per ton for mixing), and their average valuation on the basis of the station's schedule was $29.07. [In 55 samples of cotton-hull ashes] the highest percentage of potash was 36.45, the lowest 10.26. while the average percentage was 22.4, slightly lower than the aver- age in the previous year (23.1). Allowing 5J, 5, and 2 cts. per pound, respectively, for water soluble, citrate-soluble, and insoluble phosphoric acid, the water-soluble potash has cost from 5.1 to 17.6 cts. per pound, or 7.9 per pound on the average. The percentage of potash [in 20 samples of wood ashes] ranged from 3.44 to 8.60, and that of phosphoric acid from 0.97 to 2.69. Lime has ranged from 27.29 to 50.96, and sand and soil from 5.85 to 20.39. . . . As respects the cost of lime in these ashes, we find that on the average a ton of unleached wood ashes this year has contained 108 lbs. of water-soluble potash, 24 lbs. of phosphoric acid, and 650 of lime. Allow- ing 5 cts. per pound each for potash and phosphoric acid, the pure lime (calcium oxid) in the 20 samples would cost 57 cts. per 100 lbs., or 10 cts. more per hundred than in limekiln ashes. The number of fertilizer firms doing business in Connecticut in 1897 was 56; the number of brands offered for sale, 281. There has been no great increase in the number of firms daring 15 years (1883-1897), but a decided increase in the number of brands, mainly of special manures. 232 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Composition of the ashes of different woods, B. Haroourt (On- tario Ayr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 27-31). — In continuation of previous work (E. S. E., 9, p. 435), the following analyses of ashes of different woods were made : Composition of the ash of different kinds of wood and of coat and garbage. Potas- sium oxid. Sodium oxid. Phos- phoric acid. Calcium oxid. Mag- nesium oxid. Oxid of iron. Sulphuric acid. Per cent. 9.17 6.66 5. 75 3.99 4.62 5.28 9.73 4.81 6.98 6.32 12.21 Trace. Trace. 1.27 Per cent. 4.35 2.69 1.00 2.27 Per cent. 2.12 .71 .92 1.76 .70 1.90 .81 2.49 3.43 2.29 6.31 .15 1.12 1.66 Per cent. 44.43 49.52 48.97 44.95 35.93 46.93 42.07 48.39 41.49 48.22 21.39 Trace. 1.49 8.13 Per cent. 6.49 2.64 2.45 5.22 5.35 3.00 3.10 1.89 3.18 3.17 9.96 Trace. Trace. 1.17 Per cent. 0.24 .25 .37 .45 3.42 1.29 .39 .22 .30 .33 .44 5.32 2.60 5.30 Per cent. 0.56 .59 .42 Walnut 1.51 .92 Trace. Trace. .27 1.76 7.07 Trace. Trace. 2.31 .79 .93 Plum .63 .73 1.07 2.64 Hard coal : No I .41 No. 1 .30 1.40 *' The fact that these ashes were pure and prepared from the wood only, explains why the percentages of mineral constituents are so much higher in those found in the average ashes in the market." Some of the ashes were digested in 1 per cent citric acid1 with the following results : Percentages of available potash, phosphoric acid, and lime in different kinds of ashes. Kind of ashes. Potas- sium oxid. Phos- phoric acid. Calcium oxid. Per cent. 82.33 79.48 94.92 99.87 82.09 84.26 90.20 89.22 85.40 Per cent. Per cent. 8 27 9.89 10. 169 15.57 11.38 "W alnut 7.15 4.57 2.88 10.32 13.50 White ash 12.03 7.82 Willow 6.66 8.41 "Nearly 80 per cent of the total potash of the birch ash was found in the solution and practically the whole of that of the walnut ash. An average of the 9 samples experimented with shows that 87. 5 per cent of the total potash of the different ashes was soluble in the citric-acid solution. According to this method of determining availability of plant food, all but 12.5 per cent of the potash would be in a form in which growing plants could make use of it at once. Smaller amounts of the phos- phoric acid and lime appeared to be soluble. In some cases the amount of phosphoric acid was so small that it was not determined, but simply entered as traces." Experiments on the availability of fertilizer nitrogen, S. W. Johnson, B. H. Jenkins, and W. E. Britton (Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1S97, pp. 257-277). — This is a continuation of work of previous 1 See also Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1896, p. 201 (E. S. R., 9, p. 825). FERTILIZERS. 233 years (E. S. R., 9, p. 540). The apparatus and methods employed were essentially the same as in the earlier experiments, except that the soil used was taken from the field which has been devoted to experiments on the continuous growth of maize on the same land (E. S. R., 9, p. 551). Three series of experiments were undertaken : (1) With oats followed by Hungarian grass; (2) with Hungarian grass; and (3) with rye and oats followed by Hungarian grass. The soil used was a sandy loam on which maize had been grown continuously for 8 years and which had received no fertilizing material of any kind for 6 years. With the excep- tion of nitrate of soda and ground bone, the fertilizing materials used were the same as in the experiments of 1896. At the beginning of the experiment the moisture content of the soil in the pots was kept between 10 and 15 per cent. When the heads first began to appear the quantity of water was increased so that the moisture content of the soil was be- tween 15 and 20 per cent. After the removal of the oat crop (both roots and above-ground part) from the pots, the soil was returned to the pots without further addition of the fertilizers and Hungarian grass was planted. Details as to fertilizers applied and the weight and nitrogen content of the crops produced are given in full in a table. The princi- pal results are summarized as follows: Percentage availability of different forms of nitrogen in pot experiments with oats and Hungarian grass. Nitrate of soda . . Dried, blood Dry ground fish . Ground bone Tankage Horn and hoof. . . Linseed meal Cotton-seed meal Castor pomace. . . Experiments in 1897. 1.6 gm. I 1.2 gm. fertilizer, fertilizer. Per cent. (79. 6) (65. 1) (60. 3) 49.8 (68. 8) (60.4) (59.2) (59.9) Per cent. (89. 3) 73.1 67.3 18.3 48.8 67.9 68.7 65.1 66.4 fertile, *™* Per cent. Per cent. 102.5 77.3 63.6 16.1 53.4 72.1 72.4 67.7 66.0 102. 5 75.2 65.5 17.2 50.7 70.0 70.6 66.4 66.2 I Nitrogen Average availabil- of exper- ity reck- iments, oned on 1894-1896. nitrate, 1897. Per cent. 64 43 44 Per cent. 100.0 73.3 63.9 16.7 49.4 68.3 68.9 64.8 64.6 " It appears that in every case a much, larger percentage of the fertilizer nitrogen was taken by the crops in the experiments of 1897, natural soil, than in the previous cultures made in coal ashes and peat. Part of this increase is due to the inclusion of roots with the crops in 1897. "The percentage availability of nitrogen to the oat crop of 1897 would have been made less by about 12 per cent on the average if the roots had been excluded. "If we may assume that a like percentage added to the percentage availability as determined in the experiments of 1894, 1895, and 1896 will correctly compensate for the exclusion of the roots in those experiments, it still appears that on the average a larger percentage of nitrogen was assimilated in the experiments of 1897 than in the earlier ones. This is particularly noticeable in the case of nitrate and of dried blood. " In these experiments of 1897 the nitrogen of raw knuckle bone, ground to pass a sieve with circular holes one-fiftieth of an inch in diameter, had only one-sixth of the availability of the nitrogen of nitrate, one-quarter of that of linseed, cotton seed, 234 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. castor pomace, steamed horn ami hoof, and lish, and about one-third of that of tank- age. The hone used was very dense and hard, unlike most of the ground hone which is sold in our market as a fertilizer, and presumably less readily available. The subject is further discussed in the following paper. . . . "The nitrogen of tankage (which contains considerable bone, 'hone tankage') lias an availability, compared with that of nil rate-nitrogen, of 49 per cent, while the nitrogen of cotton seed, linseed, and castor pomace, as well as that of horn and hoof and in lish, had an availability of from 64 to 69 per cent. ' The experiments of 1897 show but little difference in the availability of nitrogen in cotton seed, Linseed, castor pomace, horn and hoof, and fish* In this year the nitrogen of blood had a higher availability than that of the materials just named." Iii the second series of experiments (with Hungarian grass) "the apparatus and method, kind and amount of soil, method of mixing and filling, watering and care during growth " were the same as in the above experiments. With the soil of each pot were carefully mixed 50 gm. of carefully precipitated calcium carbonate and 5 gm. of potassium phos- phate containing 0.1971 gm. of phosphoric acid and 0.2620 gm. of potash. The nitrogenous materials used were nitrate of soda, cotton-seed meal, and bone in three different grades of fineness (T£„ in., ^ in., and jk- in.). Detailed data are given in a table. The principal results may be sum- marized as follows : Percenta;/? availability of different forms of nitrogen in pot experiments with Hungarian grass. Nitrogen availa- bility reckoned Nitrate of soda. . Cottonseed meal Bone, grade A... Bone, grade B. .. Bone, grade C... Experiments in 1897 1.6 gm. 1.2 gm. 0.8 gm. fertili- fertili- fertili- Average. zer. zer. zer. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. a 74. 6 95.3 95.2 95.3 58.1 53.3 54.3 55.2 1 1). 5 12.0 9.9 10.8 7.0 6.9 10.4 8.1 y.9 6.2 5.9 5.3 nitrate. Per cent. 100.0 57.9 11.3 8.5 5.6 a Excluded from the average. "It thus appears that in these cultures, while 95.3 per cent of the nitrogen of nitrate of soda and 57.9 per cent of that of cotton-seed meal were taken up by the crop, under similar conditions, only 11.3 per cent of the nitrogen of the finest bone flour was taken by the crops and still less than that percentage from coarser grades. "These figures do not indicate that the nitrogen of bone is always or generally inferior to that of other animal and vegetable materials. "Bone fiuds its most profitable use on crops like grass and clover, which are not annuals, but whose roots occupy the soil through the whole year and are more or less active at all seasons. "The best grass lands, too, are loams inclined to be heavy or clayey rather than sandy and, in consequence, retentive of moisture. On such soils it is very likely that hone decomposes more rapidly than in the sandy loam of our experiment and the perennial roots of the crops named would certainly be more efficient in taking up the nitrogen of fertilizers than those of the short-lived plants (oats and Hungarian grass) used in our experiments. It should also he noted that the hone used by us was of the hardest kind, such as is used for the manufacture of ' ivory ' goods, which is presumably more slowly decomposed and dissolved in the soil than other sorts." FERTILIZERS. 235 In case of the third series of experiments (rye and oats followed by Hungarian grass), the crops were greatly damaged by excessive rains and the results are withheld from publication. Improvement and fertilization of land, E. W. HlLGAKD (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 1D7-111).— A brief discussion of the fertilizer requirements of plants and the use of fertilizers, especially ou California soils; suggestions regarding fer- tilizer experiments; and analyses of 15 samples of fertilizing materials, including gypsum, dust from sheep lleeces, phosphate, soil from Indian burial ground, guano, clay, shell rock, lime refuse, and waste water from sugar-beet factories. Survey of the most recent literature on the fertilizing of the soil (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 187 (1897), Dec, pp. 606-624). General considerations relating to the valuation of fertilizers, H. Vanderyst (Rev. Gen. Agron., 1898, Nos. 2,pp.80-88; 4, pp. 184-190; 5, pp. 226-289). Farm manure and denitrification, R. Warington (Ann. Agron.,24 (1898), Xo. 4, pp.145— 171). — This is a French translation by E. Deinoussy of an article which appeared first in Jour. Roy. Agr. Soc, 3. ser., 8 (1897), pt. iv, pp. 577-607 (E. S. R., 9, p. 933). On the nitrogen feeding of phanerogamous plants by means of amins, am- monium compounds, and alkaloids, L. LUTZ (Cdmpt. Bend. Arnd. Sci. Paris, 126 {1898), Xo. 17, pp. 1227-1229). The origin of the nitrate of soda of Chile, W. Newton (Ann. Sci. Agron., 189S, I, Xo. 1, pp. 40-45). — A discussion of the theories of the formation of the nitrate de- posits. Nitrate of soda and perchlorate of potash — remarks on certain failures -with rye, L. Grandeau (Ann. Sci. Agron., 1S98, I, Xo. 1, pp. 84-91). — A discussion of this subject based principally upon the observations of Sjollema, Wagner, and Stutzer. Report on injuries caused by the use of nitrate of soda in the spring of 1896, M. Citispo (Ann. Sci. Agron., 1898, 1, Xo, l,pp. 92-120). Investigations on the action of ammonium sulphate and nitrate of soda, E. Kloepfer (Essen: G. I). Baedeker, 1898, pp. 59, ill.). The production of potash (potassium carbonate) from ashes. Practical guide for the preparation of potash from trees and grasses, P. Phedotyev (St. Peters- burg, 1896, pp. 42; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 187 (1897), Oct., p. 235). Provisions of the new fertilizer law of New York, L. L. Van Slyke et al. (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 125-137, pi. 1).— Reprint of Bulletin 103 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 212). Report of analyses of commercial fertilizers for the spring of 1896, L. L. Van Slyke et al. (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 138-208).— Reprint of Bulletin 107 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 766). Report of analyses of commercial fertilizers for the fall of 1896, L. L. Van Slyke et al. (Xew York State Sta. fijit. 1896, pp. 204-261). — Reprint of Bulletin 116 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 122). The real value of natural plant food, L. L. Van Slyke (New York state Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 119-124).— A reprint of Bulletin 108 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 766). Alkali, C. H. Siiinn (California Sta. Pxpt. 1895-1897, pp. 850-352).— The rise of alkali in the experimental fields of the San Joaquin Valley Substation is discussed and experiments with gypsum for correcting alkali are reported. When this substa- tion was first established alkali did not show, except in three or four spots on tbe experimental field, but as cultivation has proceeded the rise and spread of the alkali has been very rapid. Gypsum, in connection with irrigation and uuderdraining, has given good results in correcting the alkali. 236 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. YIELD CROPS. Report of the agricultural department, W. C. Latta (Indiana Sta. Ept. 1897, pp. 51-59).— In this report the work of the year is out- lined and the results of the experiments briefly summarized. The work is largely a continuation of former experiments (E. S. R., 9, p. 347). Among 13 varieties of wheat, Russian, Michigan Amber, Velvet Chaff, and Bearded Winter Fife, and among 21 varieties of oats, White Russian, White Swede, and Black Prolific, were the most promising varieties. A test of fertilizers on oats was made on two series of plats, one of which had produced crops in a regular rotation, while the other had grown grain crops for the same length of time. There were 10 plats in each series, including 3 check plats which had received no fertilizer. Acidulated phosphates, nitrate of soda, and muriate of potash were applied in different quantities. On the plats which had been in the rotation the best yield (08.12 bu. per acre) was produced by the appli- cation of 125 lbs. acidulated phosphate, 37£ lbs. nitrate of soda, and 15 lbs. muriate of potash per acre, but the yields of the check plats were 48.19 bu. per acre for the first, 53.28 bu. for the second, and 08.28 bu. for the third. On the series of plats which had produced grain continuously, the best yield was G8.91 bu. per acre, which was obtained from the plat fertilized with 145 lbs. acid phosphate, 75 lbs. nitrate of soda, and 15 lbs. muriate of potash per acre. The yield from the check plats in this series varied from 50.78 to 53.90 bu. per acre. Cultivating corn 1 and 3 in. deep gave better yields than cultivating 2 and 4 in. deep. The average results for 9 years have been in favor of cultivating 1 in. deep. From the results of the experiments it is concluded unwise to at- tempt the growing of winter oats in that latitude. Notes are given on grasses, clovers, and forage crops, and experiments on previous manur- ing on the yield of corn, heavy and light applications of manure and fertilizer, and continuous growing of clover, as yet incomplete, are described. Chicory growing as an addition to the resources of the Amer- ican farmer, M. G. Kains ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Dirision of Botany Bui. 19, pp. 52, figs. 12). — This bulletin describes the chicory plant and its uses and gives directions for growing the crop for the root and for fodder. Details of the preparation of the soil, sowing, cultivation, and storing the crop, statistics on the importation of chicory since 1809, and analyses of the raw and roasted root are given. Three varieties, Brunswick, Magdeburg, and Schlesische, considered the best known kinds used in America for roasting, are described. The results of experiments in the germination of seeds from early and late chicory flowers and of large and small seeds are reported in tables. "•The ratio of good to poor seed in individual flower heads proved, in all cases examined, to be in favor of the early flowers." FIELD CROPS. 237 Weight and (termination of large and -small seeds. Largo seed. Small seed. "Weight of Days. "Weight of 100 seeds Days. 100 seeds sown. 2 3 5 9 15 21 sown. 2 3 5 9 15 21 Mg. P. ct. P.ct. P.ct. P.ct. P. ct. P. ct. Mg. P.ct. P. ct. P. ct. i P. ct. P.ct. P.ct. 226. 14 13 28 59 75 86 91 81.20 6 11 25 j 39 46 51 208. 16 9 22 49 68 79 85 81.20 4 9 17 1 24 30 33 207. 02 11 23 50 71 83 88 80.00 3 8 18 26 31 33 190. 09 8 19 40 63 74 81 79. 84 4 7 14 20 23 26 114. 00 5 13 29 49 58 63 81.05 2 5 10 15 17 19 "Not only was the percentage of germination in favor of the large seeds . . . but the time required to get a fairly good stand was also much less." Experiments with field roots, silage, and forage crops, C. A. Zavitz {Ontario Ayr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 186-213).— This work consisted of variety tests, distance experiments, and selec- tion of seed with a number of different crops. All results are tabulated. Work in this line has been formerly reported (E. S. E., 9, pp. 440, 443). Swedish turnips. — In a test of 79 varieties planted 10 in. apart in rows 26| in. apart, Improved Long Island and Dreer Improved Purple Top produced the heaviest roots. Improved Long Island, Laidlaw Im- proved, and Dreer Improved Purple Top produced the largest yields of roots (29.25, 28.25, and 27.85 tons per acre, respectively.) Of 29 varieties tested for 9 years Hartley Bronze Top heads the list in productiveness with an average yield of 21.11 tons of roots per acre. From the results of experiments conducted for 6 years in succession the general conclu- sion is drawn that as the distance between plants in the row increased from 8 to 20 in., the average yield decreased, but the average weight per root increased. The average yield of plants 4 and 8 in. apart was 17.26 and 17.58 tons of root per acre, respectively. The average results for 0 years showed that drills 20 in. apart gave a better yield than drills 20 and 32 in. apart. Fall turnips.— On the average of 7 years7 experiments Jersey Navet, Graystone Improved Purple Top Mammoth, and Early American Purple Top, in the order given, produced the heaviest roots. Thinning the plants to 4 in. apart in rows 26f in. apart gave a better average result for 6 years than thinning to 8, 12, 16, or 20 in. apart. A test of different distances between drills with plants 10 in. apart in the drill proved 20 in. to be preferable to 26 or 32 in. Manyel-wurzels. — This season 62 varieties were tested. Among 27 varieties grown for 7 years Evans Improved Mammoth Sawlog pro- duced the largest average yield, 25.17 tons per acre, followed by Simmer Improved Mammoth Long Red with 25.11 tons and Steel Long Red Selected with 24.24 tons per acre. Four inches between roots in drills 26fin. apart and 20 in. between drills with 10 in. between plants in the drill proved to be the preferable distances. The average weight of the 238 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. roots thinned to 20 in. apart was over 5 lbs., while that of those 4 in. apart was only a little over 1 lb. Sugar beets. — Lane Improved, White Silesian, Red Top, Champion, White French, and Kleinwanzlebener, named in the order of their pro- ductiveness, yielded on the average for G years over 15 tons per acre. The average yield for Lane Improved was 19.07 tons per acre. In experiments with mangels, carrots, sugar beets, Swedish turnips, and fall turnips it was found that planting the seed 1 in. deep gave better results than planting 2, 3, or 4 in. deep, and that large, plump seed gave better yields than medium or small seed. Thinning mangels, carrots, and Swedish and fall turnips, when the plants were from 1£ to 2 in. high, gave better results than thinning when the plants were from 8 to 10 in. high. Slightly better yields were obtained with flat cultiva- tion than with ridged cultivation. Tests were made of 18 varieties of millet, 3 of sunflower, 20 of grass, and a number ot varieties of rape, kale, clover, and other miscellaneous crops. Experiments with varieties of grain, C. A. Zavitz ( Ontario Agr. Col, and Expt. Farm Rpt, 1897, pp. 154-186). — These experiments are along the lines of work reported in previous years (E. S. E., 9, p. 440). All varieties of different crops obtainable in Canada and the leading varieties from the United States and various countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia were tested, and some excellent foreign varieties have been obtained. Other features, such as method and time of sow- ing, selection of seed, time of harvesting, etc., were studied in connec- tion with this work. The results for 1897 and the average results for the number of years the varieties were grown are given in tables. All plats were T^5 acre m size- Barley. — Fifteen six-rowed, 19 two-rowed, and 12 hulless varieties were on trial. The seed was sown broadcast April 28 at the rate of 100 lbs. per acre. Oderbrucker, Scotch Improved, Jarman Selected Beard- less, and Manitoba six-rowed produced the heaviest grain, the weight per measured bushel varying from 51.1 to 51.9 lbs. Oderbrucker weighed about 53.25 lbs. on an average for 9 years. Taking the aver- age results, Mandscheuri and Oderbrucker were the most productive varieties tested. The average yield of Mandscheuri for 9 years was G3.G bu. per acre, while the yield of Oderbrucker was 55.92 bu. The average weight per measured bushel of Mandscheuri for the same period is about 2£ lbs. less than that of Oderbrucker. The average yield for this season was 38.3 bu. for the six-rowed varieties and 38.8 for the two-rowed varieties. Among the hulless varieties in the average for the number of years they were grown Black Hulless, Three-rowed, Guyamala, and Purple have yielded grain weighing over GO lbs. per measured bushel, this weight being taken as the standard. Black Hulless yielded the best average for 8 years, 38.17 bu. per acre. An experiment in broadcasting and drilling on different dates resulted in the largest yield from barley drilled April 19. FIELD CROPS. 239 Peas. — Forty-seven varieties of peas were sown in drills 1 link apart. The yields varied from 14.55 bu. to 33.1 bu. per acre. Chancellor matured first and Oaksbott Field last, there being' a difference of 24 days in the ripening period of the 2 varieties. The best average yields for 7 years ranged from 33.36 to 38.04 bu. per acre and were produced by White Wonder, Early Briton, Field, Mummy, Brown, and Blue, in the order given. All excepting Early Briton and Mummy are New Zealand varieties. In general, during a two-years' test, drilling gave better results than broadcasting. Sowing on different dates resulted in the highest average yield from the seeding made April 22 as compared with earlier and later dates. Spring wheat. — Tests were made of 48 varieties. Bart Tremenia, Wild Goose, Medeah, Sorentina, and Algiers were the most productive of the coarse-grained wheats and Herison Bearded, Saxonka, Konisburg, Red Fern, Red Fife, Colorado, Rio Grande, Washington, Wellman Fife, and Blue Democrat among the fine-grained varieties. Herison Bearded in 9 years' trials has given an average yield of 26.5 bu. per acre, at an average weight of 62£ lbs. per measured bushel. In gen- eral, broadcasting gave better results than drilling. The first seeding of wheat, made April 19, gave a better yield than the later ones. As the time of seeding advanced the crop decreased in quantity and quality. Winter u-lteat. — A test of 91 varieties was made on 189 plats. Early Red Clawson, Golden Drop, Early Genesee Giant, Imperial Amber, Dawson Golden Chaff, Tuscan Island, and Egyptian, in the order given, produced the largest yield. These varieties also stand first in produc- tiveness among 86 varieties grown for 4 years in succession. Dawson Golden Chaff has given a yield of 50.5 bu. per acre in the average of 6 years' tests. For 5 years winter wheat has been sown on September 3, 9, and 20. This season's sowing (September 9) gave the best results, but the aver- age tor the whole period is in favor of the earlier date. The results from drilling and broadcasting the seed were very similar in this year's test, as well as in the average for 4 years. Sowing seed at the rate of 2 bu. per acre gave better results than sowing at the rate of li and 1 bu. per acre. An experiment in the selection of seed resulted in the best yield from the large plump seed as compared with small plump, shrunken, or cracked seed. The use of sprouted grain for seed showed that sprouting impairs the germinating power and tends to produce an uneven crop. On 12 plats, each 1 rod wide by 6 rods long, the soil was given dif- ferent treatment previous to sowing. The experiment was duplicated, there being 6 plats in each set. These plats were plowed in the fall of 1895 and received surface cultivation the following spring. Four plats of each set were sown to oats, buckwheat, rape, and clover, and the other two were worked as bare summer fallow. The green crops were plowed under about August 1 and barnyard manure at the rate of 20 240 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. tons per acre was applied to one of the bare fallow plats in each set. The wheat was sown August 25. The bare fallow plats which had received the barnyard manure produced the heaviest yield, but the method of treatment was also the most expensive. Green manuring with peas was more effective than green manuring with rape or buck- wheat or bare summer fallow without barnyard manure. A study was made of the effect of cutting at different stages of ma- turity, the average dates of cutting for 4 years being July 4, 11, 18, 25, and August 1. In each year the greatest yield of straw was obtained from the first cutting, the heaviest grain per measured bushel from either the second or third cutting. The lowest yields and the lightest grain were obtained from the first cutting of each variety in each year. The best average yield for 4 years was obtained from the cutting made July 25. Oats. — Comparative tests of 103 varieties were made. In general the varieties with a spreading head gave most satisfactory results. Joan- ette, a black variety, has given the largest average yield of grain among all the varieties tested, 86.08 bu. per acre. But few of the black vari- eties rank high in productiveness. Siberian, Oderbrucker, Waterloo, Probsteier, and Danebrog, all of which are white varieties, gave an average yield of over 75 bu. per acre in a 9-year test. The results in favor of the drilled grain as compared with grain sown broadcast were more marked than in the case of some of the other crops. Oats sown April 22 gave a larger yield this season than seed sown earlier or later, and this was true for the average of 3 years. Beans. — Among 31 varieties White Wonder, Burlingame Medium, Medium, Schotield, and Snowilake, in the order named, were most pro- ductive, their yields ranging from 31.47 to 36.77 bu. per acre. Mixed grain. — Eleven different combinations of barley, peas, oats, and wheat were tested for the production of grain and straw. Barley, peas, and wheat gave the best yield of grain and barley and peas the largest yield of straw for this season, but the best average yield in straw and grain for 5 years was produced by a mixture of barley and oats. Seed selection. — Different qualities of seed of barley, spring wheat, white oats, and peas were selected and tested. In a 3-year trial with barley, wheat, and oats, in every case except two large plump seed pro- duced the largest kernel as compared with small plump and shrunken seed. Dark-colored plump, light colored and light weight, and hulled grain of Joanette oats were selected and compared. The light seed produced the smallest grain, the hulled seed the next smallest, and the large plnmp the largest and heaviest grain. Sound peas for seed gave better results than cracked peas, and large peas better yields than small ones. Tests of 3 varieties each of spring rye and buckwheat are reported. Sugar beets in Colorado in 1897, W. W. Cooke and W. P. Head den (Colorado Sta. Bui. ixJ, pp. 1-38). — This bulletin gives the report FIELD CROPS. 241 of cooperative culture experiments with sugar beets in 1897. Chemical analyses of soils from five different sections of the State and instruc- tions for the growing' of sugar beets are given. The results are tabu- lated in detail and sugar-beet culture is discussed in general. From the results obtained it is concluded that good sugar beets can be raised in any part of Colorado which is adapted to any kind of farming, and that large crops of good beets can be grown in districts supplied with water for irrigation. The length of the campaign for the State is esti- mated at 120 days. The ripe crop of beets in 1897 averaged 15.5 per cent of sugar and 81. G per cent purity. The average yield per acre was about 10 tons. Influence of drying on beets (pp. 29-31). — On October 29 beets were taken from the held and divided into 3 equal lots: Lot 1 was kept for a day in a cool, dark place; lot 2 was left for a day in the open field; and lot 3 was piled up and covered with a few inches of dirt and left in the field for 5 weeks. The analyses gave the following results: Influence of drying on beets. Treatment. Sugar content. Purity. Lot 1 Per cent. 14.0 14.9 14.7 Per cent. 82 Lot 2 79 Lota 84 Lots 2 and 3 lost weight by drying out, but no fermentation of the sugar in the beet took place. It was found that green beets when left to dry sustain a loss of sugar by fermentation. Influence of freezing on beets (p. 31). — Two beets, one slightly, the other decidedly frozen, were divided into three parts by weight and each third analyzed to ascertain the effect of freezing. Of the beet described as decidedly frozen, the upper third was all frozen, the middle third partly frozen, while the lower portion was left uninjured. The following table gives the results : Effect of freezing on sugar beets. Sample partly frozen. Sample decidedly frozen. Sugar. Purity. Sugar. Purity. Per cent. 12.9 12.0 Per cent. 78.7 91.1 Per cent. 10.9 11.2 14.3 Per cent. 73. -' Middle third 7ii.:; 12.0 88.3 Sugar-beet growing in Iowa, 1897, C. F. Curtiss ami J. Atkin- son (Iowa Sta. Bui. 37, pp. 20, fig. 1).— -This is a popular bulletin on sugar-beet culture, giving the results of culture experiments at the sta- tion and throughout the State. Results are given in a table. 242 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The average sugar content of G63 samples obtained from the coopera- tive tests was 13.07 per cent, with an average coefficient of purity of 77.4. The samples harvested earliest were poor in quality, while those harvested later made a better showing as the season advanced. This was also found to be the case in the experiments at the station. Six varieties were tested at the station, each variety being grown on six different plats under varying conditions. The results are given in the following table : Average results of variety tests of sugar beets. Name. Sehreiber Original Kleimvanzleben. Dramez Elite Zieman Dippe Vilniorin Sugar. I Purity. Per cent. 15.09 14.72 14.30 13.90 13.83 13.32 Per cent. 83. 23 82.62 81.60 79.72 78.81 80.11 Experiments in the fertilizing and curing of tobacco, 1897, E. H. Jenkins {Connecticut State Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 223-230). — A series of fertilizer experiments were begun to compare the effect of barnyard manure and commercial fertilizers — a mixture of barnyard manure and commercial fertilizers, and green manuring with a leguminous crops — on the quality of the leaf. The crop was harvested and was undergoing curing by artificial heat when it was destroyed by fire. A note is given on the process of pole-curing, and the work of curing the crop so far as completed is fully described. The temperature of the curing barn was never higher than 88° F. and seldom over 82°, and was kept as nearly uniform as possible throughout the building. The author cautions against chilling tobacco by low temperatures and allow- ing it to become dry before it has come to color and against curing it irregularly. Experiments in growing tobacco with different fertilizers — report on the fermented crops of 1896, E. H. Jenkins ( Connecti- cut State Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 230-243). — This report is the conclusion of experiments begun in 1892 and completed in 1896, some of the results obtained in these tests having been previously reported (E. S. R., 9, p. 543). The details of expert judgment on each lot of tobacco from the experimental plats in 1896 are given. The average results obtained by fermentation and the relative quality of the leaf from the different plats, taking the entire period into consideration, are reported below. Results of the experiments with tobacco fertilizers for the years 1892 to 1896, E. H. Jenkins {Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 243-256). — The results of these experiments and the manner in which they were conducted are discussed in a previous report of the station (E. It. S., 9, p. 543) and are here briefly summarized, with the FIELD CROPS. 243 additional facts brought out by the fermentation of the crop of 1896. The effect of fermentation on the weight and fire-holding- capacity of tobacco is shown in the following table, which gives the averages of all the plats under experiment : Average weight and fire-holding capacity of wrapper leaves. Short wrappers. Long wrappers . Average number of wrapper leaves per pound. Before fermen- tation. Average flre-hol cl- ing capacity i n seconds. Before fermen- tation . 12.0 9.2 After fermen- tation. 28.5 23.9 The long and short wrappers in the sorted crops averaged 60.7 per cent, some plats yielding as high as 78 per cent of wrappers. The average yield per acre of pole-cured, sorted tobacco for all the plats was 1,685 lbs., the maximum being 2,280 lbs. and the minimum 1,145 lbs. per acre. The average loss of weight in sorting ranged from 4.5 to 5.3 per cent. The following table shows the comparative value of the leaf from the several plats. The number expressing the relative qual- ity is the average of the numbers representing the grading of the tobacco for each year, the smaller numbers representing the higher values : Comparative value of the leaf from all the plats for five years. Plat. Fertilizers applied. Relative quality. P Y Z B W AA fl F C O D J K S u a A v i BB L R N X Q E M T Cotton-seed meal, double carbonate of potash and magnesia, and bone Cotton-seed meal and wood ashes Ground fish, double sulphate of potash and magnesia, and bone Linseed meal and cotton-hull ashes Mapes tobacco manure Stable manure Castor pomace and cotton-hull ashes Linseed meal, cotton-hull ashes, and bone Cotton-seed meal and cotton- hull ashes Cotton-seed meal, carbonate of potash, and bone Cotton-seed meal and cotton-hull ashes Castor pomace and cotton-hull ashes Cotton-seed meal, double sulphate of potash and magnesia, and bone. . Stockbridge tobacco manure Mapes tobacco manure Castor pomace and cotton-hull ashes Cottou-seed meal and cotton-bull ashes Mapes tobacco manure and Mapes starter Castor pomace, cotton-hull ashes, and nitrate of soda Tobacco stems Cotton-seed meal, double sulphate of potash and magnesia, and bone .. Stockbridge tobacco manure Cotton-seed meal, sulphate of potash, and bone Sanderson tobacco manure Baker tobacco manure Castor pomace and cotton-hull ashes Cotton-seed meal, sulphate of potash, and bone Ground fish, nitrate of soda, and lime 6.0 7.2 7.5 7.8 8.4 8.5 9.6 10.3 10.4 11.0 11.4 12.6 13.4 13.6 14.0 15.0 15.6 15.6 16.0 16.0 16.6 17.8 19.8 21.4 23.0 24.0 24.4 25.5 The discussion of the results is practically the same as that given in the previous report (E. S. R., 9, p. 543). 6216— No. 3 4 244 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Report of the farm superintendent, W. Rexnie (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Bpt. 1897, pp. 215-217). — Notes on the different crops grown in 1897. Superphosphate as a fertilizer for barley, M. Ullmann (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No 14, p. 145). — The results of experiments show that water-soluble super- phosphate, as a fertilizer produced a better yield and a better quality of barley than citrate-soluble superphosphate. Analyses of canaigre or tanners' dock, C4. E. Colby (California Sta. Bpt. 1895- 1897, pp. t86-190). — A table is given showing the results of 82 analyses of canaigre root, comprising all the results obtained at the station up to July, 1N!»7. Tnis is work in continuation of that already reported (E. S. R., 8, p. 686). The average of 30 analyses of California-grown canaigre roots one year old was 27.7 per cent of tannin in the air-dried substance. Harvest of flax and hemp seed in Russia during 1897, W. R. Hollo way ( U. S. Consular Bpls. 1S9S, No. 213, pp. 259, 260).— -The amount of flaxseed harvested was 727,920 tons, being 28.5 per cent less than the crop of 1896. The amount of hemp seed produced was 316,800 tous, which was nearly 25 per cent less than the crop pro- duced the previous year. Silage and silos, "W. P. Wheeler (New York State Sta. Bpt. 1890, pp. 641-656, ph. 2).— A. reprint of Bulletin 102 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 222). Report of grasses and fodder plants, A. B. L.KCKENBY (California Sta. Bpt. 1895- 1897, pp. 298-801). — Brief notes on culture tests in southern California of plants "that offer special promise of usefulness as wild feed or have a direct bearing as a farm crop." The following crops were tested: Australian saltbush (Atriplex semi- baccatu), modiola (Modiola decumbens), sapling clover (Trifolium medium), common white clover (T. repens), black medic (Medicago lupulina), hairy vetch (Yicia villosa), sheep purslane (I'ortulaca oleracea), awnless and Schrader brome grasses (Bromus inermis and 7>. unioloides), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), Italian rye grass (Lolium mulUflorum italicum), tall oat grass (Arrlienathernm elatius), small fescue (Festuca elatior pratensis), Eleusine barcinonensis, prolific panic grass (Panicum prolif- erum). pearl millet (Pennisctum typlwideum), Abyssinian feather grass (P. Ion y sifting out the small seeds (nearly one-third of the whole) made no perceptive difference in either quality or quantity of the crop. '■ Very little difference in yield, weight, or time of the maturing of the crop can he ascribed to differences in the quantity of fertilizers used. Good results were obtained by adding to the mixture of coal ashes and peat, for each 100 sq. ft. of bench space, 2.5 lbs. of nitrate of soda, 2.4 lbs. of dissolved boneblack, 1.4 lbs. of muriate of potash. This sufficed for 3 crops of radishes. "The total yield of radishes (3 crops) from all the plats filled with coal ashes and peat was, for 100 sq. ft. of bench space, 388 bunches (10 in a bunch), or 57 lbs. (tops ijicluded). "The average composition of these radishes was: Water, lost in air drying, 94.35; nitrogen, 0.24; phosphoric acid, 0.062; potash, 0.233. "According to this year's tests, 1,000 bunches of radishes weigh 147 lbs. and take from the soil 5.6 oz. of nitrogen, 1.4 oz. of phosphoric acid, and 5.4 oz. of potash." Effects of fertilization on citrus fruits, G-. E. Colby and E. W. Hilgard (California Sta. Bpt. 1895-1897, pp. 163-181).— This is a con- tinuation of work previously reported (E. S. E., 8, p. 691). A number of orange trees at the southern California substation have been selected for experiments with fertilizers. Analyses of 1 dozen fruits from each tree before fertilizers were applied are reported for future comparison. In regard to the variations in the composition of the fruits of given varieties the report says: "In the Washington Navels there is a difference of 1.41 between the highest and lowest sugar percentages, and in the Magnum Bonum it is 2.20 per cent. In fact, in all of the varieties but the Homasassas the difference is above 1 per cent. In acid the variation is proportionally about the same. In amount of ju^ce the differences vary from 1.5 per cent in the Mediterranean Sweet to 9.9 per cent in the Parson Brown. In percentage of rind the greatest difference, 10.6, was observed in the Washington Navel. In weight the differences between the averages of the several trees of the same variety was very small in several cases, while in the Pineapple there was as much as 94 grn." Analyses of oranges from fertilized trees at North Pomona in 1895 are reprinted from the previous report and compared with analyses of fruit from the same place in 1896. After a discussion of the results obtained the report says : "In general, then, it maybe said that the differences shown in the proximate composition of fertilized and nonfertilized fruits in the Richards grove [North Pomona] are not such as may properly be attributed to fertilization, but fall within the limits of normal variation, as shown by the unfertilized fruit of the station orchard." In regard to the ash of oranges that have received different fertili- zers the following summary is given : "Nitrogen. — The lowest percentages were found to be in those lots either unferti- lized or to which no nitrogen fertilizer had been applied. It was lowest of all in that on which potash alone had been used. The results indicate that nitrogen was needed in the soil. " Total ash. — The minimum amount of ash was found in the unfertilized lot; next in that fertilized with potash alone ; while the highest percentage of ash was obtained in the fertilization with superphosphates. HORTICULTURE. 251 " Phosphoric acid. — As the tables stand, the minimum amount of phosphoric acifl in the ash was found in the fruit fertilized with superphosphate alone and the max- imum amount where phosphoric acid and potash were used. But if we make the calculation on an even weight instead of on even numbers of each sample, we obtain very different and at the same time very suggestive results. ''In the unfertilized lot we then find 4.73 lbs. of phosphoric acid in 1,000 lbs. of the fruit; in that fertilized with superphosphate alone it is increased to 5.77 lbs., thus indicating a lack of phosphates in the soil. Wheii nitrogen is supplied in the lertilizer the maximum of 6.27 lbs. is reached, thus again showing, as above noted, the need of nitrogen fertilization. " Potash — The maximum of potash in the ash was obtained in the lot from the nitrogen fertilizer and the minimum in that of superphosphate; but, calculated per 1,000 lbs. of fruit, we find that the amount of potash in the ash is nearly the same in that unfertilized and in that fertilized with potash alone, thus showing that potash is not deficient in the soil." Ill continuation of previous work analyses were made of Washington Navel and St. Michael oranges, grown at West Riverside, to study the effect of potash on the fruit. All the fruits tested were produced on soil which had received fertilizers containing phosphoric acid and nitrogen. Part of the trees were also fertilized with muriate of potash. The Navel oranges which were fertilized with potash had a thinner rind and a lower average percentage of juice, as was the case in the previous year's work. They also showed a lower percentage of sugar in the juice, thus contradictiug the former conclusion that potash increased the sugar content. The St. Michael oranges fertilized with potash were smaller, thinner skinned, and more juicy than those not so fertilized. There were practically no differences in sugar and acid content between those fertilized with potash and those not fertilized. Report of injury to fruit trees during the winter of 1895-96, S. A. Beach and 0. P. Close (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 408-439).— An unusual amount of injury to fruit buds and fruit trees was caused by the severe winter of 1895-96. Native plums and sour cherries were prac- tically the only stone fruits which were not seriously injured. To learn the relative hardiness of the different varieties of fruits cultivated in the State, correspondence was carried on with fruit growers in all parts of the State. Replies were received from 442 localities. The State was divided into seven fruit districts, and each district is considered sepa- rately in discussing the replies. Notes and tables are given showing the varieties most frequently mentioned, the number of times each was mentioned, and the least, greatest, and average percentages of injury reported for each variety. Observations on cover crops for orchards, S. A. Beach and C. P. Close (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 440-445, pis. 2).— The advantages of cover crops for orchards are briefly noted and an account is given of various cover crops grown in the station orchards in the fall of 189G. The crops were sown August 1. Sainfoin proved unde- sirable on account of its slowness in starting and its small growth. Cowpeas made a good growth, but were killed by the first frost. 252 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Crimson clover winterkilled and did not do well on Lard clay soil. Canada peas and buckwheat and blue peas and buckwheat gave satis- factory results, both mixtures making a good growth and the peas remaining green until winter. The growth of the Canada peas and buckwheat was so great as to interfere with gathering the winter apples. Winter vetch and winter rye formed a perfect mat of vegeta- tion and remained green over winter. They did not grow high enough to interfere with gathering winter fruit. Mammoth red clover formed a dense covering and remained alive over winter, comparing favorably with winter vetch and winter rye. Dwarf Essex rape made a very rank growth, sufficient to interfere with gathering fruit, and seemed to furnish a hiding place for mice, which girdled several of the trees. Experiments with fruits, J. L. Btjdd (Iotca Sta. Ept. 1896-97, pp. 127-130). — The author reports results of introductions of hardy plums, peaches, cherries, apples, pears, and ornamental plants. The Russian plums introduced in 1883 are of greatest value in the south half of Iowa. Home of the Russian cherries have proved superior to other varieties in hardiness and in size and quality of fruit. The Rus- sian apples are of greatest value in the extreme north. "In Minnesota the whole recommended list at present are Russian varieties or Russian seedlings." One of the greatest benefits of the wide distribution of these apples is the opportunity thus afforded for both .natural and arti- ficial crosses with old standard varieties and the production of hardy varieties of good quality. Some of the Russian pears have proved per- fectly hardy on high ground in northern Iowa. This is especially true of Gakovsky. In southern Iowa Mongolian Snow has done well. The peaches introduced from Asia have given good results in the southern part of the State. Among ornamental plants, many roses, snowballs, spiraeas, honeysuckles, lilacs, etc., have proved hardy as far north as Manitoba and Indian Head. In regard to hybrid fruits and shrubs the author says : "Our most promising crosses and hybrids are from prepotent ironclad mothers that come near to reproducing from seed. As examples, we crossed the blossoms of the wild rose of east Europe (Rosa rut/osa) with polleu of our best garden varieties. The results have been a surprise, as in one generation we have secured double flowers and yet retained maiuly the vigor and hardiness of the wild rose. With the goose- berry we crossed the blossoms of the wild species of Manitoba with pollen of the Champion. In this case about all the hybrids bear fruit of the size of the Cham- pion, yet we retain mainly the hardiness of bush of the mother plant. "With the apple we have used prepotent mothers, such as Hibernal, Duchess, and the Anis, and pollen of our best-known winter varieties. As far as yet fruited the fruit largely follows the variety used for pollen, and leaf and tree mainly follow the mother. In our work of hybridizing the plum we have used our best native varieties for mothers and the pollen of the Japan varieties, mainly for the reason that the European sorts do not seem to cross readily with our native species. With cherries and other fruits we have adhered to the same principle of using prepotent ironclad mothers and pollen from the best known sorts." Report of the horticulturist, H. L. Hutt (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Ept. 1897, pp. 91-120, Jigs. 11). — A report of the work in HORTICULTURE. 253 horticulture during the year 1897. A list of the varieties of orchard fruits growing at the college is giveu. Variety tests of small fruits are reported in tabular form, the tests including 13 varieties of red raspberries, 12 black raspberries, 13 currants, 12 gooseberries, and 150 strawberries. The relative yield of the varieties of strawberries is given for the year 1897 and also for 1890. A marked difference was noted between tbe relative positions of the varieties in the 2 years. In this connection the author says: "The great change in position of many of these [varieties] shows very clearly how little value should be placed upon the results of but a single test. It is only by the average of a number of trials that we can arrive at a reliable estimate of the value of a variety." Notes are given on 57 varieties of geraniums used for bedding. The following varieties are recommended by the author as being best for bedding purposes: "Scarlet — General Grant, J. J. Harrison, Alfred Tennyson, Alfred Maine, Prokop Daubec; crimson — S. A. Xutt, Sam. Sloan; magenta crimson — Adrien Corret; pink — Madonna, Mous. de la Eue; salmon — Mrs. E. G. Hill, John Good; white — La Favorite, White Swan; bronze-leaved — Marcchal MacMahou; silver-leaved — Mad. Saleroi; golden leaved — Crystal Palace Gem." Quantities of mineral matters and nitrogen in violets grown under glass, A. L. Winton {Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1897. pp. 31:2, 313). — An analysis was made of 4 large violet plants, including roots, freed from earth as much as possible, and of 300 flowers as picked for market. The results are shown in the following table: Percentage composition of violets. Plants. Blooms. Water Nitrogen Sand adhering .. Pure ash Silica Oxid of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Phosphoric acid. Sulphuric acid . . Chlorin Per cent. 75. 815 .454 C. 743 2.030 .235 .576 .182 .075 .515 .163 .110 .095 .079 Per cent. 88. 052 .298 .235 .910 .031 .028 .075 .070 .462 .037 .101 .070 .036 Collection of information on the culture of valuable plants on the Caucasus. Ill (77//i.s, 1S97, pp. 116; aba. in Selsk. Ehoz. i Lyesov., 185 (1897), June, pp. 718, 719).— This part contains three articles, (1) Tea and the introduction of its culture on the Black Sea coast of the Transcaucasus, by S. N. Tiniotheyef ; (2) The culture of Pis- tacia vera on the Transcaucasus, by E. A. Kamenyetski; (3) Capparia spinosa and its exploitation on the Caucasus. — p. fireman. Distribution of seeds, plants, cuttings, etc., E. J. WiCKSON (California sta. Ept. 1895-1897, pp. 808-304). — A report on the seeds, plants, cuttings, etc., distributed by the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 944). 254 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Fruits of the Foothill Culture Substation, C. H. Siiinn {California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 307-324). — Notes and tabular data are given on varieties of almonds, apricots, plums and prunes, and quinces. Notes are also given on figs, peaches, cherries, olives, walnuts, persimmons, and various small fruits. Horticulture at the Southern Coast Range Culture Substation, C. H. Shinn (California Sta. Bpt. 1895-1897, pp. 331-336). — Notes are given on various fruits, gar- den shrubs, timber and shade trees, etc. A table is given showing the growth of a number of fruits on hardpan. Smudging orchards to prevent injury from frost was not successful against long-continued and severe frosts. Report of the horticultural department, J. Troop (Indiana Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 35-40, fi(j. 1). — An outline of the work of the year is given. A variety test of some 20 varieties of potatoes is reported. Outline of the work of the horticultural department, S. A. Beach (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 265, 266). Melons, squashes, and vegetables at the Southern Coast Range Substation, A. V. STUBENRATJCH (California Sta. Bpt. 1895-1897, pp. 343-345) .—Brief notes on muskmelous, watermelons, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, okra, peppers, lentils, and the like. Garden vegetables and various trees, E. J. Wickson (California Sta. Bpt. 1S95- 1897, pp. 292-297). — Reports from correspondents on perennial beans, Ceylon pea, New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia ecpansa), paper mulberry (Brousxonetia papyrifera), and guavas distributed by the station. The perennial beans are large white beans. Some of them show a tendency to produce two crops a year, and their roots survive ordi- nary winters in California. The Ceylon pea has large pods, is very prolific, grows well throughout the State, and is of value as a late pea for table or for canning. The New Zealand spinach stands drought well and is useful as a table vegetable and for binding light soils. The paper mulberry is of value as an ornamental plant. In moist ground it suckers abundantly from the roots. Five varieties of guavas from Lucknow, India, sent out for comparison with varieties growing in the State have been found too tender for the climate. Testing fruits, S. A. Beach, W. Paddock, and C. P. Close (New York State Sta. Bpt. 1896, pp. 267-300, pis. 5). — This is a continuation of work reported in the report of the station for 1895. The purpose of variety tests is noted and a table is given showing the number of varieties of each of the various orchard and small fruits now under test at the station, the total number being 3,088. Notes are given on 22 varieties of apples and 5 varieties of grapes, the fruit of 5 of the apples being illustrated. A table shows the yield in 1896, age of trees or grafts, and season of ripening of 261 varieties of apples and 21 varieties of crab apples. A list of 155 varieties of pears, 9 quinces, 20 apricots, 58 cherries, 120 peaches, 197 plums, 240 grapes, and 49 currants growing at the station is given. The yield of 9 varieties of black currants and 18 varieties of red and Avhite currants is given in tabular form. Almonds, peaches, and nectarines at the Southern California Substation, C. II. Shinn and J. W. Mills (California Sta. Bpt. 1895-1897, pp. 391-405).— -This con- sists of notes on the behavior of varieties of almonds, peaches, and nectarines for a number of years. Thinning fruit, S. A. Beach (New York State Sta. Bpt. 1896, pp. 378-383) .—This article is practically the same as one read before the Hudson Valley [New York] Horticultural Society (E. S. R., 9, p. 448). Orchard fruits and date palms at the San Joaquin Valley Culture Substation, C. H. Siiinn (California Sta. Bpt. 1895-1897, pp. 353-362).— Notes and tabular data are given on a considerable number of varieties of apples, pears, almonds, peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums and prunes, and date palms. Orchard and small fruits, trees, shrubs, and other plants at the Southern California Substation, C. H. Shistn ( California Sta. Bpt. 1895-1897, pp. 368-383, pis. 3). — Brief notes, accompanied in some cases with tabular data, regarding the behavior of varieties. FORESTRY. 255 Analyses of oranges, lemons, and pomelos, G. E. Colby (California .S7a. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 161, Hi.'). — Analyses of fruits received from December, 1K95, to April, 1897, are reported. Proximate analyses of prunes, plums, dried fruits, and raisins, G. E. Colby (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 1S8-185). — Analyses of various fruits sent to the station for examination. The causes of "frogging" and "bloating" of prunes, F. T. Bioletti (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 254-261, ph. 4).— A reprint of Bulletin 114 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 979), with the addition of three plates. Olives and olive oil, A. P. Hayne (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 191-193).— A note on the olive industry, with suggestions for its improvement. Analyses of California olives, G. E. Colby (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897 , pp. 193-807). — This is a continuation of work recorded in the Annual Report of the sta- tion for 1894-95 (E. S. R., 8, p. 701). The data in the previous report are republished, together with analyses for the year 1896. In addition to the record of analyses of the individual samples, the maximum, minimum, and average compositiou for each variety of olive studied are given. New apparatus for crushing olives (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 208, .'09, fig. 1). — A description of a machine for crushing olives preparatory to the extraction of the oil is published as furnished by the makers. Examination of sulphured (bleached) fruit (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, p. 186). — Sulphured prunes were found to contain 0.33 per cent and raisins 0.36 per cent of sulphuric acid. Blackberries, dewberries, and raspberries, \Y. Paddock (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 344-358).— A reprint of Bulletin 111 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 137). Gooseberries, S. A. Beach (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 800-344, pis. 15).— A leprint of Bulletin 114 of the station (E. S. R,, 9, p. 138). Strawberries, W. Paddock (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 358-377, pi. 1).— A reprint of Bulletin 109 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 786). The economic position of Russian grape culture and wine making, N. N. Koshkin (Rpt. Min. Ayr. and Govt. Estates, Div. Rural Econ. and Ayr. Stat. St. Peters- bury, 1897, pp. 91; abs. in Selsk. Elioz. i Lyesov., 186 (1S97), Sept., p. 713). Culture of grapes and the contest against phylloxera, P. Stroyev (Selsk. Ehoz. i Lyesov., 186 (1897), Aug., pp. 431-45 2). — The author recommends the Russian horti- culturists to employ the capital which they spend in combating the phylloxera in Bessarabia in introducing American vines which are not affected by the phylloxera. — P. FIREMAN. Memoranda on wine, table, and raisin grapes, F. T. Bioletti (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 245-253). — This is a summary of the results obtained with various varieties of grapes at the several substations of the State, the details of which have been reported iu previous viticultural reports. California walnuts, almonds, and chestnuts, G. E.Colby (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 142-159).— A. reprint from Bulletin 113 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 786) rearranged and with somewhat more extensive notes and the addition of a table comparing the compositiou of fresh almond hulls with that of green alfalfa. The bleaching of nuts by dipping, E. W. Hilgard (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 159, 160).— Reprinted from Bulletin 113 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 788). FORESTRY. A report of forestry substations, C. H. Shinn {California Sta. Rpt. 189 5-1897, pp. 406-420, pi. 1). — The author gives a report of the present condition of the forest substations at Chico and Santa Monica. Brief notes are given on the general culture pursued at the Chico station and comparisons made with the two pine plantations of Pinus resinosa and 256 EXPERIMENT STATTON RECORD. P. sylvestris. Both blocks were set in 1889-90. The P. resinosa trees average 17 ft. in height and the Scotch pine about 13 ft. Observations were made by an inspector of the young trees in the Sierra showing that seedling pines and other conifers wherever pro- tected from sheep and cattle form close thickets in a few years. During the winter of 1895-9(i, which was a very severe one, quite a number of Eucalyptus and Acacia trees were destroyed, as well as a number of carob trees. The heat of the following summer destroyed quite a num- ber of trees, among which were specimens of Abies, Sassafras, and Gephalotaxus drupacea. The Japanese oaks have also proved unadapted to this region. The rate of growth of trees in the forest is shown in a table compiled from records made by the foreman of the station. The growth of 9 specimens of conifers and 4 deciduous trees are tabulated as follows : Statistics of tree growth, 1894 to 1896, inclusive. Name. Chamcecyparis lawsoniana Catalpa speciosa Negundo calif omica Pinus aitstriaca P. insignis P. resinosa , P. sylvestris Pseudotsuga taxifolia Seq uoia gigantea S. sein.pervirens Cupresnus sem/perwrens . Paulownia imperialis Jaglans californica Growth, 1894. Height, Circumfer- ence. Inches. 12 16 11 6 9 7 9 Not taken 16 Not taken. 8 19 14 Growth, 1895. Height. Wrcnmfer- ence. Feet. Inches. Growth, 1896. Height. Feet. 13 26 24 It 19 17 13 9* 21 17 22 24 23 Circumfer- ence. Inches. 15 25 18 14 19 13 11 7 31 13 16* 30 25 A list of trees and number of species being tested at the station is given. The general condition of the Santa Monica station is described and temperature and rainfall records for the years 1893-1897 are included, together with descriptive notes and improvements. Measurements have been made of the larger Eucalyptus trees in the main grove and the results were tabulated, showing the growth of the trees for the years 1894, 1895, and 1890. The trees were mostly planted in 1889 and 1890, and in many cases have attained very considerable size. One specimen of Eucalyptus globulus was measured in 1896, being reported as 40 ft. high and 19 in. in diameter, with a spread of top of 28 ft. The flowering time of the various species of Eucalyptus are given, the lengths of their blooming period, and their possible use as bee pasturage. A table is given in which the comparative resistance of several of the more common species of Eucalyptus is shown. The figures given seem to indicate that Eucalyptus globulus and E. coryno- calyx are among the most resistant. Brief descriptive notes are given of some recent additions to the arboretum, among which are some Japanese bamboos, Mortis multicaulis, various willows, etc. FORESTRY. 257 Forestry plantations, J. L. Btjdd (Ioica Sta. Rpt. 1896-97, pp. 126, 127). — The author reports upon the present condition of forestry plan- tations, the trees of which were planted from 15 to 21 years ago on both high and low lands. The land selected was 4 knolls of thin soil, with parts of the valley between dry enough for plowing. The trees were planted 4 ft. apart each way and cultivated until the tops shaded the ground fairly well. On knoll 1 the box elders and catal- pas have, as a rule, made scrubby, dwarfed growth. Specimens of black oak 1 ft. above the ground are 43 in. in circumference, Riga pine 43, basswood 39, Austrian pine 36, red cedar 23, catalpa 21. In the case of the catalpa tree the trees measured were exceptional; in the other cases average trees were taken. Upon the low ground at the base of this plat box elder, catalpa, basswood, and hard maple made a large, even growth. The second portion of the plantation was devoted largely to white pine and European larch, alternated with box elder and green ash. On the hilly ground the white pine has grown very successfully, many of the trees being 44 in. in circumference and 50 ft. in height. The best larches measure 31 in. in circumference and are as high as the pines. The box elder and ash, as a rule, have been crowded out except in the lower grounds. The white pine and larch on the low laud are equal in size and stand to those on the hill. The third part of the plantation was planted mostly with black wal- nut and butternut, with some box elder, white elm, green ash, and black wild cherry. In the bottom lands the black walnuts average 50 ft. in height, with stems 29 in. in circumference. The only trees not crowded out by their growth is the white elm, which in height and vigor of growth is about equal to the black walnut. On the hilly part of the plantation the only thrifty trees are the European larch and the black wild cherry. At the time of the planting the belief was common that the butternut was a high-land tree, and no specimens were planted in the low lands. On the hills most of the trees are either dead or their tops are dying. In the fourth part of the plantation green ash was planted exclu- sively, and with 20 years' growth the largest trees on the low laud are 25 in. in circumference. Upon the high ground the trees stand much better than where alternated with black walnut, white pine, and larch, but they are of small size, showing that they should have been thinned at least 10 years ago. Of the conifers planted on the college campus during the past 20 years the species that have remained thrifty in isolated positions in blue-grass sod are white, Black Hills, silver, and Douglas spruce; Douglas and concolor fir; and white, Black Hills, dwarf mountain, red, riga, and some specimens of Austrian pines. Black and Norway spruce, Scotch pine, common fir, and American and European larch do not withstand drought in isolated positions as well as in timber plantations. 258 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Timber and shade trees, C. H. Shinn ( California Sta, Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 336-338). — The author in a brief report gives a limited list of shade, ornamental, and timber trees which 8 years of experience has shown to be well adapted to the lands east of the Salinas. The important factors to be considered in determining the hardiness are ability to resist drought, thrive on poor soils, and capacity to penetrate hard-pan of various depths and various degrees of solidity. Among the trees best adapted to these conditions are some of the oaks, particularly Quercus pedunculata, Q. douglasi, and Q. lobata. Of these the English oak, Q. pedunculata, was by far the best. Among other deciduous trees of merit in this respect are mulberries, box eld- ers, and black locusts. Notes are also given on the mulberry tree, sev- eral species of pine, casuarina, 3 species of fir, Cedrus deodar, Eucalyptus globulus, Paulownia imperialis, and Osage orange. Brief review of the activity of the forestry department during the two years from June, 1895, to June, 1897 (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov.,186 {1897), Aug., pp. 241-314). The influence of local conditions on tree growth, W. Gill (Jour. Agr. and Ind. South Australia, 1 (1898), No. 9, pp. 675-677). SEEDS— WEEDS. Tests of the vitality of vegetable seeds, E. H. Jenkins (Con- necticut State Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 383-391). — The author reports on tests of a number of vegetable seeds. The tests were conducted in accord- ance with the rules adopted by the Association of American Agricul- tural Colleges and Experiment Stations, as published in Circular 34 of this Office (E. S. E., 9, p. 143). Six hundred and fifty-live samples of seeds were tested for their vitality, and it was found that on an average the samples of beet, cabbage, and carrot seed which were over one year old had a higher germinative capacity than new seed. This fact was probably due to the generally better quality of the previous years' seed. The author states that the results of several years' tests would probably show that, taking one year with another, new seed would sprout better than seed one or more years old. A series of tests was made of the vitality of onion seed, 131 samples of seed from the crops of 1890 and 1897 raised in Connecticut, Ehode Island, and California being compared. As a rule the vitality of seed decreases with age, but there were some cases in which 2-year-old seed sprouted better than that of the new crop. The vitality of the California-grown seed was considerably higher than that of the Con- necticut. Forty-four samples of Connecticut-grown seed of the crop of 1896 were tested and gave an average of 72.4 per cent germination. Thirty-nine samples of seed from the crop of 1897 gave an average of 77.9 per cent. The crop of 1895 gave, as an average of tests, a germi- native capacity of 85.5 per cent. The average weight of onion seed and the germinative ability of different varieties are given. The author SEEDS WEEDS. 259 has tabulated the results of his experiments, showing the usual data of such experiments. Seed testing: Its importance, history, and some results, 0. R. Ball (Ioioa Sta. Rpt. 1896-97, pp. 161-175).— The author gives a brief review of the importance of seed testing, together with an historical sketch of seed control in Europe and this country. He reports at some length seed tests made at the station in 1897. The seeds were bought in February from rive different seedsmen, and were supposedly of the crop of 1896. Twenty varieties of seeds were purchased and tested in the spring of the year and again in the fall, the seed being taken from the same packages in each case. The vitality tests showed, for the most part, that the seed were fairly good but considerably below the recognized standard. Most of the tests showed a declining vitality, but in the case of the cucurbit seeds in nearly every instance the autumn tests gave a higher percentage of germination than those obtained in the spring. Reports of the Danish Markfrdkontor (seed house) for 1896 and 1897 (Copen- hagen, 1897, pp. 32; 189S,pp. 40).— The twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth annual reports of " Markfriikontoret,'' containing many papers on seeds and farm crops. Report of the seed-control station in Lund (Sweden) for 1897, B. Jonsson (Malmo, 1898, pp.29). Influence of dividing mother beets on seed production, F. Lubanski (Bl. Zuck- errubenbau., 5 (1898), Nos. 6, pp. 86, 87; 7, pp. 97, 98). On the methods of testing and estimating the value of beet seed, R. Hartleb and A. Gillmeister (Jour. Landw., 46 (1898), No. 2, pp. 185-206). The germinative power of grain immersed in water, H. Coupix (Jour. Agr. Prat., 62 (1898), No. 21, p. 752).— Results of experiments with various kinds of seeds are reported. When immersed in running water for 48 hours 70 per cent of buck- wheat, 100 of wheat, 89 of maize, and 96 of peas germinated. When immersed for the same time in standing water the percentage of germiuation was 52, 97, 80, and 85, respectively. Concerning the artificial drying of seed of cereals with reference to their germination, F. Nobbe (Mitt. Deut. Landw. Gesell.,12 (1897), No. 14, pp. 185,186). American clover seed in Austria-Hungary, C. B. Hurst (U. S. Consular Rpt8., 1898, No. 212, pp. 120-122).— A brief account is given of the attempt being made to exclude American clover seed from Austria-Hungary. The basis of the exclusion is the danger from the presence of dodder seed ( Cuscuta epithymum) . Analyses of seeds, A. K. Sabanine (Cohtrib. Agr. Lab. Univ. Moscow, 1896, pp. 47; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 185(1897), Apr., p. 242).— Of the various conclusions drawn by the author from his analyses of the seeds of different field plants grown in Russia the most interesting is that the nitrogen content of grains of rye increases as the place of growth proceeds from west to east or as the climate becomes more and more continental — a phenomenon already observed by other investigators in regard to wheat, barley, and millet. The author also noticed that the greater the amount of nitrogen in the rye grains the smaller the amount of ash. — p. fireman. Seed breeding, W. W. Tracy ( Amer. Florist, 13 (1898), No. 520, pp. 1251, 1252). Note on the distribution of Pseudocommis vitis by the winds, M. Beleze (Bui. Soc. Mycol. France, 14 (1898), No. l,p. 27). Investigations on the development of the seed of Utricularia, M. Merz (Flora, 84 (1897), Sup., pp. 69-87; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 74 (1898), No. 4-5, pp. 133, 134). Clover dodder, H. Kraut (Vent, Landw, Presse, 25 (1898) No. 26, p. " 6216— No. 3 5 260 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. DISEASES OF PLANTS. Report of the mycologist, F. C. Stewart (New York State Sta. Bpt. 1896, pp. 447-521, pis. 4). — The author gives a review of the year's work, the most of which has been published in bulletin form. Notes are given on several miscellaneous plant diseases that have been noticed by the author. A disease of turnip leaves which was due to Macrosporium herculeum is figured and described at some length. The fungus produces circular, brittle, dead spots on the leaves and when the spots are numerous the leaves wither and fall off. While many of the species of Macrosporium are saprophytic, this species, the author states, is undoubtedly a parasite. A similar disease is reported on the foliage of horse-radish during the summer. However, it is not thought that either on the turnip or horse-radish will sufficient injury be done to warrant the expense of spraying. A blight of corn leaves, the primary cause of which is attributed to the parasitic fungus Helminthosporium inconspicuum, has caused con- siderable injury in some localities. The diseased leaves have some- what the appearance of having been frosted. If the surface of the leaves beneath the diseased spots be examined it will be found covered with a delicate, olive-green mold. This disease is said to attack both sweet and field corn. There is a disease of sweet corn due to bacteria which might be mistaken for this disease. The latter disease makes its appearance early in the season, while Helminthosporium inconspicuum usually does not appear until August. No practical remedy is sug- gested. The bacterial disease has been fully described in Bulletin 130 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 1056). The author describes an injury of the foliage of Norway maples which is attributed to the action of dry winds, the entire foliage of some trees being scorched as if by fire or as though killed by a heavy frost. For a period of about a week previous to the appearance of the injury the temperature had been unusually high and during the last three days strong dry winds had blown steadily from the West. The explanation of the injury is that it is due to a disturbance in the transpiration of the trees. In addition to the Norway maple, white pine, pear, and apple trees were slightly injured by the same cause. Brief notes are given on a leaf-spot disease of linden due to Cercos- pora microsora, a leaf spot of apples due to Phyllosticta limitata, two diseases of sunflowers caused by Septoria helianthi and Puccinia helian- thi, a disease of the horse-chestnut caused by Phyllosticta sphceropsoidea, a sycamore disease caused by Glceosporium nervisequum, asparagus rust, and a clover rust which are described in more or less detail, all of them having proved injurious during the year. The author also reports the occurrence or additional localities for Hxoascus cerasi, Exobasidium peckii, and Bamularia cylindriopsis. Reports are made on the work in combating carnation rust, which was published as Bulletin 100 of the station (E. S. B., 8, p. 238), potato DISEASES OF PLANTS. 261 diseases on Long Island in the season of 1895, which appeared orig- inally as Bulletin 101 (E. S. R., 8, p. 234), and the cucumber ilea beetle as the cause of "pimply" potatoes, which has previously been pub- lished as Bulletin 113 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 156). The mildew of Lima beans, W. C. Sturgis ( Connecticut Mate Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 159-160, Jigs. 4). — Investigations are reported in which the author sought to find the manner in which the beau pods are infected by the mildew of Lima beans (Phytophthora phaseoli). It was thought probable that preliminary information as to the means by which the disease is spread might result in securing means for its prevention. Studies of the flower show that bees are the source of dissemination of the fungus spores and that the first attack of the fungus is at two points, namely, the style and the base of the ovary, where the bee, searching for nectar, touches the more moist and delicate tissues of the flower. In most cases where young diseased pods were examined it was found that the infection first appeared at the base or tip — very rarely in the middle. The author also shows that wind plays an important part in the dissemination of this mildew. An experiment was conducted in which mildewed pods were brought from a distance and the spores allowed to infect the surface of sound, nearly ripe pods at one end of a row of pole Limas. Within a few days the mildew made its appearance on these infected pods, and within two weeks (the prevailing winds having been in that direction) the disease had spread from one end of the row to the other. While from the nature of the disease it would seem probable that the use of fungicides would present many difficulties, yet from experi- ments in which Bordeaux mixture, ammoniacal copper carbonate solu- tion, sulphur, and potassium sulphid were used it appeared that when three applications of Bordeaux mixture was followed by two applications of ammoniacal copper carbonate solution the amount of the disease was greatly reduced. The conclusions drawn from the experiments with fungicides show that even in a season most favorable for the Lima bean mildew a thor- ough treatment of the vines with Bordeaux mixture will insure a crop. The selection of well-drained land and a light soil, reducing the number of vines in the hill, and planting the poles erect will insure conditions as little favorable to the development of the fungus as possible. On the cause and prevention of a fungus disease of the apple, W. C. Stuegis (Connecticut State Sta. Rpt 1897, pp. 171-175).— During the autumn of 1896 a rather peculiar disease of Rhode Island Greenings and Newtown Pippins was observed. It was characterized by blotches, circular in outline, pale at first and later becoming sooty black and exhibiting under a lens a radiating structure. The individual blotches measured from a quarter to a half inch in diameter, in many cases coalescing and covering the surface of the apple with a sooty coating. 262 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The fungus growth seems to attack the fruit late in the season and to be strictly superficial, but aside from the unsightly condition of the fruits apparently producing no serious injury. The author is inclined to believe that the disease is due to the fungus which has been deter- mined as Dothittca pomigena, but a spot disease of Baldwin apples fi?om the Vermont Station which di tiered widely in appearance has been determined as due to the fungus named. In the author's opinion the Vermont fungus is entirely different. Experiments with Bordeaux mixture show that if this fungicide is applied at intervals of two weeks from the middle of June to the middle of August it will entirely prevent the appearance of the sooty fungus. Although apparently occurring principally on Rhode Island Green- ings and a few other varieties, it is probable that the fungus will, under favorable conditions, attack most varieties of apples and pears, but all observers agree in stating that it may be controlled by the use of Bordeaux mixture. Preliminary investigations on a disease of carnations, W. C. 8TUKGIS (Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 175-181). — The variety of carnation known as William Scott grown in the station greenhouse was observed as exhibiting a marked diseased condition. The disease appeared first as a yellowing of the lower leaves, which later became dry and dead. As the disease progressed, the whole plant became in- volved and was ultimately destroyed. The disease, which is properly known as "die back" or "stem rot," has been determined as due to a species of Fusarium which gains access to the tissues at or just below the surface of the soil. The mycelium accumulates in the water ducts of the stem, thus preventing the free transfer of water. The author discusses the relationships of this form with other species and thinks probably itis identical with Fusarium nirenm, described by E. F. Smith1 as the wilt fungus of watermelon and allied plants. There is a strong probability that the disease may be communicated by cuttings and that the spores of the fungus are capable of retaining their vitality for several months, living over winter in the earth. Where practicable, as in greenhouses, etc., sterilizing the soil by means of steam or hot air would be effective in preventing attacks of the fungus. In sterilized soil the only possible source of contamination would be through the introduction of diseased cuttings. Certain varieties are more sus ceptible to the disease than others, the variety William Scott being one of those most subject to the attack. The immediate removal and destruction of all plants showing diseased symptoms are recommended. Some diseases of olives, F. T. Bioletti (California Sta. Rpt. 1895- 1897, pp. 234-236, pi. 1). — The author briefly describes some of the more troublesome diseases of olives that have recently come to his observa- tion. In one of these the olives, from their outside appearance, seem to be perfectly healthy, but on being cut open show black spots and little Amer. Assoc. Adv Sci., 43 (1894), p 289. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 263 cavities near the pit. Where the disease has progressed further sunken areas appear on the outside, while inside the fruit the black spots are larger, often extending all around the pit. As the disease progresses the fruit gradually shrinks and dries up, the skin remaining unbroken. Microscopic examination of these parts showed the presence of large numbers of motile bacteria. Pure cultures were made of the bacterium and its characteristics were partly determined, as follows: " It grew slowly in beef broth and rapidly in a decoction of vine wood. On pep- tone meat gelatin its growth was small and slow. On the vine-wood decoction, solidified with 12 per cent of gelatin, it grew rapidly. In puncture cultures it made a tack-shaped growth, white, granular, and raised top ; in streak cultures it made a granular growth, consisting of small, round, white colonies. On potato it made a light, yellowish growth and darkened the potato. It was motile, aerobic, and did not color nor liquefy the gelatin. In form it was a small bacillus with rounded ends, 1 to 1.7// by 0.7/<, generally single or in pairs." Inoculations with pure cultures gave negative results. The disease does not seem to affect the fruit nor to injure it appreciably until it commences to soften. It does not affect the oil-making varieties and is probably not dangerous. The fruit on affected trees should be picked early and used for pickling. Another troublesome disease of the olive is figured and described. This disease begins at the apex and works toward the stem end of the fruit. When the olives are cut one-sixth to one-third seems to be brown and partially dried up. Numerous cultures made of the mycelial threads taken from the interior of the diseased olives developed two fungi, one a Macrosporium, the other an Alternaria. Both fungi are figured and described at some length. The author suggests that spraying the trees with Bordeaux mixture would probably prevent the spread of. the dis- ease. As it seems so far to be confined to the variety known as Neva- dillo bianco, this variety should be omitted in planting where the disease is found to be prevalent. Alfalfa leaf spot, R. Combs (Iowa Sta. Rpt, 1896-97, pp. 155-160, figs. 4). — The author gives an illustrated description of alfalfa leaf spot, caused by Pseudopeziza medicaginis, and reports a number of experi- ments made to determine the method of infection and also the parts of the plant subject to attack. Bis experiments show that the spores of the fungus may be carried by the air and that the disease is strictly local in its attack, the mycelium being confined to a limited space on the leaf. The author recommends the burning of all refuse in the field, since the disease readily survives the winter. Frequent cutting of the crop is also effective in holding the disease in check. It is thought advisable, where, seed is obtained from suspected or known infested regions, that it should be soaked in a 10 per cent solution of copper sulphate before sowing. Report of the botanical department, J. 0. Arthur (Indiana Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 25-34).— The author gives a brief resume of various lines of investigation carried on during the year. The experiments 204 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. which were begun in the greenhouse in the winter of 1895-96 with formalin for the prevention of potato scab have been continued in the field, and Bulletin 05 of the station issued on the subject (B. S. K., 9, p. 456). Notes are given from correspondence with different individ- uals relative to the use of formalin as a preventive of potato scab, from which it appears that if this fungicide is properly applied and the seed potatoes planted in uninfested soil a clean crop of potatoes will be secured. Studies have been made on the growing of lettuce in the greenhouse, and the most important conclusions have been embodied in Bulletin 66 of the station (E. S. K., 9, p. 1047). Observations and studies on corn smut have been continued. Continued observations have been made on a peculiar sugar destroy- ing disease of the sugar beet, which was previously reported in Bulletin 39 of the station (E. S. R., 3, p. 853). The bacterial nature of the dis- ease has been confirmed and a future publication is promised of the results of the investigation. Investigations have been continued in the growing of roses and cine- raria, and some notes are given of studies on the proper food of plants. Experiments have been continued on the effect of size of seed on production, peas and beans being used. The author has attempted to ascertain the law of increase in size when brought about solely by selection of the largest seed through a series of generations. Subwatering for greenhouses and outside storage has been under consideration. Report of the bacteriologist, F. C. Harrison (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 121-128, figs. 2). — A report is given of the routine work in connection with the agricultural college and of an experiment conducted to ascertain the effect of spraying Bordeaux mixture on foliage. Eight seedling pears and two each of peach and quince were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture containing different amounts of lime. The plants were potted and kept in greenhouses, so that uniform conditions could be maintained. Four applications of the fungicide were made and specimens of the leaves examined. Later three more sprayings were given. The most noticeable feature, as shown by microscopic ex;uninations of the leaves, was the increase in number of chlorophyll granules both in the palisade cells and in the spongy parenchyma of the sprayed leaves. In many cases the treated leaves showed the presence of a third layer of palisade cells more or less continuous. Measurements of the thickness of the leaves were made by means of a micrometer, and in every case but one there was an increased thickness, due to spraying. When an excess of lime was used the leaves were thicker than when a smaller quantity was used. The addition of lime seemed to give the foliage increased vigor. The author thinks that it would be advisable to use larger amounts of lime in the preparation of Bordeaux mixture. The increased thickness of the leaves seems to be due to an increased development of the palisade layer of cells. Diseases of plants. 265 On the prevention of leaf blight and leaf spot of celery, W. C. Sturgis {Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 167-171).— Notes are given on leaf blight and leaf spot of celery caused by Cercospora apii and Septoria petroselini apii. In the Annual Report of the station for 1892 (E. S. R., 4, p. 929) the beneficial effect of sulphur for the preven- tion of this disease was pointed out, but the investigations of the Rhode island Station ' and recent investigations by the author indicate that methods of cultivation exert a very considerable influence on the disease, the level culture seeming to make the plants more liable to infection than the old method of trench culture. The author agrees with the conclusions of the Rhode Island Station, and states that the objections to the level culture may be at least partially removed by mulching heavily between the rows of celery. Experiments are reported with fungicides in which Bordeaux mix- ture, potassium sulphid, aminoniacal solution of copper carbonate, and sulphur were tested for the prevention of these diseases. It appeared that sulphur applied as a dry powder was superior to any of the other fungicides. Its effect in checking the spread of the blight in the storage nouse has not been determined. Plum leaf spot, S. A. Beach (New York State Sta, Rpt. 1896, pp. 384-401, pis. 5). — The experiments here reported are in continuation of those given in Bulletin 98 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 139), attempts being made to control the plum leaf spot by spraying with fungicides. As a result of this year's investigations the author recommends spray- ing trees three times with Bordeaux mixture, the first application being made about May 25, or about 10 days after the blossoms have fallen, thf. second about 3 weeks later, and the third about 4 weeks after the second. Prevention of fungus diseases in cherry orchards, S. A. Beach (Neic Yorl State Sta. Rpt, 1896, pp. 402-407, pi I).— A report is given of experiments conducted for the prevention of leaf spot and the fruit rot of cherries, which are in continuation of those reported in Bulletin 98 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 139). In these experiments eau celeste soap mixture was compared with Bordeaux mixture. In 1895, while the diseases were prevented to some extent by the use of fungicides, the foliage was seriously injured, the eau celeste being most injurious. In the experiments in 1896 no injury resulted to the foliage sprayed with Bordeaux mixture, even when the trees were thoroughly drenched with the solution. The results ot the two years' work did not give conclu- sive evidence as to the best lines of treatment of leaf spot on cherry trees, consequently no definite treatment is recommended. A steam sterilizer for soils, W. E. Britton (Connecticut State Sta Rpt. 1897, pp. 310-312, pi. 1).— The author figures and describes an apparatus designed for the sterilization of soil by steam, the object being to rid the soil of fungi, fungus spores, nematodes, etc. It was 1 Rhode Island Sta, Bui. 44 (E. S. R., 9, p. 146). 266 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. found that in soil kept in the apparatus for one hour the nematodes were destroyed, as well as many fungus germs. In order to secure absolute sterility from bacteria and other fungi a much longer exposure would be required. The steamed soil was also almost wholly free from live weed seeds, while untreated soil was considerably affected by them. Blight and other plant diseases, C. S. Crandall (Colorado Sta. Bui. 41, pp. 21).— The author has given compiled notes on the cause and means of prevention of the fire blight of the pear and apple. Notes are also given on mechanical injuries to which fruit trees are subject, as well as some of the more common fungus diseases, such as leaf blight or rust of strawberries and orange rust, and anthracnose of black- berries and raspberries. Injurious fungi, J. H. Panton (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Bpt. 1897, p. 23). — Brief notes are given on some of the more injurious fungi which affect garden and orchard products. The use of Bordeaux mixture is recommended for their prevention. The most important diseases of our cultivated plants caused by parasitic fungi. I. The diseases of cereal grasses, V. K. Varlikh (St. Petersburg, 1897, pp. IV+37,figs. 19; aba. in Selsk. Ehoz. i Lyesov., 187 (1897), Nov., p. 449). Album of aquarelle drawings of A. N. Myasoyedov of the most injurious parasitic fungi of trees and of the injuries to the wood of the principal Russian forest trees, I. P. Borodin, editor (St. Petersburg, 1896, 10 tables in folio tvith explanatory text; abs. in Selsk. Ehoz. i Lyesov., 187 (1897), Nov., p. 441). Biief sketch of mycology, with notes on the fungi most injurious to agri- culture and forestry, I. P. Borodin (St. Petersburg, 1897, pp. 4 + 231+ VII, figs. 232; db8. in Selsk. Ehoz'. i Lyesov., 187 (1897), Nov., p. 440). On certain diseases of fungal and algal origin affecting economic plants in India, D. D. Cunningham (Sci. Mem. Med. Officers of Army of India, 1897, pt. 10, pp. 95-130). On the sudden destruction of sugar cane in East Java by the "Dongkellan" disease, KOBUS (Arch. Java Suikerind., 5 (1897), pp 821-826; abs. in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. Abt., 4 (1898), No. 8, p. 348). — This disease is usually attributed to Marasmius sacchari. Investigations on some sugar-cane diseases (Meded. Proefstat. Suikerriet W. Java, 1897, No. SO, pp. 5; abs. in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. Abt., 4 (1898), No. 8, p. 347). Investigations of Phytophthora infestans, a cause of potato rot, L. Hecke (Jour. Landic. 46 (1898), Nos. 1, pp. 71-74; 2, pp. 97-143, pis. 2).— The author reports studies on the development of the fungus, paying considerable attention to the method of entrance into the host, spread of the disease, method of wintering the fungus, and means for combating the disease. Remarks on sugar-beet diseases in the Province of Saxony during 1897, M. Hoi.lrung (Ztschr. Ver. Deut. Zuckerind., 1898, No. 507, pp. 353-359). Potash manuring, especially with potassium carbonate, as affecting beet sickness, M. Hollrcng (Ztschr. Ver. Deut. Zuckerind., 1898, No. 507, pp. 343-353). The anthracnose of ficus leaves, B. D. Halsted (Amer. Florist, 13 (1898), No. 521, p. 1287, figs. 2). — The author figures and describes an anthracnose (Glocosporitim elastica') of the leaves of rubber plants. The treatment recommended is the removal of all spotted leaves. The same or a similar fungus is said to attack crotons, dra- caenas, and other plants, and it is liable to spread through a greenhouse unless ■ checked. The fusarium disease of potatoes, Wehmer (Ztschr. Spiritusind., 21 (1898), No. 48-49). A reply to Frank's article on "A new potato disease," P. Sorauer (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. Abt., 4 (1898), No. 6, pp. 236-242). ENTOMOLOGY. 267 The mildew of Syringa vulgaris in North America, P. Magnus (Ber. Dent. Bot. Gesell., 76 (1S9S), Xo. 3, pp. 63-70, pi. 1). — The author calls attention to a common Microspbsera on Syringa in this country which seems to have been mistaken for M.friesii. The carnation fairy ring fungus, B. D. Halsted (Amer. Florist, 13 {1898), Xo. 520, p. 1256, fig. 7). — This disease is attributed to attacks of ffeterosporium echinulatum. It may be controlled by spraying plants with a solution of potassium sulphid. Specimens of diseased plants, etc., F. T. Bioletti ( California Sta. Bpt. 1895-1897, pp. 2S7-242,pl. l,fig. 7). — Notes are given on a number of diseased plants which were sent in for identification. The cause of the trouble in each case is given and sugges- tions offered in many cases for the prevention of the disease. One of the most serious diseases reported upon is the tuberculosis of olives, which has been reported upon in Bulletin 120 of the station (E. S. R., 10, p. 55). Literature of fungus diseases, W. C. Sturgis (Connecticut State Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 182-222). — A provisional bibliography of the more important works published by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and various agricultural experiment stations of the United States from 1887 to 1897, inclusive, on fungus and bacterial diseases of economic plants. The general arrangement of the subject is as follows: The host plants are arranged alphabetically, and under the name of each host plant are also arranged alphabetically the common names of the fungus diseases recorded as affect- ing that plant References to descriptions and illustrations either of the fungus itself or of its effect upon the host plant follow, and finally suggestions for treatment if any have been recommended The author has devoted considerable study to the subject, and has listed only those publications which he is convinced give the best descriptions, illustrations, or treatments which have been tested. In addition to the bibliography outlined in the preliminary paragraph, a bibliog- raphy of 100 publications (mostly foreign) relating to plant disease is given. Treatment for preventing smut, C. A. Zavitz (Ontario Agr. Col. and Exp I. Farm Bpt. 1897, p. 170). — IJeports the beneficial use of the hot-water treatment of seed wheat for the prevention of smut. Remedy for fungi and insects, C. W. Woodwortii (California Sta. Bpt. 1895-1897, pp. 213-233). — The author popularly describes injurious fungi and insects and sug- gests remedies for the prevention of their attacks. Numerous fungicides and insect- icides are described and formulas given for their preparation. Notes on the preparation of fungicides, L. Degrully (Prog. Agr. et Fit., 29 (1898), Xo 19, pp. 577-581). — Formulas are given for the preparation of a number of the better known and most efficient fungicides and explicit directions for their compounding. ENTOMOLOGY. Report of the apiculturist, R. F. Holtermann ( Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 235-244, Jigs. 3).— The report is of a miscellaneous nature, the more interesting facts of which are the suc- cess in the plan of cutting the combs of the brood chamber, thus allow- ing of ready communication between the different parts of the clustering swarm, as described in the last report; the confirmation of experiments on foul brood made during the previous year, demonstrating that the germs are completely destroyed by the process of foundation making; the failure of Oarniolans to produce satisfactory combs unless given full sheets of foundation ; the fact that in healthy cellar wintering there is no brood rearing, and that stores in the brood chamber may be moved to the supers to such an extent as to greatly injure the quality of the honey in the latter. 268 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. All experiment is noted on the value of pure air ventilation and arti- ficial heat in wintering. A cellar was partitioned off into four rooms, at the end of one of which was placed a stove, the pipe from which ran through all four rooms. The temperature on February 14 of room 1 was 38° F., rooms 2 and 3, 40°, and room 4, 42°. The bees in the first cellar were much the most quiet. In the. last they were the most rest- less all through the winter. The whole of the 300 colonies, with the exception of several starved and mice-destroyed colonies, all came through successfully. Although the passage of air from room to room is not desirable, the beneficial feature of currents of pure air and the maintenance of a steady low temperature is demonstrated. Other subjects noted are the superiority of a bee space between sec- tions in supers; the success of moving bees to fall pasture; the im- portance of filling sections to sides and bottom with foundation, thus preventing the formation of pop holes; and the superiority of founda- tion running 12 ft. to the pound over thinner kinds, since in the latter the bees show a tendency to cut holes. Report of the department of entomology, V. H. Lowe and F. A. Sirrine [New York State Sta. Rpt. 1X96, pp. 522-635, ph. 25). — The report is divided into two parts; the first by V. H. Lowe, the second by F. A. Sirriue. After an introduction by the former, in which the principal lines of work are explained and the number of specimens in the station collection and the objects of the collection noted, the more important of various insects and their ravages are discussed. Some of the more important injurious insects of the year (pp. 525- 535). — Under this head there are noted the locusts {Melauoplus femor- atus, M. femur-rubrum, and M. atlanis); striped cucumber beetles, the injuries of which have been of considerable importance in the western part of the State; asparagds beetles {Crioceris asparagi and C. 12- punctatus); aphids (Myzus ribis and Rhopalosiphum rihis), over 50 per cent of the former being noted as destroyed by parasites and spiders; red spider ( Tetranyehus telarius), which injuriously affected the rasp- berry bushes in Ulster County, New York, where they were shaded by trees, and also seriously injured currant bushes; chinch bug, (Blissus leucopterus), Putnam scale (Aspidiotus ancylus), and oyster-shell bark louse {Mytilaspis pomorum). The latter is not satisfactorily destroyed by kerosene emulsion unless the trunk is first well scraped and the emulsion applied in full strength with a stiff brush. Cankerworms were more abundant than during the previous year, mainly on account of remedial measures not being taken early enough nor continued with sufficient thoroughness. Experiments with green arsenite (pp. 536-539). — Several experiments are noted with green arsenite or Sheele's green, which resulted in showing that the green arseuite will remain suspended in water for a longer time than Paris green, aud hence can be applied more evenly to the foliage and requires less stirring in the tank, and that it will not ENTOMOLOGY. 269 burn the foliage of potato vines when used without lime in the strength of 1 lb. to 150 gals, of water. Experiments show further, although the author does not conclude that Sheele's green is as effective as Paris green, that it has a very considerable insecticidal value. Experiments were made on basket willows, nursery stock, and potatoes, the solu- tions varying in strength from 1 lb. to 100 to 150 gal. of water. Experiments with dendrolene (pp. 540-542). — Several experiments were made with this substance with the object ot ascertaining whether trees are apt to be injured by its use and how it is to be used. It was applied to the trunks of trees in rings both high and above the ground and also at the base of the tree in both thick and thin layers. Where it came in contact with the soil it was found that it became granular, losing its sticky character to a large extent. When exposed to the weather a slight crust forms over it, which is not, however, sufficiently strong to permit the passage of insects as large as the female canker- worm moth. When applied to full grown apple trees no injury resulted, but when applied during the growing season to the trunks of young bearing plum, cherry, or peach trees in such a way as to cover the entire trunk there is considerable danger of serious injury. Combating the cottoiuvood leaf beetle (pp. 543, 544). — Experiments were made with green arsenite at the rate of 1 lb. to 150 gal. water, with and without the addition of lime, at the rate of 2 qt. to 45 gal., and with and without the addition of glue and of glucose, it was demon- strated that one of the most serious difficulties in the application of poisons to willows for this beetle lies in the fact that the mixture does not spread well on the willow leaf. Arsenite of lead did not adhere well, nor did an addition of glucose aid matters much. An addition of glue was more successful. The pistol- case bearer (pp. 545-557, pis. 3). — A reprint of Bulletin 122 of the- station (E. S. E., 9, p. 257). A brief report of nursery stock inspection in western New York (p. 558). — Here it is noted that between 15,000 and 20,000 trees were inspected, about 3,000 of which were found infested with insects, mostly either by the peach-tree borer or the woolly aphis. Over 1,000 trees were rejected as worthless; the remainder were treated with insecti- cides. Each tree was carefully examined from the root to the top and only such as showed no evidence of insect work or disease were con- sidered satisfactory. In addition to the insects noted there were found the oyster-shell bark louse, the scurfy bark louse, Asterodiaspis quer- cicola, and the pear-tree psylla. The peach-tree borer (pp. 559-569, pis. 2). — An historical account of this insect {Sannina exitiosa), its distribution, the nature of its injury, its life history, and preventive and remedial measures, together with a partial bibliography. The tcoolly louse of the apple (Schizoneura lanigera) (pp. 570-582, pis. 3). — The account giveu of this insect is similar in scope to the 270 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. last, but notes in addition the importance of the insect as a pest to nur- sery stock. The destruction of old apple trees is advised, as also the insecticides strong soap suds, kerosene emulsion, and hot water. Sev- eral pages are devoted to a bibliography. Notes on the recent army worm outbreak (pp. 583-607, pis. 4). — A reprint of Bulletin 104 of the station (E. S. E., 8, p. 609), with the addition of an extended bibliography. Miscellaneous notes of the season (pp. 608-619). — In this, the beginning of part second, the author notes briefly that experiments on cucumbers indicate that they can not be protected from attacks of the striped cucumber beetles by the use of either poisoned Bordeaux mixture or even poisoned resin-lime mixture; that the Colorado potato beetle will not feed on potato vines that have been thoroughly treated with Bor- deaux mixture, and that the vines are also probably free from attacks of the flea beetle; that the squash borer can probably be entirely con- trolled by the cultural methods of harrowing the ground in the fall where the squash vines rest and uniform spring or even fall plowing to a depth of 6 or 8 in. and not replowing; that onion thrips may be con- trolled by planting a few rows of set onions on the margins of fields and spraying these every week or 10 days with kerosene emulsion, a»d that the red spider may be treated by gathering in the fall the leaves affected by it and burning them, and by spraying in the spring with a solution of whale-oil soap or with kerosene emulsion. The various experiments are given more or less in detail. The pear midge (Diplosis pyrivora) is also discussed. Experiments were made with kainit, which was applied at the rate of 1,500 to 2,000 lbs. per acre. The author states that the experiments show that there is a decided gain in the use of kainit, but there is a question to be solved, namely, how long an orchard will stand an application of the fertilizer at the rates noted, especially where the orchard is on a tena- cious clay soil; and he suggests the question whether plowing an orchard in midsummer will not be fully as discouraging to the midge as an application of potash salt. It is thought that the latter method is far preferable to the former. According to the observations made, the midges appear April 15 to 30, pair as soon as they rise from the ground, lay their eggs, and die within 24 hours. Notes on the cabbage plusia and remedies for the same (pp. 620-628). — In summarizing the experiments in regard to this insect (Plusiabrassiocs), which are given more or less in detail, it is noted that the most practi- cable way of checking its work on lettuce is to keep the ventilators of forcing houses closed by means of mosquito netting. Where the insect affects cabbage in the open field poisoned resin-lime mixture or poisoned Bordeaux mixture to which resin mixture has been added may be employed. The resin-lime mixture was found to make Paris green and London purple adhere not only to the upper, but also to the lower, sides of the leaves. ENTOMOLOGY. 271 Notes on remedies for cuttcorms (pp. 628-635). — Cutworms are dis- cussed in their relation to the onion crop. The treatment found effec- tual was dried bran or middlings mixed with Paris green at the rate of 1 lb. of the latter to 50 of bran or 30 of middlings. Experiments were also made with Paris green added to resin-lime mixture, used as a spray. It was found to be more or less ineffectual. Relative to the amount of damage done, the highest noted is 99 per cent. The life history and habits are briefly touched upon and the belief expressed that the eggs of the insects are deposited later in the fall than is generally supposed, and that they do not hatch until the following spring. Entomological section, H. Osborn and E. D. Ball {Iowa Sta. Bpt. 1896-97, pp. 112-125, pis. 5).— The author briefly notes that the army worm did not occur in injurious numbers during 1897, an outbreak of the Hessian fly in the northwestern part of the State, plums as being in some cases seriously affected with plant lice, and the appearance of the San Jose scale in the State, and considers the life histories of leaf hoppers the principal subject of investigation during the year. The three species noted as affecting garden crops are Agallia punctata, A. novella, and A. sanguinolenta. Referring to the genus generally, the author states that — " The species are very difficult of separation and little has been published in regard to their food habits or life histories. During the past seasou the three fol- lowing species have been under observation and their larva? and the general facts of their life histories determined. In order to correctly determine the species under observation, as well as those sent in from other States for determination, a systematic study.of the genus was undertaken, the complete results of which will be published elsewhere. The genus was found to be separable into three groups, of which the three species treated are typical illustrations as far as structural characteristics of the adults are concerned, and the known facts in regard to the larvte and life histo- ries of the other species indicate that they, too, will be found to be very similar within the groups. In general, the species were found to be widely and generally distributed and subject to little variation except in depth of color. The three species treated, though by no means limited to that area, are all that are now known to occur in the northern and eastern part of the United States, while in the Southern States constricta replaces 4 punctata and extends along the Atlantic coast to New York, but it is in the Southwestern States and down into Central America that the majority of the species occur. The species are all single brooded, in northern latitudes at least, and the larva? agree in feeding on stems near the ground and hiding under rubbish." The first species, A. punctata, appears to be naturally an inhabitant of shady woods, feeding upon various species of Oompositae, Cruci- ferae Cheuipodiaca*, etc. Its taste for horse-radish, cabbage, spinach, ' and sugar beets gives it economic importance. The remedy recom- mended is kerosene emulsion spray. The second species is merely described. The third is noted as pre- ferring open sunny localities and occurring in great abundance in most all places except damp and shady woods. Clovers, especially white clover, a large number of weeds, and sugar beets are objects of its attacks. 272 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. .The species noted as affecting orchard and shade trees are Macropsis apicatis, Bythoscopus distinctus, Pediopsis tristis, P. trimaculata, P. viridis, P.ferruginoides, Idiocerus altematus, I. branneus, I. monoliferce, I. verticis, I. snowi, I. maculipennis, I. provancheri, and /. cratazgi. The first (M. apicatis), the author states — "May be so plentiful as to give a rough appearance to the bark in places, and, while not apparently producing distortion of the twigs, probably because they are placed so close to the surface as not to affect the growing tissue, the fact that many of the twigs affected are deadened at the tip would indicate possible injury in this manner. The eggs occur mainly on the under surface of the twig, but whether this position is to give the egg more uniform conditions by protecting it from direct sun- light or to the avoidance of strong light by the adult, or some other reason, is a matter of conjecture. The deposition of the summer eggs has not been observed, but it doubtless coincides with that for the winter brood. "The larva' are stout and short, similar in color and shape to the adult, but entirely covered with coarse bristle-like hairs, rendering it easily recognizable. Larva; and adults were found in abundance on the new growth at the end of the twigs of honey locust toward the end of June, occurring in hundreds on a single tree, and although isolated trees, trees in hedgerows, and those in the native timber were examined, as well as others in different parts of the State, none were found entirely free from this insect. The larvae had all issued by the last of the mouth." The secoud (B. distinctus) occurs on black walnut, butternut, and on hickory and hackberry where they are adjacent to the first-rnentioued tree. Full-grown larv* are found during the secoud week in June and a second brood appears before the middle of August. The species of Pediopsis are only briefly noted, but they all agree in being tree feeders, both as larva? and as adults. P. tristis appears to be confined to plum trees and is often accompanied by P. trimaculata, which often exceeds the former in numbers. The most common species is P. viridis affecting most all the willows. The remaining species, P. ferruginoides, attacks the narrow-leaved willows. Monograph of the Phymatidas, A. Handlirsch (Ann. K. E. Naturh. Hofmus., TVien, 12 (1807), pp. 127-230, pis. 6, figs. 35).— -The work is divided into 3 parts. The first part deals with the questions of literature, morphology, anatomy, embryonic development, life history, geographical distribution, as well as the systemic posi- tion and relationships of the family. The Phymatidas, especially considered as approaching the Aradida; and Tingitidse, the author, for morphological reasons, places in the neighborhood of the Reduviida^. Their closest relatives are thought to be the Stenopodinian genera, Phimophorus and Aulacogenia. The family is distributed over the palearctic, oriental, and neotropical regions. Some three-fourths of the known species belong to the New World. None are found to occur in Australia, Africa, or Madagascar. The 2 species of Phyneata described by J. Scott as from New Zealand are thought very uncertain. The second part of the work is entirely systematic. Nine genera and 73 species are recognized, and of these 3 genera and 29 species are new. Three natural groups are recognized: Phymatinse with 1, Macroeephalime, with 6, and Carcinocorime with 2 genera. The 3 new genera, Cnizocoris, Glossopelta, and Agrenocoris, belong to the second group. Report of the professor of biology and geology, J. H. Panton (Ontario Ayr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1807, pp. 11-24, figs. 15). — This notes briefly some 13 injuri- ous insects and new fungi, with brief popular statements in each case as to proper ENTOMOLOGY. 273 remedy. A somewhat lengthy note on the pernicious scale, which has appeared in the Province, besides mentioning something of the marvelous reproductive powers of this insect in the United States ; notes on 3 classes of remedies applied to it, namely, corrosive washes, such as whale-oil soap, penetrating substances, such as kerosene emulsion and gases, and varnishes, such as resin washes. There are also given brief instructions as to spraying mixtures, note being made of Bordeaux mixture, amnioniacal copper sulphate, Paris green, 1 lb. to 200 to 300 gal., hellebore, pyreth- rum, and kerosene emulsion. Entomology, W D. Hunter (Nebraska Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 27-30).— -The author briefly notes experiments with Sporotrichum globuliferum, Empum grylli, and a bac- terial disease of grasshoppers, commenting more or less favorably upon the effects of the first two and on insecticides. The latter were with carbon bisulphid, con- cerning which it is thought that the different conditions under which it may be effectively employed are not well known, and the experiments were undertaken to learn new methods of applying it, whereby the expense attending its use might be lessened. The substance was used against plant lice inhabiting cucurbitous plants, borers in peach trees, larva? of May beetles in nurseries and young orchards, and some species, such as Sitodrepa panicea, which damage stored dry animal and vege-. table matter. Insect notes of the season, W. E. Britton (Connecticut State Sta. Ept. 1897, pp. 314-319). — Descriptive and life history notes are given on the following insects, with an account of their injuries during the season and suggestions as to remedies: Apple curculio (Anthonomus quadrigibbus) on peach twigs; San Jose scale; "virgin" or "white ermine" moth (Spilosoma virginica) on hollyhocks; grapevine flea-beetle (Haltica (Graptodera) chaltjbea); a plant louse (Pemphigus acerifolii) on maples; a lily-stalk borer, closely resembling Gortyna nitela, and presumably that species; saw-tooth grain beetle (Silvanus surinamensis) ; meal snout moth (Pyralis farinulis), and plant lice. A technical description is given of the lily-stalk borer. The gypsy moth (Ocneria dispar) was reported from Hartford, but as all the specimens were destroyed the scientific accuracy of the report could not be determined. The author is inclined to believe, however, that the larvae belonged to some of the more common species and not to the moth imported from Europe. Some new spiders, N. Banks (Canad. Ent., 30 (1898), No. 7, pp. 185-188).— Pceci- lochroa minuta from Brazos County, Texas; Cybaodes (?) incerta from Salton, Cali- fornia; Theridium subterraneum from Washington, D. C. ; Nasticus cavicola from Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona; Erigone albescens from Washington, D. C; and Philodromus pacificus from Olympia, Washington. The contests against grasshoppers in the delta of the Danube, E. Rekalo (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 187 (1897), Oct., pp. 99-126).— Since the chief brooding ground of the grasshoppers devastating Bessarabia is at the delta of the Danube, the author recommends joint action of Russia and Rouinania in combating the iusects at the delta. — P. FIREMAN. Insects injurious to Helianthus annuus, A. Krulikovski (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 185 (1897), June, pp. 585-598). The San Jose scale (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Bui. 34, pp. 45-49). — A popular paper, quoting largely from P. H. Rolf (E. S. R., 9, p. 1068), from J. P. Smith and F. M. Webster. Bordeaux mixture as an insecticide, J. H. Panton (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, p. 24).— Experiments were made with Bordeaux mixture on goose- berry bushes to test its efficacy as an insecticide. Three applications were gisen the bushes. Further experiments were conducted in spraying tent caterpillars with Bordeaux mixture and Bordeaux mixture with Paris green. The Bordeaux mixture seemed to have some effect as an insecticide, but the author believes that applica- tions of limewater gave results similar to those of Bordeaux mixture. The addi- tion of Paris green increased the efficiency of the mixture. 274 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. FOODS— ANIMAL PRODUCTION. The composition of hay as affected by maturity, R. Haroofrt (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 31-38). — During the seasons of 1890 and 1897 clover and timothy were cut at different stages of maturity, and during the last year alfalfa also. The clover was cut when the first blossom was just appearing, when a third of the blossoms had turned brown, and when the heads had all turned brown or were dead; the alfalfa when the plants began to bloom, when they were in full bloom, and when most of the blossoms had fallen, and the timothy when the heads began to appear, when the first blossoms had just fallen, and when the seeds were well formed. Analyses are given of the different cuttings, together with the calcu- lated yield of dry matter. A digestion experiment with one sheep was made with each cutting, and from the results the yield of digestible dry matter is calculated. The results indicated that in each case the crop deteriorated and its digestibility decreased with maturity and that alfalfa contained the largest amount of digestible matter from early to full bloom. It is rec- ommended that clover be cut when the heads begin to turn brown and timothy soon after the first blossoms fall. When alfalfa has reached its full bloom it deteriorates faster than clover or. timothy. Food value of California eggs, M. E. Jaffa {California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 120-124). — A comparison which included the physical properties and composition was made of brown-shelled and white-shelled hens' eggs. The brown-shelled eggs were from Partridge Cochins, Dark -Brahmas, Black Langshans, Wyandottes, and Barred Plymouth Rocks; and the white-shelled from Brown Leghorns, Buff Leghorns, White Minorcas and Black Minorcas. The size, weight, specific gravity, and the ratio to total weight of the shell, yolk, and white are shown in the following table: Comparison of brown-shelled and white-shelled eggs. Weight. Length. Width. Specific gravity. Number of eggs to lb. Shell. Edible portion. Total. Yolk. White. Brown shelled eggs (aver- Grams. 50.4 62.9 Inches. 2.27 2.27 Inches. 1.69 1.76 1.082 1.058 7.67 7.33 Per ct. 10.70 10. 92 Per ct. 89.30 89.08 Per ct. 31.76 33.18 Per ct. 57.54 White-shelleil eggs (aver- 55.90 Average of above . . . 61.3 2.27 j 1.72 1. 070 1 7. 50 10.81 89.19 32.47 56.72 FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 275 The composition of the eggs of the different breeds is recorded in detail. The averages are given in the following table: Analyse* of brown- shelled and white-shelled egys. Water. Protein. Fat. Ash. Shell. Total. Fuel value per pound. Brown-shelled eggs: Yolk Per cent. 49.59 86. 60 65.57 49.81 86.37 64.79 Per cent. 15.58 11.99 11.84 15.49 12.11 11.92 Per cent. 33.52 .21 10.77 33.34 .35 11.22 Per cent. 1.04 .54 .64 1.05 .56 .67 /'i r cent. Per cent. 99. 73 99. 34 99.52 99.69 99.32 99.52 Calories. ] 712 White. . 224 10.70 10.92 670 White-shelled eggs: Yolk 1,696 White 240 690 "It has been said by some that the brown eggs are richer than the white ones. This statement is not borne out by a chemical analysis, and the physical examination proves that the main points of superiority, although extremely slight, are possessed by the white eggs. The minute differences that are found between the two groups are exceeded by variation between the varieties within the same group. " We can therefore state as a conclusion, both from a chemical and a physical point of view, that there are practically no differences, so far as the food value is con- cerned, between the white-shelled and brown-shelled eggs." Report of the chemical department, H. A. Huston (Indiana Sta. h'pt. 1897, pp. 1(1-24). — Brief statements are made concerning the work of the station on sugar beets, fertilizer experiments on clay soils, experi- ments on the prevention of root rot, and laboratory studies on available plant food in worn soils. Many samples of cheese purchased in the open market were examined, but no tilled cheese was found. "The cheap cheese that has taken the place of the filled cheese contains very lit tie fat and the casein [when tested by methods of artificial digestion] seems to be in such a condition as to offer great resistance to digestive ferments." Analyses are reported of linseed meal, cotton-seed meal, silage from corn stover, purslane, rye middlings, buckwheat middlings, Idaho coffee pea, malt sprouts, wheat, strawboard waste (fertilizing constituents), and marl. The analyses of purslane, Idaho coffee pea, and strawboard waste are given in the following table: Composition of purslane, Idaho coffee pea, and strawboard waste. • o o ID i i o >, -5 » 2 o < a OS CUD o "3 o H o u o — ''3 o A J3 00 o Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Per ct. 86. 56 6.75 69.67 Per ct. 1.81 15.37 Perct. II. 50 6.56 Per ct. 6.49 65. 53 Perct. 2.12 2.47 Perct. 2.23 3.28 Perct. 0.29 2.46 .32 / ei ct 0. 045 Perct. 0.85 Strawboard waste .21 .14 6216 No. 3 6 276 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The purslane contained 0.23 per cent albuminoid nitrogen and 0.06 per cent amid nitrogen, and the Idaho coffee pea 2.32 per cent and 0.14 per cent of these constituents. "The purslane compares favorably with average samples of corn fodder so far as the protein and ether extract are concerned. Nitrogen-free extract is rather lower than in most green fodder, but the amount of water is considerably higher. The ash is higher than any ash that I have seen reported in green feeding stuffs. Owing to the relatively low amounts of fiber and nitrogen-free extract, the nutritive ratio is high, being about 5.5. The material has been used to some extent in this State for many years as a food for pigs, and in many localities is highly esteemed. Analysis shows that it is well worth consideration as a feeding material for such animals as will eat it readily. " The material has also a relatively high fertilizing value." Brief statements concerning other analytical work are also made. Investigation of California cattle foods, M. E. Jaffa ( California Sta. Rpt, 1895-1897, pp. 112-116). — Analyses are reported of mixed feed, shorts, middlings, wheat bran, rice bran, liuseed-oil cake, cocoanut- oil cake, bur clover, clover ( Trifolium wormsJcioldii), malt sprouts, sugar- beet pulp, Egyptian corn, silage from sugar beet pulp, barley, clover, corn, and sugar beets. In every case the digestible matter in 100 lbs. was calculated. The composition of a number of these feeding stuffs is shown in the following table : Composition of California cattle foods. Cocoanut-oil cake Do Bur clover Clover (T)ifolium wormtkioldii) . Sugar-beet pulp Sugar-beet pulp silage Barley silage Do Sugar-beet silage Egyptian coru a Water. Per ct. 12.87 14.68 8.95 10. 00 90.00 90.00 80. 00 70.00 70.00 12. 63 Protein Per ct. 20. 06 19 16 i.;. 65 13.86 1.25 1.46 2.07 3.10 4.38 9.96 Fat. Nitro- gen-free extract Per ct. 10.13 10.53 3.60 3.84 .14 .39 .79 1.19 1.17 3.86 Per ct. 40.90 42.81 38. 22 37.67 6.14 4.70 7.53 11.29 14.10 69.70 Crude liber. Per ct. 11.50 8.55 30.58 27.27 2.05 3.14 7.50 11.25 9.42 1.93 Per ct. 4.54 4.27 5.00 7.33 .42 .31 2.11 3.17 .93 1.92 Fuel value. Nutri- tive ratio. Calories. 1,308 1,290 965 938 164 165 234 351 495 Per ct. 1:5.5 1:3.3 1:5.3 1:5.1 1.6.7 1:5.7 1:7.7 1:7.7 1:5.7 a Average of Common White, Bed, and Jerusalem. Analyses of feeds, A. L. Winton, A. W. Ogden, and W. L. Mitch- ell {Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 319-321). — Analyses are reported of chaff, oat feed, " Catena," corn and oats, corn meal, corn- meal germ, gluten feed, mixed feed, and hay of the fiat pea ( Lathyrus sylrestris). The percentage composition of the "Oatena" was as fol- lows: Water, 7.12; protein, 8.75; fat, 4.03; nitrogen free extract, 59.10; fiber, 16.19, and ash, 4.75. The composition of Lathyrus sylvestris hay was as follows: Water, 10.25; protein, 26.84; fat, 3.81; nitrogen-free extract, 28.27; fiber, 26.51, and asb, 4.32. The method of establishing a meadow of flat peas by seeding and transplanting is described. This season about oue-fourth of an acre, FOODS ANIMAL PKODUCTION. 277 grown in part from seed sown in 1895 and in part from plants trans- planted in 189G, yielded nearly a ton of bay from two cuttings. Different quantities of meal for fattening steers, E. G. Day (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 81-83). — A test was made with one lot of 3 and two lots of 2 steers of medium quality to compare light and heavy grain rations. After a preliminary period of 3 weeks the experiment proper covered 216 days, ending July 8, 1897. The lots were fed at first all the straw they would eat morning and evening, with 10 lbs. of hay at noon, aud later all the hay they would eat. They were also given at noon 20 to 25 lbs. of turnips. During the latter part of tbe test, however, 14 to 20 lbs. of silage was substituted for turnips. All the steers were fed grain consisting of equal parts by weight of peas, barley, and oats, the plan being to increase the amount fed until lot 1 was given 1 lb. per day for every 100 lbs. live weight, lot 2 | lb., and lot 3 J lb. Before the close of the test lot 1 consumed 12 lbs. of grain per day. The heavy grain ration was consumed in three portions and the light ration in two portions. The financial statement is based on meal at $13, hay at $6, straw at $3, silage at $2, and roots at $2 per ton. The results of the test are shown in the following table: Results of feeding heavy and light grain rations to steers. Lot 1 (heavy ration) - . Lot - (medium ration) Lot 3 (light ration) . . . Average weight at beginning. Pounds. 900 1,000 Average gain per day. Pounds. 1.80 1.77 1.56 Net profit per steer. $9. 62 14.50 13.64 "The heavy-ration steers made the greatest gain, but gave the small- est profit, the largest profit being obtained from the medium-ration steers." The steers were sold and the meat judged by an expert. Definite conclusions are not drawn. Comparison of sweet and sour whey for -pigs, G. E. Day (Onta- rio Ayr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 85-88). — In continuation of previous work (E. S. R., 9, p. 487) three experiments were made to test the comparative value of sweet and sour whey for fattening pigs. The first test was made with three lots of 3 pigs each. During the prelimi- nary period all the pigs were fed the same amount of sweet whey and grain. The quantity of whey was at first small aud was gradually increased. During the experiment proper sour whey was substituted for sweet whey in the ration of lot 2 and water for whey in the ration of lot 3. The pigs were given all they would eat. The whey and grain were fed in the proportion of 2:1. The grain consisted of equal parts by weight of barley, peas, and shorts. At the beginning of the test the three lots weighed 374, 377, and 377 278 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. lbs., respectively. During the preliminary period of 7 days the aver- age daily gain per pig for the three lots was 1.24, 1.29, and 1.52 lbs. During the experiment proper (29 days) the average daily gain per pig for the three lots was 1.38, 1.26, and 1.35 lbs. Lot 1 consumed 3.36 lbs. of grain and 6.17 lbs. of whey per pound of gain ; lot 2, 3.70 lbs. of grain and 6.79 lbs. of whey; and lot 3, 4.28 lbs. of grain per pound of gain. The second test was begun with three lots of 3 pigs under the same conditions as the hrst. However, it was necessary t»> drop lot 1 before the close of the test. Lot 2 (fed sour whey and grain) weighed 230 lbs. at the beginning of the test and made an average daily gain per head of 1.26 lbs. during the preliminary period of 14 days. Lot 3 (fed grain and water) weighed 22V lbs. at the beginning and during the 14 days made an average daily gain of 1.31 lbs. During the experiment proper, which eontinued 64 days, lot 2 made an average daily gain of 1.36 lbs., consuming 3.48 lbs. of grain and 6.96 lbs. of whey per pound of gain. During the same period lot 3 made a daily average gain of 1.41 lbs. and consumed 4.18 lbs. of grain per pound of gain. The third test was made with the same number of pigs and under the same conditions as the first. The three lots weighed 290, 295, and 289 lbs. and during the preliminary period of 10 days made an average daily gain of 1.76, 1.50, and 1.70 lbs. During the experiment proper, which covered 31 days, lot 1 made an average daily gain of 1.87 lbs., consuming 3.54 lbs. of grain and 6.09 lbs. of whey per pound of gain. The corresponding figures for lot 2 are 1.96 lbs. gain and 3.37 lbs. grain and 5.79 lbs. whey; aud for lot 3, 2.07 lbs. gain and 3.91 lbs. grain per pound of gain. The pigs were sold and the meat judged by an expert. No bad effects attended the use of whey. Somewhat better gains were made on sour whey than on sweet whey. Comparison of different breeds of swine, Gr. E. Day (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Bpt. 1897, pp. 88-00). — In continuation of work previously reported (E. S. R., 9, p. 478) a test was made with 6 lots of 6 pigs each to compare the following breeds: Improved York- shire, Chester-White, Duroc-Jersey, Tamworth, Poland-China, and Berkshire. But one breed was represented in each lot. A record was kept of the food consumed and the gains made by the different lots between the ages of 90 and 180 days. All the pigs were fed grain of some sort, but detailed statements as to the feeding stuffs used and the methods of feeding are not given. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 279 The gains made during 90 days and the food consumed per pound of gain for the different breeds are shown below : Results of feeding pigs of different breeds. Breed. Berkshire Taiuworth Poland-China . Chester-White Yorkshire Duroe- Jersey.. Average Average 1 weight at dailv gain beginning. per pig. Pounds. Pounds. 53. 00 1.02 52. 00 .97 | 52. 33 .84 51.66 .83 60.33 .93 64.66 .94 1 Grain con- sumed per pound of gain. Pounds. 3.27 3.31 3.33 3.40 3.41 3.58 The breeds are arranged in the table in the order of economy of gain, but in the author's opinion the experimental data are not sufficient for general conclusions. The pigs were slaughtered and the flesh of rep- resentatives of each breed judged by an expert as regards its suitability lor export bacon. General deductions on this point are not drawn. Feeding trials with crossbred swine, W. P. Wheeler (Hew York State Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 658-605). — A tabular record is given of feeding five lots of crossbred pigs from birth until time of marketing, when 7 months old. The sow was fed with each lot until the pigs were 8 weeks old. The several lots were given like rations at similar stages of growth. For the first 4 weeks, wheat bran was fed with skim milk, which latter always formed part of every ration. During the second period of 4 weeks, a mixture of equal parts of wheat bran and wheat middlings was fed. Other grain mixtures, containing corn meal in increasing proportions, followed. Eating wheat bran at $18 per ton, corn-meal middlings at $20 per ton, and skim milk at 25 cts. per hundred pounds, the cost of the gain in weight of the different crosses during the 28 weeks was as follows : Tam- worth-Duroc cross, 3.83 cts. per pound; Yorkshire-Tain worth, 3.25 cts.; Tamworth-Poland China, 3.44 cts.; Ohio Improved Chester-Poland China, 3.01 cts. After the pigs were removed from the sows, the cost of food per pound of gain for the different lots was: TamwortliT Yorkshire cross, 2.48 cts.; Tamworth-Duroc, 2.41 cts.; Yorkshire-Tarn worth, 2.17 cts.; Tamworth- Poland China, 2.33 cts.; and Ohio Improved Chester-Poland China, 2.37 cts. "It will be seen from these figures that there was little difference in the efficiency with which each lot utilized the food." A considerable difference was observable in the rapidity of growth of the different crosses. The Tamworth-Poland China pigs at the end of the test averaged 202 lbs. each. This was 11 per cent heavier than the average of the Yorkshire-Tamworth cross, the lot nearest them in size, and over 30 per cent heavier than the Ohio Improved Chester-Poland China cross. 280 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The fecundity of swine, A. W. Bitting (Indiana Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 42-46). — According to the author the impression is prevalent that pure-bred swine are unprofitable for breeding purposes, as it is thought tbat as the breed is improved fecundity decreases. The author com- piled the number of pigs farrowed and raised in the first and last 200 litters recorded in registers of Berkshire, Poland-China, and Chester White pigs. These are quoted in detail. The popular opinion is not confirmed by this investigation. ''While there seems to be a reduction in the number of very large litters, the total number farrowed is about the same as shown by the first records. "It is not the intent to compare breeds, but to compare the earliest and latest records of litters to determine whether there has been a real gain or loss in the fecun- dity of the breed. "The number of boars and sows raised was as follows: Berkshire, 400 litters, 2,866 pigs, 1,498 boars, 1,368 sows ; Poland-China, 1,000 litters, 6,542 pigs, 3,228 boars, 3,314 sows; Cheater White, 600 litters, 4,555 pigs, 2,236 boars, 2,319 sows. In a total of 3,693 pigs farrowed and all raised, there were 1,786 boars and 1,907 sows." Report of the poultry manager, L. G. Jar vis (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 223-234, Jigs. 11). — General statements are made concerning the diseases and animal parasites of poultry, test- ing of eggs, development of chickens, etc. The value of different foods is discussed, and several different winter rations are suggested. The protein, phosphoric acid, and calcium oxid in fresh green bone, meat meal, and dried-blood meal were determined. A test was made of the keeping quality of fertile and infertile eggs. Four dozen fertile and three dozen infertile eggs were placed in an egg closet the middle of July, 1807, and kept at a temperature of 50 to 60°. The eggs were laid on the sides in bran and were not turned. At the end of a month no perceptible difference was observed in the two kinds of eggs. This was also the case the middle of September. A month later it was observed that the whites of the fertile eggs were more watery than those of the infertile eggs. No difference was observed, however, in the yolks. At the conclusion of the test (the middle of November) the whites of the fertile eggs were watery and in some cases the yolks were broken. When this was not the case, they were much spotted and discolored and the eggs totally unfit for table use. The infertile eggs were in good condition. The whites and yolks had a nor mal appearance and no tendency toward decay was observed. In the author's opinion the eggs were of as good quality as the average com- mercial product, though inferior to new-laid eggs. Experiments along this line will be continued. Brief notes are given on crossbreeding tests made during the season. The information which was furnished in reply to requests received dur- ing the year is quoted. Second report on food products (Connecticut State Sta. Bpt 1897, pp. 1-64). — This contains the text of the Connecticut food law of 1895, and reports on the examination of food products in accordance with the provisions of the law. Samples of the fol- FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 281 lowing foods and condiments were analyzed during the past year: Black, white, and cayenne pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, coffee, date-stone coffee, catsup, Chile sauce, honey, maple sirup, confectionery, sausage, mince-meat, head cheese, codfish, olive oil, oysters, milk, vinegar, molasses, sirup, cream, butter, and imitation butter. Of the samples examined 695 were not adulterated, 209 were adulterated, and 93 contained borax, salicylic acid, or benzoic acid. Human food,.!. Konig (L' alimentation humaine. Paris, 1898). — Tables showing the composition of human foods, translated by X. Rocques. List of publications of the Office of Experiment Stations on the food and nutrition of man ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Office of Experiment Stations Doc. 238 (rev.), pp. 4). Qualitative and quantitative determination of wheat flour in rye flour, S. Weinwurm (Ztschr. Untersuch. Nahr. u. Genussmtl., 1898, Mo. 2, pp. 98-101). Sugar as a feeding stuff for animals in the region about Paris, J. Bruhat (Jour. Hyg., 23 (1898), No. 1132, pp. 253-256).— A. general article pointing out the value of sugar and molasses as feeding stuffs. Many references are made to recent work on the subject. Concentrated feeding stuffs for sheep, N. Dyumin (Selsk. Ehoz. i Lyesov., 184 (1897), No. 3, pp. G73-683). — Tests were made to determine the feeding value of cotton-seed hulls, corn, and bran, with bay and straw, using 80 sheep divided into 8 equal lots. The test lasted from December 23 until April 4. The gains in weight were recorded. On this basis the best results were obtained with a ration of corn and wheat straw, followed by crn and hay, bran and hay, cotton-seed hulls and hay, bran and straw, hay alone, cotton-seed hulls and straw, and straw, in the order mentioned. — P. fireman. The utilization of cocoa shells, <;. Paris (Ztschr. Untersuch. Nahr. u. Genussmtl., 1898, No. 6, pp. 389, 390). — The composition of cocoa shells and a decoction made from them is reported. Do coffeon and caffein-free coffee surrogates produce the effect of coffee? K. B. Lehmann and F.Wilhelm (Arch. Hyg., 23 (1898), No. 4, pp. 310-326).— Coffeon is a product obtained by condensing the material volatilized when coffee is roasted. Experiments were made with man with coffee, caffein, coffeon, coffee distillate, an ether extract of coffee, coffee surrogates, fig coffee, and chicory. The principal con- clusions follow: The pleasant flavor of coffee is due to coffeon. None of the toxic effects which follow large doses of coffee could be attributed to this. Neither fig coffee nor chicory produced any effect. Do the volatile aromatic constituents of tea (tea oil) produce a noticeable effect on man? K. B. Lehmann and B. Texdlau (Arch. Hyg.. 23 (1898), No. 4, pp. 327-352, dgms.3). — Experiments were made with man on the effect of the volatile ex- tract of tea obtained by distillation with steam and the material obtained by extrac- tion with water or by extracting the dry tea with etber. In the authors' opinion the flavor of tea is due to the oil, i. e., volatile material, but it has scarcely any other effect. The energy expended in bicycle riding, Sehrwaed (Arch. Hyg., 23 (1898), No. 4, pp. 353-410. tables 2).- — An extended study of the energy expended in riding a bicycle under various conditions. A formula for calculating the energy from a number of factors which may be measured is given. The chemical analysis of the gastric contents, H. E. Hewes (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., 1897, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2; reprinted in Amer. Jour. Pharm., 70 (1898), Nos. 1, pp. 25-44; 2, pp. 94-109).— The author gives in detail the method of analysis of the products of gastric digestion, and reports analyses of the gastric contents of 50 healthy individuals. The article also contains general information on digestion and many references to the literature of the subject. The poisonous action of urine, A. Beck (Arch. Physiol. \_Pfliiger~\, 71, No. 11-12, pp. 560-595). On mucus in human feces, A. Schmidt (Ztschr. Klin. Med. [Berlin] 32, pp. 260-279, pi. 1). — A somewhat extended study on the mucus in human feces. The subject ia considered from a medical standpoint. 282 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Live stock, W. Reiwie (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 317-220). — Brief statements are given concerning the feeding and care of steers, milch cows, sheep, swine, and horses at the Ontario Experimental Farm during 1896-97. The amount and cost of the foods consumed by 11 steers and the price received for them are recorded. Comparative tests of the different feeds were not made. "The steers and milch cows are fed a full ration morning and night of silage, pulped roots, clover hay and chaff, and chopped grain and bran. At noon they get only 25 lbs. of sliced roots Under this system better results are obtained, and the animals are healthier than with three full feeds per day.'' The average weight of the fleece of the different breeds of sheep is recorded. The cost of cattle raising in Argentine Republic (Mitt. Deut. Landw. Gesell., 1898, Nos. 9, Sup., pp. 66-72; 10, Sup , pp. 73, 74). Cattle raising in Argentine Republic (Mitt. Deut. Landw. Gesell., 189S, No. 8, Sup., pp. 58-63). Sheep raising in Argentine Republic (Mitt. Dent. Landw. Gesell., 1898, No. 8, Sup., pp. 57, 58). Horse raising in Argentine Republic (Mitt. Deut. Landw. Gesell., 1898, Nos. 8, Sup., pp. 63, 64; 9, Sup. , pp. 65, 66). Profitable poultry breeding for the local and English markets, G. Bradshaw (Sydney: New South Wales Dept. Agr., 1897, pp. 44). Feeding experiments with laying hens, W. P. Wheeler (New York State St a. Bpt.lS96,pp. 666-68?).— A reprint of Bulletin 106 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 819), with the addition of some detailed tabular data. DAIRY FARMING— DAIRYING. On the question of the processes of milk secretion, Dtssel- HORST (Ztschr. Fleisch u. Milchhyg., 8, No. 6, pp. 146-150). — This article is based upon investigations recently conducted by L. Michaelis in the laboratory of Prof. O. Hertwig in Berlin and published as an inaugural dissertation. Michaelis reviews the literature of milk secretion and enumerates the following groups of questions which are still in doubt: (1) Is the con- stant change in the form of the separating epithelium of the glands dependent upon the activity of the secretion, or is it a mechanical result of the fullness of the alveolus? (2) Does a breaking down of the epi- thelial nuclei (which are always present in the first part of the secre- tion) take place; and, if this is the case, in what manner are these nuclei replaced? (3) What part do the leucocytes take in milk pro- duction \ (4) Is the fat a product of the degenerated epithelial cells, or is it a secretion from these cells"? To answer these questions Michaelis made very comprehensive inves- tigations on the milk glands of cows, guinea pigs, and mice in various stages of lactation. The lumen of the alveoli of pregnant animals con- tains immense leucocytes, which show amoeboid motion, and which often contain one or several drops of fat. These cells have only one nucleus and are, as will be seen later, of great importance in the for- mation of colostrum. The alveoli and the interstitial tissue also con- tain large numbers of polynuclear lymph corpuscles, which may also be DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 283 found between the individual epithelial cells. Eosinophil cells were likewise observed in large numbers. An investigation of the contents of the mammary glands of pregnant guinea pigs for a period of 4 weeks showed an alternating occurrence of leucocytes and colostrum corpuscles; when both kinds were present all of the different transformation stages were observed. This gives rise to the question as to the origin of the colostrum corpuscles. Michaelis concludes that they consist of leucocytes, and especially of the mononuclear lympb corpuscles which have taken up fat globules. In no case do they result from a fatty degeneration of the leucocytes, as Rauber states, for in the first place they have a nucleus and in the second place they show amoeboid movements. This accounts for the mononuclear leucocytes, and the question arises as to the role of the leucocytes with several nuclei. Michaelis found that they break down after an active division of the nuclei has taken place. The fate of a lymph corpuscle which penetrates the epithelium of the mammary glands is, therefore, ( L) that either it increases in size, takes up fat globules, and becomes a colostrum corpuscle (always mononuclear), or (2) after enlarging slightly the nucleus breaks up and then the cell. As to the farther fate of the colostrum bodies, Michaelis was not able to determine definitely; but the probability of their returning to the lymphatics, as suggested by Czeruy, is excluded by their immensely increased size. While the above refers to the condition of the mammary glands of pregnant animals before parturition, the glands of suckling animals present a totally different appearance. Here the interstitial connective tissue has been reduced to a minimum, the acidophile cells have disap- peared, and also the lymphatic corpuscles in the connective tissue. There is hardly a leucocyte to be seen, but in their place clusters of free nuclei are observed in the secretion, which in all respects resemble the nuclei of the epithelial cells. Michaelis could plainly observe the expul- sion of these nuclei, some of which still adhered to their cells. Other investigators have made similar observations, but the fact that karyo- kinesis had never been observed in the actively secreting gland made this one of the darkest points in the etiology of milk secretion. All are agreed, however, that the actively secreting glands contain a larger number of nuclei than the reverting ones. As to the origin of these nuclei, Michaelis was able to find polynuclear epithelial cells in which direct cell division was taking place. Indications of this appeared immediately after parturition, when nuclei of various sizes and shapes were to be seeu. This had escaped previous observers. As a result of his discovery the statement is made that the innumerable nuclei which are present in the lumen of the milk ducts and alveoli are expelled by the epithelial cells, in which they are formed by direct karyokinesis. However, these nuclei do not occur in normal milk, as they are disinte- grated through chromatolysis and form a homogenous mass of achro- 284 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. matic substances. In some cases this retrogressive change is apparent before the nucleus leaves the epithelial cell, although much the larger portion are intact when they reach the alveoli. The form of the epithelial cells exhibits some very typical changes during lactation. According to Michaelis they are first cubical, tben papilliform, then cubical again, and finally flat. It is quite possible that the albuminoids of milk are produced by these cells at certain stages of the secretion, when they protrude like papillae into the lumen of the alveoli. Until recently fat has been regarded as a result of a degeneration of the glandular epithelium. If this proposition were correct it would call for a double layer of epithelium in the secreting glands, while, as shown above, there is only one layer. Consequently the formation of fat in the mammary glands is not due to a degeneration of the glandular epithelium, as in the case of the sebaceous glands, but rather to an infiltration of fat which the epithelial cells extract from the circulating supply of blood and lymph. The epithelium secretes or separates the fat itself by extracting it out of the fluids (soaps) furnishing it, and no breaking down of the epithelium takes place. Regarding the disputed question as to whether the fat globules are inclosed in a membrane, Michaelis concludes that they are not. Not the slightest trace of a membrane was found. As milk sugar is not a morphological element of milk, it is considered impossible to determine its origin until further advancement has been made in micro-chemistry. The casein, however, is evidently composed of albuminoid bodies secreted by the cells, and formed by disintegration of the nuclei. The latter process accounts for the nuclein content of milk shown by Heiden- hain and Nissen. Since, as shown above, only a few nuclei of the epithelial cells are broken down during the colostrum period, the chemical difference between milk and colostrum is explained ; the milk contains more casein (including nuclein) and the colostrum more albumin. Concerning the behavior of the mammary glands in the involution period, the most noticeable feature is the return to the production of colostrum. "The secretion of a guinea pig at the end of gestation can not be distinguished from that produced the day after the young have been weaned." The eosinophil cells appear again, leucocytes penetrate the epithelium in large quantities and break down in the alveoli o> are transformed into colostrum bodies. This is true, no matter how long a time has elapsed since giving birth. The whole process of reformation of the glands takes place very soon after weaning; the alveoli materially diminish in size, and the interstitial connective tissue materially increases. DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 285 The results of investigations on this subject, especially those of Michaelis, are summarized by the author as follows : (1) The epithelium of the mammary glands is composed of only one layer. (2) The fat of milk is a true product of secretion — a product of the life activity of the cells and not a product of their degeneration. (3) At the present time nothing definite can be said regarding the method of secretion of milk sugar. (4) Casein is a compound product, derived partly from albuminoid bodies produced by the excreting epithelial cells, and partly from the disintegrated nuclei of these cells. The nuclein of milk is derived from the latter source. (5) The fat globules are not inclosed in a membraue. (6) The colostrum bodies originate from large, mononuclear leuco- cytes, capable of amoeboid motion. These bodies reappear in the invo- lution period of the glands. The leucocytes take no part in the pro- duction of milk, and the poly nuclear ones disappear; but during ges- tation, immediately after birth, and for a short period after weaning, they pass through the epithelium in all forms and in great numbers. (7) During lactation large quantities of free epithelial nuclei are found in the lumen of the alveoli, which decompose and assist in form- ing an integral constituent of the milk, namely, the casein. (8) The pressure of the secretion in the alveoli may flatten the cubical cells, but at certain stages the cells of the mammary glands are papilliform. The latter condition is not due to the stage of fullness of the lumen, but indicates an independent change of form in the epithelium during lactation. Analyses of milk, A. L. Winton, A. W. Ogden, and W. L. Mitch- ell {Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 321, 322). — Analyses are reported of the mixed milk of 6 cows on the last day of each of 4 periods of 2 weeks' duration on different feeds. The feeding was not done at the station, but the samples were sent for analysis. In the first and third periods the cows were fed cut-corn fodder, hay and corn silage with a mixture of wheat bran and cotton-seed meal, 1:1. In the second and fourth periods the coarse fodder remained the same, but wheat bran and Cleveland linseed meal 1:1 were substituted for bran and cotton seed meal in the proportion of 3 qt. to 2. During the linseed-meal periods the milk contained somewhat less fat and more water than during .the other periods. No data are given as to the yield of milk. Analyses of some California creamery butters, M. E. Jaffa [California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 116-120). — In order to compare Cali- fornia butter with premium butter from the American Dairy Show at Chicago, analyses were made of G samples of creamery butter from the bay region and 6 from Humboldt County. In addition, samples of 286 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. French and Danish butter were analyzed. The average results are shown in the following table: Composition of butters. California butter: Bay region (average of 6 samples) Humboldt County (average of 6 samples) Foreign butter: Danish French Water. Fat. Per cent. Per cent. 10. 55 85. 05 11.42 84.15 6.95 10.55 90.35 82.95 Curd. Per cent. 1.44 1.06 1.08 1.10 Ash. Per cent. •1. 9il 3.37 2.52 5.40 " We can safely say that as regards chemical composition the Cali- fornia butters are the equal in all respects of the Eastern product. . . . "The sample of Danish batter analyzed could not have been a repre- sentative one, owing to the abnormally low percentage of water and high percentage of fat shown in the analysis." The American and English methods of scoring butter are discussed. Test of milk for tubercle bacilli, Storcii {Milch Ztg., 27 {J 80S), No. 30, p. 472). — To a spoonful of milk in a test tube a few drops of hydrogen peroxid are added and then a few drops of paraffinglendiam- ing (C6H4 (NH2)2). If the milk is free from tubercle bacilli there is no change in color, but if bacilli are present the milk is said to change immediately to a grayish green eolor on shaking. Experiments in butter making, H. H. Dean (Ontario Agr. Col. and Fxpt. Farm Rpt. 18!J7,pp. j!J-(js). — Feeding silage to cotes (pp. 59-62). — In this experiment, lasting from May 0 to 26, the cows were divided into two lots of 10 each, one lot receiving 50 or 60 lbs. of silage per day with some uncut hay, and the other lot receiving 35 lbs. of silage with 10 or 12 lbs. of cut-clover hay and about £ bu. of mangel-wurzels. In addition both lots received 8 lbs. of mixed grain, consisting of equal parts of bran, peas, oats, and linseed meal. In all 13 different churn- ings were made. The cream from the silage lot was churned at a tem- perature ranging from 55 to 61° and averaging 57°, and that from the mixed feed lot from 54 to 61° and averaging 57°. The former churned on an average in 33£ minutes, while the latter required 42 minutes. The butter was scored when about a month old, and again when over 2 months old, with the following results : Scoring of butter made on silage and on mixed feed. Silage butter. Flavor. (Max. 45.) First scoring Last scoring. Average 39.0 35.6 37.7 Grain. (Max. 25.) 23.4 23.0 23.2 Total score. (Max. 100.) 91.3 87.0 89.7 Mixed-feed butter. Flavor. Grain. (Max. 45.) (Max. 25.) 39.8 36.8 38.6 23.4 23.0 23.2 Total score. (Max. 100.) 92.0 88.2 90.4 DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 287 "(1) The cream from silage feed churned more easily than that from mixed feed. "(2) The highest score for flavor was 42 points out of a possible 45. Two lots of silage butter scored 42, and three lots of the other scored this number. In grain, 24 points was the highest score obtained from a possible 25. The silage butter scored 24 six times, and the mixed- feed butter 24 five times. According to the judgment of the expert, the flavor of the butter was slightly better from the mixed feed (0.8 of a point in the average of 13 trials), and it also held its flavor slightly better. The mixed-feed butter lost 2 points by keeping one month in an ordinary cool room, while the silage butter lost 3.4 points in flavor by keeping. " We can recommend good corn silage for feeding cows to produce milk for butter- making, but would prefer having it mixed with other foods, rather than feeding it in large quantities by itself." Effect on milk and butter of feeding turnips to cows (pp. 62-64). — In an experiment commenced in February, 1897, 6 cows were divided into three lots. Lot 1 was fed turnips just before milking-, lot 2 was fed turnips after milking, and lot 3 received no turnips but was confined and milked in a stable in which the odor of turnips fed to fattening steers was very strong. During the first week lots 1 and 2 were fed 1 peck of turnips per cow daily and during the second week h bu. of turnips. The butter during these two weeks was scored as first-class. During the third week, when the amount of turnips was increased to 3 pecks per day, uthe taint was scarcely perceptible upon the milk, although the butter from lot 1 (turnips fed before milking) showed a slight flavor of turnips." The fourth week 1 bu. of turnips per cow was fed daily. This week there was a decided flavor of turnips in the milk of both lots. At the commencement of the ripening process the cream from lot 1 was heated to 65° and 20 per cent of starter added, and that from lot 2 was heated to 75° and allowed to develop its own acid for 24 hours. " Lot 2 was scored low on account of the turnipy flavor, while lot 1 (turnips fed before milking) showed no turnipy flavor, indicating that the 20 per cent of starter added to the cream had overcome the turnipy flavor." The butter from lot 3 maintained its good quality during the 4 weeks, notwithstanding the strong odor of turnips in the stable. During the fifth week all 6 of the cows were given all the turnips they would eat. The mixed cream was divided into three equal parts, all of which gave a strong odor of turnips. The first lot was heated to 75° and allowed to ripen naturally, the second lot was heated to 65° and 20 per cent of starter added, and the third lot was pasteurized and 20 per cent of starter added. "The butter from the first lot was very strong with the flavor of turnips. Lot 2 was not so bad as lot 1, while lot 3 (pasteurized) showed no turnip flavor at all. This indicates that pasteurizing and adding a starter will overcome the turnipy flavors in milk and butter." The experiment was repeated April 6-27, the herd in milk at that time being divided into two lots, one fed turnips before milking and the other after milking. The amount of turnips was gradually increased until the cows were getting nearly 1 bu. per day. 288 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The scoring of the butter made by the two lots and also from cream which received different treatment is given in the following table: Quality of butter made when turnips were fed. Average score in flavor. (Max. 45.) Average score in grain. (Max. 25.) Average total. (Max. 100.) First time. Second time. Aver- age. First time. Second time. Aver- age. First time. Second time. Aver- age. Turnips fed before milk- 39 37.8 40.75 40.00 36.0 37 35.8 40.0 38. 0 33.0 38 36.8 40.37 39. 00 34.5 23 22.2 23.2 23.3 23 22.6 23.0 23.0 23 22.4 23.1 23. 1 22. 3 90.6 88.4 93.7 91.6 86.0 89.5 87.2 92.0 90.0 85.0 90 Turnips fed after milking. Turnip,, cream pasteurized Tuiiiipy cream nol pas- teurized, but a starter added 87.8 92.8 90.8 Tnrnipy cream allowed to 21.6 23.0 85.5 ''It will be noticed that pasteurization and the use of a starter improved the flavor very much." Effect of period of lactation on creaming of milk and quality of butter (p. 64). — The cows in the herd were divided into three lots according to the period of lactation. The average percentage of fat in the skim milk was 0.26 for the fresh milkers, 0.5 for those milked from 3 to 6 months, and 0.51 for those milked over 6 months. The time required for churning increased with the stage of lactation. The scoring of the butter on a basis of 100 was 93 for the fresh milkers, 92.2 for those milked 3 to 6 mouths, and 90.7 for those milked over C months, the dif- ference being chiefly in the flavor. Effect of straining mill- through broken ice before setting (p. 64). — In June and July 12 trials were made of straining milk through broken ice and then setting it in a creamer in ice water as compared with adding 20 per cent of cold water to the cream, and of setting in the ordinary way. "It was no advantage to strain the milk through ice before setting, nor yet to add cold water to the milk. This accords with previous experiments where both hot and cold water were added before setting." Milking machine compared with hand milling for quality of butter (pp. 64, 65). — On certain days about half the cows were milked with the Thistle milking machine and the other half by hand, butter being made from the milk of both lots. The scoring of the batter at 2 different dates is given. "There was not so very much difference in the quality of butter when first made, but the machine butter spoiled, or went off in flavor, much more quickly." (See also p. 290.) Pasteurizing milk for butter making (pp. 65,66). — Several trials were made in October, in which a vat of milk was heated to an average of 97° F., after which one-half of it was separated at once and the other half heated to an average of 158° F. and then separated. DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 289 " It was found that the cream was richer from the milk heated to 158°, and the feed had to be increased in order to prevent the cream outlet from clogging. The extra feeding did not increase the loss of fat in skim milk. All our experience goes to show that the capacity of a separator is increased and that it will skim closer by heating the milk to 100° or over before skimming. "In churning the cream from the two temperatures for heating it was found that the cream from pasteurized milk churned in a little less time (average 3 minutes) and with less loss of fat in the buttermilk — 0.13 per cent, as compared with 0.19 in the buttermilk from unpasteurized milk. . . . "The quality of the butter is better where pasteurization is practiced. ... If the cream is properly cooled for a sufficient length of time before churning, the grain of the butter will be all right." Pasteurized cream (p. 66). — Twenty trials were made in making butter from pasteurized cream as compared witli cream not pasteurized. The scoring of the butter showed very little difference, although the butter from pasteurized cream kept slightly better. Moisture in butter (p. 66). — The average of 48 samples of butter from the dairy department was found to be 11.034 per cent of water. The average water content of 14 samples, selected at random, was 11.297 per cent. Butter treated in a centrifugal butter dryer averaged 9.402 per cent of water, while the same butter bandied in the ordinary way contained 10.125 per cent. Temperature for ripening cream (pp. 66. 67). — Twenty-one trials were made, in which one lot of cream was ripened at an average temperature of 73° F., while the other lot was ripened at 60° F. It required 37 minutes to churn the former and 33 minutes to churn the latter. The percentage of fat in the buttermilk averaged 0.15 in the former case and 0.165 in the latter. The scoring of the butter gave no conclusive indications. Different percentages of starter used to ripen cream (p. 67). — Thirteen trials, in which from 3 to 10 per cent of starter was added to one lot and about 11 per cent to the other, showed very little difference in the average results for the two lots, either in the loss of fat in the butter- milk or the quality of the butter. Effect of icashing butter (p. 68). — The results are given of 18 trials, in which the churning was divided into three parts, one part being unwashed, another washed once, and the third washed twice. The scoring of the butter showed less difference in favor of washing than last year (E. S. B., 9, p. 486). Quality of butter made ivith centrifugal dryer (p. 6S). — Half of the butter from the churning was put into the centrifugal dryer, which was revolved until no more moisture came from the butter, when it was removed, salted, and worked as usual. The other half of the churning was salted and worked in the ordinary way. As shown by the scoring of the butter, the quality " was practically the same for both methods." Sweet and dent corn for milch cows, Gr. E. Day (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Ept. 1897, pp. 83, 84). — An experiment was made 290 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD with 4 cows to compare the value of green sweet and dent corn for the production of milk. Previous to the commencement of the experiment the cows were on clover pasture and received in addition a pound of a mixture of bran and oil meal, 1 : 1, per day. "During the first 10 days of the experiment the cows were fed green corn alone, cows 1 and 2 receiving sweet corn and cows 3 and 1 dent corn. At the end of 10 days 4 lbs. of meal were fed to each cow per day and the meal ration continued throughout the remainder of the experiment, or a period of 11 days. The meal ration consisted of equal parts by weight of barley, shorts, and oil meal. The variety of sweet corn used was Evergreen Sweet and the dent corn was Mammoth Cuban. . . . The cows did not eat the dent corn so readily as the sweet, and for a time wasted a considerable quantity of it, the waste becoming less as time went on." The amount of green corn fed, eaten, aud wasted, and the yield of milk during each period and for the G days immediately preceding aud following the test are tabulated. The author states that "when fed corn alone the dent-corn group suffered a greater shrinkage in milk yield than the sweet corn group;" that "when meal was added to the ration both groups increased in milk yield, but the sweet-corn group increased slightly more than the dent-corn group;" and that "when returned to pasture both cows of the sweet corn group decreased in milk yield, while both cows of the deut-corn group slightly increased in milk yield." The superiority of the sweet corn is thought to be due to its greater palatability, "since the cows on sweet corn consumed more corn per hundred pounds of live weight than those on deut corn." "There is one more important consideration. The sweet corn yielded at the rate of 29,280 lbs. of green fodder per acre, while the dent corn yielded at the rate of 36,376 lbs. per acre. . . . This greater yield of dent corn more than compensates for what is lost when compared with sweet corn for milk production, and therefore this experiment would indicate that the dent corn proved more economical than the sweet." Machine drawn milk vs. hand-drawn milk — some bacterio- logical considerations, F. C. Harrison (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Kpt. 1897, pp. 128-132, Jigs. 2) — A bacteriological study was made of the milk drawn with the Thistle milking machine and of that milked by hand. The investigations were made each month from April to August, inclusive. "The average number of germs per cubic centimeter in the morning's milk from the machine for 16 weeks was 111,595, while the average in the hand milk for 11 weeks was 10,619 — a result largely in favor of the hand milk. The average for the even- ing's machine milk was 165,033, and for the hand milk, 12,890 — a result almost as much in favor of the hand milk. . . . "A considerable variety was found in the machine milk, over 25 species being separated by the usual bacteriological methods, and all grown in pure culture in sterilized milk. . . . "The germs in the hand milk were, generally speaking, of the same kinds as were found in the machine milk, but in the machine milk the putrefactive species (those that liquefy gelatin) were very much more numerous and varied." The large number of bacteria found in the milk drawn with a machine is attributed to the following causes: DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 201 "(1) Germs on the hairy portion of the udder, drawn into the pail by the pulsa- tion of the teat cups, etc. "(2) Inability to cleanse thoroughly the cups and rubber connections. "(3) The occasional falling of cups upon the stable floor, and constant contamina- tion from material full of germ life. "The infection under 1 and 3 may, we think, be largely prevented by due care on the part of milkers; and if is possible that the makers of the machine will devise some means of overcoming the difficulty about cleaning and disinfecting the udder cups and tubes." Effect of the germs isolated from machine milk on the flavor and other qualities of butter, F. C. Harrison and M. X. Ross (Ontario Ayr. Col. and Exjtt. Farm. Rpt. 1897, pp. 133-140): — Cultures of the germs isolated from milk drawn with the Thistle milking machine were used in preparing starters for ripening the cream, and butter was made from this cream in small lots. The data for these experiments, including a description of the cream before churning and the general quality and scoring of the butter, are tabulated, together with descrip- tions of the various species. In a few cases the butter was rated as fair, but in most cases it was off flavor and did not keep well. "These experiments have shown that the number of undesirable germs in the 'ma- chine'milk far exceeds that of those which are desirable. . . . "Briefly, the germs isolated from the machine milk were 16 per cent more injurious than those isolated by Conn (his conditions being taken as normal.) "The only practicable method of overcoming these bad effects is by thorough pas- teurization of the cream and the addition of a good starter, produced from pasteurized milk to which has been added either good buttermilk from an excellent flavored butter, or, failing this, a culture obtained from some recognized source and which is known to be good." Experiments in cheese making, H. II. Dean (Ontario Ayr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 11-59). — Many of these experiments are in continuation of work reported the previous year (E. S. Ev 9, p. 481). Relation of fat in milk to quantity and quality of cheese (pp. 41-49). — During the year 27 experiments were made in each of which the milk was divided into different lots according to its fat content. The data for the experiments are given in detail and the averages of these data are summarized below : Yield and quality of cheese from richer and poorer milk. Group. 1 2 :s 4 Fat content of milk. Range. Per cent. Below 3 3.00 to 3.50 3.55 to 4.00 4.05 to 4.50 Aver- age. Per ct. 2.88 3.26 3.81 4.23 Milk re- quired to make 1 lb. of cheese. Lbs. 11.529 10. 968 10.013 9.677 10. 512 6216— No. 3- Cheese pro- duced from 1 lb. of fat in milk. Lbs. 3.01 2.79 2.62 2.44 2.70 Fat content of whev Per ct. 0. 225 .247 3.29 3.25 Flavor (max. 35). 28.33 28.43 29.81 29.75 Quality of the cheese. Close- Even Text- ness color ure (max. (max. (11K1X. 20). 15). 20). 18.16 17.93 18.25 18.00 14.16 16.83 13.70 17. 01) 13.56 17.25 13.00 • 17.25 Aver- age total score (max. 90). 77.48 77. t'6 78. *7 78.00 2! 12 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The following conclusions were reached: "(1) The yield of cheese per 100 lbs. of milk increased when the percentage of fat increased, but it did not increase in exactly the same proportion. '•(2) The yield of cheese per pound of fat in the milk decreased as the percentage of fat increased. ''(3) The yield of cheese is fairly proportionate to the fat and casein in the milk. The casein may be represented by the figure 2 added to the percentage of fat in the milk. "(4) The highest average score of cheese made was in the group where the milk ranged from 3.55 to 4 per cent of fat. "(5) The [rich milk] cheese lost 3.1 per centin weight while curing; the [medium and poor milk] cheese lost 3.3 per cent. "(6) The loss of fat in whey, drippings, and pressings was greater from the rich milk. This is especially marked in the drippings after salting, which include the grease pressed out of the cheese while in the hoops. The loss of fat at this stage is nearly double that from medium and poor milk. "(7) In those experiments where the percentage of casein was determined it showed a greater average loss of casein at each stage of the making from the [rich] milk as compared with the [medium and poor] milk. "(8) We recommend the percentage of fat + 2 system for distributing proceeds among patrons of cheese factories." Rapid curing cheese vs. slow curing cheese (pp. 49, 50). — During May and June 30 trials were made to compare the effect of using an extra quantity of rennet and less salt with the usual amounts of these. The general qualities of the cheese and its keeping quality were observed. "In the spring of the year, when it is usually the best policy to make cheese which will cure or ripen quickly, we advise the use of 4 to 5 oz. of rennet per 1,000 lbs. of milk, or sufficient to cause coagulation in 20 to 25 minutes. Less salt — say 2 lbs. per 100 lbs. of curd or per 1,000 lbs. milk — may also be used. . . . "Where the extra amount of rennet and the small quantity of salt were used the cheese ripened and went off m flavor more quickly." Stirring curds (p. 50). — To test the suggestion that " curds need not be stirred so much if an extra quantity of salt were applied," 7 trials were made during September and October. In each trial both lots of milk were treated exactly the same, except that one lot was not stirred alter dipping but an extra quantity of salt was added to the curd. '•(1) By not stirring the curd there was an extra pound of cured cheese made from GOO lbs. of milk. " (2) The quality of the two cheeses was much alike. " (3) With a small curd the extra salt applied seemed to have the same effect as hand stirring of the curd." Aeration of milk for cheese making (pp. 50, 51). — During July, August, and September, 15 experiments were made, in each of which a vat of aerated and another of unaerated milk was used. "While the average of the results did not indicate much difference in the yield or quality of the cheese, nor did aerating the milk prevent the formation of gas, yet thei gas was easier got rid of from the aerated milk curds; and in case of badly flavored milk, the aeration made an improvement in the yield and quality of the cheese. "We shall need to make further experim nts before making any very definite statements about the effects of aeration on milk for cheese making. In the mean- time we advise aeration in or with a pure atmosphere." DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 293 Pasteurizing milk for cheese making (pp. 51,52). — Cheese was made from pasteurized milk with and without a starter, the milk being made up into cheese the same day as pasteurized in some cases and in others the following day. " The heating of the milk to 160° changes the character of the milk in such a way that it does not work at all like an ordinary Cheddar curd. The cheese made from pasteurized milk resembles Stilton cheese in many respects; in fact our experiments point to a new and successful method of making a famous Stilton cheese. "The cheese made from heated milk to which a starter was added more nearly resembled an ordinary Cheddar. The experiments so far made would lead us to doubt the value of pasteurization for Cheddar cheese making. In every case where the milk was kept over until the following day the curds were very gassy." Ripening milk before adding rennet (p. 52). — The results are given of 8 trials made during May and June. The rennet test varied from 13 to 31 seconds. "The general rule seems to be that a difference of one second in the rennet test will make a difference of about two minutes in the time required for coagulation, although there are some marked exceptions to this rule." Effect of different quantities of rennet (pp. 54, 55). — Several experi- ments were made in which milk ripened to a rennet test of about 22 seconds was treated with varying quantities of rennet ranging from 1 oz. to 8 oz. per 1,000 lbs. of milk. " (1) Where less than 3 oz. of rennet per 1,000 lbs. of milk was used there was an extra loss of fat in the whey and less cheese made. The extra quantity of rennet, above 3-.V oz.. made an extra yield of cheese. " (2) The highest scoring cheese was made using 21 and 3 oz. of rennet per 1,000 lbs. milk. "(3) The time required for coagulation decreases with an increased quantity of rennet used in the milk." Effect of dipping at different stages of acid (pp. 55, 56). — A number of trials on this subject were made during June and July with the follow- ing results : "(1) The time from setting to salting was about the same, irrespective of the time which the curds were allowed to remain in the whey. " (2) The yield of cheese was greater by dipping at about £ in. of acid, or 0.2 per cent, than where the curds were allowed to remain until over £ in. of acid showed on the hot iron. "(3) The percentage of fat in the drippings (whey from milling until the cheese are removed from the press) was higher in all cases where the curd remained in the whey for a long time. "(4) The quality of the cheese was better in nearly every case from dipping at \ to \ in. of acid as shown on the hot iron." Milling the curd (pp. 56, 57). — Nine experiments were made in each ©f which the curd was divided into 2 parts before milling, one-half being milled at about 1 hour and 40 minutes after dipping, when the hot iron indicated about 1 in. of acid, and the other half at periods ranging from 1 to 3 hours after dipping. "(1) About liin. was the longest 'string' which could be got on the hot iron. After this the 'strings' went back. 2i)4 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. " (2) Whether milled cat H hours after dipping, or longer, the curds were ready to salt at ahout the same time. "(3) Allowing the curds to remain for 2£ to 3 hours after dipping, and before mill- ing, causes a greater waste of butter fat than milling earlier. '•(4) There did not appear to be so very much difference in the quality of cheese produced from the two methods. "(5) We recommend milling about H hours after dipping, or when the curd becomes meaty and shows f to 1 in. of acid on the hot iron." Salting curds 1 hour sooner than usual (pp. 57, 58). — During April, May, June, September, and October 15 experiments were made, one- bait' of tbe curd being salted about 1 hour sooner than the other half, which was allowed to develop the "velvety" feel. "(1) The yield of cheese per 100 lbs. of milk was slightly greater by salting one hour before the curds became 'velvety.' '•(2) The loss of fat in pressings and drippings was slightly greater by allowing the curds to 'mellow down' before salting. "(3) There was not much difference in the quality of the cheese whether salted early or late, what difference there was being in favor of mellowing the curds before salting." Temperature of curds at time of putting to press (pp. 58, 59). — In 9 experiments the curd was divided, the two parts being put to press at different temperatures. "The range of temperature was from 62° to 95° at the time of hooping. The high- est scoring cheese was made from a curd put to press at 93-. Last year there was more openness in the cheese put to press at a high temperature. This difference did not seem to be so marked this year. "So long as the press room is kept moderately warm there does not seem to be much difference in the quality of the cheese whether put to press at 65 or 95°, or at any temperature between these two points." Bad flavor in cheese caused by undesirable bacteria in -water used in factory, F. C. Harrison (Ontario Ayr. Col. and E.rpt. Farm Bpt. 1897, pp. 141-144). — The case of a factory where cheese of a bad flavor was being made was investigated. The cheese maker was said to be a good maker and the factory in first-class condition. A bacteri- ological examination of the water showed a very large number of germs present, from which 5 different species were isolated. The germs isolated from the water and the cheese were compared, and 2 of the species found in the water were discovered to be identical with 2 found in tbe cheese, but 1 was in such small numbers that it was disregarded. The biological characteristics of the other germ are described, together with an experiment in which cheese was made from pasteurized milk iuoculated with a culture of this germ. This cheese proved to be of bad flavor, and the germ previously found in the cheese and water was isolated from it. The cheese maker was advised to stop using the water, and the report soou came that tbe cheese was all right. Miscellaneous dairy notes, H. H. Dean (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm llpl. 1897, pp. 71-80). — These include a reprint of newspaper bulletins on fodder and spring cheese, the curing of cheese, and the winter creamery ; and notes on milk tests at fairs, square cheese, the milking machine, the air process in butter making, working DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 295 over old butter, tests of cows, etc Some experimental square cheeses sent to Lon- don brought satisfactory prices, but "the shape was not suitable for the London trade." With regard to the Thistle milking machine it is stated that "it milked the cows clean, and after a few times use nearly all of the cows seemed to enjoy being milked by it as well as by hand. The greatest trouble we had was with the flavor of the milk. The pipes through which the air is forced by the machine become very foul from the milk drawn into them whenever a cup drops from a teat. I believe that this difficulty has been remedied.'' A trial of working over stale butter resulted in very little improvement. General system of feeding the dairy herd, W. P. Wheeler (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1S96, pp. 639-641). — General remarks on the character of the rations fed to the dairy herd at different times during the year. Concerning Russian dairy cattle. Observations and experiments on the productiveness of a dairy herd during a period of six years (1889-1894) at the Edium school of dairying, N. V. Vereshchagin and A. A. Popov ( Moscow, 1896. pp. ..'S-170, dgms. 3; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lijesov., 1S4 (1897), Mar., pp. 70.', 703). Dairy stock, H. H. Dean (Ontario Agr. Cot. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1S97, pp. 69, 70).— This is a record of the herd for the year, showing the yield and cost of milk, butter, and cheese for each cow. Green rye and alfalfa for milch cows, G. E. Day (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897. p. 85). — Rye and alfalfa were compared as soiling crops for milch cows. No details of the experiment are given. The general conclusions, sum- marized by the author, are as follows: "The rye, which was a medium crop, yielded at the rate of 12,375 lbs. of green fodder per acre and the alfalfa yielded a first cutting at the rate of 15,300 lbs. of green fodder per acre. The alfalfa was eaten rather more readily by the cows than the rye. The milk yield was slightly in favor of the alfalfa. When scored by an expert the rye butter scored 35 points for fiavor and the alfalfa butter 40 points for flavor, out of a possible score of 45 points. The plat of alfalfa furnished 2 subsequent crops, which made the total yield from the alfalfa plat more than double that stated above, whereas the rye made but an indifferent second growth.'' Oats and peas and peas and tares for milch cows, G. E. Day (Ontario Agr. Col. andExpt. Farm Rpt. 1897, pp. 84,85). — A comparison was made of green oats and peas and oats and tares for milch cows. The seed was mixed in the proportion of 2 bu. of oats to 1 of peas and 2 bu. of oats to 1 of tares. Two cows were fed on each ration. Only the general conclusions are given. Roth fodders were eaten readily and neither could be said to excel the other as a milk producer. "The oats and peas yielded at the rate of 14,760 lbs. of green fodder per acre and the oats and tares 14,688 lbs. per acre." Effect of drought upon milk production, L. L. Van Slyke (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 37-65).— -This is the same as Bulletin 105 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 825), with detailed tabulated data not given in the bulletin. Milk fat and cheese yield, L. L. Van Slyke (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1806. pp. 66-106).— This is the same as Bulletin 110 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 181), with some detailed tabulated data not given in the bulletin. Analyses of butter, A. L. Wintox, A. W. Ogdex, and W. L. Mitchell (Connect- icut State Sta. R})t. 1807, pp. 322, 323).— Analyses are reported of butter from England (Dorsetshire), Denmark, Normandy, Australia, Brittany, and Ireland, and from the Vernon Creamery, Connecticut. The butter from Normaudy, Australia, Brittany, and Ireland "gave a decided reaction for boric acid, probably present in the form of borax." The samples were scored on the basis of flavor, grain, color, salt, and package. Machine-drawn milk for cheese making, F. C. Harrison (Ontario Agr. Cot. and Expt. Farm Rpt. 1897, p. 141).— Two small cheeses were made from milk drawn with the Thistle milking machine. " The curd was gassy, there was great loss of fat at salting, and the curd had a very bad llavor. [A month later] the flavor was scored 20 and 2t5, respectively, out of 35." 296 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Report of the veterinary department, A. W. Bitting (Indiana Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 41-50). — It is stated that studies have been made along the lines of the water supply for the live stock in the State; hog •holera; tuberculosis; the treatment of contagious abortion among ©attle; the fecundity of swine (p. 280); the relative frequency of the occurrence and distribution of diseases of stock in the State; sheep dips ; and the embryology, anatomy, and physiology of the mammary gland. On the subject of tuberculosis it is noted that some 2,000 cattle have been tested since the station took up the work. The experiments with sheep dips resulted in showing that chloro naphtholeum, zenno- leum, Potter's Perfection Dip, and Daytholeum are effective in solutions of 1 per cent. In the study of diseases 2,975 cases of lameness, 587 of iistulse, 28 of bursatte, 29 of cornstalk disease, 59 of cerebro-spinal meningitis, 528 of parturient apoplexy, 268 of periodic ophthalmia, 250 of pleurisy, 543 of pneumonia, 489 of laminitis, 217 of enteritis, 266 of gastritis, 2,042 of colic, 759 of azoturia, 502 of canine distemper, 67 of specific ophthalmia of cattle, 30 of sporadic aphthae, 218 of tetanus, 67 of tuberculosis, 2,608 of influenza, 12 of rabies, 24 of glanders, 42 of abortion in cows, 15 of abortion in mares, 8 of anthrax, and 120 of acti- nomycosis were found. The table given shows little difference in the number of cases occurring in the different months of the year, with the exception of azoturia, which was most frequent in January, February, and March. The loss from hog cholera during 1897 was only about 70 per cent as great as in 1896. The townships bordering upon the rivers lost 50 to 70 per cent more than those lying farther back. Report of the veterinary science section, M. Stalker and W. B. ISTiles (Iowa Sta. Rpt. 1896-97, pp. 131-144). — After mentioning the general plan of organization of work it is stated that Texas fever has, through legislation, ceased to be feared; that glanders and farcy among horses have been practically exterminated in the State, although some dozen years ago about half the counties of the State were affected ; aud that tuberculin has been successfully used in diagnosing tubercu- losis and with systematic application of the best knowledge of the sub- ject there is promise of favorable final results. Swine plague and hog cholera, cornstalk disease, and pseudo-rabies are discussed. Appended are articles on hog cholera and swine plague and on bovine tuberculosis. Animal diseases, A. T. Peters (Nebraska Sta. Bpt. 1897, }>p 13-17). — The author makes brief notes on the occurrence of actinomycosis, which has been reported in only a very few instances; anthrax, which has appeared in Polk County; black leg; cornstalk disease ; keratitis; glanders, which has been reported from 16 counties; rabies, which in Otoe County affected 10 hogs, 2 cows, a mule, and a horse; tubercu- losis, and hog cholera. The cornstalk disease seems to have affected horses to a greater extent than in former years. It is noted that it may be prevented to a cer- tain extent by feeding something else than cornstalks before the animals are turned into the field. Keratitis has appeared among cattle in certain localities, affecting STATISTICS MISCELLANEOUS. 297 animals mostly while in pasture. The disease is described by stockmen as follows: "The animal will be seen to be uneasy, and if the left eye is affected will hold the head down and try to drive away with the left foot the object that seems to it to be on or covering the eye." Tuberculin, F. C. Harrison (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt.Farm Iipt. 1897, pp. 144- 140, jigs. 3). — Tuberculin for official herd testing in Ontario is now manufactured and sent out by the college. Directions are given for making the test, and the summar- ized results secured in the testing of 502 animals of different breeds during 1897 are tabulated. The danger of using milk from tuberculous cows is discussed and notes given on three clinical examinations of guinea pigs inoculated with milk from tuberculous cows. The guinea pigs either died or were killed in from 8 to 10 weeks after inoculation aud in every instance were found tuberculous. On the means of protecting domestic animals from infectious diseases, R. Letz (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesor., 186 (1S97), Sept., pp. 613-634). STATISTICS— MISCELLANEOUS. Reports of director and treasurer of California Station, 1895-1897 (California Sta. Iipt. 1895-1897, pp. XVI + 329, 346, 347, 363, 364, 427-435).— Treasurer's report for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1890 and 1897 ; directions for sending samples to the station for examination; organization list ; list of donations to the station; exchang* list, and reports on the work at the Southern Coast Range, San Joaquin Valley, and Southern California Culture Substations, management, local problems, etc. Twenty-first Annual Report of Connecticut State Station, 1897 (Connecticut State Sta. Iipt. 1S97, pp. XV). — Notices relative to the availability of the bulletins and reports of the station; list of the officers and staff for 1897; announcements as to the nature of work undertaken for outside parties ; report of the secretary of the board of control of the station on the work of the year, and a report on the changes in the experiment station grounds necessitated by the laying out of certain new streets. Tenth Annual Report of Indiana Station, 1897 (Indiana Sta. Iijrt. 1897, pp. 1-15, 60-69). — Report by the director on the experimental work carried on by the different departments during the year, improvements, pamphlet and newspaper bulletins published, mailing list, and an inventory of station live stock. The appendix t» the report contains lists of acknoAvledgments and exchanges and a financial state- ment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897. Reports of director and treasurer of Iowa Station, 1896-97 (Iowa Sta. Iipt. 1896-97, pp. 10-2-105, 145, 146). — Brief notes on the work of the station during these two years, with a general review of the bulletins published (32-35), and a financial statement for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1896 and 1897. Eleventh Annual Report of Nebraska Station, 1897 (Nebraska Sta. Iipt. 1897, pp. 40). — A report by the director on the station staff, improvements during th« year, lines of experiments carried on, cooperative work, farmers' institutes, publi- cations of the station iu 1897, mailing list, etc.; and by the agriculturist, veterina- rian, botanist, chemist, entomologist, geologist, horticulturist, and meteorologist on the work of their lespective departments during the year, some of the details of which are noted elsewhere; and a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898. Ninth Annual Report of Nevada Station, 1896 (Nevada Sta. Bpt. 1896, pp. 28).— Contains the organization list of the station; brief reports by the director and heads of departments on the work of the year, aud a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896. In addition to other matter the report of the agriculturist contains brief suggestions on the culture of corn under Nevada conditions. A poi- sonous plant (Zygadenus panicnlatus), which has caused the death of several rang* cattle, is briefly noted. 298 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Reports of director and treasurer of New York State Station, 1896 (New York Stale Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. VIII 1-34, 688-694, 719-752, pis. 5).— Treasurer's report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1896; station organization list; reprint of the report of the director, published as Bulletin 115 of tbe station (E. S. R., 9, p. 197), and lists of acknowledgments and exchanges. The world's production of cereals, L. Grandeau {Jour. Ayr. Prat., 2 (189S), Xo. 28, pp. 45-49). — Statistics on the production of wheat, rye, oats, barley, and corn. The agriculture of Finland, its development and present state (Rpt. Imperial Senate of Finland. Helsimgfors, 1896, pp. SS9, figs. 11, dams. 6, maps 5; abs. in Selsk. Kin,:, i Lyesor., 184 (1897), Feb., pp. 470-472). — Describes chiefly tbe organization and activity of the Department of Agriculture of Finland. History of the Imperial Moscow Society of Agriculture during the past 75 years (December 20, 1820-December 20, 1895), A. P. Peryepyolkin (Moscow, 1896, pp. 165+239 + 72, Jigs. 5; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesor., 187 (1897), Dee., p. 671). Sketches from the history of agriculture in southern Russia, A. Grotto-Hyepi- koyski (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesor., 185 (1897), Apr., pp. 39-94). Index of agricultural scientific institutions based on information up to Janu- ary 1, 1897 (Bpt. Min. Agr. and Govt. Estates, Div. Rural Eeon. and Agr. Stat. St. Petersburg, 1897, pp. XXIV+ 194; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 187 (1897), Oct., p. 231).— The total number of scientific institutions uuder the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture is 108, with5,000 students. Of these 2 are higher schools, 11 secondary, and 95 lower. — p. fireman. The year 1896 from the standpoint of agriculture according to reports from farmers, VI (Iipt. Min. Agr. and Gort. Estates, Div. Rural Eeon. and Agr. Stat. St. Petersburg, 1897, pp. L VIII -r 94: abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesor., 185 (1897), May, p. 480).— The report contains a survey of tbe prices of agricultural products, live stock, and tbe products of stock raising, and also a chapter on tbe influence on prices of the crop of 1896. — p. fireman. Index to authors, with titles of their publications, appearing in the docu- ments of the United States Department of Agriculture, 1841-1897, G. F. Thompson and G. W. Hill ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Publications Bui. 4, pp. 303). The work of the college of agriculture and experiment stations, E. W. Hil- GARD (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 3-19). — A revised reprint of Bulletin 111 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 735). The Minnesota plan for agricultural teaching, R. H. Loughridge (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1S97, pp. 19-22). — A discussion of tbe desirable features of the School of Agriculture of the University of Minnesota and on the practical results and success of the school. Farmers' institutes in California, E. J. Wickson (California Sta. Rpt. 1895-1897, pp. 23, 24). — A brief report on the institute work of 1896. Meetings were held in 52 localities during the year. Changes in the rates of charges for railway and other transportation services. J. Hyde and H. T. Newcomb ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Statistics Bui. 15, misc. ser., pp.80). — A comprehensive historical report extending over a period of 50 years, and dealing with tbe charges on railways, canals, and waterways for the transpor- tation of agricultural products, etc., to the principal markets and seaports in the United States, and containing certain tabular data relative to passenger rates. NOTES. Colorado Station. — Elmer D. Ball has succeeded Emma Gillette as assistant entomologist, and Carl H. Potter has succeeded Jacob H. Cowen as assistant horti- culturist. Idaho College and Station. — J. P. Blanton has been appointed president of the University of Idaho and director of the Station, vice F. B. Gault. H. T. French, formerly of the Oregon Station, has accepted the position of professor of agricul- ture iu the college and agriculturist of the station. Thorn Smith, formerly first assistant chemist of the Michigan Station, has accepted a similar position with the Idaho Station. Prof. A. S, Miller has been added to the station staff as geologist. A commodious greenhouse and horticultural building has been erected. The chair of horticulture has been created and F. A. Huntley appointed to the professorship. Ashby Turner has resigned as a member of the governing board and James H. Hawley, of Boise, has been appointed in his place. Illinois Station. — The station has recently begun publishing abstracts of its more technical bulletins. The full bulletin will be issued in a limited edition and sent only to scientific readers upon request, while the abstract will be sent to all names upon the regular mailing list. Indiana Station. — A new stave silo 28 ft. high and 12 ft. in diameter has recently been erected. A. H. Bryan, a graduate of Purdue University in the class of 1898, has been appointed assistant chemist, vice J. M. Barrett, resigned. Iowa College. — Farmers' excursions have been inaugurated at the college. The first excursion was held August 17, and the occasion was a marked success in every particular. About 6,000 people were in attendance. It is believed these excursions will result in more cordial and friendly relations between the college and the people of the State. Kansas Station. — R. W. Clothier has been appointed assistant chemist of the station. The studies on soil moisture have been continued and additional experi- ments commenced to test the effect of various fertilizers upon moisture conserva- tion. Digestion experiments have been made with alfalfa at three stages of growth and with prairie hay. The veterinary department is distributing blackleg vaccine to the stock owners of the State. During the first half of October, 3,500 double doses were sent out. Experiments in protective inoculation for swine plague are in progress. The virus used is that prepared by H. J. Detmers. A press bulletin on the sand plum, one of the most valuable native fruits of Kansas, has been distributed. Maine Station. — Otis Meader has been added to the governing board. Miss Mary Hutchinson has been appointed clerk, vice Mrs. J. Hamlin YVaite. Nkbraska .Station. — The board of regents has authorized the making of analyses of 10,000 mother beets grown upon the experimental plat at Ames, Nebraska. C. H. Elmendorf, of the station, served as acting superintendent of the live-stock depart- ment of the Omaha Exposition, and T. L. Lyon was in charge of the dairy tests. New Hampshire College and Station. — Charles W. Burkett, of the Ohio State • University, has been elected associate professor of agriculture of the college and agriculturist of the station. North Carolina College and Station. — Dr. Cooper Curtice has been appointed veterinarian and biologist in the college and station. F. E. Hege, poultry manager 6216— Xo. 3 8 299 300 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. of the station, has resigned. The work of this department will be carried on under the supervision of the director and the agriculturist. A. W. Blair has been appointed State chemist, and Avill have charge of the analyses for the fertilizer control and for the general public under the supervision of the director. Oregon Station. — James Withycombe has been appointed assistant director and agriculturist of the station. Pennsylvania Station. — W. S. Sweetser, assistant chemist, terminated his con- nection with the station October 1, 1898, to accept a position as assistant instructor in agriculture in Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. M. S. McDowell, A. M. Diehl, and Charles Beistle have been appointed assistant chemists of the station. At its annual meeting in June the board of trustees established two fellow- ships— one in dairy husbandry and one in agricultural chemistry. These fellowships were tilled, after competitive examination, by the appointment of J. D. Huston and W. A. Hutchison, respectively, graduates in agriculture of the class of 1898. The purpose of the fellowships is to utilize the facilities for advanced work of a high grade in agriculture which are available in connection with the work of investiga- tion carried on at the station. The " fellows" are to devote a portion of their time t<> the regular work of the experiment station and the remainder to advanced study and investigation. Arrangements have been made by which the United States Department of Agriculture and the station are to cooperate in the construction of a respiration calorimeter for experiments with domestic animals and the prosecution of scientific investigations into the principles of animal nutrition. South Carolina College and Station. — G. E. Nesom has been appointed vet- erinarian, vice W. E. A. Wyman; B. F. Robertson has succeeded John Thompson as assistant chemist at the station ; and Ernest Walker has been appointed assistant horticulturist and entomologist. Special experiments are being made on the effect of different forms of potash, including silicate, on several crops, especially on the starch content of roots and tubers and on the burning quality of tobacco. The injurious effect of the inoculation of the soil by certain legumes on the subsequent growth of other kinds of legumes is also being studied. Vermont College and Station. — G. H. Perkins and J. L. Hills have been elected deans of the departments of natural history (including chemistry, physics, and biology) and of agriculture, respectively. L. R. Jones and P. A. Waugh have been granted a half year's leave of absence for special studies in botany and horticulture. Wyoming Station. — A small potting house 18 by 16 ft. has been added to the green- house plant, and the dwelling house on the farm has been improved by certain addi- tions. The farm equipment has been increased by the purchase of a Deering Ideal mower, a bone and grain mill, and a 1-horsepower portable gasoline engine. Much interest is manifested among the farmers in the forage crops being grown upon the station farm. Flat pea stands drought well and produces large crops, but so far stock will not eat it either in the green or dry state. It has not yet been offered to sheep. The success of alfalfa in this region is assured when planted with a press drill and otherwise properly handled. Another season the farmers will plant larger areas to it. Hairy vetch is also very promising, and saufoin does exceedingly well. Personal Mention. — Dr. F. Noll has become professor of botany at the Royal Agricultural Academy of Poppelsdorf, as the successor of Professor Kornicke, retired. 1 )r. Oscar Loew, formerly connected with the College of Agriculture of the Imperial University of Japan, but later of Munich, has been appointed to a. position in the Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology of this Department. EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, EDITED I5V , A. C. TRUE, Ph. D., Director, AND E. W. Allen, Ph. D., Assistant Director — Chemistry, Dairy Farming, and Dairying. W. H. Beal — Meteorology, Fertilizers (including methods of analysis), Soils, and Agricultural Engineering. Walter H. Evans, Ph. D. — Botany and Diseases of Plants. C. F. Langworthy, Ph. D. — Foods and Animal Production. F. C. Kenyon, Ph. D. — Entomology and Veterinary Science. R. A. Emerson — Horticulture. J. I. Schulte — Field Crops. With the cooperation of the scientific divisions of the Department and the Abstract Committee of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. CONTENTS OF Vol. X, No. 4. Editorial notes: The late Dr. E. Lewis Stnrtevant 301 National Society of Agriculture in Egypt 303 Official methods of analysis of fertilizers and feeding stuffs adopted by the Belgian State laboratories and the agricultural experiment stations of Hol- land 304 Recent work in agricultural science 310 Notes 399 SUBJECT LIST OF ABSTRACTS. CHEMISTRY. The determination of citrate-soluble phosphoric acid in bone meal, superphos- phates, etc. , O. Bottcher 310 A contribution to the determination of potash, J. Diainant 310 A new method of determining fat in feeding stuffs, meat, feces, etc., L. Lieber- mann and S. Szckely 310 Determinations of fat by Liebermann's saponification method, F. Tangl and J. Weiser 311 A simple method for the estimation of carbohydrates (sugar, starch, dextrin) in foods and condiments, F. Grommes 311 A new method for drying feces, H. Poda 313 Chemical department, E. F. Ladd 315 Report of the chemist, W. R. Perkins 315 I II CONTENTS. BOTANY. Page- Review of the investigations of the grain rust, J. Eriksson 31(5 The micro-organisms of the tubercles on the roots of leguminous plants, M. Maz6 31s Notes on the salt-marsh plants of northern Kansas, J. H. Schaflfner 319 Investigations on the root development of some forage plants, C. C. Georgeson andJ. E. Payne ■-- 319 Report of the botanical department, H. L. Bolley 320 > FERMENTATION — BACTERIOLOGY. Report of the agricultural-bacteriological laboratory, 1896, A. Theoktistov.. 322 ZOOLOGY. The economic status of the mole, H. Wilson 323 Ornithology of North Carolina, J. W. P. Smith wick 321 Life zones in New Mexico, T. D. A. Cockerell : 324 METEOROLOGY — CLIMATOLOGY. Monthly Weather Review, Vol. XXVI, Nos. 4-6 325 Meteorological observations, J. E. Ostrander and A. C. Mouahan 328 Climate of Cuba; also a note on the weather of Manila, W. F. R. Phillips 326 The necessity of studying the haze, A. A. Sclmlz 327 Investigation of the cyclonic circulation and the translatory movement of West Indian hurricanes, Benito Vines 327 Normal annual sunshine and snowfall, A. J. Henry 327 Instructions for obtaining and tabulating records from recording instruments, C. F.Marvin 327 Instructions for aerial observers, C. F. Marvin 327 Monthly bulletins of the River and Flood Service for April, May, and June, 1898, P. Morrill 328 Report of the Chief of the Weather Bureau, 1896-97 328 WATER — SOILS. A preliminary report on the soils of Florida, M. Whitney 328 The bluff and Mississippi alluvial lands of Louisiana, W. W. Clendeuin 330 The fertility of Oregon soils, G. W, Shaw 331 The importance of the mineral humates as a nutritive medium for plants, G. Nefedov 333 Soil bacteria in their relation to agriculture, I, F. D. Chester 334 FERTILIZERS. Contribution to the solution of the question of the extent to which the potash requirements of soil can be determined by analysis of the plant and the soil, O. Lemmermanu 335 The liming of soils, H. J. Wheeler 335 Commercial fertilizers, M. A. Scovell, A. M. Peter, and H. E. Curtis 336 Analyses of commercial fertilizers, M. A. Scovell, A. M. Peter, and H. E. Curtis. 337 Fertilizer inspection, C. D. Woods, J. M. Bartlett, et al 337 The cost of plant food in Connecticut, spring months of 1898 337 CONTENTS. Ill FIELD CROPS. I'aga Experiments with different kinds of fertilizers in 1896 on the Kazan Experi- mental Farm : 337 Practical chemistry of soils and crops, G. L. Holter and J. Fields 318 Experiments with field crops, 1897, Gs E. Morrow and J. H. Bone 340 Report of the agriculturist. J. H. Shepperd 340 A study of the castor-oil plant, G. L. Holter and J. Fields :;i l Crimson clover, F. E. Finery 348 Cotton and corn experiments, 1897, B. C. Pittuck 342 A variety test of cotton, 1893, F. E. Emery :;|n A small variety test of cowpeas, F. E. Emery 348 Report upon the grasses and forage plants of central Texas, H. L. Bentley 342 Experiments with oats, C. C. Georgeson, F. C. Burtis, and D. H. Otis 343 Potatoes : Tests with fertilizers, M. A. Scovell 314 Some experiments with potatoes, F. E. Emery 349 Sorghum : Its development as a commercial source of sugar, C. L. Penny 345 Sugar beets, J. T.Willard 346 Sugar-beet investigations in 1897, A. D. Selby and L. M. Bloomfield 346 Wyoming sugar beets, E. E. Slosson and B. C. Buffnm 346 Cane, sirup, and sugar, H. F. Stockbridge 347 Test of effect of chemical manure and cotton-seed meal on the germination of wheat, F. E. Emery 349 Cooperative experiments made by the Ohio Agricultural Students' Union in 1896, L. M. Bloomfield and J. S.Hine 350 HORTICULTURE. Report of horticultural department, C. B. Waldron 353 Asparagus, F. W. Card 350 Sweet corn for New Hampshire, F. W. Rane 354 A study of lettuces, W. F. Massey 354 Growing melons in the North, F. W. Rane 350 Tomatoes, J. S. Robinson 350 Tomato growing, E. B. Yoorhees 354 Some principles in Delaware apple culture, G. H. Powell 354 Miscellaneous fruit notes, S. C. Mason and W. L. Hall 351 Varieties of pears and peaches, G. Coote : 352 Strawberries, C. W. Matthews 355 Marketing fruit, M. Craig 353 The cultivation of the hazelnut, G. Coote 355 Ornamenting home grounds, W. M. Munson 355 Flower-seed growing in America, W. YV. Tracy 352 Adherence to type of seed breeding, W. W. Tracy 353 FORESTRY. Woods adapted for the manufacture of paper pulp, F. Roth 356 The sustained yield of spruce lands, G. Pinchot - 357 Financial returns of forest administration in Bavaria 357 SEEDS — WEEDS. Heat of imbibition by seeds, G. Macloskie - 358 The influence of X-rays on germiuation, Maldiney and Thouvenin 358 Effect of different temperatures of water on the germination of olive seeds, N. Passerini. :;"'!l Exchange seed list, W. A. Setcholl and J. B. Davy 361 The woolly mullein, H. Ganuan 359 IV CONTENTS. Tage. Vegetative propagal ion of perennial weeds, A. S. Hitchcock, and G. L. Clothier. 359 Notes gleaned by an experience in managing a weed garden, W. J. Beal 360 DISEASES OF PLANTS. Diseases of plants, H. L. Bolley 361 Prevalent diseases of cucumbers, melons, and tomatoes, A. D. Selby 361 Plant diseases in Java, M. Kaciborski 362 A dangerous disease of the white pine 363 Experiments for the control of potato scab, H. Garman 363 The fungicidal action of acetate of copper compared with that of the Bordeaux mixture, A. aud F. Eavizza 364 ENTOMOLOGY. The weight of bees and the loads they carry, C.P.Gillette 366 Fterophoridse of North America, C. H. Fernald 366 List of original types of species in the superfamily Jassoidea, C. P. Gillette. . 372 A few new species of Deltocephalus aud Athysanus from Colorado, C. P. Gillette 372 Some strawberry insects, A. L. Quaintance 367 Some injurious insects of the orchard, E. E. Faville, and P. J. Parrott 36!) The gypsy moth in America, L. 0. Howard - 370 The San Jose scab; in 1896 and 1897, L. O. Howard 370 The San Jose scale in Oklahoma, E. E. Bogue 373 The chinch bug, H. Garman 372 The periodical cicada ( Cicada septendecim), or so-called seventeen-year locust, in Ohio, F. M. Webster 372 Colorado Lepidoptera, C. P. Gillette 374 The story of the lives of a butterfly and a moth, F.M.Webster 374 Insecticides: Their preparation and use, W. E. liritton 374 Spray calendar, L. C. Corbett 374 Paris green, G. W. Shaw and J. F. Fulton 375 Recent laws against injurious insects in North America, together with laws relative to foul brood, L. O. Howard 375 FOODS — ANIMAL PRODUCTION. On wheat and rye bread with special reference to the question of army bread, H. Foda, with preface by W. Prausnitz 375 Report of a practical test of the use of the emergency ration by United States troops on active service, C. Smart 376 The chemical composition and nutritive value of some edible American fungi, L. B. Mendel 376 Chemical composition and digestibility of edible fungi, M. Stahl-Schroder.. . 377 Feeding-stutt' inspection, C. D. Woods 381 Experiments on the nutritive value of alfalfa, A. Miintz and A. C. Girard 379 Investigation ou molasses iu different forms for fattening lambs, F. Albert .. . 379 Influeuce of different protein compounds on the gain of flesh in swine, O. Hagemann 380 Data on the growth of young stock, C. C. Georgesou, F. C. Burtis, and D. H. Otis 382 DAIRY FARMING — DAIRYING. Dairy department, E. E. Kaufman 388 Investigations on the composition of colostrum with special reference to the proteids, II. Tiemann 382 Goats' milk and goats' colostrum, R. Steinegger 383 CONTENTS. V Page. Concerning the composition of milk produced in the vicinity of Giesscri, T. Giinther 383 Abstract of the report of the experiment station and school at Kleinhof- Tapiau for 1897-98 384 A method for distinguishing pasteurized and unpasteurized milk, V. Storch .. 384 A new method of preserving milk, II. De Lavalle'e 385 Factory tests for milk, S. M. Bahcock, 11. L. Russell, and J. W. Decker 385 Contribution on renuet curdling, E. Benjamin 387 Further contributions on milk hygiene, Ott 387 The recognition of tubercle bacilli in butter and milk 388 VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Anthrax: A study of national and of State legislation on this subject, A. T. Neale 396 Blackleg : Its nature, cause, and prevention, V. A. Norgaard 396 Bovine tuberculosis, F. Fischer 395 Cattle tick and Texas fever, W. II. Dalrymple, S. B. Staples, If. A. Morgan, and W. E. Dodson 389 Acclimation fever, or Texas fever, J. C. Robert 390 The typhoid serum diagnosis, H. L. Bolley 390 Hog cholera and swine plague, W. E. A. Wyman 396* Larkspur poisoning of sheep, E. V. Wilcox 391 The gape disease of poultry, H. Carman , , 393 Earthworms a source of gapes in poultry, H. Carman 393 The inspection of meats for animal parasites, C. W. Stiles and A. Hassall 3933 Special investigation of the so-called "new horse disease'' in Maryland, S. S. Buckley 394' Dehorning cows, G. M. Gowell and F. L. Russell 395 Dehorning cattle, F. W. Rane and H. H. Lamson 395 Yeterinary department, J. II. Worst 395 AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. State aid to road building in Minnesota, A. B. Choate 396 STATISTICS — MISCELLANEOUS. Tenth Annual Report of Mississippi Station, 1897 397 Reports of director and treasurer of North Dakota Station, 1897 397 The world's markets for American products — Norway and Sweden 397 Crop circulars for July, August, aud September-, 1898, J. Hyde 397 Experiment Station Work— V 397 Experiment Station Work — VI 397 Accessions to the Department library, April- June, 1898 397 The Department of Agriculture and its work, G. W. Hill 397 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. Experiment stations in the United States : California Station : Exchange Seed List, March, 1898 361 Colorado Station : Bulletin 43, March, 1898 372, 37 1 Connecticut State Station : Bulletin 126, May, 1898 :;7' Bulletin 127, May, 1898 ■>'■''' VI CONTENTS. Experiment stations in the United States — Continued. Page. Delaware Station : Bulletin 37, 1898 396 Bulletin 38, 1898 354 Bulletin 39, 1898 315 Bulletin 40, 1898 334 Florida Station: Bulletin 42, August, 1897 367 Bulletin 44, January, 1898 347. Kansas Station: Bulletin 72, July, 1897 382 Bulletin 73, July, 1897 351 Bulletin 74, July, 1897 343 Bulletin 75, August, 1897 319 Bulletin 76, February, 1898 359 Bulletin 77, March, 1898 369 Bulletin 7 8, April, 1898 346 Bulletin 79, April, 1898 395 Kentucky Station: Bulletin 70, December, 1897 359,393 Bulletin 71, December, 1897 337 Bulletin 72, February, 1898 344, 363, 382 Bulletin 73, February, 1898 .'. 355 Bulletin 74, May, 1898 372,393 Bulletin 75, June, 1898 336 Louisiana Stations: Bulletin 51 (second series), 1898 389 Special Beport, Part IV, Geology and Agriculture 330 Maine Station: Bulletin 41, January, 1898 395 Bulletin 42, February, 1898 355 Bulletin 43, March, 1898 337 Bulletin 44, May, 1898 381 Maryland Station: Bulletin 53, March, 1898 394 Bulletin 54, March, 1898 350 Massachusetts Hatch Station: Meteorological Bulletin 112, April, 1898 328 Meteorological Bulletin 113, May, 1898 328 Meteorological Bulletin 114, June, 1898 328 Mississippi Station :• Bulletin 42, November, 1897 390 Tenth Annual Report, 1897 315,397 Montana Station : Bulletin 15, July, 1897 391 New Hampshire Station: Bulletin 50, February, 1898 395 Bulletin 51, March, 1898 354 Bulletin 52, April, 1898 350 New Mexico Station : Bulletin 24, August, 1897 324 North Carolina Station : Bulletin 144, October 30, 1897 324 Bulletin 145. December 22, 1897 348 Bulletin 146, December 31, 1897.... 348,349 Bulletin 147, June 6, 1898 354 CONTENTS. VII Experiment stations in the United States— Continued. Page. North Dakota Station: Eighth Annual Report, 1897 315, 320, 340, 353, 361, 388, 390, 395, 397 Ohio Station : Bulletin 86, October, 1897 374 Bulletin 87, November, 1897 372 Bulletin 88, December, 1897 350 Bulletin 89, December, 1897 361 Bulletin 90, January, 1898 346 Oklahoma Station : Bulletin 32, March, 1898 341,348 Bulletin 33, March, 1898 340 Bulletin 34, May, 1898 373 Oregon Station : Bulletin 49, January, 1898 375 Bulletin 50, February, 1898 331 Bulletin 51, March, 1898 353 Bulletin 52, April, 1898 352,355 South Carolina Station : Bulletin 31, October, 1897 396 Texas Station : Bulletin 45, December, 1897 - 342 "West Virginia Station: Spray Calendar 374 Wisconsin Station: Bulletin 67, June, 1898 385 Wyoming Station : Bulletin 36, April, 1898 346 United States Department of Agriculture: Farmers' Bulletin 76 354 Farmers' Bulletin 77 335 Farmers' Bulletin 78 397 Farmers' Bulletin 79 397 Division of Agrostology : Bulletin 10 342 Bureau of Animal Industry: Bulletin 19 393 Circular 23 396 Division of Entomology : Bulletin 11 (new series) 370 Bulletin 12 (new series) 370 Bulletin 13 (new series) 375 Section of Foreign Markets: Bulletin 7 (revised) 397 Bulletin 8 (revised) 397 Library : Bulletin 23 397 Division of Publications : The Department of Agriculture and Its Work 397 Office of Road Inquiry : Circular 31 396 Division of Soils : Bulletin 13 328 Division of Statistics: Crop Circulars for July, August, and September, 1898 397 VIII CONTENTS. United States Department of Agriculture — Continued. Page. Weather Bureau : Bulletin 22 326 Monthly Bulletins of the River and Flood Service, April-June, 1898 .. 328 Normal Annual Sunshine and Snowfall 327 Instructions for Aerial Observers 327 Instructions for Obtaining and Tabulating Eecords from Recording Instruments 327 Investigation of the Cyclonic Circulation and the Translatory Move- ment of West Indian Hurricanes 327 Monthly Weather Review, Vol. XXVI, Nos. 4-6, April-June, 1898 325 Report, 1896-97 - 328 ILLUSTRATION. Page. Fig. 9. Fleischer's apparatus 312 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Vol. X. No. 4. The following- statements regarding the labors of Dr. E. Lewis Stur- tevant, one of the earlier agitators for experiment stations in this country and an active student and investigator of agricultural prob- lems, are furnished by Prof. G. S. Plumb, who was for several years associated with him in his work at the New York State Experiment Station. For years Dr. Sturtevant was a prominent figure in move- ments for the benefit of agriculture, and devoted himself enthusiastic- ally to the advancement of both the science and the art. During the later years of his life, when prevented by failing health from active participation in experiment station work, he continued his .studies and investigations at his home and prepared for publication some of the material which he had gathered in the form of notes during the busier periods of his life. In this way the results of his extensive studies on the varieties of corn were brought together and arranged for publica- tion as a bulletin of this office, now in press. In this extensive mono- graph the several hundreds of varieties have been described and systematized, the classification followed being the one previously pub- lished by Dr. Sturtevant. The synonymy has been much reduced, clearing up the confusion of varietal names of corn and placing the nomenclature on a sound scientific basis. The recent death of Dr. E. Lewis Sturtevant, on July 30 last, marks the passing of one who has occupied a pioneer and important place in the history of agricultural research in America. Born in Boston in 1842, educated in the best schools of the East, and receiving degrees from Bowdoin College and the Harvard University Medical School, he was equipped with a training that enabled him to be of great service to his fellows. After serving for a time in the Civil War, during which he was pro- moted to the captaincy of his company in the 2ith Regiment of Maine Volunteers, sickness caused his retirement to civil life, and he took up the study of medicine at Harvard, where he graduated in 1SGG. Being of independent means, he returned to the home farm at South Framing- ham, Massachusetts, some 25 miles west of Boston, where he began the agricultural studies which continued during the rest of his life. Here, on "Waushakum Farm," the joint property of his brother and himself, he took up a study of dairying and the Ayrshire breed of cattle, bred 301 302 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. and improved a variety of yellow flint corn named after the farm, and otherwise engaged himself in agricultural problems. His milk inves- tigations early in the seventies attracted considerable attention, and he lectured before prominent societies in 1873-74, discussing the phy- siology of milk, and bringing out striking differences in size of fat globules in milk of several breeds of cows, as found by him in micro- scopical examinations. The subjects of corn culture, farm fertility, and dairying attracted his chief attention, and he became widely known over New England and the Middle States as a prominent agri- cultural investigator and lecturer. Dr. Sturtevant early recognized the importance of a more intelligent farming practice, which could be greatly promoted through the aid of boards of agriculture, experiment stations, and agricultural schools and colleges, and was a prominent leader in the agitation for the establish- ment of experiment stations. In an address before the Middlesex South Agricultural Society in 1872 he said: "Every agricultural society should be an experimental station. No matter how few or how many facts or discoveries it makes, each one should have the precision and form which would enable it to be used in connection with other facts derived from other sources. The common facts of the farm are compara- tively unknown. What is a day's labor at any kind of work? What is the effect of various kinds of food ? What is the comparative value of various feeds used on our farms? What is the usual yield of a good milch cow? These and other simple questions, which should have been determined long ago, still remain practically unanswered. The con- stants of agriculture are yet to be given. " In 1882 he was invited to become director of the New York State Experiment Station at Geneva, New York, just established, which posi- tion he held for 5 years, resigning in 1887. The duty devolved upon him of organizing the new institution, outlining the work, equipping labora- tories, planning held and laboratory experiments, and establishing a working, coherent experiment station. This Dr. Sturtevant did on a more extensive plan than was attempted by any other American station in operation at that period. He proved himself a good organizer of work and an efficient manager of men. He gathered about him an excellent corps of workers, nearly all of whom have since been among the leading workers in the experiment stations of this country. He personally planned extensive field work with standard farm crops, and especially the cereals, devised feeding experiments with dairy cattle, and directed large experimental work in the vegetable garden. The first six reports of the New York State Station, issued under his direction, contain much information on live agricultural problems, and show marked activity on the part of the station working force. When he resigned his place at Geneva, it was to go back to his home, to remain in retirement, for a number of years an invalid. Dr. Sturtevant's influence on agriculture from the educational or EDITORIAL. 303 scientific standpoint was significant. His published writings number several hundred titles. He was the author of many addresses that were widely read. For several years he partly or entirely edited the Scien- tific Farmer. With his brother Joseph he was author of a book on the Ayrshire cow that contains much valuable information concerning this breed. He was one of the original founders of the Society for the Pro- motion of Agricultural Science, and took an active interest in its work up to his final illness. He made a special study of maize for over 20 years and was the best authority on the history and characteristics of this plant. He gave great attention to the edible plants, had collected the most complete pre-Linnean library in America, and was an authority on the history of garden vegetables. During the last 10 years of his life while in health he gave much time to the stud}7 of plant history and was a frequent contributor on this subject to the American Natu- ralist, the Botanical Gazette, and Torrey Botanical Club Bulletin. Dr. Sturtevant was a man of great fertility of mind, active tempera- ment, and enthusiasm for his work. He was constantly accumulating information relative to the problems he was dealing with. In his inter- course with others he was fond of analytical discussion, during which one might be sure of having numerous phases of the subject presented for consideration. To the attentive listener he was full of suggestive ideas, and made a deep impression for his originality of thought. A National Society of Agriculture has been organized in Egypt, under the patronage of the Khedive, for the promotion of agricultural inves- tigations on seeds, plants, fertilizers, domestic animals, beneficial and injurious insects and birds. The society will have its headquarters at Cairo and will publish a bi-monthly bulletin. It will endeavor to effect exchanges of publications with agricultural societies, experiment sta- tions, and other agricultural organizations in different countries. It will also organize agricultural exhibitions and it is proposed to carry on six experimental farms under its auspices. A large number of the leading farmers of Egypt have been enrolled as members of this society. Its secretary is George P. Foaden, formerly professor of agriculture in the agricultural college at Ghizeh, maintained by the Egyptian Govern- ment. OFFICIAL METHODS OF ANALYSIS OF FERTILIZERS AND FEEDING STUFFS ADOPTED BY THE BELGIAN STATE LABORATORIES AND THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS OF HOLLAND. The State laboratories of Belgium and the agricultural experiment stations of Holland have recently adopted uniform methods for the analysis of fertilizers and feeding stuffs. While the methods are, as a rule, very similar to the official methods in this country and in Ger- many, they differ somewhat in the details of execution. The following condensed account of the methods is taken from the bulletin of the Belgian Minister of Agriculture. ' ANALYSIS OF FERTILIZERS. Ammoniacal nitrogen. — Amnion iacal nitrogen is determined by dis- tilling 50 cc. of a solution prepared by dissolving 10 gm. of sulphate of ammonia in 1 liter of water with calcined magnesia, the ammonia being collected in 20 cc. of one half normal sulphuric acid and the excess of acid titrated with alkali, preferably one-fourth normal barium hydrate. Nitric nitrogen. — For the determination of nitric nitrogen two meth- ods may be employed, the Schloesing-Grandeau and the Ulsch methods. In the first case, with nitrate of soda, 10 cc. of a solution containing 1G.5 gm. of the nitrate per liter is used; with nitrate of potash the same amount of a solution containing 20 gm. of the nitrate per liter is used. The solution of nitrate is treated in a Schloesing apparatus with 50 cc. of a solution of ferrous chlorid saturated in the cold and an equal vol- ume of concentrated hydrochloric acid, rinsing the funnel with dilute acid (1 to 1). The results obtained are compared with those obtained by the same treatment of 10 cc. of type solutions containing 33 gm. of pure nitrate of soda or 40 gm. of pure nitrate of potash per liter. The receiver for the gas is filled with cold distilled Avater recently boiled. Air is expelled from the apparatus by introducing a little nitrate. The form of Ulsch method used (not applicable in the presence of ammoniacal salts) is as follows : To 25 cc. of a solution prepared by dissolving 10 gm. of the substance in 1 liter of water 5 gm. of iron reduced in hydrogen and 10 cc. of dilute sulphuric acid (1 volume of concentrated acid to 2 volumes of distilled water) are added in a i-liter flask, which is connected with a condenser. The solution is heated 1 Bui. Min. Agr. [Belgium], 1898, No. 3, pp. 18. 304 OFFICIAL METHODS OF BELGIUM AND HOLLAND. 305 until evolution of gas commences. The flame is then removed until the evolution subsides. Finally the flask is heated gently for about 5 minutes. One hundred cubic centimeters of distilled water is added and the ammonia distilled oft' in the presence of 3 gm. of calcined mag- nesia or of 30 cc. of a soda solution of 1.25 sp. gr. Organic nitrogen. — Two methods of determining organic nitrogen are employed, the Kjeldahl and the modified Gunning methods. In the first 1 gm. of blood or horn, U gm. of leather, wool, oil cake, or fish guano, and 2 gm. of ground bone is digested with 10 to 20 cc. of sul- phuric acid of 66° Baume, containing 10 per cent of phosphoric anhy- drid and a drop of mercury (about 0.5 gm.) or from 0.5 to 1 gm. of mer- cury bioxid. The digestion is continued at least 1 hour after the solution has become colorless. After cooling the solution is nearly neutralized with potash solution (1 part of potash to 2 of water), and then 40 cc. of a solution containing 50 gm. of caustic soda and 20 gm. of sodium sulphid per liter is added. The operation is continued in the usual way. In the modified Gunning method the same weights of material are used, the substance being digested in 20 cc. of 6G° Baume sulphuric acid with the addition of 1 gm. of mercury and 1 gm. of copper sul- phate. When the substance has become charred 10 to 15 gm. of potas- sium sulphate in crystals is added and the mixture strongly heated. Digestion is complete in about half an hour. The operation is com- pleted as in the Kjeldahl method. With fertilizers containing a mixture of nitric and ammoniacal nitro- gen 10 gm. is dissolved in 500 cc. of water and 25 or 50 cc. of the solu- tion used for the different determinations, nitric nitrogen being deter- mined by the Schloesing-Grandeau method, ammoniacal nitrogen by distillation with magnesia. With fertilizers containing organic and ammoniacal nitrogen the total nitrogen is determined in 2 gm. by the Kjeldahl method, ammoniacal nitrogen in 5 gm. by distillation with magnesia. With fertilizers containing organic and nitric nitrogen the total nitro- gen is determined in 1 to 2 gm. by the Kjeldahl-Jodlbauer method as follows: Digest the fertilizer in 20 to 30 cc. of sulpho-phenic acid con- taining from GO to 100 gm. of crystallized pbenic acid per liter. For hastening solution it is recommended to heat slowly to about 10° C, cool and add 1 gm. of zinc powder in small portions, digest in the cold for at least 2 hours, then proceed as in the ordinary Kjeldahl method. The nitric nitrogen is determined by the Schloesing-Grandeau method. •In fertilizers containing the 3 forms of nitrogen the total nitrogen is determined by the Kjeldahl-Jodlbauer method, ammoniacal nitrogen by distillation with magnesia, and nitric nitrogen by the Schloesing- Grandeau method. Phosphoric acid soluble in mineral acids. — To 50 gm. of the phosphate add 50 cc. of nitric acid (1.2 sp. gr.) or aqua regia and 50 cc.of water. Boil 306 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. for h hour, make volume to 500 cc., and filter. In case of substances rich in phosphoric acid, like precipitated phosphate, use 25 cc. of this solu- tion for the subsequent determination ; in case of the poorer phosphates, like superphosphates and slags, use 50 cc. Neutralize the greater part of the free acid with ammonia, precipitate in hot solution w4th 100 cc. of a solution of nitro-molybdate of ammonia, boil, and filter while hot. Wash with 100 cc. of 1 per cent nitric acid. Dissolve in as small amount as possible of ammonia of 0.90 sp. gr. Saturate the larger part of the ammonia with hydrochloric acid and precipitate in the cold with 10 cc. of magnesia mixture, adding 2 or 3 drops of the latter at first and stir- ring until precipitation commences, then add the rest of the solution at once. Add 50 cc. of strong ammonia (0.96 sp. gr.), allow to stand for 2 hours, filter, wash with 5 per cent ammonia, incinerate, and weigh. Calculate phosphoric acid with the factor 0.64. Substances containing a large amount of organic matter may be dissolved in sulphuric acid, as in the Kjeldahl method. Substances must not be prepared for the determination of phosphoric acid by incineration. The citro-mechanical method is carried out with 25 cc. of a solution of phosphate, guano, or ground bone, or 100 cc. of a solution of super- phosphate made as directed above, the acid being almost neutralized with ammonia, aud 30 cc. of Petermann's citrate solution (see below) and 10 cc. of ammonia of 0.91 sp. gr. added. The solution is agitated for h, hour, during which time 25 cc. of magnesia mixture is added, drop by drop. The precipitate is collected on a filter, washed, incinerated, aud weighed. Phosphoric acid soluble in water and ammonium citrate. — From 1 to 4 gm. of phosphate, according to its content of phosphoric acid, is ground up in a mortar, at first in a dry state, afterwards with 20 to 25 cc. of water, until a uniform mixture is obtained. The solution is decanted on to a filter, the filtrate being collected in a 250 cc. flask. This operation is repeated 3 times, when all of the material is thrown on to the filter and washed until the volume of the filtrate amounts to about 200 cc. A few drops of nitric acid is added if the phosphoric acid is to be pre- cipitated by ammonium nitro-molybdate, or hydrochloric acid if the citro- mechanical method is to be used. The filter with the insoluble residue is placed in a 250 cc. flask with 100 cc. of alkaline ammonium citrate. Iu case of precipitated phosphates the previous extraction with water is omitted and the material is treated directly with the citrate. The insoluble residue is digested in the ammonium citrate in the cold for 15 hours with stirring, afterwards for 1 hour in a water bath at 40° O. The citrate extract, after cooling, is made up to 250 cc. and filtered. To a mixture of 50 cc. of this solution and 50 cc. of the water solution pre- viously obtained 10 cc. of hydrochloric acid (1.1 sp. gr.) is added and the solution kept at the boiling point for 30 minutes to transform the meta- phosphoric acid into orthophosphoric acid. The phosphoric acid is determined either by the molybdic or citro-mechanical method. If the former is used, previous boiling with hydrochloric acid is unnecessary, OFFICIAL METHODS OF BELGIUM AND HOLLAND. 3<>7 Potash — general method. — In the analysis of potash salts 10 gm. of the material is placed in a liter flask with about 500 ec. of water and brought to the boiling point, just enough barium chlorid is added to precipitate the sulphuric acid, the volume made up to 1 liter, and lil- tered.. To 20 cc. of this solution in case of sulphate and 50 cc. in case of kainit 10 cc. of 10 per cent platinum chlorid is added and the solu- tion evaporated to a sirupy consistency. The residue is taken up in 85 per cent alcohol, the crystals carefully broken, the precipitate collected on a tared filter or Gooch crucible, washed with the alcohol, dried at 125° in an air or xylol bath, and weighed. The factor 1.94 is used in calculating potash. Potash — special methods. — Under this head are described the Nether- lands and the Corenwinder and Contamine methods. In the first, which is applicable to superphosphate of potash and mixed fertilizers, 20 gm. of substance is boiled with water for h hour, the solution cooled, and made up to 500 cc. To 50 cc. of the filtered solution at the boil- ing point just enough barium chlorid to precipitate the sulphuric acid is added, followed by the addition of an excess of barium hydrate. The solution is cooled, made up to 100 cc, and filtered. To 50 cc. of the filtrate ammonium carbonate and ammonia are added at the boil- ing point until no further precipitation occurs. The solution is cooled, made up to 100 cc, and filtered. Fifty cubic centimeters of the filtrate is evaporated and ignited to remove ammonium salts. The residue is taken up in water, filtered, and treated as in the general method. In the method of Corenwinder and Contamine to 50 cc. of a solution of 10 gm. in 1 liter of water 1 cc. of hydrochloric acid is added and the solution evaporated and ignited just below redness to drive off ammo- nium salts and organic matter. The residue is taken up in water, acidulated with hydrochloric acid, and the solution evaporated to a sirupy consistency with the addition of 10 cc. of 10 per cent platinum chlorid. The precipitate is washed with 80 per cent alcohol and then redissolved in hot water, the solution being allowed to pass into 50 cc. of 10 per cent sodium formate kept at the boiling point. This solution is heated until reduction is complete and acidulated with hydrochloric acid, a large excess of the latter being carefully avoided. The platinum is collected on a filter, washed with cold water and ignited. The pot- ash is calculated by multiplying the weight of platinum by 0.4835. The reduction may be made by means of mercurous chlorid, according to Mercier, instead of with sodium formate. The determination of the fineness of mineral phosphates and slags. — Fifty grams of material is shaken up for 30 minutes in a sieve, the meshes of which are 0.17 mm. square, the actual size of the holes being 0.029 mm. ANALYSIS OF FEEDING STUFFS. Preparation of samples. — Samples are ground until they pass a sieve with 1 mm. meshes. 308 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Determination of -water. — Five grams of material is dried in an air bath at a temperature of from 100 to 105° 0. to constant weight. Determination of ash. — Five grams of the substance is incinerated in a muffle until the ashes are white or light gray. The Belgian law requires that the amount of matter in the ash insoluble in 10 per cent hydrocholoric acid shall be determined and that it shall not exceed 2 per cent. Determination of crude protein. — Nitrogen is determined in 1 to 2 gm. of substance by the Kjeldahl method, the protein being calculated from the nitrogen by the use of the factor 6.25. Determination of pure albuminoids. — This is done by means of Stut- zer's method as follows: To 1 gm. of the substance is added 100 cc. of water and the solution brought to the boiling point, 2 to 3 cc. of a saturated solution of alum is added, and then a quantity of copper hydrate corresponding to about 0.4 gm. of copper oxid. After cooling the residue is collected on a filter, washed at first with water, and after- wards with alcohol. The nitrogen is determined in the filter and con- tents by the Kjeldahl method without previous drying. The factor 6.25 is used in calculating the albuminoids from the nitrogen thus found. If the substance contains an alkaloid it is first boiled on a sand bath with 100 cc. of alcohol containing 1 cc. of acetic acid. The solution thus obtained is decanted through the same filter, which is afterwards used for collecting the copper hydrate precipitate. Determination of fat. — For this purpose 3 to 5 gm. of the substance is exhausted in one of the common forms of extractors with carbon tetrachlorid or ether. Commercial ether is redistilled with sodium before use for this purpose, and the sample is dried at 100° O. in the air or in a current of inert gas before extraction with the ether. The extract is collected in 100 to 150 cc. flasks, and after the solvent is driven off, dried for 2 hours at 98 to 100° G. in a hot water bath and weighed. For the determination of substances other than fat which are dissolved by the ether, the residue is redissolved in ether, an equal volume of alcohol is added, the solution exactly neutralized, and evap- orated to dryness. The residue is taken up in ether, filtered into a tared flask, the solvent driven off, and the residue dried for 2 hours and weighed as pure fat. Determination of crude cellulose. — Three grams of the substance is boiled for £ hour with 200 cc. of 1.25 per cent sulphuric acid, the liquid being maintained meanwhile at a constant level. After set- tling, the solutionis decanted, and the residue is extracted twice" in the same manner with 200 cc. portions of water. The different extracts are collected in one flask. After settling, the supernatant liquid is siphoned off, the residue is combined with that in the digestion flask, and the whole is treated as described above, first with 200 cc. of 1.25 per cent potassium hydrate, and then with 2 successive portions of 200 cc. each of water. The extracts thus obtained are treated as above OFFICIAL METHODS OF BELGIUM AND HOLLAND 309 described. The residues are washed 2 or 3 times by decantation with boiling water, finally collected on a weighed filter, washed with hot alcohol and with ether, dried at 100° C, and weighed. The ash is determined in the residue thus obtained and its weight deducted in calculating the cellulose. Cellulose is also determined by means of the Hold efleiss method. In this case 3 gm. of the material and 200 cc. of 1.25 per cent sulphuric acid are placed in a Holdefleiss flask and the solution kept at the boil- ing point for h hour by the injection of steam. The material is col- lected on an asbestus filter and washed with hot water until the filtrate is no longer acid. The residue is treated in the same manner with 200 cc. of potassium hydrate, the washing being continued in this case until the alkaline reaction disappears. The residue is then washed with alcohol and ether, dried, and weighed. It is then incinerated and weighed again. The difference between the two weights gives the crude cellulose. PREPARATION OF SPECIAL REAGENTS. Ammonium nitromolybdate. — Dissolve 150 gin. of ammonium molyb- date in 1 liter of distilled water, pouring the solution into 1 liter of nitric acid of 1.2 sp. gr. Magnesia mixture. — Dissolve 100 gm. of crystallized magnesium chlorid, 200 gm. of crystallized ammonium chlorid, and 400 gm. of ammonia of 0.96 sp. gr. in water, making the volume up to 1,250 cc, and filter after standing IS hours. Alkaline ammonium citrate. — Dissolve 500 gm. of citric acid in just enough ammonia of 0.02 sp. gr. to give a neutral reaction (about 700 cc). On cooling add water until the specific gravity is 1.09 at 15° C. Add 50 cc. of ammonia of 0.92 sp. gr. to each liter of this solution, stir, let stand for 48 hours, and filter. The specific gravity of the solution thus obtained is from 1.082 to 1.083. Stutzers reagent. — Dissolve 100 gm. of crystallized copper sulphate in 5 liters of water, add about 2 gm. of glycerin, and precipitate the cuprous hydi'ate by adding dilute soda solution until the reaction is faintly alkaline, filter, and diffuse the precipitate in water containing 5 gm. of glycerin per liter. Wash by decantation until the precipitate is free from excess of alkali. The precipitate is finally diffused in water containing glycerin and kept in a dark place in a closely stoppered flask. The amount of copper oxid in the reagent is determined by the evaporation and ignition of 10 cc. of it. 8192— jSo. 4 2 RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. CHEMISTRY. The determination of citrate-soluble phosphoric acid in bone meal, superphosphates, etc., O. Bottcher (Ghem. Ztg., 22 {1898),. No. 21, pp. 201, 202). — Five grams of the substance is rubbed fine with a dilate acid ammonium citrate solution (1 volume of the concentrated solution mixed with 4 volumes of water), washed into a 500 cc. flask, which is then filled to the mark with the dilute acid citrate solution at the room temperature (about 17.5° C). The flask is then closed with a rubber stopper and kept for 30 minutes in a rotating apparatus which revolves 30 or 40 times per minute. The mixture is now filtered and suitable portions of the liquid taken for the determination of phos- phoric acid, either by the molybdate or the citrate method. — J. T. ANDERSON. A contribution to the determination of potash, J. Diamant ( Ghem. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 12, p. 99).— -The method proposed involves the reduction of potassium-platinum chlorid by means of zinc dust, and the volumetric determination of chlorin in the liquid residue. About 0.5 gm. of potassium-platinum chlorid (the amount taken of the potash compound to be analyzed being such as to yield about that amount of the double salt) is collected on a filter and washed in the usual way. It is then dissolved in hot water in a 500 cc. flask and the volume made to the mark with cold water. It is now shaken with about 1 gm. of zinc dust, when reduction begins instantly. When the color disappears, showing that reduction is complete, the liquid is filtered through a dry filter, and 250 cc. of it is used for the volumetric determination of chlorin. — J. t. Anderson. A new method of determining fat in feeding stuffs, meat, feces, etc., L. Liebermann and S. Szekely (Arch. Physiol. [PJiiiger], 72 (1898), No. 7-8, pp. 360-366, fig. 1).— The author describes in detail a method of determining fat as follows: Boil for half an hour 5 gm. of substance with 30 cc. of 50 per cent potassium hydroxid solution (sp. gr. 1.54), over a free flame, shaking frequently. This should be done in a flask of suitable shape which when filled to about the middle of the neck will contain about 290 cc, and has a mark at 240 cc. When cool add 30 cc. of 90 to 94 per cent alcohol and warm for about 10 min- utes, then cool and add carefully, in small portions, 100 cc. of 20 per 310 CHEMISTRY. 311 cent sulphuric acid (sp. gr. 1.145), shaking frequently and cooling- to prevent the loss of volatile fatty acids. The solution should contain an excess of about 4.4 gin. sulphuric acid. When the solution is quite clear add 50 cc. petroleum ether of good quality (sp. gr. 0.0 to 0.7, boil- ing point about 60°), close the flask tightly and shake thoroughly 30 times at intervals of 1 to 2 minutes. The cork should not be removed, since some of the petroleum ether would evaporate. Add sufficient saturated sodium chlorid solution to make 290 cc, shake a few times, and allow the flask to stand a short time in a cool place. The bottom of the petroleum ether layer should be at the 240 cc. mark on the neck of the flask. The petroleum ether will contain all the fatty acids in solution. Remove 20 cc. with a suitable pipette, dilute with 40 cc. of 90 per cent alcohol, add 1 cc. of phenolphthalien and titrate with an alcoholic solution of decinormal potassium hydroxid, noting the amount required. Evaporate in a suitable vessel with a glass cover upon a moderately warm water bath or in other convenient way, dry at 100° C. and weigh with the cover on the dish, since the potassium salts of fatty acids are hygroscopic. The amount of fat in the original material can be calculated with the aid of the following formula : T _ j-S - 0-01 -(K* 0-00255)-] m F equals fat in original substance, S the weight of potassium salts of fatty acid in 20 cc. of petroleum ether, K the amount of potassium hydroxid solution used, and A the weight of the material taken. Modifications of the method are given for use in determining the amount of fat in hay, flour, and grain, and comparisons of this method with the Soxhlet method of extraction. The results show that the method is accurate, and in the authors' opinion it can be recommended as being more rapid than the ordinary methods. Determinations of fat by Liebermann's saponification method, F. Tangl and J. Weiser (Arch. Physiol. [Pfliiger], 72 (1898), Ao. 7-8, pp. 367-369). — The authors determined the fat in a number of samples of meat and feces by the method described above and by Dormeyer's method (E. S. It., 7, p. 919). Equally good results were obtained in both cases. The first method is recommended as fully as accurate as Dormeyer's and less time consuming. A simple method for the estimation of carbohydrates (sugar, starch, dextrin) in foods and condiments, F. Grommes (Sitz- ungsber. Phys.-med. Soc. Urlangen, 29 (1897), pp. 17-28, fig. J).— The author describes Fleischer's apparatus and method for determining the sugar content of foods and beverages. The apparatus is shown in the accompanying figure (fig. 9). The method for determining sugar in wine, beer, and other liquids is as follows: A sample of the liquid, decolorized with animal charcoal (if this is necessary), is boiled with 312 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. potassium hydroxid or sodium hydroxid solution to determine some- thing of the amount of sugar which it contains and how much it is desirable to dilute the material before estimating the sugar. If a deep brown color is obtained the vine, beer, or liquid should be much diluted. If the color is faint less dilution is necessary. After diluting a known quantity of the material, yeast is added and it is placed in the Fleischer apparatus, the apparatus tightly closed and allowed to remain in a warm place for 24 hours. The carbon dioxid produced causes the column of mer- cury (1) to rise in the graduated tube. The amount of sugar is calculated by making a control experiment under the same conditions with a solution containing a known amount of dextrose. In case of vegetables, etc., the finely divided material is extracted with water until a qualitative test shows that sugar is no longer obtained. The sugar in the aqueous extract is then determined as above. In case of flour, . bread, and similar materials the starch was also determined. The material, carefully dried, was inverted by boiling with dilute hydrochloric acid and the total dextrose determined as above. The difference between this result and the sugar in the origi- nal substance showed the dextrose derived from starch. The starch could then be calculated. The author reports the results of numerous determinations, some of which are shown in the following table: Fig. 9. — Fleischer's apparatus. Sugar anil starch in a number of food materials. Sugar. Starch. Potatoes, raw Potatoes, cooked Carrots Orange peel Lemon peel Lemon without peel Orange without peel Pears Apples Plums Dates Rye Hour Wheat meal (Griea mehl) Wheat flour Barley tlour ( latmeal Corn meal Kommis bread ( iraliam bread Black bread ". White bread Roman bread "Erlangen kipf " bread.. Pumpernickel Tea cakes Almond bread Per cent Per cent. 2. 876- '2. 634 2. 037- 1. 873 7.210 14.570 18. 960 :;. 133 24.640-22 976 14.259 16.375 12.153-14.919 4. 170 64. 270-58. 840 1.885 60. 76 2.500 63.45 3.820 65.36 5.45(1 59.16 3.76 63. 52 4.29 60.92 1. 758 a 46. 36 1.805 a 21. 76 2. 514 a 45. 33 2.538 «48. 69 3.224 a 42. 93 3.696 a 54. 29 13. 559 a 41. 87 4.532 a 38. 64 1.494 a 8. 51 a Starch and dextrin. CHEMISTRY. 313 The sugar content of different food materials is discussed in relation to the diet of patients suffering from diabetes. A new method for drying feces, H. Poda (Ztschr. Physiol, ('hem., 25 (1898), Xo. 3-1, pp. 354-359). — The author proposes to simplify the drying of feces for analysis by adding absolute alcohol, which assists in driving off the water. The fresh material is dried in a porcelain dish on a water bath for from 4 to 0 hours, at the end of which time it is usually solid when cooled. It is then mixed in the same dish with 50 cc. of absolute alcohol, being broken up into small pieces, and dried on the water bath for about an hour, when the operation is repeated with 25 cc. of alcohol. It is then usually dry enough so that it can be ground in the dish to a fine powder, but if not it is treated again with 25 cc. of alcohol and dried. The material, which contains from 2 to 5 per cent of water, is placed in portions of 2 or 3 gm. in beakers and dried in an air bath at 99 to 100°. A table is given showing the time required for drying feces with and without treatment with alcohol. The author concludes that the method is a simplification of the ordinarily tedious process, being more rapid and requiring less attention, and giving more accurate results. The albuminoids, P. Xolf (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 12 (1S9S), Xo. 7, pp. 471-4S0; 8, pp. 547-560). — A critical review of the subject. Concerning the constitution of the simplest albuminoids, A. Kossel (Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., 25 {1898), No. 3-4, pp. 165-189).— This deals with the '-'protamins" clupein, salrnin, and sturin, their constitution, decomposition products, relation to albuminoid bodies, etc. The cleavage of crystalline egg and serum albumin and of serum globulin by pepsin digestion, F. Umber (Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., .25 (lS9S),Xo.3-4, pp. 258-282). — The method id" work and the characteristics of the different factious obtained from each of these albuminoids are described. The cleavage products of the proteids prepared from conifer seeds, E. Sciiulze {Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., 25 (189S), Xo. 3-4, pp. 360-362) —A continuation of a former paper. Concerning nuclein, P. Nolf (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 12 (1S9S), Xo.5, pp. 361-368). — Reviews literature and gives present status of the subject. The active constituents in castor oil, II. Meyer {Sitzber. Gesell. Befb'rd. Gesam. Naiurwiss. Marburg, 1896, pp. 23, 24). Effect of neutral salts upon glucose at high temperatures, H. C. Pkinsen- Geerligs {Ztschr. Spiritusind., 21 (1S9S), Xo.27, p. 243). Inversion of sugar by neutral salts in the presence of glucose, II. C. Prinsex- Geerligs (Ztschr. Spiritusind., 21 (1S9S), No. 30, p. 266). The chemistry of chlorophyll, L. Marchlewski (Jour. Prakt. Chem., n. ser.,57 {1898), p. 330). A review of Marchlew ski's contribution on the chemistry of chlorophyll, G. BODE (Jour. Prakt. Chem., n. ser., 37 (1898), pp. 488-493). Report of the committee of the agricultural experiment stations and labora- tories on the methods of analysis of fertilizers (Bui. [Min. Ayr. France], 16 (1S97), Xo. 2, pp. 219-251). — This report deals with the following topics: Preliminary examination of fertilizers, including qualitative tests for potash, phosphoric arid, ammonia, nitric acid, and organic nitrogen; the sampling oi fer- tilizers, including the taking of samples and their preparation in the laboratory; the determination of potash in muriate, sulphate, and complex forms of potash by 314 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. means of perchloric acid according to Schloesing, in the form of double chlorid of platinum potassium, and by the method of Corenwinder and Contamine (E. S. R., 9, p. 416) ; the determination of nitrogen in different forms, including organic nitro- gen by means of soda lime in fertilizers rich and poor in nitrogen but containing no nitrates, by the method of Grandeau in substances which are difficult to mix and pulverize, in all three forms in a mixed fertilizer, and by the Kjeldahl method, ammonia in ammonium sulphate by the Schloesing apparatus, ammonia in a complex fertilizer, and nitric acid in nitrates by the Schloesing method; the determination of phosphoric acid in different forms, including natural phosphates of lime, pre- cipitated phosphates, guanos, poudrettes, etc. ; the determination of phosphoric acid by the molybdic method, of soluble phosphoric acid in superphosphates and chemi- cal fertilizers, phosphoric acid in sulphuric acid solutions, the degree of fineness of phosphates, and the examination of phosphatic slags. Gladding's method for phosphoric acid, J. B. Coppock (Chem. News, 77 {1898), No. 2009, p. 242). — This is a comparison of the magnesia and Gladding1 methods on boiled bones and superphosphates. In the tests made there was a very satisfactory agreement between the results obtained by the two methods. Although somewhat higher percentages were obtained by the Gladding method, the author concludes that the Gladding method is reliable enough for fertilizer work and has the advan- tage of being very rapid. Determination of phosphorus in steel, iron, and iron ores, J. Oiily {Chem. Neios, 7G {1897), No. 197S, p. 200). Volumetric estimation of combined sulphuric acid, F. Telle {Jour. Pharm. et Chim., 6. set:, 7 {1898), No. 4, p. 165).— The sulphuric acid is precipitated with barium chlorid after acidulating with hydrochloric acid ; the excess of baryta is precipitated with potassium bichromate, and finally the excess of chromate is estimated, by the iodin displaced, by sodium thiosulphate. — is. n. iiite. On Fehling's solution, O. Rosenheim and P. Schidrowitz {Chem. News, 76 {1897), No. 19SS, p. SIS; 1907, p. 97).— A reply to a paper by Jovitschitsch- and Siegried.3 The authors maintain that alkali sales of mineral acids (hydrochloric, nitric, and sulphuric) do not possess the property of reducing Fehling's solution. — is. h. hite. A quick polarimetric method for the estimation of starch in flour, etc., E. Dowzajrd {Chem. News, 77 {1898), No. 1998, p. 107).— One gram of the Hour is mixed with a little cold water, 35 cc. of boiling water added, the mucilage kept at 100 for -A- minute, cooled to 48 , and treated with 20 cc. of a 10 per cent malt-extract solution that has been shaken with kaoliu and filtered. The mixture is kept at 48° for 20 minutes, brought just to boiling, and filtered. The cooled filtrate is made up to 100 cc, a small quantity of kaoliu added, filtered again, and the optical rotation taken in a 20 cm. tube. The optical rotation of the malt-extract solution and of the dex- trin in the Hour must be deducted. — B. H. iiite. The estimation of carbohydrates (sugar, starch, and dextrin) in foods and condiments by a simple method, F. GROMMES {Die Bestimmung der Eohlehydrate {Zucker, Starke, Dextrin) in beliebten Ndhrungs- und Genussmittehi vermittels einer leicht ausfiihrbaren Meihode. Inaug. Diss., Erlangen, 1897, pp. 178; abs. in Hug. Rundschau, 8 {1S98), No. 11, pp. oJO, 551). — This is a full account of work reported above (p. 311). The different methods of determining the quantity of starch in cereals, P. Biourge {Bid. Assoc, ficole Superior de Brasserie Univ. Louvain, 1S98, No. 1). On testing for diastase from barley, P. Terkat {Jour. Pharm. et Chim., 6.ser.,6 {1897), No. 11, p. 494). A note on the detection of maize starch and maize flour in mixture with wheat flour, E. E. Ewell {Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 {1898), No. 6, pp. 100, 101). i Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 18 (1896), p. 23 (E. S. R., 7, p. 650). sBer. Dent. Chem. Gesell., 30 (1897), p. 2435. » Ibid., p. 3133. CHEMISTRY. 315 On the estimation of glycerin in the analysis of wax, F. Beilsteix and R. Rinne (Bid. Acad. Imp. Sci. St. Petersburg, 5. set:, 5 (1896), No. 5, pp. 288-294). A study of the nitrogen contained in wine, J. Laborde ( Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 12 (1898), Xo. 8, pp. 517-540). Characteristic reaction for cotton-seed oil, G. Halphen ( Jour. Pharm. et Chim., 6. ser., 6 (1897), Xo. 9, p. 892).— Equal parts (about 1 to 3 cc. each) of amyl alcohol, the oil to be tested, and carbon bisulphid containing 1 per cent of sulphur in solu- tion, are mixed in a test tube and heated 10 to 15 minutes in a bath of boiling salt water. "Only cotton-seed oil will give a red color by this treatment." — b. h. iiite. Determination of tannin, L. ViGNON (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1S98), No. 8, pp. 869-872). Estimation of chlorin, bromin, and iodin in saline waters, P. A. E. Richards (Chem. News, 76 (1897), Xo. 1986, p. 293). Zinc in water, P. A. E. Richards (Chem. News, 76 (1897), Xo. 1986, p. 293). Introduction to the micro-chemical analyses of the most important organic compounds, Beiirens (Anleitung zur mikrochemisehen Analyse der wichtigsten organ* ischen Verbindungen. Hamburg and Leipsio : L. Voss, 1897, pt. 4, pp. 12S,figs. Di ; rev, in Centbl. Bakt. u. Bar., 1. Abt., 24 (189S), Xo. 2-3, p. 101). A new asbestus filter tube, A. Goske (Chem. Ztg., 22 (1898), Xo. 4, p. 21, fig. 1.— A conical stricture is made in a combustion tube, and into this stricture a small hol- low perforated ball is fitted. The asbestus is lightly packed around and over this ball. — J. T. ANDERSON. A new filter apparatus with a two-way cock and attached arms running out on two sides (Chem. Ztg., 22 (1898), Xo. 6, p. 39, fig. 1).— Especially useful in cases where precipitates are to be washed with 2 liquids in succession and it is desired to collect the wash liquids separately. The 2 arms of the apparatus are connected with separate receptacles, and by turning the stopcock properly the liquid from the funnel may be made to flow into the one or the other at pleasure. — j. t. Anderson. A practical filter stand, II. Faber (Chem. Ztg., 22 (1898), Xo. 6, pp. 39, 40, fig. 1).— Two circular discs of unequal diameters are securely fastened together at a fixed distance apart, one over the other, and so supported on a vertical axis that they may revolve together around it. The upper disc is the smaller and has a circle of holes near the rim at suitable distances apart to bold the, funnels. The filter glasses and the beakers both rest below on the other disc. A slight modification is sug- gested by which the smaller disc is made of adjustable height above the lower. Economy of space on the work table is the advantage claimed for this stand. — J. r. ANDERSON. An easily constructed apparatus for fractional distillation in vacuo, R. L. Steini.in (Chem. Ztg., 22 (1898), Xo. 18, pp. 157, 158, figs. 2). An efficient gas-pressure regulator, P. Muriull (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1S9S), Xo. 5, pp. 92-94, figs. 4). On the reaction of filter paper, L. Magnier (Jour. Pharm. et Chim., 6. ser., 6 (1S97), Xo. 10, p. 438). — The statement is made that filter papers always retain a small quan- tity of acid, no matter how well they are washed with cold water. Prolonged wash- ing with boiling water removes the last traces of acid. — b. h. hite. Chemical department, E. F. Ladd (North Dakota Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 9-16). — A summary of the work of this department of the station during the year, including a summary of observations ou temperature and rainfall; analyses of 9 samples of soil, 7 of baking powders, and 4 of corn fodder, with notes on the examination of well waters and on sugar beets grown in different parts of the State. Report of the chemist, W. R. Perkins (Mississippi Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 8-10). — This is a brief account of the work of the year in this department of the station, includ- ing a note on the soil work which has been undertaken by the station, analyses (mineral constituents) of 4 samples of artesian water, determinations of nitrogen iu rainfall 1894-1897, and a statement of miscellaneous chemical work. 316 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. BOTANY. Review of the investigations of the grain rust, J. Eriksson (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, I, pp. 94-109; also Bot. Gaz., 25 (1898), No. 1, pp. 26-38, and Rev. Gen. Bot, 10 (1898), No. 110, pp. 33-48, fig. 1). — The paper gives the main results of the investiga- tions of the grain rust conducted by the author since 1890 at the State agricultural experiment station at Albano, Sweden. The conclusions to which the results have led are summarized as follows: The fungi which cause rust disease in the cereals are at least 10 in number, partly species, partly specialized forms of species, and the spreading of disease between different grain crops and grasses is thereby materially restricted. Prior to 1890 the recognized species of grain rnst fungi were the common grain rust, Pvccinia graminis, the secidial form of which was JEcidium berbcridis; smaller grain rust, P. rubigo-vera, secidial form JE. asperifolii; and crown rust, P. coronata, a'cidial form JZ. rhamni. The author recognizes 8 species, having divided them as follows: P. graminis into (1) P. graminis and (15) P. phlei-pratensis; P. rubigo-vera into (3) P. glumarum, (1) P. dispersa, and (5) P. simplex; and P. coronata into (0) P. coronifera, (7) P. Coronata, and (8) an unnamed species. Each of these is considered to have developed specialized forms as follows: (1) P. graminis, black rust, JEcidium berberidis. — Eorms (a) secalis on Secale cereale, Hordeum vulgare, H. jubatum, Triticum caninum, T. desertorum, T. repens, Elymus arenarius, and Bromus secalinus; (b) avence on Avena sativa, A. elatior, A. sterilis, Dactylis glomerata, Alopecurus pratensis, Milium effusum, LamarTcia a area, and Trisetum distichophyl- lum; (c) tritici on Triticum vulgare; (d) airce on Aira ccespitosa; (e) agrostidis on Agrostis cania, A. stolonifera, and A. vulgaris; and (/) pocv on Poa compressa and P. ca'sia. (2) P. phlcipratcnsis, timothy rust, on Phleum pratense and Festuca elatior, secidium unknown. (3) P. glumarum, yellow rust. — Forms (a) tritici on Triticum vulgare, (b) secalis on Secale cereale, (c) hordei on Hordeum vulgare, (d) elyml on Blymus arenarius, and (e) agropyri on Triticum repens, secidium unknown. (4) P. dispersa, brown rust, JEcidium anchusce. — Forms (a) secalis on Secale cereale, (b) tritici on Triticum vulgare, (c) agropyri on T. repens, and (d) bromi on Bromus arvensis and B. brizivformis. (5) 7'. simplex, dwarf rust, on Hordeum vulgare, ascidium unknown. (0) P. coronifera. crown rust, ^Ecidium cafhartica. — Forms (a) arena1 on Avena sativa, (b) alopecuri on Alopecurus pratensis and A. nigricans, (c)festucw on Festuca elatior, (d) lolii on Lolium perenne, (e) glyceriw on Glyceria aquatica, (/) hold on Holcus lanatus and H. mollis. (7) P. coronata, crown rnst, JEcidium frangulce. — Forms (a) calama- grostis on Calamagrostis arundinacea and C. lanceolata, (b) plialaridis BOTANY. 317 on Phalaris arundinacea, (c) agrostidis on Agrostis vulgaris and A. stolo- nifera, (d) agropyri on Triticum ripens, and (e) hold on Holcus lanatus and H. mollis. (8) Species undescribed. — Forms (a) epigasi on Galamagrostis epigeios and (&) melicce on Melica nutans. In addition studies not yet completed have shown that besides the black rust of the 23 grasses given, the rusts found on the following species of grasses have been found to be true forms of black rust: Airafiexuosa, Alopecurus nigricans, Elymus glaucifolius, Panicum milia- ceum, Phleum boelimeri, P. michelii, Poa chaixii, P. pratensis, and Tritic urn unicu m . Spreading of rust is often insignificant (1) between small grains and grasses that may carry the same specialized fungus forms; (2) from and to the plant species carrying winter rust in case such form is found; and (3) occasionally between different cultural forms of the same grain species. The viability of summer and winter rust spores is in many cases small or at least uncertain. The spreading of the rust depends to a large extent on the distance. In a circular recently issued by the Swedish Agricultural Department it is ordered that no barberry, whether wild or planted, be allowed to grow at a distance less than 25 to 50 meters (82 to 164 ft.) from grain fields. The viability of the winter spores is dependent on certain exterior conditions (moisture, temperature, etc.) and is limited to a short time. The yellow rust appears on certain particularly susceptible kinds of wheat and barley 4 to 5 weeks after sowing The intensity of the yellow rust has sometimes proved greater on open than on shaded parts of the same field. Shoots of wheat which early in the spring were enclosed in wide glass tubes closed at both ends with cotton, developed stalks which were rusty after C to 8 weeks. In the same way barley plants of a kind easily attacked by yellow rust, grown in sterilized soil and pro- tected against contagion from without during the entire growing period, have in certain cases after G to 8 weeks become infected with yellow rust. The fungus lives for a long time a latent life in the cells of the germ, and shortly before the appearance of rust spots, in the presence of favorable outer conditions changes to a visible mycelium. The general conclusion is therefore drawn that the appearance of the grain-rust disease depends primarily upon a disease germ present in the plant itself, which in certain cases is inherited from the mother plant in the seed grain and lives there, as well as in the plant grown from the seed, a latent life as '< mycoplasma;" and, secondarily, on infection from without from diseased neighbors. The intensity of the disease depends (1) on the energy with which prevailing external con- 318 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. ditions (weather, soil, manuring, etc.) are able to bring the disease germ from the latent stage to the visible mycelium and (2) on the supply of new infectious material from without. — F. w. woll. The micro-organisms of the tubercles on the roots of leguminous plants, M. Maze (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 12 (1898), No. 1, pp. 1-25; 2, pp. 128-155, pis. 2, fig. 1). — The author reports an extended investigation of the physiology and morphology of the organism which causes the development of tubercles on the roots of leguminous plants and through which the assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen takes place. In his general conclusions he states that the free micro-organisms in the soil are attracted toward the roots of leguminous plants by the intervention of carbohydrates diffused in the soil in the vicinity of the root hairs. The organisms penetrate the tissues and cause the forma- tion of a nieristematic growth which gives rise to the tubercles. Before the tubercles are formed the organisms are engulfed in a glutinous body which has somewhat the aspect of a mycelium. Later, by the circula- tion of the saj) of the plant into the tubercles, this glutinous material is carried throughout all parts of the plant, and the bacteria are also exposed to the action of the acids dissolved in the plant juices. The pseudo-mycelium does not constitute a part of the living organism. Investigation has failed to show the presence of the organism in this mycelium by any of the means adopted. .By the time the plant is matured the tubercles are deprived of their nutrition and the bacteria issue from the tubercles in the form of a bacillus endowed with new properties and capable of living free in the soil. The fixation of free nitrogen can be brought about in artificial cul- tures as well as in the root tubercles. The author found that the addition of saccharose to various culture media and the thorough aeration of the medium admitted a growth of the organism that was capable of fixing the free nitrogen. The proportion between the amount of nitrogen fixed and the saccharose furnished to the organism was somewhat constant. When 2 per cent was added to the medium, a little more than double the amount of nitrogen was fixed than when only 1 per cent was used. All the forms which are found in nature may be reproduced in artificial media by the action of heat, acid, peptonized media, etc. The bacteria recently isolated from the tubercles retain for some time their ability to reproduce new tubercles by inoculation. The forms differentiated during the saprophytic life are gradually lost. The author states' that the saprophytic forms in the soil are undoubtedly able to establish themselves on roots and form tubercles, but that he has so far been unable to isolate them from the soil. The independent forms of the root tubercle organism are said to represent a state of dis- sociation; the first a bacterium which bears endogenous spores; the other an Oospora which bears conidia. The last state is usually borne upon the surface of the soil. The bacteria spread during the winter BOTANY. 319 and the Oospora form is met with toward the end of the summer. The author states that this method of development will be found to occur frequently among lower organisms and that it will apply to a great number of plants and lower animals. The micro-organisms of the Leguminosae are in many cases patho- genic to certain animals. Notes on the salt-marsh plants of northern Kansas, J. H. SCHAFFNER (Bot. Gaz., 25 {1898), No. 4, pp. 255-260).— The author reports upon studies of the vegetation of the salt marshes and springs, which are said to be quite common in central Kansas. The particular region reported upon was visited in August, 1807, and consists of a marsh about 7 miles long, which varies from a quarter of a mile to a mile in width. The conditions in the vicinity of this marsh are said to be quite natural, no cultivation having been attempted near it. Another region was visited the same season and some notes relative to the flora of this marsh are appended. The author's summary relative to the flora of these salt marshes is as follows : " (1) The salt marshes of northern Kansas are characterized by large areas abso- lutely destitute of vegetation ; by the paucity of species around their margins: and by the entire absence of all woody plants. " (2) The vegetation of the streams flowing through them consists of diatoms and the three sedges, Scirpus pungens, S. campestris, and S. lacustris. " (3) The three characteristic plants in and about the barren portion are Distichlis maritima, Polygonum ramosissimum, and Suceda diffusa, of which the Smeda is by far the least abundant. " (4) The plants which may be regarded as successful invaders are the following: Ira ciliata, Sporobolus heterolepis, S. texanus, Atriplex expansa, Asia- multiflorus, Ambrosia psilostachya, and Hordeum jubatum. Sporooolus texanus has never been reported, I believe, beyond the southern part of Kansas. Its abundance in the northern tier of counties of Kansas extends its northern limit nearly 200 miles. "(5) Among the less successful invaders which are quite common are the follow- ing: Panieum crus-galli, V. virgatum, Euphorbia marginata, E. glyptosperma, Chenopo- dium hybridum, Polygonum persicaria, I'. hydropiper, Amarantus chlorostachys, Datura stramonium, Solatium rostratum, Xanthium strumarium, Helianthus annuus, Oenothera biennis, Gaura parviflora, Elymus virginicus, and Spartina cynosuroides." Investigations on the root development of some forage plants, C. C. Georgeson and J. E. Payne (Kansas Sta. Bui. 75, pp. 212-222, 2)ls. 6). — The various plants whose root systems were investigated were the black-eye cowpea, soy bean, Canada field pea, peanut, alfalfa, com- mon millet, Hungarian millet, German millet, African millet, sorghum, pearl millet, Jerusalem corn, white and yellow millo maize, red and white Kafir corn, brown durra, several varieties of field corn, oats, grasses, and sunflower. The soil was dug and washed away from the roots, and their lateral and vertical penetration was measured. The distribution of the roots in the soil as ascertained by the investigation is indicated in the plates in such way as to show the relative root and top development. The widest lateral penetration of any of these roots 320 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. was 7 ft. in the case of the cowpea, and the deepest penetration was C ft. in the case of one of the varieties of corn. The authors have conducted an experiment to ascertain the effect of different depths of planting on the development and secondary roots of corn. The corn was planted in pots i, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in. below the surface. After the plants had grown for 30 days all were taken from the pots and examined, and it was found that the first whorl of secondary roots originated approximately at the same distance beneath the surface of the soil in all cases. The effect of deep and shallow cultivation on the position and development of corn roots was inves- tigated, and it was found that there was but little difference in the depth to which the roots penetrated. ^Nearly all the plants examined for depth of root development sent their roots down 4 or more feet. The lateral spread of the roots was found to be influenced very materi- ally by the depth of cultivation and method of planting. The effect of subsoiling on root development of corn was investigated in a limited way. Plants grown on subsoiled plats showed a somewhat greater penetration than those on plats not subsoiled. The authors, from the work done, do not feel justified in drawing any general conclusions, and merely make a record of the facts as observed and express the hope that the work may serve to induce others to investigate the root development of plants. Report of the botanical department, II. L. Bolley (North Dakota Sta. Bpt. 1S97, pp. 27-29). — The author briefly reviews the work of his department, stating that the investigations have been confined largely to the principles of culture of Held crops and the study of diseases of crops. Some attention has been given to the native plants, and a considerable addition to the herbarium is reported. Bacteriological investigations have occupied a portion of the author's time. Culture tests of Tricholoma nudum, J. Costantin and L. Matruchot (Compt. Mend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 11, pp. 853-856). On impregnating the -woody fiber of living trees with coloring solutions, I. Siieviryev (Trudi Imp. St. Petersburg Obstchestva Yestyestvoispitatyelyei, 25 ; abs. in Selslc. Khoz. i Lyesov., 185 {1897), p. 240). — Among other things the author notes the importance of finding a substance which can be introduced into living plants in sufficient quantity to destroy parasites without injuring the plants. A method was discovered by which desired quantities of solutions could be introduced into the roots without injuring the plants, but to find a substance which will destroy para- sites when so introduced will require further investigation. — p. fireman. An investigation concerning the assimilation of free nitrogen by algae, P. KOSSOVICH (Trudi Imp. St. Petersburg Obstchestva Yestyestvoispitatyelyei, 26; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 186 (1897), pp. 237, 238).— The author concludes that the lower alga1 can not assimilate free nitrogen and that the observed increase in the nitrogen content of the soil covered with alga' and nonchlorophyl-bearing organisms is due to some of the latter.— p. fireman. Concerning the influence of formic aldehyde on germination, W. Kinzel (Ztschr. Spiritusind., 21 (189S), No. 26, p. 233). Origin and structure of lenticels, H. Devaux (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Pat-is, 126 (1898), No. 20, pp. 1432-1435). A contribution to the biology of flowers, P. Knuth (Bot. Centbl., 75 (1898), No. 6-7. pp. 161-163). BOTANY. 321 On the demonstration of nuclear division in the circulating protoplasm of a cell, D. W. Dennis (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1S9S), No. 5, p. 73). The demonstration of karyokinesis, B. F. Kingsbury (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1S9S), No. 5, pp. S0-S3). Experimental cytology, A. Labbe (Paris: Carre fy Naud, 1898, pp. VIII -f 101). Nuclear division in the basidia and the phylogemy of the Basidiomycetes, H. 0. JUEL (Jahrb. Wiss. Bot., 3.2 (1S0S), No. 2, pp. 361-3SS, pi. 1). Concerning the centrosomes of the animal cell and their homologues in plant organs, B. Nemec (Anat. Anseiger, 14 (189S), No. 22-23, pp. 569-580, figs. 18). On the metabolism and structure of halophytes, 13. Diels (Jahrb. Wiss. Hot., 32 (1898), No. 2, pp. 809-822). On the occurrence of calcium oxalate crystals in the embryo of some legumi- nous plants, J. C. Castkonovo (Atti Accad. Sci. Nat. Catania, 4. ser., 11 (1S0S), p. 39,pl.l). Contributions to the knowledge of geotropic movements of plants, F. Czapek (Jahrb. Wiss. Bot., 32 (1S0S), No. 2, pp. 175-308, figs. 7). Practical plant physiology, W. Detmer (Neio York: The Macmillan Co., 1808, pp. 19-\-L55). — This is a translation by S. A. Moor of the second German edition of this work. It is an introduction to original research for students and teachers of nat- ural science, medicine, agriculture, and forestry. Introductory lecture in a course of vegetable physiology applied to agricul- ture, P. P. Deiierain (Ann. Agron., 24 (189S), No. 5,pp. 193-214). Concerning the physiological action of arsenic on vegetable organisms, J. Stoklasa (Ztschr. Landw. Versuchw. Oesterr., 1 (1S08), p. 154; abs.in Bot. Centbl.,75 (1S9S), No. 10, pp. 304, 305). A contribution to the subject of the nitrogen nutrition of leguminous plants, J. Lutoslawski (Ber. Physiol. Lab. Landw. Inst. Halle, 1S9S, No. 14, pp. 32). Secondary growth of the fibrovascular bundles in monocotyledons, M. C. Queva (Assoc. Francaisc Avanc. Sci., 1897, pp. 469-472). A practical photomicrographical camera, H. Bauscii (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 5, pp. 94, 95, figs. 2). A text-book of microphotography, R. Neuhauss (Lehrbuch der Microphotog- rapliie. Brunswick: Harold Bruhn,1898>2. ed.,pp. XV-\-266,pls. t,figs.62). Notes on microscopic technique, G. C. Hubeb (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 6, pp. 102-105). Apparatus for removing air from mounted slides and material, D. T. Mac- dougal (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 4, pp. 73, 74, fig. 1). An improved form of wash bottle for microscopists, W. C. Stukgis (■lour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 4, pp. 75, 76, fig. 1). The use of soap for embedding plant tissues, E. M. Wilcox (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1S98), No. 4, pp. 68, 69). An improved form of paraffin embedding table, II. B. Ward (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1S9S), No. 5, pp. SS, SO, fig. 1). A method for improving paraffin for section cutting, F. Smith (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 4, pp. 67, 68). Some points on the technique of paraffin embedding, F. II. Lamb (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1S9S), No. 4, pp. 63, 64, figs. 5). A combination of the paraffin and celloidin methods of embedding, I T . Daiil- GREN (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), Mo. 4, p. 67). Work of the ichthyological section of the Russian society of acclimatiza- tion of animals and plants (Moscow, 1897, vol.2, pp. 272, pis. 2; abs. in Selsk.Khoz.i Lyesov., 185 (1897), Apr., p. 241). 322 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. FERMENTATION— BACTERIOLOGY. Report of the agricultural-bacteriological laboratory, 1896, A. Theoktistov (8elsl\ Khoz. i Lyesov, 185(1897), Jan.^pp. 1-4). — The work of the Government laboratory during the year 1896 was confined mainly to studies of cultures of bacilli which kill field mice. Preparations were completed for field experiments in the destruction of marmots (Sper- mopMlusfulvus) through the agency of bacteria. Four species of bacteria were studied both microscopically and biologically. The investigation is to be published in detail later. The number of shipments of these bacteria cultures to correspondents and the amount of culture shipped is noted. Experiments were also made to determine whether the dis- ease caused by these bacteria is transmitted by means of the excrement of diseased mice. It was found that the disease was readily trans- mitted in this way. A more complete account of the results is to be given later. — P. fireman. On the morphology of the yeasts, A. Schyplowsky (Zootomiches Lab. Kl. Univ. Charlow, 1S07, p. 100, pi. 1). Cytological studies of yeast, F. A. Janssens and A. Leblanc {Cellule, 14 (1S9S), No. 1, pp. 203-243, pis. 2; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 75 (1898), No. 10, pp. 301, 302). Variation in beer yeasts and other saccharomycetes, E. C. Hansen (Ztschr. Gesam. Brauw., ISPS, No. IS, pp. 219-221; 19, pp. 234, 235). New investigations on the subject of yeast fermentation, Voknhecke (Jahres- ber. Westfal.. Provinz. Ver. Miinster, 25 (1S96-97), pp. 134-136). Ammoniacal fermentation due to molds, O. Semal ( Ann. Pharm., 1S9S, No. 7). The sterilization of musts and yeasts, A. M. Desmoulins (Monit. Fin., 1898, No. 44, pp. 173, 174). On the destruction of typhoid bacteria in cider, E. Bodin (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, l: ( 1-898), No. 7, pp. 458-464). — The author states that typhoid bacteria in cider are killed in from 2 to 18 hours. A method of preserving culture media, F. T. Bioletti (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 4, pp. 72, 73). Agar-agar: The preservation of culture media, M. P. Ravenel (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 6, p. 106). The artichoke as a medium for bacteria, M. Roger (Compt. Bend. Soc. Biol., 5 (1S9S), pp. 769-771; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 75 (1S9S), No. 10, pp. 300, 301). Concerning the plasmolysis of bacteria, W. Podwyssotzky and B. Taramon- kiiine (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 12 (1898), No. 8, pp. 501-509, irt. 1). Growth of anaerobic bacteria, Trenkmann (Centbl. Bait. u. Par., 1. AM., 23 (1898), No. 24, pp. 1038-1043; 25, pp. 1087-1090). On the simultaneous production of black, blue, green, and yellow pigments by a pyocyanic bacillus, Charkin and De Nittis (Compt. Bend. Soc. Biol., 1898, July). Concerning proenzyms, E. Duclaux (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 12 (1898), No. 6, pp. 407-416). — A critical review is given of the literature relating to proenzyms or prodiastases. Concerning oxydase and the guaiac reaction, J. Gruss (Ber. Deut. Bot. Gesell., 16 (1898), No. 5, pp. 129-139). A new thermo regulator, F. G. Novy (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 5, pp. 91, 92, figs. 2). Thermo-regulated water baths for the bacteriological laboratory, V. A. Moore (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 6, pp. 108, 109, figs. 2). ZOOLOGY. 323 ZOOLOGY. The economic status of the mole, H. Wilson {Pennsylvania Dept. Ayr. Bui. 31,pp. 42, figs. 12). — The bulletin contains a study of the life history, habits, etc., of the species of the mole family indigenous to Pennsylvania (iScalops aquaticus, 8. breweri, and Condylura cristata), the economic relation of this family of mammalia to agriculture; and a tabulated statement intended to show the distribution of the mole throughout the State, this latter information being derived from cor- respondence. The stomachs of 3G moles were examined. The data furnished by this examination show that the mole does not take vegetable matter into its stomach intentionally as food. The author believes that his con- clusion that the mole is an insectivorous animal is substantiated by the dentation. Tbe mole has abundant opportunity to obtain vegetable food, but with the exception of small quantities of such material it apparently subsists on insects and worms, which are more difficult to obtain. " Its peculiar habit of burrowing among tbe roots of grasses and other plants, where it must often seize quickly prey liable to escape, will account satisfactorily for the presence of small fragments of vegetable tissue in its stomach. "My conclusion, in final, is that, proving the mole to be an 'insectivorous' mam- malian, is likewise proving its life work to be beneficial to the agriculturists, since of the vast amount of insect life taken as food by the mole, the larger part of it con- sists of insects whose whole existence is deleterious to plant life, they being vege- tation eaters and destroyers; and that the anuoyance caused by the mole by its burrowing under and disturbing the roots of growing plants while in quest of food is more than compensated by its destroying and removing therefrom the insect life feeding upon the vitality of these plants." The author believes that the damage caused by the eating of grain seeds and fibrous roots, and the gnawing of roots of a tuberous nature, is due to the ravages of the mouse family (Arvicolinae). "As a matter of fact, the runways of the mole are taken possession of and occupied during the latter part of the summer and autumn season by the common brown 'field' or 'meadow' mouse (Arvicola riparid). "This mouse, which undoubtedly does the most extensive damage to vegetation of any of our mammalia' (being not only granivorous but herbivorous), makes its nest during the early part of the warm season on the surface of the ground in the middle of a luxuriant bunch of grass or other vegetation of a close and dense nature, from which home it makes its runways or paths in all directions (cutting and eating the vegetation clear for a width of from 1.5 to 2 in. in order to make these paths). When the vegetation is taken from the fields during the harvesting of crops, or so closely cropped by the grazing of the cattle as to offer but scanty hiding places from its natural enemies (the hawk and the owl, the fox and the skunk), this mouse takes up its habitation under brush piles, 'worm' fences, and rocks, or in stone piles and the underground runways of the mole. The latter it somewhat modifies for its own use and convenience by cutting openings thereinto every 2 or 3 ft. of length. The mouse, having thus become domiciled, follows the runways in all their ramifications, and as the mole in its search for food has driven these underground passages to those places where insect life is most prolific, amidst the densest vegetation, so tho mouse, following thereafter, has supplied, with little trouble to itself, the A'egetablo food it so desires." 324 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Although the author does uot believe that moles cause damage by eating' vegetable food, yet the fact is recognized that much aunoyance may be caused by their "works" in lawns, flower beds, etc. A number of means of exterminating moles are mentioned. These include trap- ping, poisoning, and driving them away by placing such substances as mineral pitch, gas tar, or other materials of an unpleasant odor in their runways. The distribution of moles in Pennsylvania is .shown in some detail in tabular form. Are vegetable substances found in the stomachs of moles? V. Vradi (Selsk. Klio~. i Lyesov., 186 (1S97), Jug., pp. 415-430). — Contrary to the generally accepted view that moles feed exclusively on animal substances, tbe author found substances of vegetable origin in 17 out of 42 stomachs investigated. — p. fireman. Ornithology of North Carolina, J. W. P. Smithwick {North Carolina Sta. Bui. 144, pp. 195-228, map 1). — Tbis is a list of the birds of North Carolina with notes on eacli species. The species listed number 303 and tbere are 22 which the author says sbould occur in the State since tbey are found in neighboring States. Life zones in New Mexico, T. D. A. Cockerell {New Mexico Sta. Bid. 24, pp. 44). — The bulletin aims to give a broad outline of the subject of the New Mexico life zones, with some illustrative details, fuller data to be published later. Tbe main life zones recognized in New Mexico are the Treeless Zone, above the timber line; the Black Timber Zone, from about 10,000 feet elevation to the timber line; the Mid-alpine Zoue, from about 8,000 to 10,000 feet elevation; and the Transition Zone, about 7,000 feet elevation. Some notes on Nebraska birds, L. Bruner (Nebraska Sort. Soc. Bpt. 1896, pp. 4S-179,jiy H. M. Smith; and Report on the work of the Albatross, by J. F. Moser. The appendix contains "A manual offish culture.'' (See helow.) A manual of fish culture, based on the methods of the United States Com- mission of Fish and Fisheries ( U. S. Com. Fish and Fisheries, JS!>7, pp. 340, pis. SO, figs. 36). — The volume contains detailed directions for the culture of salmon, trout, hass, and other fresh- water and salt-water lisli ; also chapters on the American lob- ster, transportation of fish and fish eggs, spawning season, character of fish eggs, period of incubation, the edible frogs of the United States and their artificial cultivation, oyster culture, and clam culture. METEOROLOGY— CLIMATOLOGY. Monthly Weather Review (C S. Dept. Ayr., Weather Bureau, Monthly Weather Review, 26 (1898), JSTos. i, pp. 139-193, charts 8; 5, pp. 195-210, fig. 1, charts 13; 6, pp. 211-290, charts 7).— In addition to the usual meteorological summaries, No. 4 contains special articles on A visit to the highest meteorological station in the world, by R. de C. Ward; Seismic and oceanic noises, by S. W. Kain ; Meteorological work in Alaska, by A. J. Henry; The international aeronautical conference, by A. L. Rotch; The eighth general meeting of the German Meteorolog- ical Society, by A. L. Rotch; Climatic data bearing upon the culture of the date palm, by A. J. Henry; Temperatures obtained by kites at Ber- gen Point, New Jersey, by H. L. Allen; Rainfall of Masaya and Gra- nada, Nicaragua, by A. J. Henry; and notes by the editor on the rainfall and outflow of the Great Lakes, mountain stations in Australia, tin roofs as lightning conductors, temperature of lake water, meteorology of the second Wellmann expedition, notes from reports of the climate and crop sections, recent earthquakes, and lightning on the kite wire. No. 5 contains special contributions on Moisture tables, by C. F. Marvin; The umbrella cloud, by W. D. Johnson ; Voluntary meteorolog- ical and crop reporting stations, by F. J. Walz; and Observations in the Klondike, by U. G. Myers; and notes by the editor on convention at Omaha, evaporation and temperature, climatology, Blue Hill observ- atory, insurance against drought, the character of the evening, climate of Liberia, the rainfall and outflow of the Great Lakes, oceanic and seismic noises, electrical storms in Kansas, meteorological supersti- tions, frost formation and ice columns, prairie skies, a new gas in the atmosphere, notes from the reports of the climate and crop sections, and recent earthquakes. No. G contains special contributions on A new method of observing the direction of movement of the atmosphere, by H. W. Clough; Kites within a thunder cloud, by T. Hovendeu ; Meteorological extremes at Northfield, Mass., by A. D. Elmer, Jr.; and Rainfall at Firmeza, near Santiago, Cuba, by J. Monroe; and notes by the editor on seasonal 8192— No. 4 3 326 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. forecasts in Oregon, meteorological observations in the Klondike, Weather Bureau service in Alaska, notes from the June reports of the climate and crop sections, a high rainbow, lightning on the kite wire, currents induced by distant lightning, new use for kites — the telephone kite, safety fuse for lightning on the anemometer, which trees attract lightning, tin roofs as lightning conductors, rain gushes and thunder- storms, the origin of atmospheric electricity, anomalous and sporadic auroras, moonshine and frost, waterspouts, periodic fluctuation of the Great Lakes, historic droughts in the United States, international bal- loon ascensions, June 8, 1898, the Smithsonian weather predictions, Broun's law of winds and currents, seasonal forecasts in India and America, earthquakes in New Brunswick, recent earthquakes, mathe- matics and meteorology, and meteorology by correspondence. Climate of Cuba; also a note on the -weather of Manila, W. F. E. Phillips ( U. S. Depi. Agr., Weather Bureau Bui. 22, pp. 23). — This is a brief compilation of all available data on temperature, rainfall, and other climatic features of the island of Cuba, with a brief note on weather conditions at Manila, in the Philippine Islands. For purposes of comparison the temperature, rainfall, and number of rainy days at Washington, I). C, and New Orleans, Louisiana, have been introduced in several of the tables. "The average summer temperature (June, July, and August) of Habana is 82° F., that of New Orleans 81.6° F., and that of Washington 75 ' F. Tbe highest temper- ature recorded in 10 years at Habana was 100.6° F., while at Washington the highest temperature has been 104° F. The average annual rainfall at Habana is 51.73 in., and is less than that at New Orleans, Avhich is 60.52 in. ; the rainfall at Washington is 44.70 in. . . . During [30 years] 5 occasions have happeued when as much, or more, rain fell in the usual dry season as in the rainy season. The average amount of rain falling in the rainy season, which extends from May to October, is 32.37 in. In the same months the average rainfall for New Orleans is 27 in., and for Wash- ington 24.10 in. " [At Manila] the average temperature of the year is 80° F. The months of April, May, and June are the hottest part of the year. May, with an average tem- perature of 84° F., is the hottest of the three. December and January are the cool- est months, each Avith an average temperature of 77° F. The highest thermometer reading recorded is 100° F. ; this was observed in May. The lowest reading recorded is 74°, and was observed in January. "The average relative humidity is 78 per cent. That of the most humid month, which is September, is 85 per cent, and that of the least humid month, which is April, is 70 per cent. The average absolute humidity is 8.75 grains in a cubic foot. It is greatest in August and least in February. "The average annual rainfall is 75.43 in., of which 43.69 in., more than 57 per cent, fall during the months of July, August, and September, and 50.74 in., more than 80 per cent, fall from June to October, inclusive. September has the largest average fall, 15.01 in., and February the smallest average fall, 0.47 in. The heaviest rainfall in any one month was 61.43 in., in September, and sometimes no rain at all has fallen in February, March, April, and May. "Departures from the average rainfall are in some instances remarkable. For example, as much as 120.98 in. have fallen in one year and as little as 35.65 in. in another. Still more remarkable was the fall of 61.43 in. in one September, and that of only 2 in. in another September." METEOROLOGY CLIMATOLOGY. 327 The necessity of studying the haze, A. A. Schulz (Bpt. Sci. Comm. Min. Agr. and Govt. Estates. St. Petersburg, 1897, pp. 12; abs. in SelsJc. Klioz. i Lyesov., 187 (1897), Nov., p. 412). — Among the meteorological factors unfavorable to vegetation the haze, which is often observed in eastern and southeastern Russia, is of considerable importance. Sev- eral opinions exist concerning the origin of this phenomenon, which acts very injuriously, especially on the ripening of cultivated plants. Some regard it as a result of the earth's storms; others believe it to be the smoke of forest and moor fires; still others consider it as a purely local phenomenon which may be induced by different causes (dust storms, evaporation from the soil, etc.). The question as to the real cause of this phenomenon, however, remains open because of insufficient study. In view of the importance of reaching a solution of this ques- tion the author recommends that observations on haze be made a part of regular meteorological observations and gives an outline plan of observations on this subject. It is stated that the Russian scientific bureau, acting upon the suggestion of the author of the report, has adopted measures for gathering more data on this subject. — p. fireman. Weather freaks of the West Indies, F. L. Ostwald (Pop. Sci. Mo., 53 (1898), No. 6, pp. 7S9-79S). — Popular notes on the nature and causes of the sudden hot and cold waves, droughts and cloud-bursts, and hurricanes, cyclones, and stifling calms which characterize the climate of the West Indies. Investigation of the cyclonic circulation and the translatory movement of West Indian hurricanes, Benito Vines ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau Doc. 168, pp. 34). — This is a translation by C. Finley of an article prepared for presentation to the Meteorological Congress at Chicago in 1893, which the chief of the Weather Bureau regards "as the most satisfactory statement of the laws and phenomena of these storms which has yet been made." The influence of vegetation on climate and rainfall, J. G. 0. Tepper (Adelaide Observer, 1898, May). On the influence of forests on the occurrence of hail in European Russia, V. A. Targonski (Moscow: Society for Insurance of Crops Against Kail, 1898, pp. VI -f- 103, map 1; rev. in Sclsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 1S9 (1898), Apr., p. 224). — The author concludes that the contour of the surface of the soil, its composition, and the distribution of forests are the chief invariable factors of hail phenomena. — p. fireman. Instructions for obtaining and tabulating records from recording instruments, C.F.Marvin (U. S. Dept. Ayr., Weather Bureau Doc. 167, pp. 81, figs. 2). — A manual designed especially for Weather Bureau observers. Instructions for aerial observers, C. F. Marvin ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Weather Bureau Doc. 1G6, pp. 33, 2>/s. 3, figs. 14). — A manual of instruction " for the guidance of aerial observers in the care and management of instruments and apparatus employed in making aerial observations with kites." On an absolute actinometer, A. Crova (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1S9S), No. 20, pp. 1394-139S). On the rainfall, quantity of snow, and evaporation in the river basins of Euro- pean Russia, E. A. Heinz (St. Petersburg, 1S9S, pp. 54+XXX1V; rev. in Sclsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 189 (1898), June, pp. 716, 717). Normal annual sunshine and snowfall, A. J. Henry ( P. S. Dept. Ayr., Weather Bureau Doc. 162, pp. 5, chart 1). — The annual percentage of sunshine and the total annual snowfall by calendar years for each of the regular Weather Bureau and Can- adian stations are shown in tables and in a colored chart. The amount of suowfall is given in inches as it lay on the ground. 328 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Annals of the magnetic and meteorological observatory of the Imperial Novo- Russian University at Odessa, 1896, A. Kxossovski (Odessa, 1S97, pp. 85+ CCLXXXV; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 188 (1898), Feb., p. 470). Meteorological observations, J. E. Ostrandek and A. C. Monahan (Massachu- setts Hatch Sta. Met. Bute. 112, 113, and 114, pp. 4 each). — These bulletins contain the usual weather notes and summaries of meteorological observations during the months of April, May, and June, 1898. Monthly bulletins of the River and Flood Service for April, May, and June, 1898, P. Morrill ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau Doc. 160, pp. 30, chart 1; 164, pji. 14, chart 1; 169, pp. 14, chart 1). — In addition to the usual data, the April bulletin contains special reports on the saving of life and property iu the lower Mississippi Valley as a result of Weather Bureau flood warnings during the spring of 1897. Meteorological review. Report of the meteorological service of the south- west of Russia in 1896. Second ten-year period, I. A. Klossovski (Odessa, 1897, pp. 87; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 188 ( IS9S), Feb., p. 469) . Report of the Chief of the Weather Bureau, 1896-97 ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau Bpt. 1896-97, pp. X+431, pis. 61, charts 33).— This report is divided into eight parts. Part I is an administrative report, which has already been noted (E. S. R., 9, p. 630). Part II gives a list of observing stations; hourly averages of atmospheric pressure, temperature, and wind from records of automatic instruments at 28 sta- tions; average temperature and pressure in inches and thousandths for each hour of 75th meridian time; velocity and frequency of wind; and monthly mean values of pressure, temperature, and wind for the lustrum 1891-1895. Part III gives monthly and annual meteorological summaries for 142 Weather Bureau stations. Part IV gives monthly and annual means and extremes of temperature and dates of first and last killing frosts. Part V reports monthly and annual precipitation. Part VI gives miscellaneous meteorological tables, charts, and reports, including pressure distribution and prevailing winds, January and July ; normal temperature; charts of sea-level temperature; monthly departures of temperature and precipitation in 1896 by geographic districts; cloudiness; relative humidity; sunshine, snowfall; descriptions of local storms and tornadoes; and the West India hurricane of Sep- tember 29 and 30, 1896. Part VII is devoted to the amount, variation, and distribu- tion of rainfall in the United States by seasons and by districts. Part VIII is a report on floods of the Mississippi River, which has already been noted (E. S. R., 9, p. 816). WATER— SOILS. A preliminary report on the soils of Florida, M. Whitney ( U. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Soils Bui. 13, pp. 31, pis. 6,fiys. 3). — The types of soils reported ou are, first, second, and third quality high pine land; pine flats of the so-called "flat woods;" the light hammock, the gray or heavy hammock, mixed land, heavy marl hammock; pineapple land; Etonia scrub, the spruce-pine scrub ; and the Lafayette formation. "The principal localities and interests examined were the truck areas around Gainesville, Ocala, Orlando, Grand Island, Bartow, and Fort Meade ; the tobacco areas of the Lafayette or 'red-land' formation at Quincy, as well as the new tobacco areas at Ocala, Bartow, and Fort Meade ; the pineapple districts at Orlando, Winterhaven, and along the east coast from Fort Pierce to Palmbeach ; also the extensive scrub lauds at Altoona known as the Etonia scrub." Four grades of pine lands are noted — pine flats or "flat woods," and first, second, and third quality of high pine lands. Of these the second quality of high-pine land s are the most extensive and important. These WATER SOILS. 329 soils are especially adapted to truck growing on account of the evenness of the water supply which they maintain. Four per cent of water seems to be an abundant supply, and G per cent makes the soil quite wet. "Nearly every important variety of truck crops is grown upon these soils. "Truck crops seldom suffer on these soils from drought. It is claimed that in one year a crop of tomatoes was secured with hut 1 in. of rain from the planting to the harvesting of the crop. Certainly a dry period which would cause a most disastrous drought upon the soils at the North appears to have hardly any effect on the crops of these truck soils. Several weeks after a rain the soil immediately under the dry surface is so moist that it will hold together when molded in the hand." The hammock lands are characterized by a native growth of hard- wood trees, principally of oak, hickory, magnolia, dogwood, and the cab- bage palmetto, and are considered the most valuable in the State for general agricultural purposes. They have proved especially valuable for the culture of tobacco. They maintain on the average about 8 per cent of water. " [In order to secure the tobacco crop from injury hy drought] a very thorough sys- tem of irrigation is being practiced on the hammock lands. It is claimed that the crop matures in from 45 to 50 days under judicious irrigation, against 60 to 70 days without irrigation. It is also claimed that it makes finer wrapper leaf. "The irrigation outfit consists of an engine placed near a water course, with a capacity of about 1 horsepower per acre, and 1-in. or l£-in. iron pipe laid near the surface of the ground for mains and laterals, the laterals being about 100 ft. apart, with hydrants every 50 ft. Tanks are frequently used, but it is considered prefer- able now to pump directly into the mains so as to insure sufficient pressure. Nozzles are used which give an even spray, and which are moved from hydrant to hydrant by an attendant as the work progresses. Such an irrigation plant for a field of 20 acres or over costs from $100 to $150 per acre. Where the hydrants are not suffi- ciently close to cover the ground with spray a hose is used with a movable spray to water the space between the laterals. "Very recently the method of shading, which has been used with great success in the pineapple fields, has been adopted in connection with the tobacco." On the Etonia scrub lands there is a dense growth of scrub oaks and low bushes and plants. No grass is found, and only the most hardy desert plants grow. The border line between these soils and the high pine land, on which the trees are large and vigorous and the ground covered with grass, is sharply defined. '; There is no apparent reason, from the chemical or physical examination, to account for this differ- ence in the native growth," on the two kinds of land. Pineapples are grown extensively on the high pine lands. On these the soil is a coarse, almost pure white sand, apparently devoid of plant food. The subsoil is either a coarse white or yellow sand. As regards physical condition, as well as chemical composition, these soils appear to be absolutely unsuited to agricultural purposes. Nevertheless, with proper fertilizing, shading, and irrigating they have proved very valu- able for the production of pineapples. The soils of the Lafayette formation in western Florida are fine, light, sandy loams, resting upon what appears to be a strong clay subsoil of considerable depth. The loam soil contains about 5 per cent of clay, 330 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the subsoil upward of 30 per eeut. However, these soils contain only about 8 or 10 per cent of water as compared with IS to 22 per cent maintained by similar soils in Pennsylvania and Ohio. A comparison of the mechanical analyses of different Florida soils shows a great similarity in composition and texture. The percentage of clay is, as a rule, very low. No difference was found in the texture of these soils which would in any way explain the differences in their natural vegetation and agricultural value. Chemical examination and determination of the soluble salt content in the different types of soil showed that not only is there a small amount of plant food present in the soil, but that only about 1 per cent of it is present in soluble form. "These results all seem to show that these types of Florida soil con- stitute a distinct class of soils, unlike the average soils of the humid portions of the United States." Determinations of moisture in these different soils show that their moisture supply is very uniform, and that a much lower percentage of water suffices for natural vegetation and for different eultivated crops on these soils than on similar soils in other regions. Thus, it was found that the hammock soil maintains on an average only 8 to 9 per cent of moisture, and that this is amply sufficient for the growth of oaks and other hard-wood trees, while at least 15 or 20 per cent of water is necessary for oaks and similar hard-wood trees on soils in the North. Moisture determinations in the scrub and adjacent high pine land showed no apparent difference in the moisture content of these 2 soils during the dry season. Detailed analyses of the different samples of soils and subsoils are given in tables. The bluff and Mississippi alluvial lands of Louisiana, W. W. Clendenin (Louisiana Stas. /Special Rpt. Geology and Agriculture, pt. 4, pp. 259-290). — This is a continuation of the geological and agricul- tural survey of Louisiana which has been prosecuted for a number of years (E. S. R., 8, p. 382). In the preceding report (pt. 3), brief con- sideration was given to the bluff lands of east and southwest Louisiana. The present report is confined to "a preliminary study of the border lands of the Mississippi River which are directly the product of the river itself." These are comprised within "a somewhat irregular zone stretching over about 4° of latitude and varying in width from about 15 miles at the Arkansas line to about 100 miles from the line of Five Islands on the southwest to Tickfaw River on the northeast." The bluff lauds east of the Mississippi cover an area of about 1,000 square miles. Those bordering the alluvium of the west are of "such an irregular and indeterminable extent that it is difficult to estimate the amount in square miles." The topography, drainage, mineral products, and vegetation of these soils are briefly noted. The alluvial soils are classified as (1) front lands, (2) back lands, (;i) swamp, and (1) deep swanip. The front lauds are the border lauds of WATER SOILS. 331 the Mississippi and all of its bayous. They are made up of sandy soils on which the characteristic vegetation is the live oak. The soils of the back lands are finer in grain, and contain more clay than those of the front lands. The clay breaks up under cultivation into small rounded masses, which have given the name "buckshot" to these soils. These 2 classes of soils constitute at present the cultivated portion of the Mississippi alluvium. It is difficult to obtain a sufficient supply of good water in this region. It is suggested that the. difficulty may be over- come, at least in part, by the sinking of artesian wells. "As the front lauds grade iuto the hack lands, so these grade into the swamp. The areas thus designated, while not so easily drained as the hack lands, are neverthe- less capable of thorough drainage. They are considered as swamp and useless for cultivation only because under conditions that have existed in the past they have been too frequently overllowed to make their clearing and cultivation profitable. Under a system of protection that will shut out the flood waters from the master streams they will become available for cultivation. At present they are not so. "Their tree growth consists chiefly of sweet and black with some tupelo gum, large and abundant; abundant ash of sufficient size and quality to make it valuable for manufactures; scaly-bark hickory; elm; red maple; white, water, and willow oaks; sycamore; and cypress. The undergrowth, while still dense, is marked by a failing of the cane. At present these swamp lands are chiefly valuable for their supplies of hard-wood lumber. Their adaptation to cultivable uses, while possible, must wait upon their greater security from inundation. '•The deep swamp area, chiefly valuable for its forests of cypress and gum, is sub- ject to too deep and too frequent inundation ever to be used for cultivation; at any rate, not until more available lands prove insufficient for the increased population." Attention is called to the large number of navigable streams in this region, and suggestions are made regarding protection against over- flow. Although the soils of the region have been heretofore considered valuable chiefly for the production of cotton, recent experiments have shown that they are capable of producing a superior grade of cigar- wrapper tobacco. The bluff lands also produce sugar cane with an unusually high sugar content. The famous Perique tobacco is grown on the alluvial lands of this region, and they have also been shown to be preeminently suited to alfalfa. Near New Orleans, market gardening on the alluvial soils has proven very profitable, and in the extreme southern part of the region orange culture has brought good returns. The adaptability of the waters of the region to fish and oysters and the rapid development of oyster culture in the coastal bayous and bays are pointed out. The results of the examinations of the soils of the region are reserved for a future report. The fertility of Oregon soils, (>. W". Shaw {Oregon Sta. Bui. 50, pp. 56, pi. 1). — This is a continuation of work previously reported in Bulletin 21 of the station (E. S. 11., 1, p. 4G1). A general discussion is given of the importance of chemical analysis of soils, origin of soils, functions of soils, constituents of soils and their functions, and texture of soils. The natural divisions of the State are described, and analyses, including determinations of coarse material, tine earth, water capacity, 332 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. hygroscopic moisture, organic matter, humus, and mineral constituents of 71 samples of soils from the different sections of the State are reported. The averages for the main divisions of the State, as well as for the State as a whole, are given in the following table: Average composition of Oregon soils. Analysis of lint- darfch. Willamette Valley. /'//• cent. Insoluble matter 65. 18 Soluble silica 5. 02 Potassium oxid -23 Sodium oxid .18 Calcium oxid I .83 Magnesium oxid .79 Marigano-manganic oxid .08 Ferric oxid... 1 16 45 Aluminium oxid I Sulphuric acid | .03 Phosphoric acid -21 Water and organic matter 10. 77 Total 99. 77 Humus 1. 03 Southei ii Oregon. /'. /■ cent. 62. 45 8.74 .34 .21 2.22 30 .25 .01 .13 9.52 Eastern Oregon. Per cent. 66. 59 13. 12 .43 .22 1. 22 . 7") .10 .04 .14 6.21 \ .rr-|_]' for whole State. Per cent. 05.08 7.69 .32 .29 .97 .82 .16 12.68 .70 .26 10.05 100. 02 2.25 99.51 1.44 99.02 2.42 The bottom lands of the Willamette Valley as a rule " have a tend- ency toward clay loams with clay subsoils forming a hardpan." The soils are divided into dark loam and gray loam, the latter running into the so-called ''white lands." They are all, however, of about the same chemical composition. They are rich in phosphoric acid and humus, well supplied with lime, but deficient in potash. "That these soils should be fairly well supplied with lime would be expected from a priori reasons on account of the basaltic origin of a large part of them. The lime in the valley soils is not altogether in the form of a carbonate — indeed, it is rare that sufficient carbonate is present to cause evident effervescence with acid — but even a casual examination shows a ATery common occurrence of easily decomposable zeo- lites, principally mesolite, from which, by weathering, the lime may be constantly supplied." In the hill country surrounding the Willamette Valley, in its north- ern part, are found the so called " shot lands," which contain consider- able amounts of iron oxid, together with quartz, feldspar, and some hornblende, the iron oxid cementing the particles of clay together into small nodules which to some extent resemble shot, but which wear away in cultivation. These soils are usually well drained and easily worked, but wash badly in heavy rains. They contain as a rule a fair amount of potash, a limited amount of lime, and are well supplied with phosphoric acid. The soils of southern Oregon -'are stronger than the Willamette Valley soils not only in lime but also in potash, but weaker in phos- phoric acid." The soils of eastern Oregon contain more lime than those of the humid or western area. They also contain a larger supply of potash, which is more available than that in the soils of the Willa- mette Valley. The amount of phosphoric acid, however, is smaller than that of the western soils. WATER SOILS. 333 The influence of climate upon the lime content and humus of the soils of these different regions is discussed, as well as the origin and treatment of alkali in the western or arid portion of the State and the adaptability of the various soils to different systems of farming. The importance of the mineral humates as a nutritive medium for plants, (1. Xefedov (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 184 1897), -Ian., pp. 141-163). — The question which the author seeks to answer is whether the phosphorus and nitrogen which enter into the composition of the humus compounds of the chernozem (black Russian soil) are assimi- lable by the higher plants under the ordinary conditions of cultivation, i.e., in the presence of microorganisms. The experiments carried out consisted in the first place of a repeti- tion of the experiments of Eggertz with a soil washed with a dilute mineral acid, precautions being taken to carefully neutralize the soil after this treatment, and in the second place in growing plants in humus substances extracted from the chernozem, inoculating the humus ex- tract with the bacteria of the soil. In order to neutralize the soil after treatment with the acid and distilled water the free humic acids were saturated with calcium carbonate. The experiments, were made with the chernozem of the Tula Govern- ment. The composition of the air-dried soil was as follows: Analysis of air-dried chernozem. Per cent. Hygroscopic water 5.97 Humus with water of crystallization 10. 16 Phosphoric acid obtained by igniting the soil and treatment with boiling 30 per cent hydrochloric acid 1702 Nitrogen o77 Air-dried humic acid (calculated to ash-free matter; 4.87 In the humus there was found 1.S8 per cent of phosphoric acid, which represents 51. (J per cent of all the phosphoric acid of the soil. In the repetition of Eggertz's experiments part of the soil was treated with 1 per cent hydrochloric acid and part with 3 per cent. After washing with distilled water a small portion was at once dried on filter paper, while the greater part was first mixed with chalk, using 100 gin. of chemically pure carbonate to 200 gm. of the air-dried soil. Before placing in the glass cylinders where the plants were grown the various soil samples were pulverized and mixed with different nutri- tive solutions. The material for the experiments with the pure calcium humates was prepared as follows: The soil was treated with 1 per cent hydrochloric acid, washed with distilled water, dried on filter paper, pulverized, and placed in layers 1 cm. thick in tin sieves whose bottoms were cov- ered on the inside with a layer of filter paper. The soil was treated with ammonia solution (1 part of strong ammonia and •"> parts i4' wat< the solvent remaining in contact with the soil for from 15 to 30 minutes, and then the soil was washed with distilled water. The black extract 334 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. fell drop by drop into a £ to 1 per cent solution of hydrochloric acid, where it was precipitated in flakes and settled at the bottom of the ves- sel. The hninic acid was transferred to a folded Alter and washed first with 0.25 to 0.5 per cent hydrochloric acid and then with distdled water. The washed humic acid was mixed first with chalk and then with white quartz sand, which had been treated with aqua regia and washed with distilled water. Three series of experiments were carried out, (1) with soil treated with 3 per cent hydrochloric acid in 13 pots planted to barley, oats, lupines, and peas; (2) with soil treated with a 1 per cent solution of hydrochloric acid in 4 pots planted to barley, and (3) with calcium humate in 8 pots planted to barley and peas. The chief results obtained may be summed up as follows: (1) The chernozem soil treated with a 3 per cent solution of hydro- chloric acid and inoculated with the micro-organisms of the soil con- tains easily assimilable nitrogen and phosphorus in quantities sufficient for the formation of the vegetative organs of barley. (2) Calcium humate containing no mineral admixtures may be obtained by mixing gelatinous humic acid with calcium carbonate, which is decomposed under these conditions with the evolution of car- bon dioxid. (3) The humic acids extracted from the chernozem by successive treatment with acid and alkali, even when in the form of calcium salts, disturb the regular development of plants, causing an intensified for- mation of shoots and rendering impossible the formation of the repro- ductive organs. (4) Potassium phosphate renders the poisonous properties of the artificially obtained calcium humates more marked. (5) The poisonous action of the calcium humates is probably due to the presence of ferrous oxid in the humus substances formed by the reduction of the ferric oxid during the process of the extraction of the humic acids. (G) The opinion of Hoppe-Seyler that the humus substances are unalterable under the ordinary conditions of the soil and in no measure serve as food for the lower organisms is erroneous. The humus sub- stances extracted from the chernozem by chemical means either in sol- uble form or insoluble form, when acid in reaction as well as when feebly alkaline or neutral, in the presence as well as in the absence of air, are a very suitable nutritive medium for the growth of the lower organisms. (7) The phosphorus and, apparently, the nitrogen of calcium humate in the presence of the micro-organisms of the soil contribute to the growth of the higher plants (barley).— p. fireman. Review of the literature of soils, L. Ociiapovski (Selsk. Khoz. % Lyesov., 190 (1S9S), July, pp. 147-1SG). Soil bacteria in their relation to agriculture, I, F. D. Chester {Delaware Sta. Bui. 40, pp. 10, fujs. ;?). — This is a popular summary of information on this subject. FERTILIZERS. 335 The topics treated are the elements and sources of plant food, the nature and origin of soils, the number and distribution of soil bacteria, and the chemical changes produced by bacteria. FERTILIZERS. Contribution to the solution of the question of the extent to which the potash requirements of soil can be determined by- analysis of the plant and the soil, (). Lemmeemann (Landw. Vers. Stat., 4!) (1897), N~os. 4-5,pp. 287-339). — Both field and pot experiments on this subject are reported. Experiments in the field were made on unfertilized soils and those which had received kainit at rates of 1,000 to 2,000 kg. per hectare (about 890 and 1,780 lbs. per acre). The crops grown were oats, wheat, and rye. The potash content of the soils was determined by digesting 200 gm. with 400 cc. of 10 per cent hydro- chloric acid on a boiling water bath for 3 hours. The attempt was made first to determine what amount of potash soluble in this reagent is nec- essary in a soil in order to produce normal crops. It was found in these experiments that a soil containing 0.21 per cent of potash soluble in 10 per cent hydrochloric acid was not improved for the production of oats by applications of potassic fertilizers, although the yield of wheat and rye on such soils was considerably increased by applications of such fertilizers. No relation was observed between the amount of potash in the soil and that found in the plant. Samples of soil were treated with tV? 45 h I? aD(i 5 Per cent hydrochloric acid, the soil so treated being used in pots for the growth of oats. The object in this case was to determine the exact strength of acid and method of treatment which would remove all of the potash assimilable by oats. The experiments, however, gave negative results because the oats grew best in the soils which had been exhausted with the stronger acid. The author believes this to be due to chemical changes which render the potash not dissolved by the acid more accessible to the roots of the plants and at the same time more assimilable. Contrary to the results obtained in the field, the potash content of oats grown in pots increased with the amount of this substance applied to the soil. The liming of soils, H. J. Wheeler (U. 8. Bept. Agr. Farmer's Bui. 77, pp. 19).— This bulletin discusses the use of lime for improving soils, its manurial and chemical action, its physical effects, and its effects on the action of microscopic organisms in the soil. The conditions under which lime may be injurious are pointed out. The influence of lime upon some plant diseases is noted and directions for the applica- tion of lime to soils are given. Fifteen forms of lime used for agricul- tural purposes are described. "There are many soils in which lime is deficient, notably in soils derived from granite, mica schist, and sandstone formations. On such soils lime is of direct value in supplying a necessary element of plant food. "The indirect value of lime is perhaps more important than its direct action, because probably the majority of cultivated soils contain sufficient lime to meet tin; direct demands of plants. Lime is of indirect value in unlocking the unavailable potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen in the soil. 33G EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "Lime exerts a decided influence on the mechanical condition of soils, rendering heavy, compact soils looser in texture ;ind tending to hind particles of loose leachy soils. "Lime is also beneficial in furnishing conditions in the soil favorable to the activ- ity of tin- micro-organisms which convert the nitrogen of organic matter into nitrates which are readily assimilated by plants, which decompose organic matter, and which assist leguminous plants to assimilate the free nitrogen of the air. . . . "The continued use of lime unaccompanied by other fertilizers may prove inju- rious, especially on poor soils, since it converts the insoluble nitrogen, potash, and phosphoric-acid compounds of the soil into forms which are rapidly taken up by plants or washed out in the drainage, and thus hastens the exhaustion of the supply of these substances in the soil. If the soil is not abundantly supplied with organic matter, its retentive power for water and fertilizers may be seriously reduced on account of the destruction of the organic matter by the action of too much lime. Soils are sometimes injured by applications of impure forms of lime, which harden like cement in the soil, or of those which contain an excessive amount of magnesia. " It has been shown that even many upland and naturally well-drained soils apparently in good condition otherwise are so sour (acid) that most plants will not thrive on them. The application of caustic lime is the most economical and effective means of correcting this condition. "According to experiments made by the Rhode Island Experiment Station on acid soils in that State, the plants tested may be classified with regard to their behavior toward lime as follows: Plants benefited by liming — spinach, lettuce, beets (all kinds), gumbo (okra), salsify (vegetable oyster), celery, onion, parsnip, cauliflower, cucumber, eggplant, cantaloupe, asparagus, kohl-rabi, cabbage, dandelion, Swedish turnip, pepper, pea, peanut, martynia, tobacco, sorghum, alfalfa, clover, barley, wheat, oats, timothy, and Kentucky bluegrass; plants injured by liming — serradella, watermelon, blue lupine, and common sorrel (Humes acetosella) ; plants indifferent to liming — Indian corn, common millet, Hungarian, golden millet, rye, potatoes, carrots, Rhode Island bent (grass), and redtop (grass)." Commercial fertilizers, M. A. Scovell, A. M. Peter, and H. E. Curtis {Kentucky Sta. Bui. 75, pp. 77-94). — This bulletin gives the text of the amended State fertilizer law, which went into effect March 14, 189S, with a brief discussion of the amendments; and tabulated analy- ses and valuations of 102 samples of fertilizing materials inspected during 1898. "The new law requires manufacturers to make affidavit to the director [of the experiment station] guaranteeing the minimum analysis of each brand of fertilizer which they propose to sell in the State, and the director shall print this guaranteed analysis over his facsimile signature in the form of a tag, and every package of fer- tilizer sold or offered for sale in the State shall have one of these tags attached, and this tag analysis shall be the standard by which the fertilizer is to be judged. The tag shall also show the net weight of fertilizer contained in each package. The man- ufacturer also sends to the director a fair sample of each kind of fertilizer which he proposes to put on sale. The director is given authority to take samples for analysis from any fertilizer on sale in the State, and is required to make every year at least one analysis of each kind of fertilizer that has been entered for sale. The law also provides that any purchaser of a fertilizer, who is not an agent or dealer, may take a sample of the same, under proper regulations, and have it analyzed at the station free, and such purchaser shall not be required to give the name of the fertilizer or of the person from whom it was bought until after the analysis has been made and reported. But after the purchaser has received the report of analysis he must give the director all information about the fertilizer that may be required for publication FIELD CROPS. 337 in the station bulletins or for prosecution of the case if it appear that the law has been violated. "Under the new law the estimated value per ton is not given on the tag. It was thought best to leave it off for two reasons — first, because the ingredients of which fertilizers are made vary in price from time to time luring the year, and as the tags are good for a year, or until used, the estimated value might not represent anywhere near the true valuation during a portion of the year, at least ; and. second, because it is much more important that the farmer should buy on the percentage of phos- phoric acid, nitrogen, and potash in the fertilizer than on the estimated value." The phosphate deposits of Arkansas, J. C. Bkanner {Trans. Amer. Inst. Min. Emj., 26, pp. 5S0-59S; abs. in Tech. Quart., 11 (1S9S), No. 2, Rev. Chem., p. 51).— A detailed account of unworked deposits. Analyses of the phosphatic nodules show from 22.62 to 33.86 per cent of phosphoric acid. Fertilizer inspection, C. D. Woods, J. M. Bartlett, et al. (Maine Sta. Hid. J.:, pp. S). — This bulletin contains the analyses of 125 manufacturers' samples of ferti- lizers licensed before February 25, 1898, with a brief summary of the chief provi- sions of the State fertilizer law. The cost of plant food in Connecticut, spring months of 1898 ( Connecticut State Sta. Bui. 127, p\>. 10). — This bulletin contains a schedule of trade values of fertiliz- ing ingredients for 1898; notes on the purchase of fertilizers and on the cost of nitrogen in nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, dried blood, cotton-seed meal, and castor pomace; phosphoric acid in dissolved boneblack and acid phosphate, and potash in high-grade sulphate, double sulphate of potash and magnesia, muri- ate of potash, carbonate of potash, and cotton-hull ashes; and analyses of 7 samples of fertilizing materials, including mixed fertilizers, bat guano, rape-seed meal, and street sweepings. Determinations of the solubility of the organic nitrogen of 5 of the fertilizers in pepsin solution are also reported. Analyses of commercial fertilizers, T. J. Edge and W. Freak {Pennsylvania Dept. Ayr. Bui. 37, pp. 40). — This bulletin gives the text of the State fertilizer law, notes on valuation, and tabulated analyses and valuations of 591 samples of fer- tilizing materials inspected during the period from January 1 to August 1, 1898. Analyses of commercial fertilizers, M. A. Scovell, A. M. Peter, and H. E. Curtis (Kentucky Sta. Bui. 71, pp. 115-123). — This bulletin gives the trade values of the essential fertilizing ingredients for 1898, which are the same as those for 1897, and tabulated analyses and valuations of 34 samples of fertilizers examined since the publication of Bulletin 68 of the station (E. S. E., 9, p. 338). FIELD CROPS. Experiments with different kinds of fertilizers in 1896 on the Kazan Experimental Farm (tielsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 185 (1897), May, pp. 263-282). — Experiments were made with rye, oats, potatoes, arid clover with timothy for hay. Rye. — Three series of experiments were made with rye. The object of the first series was to study the influence on the yield of rye of the following fertilizers: (1) Barnyard manure 35,600 lbs. per acre, (2) barnyard manure with 416 lbs. of superphosphate, (3) green manure, (4) green manure with 416 pounds of phosphate, (5) green manure with 416 lbs. of potash, (6) green manure with 356 lbs. of Berliner's bone meal A (4.5 per cent of nitrogen and 24 per cent of phosphoric acid), and (7) green manure with 178 lbs. of Berliner's bone meal B (0.6 per cent of nitrogen and 31 per cent of phosphoric acid). The plats, 0.45 acres each, were sown in 1890 under clover with timothy. The tabu- 338 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. lated results show that green manure with phosphate gave a decrease of 12.9 per cent, with potash 2.0 per cent; and green manure alone gave an increase of 5.3 per cent, green manure with boue meal A 6.25 per cent, green manure with bone meal B 7.4 per cent, barnyard manure with superphosphate 27.7 per cent, and barnyard manure alone 50.9 per cent. In the second series of experiments with rye the influence of the fol- lowing fertilizers was studied: (1) Superphosphate 416 lbs. per acre, (2) nitrate of soda 416 lbs., (3) Berliner's bone meal A 356 lbs., and (4) Berliner's bone meal B 178 lbs. The tabulated results show an increase of the yield in all cases: For bone meal B 11 per cent, bone meal A 35 per cent, nitrate of soda 35 per cent, and superphosphate 49.6 percent. The third series of experiments was designed to study the influence of phosphate and potash as compared with that of manure. Potash was applied at the rate of 416 lbs., and phosphate at the rate of 370 lbs. per acre. The results were as follows : Phosphate gave a decrease of 9 per cent, while potash gave an increase of 0.82 per cent, and manure an increase of 16.8 per cent. Oats. — The object of the first series of experiments with oats was to investigate the action of the following fertilizers on the yield of oats: (1) Bone meal A 356 lbs. per acre, (2) bone meal B 178 lbs., and (3) nitrate of soda 416 lbs. The results show that nitrate of soda gave a decrease of 30 per cent and bone meal a decrease of 4.4 per cent, while bone meal B gave an increase of 7 per cent. The second series was carried out on the plats which had been used the preceding year for experiments with rye similar to those of the first noted above. The following fertilizers had been applied the preceding year: (1) Manure alone 35,600 lbs. per acre, (2) manure with 416 lbs. of superphosphate, (3) superphosphate 416 lbs. ; and (4) nitrate of soda 416 lbs. The results were as follows: Nitrate of soda gave an increase of 2.5 per cent (the increase of rye the preceding year was 37.2 per cent), superphosphate 5.3 per cent (rye preceding year 2.3 per cent), manure 24.8 per cent (rye preceding year 18.5 per cent), and manure and super- phosphate 27 per cent (rye preceding year 12.8 per cent). The third series of experiments with oats was made on the same plats devoted the preceding year to experiments with rye similar to those of series 2 noted above, the object being to ascertain the influence of the fertilizers under rye on the succeeding oats. The following fertilizers were used: (1) Green manure with 416 lbs. of phosphate, (2) green manure with 416 lbs. of potash, and (3) green manure alone. Green manure alone gave a decrease of 0.28 per cent and green manure with phosphate and potash a decrease of 0.72 per cent; while the preceding year the increase in the first case was 19.5 per cent and in the second case 57.5 per cent. Experiments were also made on plats on which rye was grown the preceding year with the following fertilizers : (1) Manure 35,600 lbs. per FIELD CROPS. 3o!> acre, (2) phosphate .570 lbs. The phosphate, which in the preceding experiments with rye gave an increase of 7.6 per cent, in these experi- ments yielded 5.1 per cent increase ; the manure gave in these experi- ments 19.4 per cent increase, in the preceding experiments 13.5 per cent increase. Potatoes. — In the first series of experiments with potatoes the object was to investigate the inlinence of bone meal, applied both broadcast and in hills, and of nitrate of soda and potash. The following amounts were used : (1) Bone meal A 35C> lbs. per acre broadcast, (2) bone meal B 178 lbs. broadcast, (3) potash 207 lbs.. (4) nitrate of soda 207 lbs., (5) bone meal A 356 lbs. in hills, and (6) bone meal B 178 lbs in hills. The potato leaves were affected by rot (Phytophthora infestans). All ferti- lizers gave an increase — potash 3.5 ; bone meal B broadcast 18.2, in hills 39.8; bone meal A broadcast 20.3, in hills 41.3; and nitrate of soda 55.4 per cent. The greater the yield the less the starch content of the pota- toes. Potash alone caused a very slight increase in the yield, but decreased the starch content 0.15 per cent. In the second series of experiments the influence of double plowing and of planting at a depth of 10.5 to 12.2 in. was investigated. Experiments were also made in which the seed potatoes were soaked for 24 hours in a 2 h, per cent solution of copper sulphate, with a view to ascertaining whether this treatment prevents rot and exerts any influeuce on the yield. The double plowing produced an increase of 6.2 per cent; the treatment with copper sulphate caused a decrease of 9.9 per cent. The starch content was not changed by the double plowing, but the treatment with copper sulphate resulted in a decrease of 1.3 per cent in starch content. The object of the third series of experiments was to ascertain the influence of spraying the potato leaves with various liquids on the yield and starch content. The following solutions were applied : (1) Lime- water, (2) pure water, (3) copper sulphate and limewater, (4) copper sulphate. While spraying with pure water gave an increase of 2.6 per cent and with limewater of 10.8 per cent, spraying with copper sulphate alone caused a decrease of 4.1 per cent aud with copper sulphate and limewater a decrease of 0.45 per cent. The starch content decreased with limewater (0.0 per cent), but increased with pure water (0.5 per cent), with copper sulphate alone (0.6 per cent), and with copper sul- phate and limewater (1 per cent). Clover with timothy for hay. — The object of the first series of experi- ments with these crops was to observe the influence of kainit, nitrate of soda, gypsum, and phosphate-gypsum on the yield of clover with timothy at the first mowing of the first year. Fertilizers were applied as follows : 370 lbs. per acre of kainit and 250 lbs. per acre of the other fertilizing materials. Kainit gave 1.7 per cent, phosphate-gypsum 10.4 per cent, and gypsum 5.9 per cent decrease, and only nitrate of soda gave an increase in yield (6.5 per cent). 340 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The object of the second series of experiments was the same as the first, but was confined to the second and third, mowings. In all cases there was an increase, which for the second mowing was 21.5 per cent with nitrate of soda, 17.5 with kainit, 45.G with phosphate-gypsum, and 21.9 with gypsum alone; and for the third mowing 31 per cent with nitrate of soda, 23.4 with kainit, 34.3 with phosphate-gypsum, and 6 with gypsum. In the third series of experiments an attempt was made to ascertain to what extent oats as a cover plant decreases the yield of clover with timothy. The yield of hay was 84.9 per cent less with the cover than without it. — P. FIREMAN. Experiments with field crops, 1897, G. E. Morrow and J. H. Bone (Oklahoma Sta. Bui. 33, pp. 18, Jigs. 3). — Experiments were made with corn, oats, cotton, Kafir corn, niillo maize, Jerusalem corn, sweet sor- ghum, castor beans, sugar beets, stock or ''pie1' melons, alfalfa, cowpeas, soy beans, grasses, and clovers. Popular notes are given on these crops and the results of experiments are tabulated. Kafir corn planted April 17 and May 1 gave an average yield per acre of 22.3 bu. of grain, while plats planted May 15 and 22 yielded 3S.2 bu. The amount of stover produced per pound of grain was (3.1 and 3.4 lbs., respectively. The largest yield of grain (53.3 bu. per acre) was obtained from the plat on which stalks were 3 in. apart in rows 3 ft. apart. In general the plats with the greatest number of stalks gave the largest yield of stover. A comparison of Indian corn and Kafir corn showed that Kafir corn was much more drought-resisting, but that it grew much less rapidly. Oats were sown at different rates, but the yields varied little. Of the 9 varieties grown the best yielding were Texas Eed, Negro Wonder, Lincoln, and Black Russian in the order given. Castor beans planted April 13 yielded 12.9 bu. per acre, which was a better yield than was obtained from later plantings. Report of the agriculturist, J. H. Shepperd (Xorth Dakota Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 51-79). — The work here described is in continuation of that reported a year ago (E. S. R., '.>, p. 741). The continuation of the variety testing of wheat, oats, barley, and corn did not change the relative rank of the best-yielding varieties reported last year. Red Kafir corn, white Kafir corn, millo maize, durra, and Jerusalem corn, tested for 4 years, have failed to ripen fully during any season. The results of cultivation experiments are given in abstract form from a former bulletin (E. S. R., 9, p. 931). Awnless brome grass {Bromus biennis) has given promising results for a number of years. Timothy and clover sown with this grass were crowded out by its vigorous growth. "It should be seeded at the rate of 20 lbs. per acre without a nurse crop." A field of timothy and red clover injured by heavy rains yielded about 1^ tons of hay per acre. The results of a rotation experiment are given in the following table: FIELD CROPS. 341 Meld per acre in rotation experiment. Wheat continuously, average for six plats First, second, and third wheat crops after barren fallow, average for tour plats. . . First, second, and third wheat crops after culti- \ ated crops : coin, peas, rape, potatoes, and man,- gels, average for six plats Fir^t, second, and third crops of wheat after mil- let, one plat First, second, and third crops of wheat alter tim- othy and clover for t\\ o years, one plat First crop of wheat alter rlax for one year, average for one plat Second crop of wheat after flax for one year, one plat. First crop of wheat after rlas for three years, one plat Flax continuously for three years, one plat First and second wheat crops after flax followed l>y fallow, one plat - First, second, and third wheat crops after field peas, one pi at Fii>t. second, and third wheat crops after green manuring with field peas, one plat First, second, and third wheat crops after manur- ing with millet, one plat-.- First crop of wheat after potatoes, one plat Average for 1893 and 1897. Bu. 12.1 18.4 16.8 Bu. 9.4 16.5 13.:: Bu. 19.6 Bu. 23.3 24.9 2:;.:: 23 31 23.3 Bu. 16 17.4 i 14.4 11.7 10.4 15.6 14.1 9.5 14.5 23. 5 23.5 22. 8 23 23 23.5 Bu. 14.8 21.3 20.2 20.3 21.6 19.5 20.4 12. 9 17 16.8 Wheat was grown after corn and millet on manured and un manured plats. The results showed a marked increase in yield from the appli- cation of manure. A study of the castor-oil plant, G. L. Holter and J. Fields (Oklahoma Sta. Btil. 32, pp. 11-15). — The amounts of nitrogen, phos- phoric acid, and potash removed from the soils by the different parts of the castor-oil plant were determined and the results are tabulated. Analyses were made of 3 varieties — 2 common varieties, the seed of which had been obtained from Oklahoma and Kansas, and 1 ornamen- tal variety. The proportion of beans and hulls for the 3 varieties Avas approximately 75 per cent of hulled beans and 25 per cent of hulls. The beans were found to contain about 60 per cent of oil. Directions are given for the determination of castor oil in beans. The fertilizing constituents in the different parts of the plant were found to be as follows : Amount of principal fertilizing elements in the castor-oilplant. in une plant . In 100 parts fresh substance. Part of plant. Nitrogen. Potash. Phosphoric acid. Nitrogen . Potash. Phosphoric acid. Com mon varit ty. Stalks and routs Leaves Beans Pods Grams. 2.30 6. 06 10.27 3. 99 Grama. 3.55 5.12 2.40 14.06 Grams. 0.49 .84 4. 10 .43 Per cent. 0.26 1.64 3.45 1.63 Percent 0.40 1.39 .48 5.75 Percent. 0.06 . 23 1.38 .18 Entire plant 22. 62 25. 13 5. 86 1. 24 1.38 .32 Ornami ntal variety. 3.12 3. 22 3.35 1.65 14.58 .50 .62 4.5:t .83 .31 1.71 3.58 2.82 .32 LIS .54 6.54 .05 Leaves 4.86 10.95 . 22 1. 4.S Pods 6. 29 .37 Entire plant 8192—^0. 4 4 342 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "One thousand pounds of castor beans contain 35 lbs. nitrogen, 4 lbs. potash, aud 14 lbs. phosphoric acid. The pods gathered with this amount of beans weigh approximately 800 lbs. and contain 13 lbs. nitro- gen, 4G lbs. potash, and H lbs. phosphoric acid." Cotton and corn experiments, 1897, B. C. Pittuck (Texas Sta. Bid. 45, pp. 977-1008, pis. 5). — The experiments comprised variety and distance tests with cotton and fertilizer tests with cotton and corn. A description of the soil and climate, chemical and mechanical analyses of the soil, and meteorological data for the entire year are given. The results of the experiments are tabulated, and the results of variety tests with cotton and corn in 1894 and 1895 are summarized. The results of the cotton and corn experiments made in 1894 (E. S. It., 7, pp. 114, 115) are appended in abstract form. The variety and distance experiments with cotton were made with 5 varieties planted at different distances. The following table shows the comparison of distances of planting and the yields of varieties: Yield of varieties of cotton at different distances. ( Jroup No. 1. Group No. 2. Group No. 3. Variety. 3 by 2 ft. rows. 4 by 2 ft. rows. 4 by 3 ft. rows. Seed lint. Lint. Seed lint. Lint. Seed lint. Lint. Pounds. 970.3 693.7 728. 2 806.8 546.5 Pounds. 321.3 217.6 237.2 294. 2 204. 9 Pounds. 667.5 681.9 690.9 712.3 613.9 Pounds. 218. 4 204.5 218.7 219.1 213.5 Pounds. 681.3 8H2. 6 708.9 643.0 537. 8 Pounds. 208.1 273.2 Welborn Pet... 217.2 Peterkin L. C 201.4 184.8 Bohemian, Texas Oak, and Jones Improved gave the largest yield in groups 1, 2, aud 3, respectively. Nitrogenous, phosphatic, aud potassic fertilizers were applied to cot- ton singly and combined. Plats which received boneblack, cotton- seed meal, or cotton-hull ashes at the rate of 500 lbs. per acre produced the best yields of those receiving single applications. Of the complete fertilizers, the application of 200 lbs. acid phosphate and 4,000 lbs. barnyard manure per acre gave the best yield. The best results in the eutire test were obtained from the application of 500 lbs. boneblack per acre. In the fertilizer test with corn, the largest yield followed the appli- cation of 500 lbs. per acre of acid phosphate. Of the nitrogenous fer- tilizers, barnyard manure at the rate of 4,000 lbs. per acre, and of the potash fertilizers, cotton-hull ashes at the rate of 500 lbs. per acre. gave the best yields. Of the complete fertilizers, the application of 100 lbs. kainit, 400 lbs. acid phosphate, and 150 lbs. muriate of potash per acre gave the best results. Report upon the grasses and forage plants of central Texas, H. L. Bentlev ( TJ. 8. Dept. Ayr., Division of Agrostology Bui. 10, pp. 38, Jigs. 11). — This bulletin discusses the early conditions of the ranches of FIELD CROPS. 343 central Texas and the reasons for their deterioration, and suggests methods for their renewal. Notes are given on the grasses and forage plants mentioned. The following native grasses and forage plants are recommended for propagation : Western -wheat grass (Agropyron spicatum), feather sedge or feather blue stem (Andropogon saccharoides torreyanus), bushy blue stem (A. nutans), side-oats grama (Bouielona curtipendula), black grama (B. hirsuta), blue grama (B. oliyostachya), rescue or artic grass (Bromus unioloides), Arizona millet (Chcetochloa macrostachya), Bermuda (Cynodon dactylon), wild rye (EJymus canadensis), everlasting grass (Erio- chloa punctata), curly mesquite (Hilaria cenchroides), wild timothy (Muhleribergia racemosa), white top (Triodia albescens), galleta or black grama (Hilaria mutica), alkali saccaton (Panicum bulbosum),ha,TtijaiA grass (P. crus-galli), beardless barn- yard grass (P. crns-yalli muticum), cotton-top (P. lachnanthum), chaparral millet (P. reverchoni), hurrah grass (P. reticulatum), Colorado or Concho grass (P. texannm), switch grass (P. virgatum), water grass (Paspalum pubiflorum ylabrum), Texas crow- foot (Leptochloa dnbia), drop seed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), needle or dog-town grass (Aristida fasciculata), and buffalo grass (Bulbilis dactyloides). In addition to the above the following are considered of probable value : Bur grass (Cenchrus tribuloides), wild millet (Clicetocliloa italica), sedges (Cyperus and Carex spp.), bog rushes (Juncus sp.), satin grass (Muhlenbergia tenuiflora), grape- vine mesquite (Panicum obtnsum), crab grass (P. sanguinale), knot grass (Paspalum distichjum), wild oats (Vniola latifolia), prairie sage brush (Artemisia ludoriciana) butterfly pea (Clitoria mariana), bushy knotweed (Polygonum ramosissimum), woolly plantain (Plantago gnaphalioides), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and cotton purslane (P. pilosa). The following grasses and forage plants are thought to be of little forage value, but worthy of consideration : Crow's foot (Chloris cucullata), feather crow-foot (C. alba), love grass (Erayrostis pilosa and E. secundiflora), stink or candy grass (P. major), Muhlenbergia arenicola, old witch or tickle grass (Panicum capillare), hairy-flowered panic (P. ciliatissimum), brown top (P. fuscum), Hall grass (P. hallii), Sporobolus druntmondii, fall redtop (Triodia seslerioides), gunaninpil (Allionia incarnafa), tumble weed (Amaranlhus blitoides), water purslane (Ammannia coccinea), white sage, sage brush (Artemisia mexicana), grouud plum (Astragalus crassicarpus), fox sedge (Carer rulpinoidea), star thistle (Centaurea americana), lamb's quarters (Chenopodium album), grandpa's beard (Clematis drummondii), wild sages (Croton spp.), red-root sedge (Cyperus erythro- rhizos), hog nut, chufa (C. esculentus), Ephedra nevadensis, aliilaria (Erodium cicu- tarium), winter fat (Eurotia lanata), rosin weed or gum weed (Grindelia squarrosa), dwarf broom weed (Gutierrecia sarofhrce microcephala), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), artichoke (H. tuberosus), blue weed (Hoffmanseggia striata), wild verbena (IAppia nodiflora), bur clover or California clover (Medicayo maculata). prickly pear (Opuntia engehnanni), sorrel (Oxalis comiculata), prairie clover (Kuhnistera sp.), and the mes- quite bean (Prosopis juV flora). Experiments with oats, C. C. Georgeson, F. C. Burtis, and D. H. Otis (Kansas, Sta. Bid. 74, pp. 195-211).— These experiments were along similar lines to others heretofore reported (E. S. E., 0, p. 42). The results are given in tabular form. In a comparison of spring-plowed, fall-plowed, and unplowed land 344 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. for oats, the best yields for 5 years in succession were obtained from the spring-plowed land. The average yield was 27.4 bu. per acre, or about 2 bu. more than was obtained from the fall-plowed or unplowed land. In experiments carried on for 5 years the best yields were obtained from oats sown the first or second week in March. These plants also grew taller and had larger panicles than those from later seedings. Light, common, and heavy oats were used for seed. The common grain was the grain as it came from the thresher. The average yields for 8 years were 27.5, 28.89, and 30.9 bu. per acre, respectively. Trials with different methods of seeding were carried on for 7 years. The seed was sown broadcast and with a hoe drill, a shoe drill with press wheels, and a shoe drill without press wheels. The average yields were 26.24, 28.34, 30, and 31.54 bu. per acre, respectively. The average results for 7 years from different rates of seeding were as follows : One bushel of seed per acre yielded 24.05 bu. ; li bu., 27.87 bu.; 2 bu., 29.12 bu.; 2i bu., 30.86 bu.; 3 bu., 30.43 bu.; 3i bu., 30.43 bu.;4bu., 32.79 bu. Land subsoiled in the fall of 1895 yielded 52.56 bu. of oats per acre, while unsubsoiled land yielded 53.17 bu. " Subsoiling has almost invariably decreased the yield of wheat, corn, and oats on the college farm." Fall-plowed and spring-plowed land was packed with Campbell's subsurface packer previous to seeding. Fall-plowed land packed once yielded at the rate of 29.37 bu., and the plats packed 3 times yielded at the rate of 29.34 bu. per acre. The unpacked fall plowed land yielded 25.49 bu. per acre. Spring-plowed land packed once yielded at the rate of 27.87 bu. per acre, and plats packed 3 times yielded at the rate of 29.37 bu. per acre. Unpacked spring-plowed land yielded 22.24 bu. j)er acre. Among the varieties tested for 7 years the so-called red varieties, such as Pedigreed Eed Eust Proof, Eed Eust Proof, and Eed Georgia, have given the most satisfactory results in general. With the use of " Ceres Pulver " the percentage of smut was reduced from 19.03 to 5.38. Potatoes : Tests with fertilizers, M. A. Scovell (Kentucky Sta. Bid. 72, pp. 1-9, pi. 1). — Fertilizer tests were made on tenth-acre plats with nitrate of soda, acid phosphate, and muriate of potash applied singly, in twos, and the 3 substances together. Nitrate of soda and muriate of potash were applied at the rate of 160 lbs. per acre, and acid phosphate at the rate of 140 lbs. These amounts furnished 25.6 lbs. of nitrogen, 80 pounds of potash, and 57 lbs. phosphoric acid. Nitrate of soda and acid phosphate applied singly resulted in loss as compared with the check plats which received no fertilizer. The use of potash alone greatly increased the yield. Acid phosphate and muriate of potash applied together resulted in the best yield (109.6 bu. FIELD CROPS. 345 per acre), while on the plat which received the application of the 3 fer- tilizing substances a yield of 109.4 bu. was obtained. Sorghum : Its development as a commercial source of sugar, C. L. Penny (Delaware Sta. Bid. 39, pp. 23, dgms. 3). — The work of propagation commenced in 1894 was continued in 1897. Fields of sor- ghum were grown for the station on 2 private farms — at Cape Charles, Virginia, and Harbeson, Delaware. At the first place the varieties McLean and Amber were grown, and on the other farm the same 2 varieties with Colman and Frame New in addition. The stalks at dif- ferent cuttings were sent to the station for analysis and the determina- tion of other data. During the season more than 2,800 stalks were examined individually. The results are tabulated and discussed at considerable length. . In 1897 the percentage of sugar in the jnice of Frame New ranged from 6.81 to 15.93 and averaged 11.98; that of Colman ranged from 10.16 to 17.84 and averaged 14.62; that of McLean grown at LTarbeson ranged from 10.71 to 17.35 and averaged 15.20; the same variety grown at Cape Charles ranged from 6.69 to 19.05 and averaged 15.24; the Amber grown at Harbeson ranged from 8.30 to 19.19 and averaged 15.74; and the same variety grown at Cape Charles ranged from 10.09 to 20.50 and averaged 18.15. A formula for calculating the quantity of sugar which can be manu- factured from a ton of cane is worked out, which is as follows: "If the percentage of sugar in the juice be diminished by 0.9 per cent and the remainder be multiplied by the coefficient of purity, regarded as a frac- tion, the product will express the pounds of pure sugar actually to be crystallized from 100 lbs. of stripped and topped cane." The results of experiments with sorghum at the station and at other stations are summarized in a table. "There has been within the period of 10 years, from 1888 to 1897, an undoubted improvement in the cane, so that within that time the same variety, so called, has varied more than have different varieties at the same time. There must, of course, be differences of season and of soil more or less favoring or hindering a good crop, yet despite these there has been an unquestionable rise in the quality of the cane, and this must be attributed to judicious selection of seed for propagation." A diagram is given showing the probable amount of sugar which can be crystallized from a ton of stripped and topped cane of Amber, McLean, and mixed crops grown under different conditions, indicating that "the several varieties, when compared on the basis of yield of crystallized sugar, show much greater differences than on the basis of sugar content. While on the latter basis the extremes are about as 3 to 1, on the former they are about as 5£ to 1. This, as has been explained, is due to the fact that the proportion of sugar crystallized varies approximately as the purity of the juice, and, secondly, that the purity usually rises and falls with the sugar content." The selection of seed for propagation, and the various factors which 346 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. are to be taken into account i;i the improvement of sorghum for sugar- making purposes are discussed at some length. "The question of interval of planting as affecting tonnage per acre, and possibly as affecting m less degree sugar content, calls most urgently for thorough study. It is impossible to know without extensive and intelligently planned experiments exactly what may be expected as the maximum yield of both cane and of sugar. Estimates may be based on what has been done, but with cane as far improved as are these present crops over certain former ones, new experiments specially directed to this end must give valuable and much needed information." Sugar beets, J. T. Willard (Kansas Sta. Bui. 78, pp. 65^80). — This is a report on the cooperative culture experiments with sugar beets in 1897. Two hundred pounds of seed was distributed to 393 farmers and of these 156 sent samples for examination. The results of analyses are tabulated. The beet-sugar industry in its relation to the State is dis- cussed, and directions given for growing sugar beets. The average results deduced from the samples analyzed were as fol- lows: Gross weight per beet, 1.51 lbs.; net weight, 1.09 lbs. ; specific gravity of juice, 1.061; total solids in the juice, 15.52 percent; sugar in the juice, 11.88 per cent; coefficient of purity, 76.1. Sugar-beet investigations in 1897, A. D. Selby and L. M. Bloom- field (Ohio Sta. Bui. 90, pp. 123-162, maps 6). — This bulletin contains a detailed tabulation of cooperative culture experiments with the sugar beet in 1897. Maps are given showing the average rainfall and the average isotherms of the State for 15 years for June, July, and August; for these 3 months and September combined; and for September alone. Suggestions concerning beet-sugar factories and cultural methods are noted. The average results of analyses for the entire State show a sugar content of 14 per cent in the juice and a coefficient of purity of 78.7. It was found that in general the sugar content and purity of samples taken at different dates increased as the season advanced. Beets grown on clay soils were richer in sugar than beets grown in black loam or sandy soils. Samples grown on muck lands were espe- cially poor in quality. Wyoming sugar beets, E. E. Slosson and B. C. Buffum ( Wyo- ming Sta Bui. 36, pp. 189-205). — In this bulletin the results of experi- ments in sugar-beet culture for the years 1891 to 1897, inclusive, are reported in tables. The earlier experiments were made by the station on 5 experimental farms located in different parts of the State, and the later ones by a number of farmers throughout the State. The average results obtained on the experimental farms are given in the following table : FIELD CROPS. 347 Comparative table showing results of ugar-beet culture on the experinu nt farms from 1891 to 1897, inclusive. Experiment farm. A\ erage yield per acre. Average sugar content of beets. \ ■ . rage puritj . Tons. Lander i 19.24 Laramie 5. 09 Sheridan | 13. 25 Sundance 4. 50 Wheatland 9. 61 Per cent. 15. 25 13.26 18. 36 14. 76 17.85 81.01 75.50 83.93 75. 34 85.20 "The region about Sundance, when inigation is not possible, and the elevate, I plateau . . . represented by Laramie, do not give satisfactory results. . . . "According to our experience, the alkali in this State, which consists chiefly of sodium and magnesium sulphate, does uot interfere with the growth of the beets or perceptibly impair their quality. Good crops of satisfactory richness have many times been grown in ground strongly impregnated with soluble salts, and in L897 an experiment bearing directly on this point was carried out." The results were as follows : Sugar beets grown on alkali and ordinary soils. Yield per acre. Sugar content of beets. Purity. Alkali land Good land, subsoiled Good land, not subsoiled Tons. 7.2 6.4 5.8 Per cent. 19.0 19.7 20.3 89.2 88.2 92.7 The sugar beet industry is discussed in general and notes given on the method of cultivation. Cane, sirup, and sugar, H. E. Stockbeidge (Florida Sta. Bui. 4-1, pp. 47, pi. 1, figs. -./). — This is a popular discussion of sugar-cane culture and the manufacture of sirup and sugar from cane. The following subjects are considered in short notes: Soil conditions, preparation of the land, fertilizing the crop, planting the cane7 cultivating, harvesting, and preserving seed cane. Analyses were made of 3 varieties of cane on different dates to test the effect of the time of harvesting upon the yield of sugar. The results are shown in the following table: Sugar content of cane on different dates. Cut Nov. 20. Cut Nov. 30. Cut Dec. 10. Per cent. 14.22 10.10 Per cent. 15.34 11.41 10.34 ' Per cent. 15.60 15.15 12.36 From a consideration of the relative profits from sirup making and sugar making the conclusion is drawn that sugar cane "is more profita- 348 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. ble when converted into sirup than when manufactured into sugar; still the combination of the two is commendable, at least to the extent of supplying home demand. . . . The sugar-cane crop on a purely com- mercial basis can be made one of the most profitable resources of the Florida farmer, aside from the mere advantage of domestic independ- ence.'1 The manufacture of sirup on the farm and the use of Spanish moss for clarifying are described. Practical chemistry of soils and crops, GF. L. Holter and J. Fields (Oklahoma Sta. Bui. 32, pp. 1-10). — General suggestions on crops and soils, giving the amount of the elements of fertility removed from the soil by crops of wheat, oats, corn, Kafir corn, cotton, and castor beans. Fertilizer experiments and variety tests -with barley, C. Kraus and G. Luff (Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), No. 13, pp. 487-493). The culture of winter barley (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 59, p. 656).— Notes on the culture and harvesting of winter barley. Practical notes on growing and harvesting bailey for brewing purposes, A. Emmerling (Landw. Wchnbl. Schleswig-IIolsiein, 48 (1898), No. 29, pp. 502-504). Malting bailey (Queensland Acjr. Jour., 2 (1898), No. 6, pp. 440-443). — Hints on the successful cultivation of barley for malting purposes. The black Mauritius bean, A. H. Benson (Queensland Agr. Jour.. 3 1 1898), No. .'. pp. 151, I-''?, pis. 2). — A short description of the plant and notes on the preparation of the soil, method of planting, and use of the crop are given. This legume is closely related to the velvet bean. ' Crimson clover, F. E. Emery (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 145, pp. 231-247).— A dis- cussion of the experiments with crimson clover at the station and the cooperath e experiments carried on throughout the State. A digestion experiment with feeding crimson clover hay to a goat and a sheep is reported. Notes are given on the dangers of feeding overripe crimson clover hay and on the introduction of crimson clover into the State. Medicago maculata and M. denticulata for fodder and green manuring, F. Spiegel (Deut. Landxv*. I'rexse, 25 (1S0S), Xo. 45, p. 494). — The value of these leuumes is briefly mentioned and the method of treating the seed before sowing described. Brabant clover, H. Bichel (La7idmansbladc, 31 (1S9S), No. 4, pp. 38-40; Markfro- kontaret 25 Ausber., lS97,pp. 18-20). — This clover, an annual, originated in Brabant, Holland, and is there grown mainly for soiling purposes. There are two varieties, one small seeded, the other large seeded, differing in the size of the seed and herbage. The large-seeded variety produces the heavier yields of fodder. This variety has been grown in Denmark in an experimental way and lias given promising results. A variety test of cotton, 1893, F. E. Emery (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 146, pp. 254-258). — Fourteen varieties, including the Egyptian varieties Afifi and Bamia, were tested. The highest percentage of lint was obtained from Peterkin, King No. 1, and Shine Early Prolific, which varieties, with King No. 2, also produced the largest yields of lint. A small variety test of cowpeas, F. E. Emery (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 146, pp. 251, 252). — Six varieties of cowpeas were tested. The Black cowpea ripened earliest and the Unknown variety produced the largest yield of dry peas. The peas were planted July 3, and on September 22 the Black variety had ripened and its leaves fallen. Growing grass and other forage crops for seed (Braunschw. Landw. Ztg., 66 (1S0S), No. 33, pp. 139, 140). Notes on the seeding of grass land, W. 'P. Hail (Agr. Students' Ga:., n. ser., .9 (1898), No. 1. pp. 4-8). — A report on the percentage of different grasses in pastures 4 and 5 years after seeding them down. FIELD CROPS. 349 Setaria and its culture, P. MlKHYEYEV (SelsJc. Khoz. i Lyesov., 185 (1S97), May, pp. -143-380). Harvesting lupines and oil-yielding crops, J. Kriix (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 56, pp. 623, 624). — A discussion of the methods of harvesting lupines and crops of rape and beets grown for the seed. Oil-yielding crops and lupines, II. Lehnert (Deut. Landw. 1'rexse, 25 {1898), Xo. 75, p. 804). — The methods of culture and harvesting' are hrielly noted. Culture and use of white mustard (Sinapis alba) (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 1 1898), Xo. 66, p- 723). Growing winter barley, J. H. Mansholt (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), Xo. 65, p. 711). — Notes on cultivating and harvesting winter barley. Culture experiments with winter oats, Schacht (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (JS9S), Xo. 64, p. 704). — A discussion of results of experiments with English varieties of win- ter oats. The varieties are not yet adapted to the climatic conditions of Germany. Some experiments with potatoes, F. E. Emery (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 146, pp. 258-263). — Comparisons were made of deep and shallow culture, early and late planting, and different rates of seeding. Deep planting with level culture yielded 30.25 hu. more per acre than shallow planting with hilled culture; the early-planted plat yielded at the rate of 108.4 bu. more per acre than the late-planted plat; and seeding at the rate of 24 bu. per acre resulted in better yields than seeding at the rate of 12 and 18 hu. per acre. ■ Planting potatoes and their fertilizer requirements, M. Fischer (Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1S98), Xo. 9, pp. 350-356). — A discussion of experiments. Wheat testing — description of mill, F. B. Guthrie ( Ayr. Gaz. New South Wales, 9 (1S98), pt. 7, pp. 713-716, pi. 1). — A description of a mill for testing small samples of wheat. The advantages of the mill in testing the milling qualities of wheat from experimental plats and in judging Avheats are pointed out. Test of effect of chemical manure and cotton-seed meal on the germination of wheat, F. E. Emery (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 146, pp. 252-254). — To a number of wheat plats chemical manures and cotton-seed meal were applied at the time of sow- ing the grain. On some plats the cotton-seed meal was worked into the soil before sowing and on others it was put on top of the covered rows. The results indicated that cotton-seed meal under the wheat injuriously affected its growth. "It is believed that the oily character of the meal interferes materially with the rising of water in the soil by capillarity" and that in this way an application of cotton-seed meal, especially when but recently made, interferes with germination and growth. Heine bearded squarehead wheat (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), Xo. 75, p. 807, fiy. 1). — A description of the variety and its history are given. Relations between the color of the grain, the composition, and the form of the heads and stems of rye, M. Fischer (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), Xo. 13, pp. 504-517, pis. 4). — The results of experiments in breeding rye are discussed with reference to the transmission of the above-mentioned factors. The lodging of grain, L. Lehmann (Deut. Landiv. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 64, p, 70S). — Notes on methods which tend to prevent the lodging of grain. Storage of grain, 0. Bohm (Die Kornhauser. Stuttgart: •/. //. Cotta's Successor, 189S). — A study of the organization of the grain trade in America. India. Russia, and Germany, with special reference to the systems of storing grain in the different countries. Plants best adapted for litter, V. C,. Stebler (Die iesten Streuepjlanzen. Bern: K.J. Wysz,lS98). Experiments in tobacco culture in 1895 and 1896, N. Passerini (Atti 1!. Accad. Leon. Ayr. Georg. Firenze, 4. ser., 21 (1898), No. 1. pp. 43-59).— The experiments consisted of fertilizer and variety tests with tobacco. The varieties tested were Kentucky Burley, Seed Leaf, Havana, Sumatra, Brazilian Exotic Virginia Bright, Aya-Soluk, Malacca, and Singapore. The results are tabulated and discussed iu detail. 350 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Cooperative experiments made by the Ohio Agricultural Students' Union in 1896, L. M. BLOOMFIELD and J. S. IIiNE | Ohio Sta. Bul.88,pp. 69-9?).— This bulk-tin describes the purpose of fche organization, outlines the plan of the experiments, and reports the results of various experiments with corn and potatoes. The results of fertilizer tests are tabulated and the manner in which the experiments were con ducted is described. The results of experiments with corrosive sublimate and flowers of sulphur for the prevention of potato scab, and of variety and culture tests with potatoes are reported. HORTICULTURE. Asparagus, F. W. Card (Nebraska Farmer, 26 (1898), No. 25, p. 554). — The author reports the results of experiments with asparagus at the Nebraska Station. Salt as a fertilizer was found to have no benefi- cial effect and to be injurious when used in considerable quantities. Deep setting of asparagus is briefly discussed and the arguments usually given in favor of it are noted. To test the matter, 100 plants each of Donald Elmira and Palmetto varieties were set in 1894, one- half of each variety being placed from 8 to 10 in. deep and one-half from 3 to 4 in. deep. The results are given as follows: "The first dif- ference to appear between these depths of planting was the influence upon earliuess. Those plants set shallow appeared decidedly in ad- vance of the ones planted deep, and this difference was not only evi- dent the first year but has continued in succeeding years. Later in the season comparatively little difference in the vigor of the plants was observed, if any difference existing being in favor of the shallow-set plants." Growing melons in the North, F. W. Kane (New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 49-70, figs. 6). — Suggestions concerning the culture of musk- melons in New Hampshire are given and a test of 72 varieties is reported. The data are given in tables accompanied by descriptive notes. The fruits of the different varieties are illustrated. The char- acteristics of the varieties as compiled from various catalogues are given in tabular form. The small-sized varieties proved more produc- tive than the larger ones. The varieties having the best flavor were as follows: Small — Captain, No. 88, Newport, Golden Netted Gem, Ear- liest Ripe, Eose Gem, Jenny Lind, Shippers' Delight; medium — Per- fected Delmonico, Pineapple, Extra Early Cantaloupe, Satisfaction, Skillman line-netted, Improved Jenny, Jersey Belle, Ivy Gem, Ban- quet, Market, Netted Nutmeg; large — Sill Hybrid, Tip Top, Ironclad, Miller Cream, Delmonico, Long Island Beauty, Six Oaks Cantaloupe, Surprise; extra large — Lone Star, Long Yellow, Triumph. Tomatoes, J. S. Bobinson (Mart/laud Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 117-134). — The bulletin reports variety tests of tomatoes and experiments in the use of Bordeaux mixture for tomato-leaf blight. In 1896, 20 plants each of 30 varieties, and in 1897, 12 plants each of 19 varieties were grown. One-half of the plants of each variety were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture, the other half being left uusprayed. The first year the plants HORTICULTURE. 3.r)l "were sprayed 1 times and the next year 3 times. Tables are given showing the dates of picking, the weight of fruit at each picking, and the computed yield per acre for both the sprayed and unsprayed plants of each variety. In regard to varieties the author says: "The varieties giving the largest early yields are Early Ruby, Potato Leaf, Prize Taker, Auto- crat, and Canada Victor. The best varieties for main crop trucking- are Paragon, Prize Taker, Perfection, World's Fair, and Climax. The best varieties for the canning trade are Royal Red, Queen, Stone, Par- agon, and Matchless. The best variety for late market or family use is the Buckeye State." The first 4 sprayings increased the yield of ripe fruit of all but one variety in 189G and of all but 3 varieties in 1897, and, taking account of the green fruit at the end of the season, spray- ing increased the yield in every case. In 1896 the average yield of the sprayed plants was at the rate of 9.52 tons per acre and of unsprayed plants 6.98 tons per acre. In 1897 yields of sprayed and finsprayed plants were at the rate of 10.26 and 8.11 tons per acre, respectively. It was found that infection of the blight may take place through the agency of insects. Some Colorado potato beetles that were feeding on blighted potatoes were placed on isolated and protected tomato plants, other plants being kept as checks. The plants on which the beetles were placed blighted, while the check plants showed no evidence of the disease. Miscellaneous fruit notes, S. C. Mason and W. L. Hall (Kansas Sta. Bui. 73, pp. 181-193). — Notes are given on 20 of Munson's hybrid grapes. In summarizing the notes the author says : "All the Post Oak hybrids are tender in our climate and need winter covering. All are vigorous growers except the Triumph hybrid, and all are late in blooming and in ripening of fruit. Blood, Sweetey, aud Letoney give us a delicious j nice for canning, aud doubtless would make a line wine; Carman is a very fair table grape; Texas Highland is a better, but does not bear well. . . . "From this brief glance at all of these hybrids we may fairly infer, it seems to me, that the pistillate parent exercises a stronger control over the character of the vine than does the pollen-bearing parent, while the predominating influence of the male (or pollen-bearing) parent can most often be detected in the fruit; aud further, that the strong tendency toward tenderness from a Yitis vinifera cross is not escaped in the third generation." Tests of the Mariana plum indicated that it can be used with good results as a stock for grafting the varieties of American, Japanese, and European plums. Apricots grafted on the Mariana stock made a vig- orous growth, but there was an almost total lack of continuity in grain of wood of stock and scion. A longitudinal section of a 6-iu. tree trunk showed a sharply drawn line rising a little from the center to the out- side. "Toward this line of .separation the -wood grain from each side made a sharp curve inward, becoming parallel with it. A section ^ in. in thickness was readily broken with slight pressure, breaking sharply on this line across the entire section, except a small portion at the center." 352 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A test of the relative value of peach and Myrobalan pmrns as stocks for peaches resulted decidedly in favor of the peach stocks. The trees grafted on plum stocks were not as strong growers as the others, began early to show signs of fading, and had trunks with decided enlarge- ments just above the stock. Notes are given on a number of Russian fruits, none of which are recommended for growth in Kansas. Dendrolene applied to the trunks of peach trees for about a foot just above the ground damaged the trees in all cases, some of the trees being killed. In germinating a quantity of peach pits it was noticed that a number of them contained 2 embryos, 2 seedlings forming instead of 1. These seedlings were fruited for 3 years and observed closely to determine whether the 2 trees from one pit would differ from each other as much as seedlings ordinarily do. The author says: i " Of the distinctness of each tree as a variety there can he no question, the trees of some pairs being more distinct from each other than from trees in other pairs. In other cases the 2 trees were so nearly alike as to call for an inspection of minute details of leaf and gland in. order to distinguish them. The resemblance to the variety from which the seed was produced was very marked, and especially in the case of the seedlings from Hale Early." Varieties of pears and peaches, G. Coote (Oregon Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 8-16, Jigs. 9). — Descriptive notes are given on several varieties of pears, with outline drawings of the fruits of each. Notes are given on the leaf curl of peaches (Exoascus deform a us). To determine whether the disease was caused by climatic changes, badly affected trees of 3 varieties were transplanted in the fall of 1893 to half-barrels in a greenhouse, the temperature of which did not fall below freezing. The trees were placed outdoors during the following summer. They grew well and showed no signs of disease. The next fall the trees were returned to the greenhouse. The following season they were perfectly healthy and blossomed and fruited well. Buds from diseased trees from the orchard were set in healthy greenhouse trees. The buds grew well, only the first leaves being affected. In the next fall the trees were planted in the orchard and the following spring were very severely attacked by the disease. For preventing leaf curl the author believes that a mixture of lime, sulphur, and salt, used to spray the trees just before the buds open, is beneficial. Flower seed growing in America, W. W. Tracy ( Gardening, 6 (1898), No. 136, pp. 213, 244). — In discussing the improvement of the sweet pea in America the author says : "The Extra Early Blanch Ferry was not the result of the selections of the earliest flowers, but it was developed on the theory that the time (from the sowing of the seed) of the plant coming into flower was quite as largely affected by conditions of growth as by constitutional tendency, but that the period in the development of the plant when it first showed bloom was more a matter of constitutional tendency than of growth conditions. Accordingly, in HORTICULTURE. 353 breeding for early flowering, plants which produced flowers from the lowest nodes rather than those which first showed flowers were selected, and the results showed the correctness of the theory. It seems to me that what Americans have done in the development of this flower sug- gests possibilities with others and that we ought to look forward to the production of our own flower seeds of all kinds." Adherence to type of seed breeding, W. W. Tracy (Gardening^ 6 (1898), No. 138, pp. 282, 283).— The author notes some of his experi- ence in breeding vegetables and flowers to illustrate the value of first forming an ideal and of then adhering to it strictly. He says: aThe highest quality and most practically valuable seed of a variety is not that which from a large planting will produce a few superlative plants but that from which the largest proportion of the entire product will be of fine type. Uniformity of product is really the most important object of seed breeding, and to secure it we must have first a clear concep- tion of just what in every particular an ideal plant of the variety should be, and secondly we must adhere rigidly to that ideal in our selection of breeders from year to year, and that we may do so it is essential that we have on record a full, minute, and accurate descrip- tion of the ideal plant we are working to produce and select such plants and such only for breeders, rejecting those that differ from the ideal in any way even if the difference is of itself an improve- ment. . . . An intimate acquaintance with most of the stocks of vegetable and flower seeds in common use convinces me that the great- est horticultural need of the age is clearly defined ideas of just what ideal plants of the different varieties propagated by seed should be and a closer adherence by seed growers to such ideals in selecting stock." Report of horticultural department, C. B. Waldron (Nortlt Dakota Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 25; 26). — Experiments with celery and cauliflower are outlined. No results were secured on account of destruction of the plants by cutworms. A destructive disease of raspberries is noted. Marketing fruit, M. Craig (Oregon Sta. Bui. 51, pp. 8). — Suggestions on picking, packing, and marketing fruit. The export of our tender fruit, J. W. Robertson (Canad. Rort., 21 {1898), So. S, pp. 303-307, fi y s. 2). — A reprint from the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture [Canada] on experimental fruit shipments to Great Britain. The picking, packing, and shipping of fruit, and the construction of fruit packages, are briefly discussed. Tables show the amount of various fruits imported by Great Britain from different countries. Influence of the honeybee on the fruit crop, L. D. Stilson (Nebraska Farmer, 26 (1898), No. 35, p. 554).— A popular article read before the Nebraska and Southwest- ern Iowa Horticultural Societies. Chemical fertilizers for garden and orchard, R. Dumont (Prog. Agr. et lit., 30 (1898), No. 29, pp. 78-82). The use of fertilizers in horticulture, A. Hkbert and G. Truffaut (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 25, pp. 1831-1834). The propagation of plants by cuttings ( Wiener lllus. dart. Ztg., 2S (1S9S), No. 8-9, pp.- 295-299). — A popular article on cuttage. 354 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Selection in its relation to horticulture, C. L.Allen {Eastern New York Hort., 8(1898), No. l,pp. 11, 12). Notes on horticultural nomenclature, F. A. Watch (New York: American Gar- dening, 1898, pp. 26). — This consists of six essays under the following heads: Gen- eral problems, Pomological rules, The names of garden vegetables, Examples of scientific methods, Property rights in name*, and Hints on naming. The essays are intended as suggestions for nurserymen, fruit growers, gardeners, seed growers, plant breeders, and students of horticulture. The first five essays were first pub- lished in Country Gentleman, vol. 63. Fruit evaporation, H. E. Doscii (California Fruit Grower, .'■> (1898), No. 3, p. 4). Home canning of fruit, Mrs. W. F. JENKINS (Nebraska Hort. Soc. Bpt. 1896, pp. 203,204). — Directions are given for canning strawberries, cherries, plums, apples, peaches, pears, and sweet corn. Thinning fruit (Canad. Hort., 21 (1898), No. 7, pp. 264-266, fig. 1).—A reprint from U. S. Dept. Agr. Farmers' Bulletin 73. Forcing vegetables, A. Herrington (Amer. Card., 19 (1S98), No. 196, pp. 667, 66S). — Notes on the forcing of cauliflowers, beets, onions, carrots, radishes, lettuce, rhubarb, asparagus, and chicory. Originating new vegetables, A. Low (Gardening, 6 (1898), No. 138, pp. ..'SO, 2S1).— A paper read before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Sweet corn for New Hampshire, F. W. Rank ( New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 51, pp. 33-46, figs. 3). — A test of 41 varieties of sweet corn is reported. The data obtained are recorded in notes and tables showing earlmess, quality, yield, size, prevalence of smut, etc. Illustrations are given showing stalks, whole ears, and cross sections of ears of the different varieties. The following varieties gave the best results: Extra early— Extra Early Beverly, Eastman Early, Early Fordhook, First of All, White Cob; early — Crosby Early; medium — Asylum Sugar, First Crop, Early Essex, Squantum; late — Hauce Early, Triumph Sugar, Stowell Evergreen, Country Gentle- man. Lettuce growing in Florida, P. F. Wilson (Florida Farmer and Fruit Grower, n. set:, 10 (1898), No. 40, p. 630). A study of lettuces, W. F. Massey (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 147, pp. 267-271).— The bulletin gives suggestions on the winter culture of lettuce and reports a variety test of lettuce. Notes are given on 34 varieties tested at the station. How to grow mushrooms, D. Fraser (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 192, Sup., pp. 1, 2). — A prize essay on mushroom culture. Tomato growing, E. B. Voorhees ( U. S. Dept. Agr. Farmers' Bui. 76, pp.29). — The bulletin treats of "tomato culture for the early market, for the medium and late crops, for canneries, and in the greenhouse; discusses the selection of varieties, growing young plants, selection and preparation of soil, manures and fertilizers, setting and training plants, cultivation, pollination, cost, yield and value of crops, markets and prices, etc. The insect enemies of the tomato are briefly considered. Notes are given on fungus diseases of tomatoes by B. D. Halstead. Advantages of cultivation (California Fruit Grower, .'3 (1S98), No. 12, p. 1, figs. 3). — The article is from California Station Bulletin 121 and shows the benefits derived from cultivating orchards. Apple culture near London, J. Hudson (Garden, 54 (1898), No. 1395, pp. 120-122).— Notes on culture and varieties of apples suitable to the locality^ of London. Some principles in Delaware apple culture, G. H. Powell (Delaware Sta. Bui. 38, pp. 20, figs. 9). — This is a popular bulletin discussing the statistics of the apple industry in Delaware, and giving practical suggestions on apple growing in the State. The lack of prominence of apple culture is thought to be due to the selec- tion of varieties not adapted to the conditions of the region. The principles on which the selection of varieties should be based are noted. A number of varieties of apples are described. HORTICULTURE. 355 The principles and practice of pruning, W. C. Worsdeix (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 24 (1S9S), No. 60S, pp. 133, 134). Gumming of stone fruits, S. A. Beacb (Amer. Card., 19 (1898), No. 192, p. GOG). — A brief resume of what is known regarding the cause of the gumming of stone fruits. Grafting the plum and cherry, N. E. Hansen (Nebraska Hort. Soc. Bpt. 1895, pp. 179-184, Jig. 1). — The propagation of cherries and plums by grafting is described. Classification of varieties of peacher, E.. H. Pkice (Amer. Gard., 19 (189S),No. 189, p. 560). — A paper read before the American Pomological Society. Edible fruits indigenous to Queensland, F. M. Bailey (Queensland Ayr., Jour., 2 (1898), No. G,pp. 471, 472, pi. 1). — Descriptions are given of Davidsonia pruriens and Eugen ia eucahjptoides. Currant bushes failing to bear fruit, A. P. Aitkin (Trans. Highland and Agr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser., 10 (1808), pp. 293-299). — The author reports analyses of the soil of an orchard to determine the cause of the failure of currants to fruit. The cause was not ascertained. Strawberries, C. W. Matthews (Kentucky Sta. Bui. 73, pp. 27-42). — The bulletin gives directions for the culture of strawberries and descriptive notes on 65 varieties based on work at the station and on the experience of some 130 strawberry growers of the State. The favorite market varieties for Kentucky in order of merit are Bubach, Haverland, Gandy, Crescent, Michel, and Warfield. Growing strawberries by irrigation, J. W. Stevenson (Nebraska Hort. Soc. Bpt. 1896, pp. 17-21). — The author's experience in the use of windmills for irrigating strawberries is given. Judging or scoring fruit, W. R. Lazenby (Country Gent., 63 (1898), No. 2379, p. 6S8). — Suggested scales of points for judging apples, grapes, strawberries, and toma- toes are given and the scale of points for apples is discussed in detail. Grape pruning, E. II. Raixford ( Queensland Agr. Jour., 2 (1S9S), No. 6, pp. 462- 470, pi. l,figs. 11). — A popular article giving directions for iiruning grapes. Stocks for grafting grapes, P. Gervais (Brog. Agr. et Tit., 30 (1898), No. 38, pp. 331-341).— This is a report presented to the Congres viticole de Lyon and to the Con- gres international d'agriculture de Lausanne. The use of American grapes ( Vitis rupestris, V. riparia, and V. berlandieri), their hybrids and varieties, and hybrids between them and V. rinifera as stocks resistant to phylloxera are discussed. Notes on self-fertility of cultivated grapes, S. A. Beach (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 196, pp. 666, 667, fig. 1). — A paper read before the Society for the Promotion of Agricultural Science. The data included in this article have previously appeared in the New York State Station reports (E. S. R., 9, p. 52). Objects and methods of crossing the grape, N. E. Hansen (Nebraska Hort. Soc. Bpt. 1895, pp. 27-30). A new departure in grape hybrids (Amer. Gard., 19 (189S), No. 196, p. 669, figs. 2). — The production of three new grapes, La Salle, San Jacinto, and De Soto, all hy- brids of Scuppernong, is noted. The varieties are described and San Jacinto and De Soto are figured. Vineyard management, P. W. Card (Nebraska Hort. Soc. Bpt. 1S95, pp. 33-50, figs. 7). Grape growing and wine making in the Caucasus, VIII ( Tifiis: Government of Tijiis, 1897, pp. 170; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 1S8 (1898), .Jan., pp. 239, .'40). The almond and its varieties (Garden, 54 (1898), No. 1395, pp. 122, 123, pi. 1).— Brief notes. The cultivation of the hazelnut, G. Coote (Oregon Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 3-7, pi. 1, figs. 2). Growing the pecan, S. Powers (Country Gent., G3 (1898), No. 2377, p. 653).- Xotes on pecan culture. Ornamenting home grounds, W. M. Munsox (Maine Sta. Bui. 4.', pp. S).— The bulletin gives suggestions on making lawns and flower gardens, the planting and 356 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. arrangement of trees and shrubs, the choice of plauts, etc. A list of native trees ;tn]>. 292-294). — The main principles of pruning ornamental plants are said to be to cut back weak growths to a few buds and stronger growths only a little, and to prune early blooming kinds of plants in summer after blooming and late blooming kinds in fall, winter, or early spring. A list of plants is given and the season iu which they should be pruned is indicated. Showy annuals, F. Brunton (Canad. Tlort., ..'1 (1898), No. 1 , pp. 274-277).— Notes on the culture of a number of annual flowering plants useful for mixed borders. The species of Camellia ( Garden, 54 (1S98), No. 1401, pp. 242, 243, pi. 1, figs. 2).— Notes on the ornamental value of camellias and descriptions of several species. Cannas in 1898, D. Zirngiebel (Florists' Exchange, 10 (189S), No. W, p. 989). — Lists of cannas regarded as best by the author are given, with brief notes on their value for ornamental purposes. Growing roses under glass, N. Butterbach (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 197, Sup., pp. 1, :.'). — k prize paper on rose culture under glass. Growing roses under glass, T. Harrison (Amer. Hard., 19 (1SDS), No. 197, Sup., pp. 2, 3). — A prize essay on rose culture under glass. Violets and how to grow them, F. Thawite (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 188, Sup., pp. 10, 11). Improvement in varieties and improvement in cultural methods as exempli- fied in high grade flowers, E. G. Hill (New England Florist, 4 (1SD8), No. 25, pp. 291, 292; Florists' Exchange, 10 (1898), No. 34, pp. 804, 805; Amer. Florist, 14 (1898), No. 533, pp. 90-92). — A paper read before the Society of American Florists and Orna- mental Horticulturists.- FORESTRY. Woods adapted for the manufacture of paper pulp, F. Roth (Forester, 4 (1898), No. 3, pp. 60, 62, 63). — The author states that accord- ing to a canvass made in 1888 by the Division of Forestry of this Department, of the 240 wood-pulp mills then reporting nearly half used nothing but spruce timber, about -5 per cent used spruce and poplar, and 0 per cent used poplar alone, the others using a variety of woods, such as pine, hemlock, basswood, balsam, cypress, birch, maple, beech, buckeye, and gum. Considering the rapid increase of the wood-pulp industry and the reduction of the supply, the question naturally arises as to what shall prove a substitute for the spruce. The characteristics of different woods and their relative value for use in the manufacture of pulp are referred to, and the author in concluding states that — "From the standpoint of a supply, it is quite probable that the conifers will be in the future, as they have been in the past, the main pulp woods of our country. They are still quite abundant and any step toward protection and reforestation, such as may naturally be expected in the near future, will insure new supplies by the time the present stands are cut. "In the New England States and the East generally spruce will probably continue, aided by hemlock and possibly by second-growth pine. Iu the Lake Region, hem- lock, together with scattered spruce and balsam, will furnish pulp wood for a con- siderable period and when this is exhausted the pine forests may be expected to take their place. Of the hard woods only the basswood appears sufficiently abundant to warrant its consideration as a source of long time supply. "In the South coniferous material is found in the spruce, white pine, and hemlock FORESTRY. 357 of the mountains and still more iu the vast bodies of hard pines (loblolly, short leaf, long leaf, etc.). When the chemical processes arc adapted to the use of these resinous hard pines, the South will be in position to support a great number of pulp mills. "Western United States, with their extensive forests of conifers, are iu good posi- tion to supply large quantities of pulp, but the different kinds of spruce, fir, etc., have not been sufficiently studied to warrant any detailed statement." The sustained yield of spruce lands, G. Pinchot {Forester, 4 (1898), No. 3, pp. 56-59). — This paper, which is an abstract of an address read before the American Paper and Pulp Association, February, 1898, reviews the spruce growth of the Ne-ha-sa-ne Park in the Adirondack forests. The abundant reproduction of spruce and its ability to survive under heavy shade are shown in the data given as to the number of trees in more than 1,000 acres of this park. The author has tabulated the number of trees on this area and it appears there are 314,000, of which 150,1*28 are 2 in. or more in diameter. The rate of growth for the past 10 years, as shown by measurements of 300 trees which were of marketable size, ranging from 9 to 27 in. in diameter, shows that the mean annual growth is about 0.11 in.; or, on an average, that about 9 years is required to add 1 in. in diameter to a spruce tree after it has attained merchantable size. This rate of growth is considerably less than was originally supposed. Financial returns of forest administration in Bavaria ( Forester, 4 (1898), No. 3, pp. 64,65). — The forest area of Bavaria is said to be about 34 per cent of the total area of the Kingdom. One third of this area is owned by the State, one-half by private owners, and the rest by villages and corporations. Since 1830 the State has spent about $8,000,- 000 in acquiring additional forest property. Of the 6,200,000 acres of forest, about 46 per cent is stocked with spruce from which the lumber is usually harvested at an age of 120 years; 30 per cent is pine, mostly Scotch pine, and is largely used as firewood, generally being cut down at an age of 80 years or less; the rest is stocked with hard woods, mostly beech, which is allowed to grow to an age of about 120 years. Some white oak is grown, part of which is managed as tan-bark coppice, being cut every 15 to 25 years, while other trees are allowed to grow into large trees for which about 180 years are necessary iu this region. The yield per acre is generally large, the State forest yielding on an average about 61 cu. ft. for every year's growth over the entire area, so there is an annual cut of about 120,000,000 cu. ft. of timber and firewood. The money returns of the Bavarian State forest are somewhat less than those of the forests in Saxony and Wurttemberg. This is said to be partially due to the prevalence of mountain lands which reduce the yield while increasing the cost of operations. Improved methods of administration, however, have increased the net revenue so that the income which in 1850 amounted to about $1 per acre, is now $1.92, the net income of the State amounting to about $4,000,000 per year. 8192— No. 4 5 358 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The conifers of China, L. Beissnkr (Bui. Soc. Bot. Hal., 1898, \<>. 6, pp. 166-170). Tilia cordata, E. G. Baker (Jour. Hot. [London], 36 ( 1898 I, So. 428, pp.318, 319). An exact method for determining the season in -which timber has been felled, P. I. Rasheyski ( Warsaw, lS97,pp. 17 : abs. in Selsk. him:, i Lyesov., Is: 1 1897), j>. 1 16). — The author describes a method for determining by use of the microscope whether a given piece of timber was felled in summer or winter. The method is illustrated by drawings of microscopic sections of pine felled in different seasons. — p. fireman. SEEDS— WEEDS. Heat of imbibition by seeds, G. Macloskie (Bui. Torrey Bot. Club, 25 (1808). No. 5, pp. 272-271). — The author states that the expla- nation of tbe production of heat in germinating seeds by destructive metabolism is not sufficient to explain the rising of temperature or cer- tain cases of germination which have occurred at very low tempera- tures. He reviews briefly the various opinions relative to the physics of imbibition, and describes a limited experiment in which dried peas with water were placed in a bottle and beside it a control bottle con- taining water, the initial temperature of the two being the same. In about an hour the temperature of the first bottle had increased about 1° C. over the check and remained about this much higher for 3 days, when the peas began to germinate. In the second experiment, conducted in a somewhat similar manner, the author used dry split peas devoid of seed coat, without radicle or plumule, so there could be no germination. They absorbed water quickly and in a short time the temperature was 1° C. higher than that of the control bottle. This continued for 15 hours, by which time the seeds had become thoroughly saturated, when the temperature fell to that of the water in the other bottle. The author states that a differ- ence of 1° O. will certainly not appear insignificant since the tempera- ture of germinating peas was only 1.5° 0. higher than the surrounding air, as determined by experiments of Sachs. No attempt was made to estimate quantitatively the amount of heat which was evolved. The author believes that in the experiments cited by Uloth in 1871, in which seeds were found germinating in ice, while the initial heat may have been due to some external cause, after the seeds had become wet the heat produced by imbibition might have melted the ice to such an extent as to account for the germination. The influence of X-rays on germination, Maldinev and Tuou- venin (Rev. Gen. Bot, 10, No. Ill, pp. 81-86. ph. 2). — The authors briefly review the somewhat limited literature on this subject and give in some detail a series of interesting experiments in which the effect of X-rays on the germination of a number of seed was investigated. The seeds tested were millet, Convolvulus arvensis, and Lepidium sativum. The form of apparatus used is figured and described. Check seeds were protected from the action of the X-rays by means of leaden plates. From the results of the experiments the authors conclude that X-rays SEEDS WEEDS. 359 hasten germination somewhat, and that they are without any influence on the production of chlorophyll in the seedlings. Effect of different temperatures of water on the germination of olive seeds, X. Passerini (Bui. Soc. Bot. Ital., 1898, No. 3, pp. 71-73). — After removing the pericarp from a number of olives the seeds of 8 lots were subjected for 10 minutes to the action of water of differ- ent temperatures, tbe initial temperature of which varied from .'50 to 100° C. The seeds were then planted, and the germinations for 7 months are tabulated. It appears that the germination of the olive seeds was accelerated when they were treated with water heated to from 40 to 50°, and the maximum was reached at 70° C. When the water was hotter than 90° O. there was no germination, the seed having been killed. The woolly mullein, H. Garman (Kentucky 8ta. Bui. 70, pp. 99-107, pis. 2, map 1). — In continuation of his investigations (E. S. E.., 9, p. 1024) on this weed (Verbascum phlomoides), the author describes its distribution and some of its characteristics. As now known, the woolly mullein has an uneven distribution over about 50 square miles, includ- ing portions of 1 counties. The main distribution seems to be along the Nolin River, and it is thought the weed was probably introduced originally somewhere near the headwaters of this stream. Tbe effect on germination of soaking the seed of this plant was investigated by the Division of Botany of this Department, and a report given in the bulletin shows that an average of 73 per cent germinated after floating for 7 days in a bowl of water and 69 per cent after having been in water for 11 days; so that practically the seeds would not lose their vitality by being carried any ordinary distance down stream. Notes are given on the history of this weed in Kentucky and on its distribution in Europe. It does not thrive in cultivated fields when these are properly cared for, but is chiefly a frequenter of roadsides, meadows, and pastures and much resembles in this respect the other mulleins, to which it is nearly related. A description of the plant together with photogravures are given, and it is stated that it begins to flower early in June when not more than 2 or 3 it. high, at which time it is often unbranched. It continues to produce flowers and put out lateral branches and, if growing on good soil, attains a height of f students in entomology and also for the purpose of correcting a statement in regard to 'true type specimens' made by C. F. Baker in an article entitled 'Notes on the Genus Deltocephalus' and published in the current volume of Psyche, p. 114." A few new species of Deltocephalus and Athysanus from Colorado, C. P. Gillette (Colorado Sta. />'. atropuncta, and Athysanus ornatus. Descriptions of new genera and species of the Geometrina of North Amer- ica, G. D. HuLST (Canad. Ent., 30 (1898), No. 7, pp. 191-195). — Diaatictis benigna, D. sericeata, Jubarella, a. g., J. danbyi, Spodoptera kunzei, Mthyctera lineata. Aids masstosa, A. lallala, Selidosema configurata, S. lachrymosa, Cleora subaustralis, and C. pedicellata. Two new species of Kermes from Kansas, E. E. Bogi'e (Canad. Ent., 30 (1898), No. 7, p. 17'). — Kermes pubescens, on twigs and leaves of oak (Quereus macrocarpa and Q. prinoides) ; reported also on Q. macrocarpa. It occurs very thickly on young twigs and leaves. Kermes concinnulus on Q. macrocarpa, allied to K. cockerelli. Concerning the ovular envelopes of some of the Chrysomelidae, A. Lecaillon (Arch. Anal. Micros., 2 (1SDS), No. 1, pp. 89-117, pi. 1). The development of the embryo of some Chrysomelidae, A. Lecaillon (Arch. Anat. Micros., ..' (1S9S), No. 1, pp. 118-176, pi. 1). ENTOMOLOGY. 373 Structure and classification of insects (linl. Soc. Cent. Wort. Seine- Infer ieure, .'. ser., 8 {1898), Xo. ,.', pp. 153-178 ). The San Jose scale, W. .). Pantox < Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Bui. 106, pp. 8-7, fig. 1). — A popular article on the San Jose scale, its life history, injuries, distri- bution, etc. The various remedies in use are briefly considered. The San Jose scale in Oklahoma, E. E. Bogue (Oklahoma Sta. Bui. 34, pp. 8, figs. .7). — The San Jose scale is reported as having- invaded the Territory , and this bulletin is a brief popular account of it and its life history. The source of intro- duction seems at present to be from Texas. As remedies salt, sulphur, and lime solution were employed with success. It is thought that in Oklahoma it would be best for every man to be a law to himself rather than depend upon restrictive legislation. The importation of the San Jose scale ( Aspidiotus perniciosus) from Japan, F. M. WEBSTER (Canad. lint., 30 {1898), Xo. 7, pp. 169-172).— It is noted that in April, 1898, the author found Aspidiotus perniciosus and Diplosus amygdali on Japanese white flowering cherry trees which were received directly from Japan during the winter of 1896-97. The isolation of the trees, although they had been growing in this country for a year, is thought sufficient proof that the scales came from Japan. Another lot of trees which had never been removed from the storehouse in which they were placed when they came from Japan were examined and found infested with the pernicious scale. The author believes with T. D. A. Cockerell that the scale is a native of Japan, and explains the fact that it is not as injurious and numerous there by the probable existence and influence of natural enemies, which he suggests might be brought to this country. The San Jose scale in Massachusetts, A. H. Kirkland | Massachusetts Crop Rpt., June, 1898, pp. 24--18, figs. 3). — A popular summary of recent literature on and a dis- cussion of this insect as found in Massachusetts. To a discussion of the usual ques- tions, one on the nursery question is added. The natural laws of trade are thought more potent than those framed by legislatures. There is added beside very good advice to nurserymen and purchasers. San Jose scale {Pennsylvania Dipt. Agr. Bui. 34, pp. 45-49). — Notes are given on Rolfs' and Smith's work with the San Jose scale. Erratum. — The statement on page L'71 of the preceding number of the Record, to the effect that the appearance of the San Jose scale in Iowa was noted, is erroneous. The authors state instead that "no occurrences have as yet been detected." The allied species in Europe of the San Jose scale, Frank and Kruger (Car- tenfiora, 41 ( 1898), Xo. 15, pp. 393-400, figs. 6). A contribution to the knowledge of the red spider (Tetranchyus telarius), C. VON Tubeuf {Forstl. Xatiinc. Ztschr., 7 K1S98), No. 7, pp. 248-251, figs. 3). Insects injurious to roses, E. Lucet (Jlul. So,'. Cent. Ilort. Seine- Inferieure, .'. ser., ,.' (7S!>S), Xo. 2, pp. 135-152, pi. 1). — This is one of a series of articles giving descriptions of insects injurious to roses, with remedies, etc. Insect enemies of tire grapevine, L. Bruner {Nebraska Hort. Soc. Rpt. 1SD">, pp. 68-162, figs. 96). — A list is given of 148 species of insects known to attack the grape. Some 30 of the most injurious of these are described and figured with notes on their life histories. The methods found most successful in combating these insects arc given. Phylloxera of the vine: Treatment by means of carbon bisulphid, J. Brahamary (Des vignes phylloxeras: De leur traitemeni par 1< swlfure de carbone. Ahjer: Fontana c\'- Co., 1S9S, pp. 1 .'). Injurious insects of the forests of the Government of Kiev, S. Torski {Selsk. Ehoz. i Lyesov., 188 (1898), Xo. J, pp. 41J-428). Remedies for the destruction of insect pests, fungi, etc. {California I'd. Ilort. I!pt.. 1895-96, pp. 56-68). — Formulas and directions for the preparation of several insecticides and fungicides are given, with notes on other remedies. 8192— iso. 4 (i 374 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Notes on some sawfly larvee, especially the Xyelidae, H. G. Dyab (Canad. Ent., 30 (1898), No. 7, pp. 173-176). Classification of the homtails and sawflies or the suborder Phytophaga, W. II. AsiiMKAD {Canad. Ent., SO (1898), No. 7, pp. 177-183). — This, the second paper, takes up the series Xylophaga. In the family < >ryssidae 4 genera, Chaliuus, Ophry- nopns, Mocsarya, and Oryssus are recognized; in the family Siricidae, the sub- families Siricinae and Tremecinae and the genera Sirex and Paururns of the first and Xeris, Tereclon, and Tremex of the second subfamily. In the family XiphydriidaB 2 subfamilies, Derecyotinaj with the single genus Derecyrta, and Xiphydriinae with 4 genera, Brachyxiphus. Philippi, Xiphydria, and Konowia; and in the remaining family, Cephid;e, the genera Csenocephus, Pachycephus, Syrista, Macrocephus, Cal- amenta, Astatus, Cephus, Trachelus, Monoplopus, and Ateuchopus. A new species, Cephus grcsnicheri, from Wisconsin, is described. The described species of Xiphidium in the United States and Canada, 8. H. Scudder (Canad. Ent., 30 (1898), No. 7, pp. 183,184). — A key to 10 species of the genus. Icerya purchasi, a new scale of orange, O. Klein (Gartenflora, 47 (1898), No. 16, pp. 433-436, Jig. 1). Insect pests and tree diseases (California Bd. Horf. Rpt. 1895-96, pp. 23-32, ph. 5, fig. 1). — Insects and tree diseases common in the Eastern States and in foreign coun- tries and liable to be introduced into California are described and figured, with notes quoted from various entomological writers. A list of all vessels arriving in the State from July, 1894, to August. 1896, inclusive, is given, together with lists of plants contained on them and notes as to the dis}>osition made of them at the quar- antine offices. Injurious insect pests found on trees and plants from foreign countries, A. CRA.W (California lid. Hort. Rpt. 1895-96, pp. 33-55. pis. 6, Jigs. 6). — Some 10 insects are described and figured. A twig gall of pine caused by Phytoptus pini, C. von Tubeuf (Forstt. Naturw. Ztschr., 7 (1898), No. 7, pp. 252, 253, fig. 1). The fir-tree root louse (Phemphigus poschingeri), Cvon Tubeuf (Forstl. Naturw. Ztschr., 7 (1898), No. 7, p. 251), Contributions to a monograph of coniferous plant lice, I, N. Cholodkovsky (Horae Soc, Ent. Ross. \_St. Petersburg], 31 (1898), pp. 78, figs. 36; dbs. in Zool. Centbl., 5 (1898), No. 16, pp. 527-530). — This paper treats of the species of Lachnus, of which 6 species frequent the pine, 7 are reported from the spruce, 3 from the fir, 3 from the larch, 2 from the juniper, and 1 from the cypress. The life history of Lyda stellata and Lerythrocephaia, K. Saj6 ( Forstl. Naturw. Ztschr., 7 (189S), No. 7, pp. 237-247). Colorado Lepidoptera, C.P.Gillette (Colorado Sta. Bui. 43, pp. 3-22, fig. 1). — This is a list of Lepidoptera collected in Colorado, with brief notes on dates and localities of capture, names of collectors, food habits, etc. The story of the lives of a butterfly and a moth, F. M. Webster (Ohio Sta. Bid. 86, pp. 25-33. Jigs. 6). — The bulletin is intended for the young, especially school chil- dren, and gives something of the form and life history of a common moth and but- terlly. Insecticides : Their preparation and use, W. E. Britton (Connecticut State Sta. Bid. 126, pp. 3-1,.'. Jigs. 3). — The bulletin gives a popular account of the following insecticides aud directions for their preparation: Internal poisons. — Paris green, London purple, arsenate of lead, and hellebore. Contact poisons. — Whale-oil soap, kerosene, keroseue emulsion, kerosene and water, fir-tree oil, tobacco, and pyrethruni. Poisonous and suffocating fumes. — Tobacco fumes, hydrocyanic uas, and carbon bisul- phid. A list of plants is given, together with a list of the insects most commonly attacking them and notes on the remedies to be employed in each case. Spray calendar, L. C. Corbett ( West Virginia Sta., folio). — This gives tabulated directions for the treatment of a large number of insect pests and diseases, with formulas and directions for the preparation of several fungicides and insecticides. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 375 Paris green, G. W. Shaw and J. F. Fulton (Oregon Sta. Bui. if), pp. >). — The bulle- tin discusses briefly the composition of Paris green, adulteration and its detection, etc. Analyses of 18 samples of Paris green are reported. Reports of the quarantine officer and entomologist, A. Craw {California Bd. Hurt. Iipt. 1SD5-D6, pp. 127-135). — A summary of the work of the quarantine officer and entomologist from April, 1895, to May, 1896. Recent laws against injurious insects in North America together with laws relative to foul brood, L 0. Howard ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of Entomology Bui. IS, n. s.,pp. OS). — This is a compilation of laws relating to injurious insects and foul brood in North America, together with some proposed National and State legislation. FOODS— ANIMAL PRODUCTION. On wheat and rye bread with special reference to the question of army bread, II. Poda, with preface by W. Prausnitz (Ztschr. Un- tersuch. Nahr. u. Genussmtl., 1898, No. 7, pp. 122-490, figs. 2). — Experi- ments are reported on the digestibility of white wheat bread and rye bread with 4 healthy men ranging from 19 to 20 years of age. The bread was consumed with butter, wine, and sugar. Special attention was given to the preparation of the bread. The best sort of flour was used, but, according to the author, as shown by microscopic examina- tion wheat could not be as finely ground as rye. The coefficients of digestibility of the 2 sorts of bread iu the different experiments are shown in the following table: Comparison of the digestibility of white-wheat bread and rye bread. Food consumed per day. Coefficients of digestibility. Subject. Dry 'Organic Nitro- Ether Ash. matter. matter. gen. extract. Ferct. Per ct. Per ct. rer ct. Pit ct. Medical student V - . Rye bread 1,903 gm., butter 247.5 gm., wine 2,250 gm., sugar 45 gin. 94.47 94. 92 65. 20 94.47 68.21 Medical student S .. Rye bread 1,820 gm., butter 251.5 gm., wine 2,250 gin., sugar 45 gm. 94.37 94. 75 1 63.82 93.94 70.05 Medical student V . . White bread 1,956 gm., butter 245 gm., wine 2,250 gm., sugar 45 gm. 9G.47 96. 82 83.15 96.40 71.72 Law student P Rye bread 1,285 gm., butter 240 gm., wine 1,500 gm., sug.ir 30 urn. 94.97 95.52 68.10 95.05 62, 94 95.78 90. 24 74.67 95. 25 07.50 wine 500 gm., sugar 45 gm. Law student P White bread 1,275 gm., butter 213 gm., \\ Ine 1,500 gju., sugar 30 gm. 90.57 97. 02 84. 62 97.41 66. 34 Mechanic G White bread f,370gm., butter 212 gm., wine 500 gm., sugar 30 gm. 90. 26 96.76 83.21 96. 04 60.33 The following conclusions were reached: When rye bread is eaten more feces are excreted and the percentage of nitrogenous material in the feces is larger than when wheat bread is eaten. In other words, rye bread is not as well digested as wheat bread. When thoroughness of digestion is an object the cheaper sorts of wheat flour should be substituted for rye flour. The bread supplied to some of the regiments of the German army is made of a mixture of rye and wheat flour, and this practice should be extended. The article contains considerable controversial matter. The authors object to the deductions of Plagge and Lebbin (E. S. P., 9, p. 872). 376 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Report of a practical test of the use of the emergency ration by United States troops on active service, C. Smart (Com. Gen. Sub- sist. JJ. 8. Army Ilpt. 1897, pp. 12-19). — Two tests were made of the emergency ration of the United States Army with cavalry soldiers near Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In one test 46 officers and men, averaging 158 lbs. in weight, were given the emergency ration for 10 days. The ration consisted of 12 oz. bacon, 11.2 oz. hard bread, 5.4 oz. flour, 2.4 oz. beans, 1.2 oz. sugar, 10 oz. potatoes, and some coffee, salt, and pepper. A portion of the food was not eaten. The average quantity consumed per man per day was 10.2 oz. bacon, 11.2 oz. hard bread. 2.2 oz. flour, 0.8 oz. beans, 16 oz. potatoes, and 0.05 oz. sugar. This was calculated to furnish 3.32 oz. protein, 7.68 oz. fat, aud 15 oz. carbohydrates with a fuel value of 4,145 calories. The average loss in weight per man was 1.35 lbs. The special emergency ration was tested with 10 men. This con- sisted of 8 oz. hard bread, 5 oz. bacon, 2 oz. pea meal, with coffee, sac- charin, salt, pepper, and tobacco. During a 10 days' test the men marched on an average 21 miles a day, and lost 2.935 lbs. in weight. They remained in good health and spirits. All the ration was consumed. It was calculated that it fur- nished 2.128 oz. protein, 3.809 oz. fat, and 6.93 oz. carbohydrates and yielded 2,055 calories. The chemical composition and nutritive value of some edible American fungi, L. B. Mendel (Amer. Jour. Physiol., 1 (lS!>s)J Xo. 11, pp. 225-238). — To determine their nutritive value a number of edible fungi were analyzed aud their digestibility determined by methods of artificial digestion. The composition of the different fungi examined is shown in the following: Composition of various alible fungi. Water. Shaggy coprinus (Coprinus comatus). Inky coprinus (C?. atrimentariu*)2 Inky coprinus (< '. atrimentaHus) '■.... Common morel (Morchella eseult nta) '■ Common morel (.1/. esculenta)'2 Common mushroom {Agaricus cam- pestrie) Common mushroom {A. campestris) . Sulphury polyporus (Polyporus ml- phureus) Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Smeared cortinarius [GorUnarius cor- tinarvus) Clytocybe multiceps, entire Glytocybe multiceps, stem Olytocybe multiceps, pileus Hypholoma eondolUanum* Hypholoma condolleanum* Fairy ring mushroom (Marasmius oreades) Per ct. 92.19 92.31 94.42 89.54 91.24 87. 88 92. 20 70. 80 73.7H 91. i:; 93.49 94. 07 92. 68 88.97 91 07 74.96 In dry substance. Total nitro- gen. Albu- Nonal- ininoid humi- nitro- noid ni- gen. trogen. Per ct. 5.79 4. OS 4.77 4.00 5.3G 4. 42 4. 92 3.29 2.40 3.63 5. 36 3. 92 5.84 ! 4.28 4.44 5.97 Per ct. 1.92 3.49 2. 23 1.13 Per ct. 3.87 1.06 1.27 3.38 Per ct. 3.3 3.1 5.7 4. s 7.5 Soluble car Crude bohy- fiber. drates. Per ct. Perct. 18.0' 7.3 9. 3 3.2 1.6 12.21 18.6' 8.7 9.5 3.0 7 5 Ash. Perct. 12.5 16.8 20.1 10.4 13.6 11.66 17.18 7.3 6.1 11.5 12.98 10.82 13.9 19. 9 7.23 1 Calculated as dextrose. -Young small specimens. 3 Full-grown specimens. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 377 The variation in composition of different mushrooms is discussed. Among the bases found in the ash were potassium, sodium, and some- times calcium. Iron was always present. Sulphuric and phosphoric acids predominated and chlorin was occasionally found. The dry material was first digested with pepsin and hydrochloric acid and afterwards with a solution of dog pancreas, a little chloroform being added to prevent fermentation and also thermolized extract of dry pancreas powder. The undigested residue was eventually removed and dried and the nitrogen in it determined. The total digestible nitrogen was determined by subtracting the nitrogen in the undigested (insoluble) residue from the total nitrogen of the original substance. The nitrogen in the undigested residue was also subtracted from the total albuminoid nitrogen, the difference multiplied by 0.25, in the author's opinion, representing the true digestible protein in the mushrooms The results of the digestion experiments are summarized as follows: Coefficients of digestibility of various species of edible fungi. Total un- Kitrogen digesti- in unai- blemate- gestible rial. material. Proteid nitrogen. In origi- nal sub- Per cent. Per cent. Shaggy mushroom 26.21 Inky coprinus 28. 16 Common morel 49. 42 Oyster mushroom 59. 43 Sulphury polyporus 55.00 Clitocybe m uliiceps 37. 57 Hypholoma eandolleanum 31. 98 4.21 2.79 4. ID 1.39 i.05 1.96 3.63 Per cent. 5.79 4.68 4.66 2. 40 3.29 5.36 4.28 Indi- gestible. Per cent. 1.10 .78 2.05 .82 .58 .73 1.16 Digesti- ble. Albuminoid ni- trogen. In origi- nal sub- stance. Percent. Percent 4.69 3.911 2.61 1.58 2.71 4.63 3.12 1.92 3.49 1.13 2.23 1.98 2.49 Digesti- ble. True digesti- ble pro- tein. Percent. Percent. . 82 5. 12 1.44 .31 1.65 1.25 1.33 9.00 1.94 10.31 7.81 8.31 The fact is pointed out that considering the high water content and the comparatively small amount of digestible protein which they con- tain, mushrooms do not have a high food value. In this respect they resemble ordinary vegetables and the term "vegetable beefsteak" which is often applied to them is very erroneous. "The carbohydrate content of the fungi is relatively high; but until more is known regarding the nature and digestibility of the carbohy- drate constituents of various vegetable foods, it will be useless to draw comparisons. As dietetic accessories the edible fungi may play an important part; but investigation has demonstrated that they can not be ranked with the essential foods.'1 Chemical composition and digestibility of edible fungi, M. STAHL-ScireoDER (SeUJe. Khoz. i Lyesov., 184 {1897), Feb., pp. 137- 446). — This investigation includes analyses of several varieties of edible fungi, detailed analyses of the ash constituents, and digestion experi- ments with rabbits and by artificial digestion. 378 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The composition of the edible fungi is shown in the following- table: Composition of edible fungi. Boletus edulis Agaricus deliciosus Cantharellus eibarii Water. Per cent. 84.19 89 98 90.93 Water-free substance. Protein. Albumin. Fat. ^^g7" Cellulose. Per cent. 47. 36 31.66 20.84 I'er cent. 27.90 21.41 13.71 Per cent Per cent 3.08 34.81 6 16 51 04 7.35 68.80 Per cent. 5.58 3 60 3.79 The ash constituents of the 3 varieties of edible fungi were as follows: Composition of ash of water-free substance of edible fungi. 'v. 3 '3 o o a s '»/. 7 .', pp. 175-180). — Notes are given on the growth of the young cattle in the station herd during the winter of 1897, The amounts of food consumed and gains made by 12 Shorthorns, 4 I-Iolstein-Friesiaus, 3 Herefords, and 5 Jerseys are recorded. No conclusions are drawn from the work. DAIRY FARMING— DAIRYING. Investigations on the composition of colostrum with special reference to the proteids, II. Tiemann (Ztschr. Physiol. Ghent., 25 (1898), No. 5-6, pp. 363-392). — Analyses are tabulated of the colostrum from the first 3 milkings of 2 Angler, 1 Breitenburger, 1 Shorthorn- Dithmarsch, and 2 native cows. Tbe methods employed are described, and, incidentally, a comparison is given of the Wollney refractometer with gravimetric analysis for fat. The results show that the colostrum of different cows varies widely in composition. The solids ranged from 12.83 to 32.93 per cent, decreasing from one milking to another, while the water increased. The greatest variation was found in the fat, which ranged from 0.5G to 9.28 per cent. The total proteids varied from 13.25 to 21.76 per cent for the first milking, from 7.74 to 15.80 for the second, and from 4.66 to 12.06 for the third, thus decreasing rapidly from milking to milking. The sugar content, on the other hand, increased, varying from 1.63 to 2.92 in the first milking, from 2.37 to 3.88 in the second, and from 2.74 to 4.39 in the third. The ash showed little change from one milking to another. Comparing the results with those given by others, the author concludes that breed has little to do with the composition of colostrum, but that it is a matter of individuality. Most of the paper is devoted to the proteids of colostrum. The literature of the subject is reviewed, showing the prevalence of a diver- sity of views on the nature of the proteids, some investigators asserting the absence of casein and that only al bumen is present, while others claim that both casein and albumen are present, although they differ consid- erably as to the relative amounts of the two. Sebelin1 and E miner- ling2 have also reported the presence of a globulin in colostrum. The author's investigations were made on colostrum from the first 3 milkings of the cows mentioned above. Separations were made by means of the porous plate and by various chemical means. He concludes that the content of total proteids differs widely and dimin- 1 Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., 13 (1889), p. 171. 2Centbl. Agr. Chem., 17 (1888), p. 861. DAIRY FARMING — DAIRYING. 383 ishes from milking to milking. The undissolved albuminoids (those in suspension) are 10 to 30 times and in some cases 100 times as great in amount as those in solution. The undissolved albuminoids decrease regularly, while the dissolved albuminoids show less variation and usually increase in amount. Assuming the proteid in solution to be albumin, the amount found in colostrum was approximately the same as that present in normal milk, and this was borne out by direct determinations of the albumin. Both the casein and globulin are present in colostrum in suspension, i. e., not in solution. The casein was usually within the limits for nor- mal milk, although sometimes slightly greater. The globulin content was invariably in excess of the casein, being from 2 to 4 times as great. The curdling which takes place on heating colostrum is principally due to the globulin, which coagulates at 72° C. Analyses of the prepara- tions of the globulin showed it to contain 49.83 per cent of carbon, 7.77 of hydrogen, 15.28 of nitrogen, 1.24 of sulphur, and 25.88 of oxygen, from which the author concludes that it is not identical with any known albuminoid. It is soluble in dilute acetic acid and dilute salt solution, is coagulated from the same by heat, and is precipitated from a dilute salt solution by saturation with salt, showing it to be a globulin-like substance. Hence the author proposes to call it colostrum globulin. The marked difference in composition between it and blood globulin indicates that blood globulin, like most other constituents of the blood, does not pass into the colostrum in its original form but is. materially altered in the lacteal glands. Groats' milk and goats' colostrum, R. Steinegger (Schweizer Bauer; abs. in Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 23, pp. 356-358).— A study of the normal milk and especially the colostrum of goats, made at the dairy school at Riitti. The normal milk of goats of the region was found to contain: Water, 88.42 per cent; fat, 3.25; albuminoids, 3.92; milk sugar, 2.80; and ash, 0.63. It is stated that the colostrum varies greatly with individuals of the same breed. Some goats give no real colostrum and others only a very little. Analyses are given of the milk of a goat with her first kid, showing that there was practically no change in composition during the first 4 days after parturition. "The milk was entirely normal from the first, and there was no true colostrum.*' The third milking of another goat showed colostrum bodies under the microscope, and was high in fat (6.1 per cent). The first milk of an older goat did not have the composition of colostrum, although the acidity was high; but that from the second milking contained 16.85 per cent of fat; the next day it had fallen to 4.2, and 2 days later was normal. Concerning the composition of milk produced in the vicinity of Giessen, T. Gunther (Milch Ztg., 27 (189s), No. 29, pp. 153, 454).— In a study of the milk supply of Giessen, Germany, the author analyzed the milk from 130 producers, representing the milk of 441 cows. The 384 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. samples were taken in August and September and in March and April. The range and the average composition of the 130 samples of milk were as follows: Composition of milk sold hi Giessen. Range. Average com- position. 1.0277 to 1.0345 11.3 15.0 2.6 5.8 7. 0 9. 9 22. 6 40. 2 1.03086 12.55 3.83 do.... 8.72 do.... 30.52 The fat content was 3.5 per cent or over in more than two thirds of the cases and 4 per cent or over in 35 per cent of the cases. On the basis of the investigation, a specific gravity of from 1.028 to 1.0315 and a fat content of 3 per cent are recommended as the milk standard for whole milk for the city. Abstract of the report of the experiment station and school at Kleinhof-Tapiau for 1897-98 {Milch Ztg.,27 (1898), No. 32, pp. 500-502). — Among other things the report contains the results of a test of Wollny's refractometer and the Gerber and Babcock milk tests. The results of the examination of the milk of the Kleinhof-Tapiau herd from 1889 to 1897 (K. S. K., 7, p. 50) are briefly discussed in the abstract, and a summary is given for the year ending September 30, 1897. Data are given as to the yield of different kinds of cheese from whole milk and from skim milk, the losses in ripening different kinds of cheese, etc. A method for distinguishing pasteurized and unpasteurized milk, V. Stokch (40. Bericht des Versuchslaboratoriums der Kgl. Veter- inar- und Landbauhochschule. ■ Copenhagen: A. Bang, 1898; abs.in Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 24, pp. 374, 375). — In Denmark the laws for the sup- pression of tuberculosis forbids the selling of skim milk or buttermilk which has not been heated to at least 85° C. It was for the execution of this law that Professor Storch devised his method. The method is based upon Babcock's discovery that the fibrin of milk decomposes hydrogen peroxid, that cream is more active in this respect than whole milk, that skim milk is less active, and furthermore that milk heated to 100° loses this' property. Storch found that milk retained its property of reducing hydrogen peroxid up to 79° C. As an indicator of the reduc- tion he uses paraphenylendiamin. The hydrogen peroxid solution is made by diluting the commercial article (when it contains 1 per cent of the material) with 5 times its volume of water and adding 1 cc. of concentrated sulphuric acid per liter. In making the test a teaspoonful of the milk (cream or whey) is shaken in a test tube with a drop of the peroxid solution and 2 drops of the paraphenylendiamin solution. If the milk colors immediately (milk or cream, indigo blue; whey, violet red brown) it has not been heated to 78°. 0., and in fact has not been heated at all. If the milk or cream becomes grayish blue immediately or in half a minute, the iudi- DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 385 cation is that it bas been beated to 70 or 80°, and if it retains its orig- inal white color or is colored only slightly violet red it bas been heated to more than 80°. In testing sour buttermilk a teaspoonful is neutralized with lime- water and tben the peroxid and indicator added. If the mixture turns blue tbe indication is tbat the cream from which the buttermilk origi- nated was not beated to 80° C, but if no color appears it has been heated to 80° or more. In testing butter about 25 gm. is melted in warm water, the clear butter fat poured off, and the milky residue adulterated with a like volume of water. The mixture is then tested in the same way as milk. If a blue color appears tbe conclusion is that the cream from which tbe butter was made was not heated to 80° C, but if there is no color or a weak violet brown color the butter was made from pasteurized cream. Accompanying Storch's paper is a colored plate showing the colors of the reactions with pasteurized and unpasteurized milk, cream, skim milk, and whey. A new method of preserving milk. H. De Lavallee (Abs. in Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 30, p. 472).— Directly after milking the milk is placed in a cooled vessel and treated to pure carbonic acid under pres- sure of 5 to G atmospheres for 4 or 5 hours. Following tins it is treated to oxygen at 5 atmospheres for 5 hours. This treatment kills all the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The milk is transported in vessels containing oxygen under "2 atmospberes of pressure. Tbese vessels may be made in the form of siphons. Milk treated in this way is said to retain all the properties of fresh milk and can be guaranteed to be entirely free from all diseased germs. Factory tests for milk, S. M. Babcock, H. L. Eussell, and J. W. Decker ( Wisconsin Sta. Bui. 67, pp. 20, Jigs. 6, pi. 1). — The statement is made at tbe outset that " every cheese factory, whether conducted upon the relative value plan or not, should be equipped with suitable apparatus for determining tbe cheese value of milk, and no one should be considered competent to manage a factory unless he knows how to use such apparatus." The use of the milk tester and lactometer for determining the composition of milk is described, and attention is called to the fact that the cleanliness and bacteriological condition of tbe milk, which are frequently overlooked, are matters of no less importance in cheese making than the composition. '•If the milk contains micro-organisms that are capable of decomposing any of the cheese-producing substances or is impregnated with taints or obnoxious flavors that are absorbed from the animal or after the milk is drawn, tben its theoretical value as based upon the nutritive wortb of its various elements is diminished to a greater or less degree by the operation of this second factor. So far tbe value of milk has been entirely determined by its cheese-producing capacity, and the influ- ence of biological factors (bacteria, etc.) upon the character of tbe product bas been ignored. . . . The actual value of any milk may be materially modified by the presence of taints (actual or potential), and to detect tbese is a very necessary and essential part of tbe cheese maker's business." 38G EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The testing of milk by its taste and odor, the detection of foreign matter by allowing a sample to stand in a glass jar and observing the amount of sediment, and testing the acidity by Farrington's alkaline tablets (E. S. E., 0, p. 83; 8, p. 933) are discussed, as are also the use of the rennet test, the detection of antiseptics, and fermentation tests. Gerber's fermentation test, as a means of determining approximately the quality of milk, is described. The more important feature of the bulletin is the description of the Wisconsin curd test, which originated at the Wisconsin Dairy School in 1895. An illustrated description of this test and the method of conducting it and interpreting the results are given. To make the test a fruit jar is filled half full of milk and set in a tub about half full of water sufficiently warm to raise the temperature of the milk to 98° F. When this temperature is reached 10 drops of rennet extract is added to the milk and the jar left undisturbed until the milk is curdled, when the curd is broken into small pieces by stir- ring with a case knife. The whey is poured off as soon as the curd settles, and this process is repeated at frequent intervals until the curd mats into a solid mass. The temperature of the surrounding water should be maintained from 6 to 8 hours, to favor the rapid development of the organisms in the curd. "If the milk contains no deleterious bacteria, the curd when cut will present a firm, even texture. If gas-producing bacteria are, present the texture of the curd will be more spongy, the cut surface showing a number of holes varying in size, depending upon the prevalence and gas-producing ability of the uudesirable bac- teria. . . . The conditions under which the curd test is conducted accelerate the fermentative action, so that a milk that might show no symptoms of gas formation until the cheese was on the shelf would bo detected when subjected to the curd test. Milks that are sufficiently contaminated to produce floating curds will show a very spongy texture in the test in a few hours. No hard and fast rules can be given for the interpretation of the results of the curd test, but an ordinary opera- tor will very quickly learn to discriminate between milks that should and should not be accepted. ... It is also possible that taints may be produced by bacterial decomposition in cases where no gas is formed. This is particularly true with that class of organisms that act upon the albumen and casein instead of the milk sugar. Those bacteria that find their way into the milk through the introduction of lilth and dust are particularly prone to produce this change, and this type of fermenta- tion is very often found during the summer months. In the curd tests such milks are not condemned upon the texture of the curd, but upon the odor, which is more or less pronounced when the bottle is opened." Besides the improvised apparatus for making the test an improved apparatus is described, consisting of a water box with a close-fitting cover which permits the retention of the desired temperature for a longer time, racks for holding the bottles, and bottles better suited to the purpose of the test thau ordinary fruit jars. Such apparatus can now be obtained of some of the dairy supply houses. In conclusion, several illustrations are given of the favorable results which have followed the use of the curd test in cheese factories. In one case where the cheese maker was troubled with tainted milk DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 387 and pin-holey curds the test showed that the bad milk could be traced to 0 different sources where carelessness prevailed in caring for the milk. The trouble was overcome when the fault was located. In another factory, where brick cheese was made and the quality of the product was so poor that the cheese had fallen off 3 cts. per pound in value, the curd test narrowed the trouble down to 3 cows that gave gassy milk. When the milk of these 3 cows was excluded the trouble disappeared at once. In another brick-cheese factory where similar trouble occurred "the curd test of each patron's milk revealed the fact that in <> out of 28 cases bad milks were being brought to the factory." When the milk from these patrons was excluded good cheese was produced. An extract is given from the report of the traveling dairy instructor of the Wisconsin Dairymen's Association to the effect that the test " will locate tainted milk with unerring certainty," and "is simple, practical, reliable, and very convincing." Contribution on rennet curdling, R. Benjamin (Inaug. Diss., Ber- lin, pp. 32). — The author made investigations on the action of rennet on the casein of milk in the presence of foreign substances or in the case of milk treated in different ways, the action of rennet to which chloro- form was added, and the action of rennet on other animal and vegetable albuminoids. Milk with an acid reaction curdled most rapidly, that with a neutral reaction more slowly, and a too strongly alkaline solution prevented curdling altogether. Milk to which chloroform was added curdled some- what more slowly, and milk diluted with water even more slowly. Boiled milk refused to curdle with a strong rennet solution, but was curdled by rennet powder in 5 minutes. It was found impossible to curdle ster- ilized milk by any means. The addition of chloroform in very small quantities in making up the rennet solution was found to increase the curdling action of the rennet, while large quantities diminished it. No animal or vegetable albuminoid, except the casein of milk, was found to be acted upon by rennet. All solutions of casein which curdled with rennet were found, like milk, to be alkaline toward lacmoid and acid toward phenolphthalein; and casein solutions were not curdled except in the presence of soluble lime salts. Further contributions on milk hygiene, Ott (Ztschr. Fleisch- u. Milchhyg., 8, Xo. 4,pp. 69-74). — The author discusses the danger of infec- tion with tuberculosis from using raw milk. Forty-three samples of market milk were examined for tubercle bacilli by treating 2~> cc. of milk with 2 cc. of caustic ammonia and 100 cc. of a mixture of ether and petroleum ether in equal parts, removing the fat layer, and then treat- ing the remainder of the solution in a centrifugal apparatus for 15 min- utes. The sediment was then examined in the ordinary manner. Of the 43 samples of milk tested 5 were found to contain the bacilli, the number of bacilli in 4 cases being small. To test the virulence of the bacilli guinea pigs were inoculated with 388 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 5 cc. of a mixture of the sediment and cream. Of 10 animals inoculated 7 became infected with tuberculosis. Fresh milk obtained from dealers was inoculated into 30 guinea pigs, with the result that 10 died, 1 dying from the effects of tuberculosis. The author discusses the results as pointing to the danger of infection from tuberculosis, strongly advises sterilizing milk on a commercial scale and in the home, and points out the desirability of veterinary con- trol of dairy herds. The testing of milk for disease germs is believed to be quite as important as the ordinary milk control in which the fat con- tent or addition of water is determined. The author regrets the lack of a rapid and safe method by which tubercle bacilli can be detected in milk, making it practicable to exclude from sale milk containing the bacilli. The recognition of tubercle bacilli in butter and milk (Arb. K. Gesundheitsamte, 14, Wo. 1: abs. in Mitch Ztg.,27 [1898), No. 35, pp. 551, 552). — In the examination of 102 samples of butter, using guinea pigs for experimental animals, a new rod bacillus, very similar to the tuber- cle bacillus, was found. This bacillus, it is stated, might easily be mis- taken for the tubercle bacillus, especially by an inexperienced observer. Of the 102 samples of butter, 17 contained tubercle bacilli alone, 16 con- tained tubercle bacilli and the new rod bacillus, 38 contained the new bacillus alone, and only 17 were free from both bacilli. The new bacilli did not cause sickness in guinea pigs except when present in large quantities. The effect was more marked when the ba cilli were taken with large quantities of butter, in which case the effect on the peritoneum was very similar to that produced by tubercle bacilli and butter, the animals dying in both cases with similar symptoms. Of 01 samples of milk collected from milk wagons and dairy stores in Berlin, 9 contained tubercle bacilli, 1 contained the new bacillus, and 51 were free from either kind of bacilli. It is thought possible that the new bacillus may have been overlooked in some of the earlier samples examined. Milk supply from a bacteriological standpoint, P. Ravenel (Jour. Com p. Med., 1898, No. 4, pp. 215-221). On the ripening of cheese, J. Schivokich (Ann. Inst. Pastern; 12 (1S9S), Xo. 6, pp. 400, 401). Dairy department, E. E. Kaufman (North Dakota Sta. Itpt. 1S97, pp. SO, SI). — A brief account of the work of the dairy department of the station. On the fungus flora of Brie cheese, J. Constantin and J. Ray (Compt. Rend. Soc. Biol., 1898, No. 16, pp. 504-507). Micro-organisms in the dairy, N. Bendixen (Die Mikroorganismen im Molkereibe- triebe. Berlin: 1897, pp. 44: abs. in Hyg. Rundschau, S (1898), No. 11, p. 548). The mechanical purifying of milk and apparatus for this purpose, A. Layallk {Milch Ztg., 27 {1898), No. 25, pp. 390-392, figs. 7; 26, pp. 405, 406, figs. 10; 27, pp. 417- 419, figs. 5). — The article describes various forms of centrifugals, strainers, filters, and apparatus for sedimentation for cleaning milk on a large and small scale. Extracts from the report for 1897 of the Dairy Institute at Hameln {Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 23, pp. 354-356). — Data are given as to the efficiency of separators, the losses in butter making, testing of skim milk by Gerber's apparatus, etc. VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 389 On iodin fat and its b3havior in the body, H. Wixternitz (Ztschr. Pin/viol. Chem., 24 (1S9S), Xo. 5-6, pp. 425-448): — Among other things experiments are reported with goats on the transmission of iodin fat in the food to the milk of the animal. When iodin fat was fed it was detected in the milk, being absorbed by the milk fat. Asses' milk as a substitute for human milk, A. Schlossmann ( Abs. in Milch Ztg., 27 (1S9S), Xo. 25, p. 393). — The variations in asses' milk, the relative proportions of its constituents as compared with human milk, and the nutrition of the child with asses' milk are considered. The conditions of the production of richer milk, A. Kraemer (Milch Ztg., .'? (1S9S), Xo. 26, pp. 402-404). — A concise summary of the results of investigations re- lating to the effect of feeding and management on the yield and composition of milk. Bacteriology in the dairy, E. VON Freudenreicii (Jena: Gustav Fischer, 1S9S). — This is a short popular treatise on this subject for the use of dairy schools, cheese makers, and farmers. The book is very favorably mentioned in Milch Zeitung, 27 (1898), No. 24, p. 378). VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Cattle tick and Texas fever, W. H. Dalrymple, S. B. Staples, H. A. Morgan, and W. II. Dodson (Louisiana Stas. Bui. 51, 2. ser.,pp. 230-282, pis. 5, figs. 2). — The widespread dissemination of Texas fever is pointed ont and the symptoms of the disease are described in detail. "A summary of the more diagnostic characters to be looked for when Texas fever is suspected would include: "(1) Cattle ticks; (2) hemoglobinuria, enlarged spleen, enlarged yellowish liver, thick flaky bile, extravasations on the outer and inner surface of the heart, and (3) reduction in the number of red corpuscles, thinness of the blood, and the tardiness with which it exudes from an incision." The life history of the southern cattle tick is discussed at some length and a number of experiments on the condition of development of the tick and on the efficacy of serum treatment for cattle are reported. Following is the authors' summary : "The development of the cattle tick is less rapid in winter than in summer. The period of incubation is influenced by cold, and egg fertility is destroyed by direct sunlight. Seed ticks are capable of living a considerable length of time without food; this period is less in summer than in winter. Seed ticks may endure cold down to 16° F., below which death takes place. The parasitic period of develop- ment of the tick is very much longer in winter than in summer. The cattle tick remains attached to animals from the seed-tick stage to adult condition; if removed from its host during this parasitic period it soon perishes. The adult female tick is more easily destroyed by rainfall and cold than any of the other stages. The con- ditions lessening the number of broods per season also aid hibernation. Clean pastures materially aid disinfection. Ticks will not exist upon alluvial pastures unless the pastures are constantly being reinfected by the importation of highland cattle. Pastures may be disinfected by removing all cattle from them for at least one year, as would be the case in a system of rotation of crops. Ticks may be removed from animals by the use of mineral oil, applied either with a sponge or rag, or by plunging animals into a vat containing water upon the surface of which floats a thin layer of oil. Herds may be improved by keeping an imported stock bull in a small disinfected pasture or in a stable, The offspring of this animal will either possess immunity from birth or acquire it very young. The injection of 2 cc. of serum for S192— Xo. 4 7 390 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. eacU 100 lbs. of tlie animal's weight, given daily for 10 days before ticks are allowed to get on the cow. will not prevent the animal from taking Texas fever. The injec- tion of a moderate amount of serum for 10 days, beginning the treatment about the time the animal becomes infested with ticks, does not prevent the development of Texas fever. The injection of a large quantity of serum after the fever has devel- oped does not influence the temperature of the animal." Acclimation fever, or Texas fever, J. C. Robert (Mississippi Sta. Bui. 42, pp. 32, figs. i). — Texas fever is discussed and the fact pointed out that so far as is known the only natural means of infecting cattle with this disease is the cattle tick. The cattle tick is described at some length. Quarantine regulations against Texas fever and the value of dipping cattle are discussed at some length. A number of experiments were made with bload serum as a prevent- ive and cure for Texas fever. The serum used in the experiments was obtained from southern cows well covered with ticks. The blood was taken from the jugular vein and collected in sterilized jars. After standing for 3G hours on ice the serum was drawn off in sterilized glass bottles. A small amount of serum was also prepared from a southern cow free from ticks. Tests were made to determine the efficiency of inoculation (1) before shipping cattle South, (2) before shipping and after reaching the South, (3) using serum from cattle with and without ticks on them, (4) with serum from cows sick with Texas fever, and (5) with tick juice. The various experiments are described in detail. "The results of the experiments indicate unmistakably that the blood serum inoculation as we practiced it had no effect either in preventing or curing Texas fever. Our experiments furnish us additional evidence, however, that the cattle tick is the agent for transmitting the disease, and that valuable breeding animals can be brought South at any time with little danger of contracting 'acclimation' fever, provided they are kept free from ticks by placing in uninfected inclosures. Such animals should be regularly and carefully examined for ticks and the legs and soft skin of the body occasionally oiled." The author is of the opinion that there is no toxin produced by the Texas-fever germ. The typhoid serum diagnosis, H. L. Bolley (Forth Dakota Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 30-43, fig. 1).— The author gives a popular account of the subject, briefly mentioning the work of a number of investigators. Original investigations are also reported on the effects of typhoid serum upon the bacilli, the variation in condition as affecting the reaction, the use of the reaction in water analyses, and the source of reaction serum for the last purpose. The effects of the serum upon bacilli as seen under the microscope are described in some detail. Experiments made during 1895-9G on the bacterial content of milk in the udder are noted. The following conclusions were drawn: The number of germs in the same udder varies at different times. The number varies on the same day in the different teats of the same udder, and on the same date for different udders. The number of different species present is also found to vary, and there is little constancy of VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 391 species in common to a number of different cows. Some species when once in a particular teat tend to occupy it with considerable persist- ency. The species able to multiply within the milk passages appear for the most part to be of the lactic acid producing type. An investigation of the growth of germs of typhoid fever in milk, butter, and other food products is also briefly noted. The injection of cultures of typhoid germs in butter into the abdominal cavity of guinea pigs resulted in death with typical symptons and post-mortem charac- teristics of typhoid. Larkspur poisoning of sheep, E. V. Wilcox (Montana Sta. Bui. 15, pp. 37-51, pis. 3). — Losses of stock by eating poisonous plants have been reported for many years in Montana. Such losses have been most frequent daring May and June, but have been noted at other seasons. The poisoning has been attributed to various plants. The author inves- tigated widespread cases of sheep poisoning, which occurred in May, 1897. About 2,000 yearling lambs were moved to a new grazing region and almost immediately several of the sheep were taken sick. In a few days the sickness became widespread and the mortality was very great. From post-mortem examination it was evident that death was due to asphyxia or oxygen starvation, as the result of some sedative poison which had paralyzed the respiratory centers of the nervous system and prevented the proper action of the lungs in the purification of the blood. In the stomach contents were found the leaves and roots of a species of larkspur (Delphinium menziesii). The plant was found to occur plenti- fully in certain portions of the range. It was confined to the banks of streams and was not found on the higher ground. It was noticed that the poisoning occurred after the sheep had been feeding along streams where the larkspur was abundant. "The symptoms shown hy sheep poisoned by larkspur have a general resemblance to those of aconite poisoning, but are somewhat different in several particulars. The first signs of the poisoning are a slight general stiffness and a straddling gait, espe- cially of the hind legs. The stiffness becomes more and more pronounced until walk- ing is quite difficult and evidently painful. Soon there are manifested various invol- untary twitchings of th« muscles of the legs and sides of the body. There is a loss of control or co-ordination of the muscles. There is ordinarily no increase in the quantity of the saliva, no dribbling of saliva from the mouth, no champing of the jaws or attempts at swallowing. The sheep manifest none of the mental disturb- ances frequently seen in cases of poisoning from other sources, as, for example, loco weed and lupine. There is no impairment of the special senses. The sheep seem to hear and see as well and as correctly as under normal conditions of health. "No indications of any disturbances of the digestive functions are to be seen. The appetite remains good, and the sheen eat up to the very last. They were observed eating industriously during the intervals between the attacks of spasms which they have during the last stages. "At first the frequency of the pulse and of the respiratory movements is lessened and the temperature is lowered. The pulse remains very weak, but in the later stages becomes very rapid, in some cases 130 per minute. Toward the last, also, the respiration is very shallow and rapid. During the final convulsions the respiration is sometimes 120 per minute, but so shallow that the air is simply pumped up and 392 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. down the windpipe. The air in the lungs is therefore not renewed and the animal dies by asphyxia or suffocation. "As long as the sheep can stand on his feet, or walk, he keeps up with the herd as nearly as possible. The exercise, however, excites him, makes his respiration more rapid, and he has frequently to lie down for a moment and then get up and hobble along after the herd. The worst cases can thus easily be detected, since they straggle behind the rest of the herd. "The later stages of the poisoning follow rather rapidly. The involuntary move- ments become more frequent and more severe. All four legs tremble and shake vio- lently. In fact all the muscles of the body contract spasmodically until the animal totters over on his side and dies in the most violent spasms."' The similarity to aconite poisoning suggested the line of treatment followed. Bleeding gave no relief and lard given internally had no noticeable effect. When only small amounts of larkspur had been taken the administration of ammonia or alcohol was found to give good results. During the first stages 3 drains of ether given through the mouth had good effect and later h dram of ether given hypodermically stimulated the action of the heart and respiration. The most effective remedy was hypodermic injections of a solution of atropine sulphate in camphor water (4 grains of atropine to 1 fluid ounce of camphor water). Doses of 40, 30, and 20 minims of the solution were used , equiv- alent to £, J, and % of a grain of atropine sulphate. The solution was injected in the region of the shoulder. The effect was almost immedi- ate. With one exception all the sheep treated by this method recov- ered. In the later convulsive stages of poisoning, ammonia fumes under the nostrils proved beneficial. " Care in the management of sheep after they are poisoned is quite as important as the giving of medicines. Sheep poisoned with larkspur should be kept as quiet as possible. A trilling fright or excitement may throw them into spasms, and thus result fatally. From the very first the poisoned sheep have considerable difficulty iu keeping up with the rest of the herd. They have a stiff and trembling gait. It becomes necessary for them frequently to stop for a moment to rest. In this way they repeatedly fall behind the herd and then run to overtake it again. Thus their excitement is constantly increased until they fall down in spasms. "As soon as the stiffness and straddling gait, which are the first symptoms of larkspur poisoning, are noticed, one or the other of two methods of juocedure should be adopted. Either the whole band of sheep should be herded closely and prevented from moving as fast as it usually moves, or, what is perhaps still better, the poi- soned sheep should be separated from the others and kept as quiet as may be." The author reports 2 experiments with sheep in which chloroform and benzol extracts of larkspur were injected. "After 15 minutes the lambs began to show symptoms of larkspur poisoning and at the end of 1 hour the symptoms were so plain and pronounced that it was con- sidered useless to sacrifice the lambs to the experiment. Both were therefore given one-eighth of a grain of atropine, which, with the aid of a small dash of ammonia in the nostrils, counteracted the effects of the poison and the lambs recovered com- pletely. "These experiments are quite iu accord with the conclusions reached in the field work, and furnish another strong piece of evidence to the correctness of those con- clusions, not only as to the cause of the poisoning but as to remedies to be used." VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 3!>3 According to the author 2 species of larkspur are found in Mon- tana, Delphinium mehziesii and 1>. glaucum. Both tbese species are described. The gape disease of poultry, H. Garman (Kentucky Sta. Bui. 70, pp. 107-112, ph. 2). — The author discusses this disease of poultry, which is caused by the presence of the gapeworm (Syngamus trachealis) in the trachea or windpipe, and the remedies commonly employed. An experiment was made to learn the cause of the disease. Twenty chickens were divided into 2 equal lots immediately after hatching. They were placed in pens separated by wire netting. In one case the pen had a raised floor and in the other case the chickens ran upon the ground. The 2 lots were fed corn meal mixed with water and scraps of bread, potato, and meat from the table, with a few oats in addition. The chickens running on the ground were also fed earthworms. At the beginuing of the test 3 of the chickens running on the plank floor managed to get through the wire netting into the other pen and were allowed to remain there. One of the chickens in the pen without a floor died from an unknown cause at the beginning of the test. About 2 weeks after the trial began one of the chickens in the lot running on the ground was badly affected with gapes, and several others were slightly affected. Sooner or later all the chickens in this lot were affected with gapes and either died or were destroyed, while in the other lot there were no cases. The author concludes that the chickens acquired the gapeworms either from the ground or from the earthworms fed to them. Earthworms a source of gapes in poultry, H. Garman (Kentucky Sta. Bui. 74, pp. 71-73). — In continuation of the above work a test was made with 6 chickens divided into 2 equal lots. They were kept in wooden cages with wire gauze sides. One lot received earthworms and the other cooked meat in addition to the regular ration. The earth worms were thoroughly washed to prevent the adherence of soil or gapeworms. The chickens fed earthworms became affected with gapes. One of the chickens in the lot fed meat died from a bowel trouble, but examination failed to reveal any gapeworms. The 2 remaining chick- ens in this lot were alive at the time the test was reported and had not shown any symptoms of the gapes. The conclusion is reached that earthworms convey the gape disease to poultry, and the common practice of feeding them to young chickens is condemned. The inspection of meats for animal parasites, C. W. Stiles and A. Hassall (U. 8. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Industry Bui. 19, pp. 161, figs. 124).— The bulletin consists of three parts : (1) The flukes and tapeworms of cattle, sheep, and swine, with special reference to the inspection of meats, by C. W. Stiles; (2) compendium of the parasites arranged according to their hosts; and. (3) bibliography of the more important works cited, by A. Hassall. 3!)4 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "Although the report is intended primarily for the use of the meat inspectors of this Bureau, it will be found of general interest to all sanitarians, since it treats of the communicability of certain parasites from animals to man, and suggests the necessary methods of prevention and treatment therefor. The bulletin will serve a useful purpose in disseminating knowledge of the precautions that are required to eradicate certain of the most important parasites affecting domesticated animals in this country — parasites which are a menace to the public health. There is no work in the English language covering the subjects of which it treats." Iii describing the different animal parasites technical zoological details have for the most part been omitted, stress being placed upon the practical application of zoological knowledge to questions of public hygiene. The authors call attention to the fact that the most important parasites for American inspectors are the common liver fluke and the large American fluke (which are a serious menace to live stock), beef measles, pork measles, and Hydatids, all of which bear an important relation to diseases in man. As noted, the Hydatid disease is compar- atively rare iu this country, and methods should be taken at once to prevent its spread. "By proper precautions at the abattoirs and slaughterhouses this dangerous para- site can be totally eradicated from the country. If these precautious are not carried out it will only be a question of time when this country will take its place with Germany and Australia in respect to the number of human lives sacrificed to a disease which has not yet gained much ground with us and can now be easily controlled." A complete index adds to the value of the bulletin. Special investigation of the so called "new horse disease" in Maryland, S. S. Buckley (Maryland Sta. Bid. 53, pp. 110-114). — The author identified a so-called new horse disease prevailing to a consider- able extent in Worcester County, Maryland, as cerebrospinal menin- gitis. The disease is described, and information on its cause, treat- ment, and prevention is summarized. "On the first appearance of this disease upon a farm a complete change should be made in the food. All moldy grain or fodder should be rejected, and where pos- sible wheat bran should form part of the ration. '• It is evident that in so severe and rapidly fatal a malady powerful agents must be used. Proper nursing is necessary for success. Without it medicines avail but little. Placing the animal in slings early acts very beneficially in preserving the strength and increases the chances of recovery. When there is any considerable de- gree of heat at the poll of the head we should resort to the constant application of cold water, crushed ice, or some cooling lotion (nitrate of potash and acetate of am- monium, each a teaspoonful to a gallon of water). Iu the early stages these tend to check the flow of blood to the brain, and therefore reduce pressure upon it. Among medicinal agents we have recourse to ergot, aconite, and belladonna. Nux vomica and strychnin seem to be capable of producing desirable effects. As all of these are extremely powerful and poisonous, they should be used where possible under the supervision of a veterinarian, so that their effects may be watched and their omis- sions ordered, if necessary. The appetite should be maintained with tempting foods and drink. Purgatives and bleeding are to be avoided, as they seem to prove disastrous after the symptoms have become fully established. When the crisis has been passed and the animal begins to take nourishment tonics containing quinin and nux vomica should be given." VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 395 Dehorning cows, Gr. M. Gowell and F. L. Russell (Maine Sta. Bui. 41, pp. 8). — The opinions of a number of investigators concerning dehorning cattle are quoted and the results reported of dehorning at the station with clippers, and in the case of calves by means of potash. Dehorning is recommended, and it is believed that cattle are more comfortable and may be more easily cared for without horns than with them. Other conclusions are the following: "The best time to dehorn cattle is during cold weather when there will be no trouble from flies. "To dehorn" mature animals, clippers should be used that will remove the horn perfectly at a single stroke and in a moment of time. With suitable clippers prop- erly used the operation is simple and very quickly performed. When it is skillfully performed, animals do not give evidence of great suffering as an effect of dehorning. The tissues injured in dehorning are not very well supplied with nerves aud they are quickly cut through. Good evidence that dehorning is not very painful is the fact that cattle will resume feeding immediately after being operated on, aud the yield of milk in cows is not perceptibly affected. Compared with castration of colts aud calves, dehorning may be considered painless. . . . "To prevent the growth of horns, calves under 3 weeks of age can have the em- bryo horns removed with one stroke of a sharp knife, or they can be treated with a caustic sufficiently powerful to destroy them." Dehorning cattle, F. W. Bane and H. H. Lamson {New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 50, pp. 21-22, Jigs. 3). — The bulletin consists of two articles : (1) Experience with the college herd, by F. W. Kane; and (2) preventing the growth of horns, by H. H. Lamson. A number of animals at the station were successfully dehorned. They regained their original vigor in a short time and the disposition of the herd was changed for the better. Concise directions for dehorning cattle are given. Preventing the growth of horns in calves by the use of caustic potash is described with considerable detail and the results of this method of treatment at the station are noted. Veterinary department, J. H. Worst (North Dakota Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 17-21). — The report discusses experiments in the introduction of niallein, the effect of tuberculin upon the milk supply, blackleg, and the selection of cows for experimental purposes. In the author's opinion his experiments show forcibly that a reaction above 104° F. indicates the presence of glanders, a conclusion verified by post-mortem exami- nations. In the case of cows treated with tuberculin the milk yield was diminished 7.7 per cent; where they were not so treated it was diminished 11.4 per cent. Injected aniuials showed a loss of 7.9 of the total amount of butter fat, while those that were not injected showed a loss of 8.7 per cent. The author states that experiments with blackleg have demonstrated that the disease can be eradicated by the employment of blackleg vaccine. Bovine tuberculosis, P. Fischer (Kansas Sta. Bid. 79. pp. 81-109, fins. 5, dgms.8).— This is an extended discussion of bovine tuberculosis, its cause, symptoms, aud treatment. The application of the tuberculin test to the college herd is reported in considerable detail. 306 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Hog cholera and swine plague, W. E. A. Wymax (South Carolina Sta. But. SI, pp. ,s). — This is a popular summary of the .subject, describing hi>g cholera and swine plague, with remedies and methods of prevention. Anthrax- A study of national and of State legislation on this subject, A.T. Neale (Delaware Sta. Bui. 37, pp. 15). — This contains the enactments of Congress relative to anthrax and a discussion of the State legislation on the subject now in force in Delaware. Blackleg: Its nature, cause, and prevention, V. A. Norgaard (V. S. Dept. Agr,, Bureau of Animal Industry Circ.2S,pp.l2,fig8. 2). — This is a popular bulletin giving information as to the nature, symptoms, and treatment of the disease. The method of opera ting and the process of vaccination, care of utensils, and what animals should be vaccinated and the dose are brought out. Second Annual Report of the State Veterinarian, E. P. Xiles ( Virginia state Veterinarian Bpt. 1897, pp. 15). — The bulletin includes the regulations concerning transportation of cattle in Virginia and the rules and regulations of the board of control of the agricultural experiment station for the extermination of contagious and communicable diseases among domestic animals. A proclamation of the Gov- ernor is quoted authorizing the establishment of live-stock quarantine lines, rules and regulations, and prescribing penalties for violating the same. TECHNOLOGY. Cane sugar and the process of its manufacture in Java, H. C. Prinsen-Geer- ligs (Manchester: J. Roberts $• Sons, 1898, pp. VI -f- 79+ V,fig. 1). Wine making in Russia. III. Eastern Transcaucasus, M. Ballas (St. Peters- burg: Department of Agriculture, 1897, pp. XV-\-403; abs. in SelsJc. Ehoz. i Lyesor., 1S9 (1898), Apr., p. 229). — Historical and statistical sketch. Report of the Bessarabia Experiment Station for wine making (SeUk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 188 (1S9S), Feb., pp. 327-331). Maladies of wine: Their cause and treatment, E. H. Rainford (Queensland Agr. Jour., 3 (1808), Xo. 1, pp. 59-62). The preparation of flax in its relation to flax culture, I. Eltrich (Die Flachs- hereitung in Hirer Beziehung sur Flaehsbaufrage. Trautenau: I. Eltrich, 1S9S). — A com- parison of the different methods of preparing flax, with a special consideration of the expense incurred and the results obtained. The manufacture of perfumes at Grasse, J. Rouche (Jour. Hyg., 33 (1898), No. 1150, pp. 469-473). — This article is condensed from a study of the subject by H. de Parville in La Nature. AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. State aid to road building in Minnesota, A. B. Choate ( U. 8. Dt})t. Agr., Office of Road Inquiry Give. 3 1 , pp. 12, Jigs. 5). — This circular points out the injustice of the present system of " taxing farm property to improve all country roads, and city property to improve only city roads," and discusses a scheme of road legislation, the essential fea- tures of which are embodied in a proposed amendment to the State constitution, by which — "The legislature is authorized to establish a State road and bridge fund and pro- vide for a State highway commission, whose members must serve without compen- sation, and which shall have general supervision of the expenditure of the State road and bridge fund. This amendment does not contemplate that the State shall actually construct any wagon roads, but that it shall contribute not to exceed one- STATISTICS MISCELLANEOUS. 397 third of the cost of any road, the other two-thirds to be paid by the locality where the road is built. The actual construction of the road so built is to be under the immediate supervision of the local authorities, the State commission simply deter- mining, in a general way, what the character of the road shall be, and requiring, before the State pays any money for the improvement, that the road shall be con- structed according to plans which it has approved." Historical review of the work preparatory to the outlining of a general law for the purposes of draining and irrigating land (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 186 (189?), Sept., pp. 481-554). Cultivation under artesian irrigation, C. H. Gorman (Ayr. Gaz. New South Wales, 9 (1898), pt. 5, pp. 535-537). — A discussion of artesian irrigation and its possi- bilities. Hydrotechnical works and agricultural investigations in the region of the Siberian railway (Selsk. Ehoz. i Lyesov., 184 (1897), Mar., pp. 4S1-502). Report of the provincial instructor in road making, Ontario, 1897, A. W. Campbell (Ontario Dept. Agr., Bpt. Provisional Instructor in Boad Making 1897, pp. 71, pis. 8, figs. 10). — This report contains articles on good roads — a national problem, country roads, and the good roads movement: municipal and county reports on roads and road making; report of the Brantford board of trade on the streets of that city; report on the streets of Guelph, Ontario; extracts from a report on streets to the city of St. John, New Brunswick; and notes on the frontage- tax system. STATISTICS— MISCELLANEOUS. Tenth Annual Report of Mississippi Station, 1897 (Mississippi Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 23). — Brief reports by the director and heads of departments, including the report of the chemist, noted on page 315, and a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897. Some results secured in the irrigation of strawberries and vegetables are briefly recorded in the report of the horticulturist. Reports of director and treasurer of North Dakota Station, 1897 (North Dakota Sta. Bpt. 1S97, pp. 3-8, 82, 83). — Brief report on the work of the year and a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897. The world's markets for American products — Norway and Sweden ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Section of Foreign Markets Bui. 7, pp. 68, ma}) 1; 8, pp. 92, map 1). — Revised editions f E. S. R., 8, pp. 175, 637). Crop circulars for July, August, and September, 1898, J. Hyde ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Statistics Crop Circs. July, Aug., and Sept., pp. 4 each). — These con- tain the usual data relative to conditions of farm and orchard crops during these months, with summarized temperature and rainfall records for the same periods, and a discussion of the foreign crop situation in the July and August reports. Experiment Station Work — V ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 78, pp. 31, figs. 2). — The following popular articles appear in this number of the Office of Experiment Stations series of Farmers' Bulletins; Hunuis rn soils; swamp, marsh, or muck soils; rape; velvet bean; sunflowers; winter protection of peach trees; subwatering in greenhouses; bacterial diseases of plants; and grape juice and sweet cider. Experiment Station Work— VI ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 79, pp. 28, figs. 2). — The sixth bulletin of this popular series prepared in the Office of Experiment Sta- tions. The following subjects are treated : Fraud in fertilizers, sugar-beet industry, seeding grass land, grafting apple trees, forest fires, American clover seed, mushrooms as food, pigs in stubble fields, ensiling potatoes, and anthrax. Accessions to the Department library, April-June, 1898 ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Library Bui. 23, pp. 25). The Department of Agriculture and its work, G. W. Hill ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Publications, Doc. 278, pp. 11, figs. 2).— Brief notes on the organization of 8192— Xo. 4 8 398 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the bureaus, offices, and divisions of this Department, with a diagram of the Depart- ment grounds in Washington, D. C. Report of education committee on the results of the examination in agricul- ture, 1898 (Join: Boy. Agr. Soc. England, 3. ser., 9 {1808), pt. II, No. 34, pp. 377-387).— An examination for the diploma in tbe science and practice of agriculture given by the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The subjects of the examination were agriculture, chemistry, bookkeeping, mensuration and land surveying, agricultural engineering, botany, geology, veterinary science, and agricultural entomology. Tbe questions for each subject are given. Agricultural monograph of the Department of Drome, B RE he ret {Bui. Mm, Agr. [France], 17 {1898), No. 4, pp. S11-S67). — This monograph discusses soil and climate, crops, animals, fertilizers and soil amendments, tillage, agricultural and associated industries, land improvements, rural economy, and encouragement to agriculture and agricultural education. Agricultural monograph of the Department of Gironde, P. VassilliERE {Bui. Min. Agr. [France], 17 {1898), No. 1, pp. 73-144). — Discusses soil and climate, crops, animals, fertilizers and soil amendments, tillage, agricultural and associated indus- tries, land improvements, rural economy, and encouragement to agriculture and agricultural education. Tea districts of the subtropical regions of Asia, A. N. Kkasxov (Pt. 1, Japan. St. Petersburg, 1897, pp. XXII+244. Jigs. 101, maps 2. Ft. 2, China, India, Ceylon, and Colchis. St. Petersburg, 1S9S, pp. 247 -\-61S, figs. 97. Rev. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 189 (1898), May, p. 470). Proceedings of the fourth meeting of the Agricultural Council (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 189 (1898), June, pp. 481+576; 190 (1898), July, pp. 1-88).— Chiefly devoted to the elaborating of general statutes for agricultural schools.— p. fireman. The foundations of scientific agriculture, S. Cooke (London, New York, and Bom- bay : Longmans, Green # Co., 1897, pp. 268, pi. 1, figs. 85).— This is atext-book intended for use in the provincial schools and colleges of India, the larger part of which was originally prepared in the form of lectures for use in the instruction of students of agriculture, engineering, and forestry at the Poona College of Science. The subjects Heated are air and water; sunshine, rain, and climate; rnck-forming minerals; soil- forming rocks; soil-forming agencies; varieties, classification, composition, and analyses of soil; relation of plant food to the atmosphere and the soil— plant growth and architecture; nature and varieties of crops: manures for the soil and crops; the cultivator and his art; and measurements, etc. A glossary of terms and a series of examination questions are given, as well as appendixes containing a list of the strat- ified rocks of the British Isles, with their economic contents; an account of an experiment with manures prepared from street sweepings; and a discussion of the educational uses of famine. The work is adapted especially to the needs of the Indian agriculturist, the illus- trations of principles being drawn from tbe climatic soil, crop, and social and economic conditions which obtain in India. A chapter of especial interes't is that devoted to the characteristics and culture of Indian crops. NOTES. Maryland Station. — C. O. Garner has been elected assistant agriculturist to succeed E. H. Brinkley, and C. F. Doane, a graduate of Kansas Agricultural College and post-graduate of Wisconsin University Dairy Department, Las been appointed assistant in dairying and dairy bacteriology. A new office building and greenhouses for the horticultural department have recently been constructed. Massachusetts Hatch Station. — A small dairy building, to cost about $2,000, is being constructed for the station at State expense. It will be used for experi- mental purposes, and especially for studying the effect of different feed stuffs upon the quality (flavor, hardness, etc.) of butter. It is hoped later to take up investiga- tions in dairy bacteriology. The building is of wood, all the outside walls having dead-air spaces, and is 44 ft. long and 21 ft. wide, with an office jutting out from the building 8 by 10 ft. The main building contains an ice house 14 by 20 ft., located at the north end. The general dairy room, situated in the center of the building, is 16 by 20 ft. ; the pasteurizing and cream-ripening rooms at the south end are each 10 by 12 ft. The general dairy room will contain the milk-receiving vat, separator, churn, and butter worker. The pasteurizer and receiving vat are 3-i ft. above the separator, so that the milk will be carried to the latter by gravity. The floor of the building will be of artificial stone and the walls of adamant plaster, covered with several coatings of enamel paint. Steam will be supplied from a boiler located in the basement of the experiment barn 100 ft. distant. The power for running the separator, churn, and butter worker will be supplied by a water motor, thus doing away with an engine and keeping coal dust, etc., entirely out of the creamery. New Hampshire College and Station. — The department of agriculture and horticulture has been divided into two departments. The department of horticul- ture will include the garden, greenhouses, and grounds around the experiment-sta- tion building, and will be in charge of F. M. Rane, horticulturist. The department of agriculture will include the farm, barns, and live stock, and will be in charge of Charles W. Burkett, associate professor of agriculture and agriculturist. North Carolina Station. — This station, upon the recommendation of the director and horticulturist, and by order of the board of trustees, has withdrawn from the management of the experimental farm of the North Carolina State Horti- cultural Society, located at Southern Pines, North Carolina. Oklahoma Station. — The board of regents has been reorganized as follows: President, B.S.Barnes, Pouca City; treasurer, C. J. Benson, Shawnee; C.M.Barnes, (ex-officio) Guthrie; R. J. Edwards, Oklahoma City; J. C. Tousley, El Reno; and F. J. Wikoff, Stillwater. Virginia Station. — Charles McCulloch, a graduate of the American Veterinary College and of the Columbian University, has been appointed assistant veterina- rian, vice F. S. Roop, resigned. Washington Station. — S.B.Nelson, veterinarian of the station, has been made secretary to the State Board of Health. Wyoming Station. — This station has made a change in the system of its publica- tions. Hereafter the bulletins will be popular accounts of the work of the station and adapted to local needs, while all matters of a technical nature will be published in the annual report. Bulletins will not be sen t outside of the State except on request, but the annual reports, including the bulletins, will be sent to the official list. Agriculture of the Philippines. — Lieut. A. P. Hayne, formerly of the Califor- nia University and Station and at present stationed in Manila, has been detailed at 399 400 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the request of the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate the agriculture of the Philippine Islands. He will be iu charge of au expedition to make an agricultural survey of the islands, and will be assisted in this work by a detail of about 50 men now serving in the Volunteer Army, most of them college graduates and several graduates of our agricultural colleges. Necrology. — Dr. Ferdinand Colin died suddenly at Breslau June 25 of heart dis- ease. He was born in 1824 and has occupied the chair of botany at Breslau since L859. During recent years he has been engaged principally in the field of bacteri- ology and has written a book on the Development of Microscopic Alg;e and Fungi, showing the destructive action of parasitic forms. Dr. Brefeld, of Miinster, has been elected his successor. Professor Gibelli, professor of botany and director of the botanic garden at Turin, died September 16, 1898. Dr. Anton Ritter Kerner von Marilaun, director and professor of botany of the botanical gardens at Vienna, died June 21, 1898. Prof, Ernst Stockhardt, formerly director of the Agricultural Institute at Jena, died at Bautzen on March 27, 1898. Miscellaneous. — Notice is given by the Royal Academy of Economy and Agri- culture of Florence that a meeting will be held at that place during 1899 to consider the subject of the advanced or delayed maturity in certain plants under varying conditions, the principal subjects of consideration being the difference in the growth of woody and herbaceous plants when removed to latitudes or altitudes different from those of their original habitat. The society has concluded to offer a prize of 1,200 francs and a diploma and silver medal for the best monograph on the subject proposed. The papers must be written in Italian or French and submitted to the academy by June 30, 1900. The secretary of the academy is A. Franchetti. A division of agriculture and forestry has been established in connection with the German Imperial Health Office at Berlin. The new division will be in charge of Prof. Georg Rorig, of Konigsberg. Prof. Moritz, formerly of the chemical division of the Health Office, has accepted a position. Prof. J. Behrens, of Karlsruhe, has been appointed agricultural bacteriologist, and Dr. C. Freiherr von Tubeuf, formerly director of the Bavarian station of plant protection and plant diseases, will become the botanist. A department of agronomy is to be added to the Bohemian technical high school at Prague, and Dr. J. Stoklasa has been selected as professor of plant production. The University of Aberdeen, Scotland, has received a bequest of $60,000 for the establishment of a garden uuder the name of the Cruickshank Botanical Garden, and Prof. James W. Traid has been appointed to the directorship of the same. Dr. Charles R. Barnes, of the University of Wisconsin, has gone to Chicago Uni- versity as professor of piant physiology. He has been succeeded in the University of Wisconsin by Dr. R. A. Harper, late of Lake Forest University. Dr. Arthur Borntriiger has been chosen as director or the agricultural station at Palermo, Sicily. Dr. Buchner, of Tubingen, has become professor in the agricultural high school of Berlin. Dr. F. W. Dafert has been appointed director of the Imperial Agricultural Chem- ical Experiment Station in Vienna. Dr. A. G. Grevillius has removed from Minister to the agricultural experiment station at Kempen on the Rhine. Dr. Daniel Morris has been appointed commissioner of the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies. Dr. Morris was formerly assistant director of the Royal Gardens at Kew. Dr. A. Richter has been chosen chief of the botanical division of the Hungarian National Museum. Dr. Hugo Zukal has been made extraordinary professor of phytopathology in the High School for Soil Culture in Vienna. o EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, EDITED 15V A C. TRUE, Pii. D., Director. E. W. Allen, Ph. D., Assistant Director— Chemistry, Dairy Farming, and Dairying. W. H. Beal — Meteorology, Fertilizers and Soils (including methods of analysis), and Agricultural Engineering. Walter H. Evaxs, Ph. D. — Botany and Diseases of Plants. C. F. LANGWORTHY, Ph. D. — Foods and Animal Production. Entomology and Veterinary Science. E. A. Emerson — Horticulture. J. I. Schtjlte — Field Crops. With the cooperation of the scientific divisions of the Department and the Abstract Committee of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. CONTENTS OF Vol. X, No. 5. Pane. Biological and dairy building of New York State Experiment Station 401 Recent work in agricultural science 407 Notes 499 SUBJECT LIST OF ABSTRACTS. CHEMISTRY. Formation of fnrfnroi from cellulose and its oxy and hydro derivatives, L. Vignon 407 The reduction of nitric oxid by copper, with special reference to Dmnas's method of estimating nitrogen, T. Gray 408 On the determination of potash without the previous removal of iron, calcium, etc., C. C. Moore 408 Determination of potash in potassic fertilizers, L. Ronnet - 409 Method of preparing a strictly neutral ammonium citrate solution. A. D. Cook 410 A method for determining perchlorate in sodium and potassium nitrites. N. Blattner and J . Brasseur 410 The determination of phosphoric acid in superphosphates, T.. Vignon 410 A new method for determining crude fiber in foods and feeding stuffs, J. Kiinig. 411 Decomposition of monobarium and monocalcium phosphates by water at 100J C, G. Viard 411 i II CONTENTS. BO I ANY. Page. On the nitrogen assimilation of plants, L. Lutz 414 Influence of diffused light on the development of plants, .1. Wiesner 414 On the direct fertilization of plants whose flowers seem adapted to cross fer- tilization. C. Gerber 415 Penicilliiini as a wood-destroying- fungus^ H. Marshall Ward 415 Two useful grasses 415 West Australian grasses, F. Turner 416 METEOROLOGY. Monthly Weather Review, Vol. XXVI, Nos. 7-9 c - 418 Moisture tables, C. V. Marvin 419 Department of meteorology and agricultural engineering, 1896-97, C. II. Pettee 419 Meteorological observations 419 aii: — water — SOILS. Salt River Valley soils, R. II. Forbes 420 Materials for the study of Russian soils, XI, A. Sovyetov and X. Adamov 421 Composition of Indian soils, J. W. Leather 421 The judging of the physical properties of soils by means of the heat which they evolve when moistened, A. Mitscherlich 423 Moisture investigations for 1897, E. C. Chilcott and A. B. Holm 424 fertilizers. Experiments with lime on acid soils, F. S. Earle and A. W. Orr 425 On the influence of crops and manure on the nitrogen content of soils, C. F. A. Tuxeu 425 On the production of barnyard manure, I*. Gay and Dupont 426 Fertilizers 426 Analyses of commercial fertilizers, 13. W. Kilgore et al 428 Analyses of fertilizers, C. A. Goessmann 428 Analyses of fertilizers, C. A. Goessmann 428 field crops. The effect of ceTtain methods of soil treatment upon the corn crop, T. L. Lyon. 428 Preservation of corn stover, D. O. Nourse 429 An experiment with clover, F. W. Rane 429 A preliminary report on the experiments with forage crops, T. L. Lyon 429 On the change of the composition of green fodders at different periods of vege- tation, P. Azaryevieh 430 Cooperative fertilizer experiments with cotton in 1897, J. F. Duggar 431 Seeding grass without grain, C. B. Lane 431 Commercial fertilizers for potatoes, W. H. Jordan 431 Comparison of varieties of potatoes, F. W. Rane 432 Irrigation 433 horticulture. Report of the assistant in horticulture, A. T. Jordan 433 Experiments in Shading, B. U. Halsted 435 Variety tests of fruits, S. T. Maynard 436 Hardy apples for cold climates, F. A. Waugh 437 Some results following the application of wood ashes in the apple orchard, S. A. Beach 437 CONTENTS. Ill Page. Home-grown grapes in Vermont, F. A. Waugh 440 New Hampshire fruit calendar for 1897, F. W. Rane 440 Fourth report upon chrysanthemums, W. Miller 438 FORESTRY. The hald cypress, F. Roth 441 Increasing the durability of timber, B. E. Femow 442 Forestry experiments at the Mustiala experiment stations, 1894-95, T. Cannelin . 442 Practical assistance to farmers, lumbermen, and others in handling forest lands, (1. Pinch ot 443 DISEASES OF PLANTS. Report of the botanist, B. D. Halsted 443 Some important pear diseases, B. M. Duggar 450 Studies on beau anthracnose, E. Gain 451 A cure for the lily disease, H. Byatt 451 Septoria graminum, a parasite of wheat, L. Mangiu • 452 Wood ashes and apple scab, S. A. Beach 452 The communicability of potato-stem blight, F. C. Stewart 452 The effect of plowing under green rye to prevent potato scab, F. C. Stewart.. 453 Department of bacteriology, H. H. Lamson 453 Effects of common salt on the growth of carnations and carnation rust, F. C. Stewart 453 Further experiments on spraying cucumbers, F. C. Stewart 454 Suggestions on spraying, H. P. Gould 455 Spraying for the destruction of fungi and insects, S. T. Maynard 457 ENTOMOLOGY. Report of the entomologist, J. B. Smith 457 Report of the department of entomology, ('. M. Weed 459 Insects of the year, G. H. Perkins 459 Four injurious insects, D. A. Saunders 460 The codling moth, M. V. Slingerland 460 Observations on the codling moth, F. W. Card 463 The periodical cicada in 1898, E. A. Schwarz 469 The Orthoptera of Minnesota, O. Lugger 466 Cotton wood-leaf beetle ; green arsenite, V. H. Lowe 467 Plant lice — descriptions, enemies, and treatment, V. H. Lowe 467 Brief notes on the San Jose scale, H. P. Gould 468 Inspection of nurseries and treatment of infested nursery stock, V. H. Lowe.. 468 Legislation relating to insects and diseases of fruit trees, and preliminary report of the State inspector of nurseries and orchards, L. R. Taft and D. W. Trine 470 The peach-tree borer, C. F. Baker 469 The fruit-bark beetle, C.F.Baker 469 The fruit-tree bark beetle, F. H. Chittenden 469 Bibliography of the more important contributions to American economic entomology, VI, N. Banks 470 Spraying calendar for 1898, L. R. Taft 470 FOODS— ANIMAL PRODUCTION. A calorimeter for the human body, W. Marcet 470 An experimental inquiry into the heat given out by the human body, W. Marcet and R. B. Floris .r 471 IV CONTENTS. Page. The feeding value of salt-marsh hay, J. B. Lindsey and B.K.Jones 472 The digestibility of several sorts of distillery refuse, 0. Kellner,et ;il 473 Concentrated feed stuffs, J. B. Lindsey 474 Fodders and feeds, E. B. Voorhees and J. P. Street 474 Market prices of commercial feeds, E. B. Voorhees and J. P. Street 480 Breakfast foods, E. B. Voorhees and J. P. Street 474 A further study of the changes that occur in the process of baking bread, L. A . Voorhees 176 Digestion and feeding experiments, W. II. Jordan and C. G. .Tenter 476 DAIRY FARMING — DAIRYING. Dairy husbandry, C. B. Lane 482 The college herd, F. W. Morse 492 Milk production with salt-marsh hays, J. B. Lindsey and B.K.Jones 484 The effects of food on milk and butter, .1. Speir 486 Feeding fat in the form of an emulsion to milch cows, S. Rhodin 486 Feeding skim milk according to the Trystorp method, P. Hansson 487 Skim-milk feed for milch cows, L. F. Nilson 487 Spaying cows. J. Vennerkolm 488 The milk supply of Boston and other New England cities, G. M. YVhitaker 488 The germs in milk ; studies of foremilk of cows, J . Nelson 490 Swedish butter exhibitions during 1897, N. Eugstrom 491 VETERINARY SCIENCE AXD PRACTICE. Observations on the experiment cows with reference to tuherculosis, J. Nelson. 194 Cornstalk disease, A. T. Peters 494 The prevalence, symptoms, and treatment of milk fever, garget, and abortion, J. Nelson 494 STATISTICS. Fourth report of progress on extension work, I. P. Roberts . 498 Report of the director of New York State Station, \Y. H.Jordan 498 Annual Report of Oklahoma Station for 1898 498 Ninth Annual Report of New Hampshire Station, 1897 498 Annual Report of New Jersey Stations, 1897 498 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. Experiment stations in the United States: Alabama College Station: Ihilletin 90~ January, 1898 •. 469 Bulletin 91, February, 1898 431 Bulletin 92, April, 1898 425 Arizona Station : Bulletin 28, March, 1898 420 Massachusetts Hatch Station : BulletinoO, January, 1898 472,484 Bulletin 51, February, 1898 428 Bulletin 52, March, 1898 , 436, 457 Bulletin 53, April, 1898 474 Bulletin 54, July, 1898 428 Meteorological Bulletin 115, July, 1898 419 Meteorological Bulletin 116, August, 1898 419 Meteorological Bulletin 117, September, 1898 419 CONTENTS. V Experiment stations in the United States — Continued. rage. Michigan Station : Bulletin 155, March, 1898 470 Bulletin 156, March, 1898 470 Minnesota Station: Bulletin 55, December, 1897 466 Mississippi Station: Bulletin 49 (special), June 25, 1898 428 Nebraska Station : Bulletin 51, December 30. 1897 463 Bulletin 52, January 11,1898 194 Bulletin 53, March 31, 1898 429 Bulletin 54, June 8, 1898 428 New Hampshire Station : Bulletiu 48 (Ninth Annual Report, 1897), November, 1897 419, 429, 432, 440, 453, 459, 492, 198 New Jersey Stations : Bulletin 126, November 29, 1897 440 Bulletin 127, November 30, 1897 497 Annual Report, 1897. . . 426, 431, 433, 435, 443, 457, 474, 476, 480, 482, 490, 494, 498 New York Cornell Station : Bulletin 142, January, 1898 460 Bulletin 144, January, 1898 455, 468 Bulletin 145, February, 1898 450 Bulletin 146, February, 1898 498 Bulletin 1 17, April, 1898 438 New York State Station : Bulletin 136, December, 1897 468 Bulletin 137, December, 1897 431 Bulletin 138, December, 1897 452,453,454 Bulletin 139, December, 1897 467 Bulletin 140, December, 1897 437,452 Bulletin 141, December, 1897 476 Bulletin 142, December, 1897 498 Bulletin 143, April. 1898 467 Oklahoma Station : Annual Report, 1898 498 South Dakota Station: Bulletin 57, February, 1898 460 Bulletin 58, March, 1898 424 Vermont Station : Bulletin 60, October, 1897 459 Bulletin 61, November, 1897 437 Bulletiu 62, January, 1898 440 Virginia Station : Bulletin 73, February, 1897 429 United States Department of Agriculture : Bureau of Animal Industry : Bulletin 20 '. 488 Division of Entomology : Circular 29 (second series) 469 Circular 30 (second series) 469 Bibliography of the More Important Contributions to American Eco- nomic Entomology, VI 470 Division of Forestry : ( lircnlar 19 Ill Circular 20 442 Circular 21 443 VI CONTENTS. United States Department of Agriculture — Continued. Page. Weather Bureau : Monthly Weather Review, Vol. XXVI, Nos. 7-9, July-September, 1898.. 418 Moisture Tables 419 ILLUSTRATIONS. Fig. 10. Biological and Dairy Building, New York State Experiment Station, Page, exterior view 401 11. Same building, basement plan 402 12. Same building, first floor plan 403 13. Same building, second floor plan 405 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Vol. X. Xo. 5. The Xew York State Experiment Station at Geneva has recently completed and dedicated a biological and dairy building (fig. 10) which contains many features of interest and some which are unique. An appropriation of 641,000 was made by the State assembly in 1S0G for the construction and equipment of a building to be devoted to the biological sciences and to dairying. Steps were immediately taken to secure plans and let contracts, but it was not until September, 1897, '^n '•*'• 1 >.~ () horsepower boilers, the radiators in each room being controlled by automatic valves connected with thermostats and operated by compressed air by the Johnson sys- tem. Steam from the boilers, compressed air aud hot water from the compressor and heater (both also in the basement), and cold water and gas from the city system are supplied at the laboratory tables and other convenient points. Constant pressure upon the water system is main- tained by connection with a 1,000-gallon tank in the attic. BIOLOGICAL AND DAIRY BUILDING. 403 For securing constant temperatures in the cheese-curing rooms and bacteriological culture rooms, and low temperature in the dairy and cold- storage rooms, a supply of cold air is necessary. This is furnished by an extensive refrigerating plant, operating on the ammonia-expansion principle, located in the basement. Expansion coils connected with the apparatus are provided in a cheese room in the basement, the butter room, pasteurizing room, cold-storage room, and large insulated rooms in the attic. Part of these coils are immersed in brine tanks, so that a low temperature, secured during the day, can be maintained ;»t Fig. 12. — First floor plan of Biological and Dairy Building, New York State Experiment Station. night without running the machinery. The power for the compressor and other machinery is furnished by a 25-horsepower horizontal engine. The building is well supplied with wash basins, sinks, and closets, the most modern and thoroughly sanitary plumbing and drainage being used throughout. In the basement (fig. 11) are the machinery and boiler rooms, several large coal and storage rooms, and one large room for curing Brie, cream, and similar cheeses which require moisture and darkness. This room is provided with cooling apparatus. 404 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. On the first floor (fig. 12) the 5 rooms occupying the left side of the main building- and the east wing are devoted to horticulture. These consist of a horticulturist's office, 18 by 15 ft., with a large dark closet attached; horticulturist's laboratory, 20 by 14 ft.; assistant horticul- turists' office, 20 by 17£ ft.; assistants' laboratory, 32 by 14^ ft., and a museum, 32 by 14| ft. One of the fireproof vaults for the preservation ot records is located in this part of the building, the other vault being upon the second floor, just above it. The museums also are practically fireproof. The offices here, as throughout the building, are thoroughly equipped with oak furniture. The laboratories each have a large work table, with Alberene stone top and sink, fitted with the conveniences previously mentioned. The windows are provided with wide micro- scope tables or shelves ; and these as well as the projecting ledges of the microscope and reagent cases are fitted with removable plate-glass tops to prevent staining. At the right of the main entrance is the office of the dairy expert, which opeus into another hall at right angles to the main one and leads to the butter room. The latter is 32 by 20 ft. in size and, like the milk-receiving room, pasteurizing room and cheese room, is finished entirely in white. The floors of these rooms are of vitrified tile, with sufficient pitch to give ready drainage, and the sides have a wainscoting of enameled brick. The apparatus is also all finished in white enamel. In the south end of the butter room, next to the milk-receiving room, are the four separators — a United States steam turbine, a United States belt power with inter- mediate connection, a DeLaval steam turbine, and an Empire with direct belt connection. Near the middle of the room is the box churn, which contains four compartments so that four samples of cream may be handled at once under uniform conditions. At the north end of the room are the hand and power butter workers, with expansion coils above to secure proper temperature. This portion of the room can be shut off from the rest by a curtain when necessary. Opening from this room are an elevator to the basement, a large closet, and the cold storage room. The milk-receiving room has an outer door leading to a platform, and contains a large vat and steam pump to receive the milk and distribute it to separators, pasteurizer, or cheese vats. In the pasteurizing room are the steam pasteurizer, milk cooler, and Babcock tester. The upper coils over which the milk flows in the cooler circulate cold water and the lower ones ammonia, so that economical and rapid cooling is secured. The cheese room communicates by an elevator with the basement and with the second story near the cheese- curing rooms, and contains one large and two small cheese vats, and large and small constant pressure cheese presses. Upon the second floor (fig. 13) the arrangement of rooms in the left half does not differ from that of the first story. These rooms are the bota- nist's office, laboratory, and museum, and the entomologist's office and laboratory. The cheese curing rooms occupy the right wing, and are BIOLOGICAL AND DAIRY BUILDING. 405 separated from its outer wall on all sides by a 4-foot passageway. They are further insulated by double walls and air spaces on the outside and between the separate rooms. These rooms are G in number, each 9 by 10 ft., with shelves 14 in. wide and lli in. apart over the entire wall space. It is expected to control the temperature in each of these rooms within 2°, running each room independently and at any temperature between 30 and 90°. A hot-air flue from below, and a cold-air flue from the chamber in the attic containing the expansion coils aud brine tanks, lead into each room. These flues are closed by dampers operated by compressed air and controlled by thermostats. When the temperature ;.v a: B Entomologist's Laboratory. ^ \ Botanists Museum. o Entomologist's ~~ Office. n m n Botanists Laboratory. o n— n—n 313 ^SS- a / Hall. Incubator and Culture d Room. W H W^T^^i' \ Bacteriologists rr^ Office Bacteriologist's Laboratory. D Roof. Fig. 13 Second floor plan of Biological and Dairy Building, New York State Experiment Station. falls 1° below the point fixed upon, the thermostat turns a valve and the compressed air opens the hot-air damper near the floor. Should the temperature rise, the cold-air flue in the ceiling is opened. So deli- cate is the operation of this system that breathing upon the thermostat will open the cold-air flue, and fanning it will open the hot-air damper. In front of the second story and to the right of the center are the bacteriologist's office and laboratory, a culture and incubator room, and a storage and work room. A portion of the incubator and culture room can be shut off from the rest by a glass partition and its temperature 406 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. held where desired by :i cold-air line and radiator automatically controlled. In the attic only the east half has been finished off and these rooms are used for photographic work. These consist of a gallery 36 by 34 ft., lighted by an 8 by 10 ft. skylight and a large double dormer win- dow, a dark room, and a finishing room. In the west half of the attic is the chamber containing the large ammonia expansion coils and brine tanks. This chamber is insulated with great care by air spaces on all sides and by thick double-air-spaced walls, so that very little heat from without can enter. It will be seen that the facilities offered by this new building are exceptional for the study of dairy problems, and especially those con- nected with cheese making. The details of the process of curing cheese are very imperfectly understood at the present time, even by scientists, who differ in their theories as to the nature and cause of the changes which take place and the conditions which influence them. The sub- ject is an intensely practical one, and the more so from the fact that in practice the curing process receives relatively little attention from cheese makers. "The watchful eye of the maker is too often diverted from the cheese as soon as it is placed upon the shelves. An inspec- tion of the conditions under which cheese is cured in this country almost without exception shows that the details of the curing process receive little or no attention. Curing rooms are built in the cheapest possible manner. oSTo attempt is made to control the temperature or the moisture content of the same. It is not at all uncommon to find cheese stored in places the temperature of which is subject to almost as much fluctuation as the outside air."1 This is possibly too strong a statement as applied to the whole country, but it undoubtedly represents a condition of affairs which prevails in a large majority of cheese-making establishments, resulting in a "monetary loss amounting to many millions of dollars." The arrangements in the new building for controlling the temperature of the cheese-curing rooms, with additional arrangements to be pro- vided for controlling the humidity, will afford exceptional means for studying this phase of the ripening process. The services of a bac- teriologist, who entered upon his duties with the beginning of the new year, will be an additional element of strength. It is a matter for congratulation that the important investigations in cheese making which the station has made in the past are to be resumed under such favorable conditions. 1 Babcock and Russell. RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE CHEMISTRY. Formation of furfurol from cellulose and its oxy and hydro derivatives, L. Vig-non (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sei. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 10, pp. 1355-1358). — In these investigations cotton fiber was sub- jected during 1 hour at a boiling temperature to the action of (1) hydrochloric acid, (2) potassium chlorate, and (3) stannous chlorid. In the first and third cases hydrocelluloses were obtained ; in the second case an oxycellulose was formed. These three substances, as well as starch and cotton fiber bleached with chlorin and oxycellulose obtained from such fiber by treatment with chromic acid, were subjected to the action of hydrochloric acid (1.00 sp. gr.) at a boiling temperature according to the Tolleus method for the determination of furfurol. The furfurol was determined in the distillate from the solutions by means of phenylhydrazin. The results are given as follows: Furfurol obtained from cellulose, cellulose derivatives, etc. H vdrocellulose (1) . . . ( Ixycellulose (2) - Reduced cellulose (3) Furfural. Per cent. 0.851 2.113 .860 Furfurol. I'n- cent. Starch 0. 800 Bleached cotton 1.800 ( 'nt ton fiber treated with chromic acid. 3. 5oo During the formation of the furfurol carbon dioxid was evolved, which was collected and determined. The carbon dioxid evolved bore a fixed relation to the amount of furfurol obtained. The author also studied the formation of furfurol from the products of decomposition of oxycellulose by potash. Samples of oxycellulose prepared by treating cotton fiber with chlorate of potash and hydro- chloric acid (A) and with chromate of potash and sulphuric acid (B) were treated with potassium hydrate (20° Baume) at ordinary tempera- ture for 5 hours, using 200 cc. of the potash solution to 25 gm. of the oxycellulose. In each case an insoluble residue remained. By satu- rating the potash solution with hydrochloric acid, a white gelatinous precipitate was obtained which was collected and dried. A certain 407 408 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. amount of material remained dissolved in the potash solution after neutralization. These 3 products were tested for furfurol with the following results: Furfurol in potash decomposition products of cellulose derivatives. Insoluble residue Precipitate from potash solution Substance not precipitated by acid The reduction of nitric oxid by copper, -with special reference to Dumas's method of estimating nitrogen, T. Gray {Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), N~o. 8, pp. 741-713). — In order to determine the conditions in the Dumas method of determining nitrogen under which reduction of nitric oxid by metallic copper takes place, the author passed pure nitric oxid and mixtures of the oxid with nitrogen, at dif- ferent rates, over copper spirals of different lengths heated to redness in combustion tubes, and analyzed the resulting gas. The results showed that when the copper was sufficiently heated, it was a very efficient reducing agent. Spirals which had been oxidized and reduced several times proved to be more effective than new spirals. "A 3-in. spiral effected complete reduction of the nitric oxid when the mixed gases were passed over it at such a rate that approximately 30 cc. were collected in about 3 minutes, but part of the nitric oxid escaped reduction when the speed was increased much above this. With a 5-in. spiral complete reduction took place even when the rate of passage was about three times as great. This rate is very- much greater than that at which a combustion is conducted, but the conditions are not identical, as the gases in the latter case are diluted to a considerable extent by the carbon dioxid and water vapor produced by the oxidation of the carbon and hydrogen of the substance." To determine the efficiency of reduction under the conditions of ordi- nary combustion, examinations were made of the gas obtained by com- bustion with a 5-in. spiral of acetanilid, uric acid, and hippuric acid. The gas was free from nitric oxid in all but 2 cases, and in these the amounts were very small. The author concluded that when carbon dioxid is used to expel the air from the combustion tube, " a spiral 5 in. long should be used. This should be tightly rolled and of such a thickness that some pressure is necessary to push it into the combustion tube. The spiral should be strongly heated and the current of carbon dioxid which is used to expel the air from the tube should be stopped while the combustion is taking place." On the determination of potash without the previous removal of iron, calcium, etc., C. C. Moore (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 (1898), No. 5, pp. 340-343). — The acid solution of the substance, without pre- vious removal of calcium, iron, etc., is evaporated on a steam bath CHEMISTRY. 409 with slight excess of platinum chlorid until the residue solidifies on cooling. From 15 to 25 cc. of acidulated alcohol prepared by pass- ing dry hydrochloric-acid gas into cool 90 per cent alcohol is then added to the solution, which is allowed to stand 2. or 3 minutes, with occasional stirring. The solution is passed through a filter and the residue washed once or twice by decantation, then thrown upon the filter and washed with the acid alcohol until the excess of platinum chlorid is removed. The precipitate is then washed first with ammo- nium chlorid solution (200 gm. of chlorid per liter of water) and after- wards with 85 per cent alcohol. The acidulated alcohol used in this method is prepared by gently heating strong aqueous hydrochloric acid in a flask and passing the liberated gas through sulphuric acid and into alcohol kept in a cooled vessel. This is continued until 1 cc. of the alcohol neutralizes about 2^- cc. of normal potassium hydroxid. The method was tested with very satisfactory results on a sample of ash and on mixtures of known composition containing varying amounts of potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, and aluminum salts. In case ammo- nium salts are present, it is recommended that they be decomposed and removed by means of nitric acid, as explained in Crooke's Select Methods, p. 32. Determination of potash in potassic fertilizers, L. Eonnet [Rev. Chim. Analyt., 1897, No. 21 ; abs. in Bui. Assoc. Ghim. Sucr. et Distill., 16 (1898), No. 1, pp. 76, 77). — The author recommends the following modification of Schloesing's method: In case of potassium chlorid dissolve 50 gm. of material in water, make up to 1 liter, mix, and filter. To 20 cc. of the filtrate add 10 cc. of saturated solution of barium hydrate; pass carbon dioxid through the solution for a few minutes to precipitate the excess of barium, and boil on a water bath until the carbon dioxid dissolved in the solution and contained in bicarbonates is driven off; filter, add perchloric acid, and continue the operation in the usual way. Potash is determined in sulphate and kainit in exactly the same manner, except that 40 cc. of the barium solution is used in case of the sulphate and 30 cc. in case of the kainit and the precipitate is washed longer. In the case of complex fertilizers dissolve 25 gm. in hot water. After cooling, make up the volume to 500 cc, mix, and filter. Evaporate 100 or 200 cc. of this filtrate to dryness in the presence of 1 or 2 gm. of slacked lime. Calcine at a low temperature until the organic matter is destroyed, the ammonia salts volatilized, and superphosphates trans- formed into insoluble tribasic phosphates. Take up in a small quantity of boiling water, filter, add barium solution as long as any precipitate forms, precipitate excess of barium with a current of carbon dioxid, boil, and filter. Determine potash in the filtrate in the manner described above. 410 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Method of preparing a strictly neutral ammonium citrate solu- tion, A. D. Cook (Jour. Amer. Ghem. Soc, 20 (1898), No. 8, pp. 585, 586). — The difficulty of preparing a strictly neutral ammonium citrate is briefly discussed and the following method is recommended: "Seven hundred and forty grams of commercial citric acid is carefully -weighed out and placed in a 4-liter graduate containing 1,900 cc. of 10 per cent ammonium hydroxid. With a suitable glass rod the citric acid is thoroughly and vigorously stirred until the citric acid has all dissolved. Distilled water is now added until the meniscus reads 4,000 cc. The solution is again stirred and carefully transferred to a large porcelain evaporating dish. The solution is allowed to stand over night and in the morning large oval crystals are noticeable on the sides of the 4-liter grad- uate, and invariably the solution when tested for neutrality will be found strictly neutral. If the solution is not vigorously stirred sufficient heat will not be evolved to drive off the excess of ammonia, and when tested will be fouud to be slightly alkaline, but by resorting to vigorous stirring a strictly neutral reaction will be obtained. The solution, after being transferred to the reagent bottle, is brought to the required temperature, 20° C, and distilled water added until the specific gravity is 1.09. On testing the neutrality of this solution, both with coralline and coch- ineal as indicators, it will be found unnecessary to alter its neutrality iu the least degree, the solution being strictly neutral." ' A method for determining perchlorate in sodium and potas- sium nitrates, N. Blattner and J. Brassetjr (Bui. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 19 (1898), No. 12, p. 539; and Ghem. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 59, pp. 589, 590). — The method recommended is as follows: Determine chlorin by the usual method in the original substance, then dry and pulverize 5 or 10 gtn. of the nitrate. Mix with 8 to 15 gm. of pure lime obtained by calcining pure precipitated calcium carbonate. Place the mixture in a covered platinum or porcelain crucible and heat in the flame of a Bunsen burner for 15 minutes. After cooling remove the contents of the crucible to a flat-bottomed flask, dissolve in dilute nitric acid (free from cblorids), and determine chlorin in the solution by means of silver nitrate either in acid solution, according to Volhard, or in a solution neutralized by calcium carbonate, or by weighing the silver chlorid. By this means chlorin iu chlorids, chlorates (if any are pres- ent), and perchlorates are determined, from these data the amount of perchlorates present may be calculated. The determination of phosphoric acid in superphosphates, L. VlGNON (Gompt. Mend. Acad. Set. Paris, 126 (189s), No. 21, pp. 1522, 1523; 127 (1*98); No. 3, p. 191). — The determination of water-soluble and citrate-soluble phosphoric acid in 1 sample of bone superphosphate and 2 samples of mineral superphosphate are reported. The percent- ages of soluble phosphoric acid found were 14.32, 11.13, and 10.20 per cent, respectively. The percentages of citrate- soluble phosphoric acid were 0.77, 0.27, and 3.1, respectively, when the solution was allowed to stand 8 hours before filtration and 1.08, 0.45, and 3.18, respectively, when allowed to stand 15 hours before filtration. When phosphoric 1 Compare De Roode's method, Jour. Amer. Ghem. Soc., 17 (1895), p. 47 (E. S. R., 6, p. 864J. CHEMISTRY. 411 acid was determined in the combined water solution and citrate extract, the following- percentages were found, viz, 17.79, 14.94, and 13.91. Sub- tracting the percentages of water-soluble phosphoric acid from these figures, we have for citrate-soluble phosphoric acid, by difference, 3.47, 0.81, and 3.71 per cent, figures which are much higher than those obtained by determining the citrate-soluble phosphoric acid separately. The author recommends the method of determining phosphoric acid in the combined solutions as more rapid and accurate than separate deter- minations, especially when, as is usual in superphosphates, the amount of citrate-soluble phosphoric acid is small. A new method for determining crude fiber in foods and feeding stuffs, J. Konig- (Ztschr. Untersuch. Nahr. u. Genussmtl.,1898, No. 1, p. 3; abs. in Gentbl. Agr. Client., 27 {1898), No. 10, pp. 706-711).— The author calls attention to the fact that the treatment with 1.25 per cent sulphuric acid and potash solution by the Weende method for crude fiber only dissolves a part of the pentosans, and describes a method which he has worked out for the determination of crude fiber freed so far as pos- sible from pentosans. The method is as follows : Three grams of air-dry substance is mixed in a porcelain dish of 500 cc. capacity with 200 cc. of glycerin containing 20 gm. of concentrated sulphuric acid to the liter. The glycerin used is of 1.23 sp. gr., i. e., contains 87.5 per cent of glycerin. The dish is placed in an autoclave and heated under three atmospheres pressure, i. e., 137° C, for 1 hour. After cooling to 80 to 100° the dish is removed, the contents diluted with 200 to 250 cc. of boiling water, and filtered hot on a porcelain filter plate covered with finely divided asbestus, or on a Gooch crucible. The residue is washed with boiling water, alcohol, and a mixture of alcohol and ether until the filtrate is colorless, after which it is dried to constant weight, incin- erated, and weighed, the loss in weight on ignition being taken as ash- free crude fiber. With an autoclave 25 cm. deep and 25 cm. in diameter 4 determinations can be made simultaneously. In the absence of an autoclave the digestion may be carried on in a 600 cc. flask with a reflux condenser, heating at boiling for 1 hour. At a temperature of 120 to 130° frothing usually occurs, but as soon as the liquid comes to boiliug there is no further danger of this. The method gives a crude fiber containing from 0 to 6.62 per cent of pentosans. It was found more difficult to remove the pentosans from leguminous coarse fodders than from grasses. Decomposition of monobarium and monocalcium phosphates by water at 100° C, G. Yiard {Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 3, pp. 178-180).— Joly and Sorel1 have shown that monobasic phosphates of the alkaline earths partially decompose in cold water with the formation of dibasic phosphate, which is precipitated, and free phosphoric acid, which remains in solution with the undecomposed monobasic phosphate. The author's experiments show that the same 'Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 118 (1894), pp. 738-741. 10222— No. 5 2 412 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. decomposition occurs in water at 100° O., the limit being- reached when the ratio of total phosphoric acid to combined phosphoric acid was 2.8 in case of monobarium phosphate and 2.34 in case of monocalcium phosphate. The precipitate formed Mas in every case anhydrous dibasic phosphate insoluble in acetic acid. A new gas, ('. F. Brush (Science, n. ser., 8 {1898), No. 198, pp. 485-494, fig. 1; Jour. Amer. Cltem. Soc, i, No.12, pp. 899-912, fip.l).— A paper reail before thf American Association for the Advancement of Science, Aifgust 23, 1898, announc- ing the discovery of a new constituent of the atmosphere to which the name "etherion" is given. ''Its chief characteristic thus Jar ascertained is enormous heat conductivity at low pressures." Classification of proteids, E. II. Chittenden | Cenfbl. Physiol., 11 (1898), p. 497; abs. in Vrtljsch}\ Client. Nahr. u. Genussmtl., /? (1897), No. i, p. 493). — The author calls attention to the fact that in 1894 he published a classification similar to Wro- Idewski's (E. S. R., 9. p. 480). Nitraticn cf cellulose and of its hydro and oxy derivatives, L. ViGNON (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 23, pp. 1658-1661). — This is a continua- tion of previouswork see p. 407), in the course of which it was shown that cellulose aud hydrocelluloae Yielded small quantities of furfurol and the nitro-oxycellulose large quantities. On the determination of phosphoric acid, H. Lasne (Compt. Bend. .lend. Sci. Paris, 127 (189S), Xo. 1, 2>P- 62-64). — The author reports determinations of water- soluble and citrate-soluble phosphoric acid in mineral, raw bone, and degelatinized bone superphosphate which show that small amounts of citrate-soluble phosphoric acid may ho accurately determined by precipitation in the extract it' the solution is allowed to stand 16 hours before nitration. Formation of furfurol from starch and its derivatives, F. Sestini (L'Orosi, 21, pp. 109-113; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. hid.. 17 (1898), No. 9, p. 861).— Starch heated dry at about 200° C. and in the presence of acids at 100° C. is said to yield furfurol. On the Lindo-G-ladding method of determining potash, A. L. Winton and H. J. Wheeler (Jour. Amer. Chem. Sue., 20 (1S9S), No. 8,pp. 597-609).— -This is a paper prepared by a committee appointed by the Association of Official Agricultural Chem- ists of the United States with a view to meeting certain criticisms of the Liudo- G lad ding method of determining potash, notably those of Vogel and Ilaefcke (E. S. R., 8, p. 457). Determination of sulphuric acid in wine and vinegar, F. Bimbi (Bol. Chim- Farm., 37, p. 133; abs. in Bui. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 20 (1S9S), No. l->. p. 575). On the bodies reducing Fehling's solution in fruit juices, Ademhold and Heintze (Chem. Ztg., 22 (1S9S), No. 63, p. 632). The deterioration of raw cane sugar in transit or storage, E. C. Shokey (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1S9S), Xo. 6, pp. 555-558, figs. 3). On the carbohydrates of barley and malt, •with special reference to the pen- tosans. The behavior of the pentosans during the preparation of malt, and dur- ing -washing and fermentation, B. Tollens (Jour. Fed. lust. Brewing, 4 (1898), No. 6, pp. 43S-454). The action of dilute solutions of ortho-phosphoric acid on the albumen of hens' eggs, W. Worms (Jour. Soe. Phys. Chim. I,'., 29 (1897), No. 9, p. 680; abs. in Bui. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 20 (1S9S), Xo. 12. p. ■'■ Edible fats and oils; analyzing and discriminating (Jour. Suisse Chim. it J'harm., 35,p.448; Bui. Assoc. Beige Chim., 11, pp. 160-163; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1S9S), Xo. l,pp. 76, 77). Contribution to the technical analysis of fats, A. ScHUKOW and P. SCHESTAKOW (Zap. Imp. Pus. Techn. Obschisch., 32 (1898), Xo. 3, p. 100; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), Xo. 8, p. 805). CHEMISTRY. 413 The essential oil of hops, A. C. Chapman (Jour. Fed. Inst. Brewing, 4 (1898), pp. 33; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 ( 1898), No. 5, p. 486). Method for detecting cotton-seed, sesame, and peanut oils in olive oil, M. TORELLI and R. RUGGER! (Chem. Ztg., .' .' ( 1898), No. 60, j>}>. 600-603). Remarks on -wine and vinegar analysis, L. Erckmann (Chem. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 66, p. 673). Sewage analysis and standards of purity for effluents, C. G. Moor (Analyst, 198), Aug., pp. 198-209). The Lamansky-NDbel viscosimeter, L. Singer (Chem. Rev. FeH u. Harz-Ind,., 4, No. IS, pp. 243-246; ctbs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1S9S), No. 2, pp. 182, is.;). Determination of water in milk, butter, etc., A. Wroblewski (Oesterr. Chem. Ztg., 1 (1S9S), No. 11 , pp. 331, 332, fig. 1). — The method proposed is similar to the .Adams method. Strips of paper arc rolled and packed into a weighing glass. After drying t<> constant weight, the rolls arc saturated with 10 to 20 cc. of milk, weighed and dried to constant weight; or in the case of butter, 5 to 10 gm. are placed in small pieces on the rolls, melted by gentle heat and then dried to constant weight. Milk analyse:.; II, M. Weibull (A'. Laudt. Akad. Handl. Tidskr., 37 (1898\, No. 3, ptf. 148-156). — Comparisons of the kaolin, paper coil and Gottlieb methods of milk analysis for whole milk, skim milk, and buttermilk. The introduction of a un.form method for determining fat in milk, M. Weibull (Milch Ztg.. 27 (1898), No. 26, pp. 406, 407).— An address delivered by the author at the second Norwegian agricultural congress. After discussing the various volu- metric and gravimetric methods, he concludes that the choice of a " normal " method for milk control lies between the Adams gravimetric method and- Gottlieb's modifi- cati :n of Rose's (volumetric) method, "as both of these gave uniform results when nsed by different persons." Machine for rapidly calculating the total solids in milk from the specific gravity and fat content (Milch Ztg., 27 (1808), No. 29, pp. 456, 457, Jig. 1).—A descrip- tion of a milk scale in the form of a disk, devised by E. Ackermann. The calculation of "added water" in adulterated milks, II. D. Richmond (Analyst, 2-1 (1S9S), July, pp. 169-174). On the determination of malic acid in raisins, A. Girard and L. Lindet (Bui. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 19 (1S9S), No. 13, p. 585). Standard methods for the sampling and analysis of tanning materials, H. R. I'm x'TER and J. G. Parker (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1S9S), No. 1, pp. 6-10). The effect of different temperatures in the extraction of tanning materials, J. G. PARKER (Contrib. London Leather Industries Research Lab.; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), No. 2, pp. 106-110). The nicotin content of cigars and smoking tobacco sold at retail, II. Sinxhoi i> (Arch. Fliarm., 236 (1898), No. 7, pp. 5 V2-5 JO). The development of official methods of agricultural analysis, J. Hexdrick (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1S9S), No. 4, pp. 326-330).— Attention is called to the lack of uniformity in official analytical work in England, and the systems evolved in the United States and Germany are explained. Uniform methods for the analyses of foods, condiments, and commercial products in the German Empire, J. SPRINGER ( Vereinbarungen zur einheitlichen Unter8uchung von Nahrungs- und Genussmitteln some Gebrauchsgagenstdnden far das Deutsche Reich. Berlin: 1897, pt. 1; abs. Ztschr. Fleisch u. Milchhyg., 9 (1898), No. 1, p. 18). — Among the subjects treated are general methods of analyses, preservatives, meat, sausage, meat extract, peptones, milk, eggs, cheese, and fata and oils. Second meeting of the international commission for uniform methods of sugar analysis (Chem. Ztg.. 22 (1898), No. 64, p. 652).— An account of the meeting held at Vienna, July 31, 1898. The analysis of food and drugs: I. Milk and milk products, T. II. Pearmain and C. G. Moor (London: Bailliere, Tindall $ Cos, 1897; rev. in Analyst. 23 (1898), Aug., p. J24). 414 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Report of the chemical station and seed-control station at Skara (Sweden) for 1897 (Skara: Sven Hammar, 1898). Report of the Swedish chemical stations for 1896 (Meddel. K. Landtbr. Styr., 7 (1897), No. •/.', ]>i>. 280-318). — Eight State chemical stations were in operation during 1896, and 6 additional stations were supported by as many county agricul- tural societies. At the State stations 43,551 samples were analyzed in all during the year, of which 36,509 were dairy products, principally milk; 1,201 were fertilizers; 568 soil samples; 3,585 were examined for poisons, etc. The county stations analyzed in all 24,524 samples, 90 per cent of which were dairy products. A monthly summary is given of milk analyses made at Vesteras I itiemical Station during 18%, including 17,166 analyses. The average for the year was 3.35 per cent of fat.— K. W. WOLL. BOTANY. On the nitrogen assimilation of plants, L. Ltjtz (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 { 1898), No. 17, pp. 1227-1229).— The author briefly reviews the work of a number of investigators in this line and states that Yille lias sliown that plants are able to assimilate metliylamin and ethylamin, but his conclusions were subject to error on account of the fact that no attempt was made to exclude micro-organisms. Frank is stated to have shown that leucin, tyrosin, and alkaloids are not assimilable. Bokorny has stated tbat Spirogyra is able to grow in a nutrient solution containing trimethylainin sulphate. On the other hand, Eeveil has claimed that alkaloids are poisonous to plants, while Cornevin and Heckel have shown that under certain conditions they may be utilized. The author describes in considerable detail his experiments and in conclusion states that phanerogams are able to assimilate their neces- sary nitrogen from amins in the form of salts without those substances being transformed into ammonium salts or nitrates. For this assimila- tion it is necessary that the amins should be presented in a compara- tively simple form. Metliylamin has proved an excellent source of nitrogen, while benzylamin, pyridin, glycolamin, and betain are unas- similable. Phenolamin is said to be very poisonous and the compound ammonium salts and alkaloids are not directly assimilable. In most cases where the nutrient solution contained nitrogen in an unassimilable form the plants lost a considerable amount of their initial nitrogen, in this connection the author states that their period of growth was prolonged considerably beyond what it would have been under ordinary conditions without the intervention of micro organisms, and the ques- tion is raised whether or not there was not some form of self- fermenta- tion present. The author sought to ascertain the form in which the nitrogen disappeared from these plants, and claims that his investiga- tions showed that it was liberated in a gaseous state. Influence of diffused light on the development of plants, J. Wiesnee (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 18, pp. 1287- 128!)), — The author reports a series of experiments with Impatiens bal- samina, Reseda, odorata, Tropceolum niajas, and Ipomma purp urea, which BOTANY. 415 were planted after germination on slopes with north, east, south, and west exposures. The plants on the north exposure received an average of ^2 of the total illumination of the sun. All of the 4 species planted bloomed on the north exposure. The Impatiens, Tropceolum, and Ipomoea hat! well developed and abundant flowers. The Reseda flow- ers were few and the inflorescences small. All of* the plants fruited and produced viable seeds. The plants given a southern exposure flow- ered mueh earlier, the Reseda exceeding the plants grown with north exposure by 0, the Impatiens by 13, the Tropceolum by 16, and Ipomoea by 17 days. The author's experiments seem to show that the 3 rather dissimilar families of plants represented are able to completely develop in dif- fused light. Analogous experiments with Sedum acre, a species of plant which usually grows in sunny exposures, showed that the vegetative growth of the plant developed in the northern exposure, but the plant did not flower. It is evident that A5 of the intensity of light is not sufficient for the development of this plant. On the direct fertilization of plants -whose flowers seem adapted to cross fertilization, 0. Gerber (Gompt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 24, pp. 1734-1737).— The author claims that by the peculiar form of the calyx of Gistus albidus the plant is close pollinated instead of cross pollinated, as would seem to be indicated from the structure of the flower. The same has been observed in other species of this genus, namely, ('. salvi/ollus, G. Mrsutus, and G. villosus. Penicillium as a -wood-destroying fungus, H. Marshall Ward (Gard. Citron., 3. ser., 21 (1898), No. (112, pp. 224, 225).— A brief abstract is given of a paper read by the author before the botanical section of the British Association. It is stated that— '■ Spores from pure cultures of Penicillium sown on sterilized blocks of spruce wood, cut in March, were found to grow freely and develop large crops of spores on normal eouidiophores. Sections of the infected wood showed that the hyphae of the mold entered the starch-bearing cells of the medullary rays of the sapwood and consumed the whole of the starch. The resin was untouched. In cultures three months old the hyplue were to be seen deep in the substance of the wood passing from tracbeid to tracheid via the bordered pits. Control sections, not infected and kept side by side with the above, contained abundance of starch and no trace of hyphse could be detected in them. The observation appeared of interest in several connections. Penicillium was one of our commonest molds and undoubtedly played a part in the reduction of plant debris to soil constituents; how far it could itself initiate the destruction of true wood, or how far it merely followed on the ravages of other fungi, bacteria, etc., was unknown. There were strong grounds for believ- ing that it destroyed the oak of casks, etc., but since these were impregnated with food materials, that was not very surprising. It appeared as if Penicillium might be a much more active organism in initiating and carrying ou the destruction of wood than had hitherto been supposed, and that it was not merely a hanger-on or follower of more powerful wood-destroying fungi." Two useful grasses (Producers1 Gaz. and Settlers' Bee. [ West. Aus- tralia], o (1898), No. 4, pp. 289-291, j>/s. 2).— Two species of Paspalum 416 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. (Paspalum distiehum and P. dilitatum) are figured and described. On account ofits decumbent habit, the former is said to he specially adapted for covering river banks or water holes and especially as it withstands temporary inundation and keeps green throughout the year. The sec- ond species, which has been introduced into Australia from America, lias proved an excellent fodder plant, keeping green during the hottest sum- mer and proving hardy at an elevation of 2,000 ft. It is said to be par- ticularly adapted for cultivation in the light sandy soils on account of its root system, which not only secures moisture from the deeper layers of the soil, but also prevents its destruction by grazing animals. West Australian grasses, F. Turner (West Australian Settler's Guide and Farmer's Handbook, 1897, pt. 3, pp. 402-417, figs. 10).— Of the 119 species of grasses found in western Australia the author states that the most valuable and nutritious species are the following: Six species of Andropogon, 3 of Anthistiria, 3 of Ohloris, 5 of Danthonia, 2 of Diplachne, 8 of Eragrostis, 8 of Panicum, and 6 of Poa, with several species belonging to other genera. Illustrated descriptive notes are given of 9 of the most valuable grasses, viz, Andropogon bombycinus, j ! nthistiria avenacea, A. ciliata, A.membranacea, Astrebla pectinata, Dan- thonia semiannularis, Panicum deeompositum, P. graeile, and Pollinia fulca. Plant life, C. R. Barxes (New York: Henry Holt $ Co., 1898, pp. VII+428, Jigs. 415). — This attractive little work treats of plant life considered with special refer- ence to form and function. It is designed to show the variety and progressive complexity of the vegetative body, explain the unity of plan in structure and action of the reproductive organs, and to give an outline of the more striking ways in which plants adapt themselves to their environment. The book is intended to be supple- mentary to laboratory guides and teachers' directions. The work is divided into the following divisions: The plant body, physiology, reproduction, and ecology; with appendices dealing with laboratory studies, directions for collecting and pre- serving materials, and descriptions of necessary apparatus and reagents. AVhile the author states that the work is intended for use in secondary schools, it is confidently believed that its introduction into many institutions not desiring to be so classified would be advantageous both to teacher and student. A revision of the Mexican and Central American species of Galium and Relbunium, J. M. Greenman (Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts and Sci., 33 (1S9S), No. 25, pp. 455-470). Icones fungorum arranged according to Saccardo's Sylloge, A. N. Berlese (Phycomyceies, Pt. I. Berlin: Friedlander <('■ Sohn, 1S9S, pp. 1-40, col. pis. 67). — This part treats of the 1'eroiiosporacea: Hicoria ovata (Amer. Florist, 14 (1898), No. 542, fig. 1). — Brief illustrated notes are given concerning this tree. Notes on some Japanese Melampsoree, N. Hiratsuka (Hot. Mag. [Tokyo'}, 12 (1898), No. 134, pp. 30-34). On the biology and morphology of pollens. A. Hansgirg (Sitzber. Bohm. Gesell. Wiss. Math.- Naturw. CI., 1897, No. 23, pp. 76; aim. in Hot. Centbl., 75 (1898), No. 1, pp. 19-21). Symbiosis and parasitism, A. Lorenzen (Natur,47 (1S98), No.23,pp.265,:.'i>6 . Can isolated chloroplastids continue to assimilate? A. J. Ewart (Bot.Centbh, 75 (1S9S), No. 2, pp. 33-36). — The author states that it may be accepted as definitely established that isolated chloroplastids may continue to assimilate for a short time after removal from their parent cell. BOTANY. 417 Concerning sugar and starch formation in barley and malt, J. < iKi'ss | Wchnschr. Bran., 15 (1898), No. 20, pp. 269-275, pi. 1). A microscopical study of barley during germination, J. Gruss ( Gaz. i rasseur, 1898, No. 550). Concerning the michrochemical de'ection of cane sugar in plant tissues, C. HoffaIEISTER (Jahrb. Wiss. Hoi., 31 (189S), No. 4, pp. 688-699). On the formation of diastase by fungi, J. Katz (Jahrb. Wiss. Hot., SI (1SD8), No. 4, pp. 599-618). Concerning plasmolysis and plasmotic membranes, R. Ciioi>at and A. M. Boo- DIER (Jour. Bot. [France], 12 (1898), Xo. S, pp. 118-132, pi. I). Concerning the anatomy and physiology of the assimilatory tissues of plants, L. Muxtemartini (Atti Inst. Bot. Univ. Paria, 4 (1898), pp. 89-128, pi. 7). The general anatomy and physiology of tissues, R. Hertwig (Allgemeine Anatomic mid Physiologie der Geioebe. Jena: Gnstar Fischer. 1898, pp. VIII-{-314,fig8. 89). — This is the second volume of the series ou the general anatomy and physiology of the cell and tissues. Microchemical investigations of the cell walls of some fungi (Jahrb. Wiss. Bot., 31 (1898), Xo. 4, pp. 619-687, pis. 2). A key to the principal plant substances, R. H. True (Pharm. Rev., 16 (1898), No. 1; abs. in F.oi. Centbl., 74 (1898), Xo. 8, p. 237). — The author gives a key to the principal plant substances based on microchemical investigations. On the annual growth rings of trees, A. Wieler (Tharanil. Forst. Jahrb., 48 (1898), p. 101). Contractile roots and their activity, A. RimraCH (Beitr. Wiss. Bot., 2 (1S97), pt. I, pp. 1-28, pis. 2; abs. in Bot. ('entbl.. 74 {1898), Xo. 7, pp. 209-211).— The author reports 70 species representing 6 families of monocotyledonous and 14 of dicotyledon- ous plants as having contractile roots. Concerning nuclear structure. F. Cavara (Atti Inst. Bot. Univ. Pavia, .'. ser., 5 (1898), pp. 49, pi. 2; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 74 (1898), Xo. 8, pp.f 239-241). Moisture, the plant's greatest requirement, J. C. ARTHUR (Amer. Florist, 13 (1S9S), Xo. 508, pp. 813, 814). — A paper read before the American Carnation Society. On the substitution of rubidium salts for potassium in some of the lower fungi, O.Loew (Bot. Centbl. ,74 (1898), No. 7, pp. 202-205). — The author agrees with Giinther that some of the lower fungi are able to utilize rubidium salts in place of potash iu their uutritiou. On the influence of sulphur anhydrid on plants in the greenhouse, E. Laurent and H. Gillot (Bui. Agr., 14 (1898), pt. 2). Concerning the growth of buds during winter, E. KtJSTER ( Beitr. Wiss. Bot., 2 (1S9S), Xo. 2, pp. 401-413, jigs. 2). On the development of structure of the flower buds of fruit trees and shrubs, J. Behrens (Gartenjlora. 4? ( 1898), Xo. 10, pp. 200-274). Mushroom poisoning, G. Arcangeli (Atti 11. Acad. Econ. Agr. Georg. Firenze, L ser., 21 (1S9S), Xo. I, pp. 65-87). A psychrometer applicable to the study of transpiration, R. G. Leavitt ( Amer. Jour. Set., 5 (1S98), No. 30, pp. 440, 441). An osometer and root pressure apparatus, D. T. MaoDougal (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), Xo. 3, p. 56, fig. 1). The fecundation of the Lobeliaceae, Campanulaceae, and Compositae, II. Dauthenay (Eev. Hort., 70 (1S9S), No. 17, pp. 404-408, figs. 5). A study of the roots of Sorghum saccharatum, .1. Zawodny (Ztschr. Naturw. [Jena], 70 (1898), pp. 169-183; abs. in Bot. Centbl.. 75 ( 1898), Xo. .!. pp. 88, The cell wall of plants, E. Strasburgek (Jahrb. Wiss. Bot., Vo. 4, pp. 511-598, pU. 2). Investigations on the structure of raphid cells, P. C. A. Fuchs I Oesterr. Bot. Ztschr., 48 (1S98), No. 9, pp. 324-332, pi. 1). Concerning the knowledge of the starch grain, J. H. Salter (Jahrb. Wiss. Bot., 32 (1898), No. l,pp. 117-100, pis. 2). 418 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The anatomical structure of the beet leaf, G. Frou (Gompt. Rend. Acad. Sci. raris, 127 {1898), No. 10, pp. 397-400, figs. 3). An achromatic light filter for high power microscopic work, G. F. Eisen (Zischr. Wiss. Mikros. u. Mikros. Teehnik, 14 (1898), No. 4, pp. 444-447). A new apparatus for the application of the electric current to microscopic objects, A. Schaper (Ztschr. Wiss. Mikros. it. Mikros. Teehnik, 14 (1S9S), No. 4, pp. 436-441, figs. 5). The sectioning of seeds, M. B. Thomas (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (189S), No. 2, pp. 32,33). — Describes method for imbedding and sectioning seeds. Celloidin imbedding, F. C. HARRISON (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1S98), No. S, pp. 145, 14G). — The author briefly describes a method for imbedding hard tissues, woody stems, seeds, etc. Comparative phenological notes, H. C. Iiusn ( Missouri Ilort. Soc. Iipt. 1897, pp. 325-339). — Tables and charts are given showing the blossoming time of various plants during several successive years. Experiments in the cross fertilization of salices, E. F. Linton (Jour. Hot. {London'], 36 (1898), No. 4.24, pp. 122-124). Protective coloration and bud formation on leaves, L. Geisenheyner (Deut. Bot. Monatsschr., 16 (1S9S), No. 7, pp. 132-134). Adherence to type in seed breeding, W. W. Tracy (Amer. Florist, 13 (1S9S), No. 522, pp. 1311, 1312). — The necessity of having an ideal and keeping strictly to it in seed breeding is pointed out. A contribution to the study of wheat, K. Huppenthal (Beitrag zur Physio- graphic des Weizens, pp. 19; ahs. in Bot. Ccntbl., 75 (1S98), No. 4-5, p. 153). — The effect of removing 7 varieties of French wheats from maritime conditions to a continental climate was studied. Descriptions are also given of 19 native and 2 Tyroliau varieties. The investigations were conducted in the laboratory of the University of Krakau. Dissemination of plants by stock cars, J. M. Bates (Asa Gray Bui., 6 (1898), No. 2, pp. 35-37). — Shows the manner in which many weeds have been introduced into new localities. History, uses, and symbolism of plants in ancient and modern times, C. Joret (Lesplantes dans Vantiquiteet au mo yen age: Histoire, usages, et symbolism, pp. XX -\- 504. Paris: Baillon, 1S97; abs. in Bot. Ccntbl., 74 (1898), No. S, pp. 241-243). The origin of gymnosperms and the seed habit, J. M. Coulter (Science, n. ser.,8 (1S9S), No. 195, pp. 377-385; also Bot. Gaz., 26 (1S98), No. 3, pp. 153-168).— Address of the retiring President of the Botanical Society of America, delivered at Boston, August 19, 1898. A study of the androecium of gymnosperms, E. Thibaut (Thesis. Lille, 1S96, pp. 265; abs. in Bot. Cental., 75 (1S9S), No. 4-5, pp. 129-131). Conception of species as affected by recent investigations on fungi, W. G. Farlow (Science, n. ser., S (1S9S), No. 196, pp. 423-435).— Vice-Presidential address before the section of botany of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, August, 1898. The author believes that physiological characters will assume great importance in the characterization of species. METEOROLOGY. Monthly Weather Review (U. S. Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau, Monthly Weather Review, 26 (1898), iVo. 7, pp. 291-391, charts 12; 8, pp. 343-390, charts 7 ; 9, pp. 391-437, charts 17). — Besides tbe usual meteorological summaries No. 7 contains special contributions on Cli- matology versus meteorology, by M. Whitney; Erroneous conversion METEOROLOGY. 419 of metric and English barometer readings, by C. F. Marvin ; West Indian service, by E. B. Garriott; The Jamaica weather service, by M. Hall; The character of the evening, by P. Connor; Meteorology at Johns Hopkins University, by O. L. Fassig; Tornado at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, July 4, 1898, by A. E. Sweetland; and notes by the editor on Prof. Mark W. Harrington; ocean temperatures and meteorology; polar versus equatorial climatology; Rockall as a meteor- ological station; international meteorological symbols; the first Well- man expedition; rainfall measurements on ships; climates of geological ages; barometric readings converted into standard pressures, and bright meteors. No. 8 contains special articles on Hanirs handbook of climatology, by M. W. Harrington; The effect of approaching storms upon song birds, by C. E. Linney; Progress in the exploration of the air with kites at the Bine Hill Observatory, Massachusetts, by L. Botch; Prof. Park Morrill, by E. B. Garriott and C. Abbe; Destruction by lightning in the State of New York during the month of August, 1898, by R. G. Allen; and notes by the editor on ball lightning; the measurement of the wind; sensible temperatures or the curve of comfort; sensational meteoric story; increase and decrease of fresh-water lakes; heavy rain during hurricane at Port Royal, South Carolina; waterspouts on the lakes; lunar rainbow; earthquakes in Central and South America; the Australian weather guide; ribbon lightning; the kite and telephone; a memorial to Volta, and studies of the Japan current. No. 9 contains special articles on The probable state of the sky along the path of total eclipse of the sun, May 28, 1900, by F. H. Bigelow; Electric signal apparatus at Atlantic City, New Jersey, by A. Brand; Meteorological observations at Hacienda Perla, Puerto Rico, by A. C. Hansard; Quantity of rainfall corresponding to given depths, by A. J. Henry; Severe hailstorm in Missouri, by A. E. Hackett; The telegraph service with the West Indies, by J. H. Robinson ; Aneroid burometers, by C. F. Marvin; and notes by the editor on the Omaha convention of Weather Bureau officials; the weather and the sugar crop; instruction in research; international meteorological symbols, and the second Wellmau polar expedition. Moisture tables, C. F. Marvin ( U. S. Dept.Agr., Weather Bureau Doc. 171, pp. 9, fig.l). — This ai-ticle, which is ropriuted from the Monthly Weather Review, May, 1838, gives a table showing the weight of a cubic foot of aqueous vapor at different temperatures and percentages of saturation, and explains the use of the sling psy- chrometer as well as the method of making observations with it. Department of meteorology and agricultural engineering, 1896-97, C. H. Pettee (Neva Hampshire Sta. Bui. 4S,pp.l4S,149).—K brief statement of the work of the year in this department of the station. Meteorological observations {Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Met. Huh. 115, no. Lit. pp. 4 each). — These bulletins give the usual summaries of meteorological observations, with general remarks on the character of the weather during the mouths of July, August, and September, 18D8. 4'iO EXPERIMENT STATION RKCORD. AIR— WATER— SOILS. Salt River Valley soils, R. II. Forbes {Arizona Sta. Bui. 28, pp. 66-99, map /). — This bulletin contains general remarks on the physical and agricultural features of the Salt River Valley, the objects of soil analysis, essential plant food, and interpretations of analyses, accom- panied by tabulated analyses of 21 samples of soils from different parts of Salt River Valley. The average composition of the soils examined is shown in rhe following table: Average composition of Salt River Valley soils. [In fine earl h. \\ ater free.] Per cent . Organic and volatile matter 3. 569 Insoluble matter — sand, etc. 64. 575 Soluble silica — from clay 13. 781 Alumina — from clay 6. 433 Iron oxid — from clay 4. 922 Calcium oxid 2. 372 Potassium oxid 821 Sodium oxid . 425 Magnesium oxid 1. 835 Manganese oxid (Mn;0.i) .055 Phosphoric acid 130 Sulphuric acid . 059 Carbon dioxid1 1.025 Chlorin 110 Total 100. 112 Humus . 1)50 Nitrogen . 045 Alkaline salts : Total soluble salts 167 Sodium carbonate . 044 Sodium sulphate .030 Sodium chlorid . 041 The results indicate that — "The soils of Salt River Valley, generally speaking, are amply supplied with the more essential mineral | ash ) plaut foods, including lime, potash, and phosphoric acid. "Nitrogen and humus are undoubtedly deficient in quantity, and the addition of these soil ingredients is desirable, perhaps imperative. "Alkaline salts are not prevalent in excessive amount except in occasional locali- ties of limited area. The alkali is very 'white' in character and, consequently, its injurious effects are minimum. "Probably the most serious difficulty with our virgin soils is a physical one. Their dense, compact condition must be remedied by suitable methods of culture. "The cheapest and best methods of supplying the lack of humus and nitrogen, and of improving the tilth and water-holding power of these soils is by growing 1 This amount of carbon dioxid calculates to 2.33 per cent of carbonate of lime. AIR WATER — SOILS. 421 leguminous crops upon the lands and plowing them under as green manuring. So far as now known alfalfa and crimson clover arc the best of these, and their use for this purpose is undoubtedly an essential part of any scheme of crop rotation for this region." Materials for the study of Russian soils, XI, A. Sovyetov and N. Adamov (St. Petersburg, 1898, pp. 221; abs. in Selslc. Khoz.i Lyesov., 189 (1898), June, pp. 711, 712). — This part contains, among- others, the following articles: The influence of the electrization of the soil on the processes which take place in it, by S. Kravkov; the assimilation by plants of the nitrogen of the soil a-< dependent upon meteorological conditions, by A. Doyarenko; and the absorbing power for phosphoric acid of some Russian soils, by V. Krat. The first article gives, besides a brief review of literature on tiie ques- tion of electrocnltnre, the results of the author's laboratory investiga- tions relating to the study of the physical and chemical properties of the soil subjected to electrization. The following are the results arrived at: A galvanic current passed through the soil produces a marked influence on many chemical and physical processes taking place in it. First of all its action is shown in an intensified decomposition of the organic matter in the soil, causing the formation of au excess of carbon dioxid, which in its turn acts as a solvent on the constituents of the soil. The increased concentration of the soil solution in its turn (1) decreases the intensity of the evaporation of water by the soil ; (2) reduces greatly the capillary power of the soil; (3) lowers to the minimum its percolat- ing capacity; and (4) somewhat alters the character of the structure of the soil, rendering it larger grained. In general, according to the author, the protracted action of the galvanic current may reduce cher- nozem soils to great poverty in humus and lead to complete exhaustion. The second article gives the results of experiments by the author with winter wheat, which established the dependence of the assimila- tion of nitrogen on atmospheric precipitation (in dry weather less nitro- gen is assimilated than in rainy weather), as well as a similar connection between this process and the temperature, humidity, and sometimes the barometric pressure. — p. fireman. Composition of Indian soils, J. W. Leather (Ayr. Ledger {Ayr. ser., To. 24), 1898, No. 2, pp. 83). — According to the author four main types of soils occupy by far the greater part of the cultivated area of India. These are uthe Indo Gangetic and other alluvium, the black cotton soil or reyur, the red soils lying on the metamorphic rocks of Madras, and the laterite soils which are met with in many parts of India. There are doubtless other minor classes of soils, but they neither possess such characteristic differences in appearance, nor are they dis- tributed over such extensive areas as the 4 types referred to." Chem- ical analyses, descriptions, etc., are given of 2'2 samples of the first class, 18 of the second. 7 of the third, and 12 of the fourth, besides of 6 samples of coffee soils from Madras, 4 of tea garden soils (with sub- soils) from the Dooars, 9 of bhil or peaty tea soils, and 3 of teela or poor 422 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. sandy soils also used for the culture of tea;1 and 5 samples of Poona (Manjri) farm soils, 3 (with subsoils) of Nagpur farm soils, 11 of Cawn- pur farm soils, and 8 (with subsoils) of Dumraou farm soils. Analyses are also reported of miscellaneous soils sent to the author for examination, as follows: Three samples of tobacco and onion soils near hot springs (with samples of the water), 3 of soil from the Dhol- kot forests, 35 of Meerut soils, and 6 of "chos" (sandy) sods. In the type soils the proportion of insoluble silicates was very variable. "In the soils of the great alluvial plains, their amount is much about the same as one is accustomed to rind in English loams ami clays. In the black cotton soil (reyur) their amount is uniformly low, due principally to the high proportions of ferric oxid and alumina and the water combined with them, and to a lesser degree to the presence of larger amounts of lime and magnesia than many English loams contain. In the red soils of Madras the proportion of silicates is low in two cases, due to the presence of large amounts of iron and alumina; the other samples contain high amounts. The laterite soils yielded very varying amounts of insoluble silicates, which was due almost entirely to the great variations in the amount of iron and alumina which is a chief characteristic of these soils. In the brown alluvial soils from Madras Presi- dency, the proportion of silicates is low in the loams, chiefly owing to the high pro- portions of iron and alumina which these soils contain. In the coffee soils from the Sheveroys the silicates are very small in amount, due in part to high proportions of iron and alumina, but in part also to high proportions of organic matter. In the Assam soiis the proportion varies very much, according to the proportion of organic matter present." The iron and aluminum content was usually high. In the Indo- Gaugetic alluvium the iron oxid varied from 2 to 7 per cent, the alumina from 3 to 10 per cent; in the regur soils the iron oxid varied from 4 to 11.5 per cent, the alumina from 6 to 14 per cent; in the red Madras soil the iron oxid varied from 3.5 to 10 per cent, the alumina from 1.5 to 15.8; and in the laterite soils the iron oxid varied from 6 to 48 per cent, the alumina from 7 to 14 per cent. The soils are, as a rule, poor in lime, the alluvium containing from 0.3 to 2 per cent, the regur soils from 1 to 7.7 per cent, the red soils, laterites, and Madras alluvium usually less than 1 per cent. The coffee soils had about 0.3 per cent and many of the Assam soils even less. The amount of lime usually present is considered sufficient, especially in view of the fact that the humus content of these soils is, as a rule, quite low. Magnesia is generally abundant and potash appears to be ample in all classes of soils. "[Phosphoric acid is usually low]. Of the Gangetic alluvial soils, 6 contained 0.08 or less, 4 contained from 0.09 to 0.13, and only 2, namely, the Changa Manga soil and the calcareous one, both of which had been placed for long periods under influences of accumulation of plant food, contained more than 0.13 per cent. Of the 18 regur soils, 16 contained 0.08 or less of this plant food, the other 2 containing about 0.2 per cent. Of the 6 red soils. I contained 0.08 per cent or less, the remaining 2, 0.09 'The data regarding tea soils are quoted from K. liamber's book "On the Chemis- try and Agriculture of Tea." AIR WATER SOILS 423 per cent. Of the laterite soils, 4 contained less than 0.01 per cent, 4 others 0.08 per center less, and 4 others fair amounts. The Madras alluvial soils contained, as a whole, somewhat more, there heing 0.08 per cent or more in 6 out of 10 samples, but the other 4 contained only very small amounts. The coffee soils have doubtless been well manured, and contained with one exception 0.1 per cent or more. The Assam soils appear to be far better off in respect of phosphoric acid than any other soils in India. In none of those examined could there be said to be a serious deficiency." By digestion of some of the soils in 1 per cent citric acid, according to Dyer, it was found that "although the Indian soils have frequently or generally a low proportion of total phosphoric acid, it is likely that the proportion of available phosphoric acid is not usually deficient." With the exception of Assam soils, there is usually little organic matter and nitrogen in Indian soils, under normal conditions. "Among the soils representing the Gfangetic alluvium, 3 out of 10 contain 0.05 per centor a little more [of nitrogen], the rest less; among the alluvial soils from Madras, 2 contained about 0.1 per cent, and 2 contained about 0.05 per cent, but in the other 6 samples the proportion was much less. Of the 18 samples of regur soils, only 1 contained 0.05 per cent, the other 17 containing less; among the red soils from Madras 1 contained 0.05, the other 5 less; among the 12 laterite soils not one con- tained as much as 0.05 per cent, and most of them only about 0.03 per cent or less. On the other hand the Assam soils contained uniformly high proportions of nitrogen, and those soils which have had an opportunity of accumulating nitrogen contained very fair amounts. The soils from Partabgarh contained 0.18, the surface soil at Changa Manga 0.237, and the coffee soils from the Sheveroys 0.04 to 0.17.'' The judging of the physical properties of soils by means of the heat -which they evolve when moistened, A. aIitscherlioh (Jour. Landu-., 4.6 (1898), Xo. .5', pp. 255-268). — This is essentially a sum- mary of an inaugural dissertation presented at Kiel in 1898. When dry soils are moistened a certain amount of heat is evolved (Benetzung- swarme). Wilhelmy ' has shown that the amount of heat thus evolved depends upon the size, form, and adhesion coefficient of the individual soil particles. The author undertook to determine whether this property of soils could be used for comparing their physical properties. For this pur- pose 10 typical soils, classified on the basis of their actual agricultural value as determined in practice, were subjected to mechanical and chemical analysis and also tested with regard to the heat evolved on moistening. The samples used for analysis were put through a sieve having round holes 1.5 mm. in diameter, and air dried to constant weight. The moisture was determined in 5 gin. of the air-dry material by dry- ing in a vacuum over strong sulphuric acid. The Schloessing method of analysis was followed in the main. Humus, however, was calculated by Wolff's factor, 1.724, from the carbon as determined by Loges' method.2 In case of soils rich in humus the portion separated as clay in mechanical analysis contained considerable amounts of humus. A 'Ann.Phys. n. Chem. [Poggendorff], 119 (1828), p. 177; 122 (1829), p. 1. *Landw. Vers. Stat., 28 (1883), p. 229. 424 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. correction was therefore made for this as determined by loss on igni tion. The heat evolved on moistening the soils was determined by means of a Bunsen1 ice calorimeter as improved by Schuller and Wartha,2 the method of procedure being in brief as follows: The soil was dried over concentrated sulphuric acid. A sample of the dried soil was placed in a suitable glass vessel, which was closed with a stopper carrying acapillary tube, through which the air was exhausted. At the end of this operation the capillary tube was sealed and the ves- sel containing the soil was cooled and placed in the inner chamber of the calorimeter, which was Idled with pure distilled water. The capil- lary tube was broken under water, thus letting in the water and moist- ening the soil, and the rise in temperature was noted. The rise in temperature (uncorrected for errors in manipulation, etc.) varied from 0.001 calorie (small) in tertiary quartz sand to U2.0G calories in moor soils. The heat evolved appeared to be more largely influ- enced by the stage of decomposition of the humus in the soils than by any other factor. The more advanced the decomposition the higher the temperature noted. There appeared to be no relation between the heat evolved and hygroscopicity. It is claimed that the determination of the heat evolved when soils are moistened is more easily and correctly carried out than the chemical and mechanical analysis, and that it furnishes more reliable indications of the actual agricultural value of soils. The carbonic acid of the atmosphere, Albert-Levy and H. Henkiet ( Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), Xo. 23, pp. 1651-1653). Carbonic acid of the air, Albert-Levy and H. Henriet (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris. 127 (1S98), Xo. 7, pp. 353-355). On the probable occurrence of a hitherto unknown substance in the atmos- phere, O. Nevvins (Ann. Pliys. u. Chem., 1S9S, No. 9, pp. 162-169). The purification of potable waters, P. Guichard (Bui. Soc. ('him. Paris, 3.ser., 1U (1898), Xo. 13, pp. 588-S92). Soil temperatures at Lund, Sweden (Meddel. K. Landtbr. Sti/r., 7 (1897), Xo. 42, p. 1S3). — Monthly observations of the soil temperature at one-half and 1 meter depths for the year IS! Mi. On the differences in temperature of soils with and without vegetation or a covering of snow, H. Wild (Separate from Mem. Acad. Imp. Sci. St. Peter sbourg, 1S9S, pp.32. Leipsic). Moisture investigations for 1897, E. C. Ciiilcott and A. B. Holm (South Dakota Sta. Put. 58, pp. 55-84, figs. J). —This bulletin records the results of the deter- mination of moisture at 4 different depths in 10 tenth-acre plats subjected to different systems of culture — wheat, raked, shallow culture, deep culture, and uo cultivation, together with some data relating to the mechanical analysis of the soils of the different plats, the meteorological conditionsof the season, and the temperature of the soil at different depths. On the nitrogenous products which accompany humic acid in peat, F. Sestini (L'Orosi, 21, p. 1; abs. in Pal. Soc Chim. Paris, S. ser., 20 (1898), Xo. 13, p. 574).— The author boiled peat for several hours successively with 1' per cent sodium hydrate and 1 Ann. Thys. u. Chem. [Poggendorff], 141 (1870), p. 101. 2 Anu. Phys. u. Chem. [Wiedemann], n. ser., 2 (1887), p. 359. FERTILIZERS. 425 10 per cent hydrochloric acid, but succeeded in removing only a small proportion of the nitrogenous substances present, thus showing that amids are not present to any great extent, as is commonly supposed. It was also found that natural humus compound prepared from peat, as well as artificial humus prepared from pure sugar, yielded furfurol when heated with hydrochloric acid. FERTILIZERS. Experiments -with lime on acid soils, F. S. Earle and A. W. Ore {Alabama College Sta. Bui. 92, pp. 107-112, Jig. 1). — A brief account is given of experiments in the greenhouse and in the field on the effect of lime on the Gulf sandy coast soils of Deer Park, Alabama. The 3 soils used in the greenhouse experiments were (1) ordinary upland soil of the coast region, quite sandy and rather deficient in humus; (2) so-called "Savannah land,"' a light gray saudy loam, usually too wet for cultivation without drainage; (3) stiff black soil from a swampy hammock — the low lying timber lands along small streams. The 3 samples represent the prevailing types of coast soils. All of them gave a prompt and decided acid reaction witli litmus paper. "A portion of each lot [of soil] was fertilized with cotton-seed meal and placed in a shallow box, 20 by 3(5 in., having a partition dividing it into 2 equal parts. On one side of the partition in each box a quantity of slacked lime was dug into the soil, the other side being left without linie. The boxes were watered and left on the greenhouse bench till January 1. On again testing with litmus paper, the limed ends of the boxes now gave a strong alkaline reaction. The boxes were planted to American Wonder peas. It soon became evident that too much lime had been used, for after coming up, the peas in the limed ends of the boxes all died. They did not seem able to strike root in the soil. The boxes were replanted at intervals, but without success, until about the middle of March, when they were planted to lettuce and radishes. On April 2 it was noted that at last a good stand had been secured in 2 of the limed boxes. The one containing the upland soil was still a complete failure. In box No. 3, with the hammock soil, the lettuce was decidedly best in the limed end; no difference could be noted in the radishes. In box No. 2, the Savannah soil, the lettuce was at least 3 times as large in the limed end, while the radishes seemed hardly so good with the lime. The radishes continued to grow luxuriantly in both ends of both boxes, but at maturity they were slightly better in each case in the limed ends. With the lettuce the difference was very marked. In the unlimed ends of both boxes it was stunted and sickly, with leaves less than 2 in. long, but in the limed ends it grew rank and luxuriant." Experiments were made in the field on upland soil at Deer Park with peas, corn, German millet, tomatoes, beans, rutabagas, lettuce, egg- plant, sorghum, peanuts, tobacco, okra, potatoes, flax, Kafir corn, and encumbers. The soil was limed at rates of from 15 to 45 bill, per acre. For various reasons the results with the majority of the crops were inconclusive. Corn, tomatoes, lettuce, and tobacco, were, however, strikingly benefited by liming. It was noted that the tomatoes on the heavily limed plat were free from blight or bacteriosis. On the influence of crops and manure on the nitrogen content of soils, 0. F. A. Tuxen ( TidssJer. Phys. <>g ('Item.. 2 ( 18.98), p. 168 : abs. in Chem. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 71, Repert., p. 219). — The experiments made by 426 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the author lead to the conclusion that the nitrogen content of soils is increased by culture of leguminous plants due to the assimilation of the free nitrogen of the air by such plants. Grass is especially effective in protecting the soil from loss of nitrogen by washing and by decom- position. The cereals, on the other hand, rapidly reduce the nitrogen content of the soil. Experiments during from 20 to 30 years with different kinds of fertilizers and manures have shown that the applica- tion of commercial fertilizers containing nitrogen does not increase the store of nitrogen in the soil. The use of barnyard manure, however, has, in every case, resulted in a decided increase in this respect. On the production of barnyard manure, P. Gay and Dupont (Ann. Agron., 24 (1898), No. 3, pp. 123-130, fig. i). — For the purpose of determining the comparative losses of nitrogen when manure is removed from stables only at long intervals and when it is removed daily, the authors first determined the amount of nitrogen consumed in the food and excreted in the urine and feces of a sheep during 7 days. The food used was alfalfa and oats. The feces and urine were collected by means of rubber bags and harness. The total nitrogen in the food consumed during the 7 days was 171.1 gm. The amount excreted (98 gin. in the urine and 65.4 in the feces) was 163.4 gin. The amount of nitrogen not recovered in the urine and feces was therefore 7.7 gm. or 4 per cent of the amount in the food. In the second experiment the same animal was kept for 14 days in a stall, being supplied each day with sufficient litter to absorb all urine. The nitrogen in the food consumed was 315.1 gm., in the litter used, 53.1 gm., and in the manure produced, 321.0 gm. The loss of nitrogen was therefore 76.3 gm. or 22 per cent of the original nitrogen. These results confirm in general those obtained by Miintz and Girard (E. S.R., 4, p. 680.) Fertilizers (New Jersey Stas. Rpt. 1897, pp. 15-75). — Much of the data in this article has already been published (B. S. E., 0, p. 034). Sta- tistics are given showing the quantity and value of fertilizers used in New Jersey in 1896, and comparing the trade of this year with that of preceding years. The market prices of various fertilizing materials are reviewed, with trade values of fertilizing ingredients for 1897; and analyses and valuations are given of 453 samples of fertilizing materi- als, including nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, dried blood, dried and ground iish, tankage, ground bone, dissolved boneblack, dissolved South Carolina rock and other mineral phosphates, muriate of potash, sulphate of potash, kainit, double sulphate of potash and magnesia, wood ashes, tobacco stems, marl, garbage fertilizer, wool combings, screenings, mussels, granulated tobacco and sulphur, and home-mixed and factory-mixed fertilizers. From replies to a circular sent to firms selling fertilizers in New Jersey it appears that the total consumption of fertilizers in the State during 1896 was 56,355 tons, valued at $1,612,718; complete manures representing 77 per cent of the total amount and 81 per cent of the total FERTILIZERS. 427 value of all sales. The sales reported in 1806 were larger than those of any previous year. A comparison of the average composition of the 331 fertilizers examined in 189G with the averages for previous years "indicates that no decided change in the average quality of fertilizers has occurred during the past 12 years." A review of market prices of fertilizing materials for 7 years shows that the difference between the wholesale and retail prices of nitrogen in 1890 was 19.3 per cent. "This is a marked decrease from that of last year, but is still too great. It is largely due to the low wholesale prices which ruled for all ammoniates during 1890. In the case of available phosphoric aeid the difference is nearly 90 per cent greater than in 1895, while in potash there is a decrease of over 12 per cent." The average valuation of mixed fertilizers remains about the same as in previous years. "The average selling price, however, is now lower than ever before, which reduces the amount of average charges for mixing, bagging, shipping, and selling to $7.70 per ton, or 35.7 percent, which is less in amount than in any of the previous 0 years." The average composition of 35 samples of ground bone examined during the year was : Nitrogen, 3.51 per cent, and phosphoric acid, 24.07 per cent, the average retail selling price being $28.88. Ten of the 35 sam- ples failed to reach their guarantees in either nitrogen or phosphoric acid and 1 was low in both constituents. With one exception, however, any deficiency in one element was more than made up by an excess in the other. Algerian phosphate production (Engineer, and Mining Jour., 65 (1SD8), March 12, p. SIS; abs. in, Jour.. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), No. 3, p. 201).— Statistics are reported which show that the shipment of Algerian phosphate from the port of Bone in 1897 was 207,083 metric tons as against 110,040 tons in 1896. England, France, Germany, and Italy, with 73,430, 70,155, 24,770, and 18,950 tons, respectively, were the largest consumers of this product. Sulphate of ammonia production (Engineer, and Mining Jour., 65 (1S9S), June 18, p. 730; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1S9S), No. 6, p. 623).— The production of this material in Great Britain in 1897 is stated to have heen 198,280 long tons, and in the United States 3,111 tons. Nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia (Bradbury and Hirsch's Iieport; TV. Montgomery <>'• Co.'s circular; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (189S), No. l,pp.84-S6). — Statistics of consumption, prices, etc., for the period from 1893-1897. Experiments with potassium perchlorate, Jun<;er and M. Gerlach (Jahresber. Landiv. Vers. Stat. Jersltz-bei-Posen, 1S07-08, pp. 20-33). On the agricultural value of Solvayhall "hartsalz," M. Maercker (Illus. Landw. Ztg., IS (189S),p. 618; abs. in Chem. Ztg., 22 (189S), No. 71, Bepert., p. 210).— This salt, which is rich in chlorin, was compared with kaiuit and sulphate and chlorid of potash in pot and held experiments. As a rule the hartsalz gave larger yields than Icainit, more potash but less chlorin being taken up by plants iu case of the former than in case of the latter. The potash iu the hartsalz appeared to be fully as soluble as that in kaiuit and more soluble than that in sulphate. The law of the minimum and the effects of excessive liming, L. Grandeau (Jour. Agr. Prat., 62 (1S0S), II, No. 38, pp. 405-407).— Attention is called to the neces- sity of keeping limed soils well supplied with phosphoric acid, potash, aud especially nitrogen. 10222— Ko. 5 3 428 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A special method of applying fertilizers by diffusion, A. IIkbert and G. Truf- faut {Bid. Soc. ('him. Paris, .1. ser., 10 (1898), No. 14, pp. 651-655).— The method tested by the author consists in mixing the soluble fertilizing materials with variable amounts of inert substances, such as kaolin, or clay, and pressing the mixture into pellets, which are buried in the soil either without an envelope or wrapped in differ- ent numbers of layers of metallic foil. The results indicate that by this method the rate of diffusion of the fertilizing material may be controlled. On the control of fertilizers during 1897, M. Weiruli, (Contribution from Alnarp laboratory IX; Tidskr. Landtman, 19 (189S), No. 5, pp. 75-78). Tabulated analyses of commercial fertilizers, T. J. Edge and W. Freak (Pennsylvania Dept. Ayr. Bui. 37, pp.40). — This bulletin gives the text of the State fertilizer law, notes on valuation, and tabulated analyses and valuations of 588 sam- ples of fertilizing materials inspected during the period from January 1 to August 1, 1898. Analyses of commercial fertilizers, B. W. Kilgore et al. (Mississippi Sta. Spec. Bui. 40, pp. 27). — This bulletin reports analyses and valuations of 176 samples of fertilizing materials inspected by the State chemist during the season of 1897-98, introduced by explanations of terms used in stating the results of analyses, notes on the valuation of fertilizers, and the text of the State fertilizer law. Analyses of fertilizers, C. A. Goessmann (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Bui. 51, pp. 12). — Trade values of fertilizing ingredients in 1897 and tabulated analyses of 94 samples of fertilizing materials, including muriate and sulphate of potash, ashes, sulphate of ammonia, ground tobacco stems, cotton-seed meal, bone, ground lish, whalebone scrapings, muck, barnyard manure, and mixed fertilizers. Analyses of fertilizers, C. A. Goessmann (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 24, pi. 1). — This bulletin gives a schedule of trade values of fertilizing ingredients in raw materials and chemicals in Massachusetts for 1898 and tabulated analyses of 166 samples of fertilizing materials, including Avood ashes, lime-kiln ashes, ashes from garbage crematories, phosphatic slag, blcachery refuse, meat meal, blood and bone, tankage and ground hone, cotton-seed meal, tobacco refuse, wool waste, "teopik" fiber, mixed feed, broom-corn seed, acid phosphates, nitrate of soda, muriate of potash, sulphate of potash, and mixed fertilizers. FIELD CEOPS. The effect of certain methods of soil treatment upon the corn crop, T. L. Lyon (Nebraska Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 77-89, map 1). — This bulletin discusses the moisture conditions of the State, gives a geological classi- fication of the soils of Nebraska, and reports the results of experiments on subsoiling, fall and spring plowing, deep and shallow plowing, and subsurface packing for corn. Comparisons were made of listing and check-rowing the crop, and giving deep and shallow cultivation. Experiments in subsoiling have been carried on for several years and some of the results have been previously reported (E. S. R,, 7, p. 847). The results obtained at the station on a loam containing alkali and underlaid with a compact subsoil showed that subsoiling increased the yield in most cases, but when the season was very wet spring subsoiling failed to show any benefit. Subsoiling in western Nebraska, where the subsoil was loose and porous, reduced the yield by about one-half. The results of subsoiling obtained by farmers throughout the State are reported. On clay subsoil 80 per cent of these trials were favorable to subsoiling, but on a loam subsoil only 23 per cent. In 8 cases of the 59 FIELD CHOPS. 429 reported the effect of subsoiling was unfavorable the first year, but favorable afterwards, and in 4 cases the beneficial effect disappeared by the third year. Fall plowing gave better results than spring plowing, but in 2 of the 4 tests made the results were nearly alike. On the soil at the station plowing early in the fall or in the summer was more effective in increasing the yield than plowing late in the fall. " If the plowing be done in the tall the soil is well compacted by spring, which is doubtless the main reason that fall plowing of this soil produces better results than spring- plowing." Laud plowed 4 in. deep, both in the fall and in the spring, gave a better yield than land plowed 8 in. dee]). It was found that discing 3 in. deep for corn in the fall gave better returns than discing 6 in. deep, but it was not as effective as shallow plowing. Subsurface packing the soil at the station according to the Campbell method of soil culture decreased the yield when it was done in the fall, but produced an increase when done in the spring. The process of subsurface packing is described. At the station corn planted in rows both ways on land plowed 8 in. deep yielded 30 bu. per acre and listed corn yielded 18 bu., while on light soil in the western part of the State listed corn yielded 40 bu. per acre and corn grown by the other method 38 bu. Cultivating corn during its growth to a depth of 3 in. gave much better results than cultivating about 6 in. deep. Preservation of corn stover, D. O. ISTourse ( Virginia Sta. Bui. 73, pp. 15-18). — This article is a brief discussion on the preservation of corn stover, with directions for cutting, shocking, and storing. The experience of the station has been that shocks made lli hills square are most economical in every way. Fodder has been kept in the rick ail winter covered with but a little straw and was found in perfect con- dition when placed in the barn the following spring. " To keep it thus . . . time must be allowed for the fodder to cure in the field and it must be placed in the barn or rick entirely free from moisture." An experiment -with clover, F. W. Kane {New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 122-125, jigs. 3). — In 1896 clover was grown from spring seeding on 2 plats each located in a well- fertilized field. One of the plats had been in corn the year previous, while the other had not produced a hoed crop. The seed sown per acre consisted of 3 pk. of barley, 5 lbs. alsike clover, 7 lbs. red clover, 5 lbs. redtop, and 12 lbs. of timothy. "When the barley, which was used for the protective crop, was cut for hay the clover had made an excellent growth." The field which had produced corn the year before yielded at the rate of 8,835 lbs. of hay per acre, and the other field gave a yield of 9,360 lbs. per acre. A preliminary report on the experiments with forage crops, T, L. Lyon {Nebraska Sta. Bui. 53, pp. escriptive and cultural notes are given for each crop. A two-year-old heifer, not giv- ing milk and weighing about 800 lbs., was pastured on plats of rye and sorghum to ascertain the amount of land required to sustain a cow during summer. The results obtained are given in the following table: Length of time an acre of rye or sorghum furnished pasturage for ont cow. Pasturage per acre for 1 cow. Pasturage per acre lor 1 cow. Kve (winter rye sown in spring) Sorghum "', ft high Days. 129 90 109 127 Days. 127 99 72 136 Among the forage crops tested sorghum, red and white Kafir corn, Canada field peas, hairy vetch, burnet, Jerusalem corn, millo maize, soja beans, and cowpeas are considered adapted to the climate and the soil and of some value as forage. The yields and the food ingredients per acre produced by some of these crops are given in tables. The significance of the different food constituents is explained in a popular way. On the change of the composition of green fodders at different periods of vegetation, P. AzARTEVIOH (Zapi. Novo- Alexandria; Inst. SelsJc. Khoz. i Lyesov., 10(1897), Xo. 2, pp. 19-24).— A small plat of ground was sowed with Yicia narbonnensis; the development of the plants proceeded normally. The Yicia was mowed at intervals of 2 weeks, and the plants were dried and analyzed. The author concludes that the content of the crude protein in Yicia continually decreases during the period of vegetation. The amount of albuminoids gradually decreases with age, but in comparison to the crude protein it increases. This is explained by the transformation during growth of noualbuminous bodies into albumi- nous, a transformation which is less pronounced in the case of Yicia than in that of the Grainineai. Concerning the ash, no regularity was observed in the change of the percentage content until flowering, after which period there was a con- tinual decrease. The content of fat remained unchanged until flowering, after which it gradually decreased. The amount of cellulose continually increased with the growth of the plants. There was a continual though slight increase in the nitrogen-free extract. The sum of the nitrogen-free extract plus the fat increases until flowering, but decreases after flowering. This is in entire agreement with the results of E. Wolf and Ritthausen, who experimented with red clover and alfalfa. — P. fireman. FIELD CROPS. 431 Cooperative fertilizer experiments -with cotton in 1897, J. F. Duggar (Alabama College Sta. Bui. 91, pp. 13-103). — Fertilizer experi- ments were made in 30 localities of the State to determine the best fertilizer for the different soils. Of the reports received 20 gave defi- nite indications, and these are discussed at length and tabulated in detail, while those deemed inconclusive are considered briefly. Similar experiments were conducted in 189G (F. S. II., 9, p. 120). In all experiments cotton seed meal and acid phosphate were applied at the rate of 200 and 240 lbs. per acre, respectively. Kainit was applied at the rate of 100 and 200 lbs. per acre. The fertilizers were applied singly, in twos, and altogether. The application of 200 lbs. cottonseed meal, 210 lbs. acid phosphate, and 100 lbs. kainit per acre gave the best financial results in the greatest number of localities. Seeding grass without grain, C. 1>. Lane (New Jersey Stas. Rpt. 1897, pp. 190, 191). — A grass-seed mixture of red clover, alsike clover, and timothy was sown during the summer on 3 well prepared and manured fields. The first field had been in grass for 4 years, the second had produced oats and potatoes, while the third had yielded a crop of oats. A mixture of ground bone, muriate of potash, and acid phos- phate was applied to the different fields at the rate of 400, 250, and 500 lbs. per acre, respectively, but the land which had produced potatoes, having been manured for that crop, received no fertilizer before the grass seed was sown. The first field yielded 3.2 tons of cured hay the following -June; the 2 other fields yielded 2.5 and 2.1 tons of hay, respectively. Commercial fertilizers for potatoes, W". II. Jordan (New York State Sta. But. 137. pp. 605-624). — The work here reported is similar to previous experiments (E. S. R., 9, p. 128). Fertilizer experiments includ- ing 8 acres of land and 80 plats were made with potatoes on 4 farms on Long Island. Four different fertilizer formulas were applied at the rate of 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 lbs. per acre. Formula No. 1 con- sisted of 192 lbs. nitrate of soda, 800 lbs. high-grade dried blood, 570 lbs. acid phosphate, 400 lbs. muriate of potash, and 38 lbs. land plaster, aggregating 2,000 lbs. and containing 0.0 per cent nitrogen, 4.75 per cent available phosphoric acid, and 10.31 per cent of potash. This formula was made up with reference to the composition of the potato plant, excepting that the phosphoric acid was in considerable excess. Formula No. 2 was similar to No. 1 with the exception that the potash was supplied as the sulphate. Formula No. 3 was composed of 127 lbs. nitrate of soda, 440 lbs. high-grade dried blood, 1,000 lbs. acid phosphate, 400 lbs. muriate of potash, and 33 lbs. land plaster, also aggregating 2,000 lbs. This mixture contained 3.8 per cent of nitrogen, 8 per cent available phosphoric acid, and 10.1 per cent potash, and was made up in imitation of a fertilizer much used on Long Island. For- mula No. 4 was similar to No. 3 but the potash was supplied as sulphate. In these different formulas approximately one-fourth of the nitrogen was nitric and the rest organic and the phosphoric acid was as largely soluble as possible. 432 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The yields and composition of the crop are given in tabular form. The author summarizes the results as follows: "The use of 1,000 lbs. of fertilizer per acre gave the greatest profit. The slightly larger yield caused by increasing this application to 1,500 or 2,000 lbs. cost in fer- tilizer expense considerably more than the market value of the potatoes. "The fertilizer cost of the increased yield of potatoes where 500 or 1,000 lbs. of fertilizer was used per aire was 20 cts. per bushel in those experiments that pro- ceeded without unfortunate conditions. "The yield of tubers from the Long Island formula was somewhat larger than from a formula compounded with reference to the composition of the potato plant. "The evidence obtained in these experiments concerning the relative effect of the muriate and the sulphate of potash upon the composition of the potato tuber is inconclusive. " The proportions of the valuable plant-food compounds found in the potato tubers were not influenced appreciably by the amount or kind of fertilizer used." A study of the barleys of Tunis and Russia, P. Pelletier (Separate from Rev. Serv. Intendance Mil. Paris, 1898, pp.39). The introduction of clover and the potato into Europe, G. Reischel (Natur,47 (1S9S), No. 30, pp. 349-153, jigs. 2). The culture of maize for meal and fodder in Germany, A. von Lengerke (Anleitung zum Aribau des Mais als Meld und Futterpfianze in Deutschland. Berlin: Paul Parey, lS98,pp. 57, Jigs. 19). — Third edition by C. J. Eisbein. Cotton and cotton goods in Japan, H. N. Allen ( U. S. Consular Rpts. 1S9S, No. 216, pp. 30, 31). — The imports of raw cotton into Japan for 1897 are given in a table. Two useful grasses (Producers' Gaz. and Settlers' Itec. [IFest. Australia], 5 (1S98), No. 4, pp. 289-291, figs. 2). — Notes on Paspalum distichum and P. dilatatum. The two best grasses of our meadows, E. Piret (Agrunome, 1S9S, No. 29). Quickens, scutch, couch, J. R. Campbell (Trans. Highland and Agr. Soc. Scot- land, 5. ser., 10 (1898), pp. S4-96, figs. 3). — A description of a number of grasses which propagate by means of underground stems anil of the methods for their prevention and eradication. Hints on laying down land to grass, W. Apamson (West Australian Settler's Guide and Farmer's Handbook, 1897, pt. 3, pp. 524-531). — General directions for sewing grass seeds, with brief notes on a number of grasses and clovers, describing the different species and pointing out their merits. On the treatment of permanent artificial and natural pastures, S. Aanestad ■ (Norsk Landmanshlad, 17 (1898), No. 29, pp. 312-314; Tidsskr. norske Landbr., 5.(1898), No. 9,pp.407-42G). The Scandinavian method of haymaking, J. Speiii (Trans. Highland and Agr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser., 10 (1S9S), pp.S0-S4, fig. 1). — A description of the method and directions for constructing the necessary drying racks. Fertilizer experiments with degelatinized bone meal on meadows and clover fields, M. Ullmann (Ztschr. Offentl. Chem., 4 (1898), p. 272). Artificial fertilizers vs. Ceres treatment for mangolds, L. J. Jensen (Landmans- blade, 31 (1S98), No. 10, pp. 132, 133). On pea and vetch culture, II. Tedin (Landtmannen, 9 (1S9S), No. 26, pp. 413-417 ; 27, pp. 433-435; 29, pp. 472-474; SO, pp. 480-485). Comparison of varieties of potatoes, F. W. Rane (New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 125-130, map 1). — A report on cooperative variety tests with potatoes. A wet season interfered with the experiments. Vegetative propagation of potatoes, A. Nempolowski (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 45, pp. 490, 491). — Experiments in grafting plants of certain varieties of potatoes on plants of other varieties, and of tomato plants on potato plants, in uniting parts of potato tubers of certain varieties with parts of tubers of other HORTICULTURE. 433 varieties, and in trail splanting the eyes of potato tubers into tubers of otber varie- ties, as a means of securing new varieties, are reported. No graft hybrids were pro- duced and no interaction of stock and scion noticed. Fertilizer experiments with potatoes, roots, and cabbage at Kalnas Agricul- tural School, 1897, K. Doiilen (Norsk Landman sbl ad, 17 (1898), No. 20, pp. 211-214). Profitable potato fertilizing, P. H. Hall (New York State Sta. Bui. 137, popular ed., pp. 5). — For abstract of New York State Sta. Bui. 137, see p. 431. The culture of sainfoin or esparcet, A. Lonay (Agronome, 1S9S, No. IS). The growth of sugar beets and the manufacture of sugar in the United King- dom, J. B. Lawes and J. H. Gilbert (Jour. Roy. Agr. Soc, England, .',. ser., 9 (1898), Pt. II, pp. 344-370). — This article is a discussion of the Rothamsted experiments with sugar beets from 1871 to 1875; the beet-sugar industry on the continent of Europe, with special reference to Germany and France; the value of sugar beets according to their composition, and of the growth of the sugar beets and the manufacture of beet sugar in the United States. A consideration of the prospects of the beet-sugar industry in England is based on the facts presented. Sugar cane, U. Cavalcanti (Bol. Inst. Agr. Estado dc Sao Paulo em Campinas, 9 (189S), No. 3, pp. 107-123). A study on the culture of the sweet potato, C. Arene and E. Crouzel (Etude sur la culture de la patate (Convolvulus batatas). Paris: Sociv'te d' editions scientifiques, 1898, pp.24). Report on experiments with wheat, oats, colza, sugar beets, and fodder crops, and on investigations in stock feeding in 1897, A. Houzeau (Rapport sur les champs de demonstration ble, aroine, colza, better ares a sucre, betterarcs fourrageres, herbages, alimentation nationelle de betail. Rouen: Impr. Gy, 1S9S, pp. 33). Germany's straw industry, J. C. Monaghan (U. S. Consular Rpts. 1S9S, No. 216, pp. 52, 53). — The article enumerates the various articles made out of straw and describes how the grain should be grown when the straw is to be used for this purpose. The straw used is mainly rye and wheat straw. Special products of the farm ( West Australian Settler's Guide and Farmer's Hand- book, 1S97, pt. 3, pp. 492-515, jig. 1). — A compilation of cultural notes of fodder, forage, and liber plants. The culture of sugar beets, rape, and potatoes is treated at some length. Descriptive notes on the agricultural areas and Crown lands open for selec- tion, L. Lindley-Cowex ( West Australian Settler's Guide and Farmer's Handbook, pt. l,pp. 204 + 23, pis. 10, fig. 1, maps 3, dgm. 1. Perth: E. S. Wigg $ Son, 1897).— An enumeration of the productive possibilities of Western Australia, issued under the direction of the Bureau of Agriculture. Customs, statistics, land laws, and stock quarantine regulations are given in an appendix. Irrigation (New Jersey Stas. Rpt. 1S97, pp. 103-10S,fig. 1). — A description is given of 2 irrigation plants installed in New Jersey during 1897, one at Yineland and the other at the New Jersey Training School for Fecble-Miuded Children. The results obtained with these plants "show that artificial watering can be used to advantage even in a wet season." HORTICULTURE. Report of the assistant in horticulture, A. T. Jordan (Wew Jer- sey Stas. Rpt. 1807, pp. 111-159, pi. 1). — The treatment given the per- manent experimental plats during the year is noted. Yields of 4 varie- ties of currants and 4 varieties of gooseberries grown on irrigated and unirrigated plats are tabulated. The growth of 3 peach trees set by the Stringfellow method is compared with that of 3 set by the usual method. A study has been started to determine the annual draft of 434 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. young fruit trees on the nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash of the soil. A table is given showing the weight of the leaves and the total length of growth of branches of various tree fruits for the years 1896 and 1897. A test was made of the effect of irrigation, the relative effect of fertilizers with and without irrigation, and the effect of dif- ferent fertilizers on strawberries. The yields of the different plats are given in tabular form. "These results show that in 11 rases the yield is increased by irrigation, while in the other 13 no increase occurs; and that in 2 cases the yield from the plats receiving the complete fertilizer is increased by irrigation, while it is less in the other ) : that with the mixture of bone, potash, and acid phosphate the yield, with one exception, is increased by irrigation, while when nitrate of soda is added to the complete fertilizer, only 1 instance of increased yield occurs." The effect of nitrate of soda was shown in darker foliage and almost entire freedom from rust. The different fertilizers both with and with- out irrigation did not appreciably influence the time of ripening. In connection with the irrigation tests the daily and monthly rainfall of the years 1896 and 1897 is recorded. A comparison was made of hill culture with matted-row culture of strawberries. The plants of 5 plats were grown in hills varying from 12 to 24 in. apart each way. The plants of the other 3 plats were set 18 in. apart in rows 4 ft. apart. In one of these plats all the runners were allowed to grow and form a matted row. In another one-half of the runners were removed, and in a third but 2 plants were allowed to grow from each one set. The varieties grown were Lady Thompson, Greenville, and Gaudy. The yields per plant, per plat, and per acre, are given in tables. In the case of hill culture the largest yields were obtained from the plats in which the plants were set 12 in. apart and with 2 exceptions there was a regular gradation in the yields of all varieties from the 12 in. plats to the 21 in. ones. The maximum yield per hill was obtained from the 15 in. plat. The 12 in. plat yielded more than any of the systems of matted-row culture. Of the latter the plat in which all runners were allowed to remain gave the largest yield and the one in which only 2 plants were allowed to form from each one set gave the smallest yield. There was no constant difference in size of fruits between the hill and matted-row system of culture. With the varieties Greenville and Gaudy the matted-row plats gave the greatest early yield, while with the variety Lady Thompson the reverse was true. A test of 31 varieties of strawberries is reported, the results being given in tables, showing early yield, total yield, size of fruits, produc- tion of runners, and freedom from rust. A few of the newer varieties are described. Practical suggestions as to methods of management of apple orchards are reprinted from Bulletin 119 of the station (E. S. li.,9, p. 47), which gives data regarding apple culture obtained from a fruit survey of the Stnte in 1895. Statistics on strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, and gooseberries were gathered at the same time and are HORTICULTURE. 435 reported in the present publication. Each of the fruits is considered separately. The number of growers using clay loam soils and sandy soils, and the average yields on both soils in the years 1893 and 1894 are reported. The heavier soils as a rule gave considerably larger yields than the light ones. The number of varieties of each fruit grown in the State is noted, and a list of the varieties most grown in the dif- ferent sections of the State is given, together with the number of grow- ers reporting each variety. The report also records and discusses sta- tistics in regard to methods of cultivation, manuring, the prevalence of insect enemies and diseases, the average yields, expenses, returns, and like data. Some practical suggestions are given on the culture of the various fruits mentioned. Experiments in shading, B. D. Halsted (¥ew Jersey Stas. Rpt. 1897, pp. 344-354, figs. 6). — To test the effect of shade on the prevalence of fungus diseases a number of garden crops were shaded by lath screens. The screens were supported on stakes at various heights above the soil, depending on the size of the plants shaded. Between each 2 laths of the screen an open space equal to the width of a lath was left. The screens were put in position as soon as the seeds were sown. Shading was found to affect the time of germination of seeds quite noticeably. With the first crop of Lima beans the seeds planted in the open had germinated well by May 26, while under the screens germina- tion had failed almost entirely. The author believes the failure due to the low temperature of the shaded soil. With the second crop, when the conditions were changed, the shaded soil being warm and moist and the exposed soil hot and dry, the beans germinated much sooner in shade than elsewhere. In the case of bush beans observations made May 2G showed that the foliage of the shaded plants was darker in color than that of the unshaded plants, their first pair of leaves were longer, the third leaf was less advanced, the stems were shorter, and the roots had much fewer tubercles. Leaves of shaded turnips were darker green, less blighted, and less hairy than those of the unshaded plants and the roots of the shaded plants were considerably smaller. Shaded potatoes produced weaker vines than others and were kept free from Phytophthora longer. Club root of turnips and scab of potatoes was uninfluenced by shading. No marked effects were ob- served in case of onions. The first crop of peas germinated quicker in the open than under screens. The vines grew somewhat higher aud produced fewer pods in the shade than in the full sunlight. The plants of the second crop were less fruitful and also less blighted in the shade than elsewhere; no difference in germination was noticed. Shaded carrots produced more foliage but much smaller roots than unshaded ones. The blight was also apparently checked by shading. Shaded plants of the second crop of lettuce were much larger and better than unshaded ones. The author believes the differences would have been 436 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. greater had not the summer beeu unusually wet and cool, and that shading will be found of great benefit in growing midsummer lettuce. Shading Swiss chard gave results similar to those obtained with let- tuce, and in addition reduced the injury from leaf blight. Celery was affected by shading more noticeably than any other plants. " Six vari- eties were tested in this way and all grew to more than double the size of other plants of the same lot that were in the full sun, but later in the season, with shorter days and less light, the exposed plants over- took and surpassed the shaded ones." With C varieties of bush beans the weight of the whole crop of vines and pods of unshaded plants was somewhat greater than of shaded ones, but the weight of pods alone was greater in the case of shaded plants. At the time of har- vesting there were 5 times as many ripe as green pods in the sun and not twice as many in the shade. The late varieties held their foliage about equal in both cases, but the early varieties had many more green leaves in the shade than elsewhere. With the second crop of bush beans grown in the same plats as the first the shaded plants were a little later in blooming than the unshaded ones, had fewer and larger leaflets, and were of a deeper green color. The shaded plants were unaffected by the first few frosts in fall, which killed the exposed plants. Other differences were noted with a number of vegetables tested, as diminished thickness of leaves in shade, etc. The average monthly temperature of the air 1 ft. above the soil is reported to be from 4 to 11.6° cooler under the screens than in the open air, the difference increasing as the summer advanced. The extreme difference ranged from nothing on rainy days to Ul° in the hottest clear weather. Variety tests of fruits, S. T. Maynard (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 3-1 1, fig. 1). — A report of variety tests of a number of orchard and small fruits is given. Only those varieties found to possess superior qualities are reported. The treatment given each fruit is noted. With some of the fruits the results of the tests are given in tabular form. The following varieties have given the best results: European plums. — Czar, Lincoln, German Prune, Kingston. Japanese plums. — Red June, Abundance, Georgeson, Burbank, Chebot, Satsuma. Cherries. — Early Richmond, Montmorency, Royal Duke, Black Tartarian, Napoleon, Governor Wood, Smidt, Windsor. Grapes. — Green Mountain, Herbert, Warden, Moore Early, Concord, Delaware, Brighton. Currants. — Cherry, Fay Prolific, Versailles, Red Cross, President Wilder, Pomona, White Imperial. Gooseberries. — Columbus, Triumph, Downing, Pale Red, Lancashire Ladd. Blackberries. — Snyder and Taylor. Red rasp- berries.— Cuthbert, King, London. Black raspberries. — Cromwell, Brackett Seedling, Eureka, Hilborn, Kansas, Lovett, Older, Suibegan. Strawberries. — Clyde, Brandy wine, Boynton, Howard No. 3G, Green- ville, Glen Mary, and Parker Earle. To test the keeping qualities of different varieties of apples, speci- mens grown in 1896 were gathered when in best condition for marketing HORTICULTURE. 437 and placed in cold storage. The following varieties were in good con- dition July 1, 1807: Ben Davis, Delaware Winter, Ord Beni, Willow Twig, Whinnery Late, Langford, and Walbridge. Ben Davis, Dela- ware Winter, and Walbridge were still in good condition February 10, 1808. A collection of some 350 seedlings of Shaffer raspberries fruited in 1807. The seedlings were grown from seeds taken from the best berries on a row of Shaffer raspberries standing between fields of Marlboro and Thompson Prolific. In regard to the seedlings the author says: "More than half of the seedlings are of the red raspberry type (llubus strigosus), the majority of the fruits, however, being purple in color like the parent or like that of the old variety Philadelphia, and nearly all were of good size and quality. Many of the plants produced large, well-formed berries of a bright scarlet color and of the best quality. .Some show great promise. Among these seedlings were found almost every style of development between the nearly typical form of the blackcap (L'uhus occidentaHs) and that of the wild red raspberry (R. stri;/osus), and also a few albino or white or yellow forms of both species." To determine whether heading in plum trees while dormant or while in the early stages of growth give best results, 10 trees, 2 each of 5 varieties, were selected and 1 tree of each variety was severely headed in March 30 and the second May 2l>. The trees pruned in winter made a vigorous growth of a few shoots while those pruned in summer made a fair growth of many shoots. The winter-pruned trees developed a fair quantity of fruit buds while the summer-pruned ones developed a large quantity of fruit buds. Hardy apples for cold climates, F. A. Waugh ( Vermont Sta. Bui. 61, pp. 19-32, Jigs. 6). — The author discusses the northern progress of apple culture and considers that the factors in this progress have been the planting of crab apples and dwarf apples, the introduction of Russian varieties and especially the selection of native hardy seedlings, and the adoption of better orchard practices. The Russian apples are characterized, their favorable and unfavorable qualities contrasted, and a brief historical account of their introduction into the United States is given. The present status of apple culture in Vermont as regards hardiness of trees was investigated. A map of the State is given, showing the general limit of the successful culture of Baldwin and Rhode Island Greening apples. A number of varieties of apples are arranged according to their hardiness. To grow a given variety north of its natural limit it is recommended to top graft it on a hardy variety and to choose a protected situation with a favorable exposure. Descriptive notes are given on a number of hardy varieties. For planting where hardiness is the principal consideration the bulletin recommends Yellow Transparent, Red Astrakan, Long Field, Olden- burg, Fameuse, Mcintosh, Wealthy, Scott Winter, Pewaukee, and Arctic. Some results following the application of wood ashes in the apple orchard, S. A. Beach [Neic York State Sta. Bui. 140, pp. 681- 690).— Experiments in the use of wood ashes in apple orchards were 438 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. carried on for 5 years. An old orchard which had previously been in sod was divided into 8 sections, to 4 of which ashes were applied annu- ally at the rate of 100 pounds per tree. Tables are given comparing the yield and keeping qualities of apples grown on treated and untreated sections. The relative resistance of a number of varieties to apple scab is also tabulated. The author summarizes the work as follows: "On the treated sections of the orchard the foliage in many cases was improved, but it can not be said that the improvement was due to increased immunity from the scab. " When the ashes were used the color of the fruit was much improved in aome sea- sons with some varieties, but in a season which favored the perfect development of the fruit none of the varieties showed any improvement in color as compared with the same varieties on untreated sections. "Apparently the use of ashes had a general tendency to hasten the perfect devel- opment of the fruit. When the season was not especially favorable to the perfect development of the fruit it improved the keeping quality, but in a season very favor- able to the perfect development of the fruit the ripening processes were generally carried so far, where the ashes were, used, that the apples did not keep so well as where no ashes were used. "The yield, except with the Baldwins, was greater on the treated sections; but the data are not such as to make it safe to draw definite conclusions as to the effect of the use of ashes on the yield. " Decided differences were shown hetween varieties as to the ability to resist scab, and preliminary investigations indicate that this difference in resistant power is correlated with structural peculiarities." Fourth report upon chrysanthemums, W. Miller {New York Cornell Sta. Bui. 117, pp. 657-689, jigs. 12). — The author discusses the economic status of the chrysanthemum, stating that chrysanthemum growing in Xew York probably involves more capital than peach grow- ing. The chrysanthemum has come to be one of the four main florist's flowers. Suggestions are given on growing chrysanthemums at home. The method of procedure depends largely upon the type of plant desired. The use of crown and terminal buds in the production of exhibition flowers is discussed. The terms as used in chrysanthemum culture are distinguished as follows: "A crown bud is surrounded by vegetative shoots and not by other buds. A terminal bud (in chrysan- themums) is surrounded by other buds and not by vegetative shoots." With some varieties the foliage and form and color of the flowers are very noticeably affected by the choice of the terminal or crown buds. The chief merits of crown buds are eaiiiness and large size. In all other respects terminal buds are likely to be superior. A number of references to the literature of the subject of crown and terminal buds are given. The problem of control of color of chrysanthemums is discussed. In regard to the factors of the problem the author says : "The choice of buds is said to he sufficient in some cases. Thus, J. H. Woodford is advertised as shell-pink from terminal and pure white from crown buds. Over- propagation is generally believed to weaken colors. Temperature and ventilation (the two factors can hardly be separated in greenhouse jmictice throughout the HORTICULTURE. 439 entire year) are advertised to produce three distinct and desirahle shades in Mrs. Col. Goodman. Mere position (in pots. beds, or benches) should not in itself make a difference, but in practice it does. The effect of shade is variously stated. And, most complicated of all, the food factor is known to influence color, but just how is a mystery." Two of the factors were tested, namely, "whether shading the flower beds would make the flowers a lighter or darker pink, and whether a liberal supply of nitrogen would weaken or deepen the colors." In the shading test U4 plants were exposed to the sunlight at every stage of their growth, and 36 were shaded by means of a rather heavy coat of whitewash applied to the glass directly over them. The flowers of some varieties had begun to open before the whitewash was applied, while the flower buds of other varieties were about the size of marbles when shading was begun. The shading was continued until the flowering season was over. In the nitrogen experiment 23 plants were given the ordinary amount of nitrogen and 37 plants were given in addition a solution of nitrate of soda at intervals of from 3 to 4 days from tiie time the plants were well rooted until the flower buds began to form. As to the results the author says : " Shade is said by some to deepen the color, but the reverse was true in this case. The difference was perceptible at once in 5 varieties (Mrs. Perrin, Madame Felix Perrin, Marie Valleau, Helen Bloodgood, and Iora) and at second glance in 2 others (William Simpson and Maud Dean). In only 2 cases, however, was this difference enough beyond question to destroy their salable character, but they are the most important varieties in the list. Mrs. Perrin and Madame Felix Perrin are among the most important midseason commercial sorts of the day. They are so much alike that only an expert can tell them apart. Their peculiar charm is their sparkling, bright rosy-pink color. The flowers of these 2 varieties, whose buds were shaded, were very uneven in color. The loss of color was the only loss, and it alone was enough to destroy their salable character. This can not be attributed to a general lack of vigor in the plants. The experiment shows clearly that during the repro-. ductive phase the forming flowers are extremely sensitive to shading and are some- times practically ruined by it. There was only one contradictory plant among 26 that were strictly comparable. . . . "The results of the nitrogen experiment were not certain enough to be published, but it is safe to say that the extra amount of nitrogen did not seem to deepen the color in any case." Notes are given on a test of a considerable number of varieties of chrysanthemums in 1897. The 10 varieties considered best of those tested are Midge, Geo. S. Kalb, Dr. 0. H. Parkhurst, Win. J. Bryan, Golden Trophy, Elvena, Wood's Pet, Leonidas, Loantika, Casco. The kitchen garden {West Australian Settler's Guide and Farmer's Handbook, 1897, pt. 2, pp. 315-341, figs. 9). — Popular directions for the culture of numerous garden vegetables, flowers, etc. Celery, asparagus, and strawberries, R. M. Simmers {Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Bpt. 1897, pp. 836-649, figs. 7). — A popular article on the culture of celery, asparagus, and strawberries. On chicory and variations in its composition, B. Dyek {Analyst, 23 {1898), Sept., pp. 226-229). 440 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The cultivation of American ginseng in Pennsylvania, G. C. Butz (Pennsyl- vania Dept. Agr. Rpt. 1897, pp. 617-635, figs. 4, pis. 2).— A reprint of Bulk-tin 27 (E.S.R.,9,p.l053). The gilliflowers, ViLMOMN-Asr^EIEDX (Belg. Rort. et Agr., 10 (1898), No. 18, pp. 277, 278; 19, pp. 294, 295, figs. ■'•). — Descriptive notes and illustrations. Mangoes in America, II. E. Van Deman (Florida Farmer and Fruit Grower, n. ser.f 10 (1898), No. 43, pp. 677, 678). — Notes ou varieties, propagation, aud introduction of mangoes. The stoneless plum (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 201, p. 743, fig. 1).—A stoneless plum is described and figured and citations are given to two French works on fruits in which the same variety is described. Nursery stock pests and their repression, F. II. Hall (New York State Sta. Bui. 136, popular ed., pp. 10, ph. 4). Small fruits, A. T. Jordan ( New Jersey Stas. Bui. 126, pp. 32).— A reprint from the Annual Report of the station for 1897 (see p. 433). On the progressive development of raisin grapes, A. Giraro and L. Lindet (Bui. Soc. Ghim. Paris, 8. ser., 19 (1898), No. 13, pp. 585-588). Home-grown grapes in Vermont, F. A. Waugh ( Vermont Sta. Bui. 62, pp. 85-44, figs. 10). — The bulletin gives directions for the culture of grapes in Vermont and descriptions and illustrations of a number of varieties. As the result of tests the following varieties are recommended: Moor Early, Wordeu, Moyer, Brighton, Wyoming Red, and Green Mountain. Viticulture in Beaujolais ( Une exploitation riticole en Beaujolais. Macon: Protat Freres, 1S98, pp. 31, pis. 13). Pruning, A. Despeissis ( Producers'1 Gaz. and Settlers' Rec. [ West. Australia], 5 (1898), No. 4, pp. 241-259, figs. 25). — A popular article on pruning grapes. The papaw, A. Morrison (Producers' Gaz. and Settlers' Pec. [West. Australia], 5 (1898), No. 4, pp. 292-294, fig. 1). On the promotion of flowering and change of color in flowers, M. MlYOSHl (Bot. Mag. [Tokyo], 12 (1S9S), pp. 35-43). The species of azalea, W. J. Bean (Garden, 54 (1S9S), No. 1403, pp. 282-284, figs. 2, pi. 1). — Notes on the ornamental qualities and culture of several species of rhodo- dendrons and azaleas. A new species of catasetum, with remarks about the genus, O. Ames (Amer. Card., 19 (1898), No, 201, pp. 741, 742). The clematises, J. LeBelle (Garden, 53 (1898), No. 13SS, pp. 544-548, figs. 4; 54 (1898), No. 1399, pp. 200, 291; No. 1401, pp. 240, 241).— This is an extract from the twelfth volume of the Bulletin de la Socie'te d' Horticulture de Sartlie, giving descrip- tions and classification of a large number of species and hybrids of clematis Hybrid Wichuraiana roses, W. A. Manda (Amer. Florist, 14 (1898), No. 531, pp. 1, 2). — Several hybrids of the hardy Asiatic rose (Rosa wichuraiana) with garden and forcing-house roses are noticed. Some of these combined in a remarkable way the characteristic foliage and hardiness of the Asiatic rose with other characters of ]he garden and forcing roses. Hybrids of Rosa wichuraiana, H. Dautiienay (Rer. Rort., 70 (189S), No. 20, pp. 479,480). — Notes on results obtained by American gardeners. Shrubs for the seaside and their grouping, M. Howatii and M. Munte (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 194, pp. 635-637, figs. 2). — These are prize articles on shrubs for exposed locations near the sea. Diagrams give the arrangement of groups suggested. New Hampshire fruit calejidar for 1897, F. W. Rane (New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 130-138, figs. 4). — This is a report on the condition of various orchard and small fruits in 1897. The fruits of several varieties of apples, pears, and plums are figured. Report of the horticultural department of the Royal Acade my experiment station, 1897, Erik Lindgren (K. Landt. Akad. Randl. Tidskr.,37 (1898), No. 3, pp. 133-147). FORESTRY. 441 FORESTRY. The bald cypress, F. Roth (U. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Forestry Circ. 19 , pp. 24, Jig. 1). — The author presents in a condensed form the results of tests and investigations made on the physical and mechanical properties of the bald cypress, Taxodium distich urn, one of the important timber trees of the Southern States. The bald cypress, a name given this tree on account of the fact that it loses its foliage in winter, includes white, yellow, black, and red cypress, names which have been used for advertising or other purposes, and which have caused much confusion as to actual differences in the timber. Notes are given on the range and manner of occurrence, character of growth, and age of trees. More than 90 per cent of the cypress occurs on elevations of less than 100 ft. above sea level, and large bodies of merchantable cypress are not known to occur at elevations above 500 ft. The present supply of cypress is estimated at 27,000,000,000 ft., board measure, distributed among the States of Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The estimated annual cut is about 500,000,000 ft. the greater part of which is taken within 120 miles of New Orleans. The method of cutting generally pursued is to girdle the trees the season prior to felling them. This appears to be of doubtful value, since it adds but little to the floating capacity of the logs and endangers the timber. If girdling is done in the spring or summer, or even in early fall, insects at once begin their work. Generally their attack is confined to the inner bark and surface of the wood, but in some cases a large borer of the Ambrosia beetle group bores straight into the wood and produces a sharply marked black stain. Notes are given on the character of the wood and its physical and mechanical properties. There is a disease of the cypress known as "pegginess,,? said to be due to a fungus. This disease usually begins at the broken stub of a limb and works downward. A cross section of an infected log looks as though a number of small pegs | to 1 in. in diameter had been driven into the wood and then withdrawn, the holes being filled with powdery decayed wood. Young trees are generally free from this trouble, and in no case was it seen in trees except where part of the crown had been broken off. The total loss tine to this cause is proba- bly not less than 30 per cent of the entire cypress supply. No region or locality seems to be entirely free from this defect, although places exist here and there that are especially infested. It is usually impos- sible to tell diseased from sound trees prior to felling them, but the common belief that the disease spreads after the timber is converted into lumber is not founded on fact. In conclusion the author states that "the supply of cypress is con- siderable and the output capable of considerable increase, but once gone the present forests will be unable to replace the supply, and it is doubtful whether cypress can be considered as a timber of the future." 442 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Increasing the durability of timber, B. E. Fernow (U. 8. Dept. Afjr., Division of Forestry Giro. :J<), pp. 5). — Popular information is given as to the cause and conditions of decay of wood. The manner in which timber is used and the actual factors influencing durability are pointed out. Lists of the more durable and less durable trees are given for the different parts of the country. The more durable trees of the eastern range are the red and white cedars; arborvitae; bald cypress; tama- rack; long leaf, Cuban, loblolly, short leaf, pitch, white, red, and jack pines; hemlock; spruce; live oak; white oaks, including white, post, bur, cow, and overcup; osage orange; red mulberry; black locust; catalpa; black walnut; chestnut; sweet (red) gum, and tulip. The less durable trees of this region are the elm, ash, red oak, and bass- wood. Trees not durable are hickory, maple, beech, blue beech, and birch. The more durable trees of the Rocky Mountain region are the red cedar, pifion, foxtail pine, Douglas spruce, and western larch. On the Pacific slope the more durable trees are the yew, redwood, Pacific arborvitae, yellow cedar, Port Orford cedar, canon live oak, and Pacific post oak. The time of felling as influencing the durability of wood is mentioned, and treatment of timber after felling is considered at some length. The use of coatings to keep out moisture and preserve wood is dis- cussed and the advantages of different preparations pointed out. Forestry experiments at the Mustiala experiment station, 1894-95, T. Cannelin (Land. Styr., Meddel, 1897, No. 20, pp. 58-72.) — The influence of forests on the temperature of the ground was studied, soil temperatures being taken daily in 3 different places, in a (1) 140-year-old pine forest, moist and sandy ground, (2) a small open- ing, 300 meters from the preceding place, and (3) a grove of birch, spruce, and pine, the ground drier than the other 2 places, and removed about 300 meters from the second. The temperature was taken at depths of 2, 1, and 0.5 meters in case of 2 and 3, and at 2 and 0.5 meters in case of 1. The summary figures for the different months of the year are given below. Summary of soil temperatures at different depths. Pine forest. Opening. Birch grove. Month. 'J meters. 0.5 meter. 2 meters. 1 meter. 0.5 meter. 2 meters. 1 meter. 0.5 meter. February Deg. G. 3. 70 3.01 2.24 2.43 2.00 3.01 5.60 4.03 7.51 7.10 5.86 3.97 Deg. O. .98 .40 .18 .38 .56 6.00 9.90 10.30 8.38 6.40 3.07 1.52 De.i.O. 3.19 2.64 2.15 1.80 2.40 5.15 7.70 8.95 8.80 7.60 5.71 .38 />-„. a. 2.29 1.82 1.43 1.30 3. 38 8.00 10. 80 13.01 9. 70 7.63 4.75 3.09 Deg. C. 1.52 1.12 1.00 1.00 4.83 4.10 13. 90 11.40 9.89 6.93 3.68 1.90 Deq.V. 3.94 3.08 2.96 2.35 2.20 4.07 6.19 7.50 7.98 7.60 6.29 5.12 Deg. C. 2.25 1.62 1.01 .90 1.35 5.20 8.40 9.40 8.40 7.00 4.27 2.80 Deg. O. 0.87 —.43 —.37 .22 1.47 7.41 10.40 11.05 September 5.54 6.61 December 2.81 1.50 Average for the year 4.20 4.00 4.70 5.60 5.69 4.43 4.38 3.92 — F. W. WOLL, DISEASES OF PLANTS. 443 Studies in forestry, L. Petkini (Atli J,'. Accad. Econ. Agr. Georg. Firenze, 4. tier., 20 (1897), No. 3-4, pp. 275-306). Technical and economic studies in forest culture, L. Galloni (Aiti R. Accad. Econ. Agr. Georg. Firenze, 4. ser., 20 (1897), No. 3-4, pp. 307-402). Some notes on the life history of forest trees, A. HEIMERL ( Wiener Illus. Gart. Ztg., 1S9S, No. 3, pp. 95-110, figs. 2). On forest culture, M. A. Grude (Om Skookultur. Christiania, Norway, 1898, pp. 240). Tree planting on public streets, C. M. LORWG (Amer. Florist, 14 (1S9S), No. 532, p. 48). — Suggests trees adapted to the purpose. Tree planting in desert wastes (Producers' Gaz. and Settlers' Fee. [ West. Austra- lia], 5 (1S9S), No. 3, p. 213). — The author recommends the planting of Acacia arabica iu the desert portions of Australia. The economic uses to which the tree is put are mentioned. Our woods and forests, A. C. Forbes (Gard. Cliron., 3. ser., 24 (1898), No. 010, pp. 176, 177; 612, p. 213). — Notes are giveu on some of the more interesting facts con- cerning the Crown woodlands of Great Britain. The plane tree (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 24 (1S9S), No. 611, p. 190).— Notes are given on Platanus orientalis and its value as a decorative tree. Several varieties of this species are hriefly described and their relative merits given. Report of the Commissioner of Forestry, J. T. Rothrock (Pennsylvania Dept, Agr. Bui. 34, pp. 91-107). — The author describes the present forest conditions of the State and the relation between rainfall, water flow, and forests. Figures are given showing the diminished flow during the autumn months of the Schuylkill River at Philadelphia, in which it appears that between 1816 and 1895 there was a deprecia- tion of more than 60 per cent in the water flow of the stream. Forest protection against tidal waves, S. Honda (Col. Agr. [Tokyo], Bid. 3{1S9S), No. 4, pp. 281-298, pis. '.'). — An account is given of the value of foi-ests as a means of protection against tidal waves or floods. Practical assistance to farmers, lumbermen, and others in handling forest lands, G. Pinchot (U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Forestry Circ.21,pp.5). — This circu- lar shows some of the practical results of proper handling of forests and states the conditions on which the Government will cooperate witli forest owners. Tracts of any size from 5 acres up are eligible, the only distinction made being that the own- ers of large tracts which may present more difficult questions will be required to share in the expense of solving them, whileowners of small tracts will receive assist- ance without expense. Two forms of agreement are given and applications can be made at any time. DISEASES OF PLANTS. Report of the botanist, B. D. Halsted {New Jersey Stas. Bpt. 1897, pp. 263-344, 355-394, figs. 45). — The chief lines of work reported upon are with fungicides on various vegetables and ornamental plants, pre- vention of the sweet-potato soil rot, pear lire blight, peach-root gall, and the diseases of violets. The work with weeds has been continued and an experiment made to ascertain their influence on crop and soil. Experiments with turnips (pp. 205-274). — The author has continued the investigations on club root (E. S. B., 0, p. 054). In the experiments in 1897 soil treatments of lime, sulphur, corrosive sublimate, kainit, copper sulphate, and Bordeaux mixture were given, but of these only the lime treatment gave satisfactory results, and this has proved almost 10222— No. 5 1 444 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. a specific for tlie prevention of club root. A second crop of turnips was sown on the ground after the removal of the first and the lime in this case gave much better results than in the firstcrop. The suscepti- bility of different varieties of turnips to club root was investigated to some extent. Other things being equal, the variety which is most superficial in its growth in the soil may be the least susceptible to club root. A limited experiment with buckwheat on turnip land was thought to indicate that buckwheat would exert a wholesome influence on a soil that is "turnip sick" from the presence of the club-root fungus. The effect of shading on the development of the club-root fungus was tested, and it was found that the growth of the fungus was as active in shaded as in exposed soils. Experiments were also conducted with 34 varieties of crucifers and 21 other plants representing 12 different genera, and it was found that while there is a large group of wild and cultivated crucifers that are susceptible to club root, many others are only occasionally attacked and may be grown on badly infected soil without being seriously injured. Of the plants representing other genera than crucifers no indication of club root was detected in any species. Experiments with cabbages (pp. 275, 276). — Cabbages were sown on soil which had become so badly infected with club-root fungus that turnips in 1890 were almost all diseased. The cabbage seed was sown in a portion of this infected soil and at the time of setting out check plants that had been started in limed soil were planted for comparison. The details of the experiments are given, showing that the probable time when the plants are most susceptible is when they are quite small, and if this period can be passed free from exposure to the germs of the disease the crop may be almost sure. Experiments with potatoes (pp. 27G-284). — For the past 4 years one portion of the experiment station area has been devoted to the growth of potatoes to investigate the means for the prevention of potato scab (E. S. R., 9, p. 57). In 1S97 the experiments of the previous years were modified somewhat. Oxalic acid, Bordeaux mixture, sulphur, kaiuit, sulphuric acid, and corrosive sublimate were employed as fungicides, and the effect of growing large- rooted weeds and sweet potatoes on the development of the disease was tested. The yields of the different plats are given, and so far as checking scab is concerned sulphur was the most efficient. The season was particularly adapted to the develop- ment of the potato rot due to Phi/tophthora infestans. The worst speci- mens of this disease were found on the shaded portion of the plat, although the plants in this area were somewhat later in being attacked. Experiments with peppers (pp. 284, 285). — In continuation of previous experiments with peppers, 9 varieties were tested during 1897; and while disease was almost entirely absent throughout the season the experiment seems to indicate that in general pepper plants are too lit- tle infested with fungi to warrant the application of fungicides. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 445 Experiments with tomatoes (pp. 286-291). — In 1897, 7 varieties of toma- toes were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture, soda-Bordeaux, potash- Bordeaux, and hydrate, the idea being to test the fungicides for the prevention of the various diseases to which this plant is subject. The only disease observed to affect the foliage of tomato plants was Sep- toria tycopersici, while a few fruits were attacked by Gloeosporium phomoides. The plants which had received Bordeaux mixture were practically free from disease. The yield of fruit is tabulated, from which it appears that there was a marked falling off in the amount of fruits produced by the plants sprayed with soda-Bordeaux and hydrate. Both fungicides burned the foliage somewhat, but it was not thought sufficient to do serious harm. The least productive portion of the plat was that which was shaded; while, on the other hand, the shaded rows suffered very little from the blight. Experiments frith Lime l>e«ns (pp. 292-299). — Experiments conducted with dwarf Lima beans showed there was very little blight in any part of the plat, and no conclusions could be drawn from the experiments. The origin of the dwarf Limas and their description are given. Brief notes are appended on the mildew of Lima beans, in which it is stated that the mildew was worst on plants growing upon rich low land where the same crop had been grown the previous year. It would seem best for Lima beans to be planted on high ground, as early as possible, and they should not immediately follow a similar crop. Experiments with onions (pp. 300-302). — The author reports the occur- rence during 1897 of the smut fungus of onions (Uroeystis cepulce). From observations made in the field it would seem that there are marked differences in the susceptibility of varieties to this disease, the tender white sorts being more inclined to the disease than the yel- low ones. Experiments conducted with onions in new fields, the plants having been sprayed 0 times, showed that there was very little smut anywhere, even the check rows being free from the disease. An experi- ment in preventing infection through the seed was made with seed soaked in hot water (135° F.) for 15 minutes, soaked in corrosive subli- mate, or rolled in sulphur, and in adding corrosive sublimate and sulphur to the soil. The plants came up fairly well in all boxes except where the seed was treated with hot water, in which case there was a complete failure. There was no smut in any instance; the experiment, therefore, was without result. Results with spinach (pp. 302,303). — Experiments were conducted with a number of varieties of spinach for the prevention of an unde- termined disease which causes a loss of the green color and the final dwarfing of the young plants. The plants grown in the shade were larger and remained green longer than those exposed to the sun, and it is probable this crop can be grown throughout the season with profit where some protection, as partial shade, is provided. Notes are given on the occurrence of a Cercospora on the leaves of spinach, 446 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. closely resembling that occurring on beet leaves. There appears to be some difference in the characteristics of the two, but the variations arc thought to be within the limits of a species, and their probable identity is pointed out. Experiments with eggplants (pp. 304-307). — Four varieties of egg- plants were sprayed with different fungicides for the prevention of attacks of Phyllosticta hortorum. There was but little difference noted in the effectiveness of the 4 fungicides used. An examination of many of the roots at harvest time showed they were badly infested with nematodes, in some places the galls being very apparent. Experiments with lettuce (pp. 307-309). — Sprayings were made with 4 fungicides on different varieties of lettuce, for the prevention of blight, and it was found that the early sprayings of all the plants somewhat injured them. There was very little blight present until the plants had passed blooming. On this account there was no estimate made of the amount of damage or of the efficiency of the fungicides. Experiments with beans (pp. 309-314). — Experiments were conducted during 1S97 with beans on soil that had grown 7 or 8 successive crops, the object being to test means for the prevention of pod spot and bacterial blight, both of which have existed to some extent since 1894. No appreciable amount of blight was present and in many cases the application of the fungicides to the young plants had an injurious effect. A second crop was planted July 31 and treated with fungicides the same as before. There was no marked difference in the action of the different fungicides, but the potash -Bordeaux mixture was slightly better than the others. The effect of thinning pods as a means of pre- venting disease was investigated and found to be without any appre- ciable value. Crimson clover disease (pp. 314-319). — Notes are given of a crown disease of crimson clover, due to Sclcrotinia trifoliorum. Desiring to study the fungus in the field, a plat was sowed with different kinds of clover and allied plants, the ground being strewn with the debris of dead plants and adhering soil after the seed was sown. Of all the clovers tested, the crimson clover proved most susceptible to the dis- ease. The author states that there is nothing to indicate that the disease may be transmitted by seed, but that a Held once badly infected should be plowed and planted to other crops for a number of years. The occurrence of another fungus, Polythrineium tri/olii, on scarlet clover, is mentioned. Experiments with cucumbers (pp. 319-322). — Eight applications of 4 different kinds of fungicides were made on a number of varieties of cucumbers, to test their efficiency in preventing mildew and anthrac- nose. The anthracnose was not noticed on any of the plants during the year. The other disease became quite abundant in September, the plants sprayed with Bordeaux mixture and potash Bordeaux being less affected than the others. An attempt was made to inoculate cucumbers with an anthracnose of hops due to Colletotrichum sp., without success. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 447 Experiments with peas (pp. 322-324). — In continuation of the experi- ments reported in 1896 (E. S. R., 9, p. 656), applications to the soil of sulphur, corrosive sublimate, carbonate of lime, and copper sul- phate were tested for the prevention of blight and mildew of this plant. The largest yield was obtained where the soil was treated with corrosive sublimate and carbonate of lime. On a second crop, 4 fungicides were tested with somewhat inconclusive results. Experiments with carrots (pp. 325, 326). — Six varieties of carrots were tested to ascertain their relative resistance to blight. ISTo spraying was given the plants and no estimate was made to determine the relative market value of the different sorts. Of the 6 varieties tested the Dan vers Half Long proved the most resistant. Experiments with celery (p. 327). — The carrots mentioned in the pre- vious paragraph were followed by celery, the desire being to ascertain whether these allied plants would be subject to the same diseases. The celery was sprayed with different fungicides, in all 7 applications being given, but the plants being remarkably free from celery blight the rela- tive value of the fungicides was not determined. Experiments with beets (pp. 327-334). — Experiments have been con- tinued for a number of seasons for the control by the use of fungicides of beet-leaf spot (Cercospora beticola). The seed was sown April 19 and the plants were sprayed when little more than the first leaves were developed, in all 10 applications being given during the season. The leaf spot was first noted the last week in June and in the check plats it increased rapidly. Where the hydrate solution was used the disease developed somewhat slower than in the checks, but plants sprayed with this fungicide suffered much more severely than those which received the different Bordeaux solutions. The different kinds of Bor- deaux mixture showed no marked differences. In the experiments with the second crop of beets, all the fungicides except Bordeaux mixture burned the foliage of the young plants to some extent, but as in the previous year's test no Cercospora appeared. The effect of weed growth on beet production was tested. In this experiment 8 oz. of 30 differ- ent kinds of weed seeds were sown over a plat of beets 138 ft. long and 11 ft. wide. Different portions of the plat were subjected to differ- ent treatments, one receiving no cultural attention while the others received 3, 5, and 7 hoeings, respectively. The yield of beets was almost in proportion to the amount of attention given the plats. Concerning the growth of the weeds it is said that in some cases the ground was so thoroughly covered by them that many of the weeds were wilted and crowded out. Experiments with ornamental plants (pp. 334-339). — Fungicides were tested for the prevention of diseases of the following plants: Violets, China asters, pinks, nasturtiums, mignonette, phlox, sweet peas, gladi- olus, cannas, dahlias, ampelopsis, hibiscus, hollyhocks, red bud, and peony. In the case of the China asters the principal trouble is a rust due to Coleosporium sp. The disease did not appear to any great extent 448 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. but the plants were injured by insects so that their growth was seri- ously interfered with, therefore no report could be made of the value of the spraying. The fungicides seemed to have no effect on nastur- tium blight, and scarcely adhered at all to the leaves. The experiment with sweet peas tested not only the effect of fungicides but also the effect of different depths of planting. The largest number of flowers were obtained where the seeds were planted 3 in. deep and hilled up 2 in. Where seeds were first soaked in Bordeaux mixture, rolled in sulphur and corrosive sublimate, and planted 2 in. deep, all gave good results. The canna plants were free from fungus diseases, but the foliage of some plants was injured by the application of soda-Bor- deaux and hydrate. The mildew of dahlias appeared abundantly on unsprayed sections during the autumn but it was easily checked by the use of fungicides. Hollyhocks sprayed with different Bordeaux mix- tures, receiving in all 13 sprayings, were almost entirely free from the leaf spot which appeared on the check plats early in the season and continued until its close. The hollyhock rust (Puceinia malvacearum) was found almost without exception on check plants, while but one sprayed section showed any disease. The sprayed peony plants bloomed much less abundantly than the unsprayed plants and no dis- ease was observed on any. Experiments with fungicides (pp. 330-344). — The author gives the for- mulas and methods of preparation of the fungicides used in the preced- ing experiments, namely, Bordeaux mixture, soda-Bordeaux, potash- Bordeanx, and cupric hydrate. Experiments in infecting soil ivith potato- scab fungus (pp. 355-359). — Experiments are reported in which scabby potatoes were (1) spaded into the soil; (2) steamed 20 minutes and then spaded in; (3) applied to the surface of the soil and allowed to remain over winter, and (4) fed to stock and the manure applied to the soil. The results are tabulated and the following conclusions drawn : Scab was greatest where the untreated potatoes were spaded in in September, followed closely by the case in which steamed potatoes were spaded in. The plats which received manure gave results which indicated a very limited presence of the scab fungus. While the exper- iment was somewhat limited, it was interesting to notice the almost entire absence of scab where the infested potatoes were fed to cattle and the manure placed on the land. This seems to indicate that there is little danger in disposing of scabby potatoes in this manner. An additional experiment is reported in which a number of solanace- ous plants, together with a miscellaneous lot, were tested to ascertain their susceptibility to the scab fungus. Of the solanaceous plants, only the roots of tomato, pepper, tobacco, and Datura stramonium showed any evidence of the fungus. Sweet potatoes gave no indications of the disease. Artichokes, cardoon, chicory, salsify, parsnips, and 6 varieties of radishes were tested, and while all the varieties of radish were more or less disfigured by scab, the other plants remained free. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 449 The influence of drought on vegetation (pp. 3G0-362). — The year 1897 is said to have been remarkable for excessive rains in July and for 3 periods of drought during the growing season, the influence of which on vegetables and ornamental plants is stated. Experiments with sir eel potatoes (pp. 362-372). — In continuation of work reported on sweet-potato diseases (E. S. JJ., 9, p. 655), the effects of sulphur and kaiuit were again tested, different plats receiving 800, 000, 400, 300, and 200 lbs. of the fertilizer. Two varieties of sweet potatoes were used, Nansemond and Jersey lied. The results indicate that sulphur is valuable as a remedy for the prevention of the soil rot, and that it may be advantageously used in connection with kaiuit. Experiments in spraying for asparagus rust (pp. 372-370). — The exten- sive experiments with fungicides showed that while they did not pre- vent the disease they reduced it fully one-fourth. Experiments with pear blight (pp. 377-383). — The author reports upon a series of experiments begun on an orchard placed at the disposal of the station, the present report being confined to the effect of winter and summer pruning. In general it may be stated that while the winter- pruned trees were cut back the heaviest the pears were much larger and yielded about as great a quantity as the summer-pruned ones, the difference between the 2 forms being very slight. The experiments testing the effect of cultivation and the use of fertilizers on the devel- opment of blight are to be continued. Greenhouse experiments with violets (pp. 383-394). — The leading fungus diseases of the violet are said to be the leaf spots {Cercospora violce), a second form of leaf spot (I'hyllosticta violce), Ascochyta viola', Marsonia viola', Glceosporium violce, an anthracnose due to an undescribed Colle- totrichum, a mildew [Peronospora viola'), and Zygodesmus albidus. In addition to these nematodes are one of the most serious troubles of violets. During the winter of 1896-97, experiments were conducted in the greenhouse in which the effect of depth of soil, fineness of mixture, drainage, mulching, watering, subirrigation, fertilizers, manure, aera- tion, spraying, and soil fungicides were tested. A depth of soil of 5 in. seemed to give best results. The coarsest soil, i. e., that which did not go through a sieve with a half-inch mesh, gave best results. Where sand was added in different quantities to fine soil but little difference was noted. The experiment in soil drainage seemed to indi- cate that the use of rock bottom for drainage is useless. Increasing the amount of manure was followed by beneficial results. There was no leaf spot or other foliage disease which seemed to interfere with the growth of the plants, but attacks of nematodes were very apparent, many of the plants being badly galled. Field experiments were conducted with violets in which soil treat- ment with lime, sulphur, corrosive sublimate, and kainit were tested, the intention being to note the results of this soil treatment on the winter plants. All the treatments greatly reduced the formation of nematode galls on the roots, and in many cases wholly prevented them. 450 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Some important pear diseases, B. M. Duggae {New York Cornell Sta. Bui. 145, pp. 596-627j figs. 16, dgm. 1). — Notes are given on pear- leaf spot, leaf blight, pear scab, aud pear blight. The leaf spot due to Septoria piricola is said to be widely distributed throughout the State, and while the fungus is one of the most important from an economic standpoint, it seems to have been almost wholly over- looked or neglected. Perhaps one of the earliest mentions of this disease was that by (i. F. Atkinson.1 It is usually confused with the ordinary leaf blight, due to Entomosporium maculatum. The leaf spot, as it appears on the green leaves, is usually larger, more'sharply defined, and somewhat angular, being roughly limited by the subdivisions of the venation. The center of the spots is grayish-white, dotted with minute pycnidia. Surrounding this is a brown zone, which frequently shades off into a purplish color. The cluster of fruiting1 bodies in the center of the spot is a very evident characteristic. The author reports the disease as probably occurring all over the State of New York wherever pears are raised, and also in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Alabama, and elsewhere. His investigations seem to indicate that different varieties are subject to the disease in varying degree. Anjou, Seckel, Bosc, Summer Doyenne, and Bartlett are quite subject; Louise Bonne, Clairgeau, Clapp Favorite, Flemish Beauty, and others to a less extent; Duchess very slightly, and Kieffer and Winter Nellis are apparently free from it. An experiment was conducted in which Bordeaux mixture, ammonia- cal copper carbonate, and potassium sulphid solution were sprayed on Bartlett and Seckel trees for the prevention of leaf spots. Three sprayings of Bordeaux mixture gave almost complete protection against the disease. The occurrence of leaf spot on nursery stock has also been investigated, and some attempts have been made to prevent injury. In this case, as in the trial in the orchard, Bordeaux mixture gave the best results. The microscopic characters of the fungus are given at some length. The author states that the fungus is evidently to be referred to Septoria piricola. He has compared American specimens with specimens from Europe and found that they agree in almost every particular. The leaf blight of pears has also been studied in connection with the leaf spot, and the author states that the spots of the leaf blight are usually smaller than those of the leaf spot, are more nearly circular, and not so clearly defined on the under surface. On the fruit the spots of leaf blight are red at first, but soon become darker. The drying of the epidermal cells may cause cracking to a considerable extent, as in the case of the pear scab. The leaf-spot fungus in no case attacks the fruit. The microscopic characters, distribution, and remedies of leaf blight are given. 1 Garden and Forest, 10 (1897), p. 373. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 451 The pear scab (Fusicladium pirinum) is figured and described at some length. The author states that his investigations on the pear fruit have shown that the principal stroma of the fungus is undoubt- edly subepidermal. The fungus is said to pass the winter in the bark of twigs, producing in the spring a crop of spores to infect the young branches, leaves, and fruit. A winter stage of the fungus is reported from Germany as belonging to the genus Venturia. The possible iden- tity of the pear and apple scab is briefly considered, but most of the recent work is said to show that the two fungi are specifically differ- ent. As is the case with other pear diseases, there is considerable difference in the susceptibility of the different varieties. Three appli- cations of Bordeaux mixture, the first made just before blossoming, the second immediately after the petals have fallen, and the third about 2 weeks later, are generally sufficient to prevent attacks of this fungus. The pear blight or fire blight, which is due to Bacillus amylororus, is figured and described at considerable length, the conclusions of the author agreeing with those expressed by B. M. Waite (E. S. K... 8, p. 79(>). Under each of the diseases described the author gives a brief bibliography. Studies on bean anthracnose, E. Gain (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1S9S), No. 3, pp. 200-204). — The author has made a study of the anthracnose of beans due to the fungus Colletotrichwm lindemu- thianum, paying particular attention to the effect the fungus produces upon the seed. He reports that anthracnosed seeds are less dense than sound ones, the difference amounting with one variety to from 3.4 to 4.8 per cent and in others as much as 8 per cent. The germinative ability of diseased seed was also studied, and it was found in a series of experiments that 10 per cent of the seeds did not germinate, while only 4C per cent made viable plants, the sound seed producing 98 per ceut. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory and in the field to test the propagation of the disease by seed and other means, and it was found that it spread quite easily from diseased seed, the presence of spores placed on a seed or in the soil. The conclusions, briefly summarized, show that diseased seeds are easily recognized by their lessened specific gravity and lower germinat- ing power. Plants from diseased seed are less resistent to subsequent attacks and seldom develop equal to those from sound seed. The distribution of the disease is easily effected through the soil or seed. The author recommends that seed be carefuly hand-selected before planting and the lighter seed thrown out. A cure for the lily disease, H. Byatt (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 24 {1898), No. 003, p. 42). — The author gives an account of his attempts to prevent the occurrence of this disease on Lilium candidum. The method of treatment, which he claims has proved successful, consists in remov- ing the bulbs from the ground and, after they had dried, sprinkling 452 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. them well with flowers of sulphur and putting- them in large paper bags. They are then well shaken until the sulphur has worked into the bulbs thoroughly, and while still covered with the powder are planted. This treatment was first tried in ]89G, and the crop produced showed a marked improvement in the flowers, the plants seeming to be entirely free from disease. Septoria graminum, a parasite of wheat, L. Margin {Com pi. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 {1898), No. 20, pp. 1438-1440). — The author calls attention to the parasitism of this fungus, it being sometimes considered a saprophyte, and shows that under certain conditions of weather it undoubtedly becomes parasitic on the leaves of winter wheat. He states that a mild and rainy winter favors the extension of the parasite, and reports having found it abundant on the leaves in February, the pycnidia carrying spores in an advanced state of germination. Reports are given of inoculation experiments made in February, March, and April, in which the spores were placed on the leaves and the leaves kept damp either by means of contact with filter paper or under bell jars. In about seven days all the leaves which had been treated began to turn yellow, and a week later their tips became blanched and in the dead tissues the characteristic pycnidia of the fungus made its appearance. The author considers the parasitism of Septoria gram inum established, and states that the damage done by the fungus can be easily seen in fields of winter wheat in the spring, the diseased leaves being smaller and of a different color than normal. Wood ashes and apple scab, S. A. Beach {New York State Sta. Bui. 140, pp. 065-680). — The author reports an experiment continued for 5 years in which liberal applications of hard-wood ashes were given 124 trees to test the effect of such treatment on the prevalence of apple scab, the theory being that the application of the ashes would induce a much more vigorous growth of the tree and so render it resistant to disease. The treated sections of the orchard showed in many cases an improved appearance of foliage, but there was no evidence of an increase in immunity from the disease. The author concludes that under the conditions of the investigation a liberal application of hard wood ashes to the soil does not increase the immunity of apples from apple scab. The communicability of potato-stem blight, F. C. Stewart {New York State Sta. Bid. 138, pp. 632-634).— -The author conducted experi- ments to ascertain if possible the communicability of the potato-stem blight described by him ( E. S. R., 8, p. 235). So far as his investigations go, the disease is not due to bacteria or fungi, but appears in all proba- bility to be due to some impairment of the physiological functions of the plant. The results of the experiments give strong evidence that the disease is not communicable. Although they show that a fair yield of healthy tubers may be obtained from diseased seed, the planting of such seed is not recommended. Attempts were made to inoculate the disease upon other closely related plants but without success. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 453 The effect of plowing under green rye to prevent potato scab, F. C. Stewart (New York state Sta. Bui. 138, pp. 629-631).— The wide- spread notion that potatoes will be free from scab if grown on soil on which green rye has been plowed under just before planting was inves- tigated by the author. The land used for the experiment was fairly uniform and in 18(.)6 had grown a crop of potatoes which was so scabby that a large part of the crop was unmerchantable. Eye was sown on 3 alternating plats October 12 and was plowed under April 26, being at that time about 6 in. high. Tlie plats were planted April 28 and half of all the seed tubers were soaked in corrosive sublimate before planting. The yield of the various plats is tabulated, and it appears that the total yield as well as the proportion of those free from scab was less on the plats where green rye had been turned under than on the others, while the unmerchantable tubers were considerably in excess on these plats. The conclusion drawn from this experiment is that the practice of plowing under green rye to prevent potato scab is not to be recom- mended, inasmuch as it tends to increase rather than diminish the amount of scab and may also reduce the yield. The large amount of scab on all the plats showed the uselessness of treating seed with fungicides when they are to be planted in .soil known to be scab-infested. Department of bacteriology, H. II. Lamson (New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 146, 147). — A report is given of work carried on during the year, partly in continuation of work previously reported (E. S. E., 9, p. 763). Brief notes are given on leaf spot of apples, orange rust of quinces, and blaek knot of plums and cherries. For the leaf spot, due to Phyllosticta pirini, applications of Bordeaux mixture seem to have had but little effect. The orange rust of quince trees was also but little affected by the treatment, and the results of experiments conducted with Bordeaux mixture for the prevention of black knot will not be apparent until the season succeeding the application of the fungicide. A brief report, is made on the use of Ceres-pulver for the prevention of smut of oats and barley. But little smut occurred in any of the grain, but the author thinks there was slightly less where the seed was treated than in the other lots. Experiments with potato scab in which the effects of different ferti lizers were tested were continued, as well as experiments for the pre- vention of early and late blight. An experiment was undertaken with Nitragin, but the culture was too old when used and the trial was made on so small a scale that uo conclusions can be drawn. Effects of common salt on the growth of carnations and car- nation rust, F..C. Stewart (New York State Sta. Bui. 138, pp. 634- 636). — Some florists having advocated the use of a solution of salt in the form of a fine spray on the foliage of carnations, believing that it prevented the attacks of rust (Uromyces caryophyllinus) and also gave the plants more vigor, the author conducted a series of experiments with 50 rooted cuttings which were potted in 6 in. pots, sunk in soil 454 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. out of doors. They were divided into different lots and treated at intervals of 2 weeks with different quantities of a 2i per cent salt solu- tion, the different lots receiving during the investigation 10, 10, 80, and 200 cc. of a salt solution. In 1897 this experiment was repeated, the dates of application of the salt solution being May 18, 28, June 11, 25, July 9, 23, August 7, 20, and September 3. Both the experiments show that it was useless to try to prevent the rust by the use of salt solu- tions, either applied to the soil or on the foliage, and that such applica- tions of salt did not aid in the growth of carnations. Further experiments on spraying cucumbers, F. 0. Stewart (Neiv York St. 18S). — Popular Tiotes on this disease. Gumming of stone fruits, S. A Beach (Amer. Card., 19 (1898), No. 192, p. 606.)— Compiled information on the cause of gumming of stone fruits. Violet diseases, W. G. Saltford (Amer. Card., 19 I 1898), No. 188, p. 545, fig. 1). — Suggests remedial treatment. Concerning the cause of the "sereh " disease of sugar cape, a review of the investigations and theories of Wakker, W. Kkuger (Dent. Zuckerind., 23 (1898), p. 225 ; abs. in Cental. Bakt. u. Par., 2. Alt., 4 (1898), No. 12, pp. 524-526). The influence of fertilizers on the diseases and injuries of the vine, P. Coste- Floret (Influence des engrais sur les maladies et accidents de vegetation de la vigne. Montpellier : Hamelin freres, 1S9S, pp. 31). The fungus foes of the farmer, B. D. Halsted (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Rpi. 1897, pp. 678-692, figs. 6). — The author figures and properly describes a number of the more common fungi which attack economic crops. A review of the sugar-cane diseases of Java, II, L. Zehntner (Arch. Java. Suikerind., 1897, pt. 10, pp. 51; abs. in Ztschr. Pfianzenkrank., S (1898), No. 8, pp. 161-163). — This part of the author's work on the diseases and enemies of sugar cane deals wholly with those injuries caused by animals. Work upon some diseases of plants in 1897, F. H. Hall (New York State Sta. Bui. 188, popular ed., pp. 6). — A popular summary is given of the results published in Bulletin 138 of the station (see pp. 452-454). Ear cockle in -wheat, R. Helms ( Producers' Gaz. and Settlers' Pec. [ West. . I ustralia'], 5 (1S9S), No. 4, ]>p. 280-283, figs. 2). — The author figures and describes the effect of a nematode attack on wheat, the result being large gall-like formations in place of the gram. As a possible means for the prevention of the destructive attacks of this parasite the fallowing of liclds and the alternation of crops are recommended. An albuminous Bordeaux mixture, Cazeneuve (Vigne Franc, 1S9S, No. 4, pp. 51-53). Spraying for the destruction of fungi and insects, S. T. Maynard (Massachu- setts Hatch Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 15-19). — The author gives formulas for the preparation and directions for the use of Bordeaux mixture, dilute copper sulphate, and kero- sene emulsion. A spray calendar is given in which the time of application and fungicide or insecticide required is mentioned for the prevention of fungus and insect attacks on different fruits and vegetables. Preventive treatment in plant disease — hybridization and inoculation, H. Tkyox (Queensland Agr. Jour., 2 (189S), No. 6, pp. 511-516). — A discussion of inocu- lation for plant diseases and breeding resistant varieties. ENTOMOLOGY. Report of the entomologist, J. B. Smith (New Jersey Stas. Rpt. 1897, pp. 307-492, pis. 8, figs. 19). — In the general review beginning- his report the author notes the following insects and their injuries during the year: The army worm and Hessian fly, both of which seem to have disappeared; the pear midge, which seems to be actually stamped out in certain localities; the sinuate pear borer, which is held in check; the wood leopard moth; the maple pseudo-coccus, which is present in small numbers; the harlequin cabbage bug, which seems to have been decid- edly checked by the cold, wet spring, and early summer; tomato louse; strawberry-root louse, troublesome in 189(3 but apparently absent in 1897; the San Jose scale, to which more time was given than to any other insect; cutworms; leaf rollers; strawberry weevils, locally inju- rious; white grubs, reported as strawberry pests but not as seriously 458 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. injurious; potato beetles, for which arsenate of lead is recommended; a tortoise beetle ( Coptocycla clavata), a new pest reported from Decker- town in June, where it was eating off potato stalks; rose chafers, which seem to be on the increase; Leeanium tulipiferce; root web worms; Crioceris 12-j)unctata; cabbage worms ; sawtlies; Selandrice caryce; bag- worms; codling- moths; plum curculio; the round-headed apple-tree borer; pear blister mite; pear slugs; fig eater (Allorhina nitida); Procris americana; and Monahammus titillator. A study was made of Paris green as an insecticide. Samples were obtained from a large number of firms, and analyses made which showed that they ranged in arsenious oxid from 41.54 to 08.50 per cent. Variations were found even in different samples from the same manufacturer. Explanatory letters were received which, though not directly so stated, admitted the possibility of a variation of 15 percent. This was not considered by the firm from which the letter came to be worth considering from a practical standpoint, but from this statement the author differs, stating that the "difference of even 10 per cent of arsenic may make all the difference between an effective and an ineffect- ive application." From obtainable facts it appears that Paris green even under the best conditions varies greatly in the percentage of arsenic and that it may be present either as an arsenite or as an arsen- ate. Difficulties increase with the size of the quantities manufactured so that a difference of 25 per cent may exist in the absolutely urn adul- terated product. Hence it follows that the material as used by farmers is found to be unreliable and the results inconsistent. As an alterna- tive the use of arsenate of lead is suggested. The formula given for it is 4 oz. arsenate of soda and 11 oz. acetate of lead dissolved sepa- rately and then mixed. The resulting solution is to be added to 100 gal. of water for most insects, to 80 gal. lor more resistant insects, and to 50 gal. for potato beetles. This insecticide is strongly recom- mended. Experiments were made with emulsion sprayers in which the emul- sion was obtained by mechanical means, which developed considerable variation in the degree of reliability. The Success Emulsion Sprayer was found to be wholly unreliable with mixtures in the proportion of 1:20, which proportion was actually never obtained in the spray, the proportion ranging all the way from 1:100 to 1:15. Mixtures at the rate of 1:15 exhibited much less variation, the spray showing from 7.3 to 10.5 per cent of kerosene. At the rate of 1 : 10 and 2:10 the results were practically uniform. Experiments were also made with kerosene, which are reported in considerable detail. The general conclusions have already been given in a preliminary bulletin (E. S. R., 7, p. 515), as were also the author's conclusions resulting from experiments with dendrolene and whale-oil soap, and from his study of the San Jose scale; but it may be noted in regard to the last insect that the author now finds it simpler to make a list of the plants that the insect does not attack rather thau those ENTOMOLOGY. 459 affected by it. A curious case of tlie persistence of the scale may be noted-. One of the author's correspondents cut off bis currant bushes early in the spring close to the surface of the ground, covering the stems with several inches of soil and. allowing the young currant shoots to make their way through it. In most cases the scale made its way up through the soil and took possession of the shoots. Concluding, the author thinks that every effort should be made to domesticate any known enemy of the scale, and that the introduction of Spluerostilbe should be systematically carried on until the disease exists in all places where the scale is known to occur. But this is advised not with the hope of extermination so much as the lessening of the cost of control. The author also notes that it would be advis- able to investigate the question as to whether Japan is really the home of the scale. He thinks it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that Nature will in time come to the aid of the farmer, and states that had the present season continued wet throughout the scale would have lost ground everywhere and gone into winter quarters in an enfeebled condition. Report of the department of entomology, C. M. Weed {New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 138-145, Jigs. 8). — Observations on the tent caterpillar, its food plants, parasites, etc., are reported. The author says: "The list of food plants of the American tent caterpillar is long and varied, and when compared with other caterpillars a peculiar fact is noticeable. In most cases where the food is varied the insects confine themselves to certain orders of plants, usually nearly related to each other, hut the prime requisite with the present species seems to be that the plants shall be of a shrubby nature. The members of the rose family seem to be the natural food of the tent caterpillar, and very few, if any, of the shrubby and arboreal members of this family escaped." Notes are given on the forest tent caterpillar, and the differences between it and the common tent caterpillar are pointed out. The cankerworm has done considerable damage in some localities, but in regions where it was destroyed by spraying in 1895-96 the outbreak appears to have been checked. Brief notes are given on the codling moth, oyster shell bark louse, and scale bug. Insects of the year, G. H. Perkins ( Vermont Sta. Bui. 60, pp. 3-16, figs. 5). — The bulletin gives notes on the insects which have been most common during the year and suggests treatment. The army worm and the chinch bug did not injure crops during the season. Currant and cabbage worms, horn flies, railroad worms, and aphids gave consider- able trouble. The forest tent caterpillar was unusually abundant and destructive, especially to the apple and sugar-maple trees, often defo- liating them. The oyster-shell scale of the apple was very injurious in some orchards. The San Jose scale has appeared in one place in the State. The round headed apple-tree borer was very troublesome in several localities. The flat-headed borer also gave some trouble, but was less injurious than in the pit-ceding year. 10222— No. 5 5 460 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Four injurious insects, D. A. Saunders (South Dakota Sta. Bid. 57, pp. 35-52, figs. 19). — The author considers the Iiocky Mountain locust (Melanoplus spretus), grain aphis (Siphonophora avence), spotted blister beetle (Epicauta maculata), and Uhler's green plant bug [Lio- derma uhleri). The latter insect was first noticed in South Dakota in 1895. It has spread rapidly until it is now distributed over at least 10 counties. It is estimated that in 1897 3,500 acres of small grain and 800 acres of corn were totally destroyed by this insect. The young insect shows a special liking for turnips, radishes, potato blossoms, and young sweet corn. Cabbages, beets, and rutabagas were also attacked, but not well liked. Onions, parsnips, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and watermelons and cucumbers, were hardly touched. "The insect inserts its bill beneath the epidermis of the soft, succulent part of the plant and draws so much nourishment therefrom that, especially where the bugs are abundant, the plant seldom recovers. Wheat is not disturbed until it is in the milk; the bugs then attack it iu great numbers, 25 or more to a single head. A careful examination of many heads of wheat obtained from the infested regions fails to show any kernels that were missed by the bugs. The destroyed heads of wheat areas light as straw, there being nothing left in the chaft' but the shrunken and shriveled hull of the grain. Sections made of such grains, the central part of which, in healthy grains, is deusely packed with starch, is entirely empty and the gluten- containing cells coutain but a few scattered grains. The cornstalk is attacked early in the season; when it is a foot or two in length is when the greatest damage is done to it. In fact, if the bugs are numerous it is entirely destroyed. Later in the season they also attack the young ears, but at this time are not so destructive.'' As to remedies, the author says : " Undoubtedly the best thing to do is to thoroughly and systematically burn every waste field, weed patch, and uncultivated ground." The burning should be delayed until all the bugs have come out of their winter quarters in the ground, unless the early ones begin to migrate. So far as known the bugs do not burrow in the native prairie. The codling moth, M. V. Slingerland (Neiv York Cornell Sta. Bui. 112, pp. 09, figs. 21, pi. 1). — Some general historical notes on the codling moth are given. The author estimates that from one-fourth to one-half of the annual apple crop of the United States is destroyed by the codling moth — more than by all other insects combined. Among the food plants of the insect are noted apples, pears, wild haws, crab apples, and quinces, and the insect sometimes works on such stone fruits as plums, peaches, and cherries. The insect is described and figured in its various stages. Its life history is discussed at length, many quotations being made from old as well as recent literature. In regard to the place and time of laying the eggs the author says: "During the past two years we have seen hundreds of the eggs on apples in New York orchards, and have never yet seen one on or down in between the calyx lobes on the so-called blossom end. AVe have seen ejjgs near the calyx, in old curculio scars, near the stem, and have found what appeared to be codling moth eggs even ENTOMOLOGY. 461 on the leaves of the tree. Most of the eggs we found were glued to the skin, appar- ently without much choice as to location, on the smooth surface of the fruit. . . . "From the only definite evidence we have, one can not escape the conclusion that, in the northern half of the United States at least, most of the eggs of the codling moth are not laid until a week or more after the petals of the blossoms have fallen from most varieties of apples; or usually during the latter part of May ami the first half of June. "The date of the falling of the blossoms varies considerably in different years, depending upon the weather conditions which may cause spring to open early or late. As these same conditions affect the date of the emergence of the moths, in general the above statement regarding the egg-laying of the insect will hold good." The habits of the insect and its work in all stages are considered in detail, the views of various writers being given together with observa- tions of the author. The following resume is given: "The codling moth appears in the spring about the time the blossoms are falling from apple trees and after a few days glues its tiny scale-like eggs onto the skin of the young fruit or even the adjacent leaves, where they hatch in about a week. The little apple worm usually finds its way into the blossom end where it takes its first meal and where it remains feeding for several days, finally eating its way to the core. In about three weeks it gets nearly full grown and makes an exit tunnel to the surface, closing the outside opening of the tunnel for a few days while it feeds inside. Emerging from the fruit, it usually makes its way to the trunk of the tree where it soon spins a coroou under tho loose bark. Usually the first worms to thus spin up in June or July soon transform to pupae, from which the adult insect emerges in about two weeks, and eggs are soon laid from which a second brood of the worms hatch. In most of the more northern portions of the United States only a part of the worms of the first brood pupate or transform to moths the same season, but in the central, western, and southern portions there is a complete second brood, and in some portions even a third brood of the worms annually. In the fall all the worms spin cocoons wherever they may be, either in the orchard or in storerooms, and remain curled up in them as caterpillars until spring opens, when they transform, through the pupa, to the moth, thus completing their yearly life cycle.'' Among the natural enemies of the codling moth the following are discussed: Bats, said to be the most efficient destroyer of the moths in California; a parasite of the codling-moth eggs (Trichogramma pre- tiosa); a parasite of the larvae [Maerocentrus deUcatus): an external parasite of the larvae (Goniozm sp.); hair snakes, sometimes found in larvae before leaving the fruit; the larva of the Pennsylvania soldier beetle (Ghauliognathus peitnsylvanicus), which devours the larvae while they are getting ready to spin or before they leave the apples; the larva of the margined soldier beetle (G. marginata), which probably enters the fruit to feed on the codling worm; the larva of the two-lined sol- dier beetle {Telei)horus Mlineatus); the larva of the beetle (Trogosita corticalis) which feeds on larv;e and pupae on the trunks of trees and is considered, with the exception of birds, the most efficient enemy of the codling moth in New York; the larva of a similar beetle (7'. latieol- lis) the larva of a neuropterous insect occurring in the West; a tachi- nid fly (Hypostena variabilis); an ichueumon fly, the ring-legged pimpla (Pimpla annulipes), the grub of which lives in the body of the larvae and pupae of the codling moth; and the birds, considered the most 462 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. efficient aids in controlling the codling moth. Of the work of birds the author says : "In our experience it was almost impossible to find anything but empty cocoons on any part of the tree in the spring except on the trunk at the surface of the gF-mml and for a distance of from six inches to a. foot above. One finds such an astonish- ingly large number of empty cocoons that it would seem as though the birds must get the larger percentage of the worms which go into hibernation in the fall. Among the birds which thus include the apple worm in their menu arc the downy woodpecker, nuthatch, black-capped titmouse, bluebird, crow blackbird, kingbird, swallows, sparrows, wrens, chickadees, and jays. It is probable that most of the birds which winter in any locality include the apple worm in their dietary." A recent suggestion to import a bird which in Germany is an enemy of the codling moth is discouraged, the results of the importation of the English sparrow being cited as a warning. The author expresses the opinion that the larval stage is the most vulnerable of all the stages of the insect's life. The pupa stage is very short. The moths can not be entrapped by lights, and it is doubtful if the egg can be destroyed by any means which can be ordinarily employed. As to the ways of com- bating the larva1 the author discusses jarring and picking infested fruit from the trees, the destruction of windfalls, trapping worms on tree trunks by banding, and spraying. Windfalls must be destroyed promptly since the larvae have been shown to leave the fruit soon after it falls. Bands must be examined every 10 days from June until the latter part of August. After that it will not be necessary to disturb the bands again until late in the fall. The cost of this method of treat- ment during the season is considered to be about 4 cts. per tree. To show the reason for spraying soon after the blossoms fall, young apples and pears are figured. It is suggested that the greater success com- monly observed in spraying apples than in spraying pears may be due to the fact that in the former the calyx lobes close up and hold any poison the calyx cup contains, while in the latter the lobes remain open and allow the poison to be washed away. By way of summary the author says: " Briefly stated, no panacea for the codling moth has yet been found, but by thorough work by a Paris-green spray, we can often save at least 75 per cent of the apples that would otherwise be ruined by the worms. Where more than 2 broods of the insect occur during the season, as in Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon, New Mexico, and neighboring localities in the West and in the South, the poison spray is not so effective, for although 75 percent of the first brood of worms may be killed with the spray, the few worms left will forma sufficient nucleus for a large and very destruc- tive second or third brood ; in these localities the best that can be advised at present is to supplement the poison spray with the old banding system. "To use the poison spray the most effectually, one must understand that it is necessary to fill the blossom end of each apple with poison within a week after the blossoms fall, for this is where the little apple worm gets its first few meals, and it is practically our only chance to kill it with a spray. Watch the developing fruit after the petals fall and be sure to apply the poison before the calyx lobes close, for while the falling of the blossoms is the signal to begin spraying, the closing of these calyx lobes a week or two later is the signal to stop spraying. ENTOMOLOGY. 463 "While we thus have no new methods to offer and doubt if anything better than the poison spray will be found for combating this insect, we believe a better under- standing of 'whys and wherefores' of the methods already in use will insure still greater success with them." The bulletin contains a "bibliography of the most important contri- butions to the economic literature of the codling moth." The references, about 100, are arranged chronologically and date from 1635 to the pres- ent time. Observations on the codling moth, F. W. Card {Nebraska Sta. Bid. 51, pp. 11-50, figs. 5). — The bulletin gives original observations on the life history and habits of the codling moth, and the results of field and laboratory tests of remedies. The author points out the fact that in the West the remedies usually recommended for the moth have failed to give satisfactory results and that the habits and life history of the insect are not in accord with the statements made in the older literature of the subject, especially with regard to the eggs being deposited in the open calyx cup at the time of blossoming or soon after. Most varieties of apples in the station orchard in 1897 blossomed in the first of May and the calyx cups had practically all closed by the twentieth. The life history of the insect as given by the author is as follows : "The first moths begin to emerge late in May. These deposit their eggs chiefly upon the upper sides of the leaves near by an apple. These eggs hatch in 8 or 10 days, more or less, according to the weather. The tiny larva, when it emerges, soon begins to seek for an apple in which to feed, though in some cases not until it has eaten out a small portion of the leaf near where it hatches. It seeks for a hiding place to protect it from its enemies, and the oue most frequently available is that formed by the calyx lobes, which have closed, thus preparing a very safe and con- venient dwelling until it can work its way into the fruit. These larva- begin appearing about June 1, varying somewhat with the season. They soon make their way to the center of the apple, eating out the portion about the core. When full- grown, which apparently occurs in from 10 to 14 days, they become pinkish in color, usually leave the fruit, and hunt for a convenient hiding place in which to spin their cocoons. Such a spot is commonly found beueath rough pieces of bark on the trunk of the tree. Apparently they leave the fallen apples and crawl up the trunk, or they may leave the apple when still upon the tree and crawl downward. The rough bark found at the forks between large branches is a favorite place, also in j nved portions where rotten wood or similar conditions occur. Sometimes they may change to pupa- within the apple, and Mr. Nutter expresses the opinion that the majority thus transform. This is common in confinement, but in our own obser- vations we have never found pupae in the apples about the orchard. The second generation of moths emerges about a month, or possibly a little more, alter the eggs are laid. They are very irregular in time. Many moths are tardy in emerging from their winter quarters. These may pass through not more than two generations during the season, while those which emerge very early may pass through as many as four; consequently, to say that the codling moth is two-brooded, or three-brooded, or four-brooded is not to express the full truth, some being one, some another. Apparently the greater number pass through three generations. Few, if any, larvae transform to pupa< after September 1. From that time forward they weave them- selves thicker cocoons than in summer, preparing to pass the winter within them. Those which are still in the apple may be harvested with the fruit and thus find 46*4 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. their place for transformation in crevices or among the refuse in the bins or barrels. The winter is passed in the larval stage, the change to pupae being made in spring, and from thence the summer campaign as a moth. is begun.'' In discussing remedies the author notes the fact that the usual recom- mendation is to spray the trees with some arsenite as soon as the blossoms fall and repeat once or twice at intervals of ten days or two weeks, and shows that following this recommendation the first spraying would be made in Nebraska nearly a month before the larva' appear. The only object of spraying early is to get a particle of poison into the calyx cup before the calyx closes. From observations extending over two seasons it was estimated that about 80 per cent of the wormy apples were entered by the calyx end. The author believes that the chances are against spraying affecting the 20 per cent of the larva- which enter the apple outside of the calyx, and notes the fact that if this percentage of the first brood were to continue propagating itself throughout the season the crops of late apples might be nearly ruined. An attempt to trap the larvae with sticky fly paper after they leave the apples to pupate resulted unsatisfactorily. The use of bands around the trees gave good results. Paper bands were applied in different ways, some being folded to allow the larva' to enter between the folds. Out of 308 pupse found on banded trees 322 were under the bands. In regard to this work the author says: "It would seem from these results that the larva* prefer the rough bark near the ground, and most of them get next to the bark, no matter how close the paper may be tacked to the tree, so that putting on the double fold with the hope of trapping them between the layers and thus quickly destroying them can not be depended upon.'' Experiments at the station in spraying with Paris green were not entirely satisfactory on account of the unfavorable condition of tlie trees. From an examination made June 21 it was found that trees sprayed only on June 1 seemed to have been as well protected as those sprayed two or three times. The sprayed trees were, however, much freer from wormy fruit than unsprayed trees. Late spraying was tried on a very small scale in 1896. On -July 10 a part of a tree was sprayed and on August 11 the apples were examined, with the result that 82 per cent of those taken from the unsprayed portion were wormy as against only 20 per cent of those taken from the sprayed portion. The spray used was very strong and injured the foliage so seriously tliat many of the leaves fell and the growth of the fruit was checked. Various mixtures were tried in an attempt to find something that would adhere better than Paris green. The addition of sorghum to the spray gave no beneficial results. The addition of one tablespoonful of rye flour to a pailful of water added to the adhesiveness of the mix- ture. Lead arsenite adhered better than Paris green. Bordeaux mixture adhered well, and it is suggested that it may be mixed with arsenites to render them more adhesive. From laboratory experiments with Paris green, Bordeaux mixture ENTOMOLOGY. 465 and Paris green, and whale-oil soap, it was found that each of the sub- stances has some value when used before the eggs hatch, but that neither of them destroy the eggs or are entirely effective in killing the larvae. Apples sprayed with kerosene emulsion, one part standard mixture to 20 parts water, before the eggs hatched were entirely uninjured by larva*, the eggs in some cases being apparently killed by the emulsion, and in all other cases the larvae being killed before injuring the fruit. A single experiment in the field indicated that kerosene emulsion may be used to advantage against the codling moth. Cooperative experiments were carried on at different places in the State. At Gibbon 1,700 trees were treated. Four sprayings were made with Paris green, 1 lb. to 200 gal. water. On harvesting the apples 80 per cent were found free from worms and in half of the other 20 per cent the damage was very slight. It is thought the percentage of wormy apples would have been greater had not many of the moths been killed in the storage rooms. The previous year, when the trees were un sprayed, not over 20 per cent of the apples were salable. At Arlington an orchard was divided into (i sections, from 2 to G applications of Paris green being made at various dates in each of the sections. There was no marked difference in results in the dititerent sections of the orchard, due, it is thought, to the fact that the moths go from one section to the other to deposit eggs for the late broods. There was considerable difference in the percentage of wormy apples of different varieties. For instance, 44 per cent of the Janet apples were wormy, as against only 20 per cent of the Ben Davis. At Geneva about 1,000 trees were sprayed twice with London purple at a total cost of only 2 cts. per tree. Another orchard was sprayed but once. The results were in favor of 2 sprayings. The author gives the following suggestions for treatment: "Spray with Paris green as generally recommended, about one week after the blossoms fall, or in time to get the calyx cups well tilled with the poison so that they may close over and hold it there. "Spray again with Paris green and Bordeaux mixture combined, or with kerosene emulsion, about June 1, or better still, observe carefully and apply this when the eggs are being laid in abundance on the leaves, which at Lincoln occurs about tbis date. Laboratory experiments indicate that kerosene emulsion will be more effective than Paris green at this time. "Scrape the bark and place paper bands around the tree about the last of June, when the larvae are beginning to leave the apple to pupate. Examine these two or three times, a week apart, and destroy the insects found beneath them. "If these methods are not wholly effective, owing to the proximity of neglected orchards, or from an unusual abundance of moths, later spraying, with either Paris green and Bordeaux mixture, or kerosene emulsion, may do some good, but appar- ently can not be expected to be wholly effective. Late spraying with arsenites is much more likely to injure the foliage than earlier applications, and if the other methods are thoroughly followed, it will probably be unnecessary. "If larva- are still found in the apples in any considerable numbers toward the end of the season, place paper bands about the tree about September 1, or a little earlier. Leave them there until the fruit is gathered from the orchard, then remove, and destroy the larvie hibernating beneath them. 406 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "Screens placed over the windows and doors of the cellar or rooms where apples have heen stored will prevent those larvae which are taken in with the apples from escaping as moths in the spring.'' The Orthoptera of Minnesota, O. Lugger (Minnesota Sta. Bui. 55, pp. i> 1-386, figs. 188). — The bulletin gives the distribution, structure, and habits of the more destructive species of locusts, with methods of combating them; remedies for cockroaches and other ortbopterous insects; an account of the parasites and other natural enemies of locusts; a description of the external anatomy of the two-striped locust (Melon- oplusbiviitotus) ; an account of the internal structure and metamorphosis of locusts; and a classification and technical description of the species of Orthoptera occurring in Minnesota. In regard to remedies against locusts the author says: "The true remedy consists in plowing, and wherever locusts are numerous this method has to he employed. Plow tbe soil containing the eggs during the autumn, if possible, as by doing so the surface of the plowed ground becomes thoroughly com- pact by wind, rain, and snow. Plowing in spring, if well done, and as early as pos- sible, will also be successful, though in s >me cases, and especially in a dry season, a few locusts may succeed in reaching the surface." To determine whether young locusts can reach the surface in plowed ground, eggs of Melanoplus spretus and M. atlanis were planted at dif- ferent depths in flower pots containing soil similar to that from which the eggs had been removed. In one lot the soil was moistened occa- sionally and in the other kept dry. The results are shown in the following table: Percentage of locusts reaching surface of soil with e/jgs placed at different depths. Depths at which eggs were placed. Soil kept dry. Soil moist- ened. One inch..:.. Two indies . . Three inches. Four inches. . Five inches.. Six inches . . . Per cent. !I3 86 51 13 2 0 Per cent. 87 43 11 1 0 0 Where locusts are not numerous enough to warrant plowing, burning the grass may be useful. Where eggs are deposited in large numbers in restricted areas, much good may be done by collecting and destroy- ing them. To do this, especially where the soil is light, about an inch of the surface soil is removed and the eggs sifted out and buried. In case it is impracticable to plow, as in meadows and pastures, much good may be accomplished by poisoning the edges of adjoining grain fields. Locusts may also be poisoned in gardens by using poison bran mash as a bait. Hopperdozers are considered very useful in destroy- ing locusts, but are "only a makeshift, to be employed when better remedies can no longer be used." ENTOMOLOGY. 467 Cottonwood-leaf beetle; green arsenite, V. H. Lowe {Neiv York State Sta. Bui. 143, pp. 23, pis. 6). — The results of a study of Linascripta in its relation to the willow industry of the State during the last 2 years. During this time and the 2 years preceding the beetle in both adult and immature stages caused very serious injury to the willow industry by attacking the willow whips, causing them to branch and thus making them untit for bavsket purposes. In experimental fields the willows were successfully, protected by 3 applications of green arsenite in the proportion of 1 lb. to 100 gal. water. Other mixtures were also tried, among them green arsenite and whale oil soap, 1 lb. of the latter being added to each 20 gal. of the mixture of the former. Machines are figured and described which consist of a boat-like receptacle in which water is placed and covered with a film of kerosene; tbe beetles and larvae are knocked into this receptacle as the machines are pushed or dragged between the rows of willows. The author recommends spraying the young trees until they are large enough for the machines, and using the machines after the trees are too high for thorough spraying by ordinary means. The importance of united efforts by willow growers is pointed out. Green arsenite or Scheele's green, with which the experiments were made, is thought superior to Paris green ; for in addition to its low cost it remains in suspension longer. When Paris green is mixed with water at the rate of 1 lb. to 150 gal. it sinks to the bottom within about 5 minutes, but green arsenite will remain in suspension for over 2 hours. The use of lime with the poison is recommended. Plant lice — descriptions, enemies, and treatment, V. H. Lowe {New York State Sta. Bui. 139, pp. 646-664, pis. 4). — The bulletin dis- cusses the classification and life history of plant lice, how they obtain their food, their natural enemies, remedies used in combating them, etc. The species of plant lice which were under observation are Hyalopterus pruni and Myzus ribis. The former are abundant on the plum and the latter on the currant. These are described, their distribution, life his- tory, and food habits are noted, and partial bibliographies of each are given. Other species of plant lice attacking the plum and current are noted. Among the natural enemies of plant lice the author considers the following predaceous insects: Anatis oeellata, CoceineUa 9-notata, Ad alia bipiinctata, Megilla maculata, an undetermined beetle, larva1 of the syrphus fly, and aphis lions, and the following parasitic insects: Aphidiu8 polygonaphia, Pachyneuron aphid ivo) us, and Isocratus vulgaris. Experiments were conducted in spraying with whale-oil soap, on which the following recommendations are based: "Do not wait for the leaves to become curled, but spray thoroughly as soon as the first few lice are observed. Much depends upon the thoroughness of the first appli- cation. Direct the spray from below so as to drench the under surface of the leaves. Use a solution of good whale-oil soap, not weaker than 1 11>. to 7 gal. of water. 468 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. When the spraying has been neglected until the leaves have become badly curled, trim off the ended tips and spray at once with the whale-oil soap solution. This applies especially to fruit trees. In the case of currants and gooseberries, it will sometimes be found practical to pick off and destroy the leaves which are first infested in the spring." Brief notes on the San Jose scale, H. P. Gould (New York Cor- nell Stes insects nuisibles a ax rosiers sauvages et cultives en France. Paris: Paid Klincksieck, 189S. pp. 350, pi. 13, figs. 170; rev. in Ztschr. Pfian:enkrank.,8 (1898), No. 3, pp. 188, 189).— The work gives description and habits of these injurious insects, together with means for their destruction. A review of the useful and injurious insects of Java, J. C. Koninusberger (Aleded. S'Lands Plantentuin, 22 (1S98), p. 53). The fruit-tree bark beetle, F. H. Chittenden ( U. S. T)ept. Agr., Division of Ento- mology Circ. 29, 2. ser., pp. 8, figs. 4). — The circular considers briefly the general char- acteristics, methods of work, life history, and distribution of the fruit-tree bark beetle, its parasitic enemies, remedies, food, etc. Clean culture, burning badly infested trees, treatment of infested spots with kerosene emulsion, the use of deter- rent washes, such as whale-oil soap, soap and carbolic acid, soap and soda, and similar remedies are noted. The fruit fly (Producers' Gaz. and Settlers' Bee. [ West. Australia'], 5 (1S9S), Xo. 3, pp. 212, 212, figs. 2). — A note is given, in which it is stated the recent investigations show that the fruit fly in Australia winters in two weeds (Solatium sodonumm and 5. nigrum ). Tobacco-leaf miner, G. McCarthy (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. fipt. 1897, pp. 721-726, fig. 1). — A popular article dealing with the characteristics, habits, life history, and distribution of the tobacco-leaf miner, with notes on remedies. 470 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A destructive beetle and a remedy, F. H. Ham. and V. H. Lowe (New York State Sta. Bui. Ill, popular ed.,pp. 8, pis. 3). — This is a popular edition of Bulletin 143 of the station (see p. 467). Three serious insect pests of eastern Australia, A. M. Lea (Producers s described and an analysis quoted. Nutritive va'ue of mushrooms (Diet, and Hijg. Gaz., 14 (1S98), No. 8, pp. 487, 488). — Attention is called to the small amount of actual nutrients in mushrooms, and extracts from early works are quoted which show that this fact has been long recognized. The need of meat inspection (Diet, and Hyg. Gaz.,»14 (1898), No. 8, pp. 497-499).— The article quoted from L. Pierson in Public Health describes the conditions under which animals are slaughtered in Philadelphia, aud insists upon the need of some more adequate system of meat inspection, the municipal abattoir being recommended. Composition of meat peptones, A. Denaeyer (Jour. Pharm. et Chim., 6. ser., 6 (1897), p. 357; abs. m Vrtljschr. Chem. Nahr. u. Genussmtl., 12(1897), No. 4, p. 491). The composition of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, Balland (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 24, pp. 1728-1731).— The composition of a consider- able number offish, crustaceans, and mollusks sold in Paris is reported. On the formation of products of proteid digestion in the body, their identifi- cation, and fate, A. Meyer ( Ueber den Nachweis und die Entstehung der Produkte der Eiweissverdauung sowie iiber ihr Schicksal im Organismus. Inaug. Diss., Heidelberg, 1898, pp. 41; abs. in Hyg. Rundschau 8 (1898), No. 8, p. 392). The influence of consuming different quantities of water on the excretion of vater vapor and carbon dioxid by man, P. Laschtschenko (Arch. Hyg., 33 ,1898), No. 1-2, pp. 145-150). — In experiments with man the amount of carbon dioxid md water vapor excreted through the lungs was not materially affected by the imount of water consumed. Note on the excretion of water vapor through the lungs, M. Rtjbner (Arch. Hyg., 33 (1898), No. 1-2, pp. 151-154).— The author found in experiments with man that less water vapor was excreted through the lungs when reading aloud than when singing; still less was excreted when deep breathing was practiced, and least of all when the subject remained perfectly quiet. 482 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Feeding of calves with potato flour and skimnied milk, .1. Schultz (Zand- mansblade, 31 (1898), No. 2.', pp. 802, 303). Feeding experiments with swine, P. Hansson (Meddel. A. landtbr. Styr., 7 {1897), No. 42, pp. 155, 156). — A comparison of rice meal, molasses feed, and ground grain for swine. The native breed of cattle in Gotland, G. ai Wetteestedt (Landtmannen, 9 (1898), No. 25, pp. 395-397, pis. 2). The marketing cf poultry, E. Brown (Jour. Roy. Agr. Soc. England, 3. ser.,9 (1898), Pt. II, pp. 270-286). — Marketing poultry in England and some other countries is dis- cussed, and suggestions made for improving this industry in England. Drawn vs. undrawn poultry (Diet, and Hyg. Gaz., 14 (IS9S), No. 8, p. 46'?). — From experiments, which are briefly reported, the conclusion is reached that under "precisely the same conditions of temperature and humidity drawn fowls will keep from 20 to 30 days longer than those not drawn. The presence of undigested food and of the excrementitious substances in animals which have been killed most cer- tainly favors tainting of the flesh and general decomposition. The viscera are the first parts to show putrescence, and allowing these to remain within the body can not do otherwise than favor infection of the flesh with bacteria and ptoniains, even if osmosis does not actually carry putrid juices to contiguous tissues. Hunters know the value of drawing birds as soon as possible after they have been shot, in order to keep them sweet and fresh and to prevent their having a strong intestinal flavor. "That the opening of the body of an animal and exposing the internal surfaces to the air may have some influence of itself in hastening putrefaction is admitted; but when the process of 'drawing' is properly conducted this secondary objection to its immediate performance may be entirely set aside. Absolute cleanliness should be maintained throughout the operation, and if the entrails are torn and their contents allowed to come in contact with the flesh of the animal its interior should be at once washed out with clean cold water and afterwards with a solution of common salt and the carcass hung up until thoroughly dry." DAIRY FARMING— DAIRYING. Dairy husbandry, C. B. Lane (New Jersey Sta.s. Rpt. 1897, pp. 163- 102, pis. 2, dgms. 1). — This includes an abstract of Bulletin lL'li of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 790) and an account of the dairy work during two seasons. The growing of various soiling crops and other forage crops on the farm is described, with the order in which the soiling crops were planted and harvested, the amount of food nutrients which they furnished, and the cost of production. The production of food materials during a 4-year rotation which had been carried on at the farm is shown in the following table: Food materials produced and fertilizing materials remored in a rotation. Field corn, 1803 Crimson clover and fodder corn, 1894 Fodder, rye, and oats, and peas, 1895 Mixed hay and forage, 1896 Total Average per year. . . Food constituents. Pounds. 341. 9 569. 6 300.4 2,121.2 525.0 Crude fat. Pounds. 100.7 170.2 74.5 583.0 145. 0 Nitrogen free extract. Fiber. Pounds. I Pounds. 2, 127. 7 638. 5 4. 902. 4 2, 693. 6 1, 422. 9 11, 206. 6 2, 801. 0 446.1 900.8 2, 093. 5 523.0 Ash. Fertiliziiiii constituents. Nitro- gen. Pounds. Pounds. 174. 8 54. 5 Phos- phoric acid. 355.1 161.8 91.1 48.2 Pounds. 26.4 47.1 15.6 1, 130. 7 282.7 133.7 Potash Pounds. 32.2 87.3 97.4 53.1 DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 483 The arrangement of soiling crops in 1896 and 1897 is described and the yields in each case are given. In 1890 they furnished "a continu- ous supply of food from May 1 to November 1, and the produce from 7 acres will supply sufficient roughage for 25 cows for the entire period." In 1897, " with the exception of a week in June, when silage was used, the dairy herd was fed entirely upon soiling crops from May 1 to Octo- ber 20." The soiling crops in both years consisted largely of legumi- nous crops grown alone or with oats or barley. Notes are given on the growing of the different soiling crops and a test is reported on the comparative earliness, manner of growth, and yield of 8 standard varieties of Canada field peas. "All varieties stood up well. The crop was cut with a mowing machine while most of the peas were in bloom. The Prussian Blue proved to be the best yielder, while the Mummy, Green Field, and Green Scotch all made a vigorous growth." The yields of milk upon the different soiling crops are tubulated. The aim was to furnish an equivalent amount of dry matter from each crop. "The feeding of the crimson clover resulted in a, gain iu milk flow on the part of all the animals, the gain per day ranging from 3 to 3.5 lbs., an average per cow for the whole of 1.8 lbs., or 8 per cent. In the comparison of the crimson clover and mixed grasses there are 12 cases ranging from 0.7 to 2.2 lbs., with ;iu average of 1.3 lbs., or over 6 per cent. The mixed grasses consisted chiefly of red and white clover and redtop. In the case of silage and mixed grasses, the silage being introduced for comparison with green forage, there was a loss [on silage] in every case varying from 0.1 to 2.8 lbs., with an average loss of 1.9, or over 7 per cent. "In the case of silage vs. oats and peas, and oats and peas vs. peas, but little differ- ence in the average yield per cow is noticed, though individual differences are quite marked. In the case of oats and peas rs. oats, and oats and peas vs. corn fodder, and in corn fodder vs. millet, there are decided losses [on silage], ranging from 3 per cent to over 7 per cent." The cost of milk production for one year, ending April 1, 1897, is given. The herd averaged 23 cows for the year. "The average cost of the daily ration is 11.6 cts., and of this 4.99 is due to pur- chased feeds and 6.61 to the cost of farm foods, so that the farm furnished 57 per cent of the total food. This is not so large a proportion as is desirable, and is due in part to the fact that there was but little roughage on hand when the station took charge of the farm, on April 1, 1896; besides, no provision had been made for early forage crops, as rye and clover, consequently a larger proportion of feeds was used during the first 3 months of the year. The cost of food per quart of milk was 1.5 cts., of which 0.646 is due to purchased feeds and 0.854 to farm crops. "[Taking into account the cost of labor and the interest on and the decrease iu the value of the herd] the cost per hundred was $1.14. At $1 per hundred, the price received in rural districts, cash profits from the business are not apparent. The profits, if any, must be found in the manure heap. Iu the calculation of the cost of farm foods the manure was charged at the rate of $1.50 per ton. Careful weighing of the manure deposited in the stable shows that the amount produced averaged 60 lhs. per day per cow, or a total for the herd of 252 tous per year. "In selling for $1 per hundred, the receipts are $203.95 less than the expenses, this difference representing the cost of the manure, which would be 81 cts. per ton. The 484 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. difference between this cost (81 cts.) and the actual charges made for it in the grow- ing of the crops. $1.50 per ton, viz, 69 cts. per ton, would amount to $173.88 on the total amount produced — a gain too small to make the business pay. . . . "At 3 cts. per quart the farm would sell its home-grown produce to the dairy at profitable prices, viz, $2.78 for soiling crops, $5.56 for silage, and $8.34 per ton for dried corn fodder, a gain on the crops over cost of production of $1.38 per ton for soiling crops, $2.79 for silage, and $3.31 for dried corn fodder, besides an additional gain represented by the 252 tons of manure." Dairying' in relation to soil exhaustion is considered, and a table is given showing the amounts of fertilizing materials contained in the feeding stuffs purchased and in the milk produced by the herd of 23 cows. According to this the feeding stuffs purchased contained 851 lbs. more nitrogen, 640 lbs. more phosphoric acid, and 214 lbs. more potash than in the milk sold from the farm. A record of the herd is given for one year, ending April 1, 1807, and the record of individuals is considered. The record of the best and poorest cows from the stand- point of milk and butter production and the averages for the herd are summarized in the following table: Records of best and poorest cows for milk and butter production. Milk production : Best cow Poorest cow Average cow Butter production : a Best cow Poorest cow Average cow Animal yield. Pounds. 8,303 4,413 6.314 405 202 313 Value of product. Milk at 1 ct. per lb. .$83. 03 44.13 63.14 Milk at. 3 cts. per quart. $114. 26 60. 74 86.89 Butter at 20 cts. per lb. $81.08 40.43 62.70 Cost of feed. $42. 34 42. 34 42.34 42.34 42.34 42.34 Gain orer cost of feed with- Milk at let. per lb. $40. 69 1.79 20.80 Milk at 3 cts. per quart. $71. 92 18.40 44.55 Butter at 20 cts. per lb. $38. 74 — 1.91 20.36 a Calculated. "The range iu percentage of butter fat was from 2.8 per cent to 6.4 per cent, with an average of nearly 4.3 per cent. "The best milk cow was the second butter cow; the best butter cow was the fifth in order in largest milk yield.' The claim that for profitable milk production a cow should produce at least 5,000 lbs. of milk per year, and for profitable butter produc- tion at least 200 lbs. of butter, ap pears to be supported by the year's record. The milk of the herd is sold on the milk route. The method used in handling the milk, care of utensils, and waste in handling and deliver- ing are discussed, and a brief description is given of the new dairy house. An article on seeding grass and crimson clover is noted elsewhere (p. 431). Milk production with salt-marsh hays, J. B. Lindsey and B. K. Jones {Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Bui. 50, pp. 19-48). — Experiments are reported with 2 lots of 6 cows each in which 0 different salt-marsh hays DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 485 (see p. 472) were compared with common hay ("English hay"). A con- stant basal ration of wheat bran, Chicago gluten meal, and corn silage was fed, and in addition to this 10 to 12 lbs. of salt or English hay was fed. About 1 lb. more of salt hay was fed than of common hay, as the former contained from 6 to 8 per cent more water. The periods lasted from 14 to 17 days, with preliminary periods of 5 or 7 days inter- vening. The results are tabulated in detail, and analyses are given of the feeding stuffs used and of the milk of individual cows. A summary of the results, with the averages for the salt hays and for English hay, is shown in the following table: Summary of results of feeding salt-marsh hays to cows. Basal ration and- Aver- age amount fed per cow. Lbs. /Black-grass hay 12. 77 \English hay 11.83 / Fox-grass hav 12. 50 I English hav." 11. 60 /Branch grass 10. 33 i English hav 9.33 fRedtop variety 11.00 lEnglish hay 10. UU (Cove mixture 11. 17 \ English hay I 10. 17 (Salt hav mixture , 10. 7.5 \Englisli hay 0.75 Average for salt hays 6 11. 50 Average for English hay i 10.54 Dry matter Lbs. 22. 23 21.90 23. 40 23. 10 21. 2G 21.36 21.95 21.27 24. 60 21.42 22. 09 21.75 22.12 21.91 Diges- tible protein Lbs. 2.22 2.14 2.39 2.26 2.05 2.05 2.05 2.16 2.13 2.09 2.01 2. 16 2.16 2.14 Average yield of— Milk. But- ter, a Us. 19. 50 2H.40 24. ,-0 25. 20 24. 70 26. 00 15.90 17.46 IS. 71 19.35 23. 00 •23. 40 cl 1,361 Lbs. 1.11 1.18 1.16 1.21 1.16 1.13 1.00 1.07 1.08 1.07 1.17 1.21 c499. 6 A verage cost of— Milk per quart. ell, 778 c521.8 Cents. 1.84 2.22 1.54 1.87 1.45 1.04 2.23 2.46 1.91 2.23 1.58 1. 86 1.66 1.96 Butter per pound. Cents. 15.00 18.00 15.26 18.08 14.50 10. 12 16.50 18.60 15.40 18.60 14.45 16.86 15.00 17.53 a Calculated from yield of fat in milk. 6 ;' Excluding redtop variety, which is not. strictly speaking c Total, instead of average. a salt hay. The cost of milk and butter production is based on the following prices of feeding stuffs: English hay $18, salt-marsh hay $10, corn silage $3.50, wheat bran $15, and Chicago gluten meal $20 per ton. "The salt-hay rations produced from 2 to 5 per cent less milk and hutter than did an equal amount of English hay similarly combined. The variety of redtop was the only exception to this: it yielded 9 per cent less milk and butter. . . . "The salt-hay rations produced milk with a trifle less percentage of fat than did the English hay rations. The difference is so slight as to be of no practical importance. "Because of the lower market price for salt hays, as compared with English hay, daily rations containing 10 to 12 lbs. of salt hay produced milk and butter from 10 to 20 per cent cheaper than rations containing an equal amount of English hay." Samples of butter made on English hay, black-grass hay, and fox- grass hay, respectively, were submitted to experts for scoring; and samples of the milk produced on these hays were submitted to different parties. "These experiments make clear that the salt hays, when constituting from 30 to 40 per cent of the daily ration, did not impart any objectionable odor or llavor to the milk or butter. Flat sage is known to have a somewhat stronger flavor, and had that been fed, it is possible that the results might have been somewhat different.'' 48G EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The effects of food on milk and butter, J. Speir {Trans. High- land and Agr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser., 9 (1897), pp. 296-338). — This work, carried on at Newton Farm, Glasgow, was in continuation of experi- ments1 made in 1895-0(5, "which seemed to indicate that two foods, viz, decorticated cotton-seed cake and vetches, had some tendency to increase the fat in the milk, while fresh young- grass and grains had a tendency to decrease it. These experiments also plainly indicated that while many foods appeared to have a tendency to enrich or impoverish the milk, still neither effect seemed permanent, the inclination after a time being for the milk to return to more normal conditions." The present studies were made with 8 cows and covered 12 periods, usually of about 5 weeks each. A large number of feeding stuffs of different kinds were tested in various combinations. The milk was weighed and tested for fat, and was also skimmed with a hand separa- tor and the cream churned and made into butter to observe the effects of the different foods on the production of butter. The general qual- ity of the butter, its melting point, flavor, and keeping quality were also determined. The results are tabulated for each period, together with the results of the previous experiments. "Rations having an extrem'ely high albuminoid ratio seem to have a depressing effect on the milk yield, well-mixed foods giving the best results in this respect. Every food, when first given, seems to have more or less effect in increasing or decreasing the percentage of fat iu the milk. This effect is, however, transitory, and the milk returns to its normal composition about the end of the fifth week. [Brewers'] grains iu the wet state and in excessive quantity maybe an exception to this general statement. "Provided extremes are avoided, the dry matter in the food seems to be the prin- cipal controlling factor in the production of milk or increase of live weight, and is of greater importance than the albuminoid ratio. " The fat in the buttermilk is considerably influenced by the food used ; but where the cream was churned at the proper temperature, the churnability of the milk appeared to be less affected by food than the experiments of 1895 seemed to indicate. All other things being equal, each food or combination of foods seems to produce a milk which necessitates the cream from it to be churned at a temperature peculiar to itself if the best results are to be obtained. "Soft butters usually contain a proportion of water greater than the average, and if the softness is caused by the foods used the excess of water can not be reduced by the ordinary methods of manipulation. Food exerts a very great influence on the melting point (firmness) of butter. . . . " If first-class butter is the object, linseed cake, grains (wet or dry), Paisley meal, and foods containing a large proportion of sugar, should be discarded or reduced to the lowest limits possible. "The principal concentrated foods experimented with having a beneficial effect on the butter are oats, decorticated cotton cake, beans, and peas." Feeding fat in the form of an emulsion to milch cows, S. Khodin (K. Landt. Almd. Hand!., 37 {1898), JSfo. 1, pp. 25-33).— Three experi- ments with 2 cows were made for the purpose of ascertaining the effect of feeding fat to milch cows in the form of an emulsion. Linseed 1 Trans. Highland and Agr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser , 8 (1896), pp. 269-315). DAIEY FARMINC -DAIRYING. 487 oil was emulsified, in a machine constructed for this special purpose. The fat globules of the emulsion had an average diameter of about (►.0011 mm. and did not separate out on being kept in a closed vessel for 10 months. The oil emulsion was given as a drink in water during 7-day periods, the quantities of oil fed during the different periods ranging from 250 to 750 gm. per day. The rations fed were normal mixed rations, with a nutritive ratio of about 1 : 5.7. No changes were made in the feed during the different experiments. Experiments 1 (lasting from December 13 to January Hi) and 2 (lasting from February 5 to 25) were made with a cow of Stromsholm breed, and experiment 3 (lasting from March 22 to April 11) with a crossbred Ayrshire cow. The main results of the experiments are shown in the table given below: Results of feeding oil emulsions to milch cows. Drinks given in form of— Experiment 1. Experiment 2. Experiment 3. Milk yield. Fat in milk. Water in milk. Milk yield. Fat in milk. Water in milk. Milk yield. Fat in milk. — s Pi 3 o s Pi I 1 Water Kg. 13.72 13.12 13.44 13.45 3.50 3.78 3.27 2. 75 3.11 Gm. 480.6 495.8 440.0 369.5 428.0 Per ct. 86.95 86.82 87.26 87.78 87.42 Kg. 9.02 8.89 9.16 3.68 3.99 3.63 Gm. 332.3 354. 8 332. 5 Per ct. 86.99 86.73 86.78 Eg. 17. 33 3. 04 17.19 3.24 16 33 2.96 6m. 527.5 2 Oil emulsion in water Do 556.8 482.8 4 5 Do 13.76 The results of the experiments are, briefly stated, that the fat con- tent of the milk was increased at first by feeding large quantities of oil in the form of an emulsion, but later on no increase took place; the milk, on the contrary, dropped to its previous normal fat content, depending on the individuality of the cow. — f. w. woll. Feeding skim milk according to the Trystorp method, P. Hans- son {Meddel. K. Landtbr. Styr., 1897, No. 12, pp. 150-155). — In feeding skim milk to cows by this method, it is curdled and straw chaff added to the curdled mass (E. S. E., 8, p. 248; 10, p. 382). Instead of adding 75 per cent of chaff, as recommended by the originator of the practice, the author used only 25 per cent. As the result of a feeding experi- ment with 20 cows, separated into 2 even lots of 13 each, the value of the skim milk was found to be somewhat less than indicated by its content of nutrients, viz, 13 cts. per 100 lbs., against $1.18 per 100 "food units" of the mixed ration fed. In place of 1.4 lbs. of grain 8.8 lbs. of skim milk was introduced in the ration. The cows did not keep up as well in milk yield or in live weight on the skim-milk ration as they did on the mixed-grain feed. — F. w. woll. Skim-milk feed for milch cows, L. F. Nilson (K. Landt. Akad. HandL, 37 (1898), No. 2, pp. 115-122).— A feeding experiment was made with 30 cows to test the merits of the Lindstrom method of feeding 488 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. clabbered skim milk to cows (E. S. R., 8, p. 248). The results of the experiment showed that skim milk fed in this manner was worth not quite one-sixth as much as grain feeds, or less than one-third of what practical experiments seemed to indicate as its value. Valuing- 100 kg. of grain feed at $2.43 (according to Swedish prices), the feeding value of 100 kg. of skim milk was found to be 36.5 cts. This is a somewhat lower relative feeding value for skim milk than was found by Fjord in his early feeding experiments (E. S. K., 5, p. 4l'8), a fact easily explained by the loss of nutrients incident to the preparation of the clabbered milk. — F. w". woll. Spaying cows, 4. Vennerholm (Landtmannen, 9 (1898), JVb. 23, pp. 363-368). — A general discussion of the subject, with an account of the results of spaying 80 cows at 2 Swedish estates. Pour cows had to be killed on account of bleeding, inflammation, etc. Six months after the operation the live weights of the remaining 55 cows had increased from 22,023 kg. before the spaying to 25,111 kg. after, or an average of 150.5 lbs. per head. The milk yield was 532 liters per day before spaying and 507 liters after spaying, or a decrease of about 5 per cent during a little more than half a year. The writer does not advocate the adoption of this practice on a large scale for healthy animals on account of the possible loss of cows, the small differences in the price of the beef, and finally the uncertainty of increasing or prolonging the lactation of the cows to any appreciable extent. The paper is further discussed in the same journal (No. 29, pp. 474- 476) by B. Arfwedson and the writer. — F. W. woll. The milk supply of Boston and other New England cities, G. M. Whitaker (U. S. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Industry Bui. 20, pp. 37, pis. 2, map 1). — This is an interesting and instructive bulletin on the sources and handling of the milk of several of the larger New England cities, Boston especially. The population of what is termed Greater Boston is given as over 948,000. Three-fourths of the milk supply of this territory is brought in by railroad. A map is given showing the sources of the milk supply of this territory. "The longest direct run is 140 miles, and some railroad milk comes only 20 miles. Most of this milk is conveyed in cars built for this especi;tl purpose, with refrigera- tor closets for the cans of milk and with provision for steam heat. . . . Most of the cars start in the morning, from 4 to G o'clock, and reach the city between 10 and 11. In a few instances the car starts the afternoon previous, and is on the road over night, reaching Boston during the next forenoon. The cars, in the summer, fre- quently take the milk of the same morning; some start too early for the milk of that morning, especially in the winter, and hence bring the milk of the previous day. Milk is therefore 18 to 30 hours old before reaching the city. The number of these milk cars averages about 35, although varying somewhat with the season. "By filling passageways and other open spaces as many as 1,200 cans (10,200 qt. ). or over 10 tons in weight, can be got into a car. Railroad officials consider 10 tons a carload. The nominal load, however, is 900 cans (7,650 qt.)." DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 489 In the historical discussion it is stated that "Boston seems to have been the pioneer city of the United States in the transportation of milk by railroad," the beginning having been made in April, 1838. "To-day the business of transporting milk to the city by railroad is done by 7 concerns. Six of these 7 milk wholesaling houses have an association for bringing about uniformity in methods of doing business and for mutual self-protection. To-day fully three-quarters of the milk supply of Greater Boston passes through the hands of these large wholesalers, locally known as 'contractors.' . . . ' "All of the contractors have cheese or butter factories in the city or country, or both, for the manufacture of butter and cheese." The arrangements between the milk producers and the contractors are described, and also the Milk Producers' Union, which is an organi- zation of the farmers who sell milk to the contractors. This union deals with the Milk Contractors' Association in fixing the schedule of prices and other regulations, and has tended to promote uniformity and business-like methods and to keep the price of milk quite steady. The summer and winter prices for 12 years are given, showing remark- ably little variation. The average "theoretical Boston price per can of 8i qt." for 12 years has been 32^ cts. during summer and 36f cts. during winter. From this "theoretical" price a deduction is made for trans- portation on a fixed schedule agreed to by the Milk Producers' Union, depending upon the distance. There is also a deduction made for the surplus milk, which is made into butter, and for which only the "butter value" of the milk for the mouth is paid. This, together with "grad- ing" the price in different months to prevent too large a surplus, is a cause of much friction between the producers and the contractors, as the application of the system is blind to many farmers. But the sys- tem of buying all the milk that is offered furnishes shippers a market for all they can produce and does away with the former ii convenience arising from the irregularity of the amount taken by the contractors. "The cans are returned to the farmers unwashed and sometimes in a very filthy condition," which has gone so far as to result in several attempts on the part of the farmers to invoke legislation compelling the contractors to wash the cans. Of the other one-fourth of the milk supply a portion comes in by rail- road and the remainder is produced within the limits of Greater Boston or in territory nearby. "Over 7,000 cows are kept in Greater Boston." The milk supply of Providence, the second city in size in New England, is nearly all produced within 20 miles of the city. About 75,000 qt. per day, or 27,375,000 qt. per year, is used. "The selling of milk from stores is more prevalent than in many other cities of New England. It is estimated that almost half of the milk consumed in this city is sold from stores instead of being delivered from house to house by peddlers. . . . Milk is from 12 to 48 hours old when it reaches the consumers in Providence." The supplies of several other cities are briefly noted, although for the most part they present no novel features. 490 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The cream trade, which has largely increased of late, is described, together with the sale of skiin milk, buttermilk, condensed milk, etc. The rather surprising statement is made that although a great deal of surplus milk is made into butter after it reaches Boston, furnishing quite a large supply of skim milk, the greater part of it is allowed to run into the sewers, as there is no market for it. The milk laws and inspection are discussed, together with a consid- eration of the quality of milk sold in different cities. "All of the States have laws relative to the health fulness of the milk supply. Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire prohibit the sale of milk from sick or diseased cows or cows fed upon the refuse of breweries or distilleries or upon any substance deleterious to its quality. Connecticut prohibits the sale of 'impure milk' and milk from cows which shall have been adjudged by the commis- sion upon diseases of domestic animals to be affected with tuberculosis or other blood disease. A Massachusetts law imposes a line upon ' whoever knowingly feeds or has in his possession with intent to feed to any milch cow any garbage, refuse, or offal collected by any city or town.' There is, however, no especial sanitary inspec- tion of milk and its sources in any New England town or city. . . . "Local boards of health, however, have considerable authority, and in several cases they have issued orders or made regulations in advance of the average practice of the State." The germs in milk; studies of foremilk of cows, J. Nelson {New Jersey Stas. Rpt. 1897, pp. 195-223). — The following is the author's sum- mary of his work in these lines: " Studies of the germs of milk, quantitatively considered, relative to the sources of con- tamination.— Gelatin cultures were made from milk as freshly drawn from the cow, and the number of bacterial colonies developing were counted; then the increase in the germ content during cooling was determined; next, the increase due to the process of bottling. It was found that the germs multiply during the time elapsing before the milk is cooled, ami that the various utensils with which the milk comes in contact during handling, cooling, bottling, etc., each contributes its quota of germ contamination, so that the germ content of the milk at the time it is placed in cold storage, within an hour after milking, is already 10 times as great as at first. The principal source of contamination was found to be the valves of the bottling machine. The first milk passing undergoes a doubling in its germ content. "As an appendix to this section, the use of the [Star] cooler as a pasteurizing apparatus is considered. Steam is turned through the 'cooler' in place of cold water, and the resultant temperature of the milk is 150° F. Germ cultures showed a decrease in germ content of (>.!»"> under the crudest conditions and immediate cooling. Thus it appears as if this method could, with slight improvements, become successful and practicable. "Studies of the foremilk of cows. — The first milk drawn from the udder, with aseptic precautions, was observed macroscopically. The different spurts were kept in separate tubes, and from each teat of each cow 3 different samples were prepared. The time elapsing before acidity developed and subsequent clotting was noted, and to aid in this determination the milk was colored with litmus from the start. A most complex variety of results was obtained, whose import can not be shown until the various germs producing the changes have been isolated and studied in pure cultures. The practical aim in this work is the development of a method of milk analysis which shall be expeditious, and shall give an idea of the quality of the bacterial flora which the individual cow favors and harbors in her udder. This has DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 491 two important bearings: On the one hand it will throw light on such diseases as garget, and on the other hand will show the keeping qualities of the milk, and the sort of butter or cheese it Avill produce. These are all-important considerations in respect to the characteristics of a good dairy cow." Swedish butter exhibitions during 1897, X. Kngstrom (TidsJcr. Landiman, 18 (1897), Xo. 51, pp. 920-929; Nord. Mejeri Tidn., 12 (1898), Xo. 51, pp. 604, 605; 52, pp. 617-619; 53, p. 630).— During the year 317 creameries exhibited 1,214 tubs of butter. The average score was 11.1 (ou a total of 15 points), 44 per cent of the tubs scoring over 12 points. The average results for the year are shown in the following tables: Swedish butter exhibitions, 1897. Class of creamery. Cooperative Estate Estate-proprietary. Proprietary Number of tubs. Maxi- mum score. 477 316 215 206 Points. 14.2 13.8 13.7 13.7 Average . 14.2 Percent- age scoring above 12 poiuts. 5G. 0 36.7 39.5 32.0 44. 0 Average score. Points. 11.5 10.9 11.0 10.6 water content. Percent. 13.2 13.5 13. 6 13.8 IVl'eelit • age con- taining above 15 per cent water. 11.1 13.4 4.0 12.0 18.4 9 2 Of the tubs exhibited, 1.7 per cent lost brine during storage, the average amount per tub being 0.45 lb., maximum amount, 1.68 lbs. There has been a uniform improvement in the average quality of the butter exhibited during the 4 years since the butter exhibitions were established. — f. w. woll. Milk and dairy products, F. Stohmann (Milch- und Molkereiproducte : Ein Eand- buch fiir Milchtechniker und Nahrungsmittelchemiker. Braunschweig: Friederich Vieweg <\- Sohn, 1S9S, pp. XXIX -\- 1031, figs. 235). — This extensive treatise, which was issued a few months after the author's death, brings the literature of the subject down to within the last 2 or 3 years. In its scope it covers the whole field of the chemistry and properties of milk, the analysis of milk and dairy products, dairy bacteriology, and the utilization of milk in different ways, as in its original form, for butter mak- ing, cheese making, making of condensed milk, koumiss, kephir, etc. Although naturally devoted largely to cows' milk and its products, the milk of different kinds of animals and the products manufactured from it are included, with a discussion of the manufacture of oleomargarine, the recognition of oleomargarine and filled cheese, and the detection of these and other forms of adulteration. Throughout the entire book the discussion is based upon the results of scientific investigations and experiments, and their application in practice is pointed out in a clear and concise manner. The production of milk, or what may be termed dairy farming, is not entered into at any length, although the effect of various methods of feeding and treatment of cows on the yield and composition of the milk and the specific effects of a large number of feeding stuffs on the quality of milk and dairy products are considered quite fully. The various operations in the creamery and cheese factory and in the handling of milk are treated at length, with illustrated descriptions of various forms of machinery and apparatus. Altogether the book forms the most comprehensive treatise ou the subject from a scientific standpoint that has been issued. The numerous references given in font- notes are a valuable feature. The method of treatment is such as to make the book 10222— No. 5 7 492 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. interesting and useful to educated dairymen. An unusually detailed table of con- tents and a comprehensive alphabetical index contribute to make the book a most valuable work of reference. The development of the dairy cow, ('. 1). Smith (Indiana State Diary Assoc. Rpt. 1897, pp. 98-111). — A historical account, with descriptions of some of the famous dairy cows. The factors essential to secure profit in the dairy, C. 1>. Smith ( Indiana State Dairy Assoc. Rpt. 1897, pp. 133-137).— Special stress is laid upon the care of the dairy cow. The cost of production, T. L. Haecker (Indiana State Dairy Assoc. Rpt. ISO?. pp. 83-9S,figs. 5). — An address based upon the author's experience with the herd of the Minnesota Station. Yields of Norwegian dairy herds, K. DOhles and A. Kj&LSTAD (Norsk Land- mansUad, 17 (1898), Xo. S, pp. 81-84; 11, pp. 112, 113).— The live weight of the herd of Smaalens cattle at Kalnas agricultural school ranges from 670 to 1,000 lbs. and averages about 800 lbs. The average milk yield of 10 cows kept in the barn throughout the year was 5,640 lbs., with an average fat content of 3.7 per cent. Yield of herd of Ocstland cattle at Frogner, 1897, A. Kjblstad. — A herd of 14 head of Oestlaud cows at Frogner, with an average age of 7£ years, and an average live weight of 865 lbs., gave an average yield of 4,900 lbs. of milk in 1897, with a fat content of 3.72 per cent.— v. w. woll. The college herd, F. W. Morse (New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 120, 121).— Brief statistics are given on the milk production of the college herd. "Making no deductions, the herd has been equivalent to 284 milch cows and 51 dry cows for 1 mouth, and has produced 145,019 lbs. of milk and 7,875 lbs. of butter, making the average monthly yield per head for 335 cows, 23.5 lbs. of butter and 24 cans of milk, or 282 lbs. of butter and 288 cans of milk per year. "The only allowance to which attention is called is the fact that one-fifth of the herd's equivalent has cousisted of heifers in their first lactation period." Book of German cattle, Rajim and Parky (Deutsches Rinder-Merkbuch. Berlin: Paul Parey, 1898, pp. 129, figs. 102, col. />/s. 8). — Illustrated description of notable cows, bulls, and oxen of different breeds. The feeding of milch cows, E. O. Arenaxder (Nord. Mejeri. Tidn., 13 (189S), No. 16, pp. 212-214; 17, pp. 223, 224). Reindeer moss for milch cows, B. Torssell (Meddel. E. Landtbr. Styr., 1897, No. 42, pp. 172, 173). — The moss was found of no greater value for milch cows thau is indicated by the chemical analysis, viz, about the same as straw-chaff. The estimation of fat in condensed milk by the Gerber milk test, N. Gerber and M. M. Craandijk (Milch ZUj., 27 (1S9S), Xo. 39, pp. 611-613).— The results of numerous determinations by this method are compared with gravimetric analysis. A weighed quantity of the condensed milk is diluted, and then treated similarly to ordinary milk, except that it must be heated longer and whirled longer in the centrifugal. Extracts from the annual report of the chemical laboratory of the city of Altona, A. Reixsch (Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 31, pp. 484, 485).— Relates to the results of examinations of butter, rancid butter, margariu, milk, and milk prepa- rations. Municipal control of dairies in Indiana, A. W. BITTING (Indiana State Dairy Assoc. Rpt. 1897, pp. 147-152). — A paper pointing out the advantages of dairy inspection. Experience in preparing sanitary milk, B. C. Cox (Indiana State Dairy Assoc. Rpt. 1897, pp. 30-40). — An account of the methods employed by the author. Police supervision of the milk supply of Geneva, E. A. Ackermann (Milch Ztg., 27 (1S98), No. 29, p. 496).— A summary of the results of the milk control. The adulteration of dairy produce, R. Hedgerwallace (Edinburg : C. $ R. Anderson, 1898, pp. 89). — This is a quite general paper, read before the Royal Scottish DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 493 Society of Arts. It treats of the local supply and the importation of dairy products, the forms of adulteration practiced, and the legislation on this point in various countries. Note on the volume concentration of condensed milk, A. McGill, (Analyst, 23 (1S98), May,pp.l2S, 120). Shipment of frozen milk (Milch Ztg.,27 (1898), No. 36, p. 568).— Fifty liters of milk were sent from an "ice dairy" in northern Prussia to Zurich June 1. It was contained in a square can packed in a wooden box with straw, and was sent by fast freight, but owing to delays at the custom-house was not received for testiug in Zurich until June 9. Its temperature when opened was 7J C. It was entirely nor- mal in taste and smell, and showed an acidity of 3.4° by the Soxhlet-Henkel method, which is said to correspond to the acidity of normal milk as it comes from the cow. The milk was, therefore, perfectly sweet and unchanged after being 9 days in trans- port, which is an indication of what can be done in sending milk cooled to freezing. The dairy from which it was sent will, it is stated, send 10,000 liters of cooled or frozen milk daily to Berlin, arid guarantee to deliver it sweet to consumers. A similar establishment is in successful operation in Copenhagen. Armenian mazoon, O. Emmerling (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. AM., 4 (1898), No. 10, pp. 418—420). — Mazoon is an Armenian drink similar to kephir. Two bacteria have been isolated, one a micrococcus, the other a bacillus which is thought identical with Bacillus acidi lactici. Experiments with Pfeiffs pasteurization apparatus, N. Engstrom (Tidskr. Landtman, 19 (1S9S), No. 14, pp. 237-242). — The results show the apparatus to be of doubtful value, the product obtained being of inferior quality, and its capacity being small and decreasing as the pasteurization progresses. On the importance of pasteurization in dairying, A. V. Schrader (Biet, 19 (1898), No. 4, pp. 101-108). A survey of the creamery situation in Indiana, C. S. Plumb (Indiana State Dairy Assoc. Rpt. 1S97, pp. 104-174). — An account of the development and extent of the creamery system in Indiana, with statistics. Experiment with the Alpha churn No. 3, Kleix (Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 29, pp. 454-450). — Experiments with this churn on cream of different degrees of acidity at different temperatures, etc. Effect cf the salt on the taste of butter (Milch Ztg., 27 (1S9S), No. 38, p. 601).— The Chamber of Agriculture for the Province of Fosen has called attention to the fact that the salt used in creameries contains as high as 0.6 per cent of magnesium sul- phate, and that this amount imparts a bitter taste to butter. Accordingly the Cham- ber of Commerce proposes to supply salt which has been tested and found to contain under 0.025 per cent of magnesium sulphate. The butter-producing capacity of cows' milk can be increased by proper selection of breeding stock, H. Brandth (Landmanshlade, 31 (1S9S), No. 11, pp. 139, 140).— Summary of the results of 10 years' work by a practical farmer. Cheese from pasteurized milk, J. A. Andre (Landtmannen, 9 (1S9S), No. 25, pp. 403 , 404) . —The cheese is manufactured from a mixture of 10 per cent buttermilk, 25 to 50 per cent unpasteurized milk, and the rest pasteurized milk. The product is said to be of prime quality. In No. 31 of the same journal (p. 504), a method of making cheese from pasteurized milk mixed with 5 per cent of buttermilk is given. [In both cases the cheese is evi- dently made from skim milk.] — f. w. woll. The manufacture of Grana cheese, G. Billitz (Milch Ztg., 27 (189S), No. 39, pp. 609-011). — The results of experiments are reported. Dairy experiments conducted at Mustiala experiment station, 1894-95, R. Gripenberg (Meddel. K. Landtbr. Styr., 1807, No. 20, pp. 34-57).— Reports are given of experiments with the Radiator, feeding experiments with cows of Ayrshire- Finnish and native Finnish breeds, trials of milk antiseptics, experiments with 494 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Babcock and Gerber milk testers, trials with the Alpba-Colibri separator, feeding experiments with caraway hay for milch cows, and titration of sour cream. — f. w. WOLL. Report of the [Massachusetts] dairy bureau, (J. M. Whitakeu (Agr. Massaehu setts, 1S97, pp. 881-303.). — This relates to the sale of oleomargarine, inspection of milk and milk supply of Boston, and gives general information relative to the dairy industry in the .State. VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Observations on the experiment cows with reference to tuber- culosis,'!. Nelson {New Jersey Stas. Bpt. 1897, pp. 224-240). — This por- tion of the author's report consists of a description of autopsies and of temperature tests. "The members of the experiment herd have now been injected with tuberculin from 15 to 17 times within 3 or 4 years. In general, the results agree with the con- clusions published in previous reports. Repeated injection of tuberculin does not seem to exert any decided influence, either for increase or for cure of tuberculosis of slightly tuberculous animals. The results in some cases appear to point in one direc- tion and in others in the opposite direction, but in neither case so decidedly as to be of practical import. In some cows the reaction which tuberculin causes is entirely suppressed by repetition of in jection, and in others it is only temporarily suppressed." Cornstalk disease, A. T. Peters {Nebraska Sta.Bul. 52, pp. 51-62). — The cornstalk disease of cattle and horses is described and the various theories which have been advanced as to its cause are discussed, the opinions of many investigators being quoted. Circulars requesting information concerning the prevalence of cornstalk disease in Nebraska were sent out, aud the replies received are summarized. "From the data- gathered from these few letters and from past experience it is known that a great many cattle succumb to this disease. These further show that there is a great difference in the time that animals are in the fields before the first death occurs. It is also clearly shown that the stockmen have found a remedy in feeding a grain ration and not allowing stock to feed on cornstalks alone." The prevalence, symptoms, and treatment of milk fever, garget, and abortion, J. Nelson {New Jersey Stas. Rpt. 1897, pp. 241-260). — The occurrence of milk fever and abortion in the college herd led the author to study these diseases and garget. A circular letter was sent to numerous localities iu the State requesting information on the preva- lence of these diseases in dairy herds and concerning the remedies employed, including the use of disinfectants. Replies indicate that 64 herds were affected with milk fever, 70 with garget, and over 90 with abortion. In 25 of the herds abortion had prevailed to an extent ranging from L'O to 100 per cent. The symptoms, cause, and treatment of milk fever and garget are described. The reports received indicate that about 150 cows were affected with the former disease and that the majority died. During the past 4 years this disease has become less prevalent than formerly. About 150 cases of garget are reported. Bovine abortion is discussed VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 495 at considerable length and the fact is noted that the disease is becoming less common, owing in part to the application of antiseptic methods of treatment. The primary cause of abortion is considered to be a specific germ, though it is noted that various other causes may also produce it. The subject of immunity, contagiousness, modes of infection and treatment, antiseptics and disinfectants are briefly treated. The method of securing immunity by the first infection is not thought recommeud- able for the general practice since a considerable portion of the cows affected with abortion become sterile. The antiseptics and disinfectants noted are corrosive sublimate 0.1 of 1 per cent for general use; as, on the floor, full strength; for sponging the vulva, one-half strength; for injection, one-fourth strength; and for uterine irrigation, one-eighth strength. It is improved by an addition of 10 parts of salt; for irriga- tion purposes, by adding a mixture of glycerin and alcohol, 3 parts, or, for sponging, by an addition of one-fourth oz. of hydrochloric acid to 1 gal. of solution. Sulphate solution, consisting of 17 grains of copper sulphate to each ounce of water, or 3 lbs. iron sulphate to 30 gal., to be used in watering barn floors weekly; sulphuric acid 2 per cent, for barn floors; chlorid of lime, air-slaked lime, or land plaster for litter or manure; a carbolic acid mixture, consisting of 1 part carbolic acid, 2 of sodium carbonate, in 100 parts of water to be used for disinfecting the penis and for vaginal injection before service; and creolin, which is considered to be the best. It may be used for uterine irrigation in a one-half to 1 per cent strength or for vaginal injection in from 1 to 2 per cent strength; for sponging, 2 to 3 per cent strength, or for general disinfection of a barn as high as 4 per cent. Tuberculosis of animals, E. Nocard (Les tuberculoses animates. Paris : Masson, 1898. Encyclopedic scientifique des Aide-Memoire. Bev. in Jour. Hyg., 23 (1898), No. 1143, pp. 395, 396). Bovine tuberculosis, M. A. O'Callaghax (Agr. Gaz. New South Wales, 9 (1S9S), No. S, pp. S37-849, pis. 3). — The possibility of diminishing bovine tuberculosis is discussed and the results of the author's observations along this line are briefly noted, as well as the use of the tuberculin test. The need of experiments under Australian conditions is pointed out. Tuberculosis in horses, Truelsen (Berlin Tierdrztl. Wchnschr. 1S9S, No. 24, pp. 278, 279). On the relation of human tuberculosis to that of birds, M. Nocard (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 13 (1S9S), No. 9, pp. 561-573). Combating tuberculosis in cattle, A. Eber (Verhandl. Gesell. Dent. Naturf. u. Aerzte, 69 (1S97), II, pp. 342-348). Investigations on the effect of tubercle bacilli and on preventive serums and similar substances, Babes and Proca (Ztschr. Hyg. u. Infektionskranh., 23 (lS97),p. 331; abs. in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par.. 1. AM., 24 (189S), No. 2-3, pp. 86-92). The biology of Bacillus tuberculosis, H. Akonson (Berlin Klin. Wchnschr., 6 (1898), No. 22; abs. in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. AM., 24 (1898), No. 2-3, pp. 85, 86). Notes on the study of pseudo-tuberculosis bacilli, J. Lignieres (Per. T'cterin. Buenos Aires, 1S98, No. 60, pp. 723-731). General etiology of actinomycosis, A. Poncet and L. Berard (Lyon Med., 1898, No. IS, pp. 5-13). 496 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Notes on actinomycosis in man, Gbiixo (Riforma Med., 1S98, No. Ml, pp. 301-305; 102, pp. 315-318 ; 103, pp. 325-327). Micro-organisms which are related to Bacillus tuberculosis and which pro- duce a mild form of tuberculosis in animals, A. Moellek (Dent. Med. Wchnschr., 24 (1898), No. 24, pp. 376-370). Actinomycosis in horses, L. J. Hooukamer ( Veeartsenijk. bidden v. Nederl.-Indie, 11, 1898, No. 3, pp. 174-170). A case of actinomycosis in man, together with a bacteriological study, Ancel and Thiry ( Cue observation d'actinomycose humaine arec etude bactcriologiqne; separate from Her. Med. de VEst, 180S, pp. 14). Contribution to the bacteriological study of anthrax, J. Lemos (Rev. Soc. Med. Argentina, 1808, No. 28, pp. 31-41). An epidemic of charbon, Lardier (Rev. Hyg., 1898, No. 5, pp. 431-438). Concerning immunity from splenic fever, A. Au.jeszky (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. AM., 24 (1898), No. 8, pp. 325-327). Rinderpest ; its pathology and the means used to combat its invasion of South Africa, G. Turner ( ret. Jonr., 1S98, Mar., pp. 217-224). The rinderpest in Basutoland, W. R. Davis (Vet. Jonr., 1898, Apr., pp. 252-257). Further studies on immunity from rinderpest, W. Kolle {Dent. Med. Wchnschr., 24(1898), No. 25, p. 396; abs. in CentM. Bait. n. Par., 1. AM., 24 (1898), No. 6-7, pp. 2S3-2S5). The blood serum of immune animals in combating rinderpest, A. Tiieiler (Dent. Tierarztl. Wchnschr., 1898, No. 24, pp. 205-208). Cattle plague in young pigs, B. Vrijburg ( Veeartsenijk. bladen v. NederL- Indie, 11 (1898), No. 3, pp. 172, 173). On inoculation as a method of preventing hog cholera and on the identifica- tion of the hog-cholera bacillus, 0. Voges and W. Schittz (Ztschr, Hyg. Infektions- krank., 28 (1898), No. 1, pp. 38-124). The results of experiments on immunity from hog cholera, 0. Voges and W. ScHtiTZ (Vent. Med. Wchnschr., 24 (1S98), No. 4; abs. in Hyg. Rundschau, S (1S9S\, No. 11, pp. 535, 536). The action of serum as a preventive of hog cholera, F. Mesnil (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 12 (1898), No. S, pp. 481-500). — The method of preparation and action of the serum is given, together with details of some experiments. Summary of the results of investigations on the foot and mouth disease by the commission for studying infectious diseases, Loeffler and Frosch (Dent. Med. Wchnschr., 23 (1897), No. 39, p. 617 ; abs. in Hyg. Rundschau, S (1898), No. 10, pp. 498, 499). The susceptibility of herbivora to foot and mouth disease, A. Fehsenmeier (Berlin Tierarztl. Wchnschr., 1898, No. 17, pp. 146,147). Combating foot and mouth disease, Meifort (Berlin Tierarztl. Wchnschr., 1898, No. 16, pp. 181-185). The duration of immunity from foot and mouth disease, Martens (Berlin Tierarztl. Wchnschr., 1898, No. 15, p. 171). Concerning diphtheria in poultry, W. Eber (Ztschr. Tiermed., 2 (1898), No. S, pp. 201-204). Rendering animals immune to a mixture of diphtheria bacilli and strepto- cocci, J. Bernheim (Arch. Hyg., 33 ( LS98), No. 1-2, pp. 35-69). On the relation between the excretion of nitrogen in the metabolism of a horse and the production of diphtheria serum, G. Marenghi (Centbl. Bakt. n. Par., 1. AM., 21 (1897), No. 6-7, pp. 256-261). — Experiments in which the nitrogen in the urine was determined were made with horses used for the production of diphtheria antitoxin. These are brieiiy reported, the following conclusions being drawn : Anti- toxin serum is formed from materials furnished by the blood. Its formation is closely connected with biochemical processes which are evidenced by an increase in VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 497 the total nitrogen and nrea nitrogen of the urine. The nitrogen introduced in the diphtheria virus is not sufficient to account for the excess. The change in the nitro- gen content of the urine takes place very quickly. The animal organism takes an active part in the formation of this serum, even if this is not shown hy fever or any local reaction. The blood retains the antitoxic properties for only a short time after the injections of diphtheria virus cease, and sometimes lose such properties even if the injections are continued. Septicaemia in geese due to spirochate, Gabritscheroski (Zischr. Medizinal- beamtc, 1S9S, 13; abs. in Ztachr. Fliesch u. Milchhyg., 9 (1898), No. l,pp. 12-13). On the Haematozoan infection of birds, \V. G. Maccaixum (Jour. Expt. Med., 3 (1S9S), No.l; abs. in Centbl. Bald. u. Par., I. Abt., 24 (1898), No. 6-7, pp. 282, 283). A case of disease similar to beri beri in chickens, C. Eukmann (Arch. Path. Anal. u. Physiol. [ Virehow'], 14S (1897), No. 3, pp. 523-582). Cause of natural immunity of chickens to tetanus, N. Asakawa (Centbl. Halt, u. Par., 1. Abt., 24 (1S9S), No. 4-5, pp. 166-174; 5-6, pp. 234-250). Contribution to the study of immunity, Sawtchenko (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 11 (1897), No. 12, pp. S65-S90). Infectious pneumonia of sheep, W. R. Davis (Yet. Jour., 1898, Apr., pp. 233-235). The Croonian lectures on the chemical products of pathogenic bacteria con- sidered -with special reference to enteric fever, IS. Martin (British Med. Jour., 1898, No. 1955, pp. 1569-1572; 1956, 1644-1646). Micro-organisms and bacterial poisons in brain and spinal cord, J. Sietz (Arch. Path. Anal. u. Physiol. [Virchow], 150 (1897), No. l,pp. 33-51). Etiology of epizootic abortion, S. J. J. Harger (Jour. Comp. Med., 1.898, No.l, pp. 226-231). The prevalence, cause, and treatment of bovine abortion, milk fever, and garget, J. Nelson (New Jersey Stas. Bui. 127, pp. 24). — A reprint from the Annual Report of the station for 1897 (see p. 494), with the addition of a bibliography of recent literature on the subject. A new Trichophyton which produces herpes in horses, Matruchot and Das- SOUVILLE (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1S9S), No. 5, pp. 279-281). — The authors describe an outbreak of this disease among the horses of the Twelfth Artillery. The cause is said to be a new Trichophyta. -Its appearance and growth on various culture media are described, and the successful inoculation of the disease on man and on guinea pigs. Aphtha or vesicular stomatictis of the horse, D. Hutciieon ( Pet. Jour., 1S9S, July, pp. 54-56). Ank3rlostomiasis of horses, S. von Ratz (Centbl. BaJct. u. Par., 1. Abt., 24 (1S98), No. S, pp. 289-305). Botryomykosis in man and animals, Schneidemuhl (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Alt., 24 (1S9S), No. 6-7, pp. 271-277).— ■This article includes an address before the Physiological Society of Kiel. Trichinae : German inspection of American hog products, J. A. Barnes ( U. S. Consular Bpts., 1S9S, No. 217, pp. 200-203). — The rigid laws regarding American meat imported into Germany are discussed, as well as the possibilities of the impor- tation into Germany through Belgium of uninspected meats. The symptomology of animal parasites, Peiper (Dent. Med. Wchnschr., 23 (1897), No. 48; abs. in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Abt., 23 (1898), No. 24, pp. 1064, 1065). Zamia poisoning, A. W. V. Crawley (Producers' (laz. and Settlers' Bee. [ West. Aus- tralia"], 5 (1898), No. 5, pp. 399-402). — Notes are given on the effect and treatment of zamia poisoning in cattle. The symptoms of poisoning, post-mortem appearance, and methods of treatment are given in some detail. According to the author, zamia acts as a cumulative poisou, and cattle were probably encouraged to eat it on account of other feed being scanty and dry. Attempts are being made to ascertain the active principle or alkaloid causing the poisoning, and it is suggested that if pos- sible all such plants should be eradicated from pastures. 498 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. STATISTICS. Index to volumes 21 to 50, Die Laiidwirtschaftlichen Versuchs-Stationen, F. NOBBK and L. HlLTNER (Landiv. Vers. Stat., 50 {1898), Sup., pp. 1-198). — Author and subject indexes to the contents of the last 30 volumes of this journal. Dairy experiment station of the Chamber of Agriculture of the Province ot Schleswig-Holstein at Kiel, R. Eichloff | Milch Ztg., 27(1898), Xo. 87, pp. 420-428, fi(js. 4). — Au illustrated description of the buildings, with ground plans; the organi- zation, work of the station, etc. Fourth report of progress on extension work, I. P. Roberts (New York Conn II Sta. Bui. 146, pp. G:13-654, maps 3). — This bulletin deals with the progress of the State extension work in agriculture. Part I contains the reports of the various depart- ments concerned in investigational work; Part II deals with the educational work. During the period May, 1897, to February, 1898, more than 700 lessons and lectures have been giveu throughout the State; 30,000 teachers and 16,000 school children have been sent leaflets on nature study, and 2,500 young farmers have been enrolled in the agricultural reading course. Previous reports of extension work have been given in Bulletins 110, 122, and 137 of the station (E. S. R-, 8, pp. 135, 740; 9, p. 699). Report of the director of New York State Station, W. H. Jordan (Neio York State Sta. Bui. 142, pp. 721-740). — A comprehensive review of the work of the differ- ent departments of the station during the year, giving results in some instances, with a list of the bulletins published in 1897. Annual Report of Oklahoma Station, 1898 (Oklahoma Sta. Rpt. 1S9S, pp. 4). — A report on the personnel, equipment, and outline of work of the station, with a list of bulletins issued during the year and a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898. Ninth Annual Report of New Hampshire Station, 1897 (New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 116-149, figs. 15, map 1). — This contains a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897; a report of the vice-director, and reports of the agricul- turist and horticulturist, entomologist, bacteriologist, and meteorologist, noted elsewhere. Annual Report of New Jersey Stations, 1897 (New .Jersey Stas. Bpt. 1897, pp. XIX + 586, figs. 71, pis. 11, dgm. 1). — This contains a financial statement of the State Station for the year ending October 31, 1897, and of the college station for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897; a report of the director reviewing the work of the differ- ent departments for the year, and reports of the chemists, assistant iu horticulture, assistant in dairy husbandry, biologist, botanist, and entomologist, noted elsewhere. NOTES Ii>Aiit> University and Station. — Herbert T, Condon has been dieted registrar and accountant of the university and station. Michigan Station. — The average yield of sugar beets on the station grounds is 12.93 tons per acre; the average percentage of sugar, 13.72. The results of coopera- tive experiments are being worked out. The factory at Bay City is in successful operation, with 3,000 acres of beets to work up. Experiments to test the value of beet pulp for cows, beef cattle, and sheep are planned for next winter. The year's record with a grade dairy herd of 29 cows has been completed. The average milk yield of the cows, rejecting one accidentally injured and another condemned as tuberculous, was 7,008 lbs. The fat yield averaged 257.57 lbs. The net profit from the herd, including in the expenses the cost of the care and milking as well as the food, but not crediting the value of the 200 tons of manure made, was $277.50. New Yokk State Station. — Firman Thompson, assistant chemist at the station, has resigned his position to accept an appointment under Dr. Walter Maxwell at the Hawaiian Experiment Station and Laboratories. If. A. Harding, bacteriologist of the station, assumed active duty January 1, 1809. Vermont Station. — At the recent session of the legislature of Vermont three bills were passed which affect and add to the work of the station. (1) A bill appro- priating $1,000 annually toward the printing of the station report; (2) a bill regu- lating the sale of concentrated commercial feeding stuffs, being similar in its nature to the law which has been in force for something over a year in the State of Maine; (3) a bill requiring that the correctness of all Babcock glassware in use at cream- eries and cheese factories for dividend making shall be certified, and that all opera- tors of the Babcock test for dividend making shall be duly licensed, the licenses to be issued upon demonstration of their ability properly to operate the test. The execution of the latter law is placed in the hands of the superintendent of the dairy school. Personal. — In connection with the death of the late Col. George E. Waring, jr., formerly commissioner of street cleaning in Newr York City, it is interesting to note his interest in agriculture and his services and writings during his earlier life. As early as 1853 Colonel Waring studied scientific agriculture under Dr. James J. Mapes, one of the pioneer agricultural chemists of the country, and in 1855 he assumed the management of Horace Greeley's famous farm at Chappaqna, New York. After tho civil war he removed to Newport, Rhode Island, where for 10 years he had charge of the Ogden farm, and during this time wrote the interesting Ogdeu Farm Papers for the American Agriculturist. In 1868 he originated the American Jersey Cattle Club, the first American association of its kind to publish its own herd book, of which he was the secretary and editor of the Herd Book until 1882. In 1870 ho introduced the Trophy tomato, which marked the beginning of the successful pro- duction of the tomato for shipping and canning. He traveled through Holland, Normandy, Brittany, and the Channel Islands studying the agriculture of these countries, and as a result introduced into this country the Swartz system of cold deep setting of milk, which was the forerunner of the present -y»tems of deep setting. Among his published agricultural works are the following: Elements of Agriculture (1854), Drainage for Profit and Drainage lor Health (1868), The Handy Book of Husbandry (1869), The Sanitary Draining of Houses and Farms . 1874 '. A Farmer's Vacation: Travels in Holland, Normandy, Brittany, and the Channel Islands (1875), Sewage and Land Drainage (1889). and Modern Methods of Sewage Disposal (1891). 199 10222— No. 5 8 500 NOTES. Agricultural Education In Russia. — The Government of Russia is planning for the establishment of a quite extensive system of agricultural education. At a recent meeting of the agricultural council, an advisory body of which the minister of agriculture is chairman, an outline presented by the minister was considered at length and a general plan of agricultural education was elaborated. The introduc- tory to this document states that notwithstanding the fundamental importance of agriculture to Russia and the great fertility of some of the Russian soils, "the crops obtained even on the chernozem (black soil) are only one-third to one-half as large as those harvested from the incomparably inferior soils of Western Europe. Almost everywhere in Russia the primitive processes of farming are persistently followed by the farmers, while the number of persons who are fitted by education and training to disseminate information on the rational methods of agriculture is comparatively insignificant." The scheme outlined provides for (1) higher education, furnished by independent agricultural institutes located iu the chief agricultural zones of Russia, and by chairs of agriculture and allied sciences iu the universities; (2) agricultural high schools, which are in the nature of technical schools and schools with courses in agriculture; (3) lower agricultural schools; and (4) the diffusion of general agri- cultural information. The schools for the so-called lower education include («) secondary agricultural schools, (b) primary agricultural schools, (c) agricultural classes, and (d) practical agricultural courses. These lower schools are to be under the jurisdiction of the minister of agricultural and imperial domains. They are to be maintained at the expense of municipalities, local communities, associations, etc. but may receive a part of their support from the Government. They are to have the franking privilege for official mail matter and packages not exceeding 36 lbs. in weight. The secondary schools are to be established on government land or land donated for that purpose. The other lower agricultural schools may be established on private estates. The secondary schools are open to young men of all conditions who have completed the course in the primary public schools. The course of instruc- tion covers 4 years, and includes in addition to the general studies the elements of the natural sciences, agricultural and rural economy, cattle raising, veterinary, agricultural law, horticulture, gardening, etc., together with carpentry and black- smithing in their application to agricultural machinery. The primary agricultural schools are open to all who can read and write and have a knowledge of arith- methic as far as fractions. The courses last from 1 to 3 years. They include, aside from general studies, instruction in the elements of agriculture, with practical exercises. The classes in agriculture are intended for the instruction of young men of the peasant class. The course does not last longer than 2 years, and con- sists in the study of the rudimentary principles of agriculture and their application to the local conditions. The successful completion of the courses in these 3 grades of the lower agricultural schools carries with it certain reductions in the military requirements, dependent upon the grade. The practical agricultural courses are designed to impart popular information in particular branches of agriculture. The instruction docs not continue for more than a year, and consists in demonstrations, talks, and practical exercises in different branches of agriculture iu their application to local conditions, and especially to the conditions of the peasants. The diffusion of general agricultural information is to be provided for by (1) the organization of public readings or lectures on agricultural questions for the benefit of different classes of the population, (2) instruction of the teachers in the public schools in agriculture, horticulture, gardening, apiculture, etc., and providing the public schools with small plats of land and means for cultivating the same, (3) the teaching of agriculture in the normal schools, and (4) the introduction of supplementary courses in agriculture in the village schools. There are now in Russia 3 schools for higher agricultural instruction, 9 agricultural high schools, 83 lower schools, and 59 special courses. Steps have already been taken for the establishment of about 50 additional agricultural schools. EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, EDITED BY A. C. TKUE, Ph. D., Director, E. W. Allen, Ph. D., Assistant Director — Chemistry, Dairy Farming, and Dairying. W. H. Beal — Meteorology, Fertilizers, and Soils (including methods of analysis), and Agricultural Engineering. Walter H. Evans, Ph. D. — Botany and Diseases of Plants. C. F. Langworthy, Ph. D. — Foods and Animal Production. Entomology and Veterinary Science. E. A. Emerson — Horticulture. J. I. Schulte — Field Crops. With the cooperation of the scientific divisions of the Department and the Abstract Committee of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. CONTENTS OF Vol. X, No. 6. Editorial notes: The late Senator Justin S. Morrill 501 Convention of Association of Official Agricultural Chemists, 1898, W. H. Beal.. 504 Recent work in agricultural science 513 Notes 600 SUBJECT LIST OF ABSTRACTS. CHEMISTRY. A volumetric citrate method for quick and exact determination of phosphoric acid in superphosphates, S. Littman 513 On a new method of determining nitric acid, W. Ackermann 513 Method of determining nitrites in waters, L. Robin 514 The estimation of potash in soils, C. L. Penny 514 Miscellaneous chemical work, C. L. Penny 515 BOTANY. A revision of the North American species of Calamagrostis, T. H. Kearney 515 Descriptions of new or little known grasses, F. Lamson-Scribner 515 The principal poisonous plants in the United States, V. K. Chesnut 516 Hybrids and their utilization in plant breeding, W. T. Swingle and H. J. Webber 516 Chlorophyll assimilation in littoral plants, E. Griffon 517 Influence of light on the form and structure of plants, Maiga 517 Influence of mutilating seed on the development of the plants, E. (Jain 517 The physiological function of iron in plants, J. Stoklasa 518 i II CONTENTS. FERMENTATION — BACTERIOLOGY. Page. A preliminary arrangement of the species of the genns Bacterium, F. D. Chester 519 Bacteriological examination of drinking water, F. D. Chester 520 ZOOLOGY. Birds that injure grain, F. E. L. Beal 521 Further notes on the hirds of Colorado, W. W. Cooke 521 METEOROLOGY. Report of the meteorologist, W. H. Bishop 522 Rainfall of the crop season, A. J. Henry 522 AIR — WATER — SOILS. . Some interesting soil problems, M. Whitney 523 Lavas and soils of the Hawaiian Islands, W. Maxwell et al 525 Tobacco soils, M. Whitney 531 FERTILIZERS. The home-mixing of fertilizers, C. E. Thorne 532 Bone superphosphate, F. Poquillon 532 FIELD CROPS. Field experiments at the experiment farm at Lauchstiidt in 1895 and 1896, M. Maercker 533 Corn culture in the South, S. M. Tracy 540 The cost of the production of corn and oats in Illinois in 1896 510 A report on ilax culture for seed and fiber in Europe and America, C. R. Dodge. 511 Present status of flax culture in the United States, C. R. Dodge 541 A report upon the grasses and forage plants and forage conditions of the East- ern Rocky Mountain region, T. A. Williams 541 Leguminous forage crops, J. G. Smith 542 Winter and summer pasture in Mississippi, E. R. Lloyd 547 Some Irish potato experiments, C. L. Newman 542 Sugar beets, H. Snyder and A. Boss 543 Sugar-beet investigations of 1897, G. W. Shaw 544 Irrigation experiments in sugar-beet culture in the Yakima Valley, E. Fulmer. 545 The culture of tobacco, O. C. Butterweck 547 Cultivation of tobacco in Sumatra, E. Mulder 545 Report of the agriculturist, W. H. Bishop 546 HORTICULTURE. Horticulture : Results for 1896-97, W. C. Stubbs et al 547 Winter forcing of asparagus in the open field, J. C. Whitten 548 Improvement of the wild carrot by grafting it on the cultivated carrot, L. Daniel 549 Some edible and poisonous fungi, W. G. Farlow 551 Strawberries, F. S. Earle 552 The fruit industry and substitution of domestic for foreign-grown fruits, W. A. Taylor 549 A report on damage to fruit trees caused by the severe freeze of November 26-28, 1896, J. A. Balmer 550 Lawns and lawn making, F. Lamson-Scribner 551 The frnifc industry and substitution of domestic for foreign-grown fruits, W. A. Tavlor . 552 CONTENTS. Ill SEEDS — WEEDS. Pago Wind distribution of seeds, E. M. Hussong 553 An investigation of various germination media, B. Jonsson 554 Report of Swedish seed-control stations for 1896 554 Additional notes on seed testing, G. H. Hicks and S. Key 555 DISEASES OF PLANTS. Peach yellows in nursery stock, G. H. Powell 556 A preliminary report upon the diseases of the peach, A. D. Selby 557 Smuts and rusts of grain in Idaho and the most approved methods of dealing with them, L. F. Henderson 559 Concerning the red rust of the currant, J. Eriksson 559 The effect of benzolin and sulfuriu on potato plants, K. Thiele 560 Danger of introducing a Central American coffee disease into Hawaii, YV. T. Swingle 560 Phy topathological notes, F. Sitensky 560 ENTOMOLOGY. The Buffalo gnats, or black flies, of the United States, D. W. Coquillett 508 Further notes on the house fly, L. O. Howard : 568 Preliminary notes on the codling moth, T. D. A. Cockerell 562 Two Japanese insects injurious to fruit, M. Matsumura 569 A new orchard pest — the friuged-wing apple-bud moth, J. M. Stedman 564 The peach-twig borer, C. L. Marlatt 565 The quince curculio, M. V. Slingerland 565 Notes on the strawberry weevil: Its injuries and bibliography, F. H. Chit- tenden 569 The fig-eater, or green June beetle, L. O. Howard 569 The San Jose scale in Missouri, J. M. Stedman 566 Destructive locusts in 1897, W. D. Hunter 569 The tobacco flea-beetle, F. H. Chittenden 569 On the habits of the Oscinida? and Agromyzidse reared at the United States Department of Agriculture, D. W. Coquillett 570 Notes on cucumber beetles, F. H. Chitteuden 570 Insects that affect asparagus, F. H. Chittenden 570 The sugar-cane borers of Java, L. Zehntner 570 Digestion in the larva? of the gypsy moth, A. H. Kirkland and F. J. Smith ' 566 Arsenate of lead : Its manufacture aud chemical composition, F. J. Smith 567 Danger from the use of arsenate of lead, A. H. Kirkland 567 Concerning the direct combating of phylloxera on stock, C. Mohr 567 Experiments with insecticides, A. H. Kirkland and A. F. Burgess 567 Some spraying mixtures, G. W. Cavanaugh 568 Danger of importing insect pests, L. O. Howard 570 Notes from correspondence 570 General notes 571 Report of the entomologist, G. H. Powell 571 FOODS — ANIMAL PRODUCTION. Fresh and refrigerated meats, A. Gautier 571 Nutrition investigations in New Mexico in 1897, A. Goss 573 The needs aud requirements of a control of feeding stuffs, E. W. Allen 582 Utilization of by-products of the dairy, II. E. Alvord 582 The principles of stock feeding, W. J. Spillman 583 Deep stalls and ordinary stalls for steers, together with feeding experiments with molasses peat and molasses bran, F. Albert 573 Feeding experiment No. 2 with steers, F. Albert 574 IV CONTENTS. Fattening lambs in winter, T. Shaw 575 Peanuts, cowpeas, and sweet potatoes as food for pigs, .J. F. Duggar 577 Some experiments with poultry, C. D. Smith and C. S. Brooks 580 DAIRY FARMING — DAIRYING. Feeding experiments with cows at the Lauckstiidt experiment farm, F. Albert and M. Maercker 584 Experiments on the question whether in feeding sesame cake there is a trans- mission of material to the butter which gives the Baudouin reaction, H. Weigmann 586 The sesame-oil reaction in natural butter, Vieth 587 Experiments on the effect on milk production of feeding sugar beets and dried and ensiled diffusion residue, O. Kellner and G. Andrii 587 Experiments on the effect on milk production of some new feeding stuffs, with special reference to the fat content, E. Ramm and W. Mintrop 588 The comparative value of buckwheat middlings, dried brewers' grains, and Cerealine for milk and butter production, H. Hayward and R. J. Weld 589 Tests of dairy methods and apparatus, J. W. Hart 590 Gravity or dilution separators, H. H. Wing 591 Comparative tests of butter fat, F. S. Shiver 593 Correction of the reading of the Babcock tost for cream, W. J. Spillman 593 Effect of richness of cream on acid test, W. J. Spillman 593 The relation of certain bacteria to the production of butter, C. H. Eckles 591 The role of lactic-acid bacteria in cheese ripening, H. Weigmann 592 Colored spots in cheese, R. A. Pearson 593 VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Bacteriological work, F. D. Chester 596 Hog cholera, G. A. Waterman 596 The lung and stomach worms of sheep, J. E. Wing 594 Methods of combating communicable diseases of farm animals, R. R. Dinwiddie 595 Tuberculosis in cattle aud its control, J. Law 596 Tuberculin investigations in Sweden, J. Svensson . , 596 AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. The loss of water from reservoirs by seepage and evaporation, L. G. Carpenter 597 Object-lesson roads, R. Stone 598 STATISTICS. Ninth Annual Report of Delaware Station, 1897 599 Yearbook of the Department of Agriculture, 1897 599 Agricultural production and prices, G. K. Holmes 599 Some books on agriculture and sciences related to agriculture, published 1896- 1898 599 Agricultural outlook for the coast region of Alaska, W. H. Evans 599 LIST OF STATION PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. Experiment stations in the United States: Alabama College Station : Bulletin 93, April, 1898 577 Bulletin 94, June, 1898 552 Arkansas Station: Bulletin 50, January, 1898 542 Bulletin 51, May, 1898 595 CONTENTS. V Experiment stations in the United States— Continued. Page. Colorado Station : Bulletin 44, March, 1898 521 Bulletin 45, May, 1898 597 Delaware Station : Ninth AnnualEeport, 1897 . . 514, 515, 519, 520, 522, 546, 551, 556, 562, 571, 596, 599 Idaho Station : Bulletin 11, 1898 559 Dlinois Station: Bulletin 50, February, 1898 540 Louisiana Stations: Bulletin 52 (second series), 1898 547 Michigan Station: Bulletin 157, May, 1898 596 Bulletin 158, May, 1898 580 Minnesota Station: Bulletin 56, April, 1898 543 Bulletin 57, June, 1898 575 Mississippi Station : Bulletin 50, September, 1898 547 Missouri Station: Bulletin 41, January, 1898 566 Bulletin 42, April, 1898 564 Bulletin 43, May, 1898 548 New Mexico Station : Bulletin 25, February, 1898 562 New York Cornell Station : Bulletin 148, May, 1898 - 565 Bulletin 149, June, 1898 568 Bulletin 150, July, 1898 596 Bulletin 151, August, 1898 , 591 Ohio Station : Bulletin 91, January, 1898 594 Bulletin 92, March, 1898 557 Bulletin 93, April, 1898 532 Oregon Station : Bulletin 53, April, 1898 544 Pennsylvania Station: Bulletin 41, December, 1897 : 589 South Carolina Station : Bulletin 33, March, 1898 590,593 Washington Station : Bulletin 29, December, 1896 583 Bulletin 30, December, 1897 550 Bulletin 31, December, 1897 545 Bulletin 32 593 United States Department of Agriculture: Yearbook, 1897 516, 521, 522, 523, 541, 542, 549, 551, 555, 570, 582, 598, 599 Cultivation of Tobacco in Sumatra 545 Farmers' Bulletin 80 569 Farmers' Bulletin 81 540 Farmers' Bulletin 82 547 Farmers' Bulletin 83 531 Bureau of Animal Industry : Circular 24 593 VI CONTENTS. United States Department of Agriculture — Continued. Page. Division of Agrostology : Bulletin 7 (revised ) 518 Bulletin 11 515 Bulletin 12 541 Division of Botany : Bulletin 20 516 Division of Entomology: Bulletin 10 (new series) 565, 568, 569, 570, 571 Office of Experiment Stations : Circular 38 599 Bulletin 54 573 Office of Fiber Investigations: Report 10 541 Division of Pomology : Bulletin 7 552 Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology: Bulletin 15 551 Circular 16 560 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Vol. X. No. 6. Among the many important services which the late Senator Jnstin S. Morrill rendered to his country during his long and honorable career as a member of Congress none so justly entitle him to lasting remem- brance as a benefactor of mankind as those by which he became a potent factor in the advancement of science and education in every State and Territory of the Union. Growing up under the thoroughly democratic conditions existing in rural New England in the earlier half of this century, and coming to Congress in the prime of life after a successful experience as a business man and a farmer, his mind opened readily to receive the new ideas regarding education in the arts and sciences which were then being actively discussed by the leaders of public opinion in this country and abroad. The conditions which gave rise to this agitation have been thus described by Prof. W. H. Brewer, who has himself been closely identified with the great movement in which Senator Morrill performed such distinguished services : "The period between 1840 and 1860 was a peculiar one in the history of the world's intellectual activity and material progress. At its beginning some of the physical sciences, more particularly chemistry and geology, were scarcely 50 years old, but they had already revolu- tionized some of the arts and produced great changes in agriculture. All this had taken place within the lifetime of the older workers then in the field. Popular works on science were widely read, and had pre- pared the public mind to cherish hopes, perhaps exaggerated, of the benefits to come by the applications of science, and had greatly stimu- lated intellectual activity in this new field of knowledge. . . . "In a thousand and one ways, more in the other lines than in agri- culture, discovery, invention, and the application of scientific laws to the arts and industries were playing a part in the development of the mate- rial resources of the civilized world and modifying the industries and occupations of men. There was then an absorbing interest in the grow- ing steam transportation ; railroads and ocean steamships then came into use and were made practicable ; iron working, dyeing, and many other arts were being revolutionized by chemistry ; commercial fertilizers were coming to be used; the electric telegraph, just invented, first came into use during this period ; other events, some of them political, were 501 502 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. profoundly affecting the current of human activity; prices, which had been falling from the decline of the production of silver in Mexico, began to rise with the discovery and production of gold in California. Tins was the beginning of an era in the rise of prices and of material pros- perity unexampled in the history of civilization. . . . "All these influences produced a deep and lasting effect on the theories and practice of education. The 'old education,' as it was called, did not supply the new wants. There was a loud and discord- ant demand for something else. The many agreed only in this, that less Latin and Greek (which had before been considered the corner stone and substance of a liberal education) be taught and in their place more science; or at least that, whatever place the old college curriculum might have in the future, new systems of education were required in this new development of civilization. . . . This discussion, along with that of elective studies instead of a rigid curriculum, went on in all the colleges and universities in the land. The University of Virginia already had elective courses. All tried in some way to expand in the direction of the physical sciences. . . . Going along with these changes in collegiate instruction there was much clamor for purely technical schools of special kinds. In no direction was this more- marked than in agriculture." As attempts to establish scientific and technical schools in the several States increased in number and public interest in this matter grew apace, the attention of Congress was naturally drawn to this subject, but it was not until the movement for securing national aid for such institutions found in Mr. Morrill an active, wise, and persistent leader in shaping and directing legislation on its behalf that success was attained. The records of Congress show that only a man thoroughly persuaded of the importance and wisdom of this great enterprise would have persevered as Mr. Morrill did in the face of much misunderstand- ing and opposition until the desired end was finally attained. On December 14, 1857, Mr. Morrill, then a Member of the House of Representatives, introduced a bill authorizing the establishment of industrial colleges in every State and granting for their maintenance 1^0,000 acres of the public land for each Member of Congress. This bill was referred to the Committee on Public Lands, which brought in an adverse report April 15, 1858. Nevertheless in the following session of Congress the bill passed both Houses, but it was vetoed by President Buchanan. The only effect of this serious rebuff on Mr. Morrill was to lead him to broaden the scope of the measure, and in December, 1861, he introduced an amended bill which bestowed 30,000 acres of land for each Member of Congress upon the several States for the establishment of colleges "where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in order to promote the liberal and practical education EDITORIAL. 503 of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life." After several months this bill was also reported on adversely by the Committee on Public Lands, but in the meantime it had been introduced in the Senate, where it passed on June 10, and a few days later was taken up and passed by the House and received the approval of President Lincoln. This act had been drawn on broad lines, and under its fostering influences a great variety of institutions were developed and have increased in streugth and importance with the growth of public sentiment regarding the value of scientific and tech- nical education and the better definition of the proper limits and scope of education along these lines. When it became apparent that the progress of these institutions would be seriously impeded without further provision by the National Government for their maintenance, Mr. Morrill secured the passage of the act of 1890, by which more than a million dollars is annually paid from the National Treasury to meet the expenses attending instruction in certain branches in these institutions. We have in this country to-day 66 institutions organized under the Morrill acts of 1862 and 1890. These institutions have over $50,000,009 in permanent endowments, buildings, and equipment, and an annual revenue of nearly $6,000,000. They employ over 2,000 persons in their faculties and give instruction to about 30,000 students. But Mr. Morrill was closely identified with other great institutions for the advancement of science and learning. He took an active part in building up the great Congressional Library and providing for the magnificent building with the aid of which this library is destined to be ever hereafter an important factor in the education of our people. He served for fifteen years as a regent of the Smithsonian Institution, during which time he labored persistently for the enlargement of the opportunities of the institution, and, among other things, he introduced and secured the passage of the act establishing the National Zoological Park. At the meeting of the board of regents of the Smithsonian Insti- tution at which the death of Senator Morrill was announced one of the members of that distinguished body, in an address to his associates, used these words : "In the grandeur of his country he felt the patriot's pride. He sought to make this Capital City worthy of the people to whom it belonged, and the Smithsonian Institution was regarded by him as a chief factor in its future greatness and renown. "He was, in my judgment, a true American nobleman. Here, as elsewhere, distinction imposes obligations — noblesse oblige. No books of heraldry and no blazoned emblems are necessary to evidence the rank of Senator Morrill. His patent of nobility is recorded in the hearts of a grateful people." CONVENTION OF ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTS, 1898. W. H. Beal, Office of Experiment Stations. The fifteenth annual convention of the Association of Official Agri- cultural Chemists was held in the lecture hall of the Columbian Univer- sity at Washington, D. 0., November 11, 12, and 14, 1898. About 70 chemists were in attendance. The annual address of the president, A. L. Wintou, briefly reviewed the history and scope of the work of the Association, and pointed out some important new lines of investigation, among the latter being a study of materials used as insecticides and fungicides, and the estab- lishment of standards of purity for foods, and especially for spices. Attention was called to the importance of using a greater variety of materials in the cooperative test of methods by the Association, so that these shall be strictly tests of the accuracy of the methods applied to all classes of substances as distinguished from trials of the skill of the analyst. A committee, consisting of E. C. Kedzie and M. E. Jaffa, was appointed to wait upon the Secretary of Agriculture and invite him to attend the meetings of the Association. The Secretary appeared before the Asso- ciation and addressed it briefly. He noted some of the more important ways in which the work of the chemist has benefited agriculture, dwell- ing especially upon the chemist's relation to sugar production, and sug- gested other lines of inquiry which might be profitably undertaken with a view to reducing our imports. FERTILIZERS. Nitrogen. — A report on this subject, prepared by E. J. Davidson, referee, was read by the secretary. This gave results of tests by 11 analysts of the modified Kjeldahl, modified Gunning, absolute, Ulsch- Kjeldahl, and Qlsch-Gunning methods on 12 samples of fertilizers containing nitrogen in various forms; as well as comparative tests by 12 analysts of the pepsin-hydrochloric acid and 2 per cent permanga- nate of potash methods for the determination of availability of organic nitrogen in fertilizers, on dried blood, cotton-seed meal, tankage, fish scrap, meat scrap, castor pomace, steamed leather, bone meal, and hoof meal. The results indicated that the present official methods for nitrogen are satisfactory, and no changes in them were recommended by the referee. 504 CONVENTION OF OFFICIAL AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTS. 505 C. H. Jones called attention to a study which had been made at the Vermont Station of the alkaline-permanganate method for determining the availability of organic nitrogen in fertilizers. The main results of this work are summarized as follows: l "(1) The alkaline-permaugauate method (16 gm. potassium permanganate, 150 gm. sodium hydrate to 1,000 cc. ; 100 cc. used in 600 cc. flask; digestion for an hour helow boiling, followed by an hours distillation^ has shown in our hands broad distinctions between materials of animal origin of high and low nitrogen availa- bility, provided amounts of substance equivalent to 0.045 gm. of nitrogen are used. "(2) It is simpler and far more rapid than the pepsin-digestion method, and should prove particularly useful in eliminating quickly from a long list of fertilizers a large share of goods which would surely show high availabilities by the longer and more tedious processes. Its failure to show a sufficient availability with unacidified vegetable ammoniates may be overcome by the use of the pepsin method in doubtful cases. "(3) Materials falling below 50 per cent nitrogen availability by this method are open to suspicion; those falling below 10 per cent are surely of little value for the production of crops. All such, however, should be likewise tested with pepsin, and, if opportunity admits, may be subjected to vegetation tests. " (1) The alkaline-permanganate method should be considered an aid to vegetation tests rather than a substitute for them." H. J. Wheeler, in discussing this subject, questioned the accuracy of the results of vegetation tests for availability of nitrogen in dried blood. The referee for the ensuing year was instructed to further test the permanganate method. Potash. — The report on potash was submitted by C. H. Jones. This report recorded the results obtained by 9 analysts in a comparison of the present Liudo-Gladding and optional methods for the determina- tion of water-soluble and acid-soluble potash in wood ashes and cotton- hull ashes, as well as the results of tests of methods for determining chloriu in fertilizers. The results indicated that these methods are accurate and reliable for the determination of potash in ashes. It is necessary, however, in the Lindo-Gladding method to see that the potassium-platinum precipi- tate is perfectly soluble in water. B. B. Ross called attention to the fact that certain kinds of asbestus are attacked and dissolved to an appreciable extent by the ammonium chlorid solution used in washing the potassium-platinum precipitate. The referee recommended the following method for determining chlorin in fertilizers, which has been used at the Vermont Station with satisfactory results for several years. To 50 cc. of the Lindo-Gladding solution for potash (equivalent to 1 gm. of original substance), add an excess of nitric acid and as many cubic centimeters of silver nitrate solution (1 cc. of which corresponds to chlorin equivalent to 1 per cent of potash, K20, on a basis of 1 gm. of substance) as the percentage of K2Q found +0.5 per cent; boil the solution for about 5 minutes, stir, 1 Vermont Sta. Rpt. 1898, p. 171. 506 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. and allow the silver chlorid to settle. Decant a small portion of the supernatant liquid into a test tube. Test one portion of this for chlorin with a small crystal of silver nitrate and the other for silver with hydro- chloric acid or ammonium chlorid. If an excess of silver is shown, collect the silver chlorid precipitate on a filter, dry, and weigh in the usual manner. Phosphoric acid. — The referee on phosphoric acid, B. W. Kilgore, reported comparative tests by 19 analysts of the gravimetric and volu- metric methods on cotton-seed meal, South Carolina rock, monosodinm phosphate, and slag. A very close agreement between the results by the two methods was obtained. ^ High results were sometimes obtained in the volumetric method when a large excess of molybdic solution was used. Complete precipitation was obtained in the cold when the solution was shaken for 15 minutes or more. H. A. Huston suggested that the occasional high results obtained by the volumetric method on slag might be due to the presence of man- ganese. This could be corrected by adding a small quantity of ferrous ammonium sulphate. The volumetric method in the following slightly modified form was made provisional. Dissolve the substance according to prescribed methods, except that sulphuric acid must not be used. Make up to a convenient volume and use aliquots corresponding to 0.4 gm. of sub- stance for percentages below 5 or 6, 0.2 gm. for percentages between about G and 20, and 0.1 for percentages above 20. Add 15 gm. ammo- nium nitrate, dilute to 75 to 100 cc, aud heat in a water bath to GO to G5° C. Add 20 to 25 cc. of freshly filtered molybdic solution for per- centages below about G, 30 to 35 cc. for percentages below about 20, and 40 cc. for percentages above about 20. Digest for 15 minutes, filter at once, and wash twice by decanting with water, using 25 to 30 cc. each time, agitating the precipitate thoroughly aud allowing it to settle well. Transfer to filter and wash 5 or 6 times, using enough water to make with decantation washings about 200 cc. Transfer the precipitate to the precipitating vessel, dissolve in an excess of standard alkali, add a few drops of phenolphthalein, and titrate with standard (nitric) acid. Instead of precipitating in a bath at 60 to G5° C, the precipitation may be made at room temperature by shaking for about 30 minutes in some convenient form of shaking apparatus. The referee suggested that convenient forms of filters for this work may be made by putting into the glass tube used for holding Gooch crucibles a perforated porcelain disk to which is attached a stout piece of wire. This wire extends through the neck of the tube, and is used to push out the filter and precipitate after filtration. The porcelain Gooch crucible with false bottom and the deep form of Hirsch funnel are also recommended. These three with felts of asbestus and suction give good nitrations. Uniform fertilizer legislation. — The committee appointed by the Asso- ciation to confer with a similar comruittee appointed by the Association CONVENTION OF OFFICIAL AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTS. 507 of American Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations on uni- formity in fertilizer laws recommended the adoption of the following as points which should be made uniform in the laws of the several States : "(1) All substances containing nitrogen, potash, or phosphoric acid, sold, offered, or exposed for sale for manurial purposes, excepting the dung of domestic animals when sold as such, should be subjected to inspection. "(2) Each package of manurial substance as above defined, sold, offered, or exposed for sale, should bear a printed, legible guaranty. "(3) The number of net pounds in each package should be stated. "(4) Each package should bear the brand, name, or trade-mark and the name and address of the manufacturer. "(5) The quantities of manurial ingredients should be expressed in percentages. "(6) The guaranteed statements on the packages or forwarded to the inspectors need not be in the form of an affidavit. "(7) Sealed samples of fertilizers offered for sale need not be sent by the manu- facturers to the inspectors. "(8) In lots of 5 tons or less, samples should be drawn from at least 10 packages, or if less than 10 packages are present, all should be sampled ; in lots of over 5 tons, not less than 20 packages should be sampled. " (9) Duplicate samples should be drawn and sealed in the presence of the party or parties in interest, or their representatives, one of the samples to be taken by the collector and the other left with the party whose goods were inspected, subject to the call of the manufacturer. "(10) Total nitrogen should be guaranteed in all cases, and nitrogen in the form of nitrates or of ammonium salts should be guaranteed separately, if the manu- facturer desires credit therefor. " (11) Total phosphoric acid should be guaranteed in all cases, and soluble, reverted and insoluble separately, if the manufacturer desires credit therefor. " (12) Potassium should be guaranteed as potash (potassium oxid) soluble in water. "(13) When chlorin is present in fertilizers, manufacturers shall guarantee the maximum percentage thereof. " (14) Only statements of the minimum amount of the substances present, except in the case of chlorin, should be made. For example, instead of guaranteeing from 2 to 4 per cent of potash, guaranties should read thus: 2 per cent of potash. "(15) It should be specified that the methods of the Association of Official Agri cultural Chemists should be used for official work. "(16) An imprisonment clause for violation of fertilizer laws should be omitted. "(17) Manufacturers should not be obliged to secure bondsmen. "(18) Commercial valuations should not be affixed to the published analyses of manurial substances. "(19) A definition of the term 'brand' should be inserted wherever a brand tax is assessed. " (20) The guaranty" should state the ingredients guaranteed in the following form and order : " per cent phosphoric acid soluble in water. " per cent phosphoric acid reverted. " per cent phosphoric acid insoluble. " per cent phosphoric acid total. " per cent nitrogen in nitrates. " per cent nitrogen as ammonia. " per cent nitrogen total. " per cent potash soluble in water. " per cent chlorin. "Ingredients not present should lie omitted from the guaranty, and no other form of statement should be interpolated." 508 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The recommendations of the committee were adopted, and the com- mittee was continued1 with instructions to use every effort to carry into effect the recommendations of the report. SOILS AND ASH. Separate reports were submitted on these subjects, the first on soils by the referee, H. Snyder, the second on ash by the associate referee, B. L. Hartwell. The first summarized results of comparative tests by 8 analysts on soils of known deficiencies of the £ normal hydrochloric acid method for determining available phosphoric acid and the calcium chlorid and ammonium chlorid methods for determining available potash. In addition to these principal lines of work, determinations were made of total and humus nitrogen and calcium carbonate in the soils. In some of the determinations of potash the electrolytic method was used. H. Snyder also presented a paper on "Problems in soil investiga- tions," in which a plea was made for systematic soil study and uniform methods. The importance of taking into consideration the acid and basic characteristics of soils was pointed out, and the question of standards of fertility was discussed. H. J. Wheeler read a paper on methods of determining the fertilizer requirements of soils, in which attention was called to the unreliability of soil tests of fertilizers under certain conditions, e. g., with a deficiency of lime or water. The conclusions of this paper were based upon the results of several years' experiments at the Rhode Island Station. Two papers by C. G. Hopkins were submitted to the Association: (1) "A rapid method of mechanical soil analysis, including the use of centrifugal force," and (2) "A plea for a scientific basis for the divisions of soil particles in mechanical analysis." H. W. Wiley spoke of the increasing importance of soil analysis, and referred to the Hawaiian soils as opening up new and interesting problems in soil investigation. He also called attention to the tendency to increased acidity in arable soils as a fact which should always be borne in mind in soil investigations. H. Snyder, J. A. Myers, M. E. Jaffa, H. A. Huston, and H. J. Wheeler also discussed different phases of the question of soil investigation. The | normal hydrochloric acid method for available phosphoric acid gave very satisfactory results in the tests and was made a provisional method of the Association. In the method for determining humus nitrogen the soil is to be exhausted with 3 per cent sodium hydrate after treatment with 2 per cent hydrochloric acid and washing. The calcium chlorid method for determining available potash is abandoned. 'The committee for the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists is H. W. Wiley, B. W. Kilgore, H. A. Hustou, H. B. McDonnell, and B. B. Ross. The com- mittee for the Association of American Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Sta- tions is H. J. Wheeler, H. P. Armsby, E. H. Jenkins, M. A. Scovell, and C. D. Woods. CONVENTION OF OFFICIAL AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTS. 509 The referee for the next year was instructed to test the so-called international method (treatment with 3 per cent nitric acid) for deter- mining- available potash, and Hallemann's method (treatment with car- bonated water) for determining lime, and also to further test the ammonium chlorid method for available potash. B. L. Hartwell, associate referee, reported the results of comparative tests of methods by 3 analysts on hay ash. The results show that the accuracy of the methods is largely dependent upon the soluble silica present. The thorough revision of the methods was proposed, and it was suggested that they be tested on mixtures of known composition approximating the composition of ash. FOODS AND FEEDING STUFFS. The report on this subject, which was submitted by W. H. Krug, referee, gave the results of comparative tests by 13 analysts of the diastase method for carbohydrates in barley and bran, by 7 analysts of the phenylhydrazin and phloroglucin methods for pentosans in the same substances, and by 6 analysts of methods of determining galactan. The importance of making a microscopic examination for the purpose of showing when the conversion of starch by the diastase is complete was brought out in these tests. The phloroglucin method for pentosans as a rule gave higher results than the phenylhydrazin method. II. \V. AViley spoke of the difficulty of the exact determination of starch, but stated that in his opinion the diastase method is the best yet offered. He also stated it as his belief that our present methods account for all substances which occur in the nitrogen-free extract of cereals and cereal products. H. Snyder spoke of the importance of determining the acids in food. H. A. Huston suggested that a study of the alkali extract of foods and feeding stuffs would throw some light on the constitution of the nitrogen-free extract. The following recommendations of the referee were adopted by the association : Three grams of material are to be used in the determi- nation of starch by the diastase method. The substance is to be treated with diastase until the presence of starch is no longer shown by the microscope. The acid solution after inversion is to be nearly instead of exactly neutralized. The phloroglucin precipitate is dried by aspirating h hour and then heating in an oven for 3i to 1 hours. In the diastase method blank determinations to test reagents should be made. In the determination of galactan the material for the test, 3 gin., is to be extracted 5 times with 10 cc. portions of ether. The association voted to adopt the factors for calculating pentosans recently proposed by Krtiger and Tollens1 instead of those used at present in the official method. The referee called attention to the importance of using phloroglucin free from diresorcin. To detect this substance dis- solve the phloroglucin in acetic acid and add a few drops of strong sulphuric acid. A violet color shows the presence of diresorcin. ZtscLr. Angew. Chem., 1896, p. 33. 510 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Food adulteration. — A report on this subject, by W. S. Sweetser, was read by the secretary. This report was confined to a discussion of results obtained by 3 analysts in determining- starch in spices by the diastase and direct inversion methods. In this connection W. D. Bige- low spoke of the value of starch determination in detecting adultera- tion in spices. Standards and quick methods for this purpose are needed. A. L. Winton referred to the work in this line at the Connecticut State Station, and stated that while microscopic examination is as a rule the most reliable means of detecting the principal adulterations in spices and similar products, chemical methods are urgently needed. The referee suggested that his successor should compare different methods on spices low in starch, and also test the effect of longer digestion and interrupted digestion with diastase. • Food standards. — An elaborate report on this subject was presented by W. Frear, chairman of the committee appointed at the last conven- tion to consider this subject. This report pointed out the inapplica- bility of European standards to American food products, and outlined an elaborate plan for the compilation of analyses of such material. In the plan proposed, the data are to be classified as follows: (1) Maxima, minima, and averages of the principal constituents of normal foods; (2) data showing the variations in composition due to differences in origin or treatment; and (3) the maxima of injurious constituents which normally occur in foods. In the organization of the work three subcommittees have been provided for: (1) On rules, forms, selection of data, etc., W. Frear, M. A. Scovell, and H. W. Wiley; (2) lists of food chemists of the world, H. A. Weber, E. H. Jenkins, and H. W. Wiley; and (3) digest of food laws, E. H. Jenkins, M. A. Scovell, and H. W. Wiley. A classification of the different food materials of which the analyses are to be compiled is given, and the different subjects are assigned to editors. The following delegates to the pure-food congress were appointed: Delegates, H. W. Wiley, W. Frear, A. L. Winton, O. D. Woods, and W. D. Bigelow; alternates, W. O. Atwater, A. B. Peebles, H. J. Patter- son, L. L. Van Slyke, and W. H. Krug. DAIRY PRODUCTS. C. L. Penny, referee, reported the results of tests by 4 analysts of the Leffmann-Beam and lieichert-Wollny methods for volatile fatty acids, and the provisional methods of the Association for albumin and casein. Incidentally the use of a reflux condenser v. a closed flask in saponifi- cation was also tested. As a result of this work and on the recommendation of the referee, the Leffmann-Beam and present provisional methods were made optional, and it was prescribed that the fat should be weighed into the saoonification flask from a weighing tube marked to contain 5.75 cc. CONVENTION OF OFFICIAL AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTS. 511 SUGAR. The report of the referee on sugar, R. L. Hiltner, reviewed briefly the work of the Association on the subject, aud gave the results of tests of methods by 7 analysts on a sample of beet molasses. The Carr and Sanborn and the quartz-sand methods for water deter- mination were made provisional. Creydt's method for raffinose and sucrose was also made provisional. The secretary was directed to thoroughly revise all the methods for sugar, omitting (/>) and (c) of the present official methods, and under (e) giving directions tor the preparation of the permanganate solution used,1 and incorporating in the methods the statement that the deter- mination of water by means of density is not applicable to low-grade products. EL W. Wiley called attention to the fact that efforts to secure inter- national agreement as to methods of sugar analysis are meeting with considerable success. He therefore thought it unwise to make any radical changes in methods of sugar analysis at the present time. TANNIN. The referee on this subject, J. H. Yocum, reported the results of comparative tests of methods by 20 analysts on chestnut- wood extract, hemlock liquor, and an artificial tannin extract. Incidentally tests were made of 2 samples of hide powder. Numerous recommendations of the referee relating to quantity of material, directions for drying, filtration, preparation of hide powder, etc., were adopted by the Asso- ciation. MISCELLANEOUS. The report of the abstract committee was presented by E. W. Allen, chairman. This report showed that the abstracts of literature relating to analytical methods covered 60 pages of the current volumes of the Experiment Station Record, beginning with Vol. 9, No. 4, and covering Vol. 10, No. 3. A paper entitled "Report on an investigation of methods for the determination of nicotin in tobacco powders and extracts," by E. A. de Schweinitz, J. A. Emery, and F. K. Cameron, was presented to the Association. This paper reported the results of tests of different methods of determining nicotin, including Kissliug's, Lloyd's, and the optical methods, with the results of special investigations by A. L. Winton aud E. A. de Schweinitz and associates. Six analysts in dif- ferent parts of the country took part in the comparison of methods. The results show the unreliability of the methods that are at present available for the determination of nicotin. This matter was deemed of such great importance, that the Association voted to appoint referees on the subject of insecticides and fungicides, who should be charged 1 U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Chemistry Bui. 46, p. 56. 12342— No. 6 2 512 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. with the duty of investigating such questions as those discussed in the paper. A brief verbal report from the committee on volumetric standards was submitted by B. W. Kilgore. He recommended that no action be taken by this committee until the results of the deliberations of the International Congress at Vienna are known, but suggested that chemists in different parts of the country should make observations on the average temperature of their laboratories, with a view to deciding upon a normal temperature for the graduation of chemical apparatus. From the observations that the reporter had been able to make in two laboratories, he was inclined to believe that the normal laboratory temperature for a large part of the country was from 20 to 22°, rather than 15° 0., as commonly assumed. The report of this committee was accepted and the committee was continued. M. E. Jaffa invited the Association to hold its next meeting in Cali- fornia. The invitation was referred to the executive committee for consideration. The thanks of the Association were voted the Columbian University, Cosmos Club, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the president and secretary of the Association. OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION. Officers were elected for the ensuing year as follows : President, E. C. Kedzie; vice president, B. W. Kilgore; secretary, H. W. Wiley; executive committee — president, vice-president, secretary, and H. J. Wheeler and M. E. Jaffa. The referees and associate referees are as follows: Phosphoric acid: Beferee, E. G. Bunyan, Washington, D. C; asso- ciate referee, H. K. Miller, Baleigh, 1ST. C. Nitrogen : Beferee, B. L. Hartwell, Kingston, B. I. ; associate referee, Thorn Smith, Moscow, Idaho. Potash: Beferee, B. B. Boss, Auburn, Ala.; associate referee, L. S. Munson, Agricultural College, Mich. Soils and ash : Beferee, M. E. Jaffa, Berkeley, Cal. ; associate referee, W. B. Perkins, Agricultural College, Miss. Foods and feeding stuffs: Beferee, G. L. Teller, Fayetteville, Ark.; associate referee, F. W. Woll, Madison, Wis. Dairy products : Beferee, J. B. Weems, Ames, Iowa; associate referee, J. A. LeClerc, Geneva, N. Y. Liquors and food adulteration : Beferee, H. A. Weber, Columbus, Ohio ; associate referee, W. D. Bigelow, Washington, D. C. Sugar: Beferee, Elton Fulmer, Pullman, Wash.; associate referee, G. L. Spencer, Washington, D. C. Tannin : Beferee, O. Carr, Corry, Pa. The abstract committee is as follows: E. W. Allen, Washington, D.C.; J. T. Anderson, Auburn, Ala.; W. H. Beal, Washington, D. 0.; E. B. Holland, Amherst, Mass. ; C. G. Jenter, Geneva, N. Y. ; L. H. Merrill, Orono, Me.; H. Snyder, St. Anthony Park, St. Paul, Minn.; J. P. Street, New Brunswick, N. J.; and C. B. Williams, Baleigh, N. C. RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. CHEMISTRY. A volumetric citrate method for quick and exact determina- tion of phosphoric acid in superphosphates, S. Littman (Chan. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 68, pp. 691, 692).— The method proposed is as fol- lows: Dissolve 10 gm. of superphosphate in h liter of water, shake £ hour, and filter. To 50 cc. of the filtered solution add methyl orange and run in ^ normal soda solution until a distinct yellow color appears, showing that the free phosphoric acid, H3P04, has been converted into inonosodium phosphate, which reacts alkaline with methyl orange and acid with phenolphthalein. Add 10 cc. of neutral sodium citrate solu- tion, prepared by exactly neutralizing a solution of 30 gm. of sodium hydrate in 120 cc. of water with pure concentrated citric acid, allow to stand 24 hours, filter, and dilute to 250 cc. This converts the unaltered monocalcium phosphate into monosodium phosphate. Phenolphthalein is then added, and soda solution run in until a red coloration appears, showing that the monosodium phosphate has been converted into triso- cbium phosphate. The number of cubic centimeters of soda solution required for this purpose multiplied by 0.71 gives the percentage of phosphoric acid. This method and the gravimetric method were compared with very satisfactory results in a series of determinations of phosphoric acid in superphosphates made from Florida and Algerian phosphates, bone meal, and bone ash, and in spodium and mixed fertilizers. The aver- age difference in 50 determinations by the two methods was 0.13 per cent. On a new method of determining nitric acid, W. Ackermann (Chem. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 68, pp. 690, 691).— The method proposed is based upon the observation made by Kuhlmann l that ferrous hydrate heated with a nitrate solution is transformed into black oxid with evo- lution of ammonia. The details of the method are as follows: Place about 1 gm. of the nitrate in a half-liter flask with 30 cc. soda solution of 1.33 sp. gr. and 40 gm. of iron sulphate dissolved in water. The vol- ume of solution should be about 160 cc. The iron sulphate solution is prepared by dissolving 308 gm. of the sulphate in 1 liter of water. 'Gmelin-Kraut, 3, p. 301. 513 514 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. After thoroughly mixing the contents of the flask, add a small thimble- ful of pulverized or reduced iron to prevent bumping, connect the flask with the condenser, and distil the ammonia into standard acid, heating cautiously at first to prevent frothing. Method of determining nitrites in waters, L. Eobin (Jour. Pharm. et Ghim.j G. ser., 7 (1898), No. 12, pp. 575-577; abs. in Bui. Assoc. Ghim. Sucr. et Distill., 16 (1898), No. 1, pp. 83, 84). — This method is based upon the principle that when potassium iodid and acetic acid are added to a solution containing nitrites an amount of iodin is set free which is pro- portional to the amount of nitrites present. To 50 cc. of the water to be examined add 2 cc. of a 20 per cent solu- tion of pure potassium iodid and 2 cc. glacial acetic acid, stir and allow to stand exactly one-half hour, add a small amount of starch, and titrate with a solution of sodium hyposulphite prepared by diluting 50 cc. of decinormal solution to 1 liter. A table is given which shows the amount in milligrams per liter of nitrous acid corresponding to the number of cubic centimeters of sodium hyposulphite used when 50 cc. of the water is taken for the test. Concerning casein and its cleavage products in peptic digestion, F. Alex- ander (Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., 25 (1898), No. 5-6, pp. 411-429).— A study of the properties of casein prepared by the Hamraarsten method, and of the products resulting in the fractional digestion with pepsin-hydrochloric acid. The estimation of potash in soils, C. L. Penny (Delaware Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 146-163, figs. «?).— See also Bulletin 36 of the station (E. S. R., 10, p. 134). A new volumetric method for the determination of copper, R. K. Meade (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc., 20 (1898), No. 8, pp. 610-613).— -The copper is precipitated as cuprous thiocyanate, changed to oxid by heating with caustic alkali, treated with an excess of ferric chlorid or sulphate with a little dilute sulphuric acid, filtered, and the filtrate titrated with permanganate. The copper reduces a corresponding amount of the iron from the ferric to the ferrous form, and the iron equivalent to the per- manganate multiplied by 1.125 gives the amount of copper in the sample. The methods for examination of milk and its products, H. Tiemann (Die Untersuchungsmethoden der Milch und deren Producte. Leipsic: M. Heinsius Xachf., 1898, pp. 61).— This is intended for food chemists, and deals especially with the methods employed in the control of butter and milk. The determination of water in butter, margarin, etc., by means of acid- butyrometry, N. Gerber and M. M. Craandijk (Milch Zttj., 27 (1898), No. 38, pp. 593-595). — The results of 15 trials of the method, which is described, in comparison with the gravimetric results, are considered sufficiently exact for creamery and police control purposes. The relations between the specific gravity and the insoluble fatty acids of butter and other fats, N. Leonard (Analyst, 23 (1898), Nov., pp. 282, 2S3).— Four years ago the author found, on examination of 33 samples of butter, that the results might be represented by the formula y = k (1 — x), in which y is the percentage of insoluble fatty acids, x the specific gravity at 100° F., and k a constant the mean value of which was found to be 951^1.6. Recently 30 additional samples were examined, and k was found to have the mean value 951 ^ 1.8. "This close agree- ment with the previous result is interesting as showing the constancy of the general character of the adulterants employed." The results obtained by calculation on the above basis and by determination of the insoluble fatty acids are given. BOTANY. 515 The determination of the Reichert-Meissl number, M. Sikgfeld (Chem. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 72, pp. 73S, 789, fig. 1).— In determining the volatile fatty acids by the Reichert-Meissl method, it is proposed to measure the 5 gm. of fat with a pipette, instead of weighing it out. In a large number of trials the amount measured in this way ranged from 4.967 to 5.045 gm., and this variation would result in an error of from 0.2 to 0.3, which the author believes to be of little account in this determina- tion. A water bath is described for use in heating aud filtering the fat at the desired temperature. This accommodates 10 samples of fat at a time. On the determination of undigested fat and casein in infant feces, H. Pool (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 (1S9S), No. 10, pp. 765-769). — Using the method previously described by the author (E. S. R., 9, p. 917), examinations were made of 34 samples, the results of which are tabulated. Microscopic water analysis, C. Mez (Alilroscopische Wasseranalyse. Berlin: J. Springer, 1898; aos. in Bot. Centbl., 75 (1898), No. l,pp. 10-12).— Treats of the micro- scopic examination of drinking and drainage waters. A study of the nitrogen contained in wine, J. Laborde (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 12 (1898), No. 8, pp. 517-540.) The composition of eeolosomine, A. B. Griffiths (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sei. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 13, pp. 448, 449). — This is a so-called respiratory proteid. The proteid and nonalbuminoid nitrogen in straw and chaff '(Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 65, p. 713). — The total protein and nonalbuminoid nitrogen in 25 kinds of straw and chaff of cereals and legumes is given. Miscellaneous chemical work, C. L. Penxy (Delaivare Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 163- 165).— Discusses very briefly tests of methods of preserving and analyzing milk samples, and reports analyses (with reference to sugar content) of 4 varieties of sorghum which had been subjected to selective propagation for several years. Lubricants for glass stop-cocks, F. C. Phillips (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 (1898), No. 9, pp. 678-6S1). — A mixture of pure rubber 70 parts, spermaceti 25 parts, and vaseline 5 parts "lubricates well, is translucent, adheres to the glass, aud is not saponitiable. . . . Another preparation which gave still better results was made by mixing pure rubber 70 parts and yellow unbleached beeswax 30 parts. . . . A thick rubber and wax mixture is especially suited for well-ground glass stop-cocks upon gas vessels which are to be exhausted and which have therefore to sustain the full pressure of the atmosphere. Such mixtures have been in use for stop-cocks of ordi- nary burettes in volumetric work during about two years, and have given satisfac- tory results in every way." BOTANY. A revision of the North American species of Calamagrostis, T. H. Kearney ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Agrostology Bui. 11, pp. 7-42, Jig. 1). — This is a monographic revision of the i^orth American species of Calamagrostis, together with notes on geographic distribu- tion, ecology, teratology, and hybridism. A list is given of excluded species and an analytical key to the species recognized. The new- species described by the author are: Calamagrostis lemmoni, C.foliosa, G. angusta, C. subflexuosa, G. fasciculata, C. nemoralis, G. alaskana, G. laxiflora, C. micrantha, G. californica, and G. labradorica. In all 38 species and a number of varieties are enumerated. Descriptions of new or little-known grasses, F. Lamson- Scrlbner ( U. S. Dept., Agr., Division of Agrostology Bui. 11. pp. 42-60, pis. 17, figs. 11). — Descriptions are given with reference to hab- itat, etc., of a number of new or poorly known species of grasses. 516 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Those described as new are: Panicum linear if olium, P. equilaterale, P. implicatum, P. wrightianum, Chcetochloa latifolia, Stipa williamsii, 8. nelsoni, S. minor, Muhlenbergia palustris, Sporobolus palmeri, S.thurberi, 8. simplex, Agrostis paludosa, Trisetum argenteum, Zeugites pringlei, Era- gro&tis viscosa,Poa capillaris, P.juncifolia, P. hanseni, P. atropurpurea, P. longipedunculata, Agropyron elmeri, A. brevifolium, Pignuts capitqtus, E. hanseni, and E. ciliatus. Elymus saxicolus Scribner and Smith and E. simplex Scribner and Williams are also described. In addition to the above a few new combinations are given as a result of changes in nomenclature. The principal poisonous plants in the United States, V. K. Chesnut ( U. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Botany Bui. 20, pp. 60, Jigs. S4). — The author has given concise and illustrated descriptions of many of our most common poisonous plants, the number considered embrac- ing about 50 species. The arrangement of the plants is according to the scientific classification at present most generally accepted, but by the liberal use of common names and a brief outline of geographic dis- tribution any of the species would be easily recognized. The following are the species enumerated: Fly ainanita {Amanita muscaria), death cup (A. phalloides), American false hellebore ( Veratrum viride), lily- of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis), showy lady's slipper (Cypripedium regince), larger yellow lady's slipper (G. Mrsutum), smaller yellow lady's slipper (C. parviflorum), corn cockle (Agrostemma githago), aconite {Aconitum colnmbianum), larkspurs {Delphinium trieorne, D. geyeri, D- menziesii, D. recurvatum, and D. trollii folium), black cherry {Prunus serotina), Kentucky coffee tree {Gymnoeladus dioiea), woolly loco weed [Astragalus mollissimus), stemless loco weed (Aragallus lambertii), rat- tlebox {Grotalaria sagittalis), caper spurge {Euphorbia lathyris), snow- on-the-mountain {E. marginata), poison ivy {Rhus radicans), poison oak (R. diversiloba), poison sumac {R. vernix), red buckeye (JEsculus pavia), water hemlock {Cicuta maculata), Oregon water hemlock (0. vagans), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), broad-leaf laurel {Kalmia latifo- lia), narrow-leaf laurel {E. angustifolia), great laurel {Rhododendron maximum), stagger-bush {Pieris mariana), branch ivy {Leucothoe cates- baii), false jessamine {Gelsemium semper vir ens), Jimson weeds {Datura stramonium, and D. tatula), black nightshade (Solatium nigrum), bitter- sweet {8. dulcamara), spreading nightshade {S. triflortim), and sneeze- weed {Eelenium autumnale). Hybrids and their utilization in plant breeding, W. T. Swingle and H. J. Webber (U. S. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1897, pp. 383-420, pis. /, figs. 13). — The authors have given a statement concerning hybrids and their utilization in plant breeding, most of the information being compiled. Hybrids are defined and the methods of producing them are fully explained. Notes are also given on plants which may be hybridized and the effect of the different crossings on the hybrid progeny. BOTANY. 517 A grouping of hybrids is given according to their resemblance to their respective parents. The descendants of hybrids, the difference between reciprocal hybrids, prepotency of pollen from one plant to another, increased vigor of hybrids and cross-bred plants, direct action of foreign pollen on the mother plant, and graft hybrids are discussed. Tue practical utilization of hybrid plants in plant breeding is dis- cussed at considerable length and some of the special features obtained by hybridizing pointed out. Chlorophyll assimilation in littoral plants, E. Griffon (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 13, pp. 449-452).— -The author has made a study of the plants which are characteristic of the flora along the seashore and are also found growing in saline soils in the interior. Specimens were collected under the same conditions both from the littoral flora and from the interior of France and examined micro- scopically, the following species being used: Atriplex hastata, Beta maritima, Lyeium uarbarum, Plantago major, Tussilago farfara, Senecio vulgaris, Polygonum aviculare, and Medicago lupulina. From his inves- tigations it is stated that maritime plants, while undergoing a reduction in the amount of chlorophyll, due to the mariue salts, have acquired a greater thickness and marked increase in the assimilating tissue; but this modification of structure is not able to entirely overcome the action produced by the salts. Assimilation in proportion to a unit of leaf surface is less in leaves of littoral plants than the same species growing in the interior. Influence of light on the form and structure of plants, Maiga. (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 11, pp. 420-423).— The author has made a study of the influence of light on the branching of Ampelopsis hederacea and Glechoma hederacea. Both of these plants possess flowering and climbing or running branches that are quite dissimilar. In each case the flowering branches have very short inter- nodes and the leaves are crowded toward the summit, while the climb- ing and runniug branches are characterized by a very rapid growth and elongated internodes. The plants were grown under a number of different conditions of illumination, and it was found that diffused light favors the formation of climbing or running branches and is able to trausform the flowering buds into climbiug or running ones. It also exerts a marked influence in changing the morphological and anatom- ical characters which are characteristic of climbing or running branches. Direct illumination produces the opposite effect. Influence of mutilating seed on the development of the plants, E. Gain (Proc. Assoc. Franc. VAvancement Sci. 1897, pp. 463-168).— The author gives an account of experiments conducted with seed of lupines to test the effect of removing one or both cotyledons on the growth and development of the plants. The seeds were soaked for 40 hours and comparable lots were selected and planted in pots in which the soil was the same. After 12 days the young plants were divided into three 518 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. groups, one of which had both cotyledons removed, another had one removed, while the third lot developed in the normal way. The autnor describes the effect of this treatment on the growth and the morpho- logical characters of the different plants. The mutilation of cotyledons was found to retard the growth, reduce the number of leaves as well as the number and size of the leaflets, and greatly modify the general habit of growth of the plants. In the case of those in which both cotyledons were removed the plant developed in the form of an inverted cone, while the normal plant has a tendency to a more cylindrical shape. The normal plant has usually 7, rarely 5 or 6, leaflets, while with those plants which had both cotyledons removed, 5, and sometimes 4, leaflets was the rule. The author states that this experiment will have an important bearing in showing the possible influence of the mutilation of seeds by weevil, etc. The physiological function of iron in plants, J. Stoklasa (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 5, pp. 282, 283). — The author states that it having been shown by Gautier and Molisch that iron is not found in chlorophyll, and that his own experiments show it does not exist in the chlorolecithin, he has been led to investigate the possi- ble relation of iron with the cell nucleus. From onion bulbs he has succeeded in isolating a substance that in chemical composition almost exactly agrees with the hematogen which Buuge has extracted from the yolk of eggs. The author has compared the various properties of the two substances and finds them practically identical. He states that chemical and microscopical observations show that a great part of the iron in plants is localized in the embryo or endosperm, and dur- ing germination it is employed by the plant in forming nuclei of the cells of the growing tissues. The effect of depriving young plants of iron can be readily shown with cultures of maize, in which the plant quickly perishes if from the nutritive solution iron be omitted. It is stated that it is impossible to extract hematogen from starved plants. Plants without chlorophyll are said to act in the same way, as shown in the case of Mucor mucedo, and hematogen has been isolated from the common Boletus edulis. The author concludes from his investiga- tions that iron as well as phosphorus plays an important role in the formation of the cell nucleus. A revision of the genera Chloris and Eustachys in North America, G. V. Nash (Bui. Torrey Bot. Club, 25(1898), No. 8, pp. 432-450).— According to the author, as revised, the species of Chloris known to North America are 10 and those of Eustachys 4. New species of Alabama fungi, C. H. Peck (Bui. Torrey Bot. Club, 25 (1898), No. 7, pp. 368-372). — As a contribution from the Alabama Biological Survey, the author describes 10 species of fleshy fungi. American grasses, I, F. Lamson-Scribner ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of Agrostol- ogy Bui. 7, pp. 331,fiys. 302). — A revised edition of this bulletin (E. S. R., 9, p. 327). New plants from Wyoming, A. Nelson (Bui. Torrey Bot. Club, 25(1898), No. 7, pp. 373-381). — This is the third contribution of the author descriptive of note- worthy species of plants in Wyoming, and contains descriptions and notes of 14 new species. FERMENTATION BACTERIOLOGY. 519 Some brief notes on the Swedish plant improvement investigations at Svalof, N. H. Nilsson (Malmo i Sweden), 1898, pp. 14. In German I. Native poison plants, A. Morrisox (Producers' Gaz. and Settlers' llec. [West. Aus- tralia], 5 {1898), No. S, pp. 214-218, figs. 4).— Descriptive notes are giveu of the following plants, which are reputed as being poisonous to cattle: Oxylooiwm retusum, Gastrolobium callistachys, (<. parvifolium, and <;. trilobum. The poison plants of Western Australia, A. MORRISON (West Australian Set- tier's Guide and Farmer's Handbook, 1897, pt. 3, pp. 572-592). — Notes are giveu on various poisonous plants, the most of which helong to the two genera Gastrolobium and' Oxylobium. All of these plants are poisonous to stock, and methods for their eradication are suggested. Homology of the members of the plant body, -with special reference to the question of homology involved in the alternation of generations in green plants, F. 0. Bower ( (lard. Chron., 3. ser., 24 (1898), Xo. 612, p. 224).— A brief resume is given of the presidential address of the author hefore the Botanical Section of the British Association at its meeting September 8, 1898. The number and symmetry of the fibrovascular bundles in the petiole as a character in determining species, A. Chatin (Compt. Bend. Acad. Set. Paris, 127 (189S), Xo. 6, pp. 301-307). Origin of lenticels, H. Devaux (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), Xo. 20, pp. 1432-1435). — The author gives a report on the origin of the structures forming lenticels. The nature and origin of stipules, A. A. Tyler (A tin. Xew York Acad. Sci., 10 (1898), Xo. 1-12, pp. 1-49, pis. 2). The splitting of fruits and tubers (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 24 (1898), Xo. 611, j>. 198). — Editorial notes are given on the physiological causes which result in the splitting of various fruits and tubers. Concerning some caryophyllaceous hybrids, K. Fritsch (Oesterr. Bot. Ztg., 48 (1S9S), Xo. 10, pp. 381-385). — Hybrids between species of Saponaria and of species of Gypsophila are described. The insect visitors of flowers, J. H. Lovell (Bui. Torrey Bot. Club, 25 (1898), Xo. 7, pp. 382-390). — The author has given descriptions of the methods for fertilization of various flowers and the insect visitors of Gaullheria procumbens, Chelone glabra, Impatiens biflora, Cornus canadensis, C. stolonifera, C. alternifolia, and Aralia racemosa. Sex in plants, J. Hoopes (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Rpt. 1897, pp. 665-678, figs. 10). — A reprint of Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Bulletin 30 (E. S. R., 9, p. 812). A permanent stain for starch, J. If. Schaffner (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), Xo. 10, p. 181). — By the use of anilin-safranin and gentian-violet a permanent stain may be secured. On the preservation of materials in paraffin, C. Janet (Bui. Soo. Zool. France, :3 (1898), Xo. 7-8, pp. 117, 118). Plant physiological and agricultural-chemical researches during 1897, H. JENSEN (Tidsskr. Landokon, 17 (1898), Xo. 3-4, pp. 314-331). FERMENTATION— BACTERIOLOGY. A preliminary arrangement of the species of the genus Bacte- rium, F. D. Chester (Delaware Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 53-145). — The author proposes a scheme for the description of bacteria, which is thought to be sufficient in detail for the identification of the different species. A table is given in which the name, synonyms, habitat, and morphology of 354 species of Bacterium are given, together with their staining peculiarities, temperature conditions, description of their appearance in gelatin and agar cultures, gelatin stab, and slant cul- tures, agar cultures, potato cultures, bouillon cultures, milk cultures, 520 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. litmus-milk cultures, and pepton-rosolic acid solution, are described, together with their action in fermentation tubes, chemical relations, and pathogenesis. In an appendix 10 species of bacteria associated with diseases of plants are briefly noted, which the author claims are not sufficiently described or are of such a habit as to make their classification by the foregoing scheme impossible. The work concludes with an index of the more important literature of species of the genus Bacterium. Bacteriological examination of drinking water, F. D. Chester (Delaware Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 42-53). — During the past year a consider- able portion of the bacteriologist's time has been taken up with the examination of different samples of drinking water. The different methods of examination are reviewed and the method of Smith1 is given in some detail. This method consists practically of the follow- ing manipulations: To each of a series of 10 fermentation tubes con- taining 1 per cent glucose bouillon, are added quantities of water varying from 0.1 to 1 cc, and are kept at 37 to 38° C. If after 3 or 4 days one or more of the tubes are found to contain from 40 to 00 per cent of gas, and if the reaction of the liquid is strongly acid, the Presence of the colon bacillus is regarded as certain. In the author's experience this method is not wholly accurate, and details are given of several cultures showing that the appearance of the colon bacillus can only be certainly established by isolating the organism and by its cultural characteristics. The claim that the above-described method of treatment gives absolute results the author thinks should be qualified to mean the possible evidence of the presence of this particular germ. A simple steam sterilizer, F. G. Novy (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 2, p. 83, fig-*)- An atlas of bacteriology, C. Slater and E. J. Spitta (London : Scientific Press, 1898.) Laboratory methods in bacteriology: Detection of pathogenic organisms, F. G. Novy (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 10, pp. 175-178, figs. 2). Laboratory directions for beginners in bacteriology, V. A. Moore (Ithaca, 1898, pp. TI-\-89). A practical guide to the bacteriological analysis of pus, blood, saliva, milk, urine, ■water, soil, etc., L. Feltz (Guide pratique pour les analyses dc hacteriologie clinique, pus, sang, cr achat, lait, urine, eau, sol, etc. Paris : J. B. BaUliere, 1898, pp. 282, figs. 111). Technical mycology : The utilization of micro-organisms in the arts and manufactures, F. Lakar. Transl. by C. I. C. Salter (Philadelphia: J. B. Lippin- cott Co., 1898, Vol. I, pp. IX -\- 405, pi. l,figs. 90). — This valuable contribution is a prac- tical handbook on fermentation and fermentative processes for the use of brewers, distillers, analysts, technical and agricultural chemists, pharmacists, and all inter- ested in the industries dependent on fermentation. The first volume, the only one at hand, treats solely of schyzomycetic fermentation. The immense strides that mycology has made in the arts are seldom appreciated until such a work as the pres- ent volume is carefully examined. 1 Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1, Abt., 18 (1895), p. 494. ZOOLOGY. 521 A few of the many topics discussed are distilling, brewing, wine making, manu- facture of vinegar, dairying, preparation of fodders of various kinds, tobacco and sugar manufacturing, fixation of free atmospheric nitrogen, nitrification, etc. The subjects have been treated from the botanical, technical, and chemical standpoints, particular stress being paid to the latter two. Special sections are devoted to the decomposition and transformation of organic nitrogenous compounds and on oxidiz- ing fermentation, in which a large fund of information is given relative to the bac- terial processes involved in the breaking up of various organic compounds. The historical development of the subject is treated in a very interesting and complete manner and the account of the various systems of classification of bacteria is most valuable. The principles of sterilization and pure cultivation are rather briefly but very clearly stated. Mechanically the book is well made, and the only serious fault to be found with it is the lack of an index, a serious omission we believe in any work. This will doubt- less be given in the concluding volume, but in such a work its usefulness is greatly increased by making every volume, complete in itself. The same objection can be olfered the system of references. A very complete table of contents will aid some- what iu overcoming the difficulties experienced by the lack of an index. In all probability this work will for sometime to come be the most elaborate and useful treatise in English on the subject. ZOOLOGY. Birds that injure grain, F. E. L. Beax ( U. S. Dept. Agr. Yearhook 1897, pp. 345- 354). — According to the author the more important grain-eating birds in the United States are the crow, crow blackbird, red- winged blackbird, yellow-headed blackbird, rusty grackle, and cowbird. The food habits, breeding places, etc., of the different birds are noted as well as the causes which account for the increase of some of the birds. It is stated that apparently few birds willingly subsist exclusively upon any one kind of grain for a considerable time, and on the other hand they have a marked fondness for the seeds of certain useless plants. The ravages which they occasion- ally cause are explained on the ground of too many birds of the same or closely allied species within a limited area. An attempt to exterminate the species is regarded as ill advised and hopeless. It would doubtless be possible to diminish the number of birds when desirable. " With the breeding places more restricted and an environment otherwise changed by increased population, the number of birds must surely decrease, and in time the proper equilibrium will be restored. In the meantime it behooves the farmer to apply such remedies as the exigencies of the case suggest, and where these gregarious species are over abundant it might be well to exempt them from the general pro- tective laws, in order that each landholder may be free to protect himself as best he can." Further notes on the birds of Colorado, W.W.Cooke {Colorado Sta. Bui. 44, pp. 147-176). — This is considered as an appendix to Bulletin 37 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 229), and contains notes on the results of investigations made since the former bulletin was published. The total number of birds now known to occur iu Colorado is 374, of which 236 breed there. The white or barn owl (Bd. Agr. [London] Leaflet No. 51, pp. 4, fig. 1). — The white or barn owl (Strix aluco or S. flammed) is described, and information concerning its food habits, etc., quoted from a number of sources. The fact is pointed out that this bird is useful and that it should be protected. The wild birds' protection act, which applies to the white or barn owl, is cited. On the systematic destruction of woodchucks, F. H. Storei: (Bui. Busseg Inst., 2 (189S), No. 7, pp. 422-428).— -The author discusses attempts to destroy woodchucks with vapor from volatile liquids, such as bisulpbid of carbon, and by poisons. Ex- periments in smoking woodchucks in their burrows are reported. Earlier attempts were made with sulphur or touch paper, but the best results Avere obtained with a torch made of sodium nitrate 12 parts, sulphur 6 parts, mealed gunpowder 4 parts, f>22 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. antimony sulphid 2 parts. The author also quotes a method of destroying wood- chucks by exploding cartridges of common blasting powder or dynamite in the burrows. The determination and regulation of sex, Schiller (Milch Ztg., 27 {1897), No. 37, pp. 580-582). — The author summarizes some of the principal investigations on the determination of sex in animals and compares it with recent work with men along the same lines. Microtechnique of animal morphology ; a critical description of microscop- ical experimental methods, Apathy {Die Mikrotechnik der tierischen Morphologic Eine kritische Darstellung der mikrokopischen Untersuchungsmethoden. Braunschweig: II. Bruhn, 1896, pt. l,pp. 320, figs. 10; rev. in Cental. Bald. it. Par., 1. AM., 24 (1898), Xo. 2-3, pp. 100, 101). On a green leucocytosis in oysters associated with the presence of copper in the Leucocytes, R. Boyce and W. A. Herdman (Proc. Bog. Soc. [London'], 62 (1S97), No. 379, pp. 30-38). — The authors report a number of experiments. Copper was found in green oysters in much larger quantity than in white oysters. METEOROLOGY. Report of the meteorologist, W. H. Bishop {Delaware Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 214-229). — Monthly summaries of observations at G different places in Delaware on temperature, atmospheric pressure, and precipi- tation during the year ending June 30, 1897? and a summary of obser- vations on temperature and precipitation during the calendar year 1800 are given and the data briefly discussed. The summary for 180G is as follows : Annual summary of meteorological observations in Delaware. No. days on which Locality. - r£™j£n_ 0.01 hi. or more of rain fell. Temperature. Highest. Lowest. Mean. Deg. F. Deg. F. Deg. F. 98 0 52. 24 10U 2 53.20 98 6 54.11 98.5 9 56.02 97 6.5 54.98 98 6 54.44 Newark Middletowu Dover Milford ... Seaford Millsboro... Inches. 31.13 36.55 41.85 46.48 47.98 44.74 93 111 Rainfall of the crop season, A. J. Henry ( U. 8. Dept. Agr. Year- book 1897, pp. 607-618, charts 5). — Tables and charts show the monthly and seasonal averages of rainfall, April to September, of the different States and Territories; the averages and least rainfall of the region east of the one hundredth meridian; variations in rainfall; and date of appearance of first and last killing frost. The data are briefly discussed. The mean annual rainfall of the globe, R. DeC. Ward (Science, n. ser., 8 (1S98), No. 198, pp. 507, 50S). — This article briefly discusses Loomis and Supan's rainfall maps, Symon's report on " British rainfall in 1897," Todd's report on "Rainfall in South Australia and the Northern Territory, and that portion of the bibliographical number (for 1897) of Ann ales de Geographie which contains notes on climatology and meteorology. Meteorology in Denmark, 1896-97, V. Willaume-Jaxt/.en (Tidsslcr. Landokon., 17 (1S98), No. 1-2, pp. 88-101). AIR — WATER — SOILS. 523 AIR— WATER— SOILS. Some interesting soil problems, M. Whitney (U. S. Jlcpt. A (jr. Yearbook 1897, pp. 429 -440). — This is a discussion of the peculiar physical properties of certain soils of the extreme West which "absorb moisture so readily, lose it through evaporation so slowly, and yet supply the needs of plants so regularly and abundantly that they can stand long periods of drought, during which the crops coutinue to grow without any signs of suffering for lack of water." Certain soils in the San Joaquin Valley, California, in the region of Tulare and Fresno, seem to have a remarkable power of transporting water for the use of crops. Less than 10 in. of rain falls during the year and none falls during the growing season, and standing water is probably 12 to 25 ft. below the surface; yet good crops are grown with- out irrigation provided the irrigation canals are allowed to run, the seepage apparently supplying in some unexplained way the water needed. "At . . . Chiuo, San Bernardino, Claremont, and Pomona there are certain soils upon which crops are gro^n without irrigation. There are on an average between 17 and 18 in. annual rain- fall at these places, the most of which falls during the winter months. Less than an inch of rain falls on the average during the 5 months of the growing season, from May to September, inclusive." This is an artesian district, but the surface wells are from 20 to 40 ft. deep. Similar conditions have been noted elsewhere in the region of deficient rainfall, notably "in the great wheat areas in the northern part of the San Joaquin Valley of California, in the Palouse district around Pull- man, Washington, and on the foothills at Wallawalla, Washington, and at Bozemau, Montana, where there are soils which produce fine crops of wheat without irrigation," although the rainfall amounts to from 13 to 18 in. and most of it falls during the winter months, and ground water is from 30 to 40 ft. below the surface. Soils of the Mohave desert with 3 in. annual rainfall, of which only 0.3 in. falls in the season from May to September, were examined about the middle of September, " at least 20 miles from the mountains, in the midst of a level plain." "Contrary to expectation, the soil at a depth of from 12 to 18 in. below the surface was still quite moist, in spite of the fact that no rain had fallen for at least 5£ months. The surface wells vary in depth from 6 to 30 ft., occasionally being 200 ft. deep. On certain parts of the desert it is the common practice to dig holes 6 to 10 ft. deep and allow them to fill up with water for the use of the stock. The distance to water varies according to the nature of the soil, just as it does in the humid por- tions of the country. The soils in which the water is close to the surface are, as a rule, impregnated with alkali. There is an artesian belt under a portion of the desert. "Investigation showed the same conditions to exist on the Nevada and Utah deserts between Reno and Ogden. The annual rainfall is between 5 and 6 in., the seasonal rainfall about 1 or 2 in. on the average. It is stated that water can be found on these deserts about 30 ft. below the surface, although the water may be so strongly impregnated with salts that it is unfit for use. . . . 524 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "A fact which makes more remarkable this extraordinary power of the soils to absorb and retain a sufficient quantity of water for the needs of crops for 5 or 6 months after the rain ceases is the very low relative humidity of the atmosphere. Records of the relative humidity have been taken from only a few of the places under consideration, and these are given in the following table: Mean annual and seasonal relative humidity. Locality. Tulare, Cal Wallawalla, Wash Milea City, Mont. Bismarck, N. Dak Humboldt, Nev. . . Annual. Per cent. 58 62 65 72 May in Septem- ber. Per cent. 42 47 52 67 36 July and August. Per cent. 35 39 46 65 31 "The mean relative humidity of New England for July and August, 1897, deter- mined from the reports of 7 Weather Bureau stations, was 85 per cent. At "Walla- walla the mean relative humidity from May to September was only 47 per cent and for July and August 39 per cent. It is hardly conceivable that under these extremely dry conditions the foothills soil could maintain sufficient water from the winter rains to supply the loss due to evaporation from the surface of the soil and to tran- spiration by the plant for months after the rain had ceased to fall. At Tulare the mean relative humidity during the growing season is 42 per cent and 35 per cent during the months of July and August — conditions which practically prevail at Fresno. Nevertheless, at Fresno, with nearly the same rainfall, and where crops must transpire great quantities of moisture iuto the dry atmosphere, the soil main- tains an adequate supply of moisture for the plants, provided the water continues to run in the canals, although these may be as much as a mile apart. . . . " At Humboldt, on the Nevada desert, the relative humidity from May to Septem- ber is about 36 per cent and in July and August 31 per cent. The conditions over the Mohave desert are probably uot dissimilar from those at Humboldt and Tulare." These peculiar soil conditions suggest the importance of study of "the great power these soils have of retaining moisture and of supplying it rapidly and regularly to the crops as it is needed. If such power can be imparted to other soils of a droughty character, especially to our soils in the East, it will be of immense value to the farmer. "The first question to solve is the distribution of the rainfall. It is important to determine the depth to standing water; that is, the aver- age depth of wells. Then it is very important to know whether any portion of the rainfall passes down into this stratum and runs off into the drainage." The use of the electrical method for this purpose is explained. It is important to know whether the annual rainfall in these soils descends low enough to form any connection with the underground drainage water, and if it does not, whether the small amounts of rain- fall occurring during the winter months in these regions are "sufficient to maintain crops for 5 or 6 months of dry weather," with "a low rela- tive humidity and often high temperature of the atmosphere, without any additional water supply from any source." AIR WATER SOILS. 525 Tables give the mean aimual aiid seasonal rainfall at 48 places in the regions referred to and mechanical analyses of 14 samples of soils from the same region. The composition of these soils is as follows: Mechanical analyses of soils. Locality. Mapleton, N". Dak Jamestown, N. Dak. Bismarck, N. Dak Steele, N. Dak.... Billings, Mont Pullman, Wash .. Wallawalla.Wash Do Fresno, Cal Visalia, Cal Tulare, Cal Pomona, Cal Lancaster, Cal Tecoma, Nev Description. Red River Valley Prairie Sandy prairie Prairie do Palouse district — basalt. Valley land Foof hills soil Sandy loam Loam Alkali land Sandy land Mohave desert... Nevada desert P.ct. 7.84 4.48 2.54 4.46 2.98 5.51 4.12 3.95 1.61 2.85 2. 72 1.00 1.77 3.17 3.50 P.ct. 7.72 4.33 6.02 5.18 4.40 5.08 3.08 5.66 2.52 5.85 4.44 1.94 3.81 6.43 4.75 P.ct. 0.03 1.74 0.00 0.00 .03 0.00 o.oo .43 .03 .64 6.03 .34 .07 P. et. 0.07 2.10 6.61 .09 0.00 .16 .15 .06 3.40 .18 2.57 10.11 .89 .13 S3 P.ct. P.ct. 0.18 0.94 6.37 16.69 10.67 .42 .16 .16 4.23 1.87 7.96 .85 . 41 3. 22 .08 1.05 16. 14 30. 95 .61 5.41 6.22 12.46 17.26 21.92 1.67 I 7.86 .37 5.24 P.ct. P.ct. 11.51 25.94 21.70 14.57 28.91 21.17 41.18 22.97 28.79 34.45 27.94 35.80 35.24 37.73 25. 12 15. 90 34.28 22.79 20. 98 35.12 44.96 4.33 I 8.62 28.17 25.90 42. 12 12. 72 34.28 21.36 13.13 28. 43 17.94 P.ct. 6.06 2.75 1.79 3.58 4.67 5.77 3.54 4.24 1.58 3. 50 6.51 1.93 3.45 5.00 .4-4 §a °a 5 P.ct. 38.00 25.55 16.48 19.57 17.25 18.57 12.63 17.50 14.60 14.20 21.05 5.33 18.63 17.93 18.37 Lavas and soils of the Hawaiian Islands, W. Maxwell et al. (Honolulu: Hawaiian Gazette Company, 1898, pp. 186, pis. 4, map 1). — This is an account of investigations1 by the Hawaiian Experiment Station and Laboratories published by order of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association. The subjects studied were (1) origin and nature of Hawaiian soils and (2) availability and loss of the elements of plant food in Hawaiian soils. Origin and nature of Hawaiian soils. — "The soils of these islands are derived from volcanic lavas. Among Hawaiian lavas are those which have been discharged from craters, flowing and cooling into rocks having the composition of normal basalts. Others, originally of the same composition, have undergone such alteration that they now com- pose masses having a radically different chemical composition and color appearance. This alteration took place at the time of ejection, and under the action of chemical causes, and previous to the later action of secondary causes of rock disintegration, such as weathering, which has apparently been the only agent of decomposition of certain of the normal lavas." The results are reported of detailed chemical studies of the unde- composed lavas and of those which have undergone more or less change by weathering or under the influence of steam and sulphurous vapors. The processes of decomposition of lava under the influence of steam and. sulphurous vapors were studied in the craters of Kilaueaand other volcanoes. The changes which the lavas have undergone in the process of transformation into soils are shown by the following comparison of 'For account of previous investigatious on soils see E. S. R., 7, p. 937. 526 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the composition of unaltered lavas with the average of about 600 soils derived from them (calculated to the basis of mineral matter): Average composition of Hawaiian lavas an d soils. Silica. Ferrous and fer- ric ox- ids. Alumi- num oxid. Calcium oxid. s 'sr Potas sinm oxid. Per cent. 47.90 27.54 Per cent. 13.36 36.45 Per cent. 18.23 22.64 Per cent. 8.99 .46 Percent. Percent. 6.05 2.20 1.07 1.19 Per cent. 1.50 .62 On the basis of the studies made the soils of the islands are classi- fied geologically as follows: "(1) Dark red soils formed by the simple weathering of normal lavas, in climatic conditions of great heat and dryness. "(2) Yellow and light red soils derived from lavas that underwent great alteration under the action of steam and sulphurous vapors at the time of or after emission from the craters. "(3) Sedimentary soils derived from the decomposition of lavas at higher altitudes and removal and deposition by rainfall at lower levels. "In addition to the classihcation based on geological differences in the lavas the soils have been further considered in classes dictated by the results of climatic con- ditions as follows: "(1) Upland soils formed under lower temperatures and greater rainfall, and dis- tinguished by a large content of organic matter and nitrogen and by a low content of the elements of plant food in an available state, these elements having been removed by rainfall. "(2) Lowland soils formed under higher temperature and smaller rainfall, and characterized by a lower content of organic matter and nitrogen and by a higher content of the elements of plant food in a state of immediate availability, which is due in part to the receipt of some soluble constituents from the upper lands and to a smaller rainfall over the lower levels." The composition of some of these soils is shown in the following table, which gives the average of over 1,300 analyses. The mineral constit- uents reported were determined by digesting the soils in hydrochloric acid of 1.115 specific gravity for 10 hours in a boiling water bath. Composition of different classes of Hawaiian soils. Insoluble matter Moisture Combustible matter. Titanic oxid Phosphoric acid Sulphuric acid Carbonic acid Ferric oxid Aluminic oxid Calcium oxid Magnesium oxid Manganese oxid Potassium oxid Sodium oxid Total Insoluble silica (calculated to mineral matter) Soluble silica (calculated to mineral matter) Total nitrogen Nitrogen soluble in 3 per cent KOH in 30 hours. . . Nitrogen insoluble in 3 per cent KOH in 30 hours Water absorptive power Dark-red soils. Yellow and light - red soils. Lowland soils. Upland soils. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. 37. 202 24. 204 35. 150 27. 870 6.160 10.480 9.031 12. 290 11.330 20. 440 15. 460 20. 600 2.589 3.200 1.780 1.840 .193 .409 .396 .470 .310 .180 .234 .157 .180 .250 .290 .030 22. 942 28. 720 19. 980 21.810 16. 838 9.891 16. 155 13. 621 .344 .148 .390 .294 .437 .745 . 802 .610 .420 .435 .187 .187 .386 .378 .286 .272 .752 .621 .355 .391 100. 083 100. 101 99. 681 99. 953 11. 449 11. 492 12. 569 14. 068 20. 000 12. 141 16. 049 13. 042 .179 .459 .291 .490 .106 .360 .204 .347 .073 .099 .087 .143 63. 300 77. 000 AI R WATER SOILS. 527 The following table compares the composition of two of the above soils with that of the lavas from which they were derived: Comparison of lavas and soils. Silica. Ferric Aliimi- Calcium oxid. mini oxid. oxid. Normal lavas (solid) Normal lavas (weathering) Dark-red soils Tufa lavas Yellow and light-red soils. Per cent. 47. 58 40.35 31. 45 32.84 23.(53 Per cent. 15.02 20. 52 29.78 33. 92 43.11 Per cent. 19. 92 25. 23 26. 94 29. 1 1 18.33 Per cent. 8.88 8.11 .57 1.74 .37 The analyses show that Hawaiian soils are strongly basic. As a rule the dark-red soils and the sedimentary soils are distinguished by a greater and more permanent fertility than the yellow or light-red soils. "A comparison of American rocks with Hawaiian lavas, and of the soils respec- tively derived from them, have shown that the soils of these islands are totally different in type from the soils of the United States, which is set forth hy the great differences in physical properties and chemical composition. Relatively speaking, the soils of these islands are in their youth, and the soils of the United States and of Europe in a state of old age." Availability and loss of the elements of plant food in Hawaiian soils. — For the purpose of ascertaining the availability of the fertilizing con- stituents in Hawaiian soils the solubility in water and in 1 per cent citric acid of the lime, potash, and phosphoric acid in samples of 30 typical soils was determined. "In the estimation of elements soluhle in water 200 gm. of the field sample (not fine earth) was put into a closed funnel, with a ground-glass cover, and treated with 1,000 cc. of water for 48 hours, the water percolating through slowly, and then returned upon the soil and continued for the time stated. "In determining the elements soluhle in 1 per cent citric acid solution 200 gm. of the field sample was put into a 2-liter bottle with 1,000 cc. of the 1 per cent citric acid solution ; the bottle was gently shaken every 15 minutes during the day portion of 24 hours, and at the end of this time filtered off." The average results in percentages and pounds per acre are as follows : Solubility of soil constituents in water and in 1 per cent citric acid. Soluble in water. Soluble in citric acid. Upland soil: Percent. Lime 0.0032 Potash 0031 .0001 .0054 .0047 . 0003 Phosphoric acid Lowland soil: Potash Phosphoric acid. Per cent. 0. 0940 . 0250 .0035 . 1330 .6380 .0046 "By far the most striking result from the action of a 1 per cent solution of citric acid upon the soil is the enormous proportion of the lime and also of the potash dissolved."1 1 In connection with the tests of availability of the fertilizing constituents in the soils a series of observations was made on the relative sensibility of plants to acidity in soils, an account of which has already been given (E. S. R.; 10, p. 128). 12342— No. 6 3 528 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The conclusion was reached from this work that " the use of a 1 per cent solution of citric acid does not assist us very materially more than concentrated hydrochloric acid in actually reaching a duplication of the measure of solvent activity proceeding in nature, nor thus in estimating the proportion of the soil elements that are immediately available as plant food." It was believed that the use of weaker solvents acting for longer periods would give more satisfactory results. After various prelim- inary tests the following method was adopted: "Exactly 200 gin. of soil was put into the ordinary 2-liter acid bottles, having ground-glass stoppers, and 200 cc. of the solvent added. This volume was found to he just enough about to saturate and immerse the soil, without any great excess of the solvent solution being present, which was guarded against. "Twenty bottles were taken and charged with 200 gm. of soil and 200 cc. of sol- vent, as already stated. Ten of these bottles were given to observations on upland (mauka) soils, and the remaining 10 bottles to corresponding observations on low- land (makai) soils. " Each series of 10 bottles was further divided into 2 groups of 5 bottles each. The one group was to furnish data setting forth the results of the continued action of a tV Per cen* solution of [citric] acid, and the second group of a -,-'0- per cent solu- tion of acid upon the same soil. . . . One bottle from each of the 4 groups, con- taining 5 bottles each, was selected for testing and controlling the acidity of the bottles in the 4 groups. . . . " The control of the acidity of the solutions was made by the use of a ^v normal solution of sodic hydrate. Every fourth day 25 cc. of solution was drawn with a pipette from each of the 4 'test bottles' and the remaining acidity of the solution determined, when enough citric acid was added to restore the acidity of the solu- tions in each bottle in all the groups to the original strength." The results obtained by this method are given in the following table : Solubility of constituents of upland and lowland soils in water and in citric acid of different strengths. Calcium oxid. Potas- sium oxid. Phos- phoric acid. Ferric and aluminic oxids. Silica. UPLAND SOILS. In jV per cent citric acid : 12 days 33 days 78 days 103 days In Elff per cent citric acid : 12 days 33 days 78 days 103 days In water : 2 days 120 days LOWLAND SOILS. In T^j per cent citric acid : 12 days 33 days 78 days 103 days Percent. 0.0131 .0257 .0240 .0202 .0097 .0136 .0129 .0125 .0032 . 0097 .0175 .0400 . 0221 . 0234 Per cent. 0.0132 .0264 .0181 .0175 . 0223 .0146 .0186 .0033 .0149 .0203 .0291 . 0306 .0207 Per cent. 0. 0008 .0008 .0019 .0028 .0008 .0009 .0011 .0015 .0001 .0007 . 0007 . 0010 .0015 .0018 Per cent. Per cent. 0. 1089 .0878 . 0279 .0268 .0527 .0288 0. 0046 .0041 .0046 .0067 AIR WA TEK SOILS. 529 Solubility of constituents of upland and lowland soils in water and in citric acid of different si ren ////is— Continued. Calcium oxid. Potas- sium ox id. Phos- phoric acid. Ferric aud aluminic oxids. Silica. lowland soils— continued In ,,'„ per cent citric acid: 12 days 33 days 78 days : 103 day s In water: 2 days 120 days Per cent. 0.0110 . 0216 .0191 .01411 .0054 .0170 Per cent. 0.0187 .0326 . 0245 .0167 .0047 .0168 /'('(' Cfllt. 0. 0005 .01112 .0011 . 0016 .0030 .0004 Per cent. Per cent. 0.0199 .0144 .0111 0. 0043 .0003 .0045 ''The most apparent result of the continued action of the dilute acid is seen in the effect upon the phosphoric acid, and more notably upon the iron." " [In another series of experiments] the volume of water that the soils could absorb was determined. That volume known, enough citric acid was dissolved in it to make it exactly a -^ per cent solution, aud the solution was applied to known weights of the upland aud lowland soils, respectively, as follows: Three hundred and ninety grams of water-free soil was put into beakers of 500 cc. capacity. . . . One-half of the solvent was applied through tubes [reaching to the bottom of the beakers], by which means the solution went to the bottom of the soil and rose upward by capillarity, aud the other half was applied at the top, somewhat later, which descended by gravity to meet the ris- ing volume, thus securing the most even distribution throughout the soil. The weight of each beaker was taken at the time of the first application, when exactly the volume of solution was added to saturate the soils. Every fourth day the weights of the beakers were retaken, the volume of water that had been evaporated ascertained, and a vol- ume equal to that lost by evaporation was added to each beaker, and in this added water enough acid was dissolved to [restore the original acidity of the solution]. This was done at intervals of 4 days aud con- tinued for 120 days."' The solvents used in these experiments were -^o and 1 per cent solutions of citric acid aud -^ per cent solution of asparagin. Similar experiments, lasting 130 days, were made with a different soil in galvanized iron pots holding 25 lbs. of soil. The results obtained in the latter experiments are summarized iu the following table: Solubility of soil constituents in water and in citric acid of different strengths. Soluble in water: Natural soil Alter treatment with ^ per cent citric acid After treatment with j£J per cent citric acid After treatment with 1 per cent citric acid Soluble in 1 per cent citric acid: Natural soil After treatment with ^Tl per cent acid After treatment with Jj per cent acid After treatment with 1 per cent acid Calcium oxid. Per cent. 0. 0038 . 0041 .0045 .0092 .3410 .4342 .4544 .5056 Potas- sium oxid. Per (••■at. 0.0019 .0038 .0046 .0077 . 0380 .0571 .0582 .0543 Phos- phoric acid. Per cent. 0.0011 .0013 .0010 .0006 .1270 .1498 .1408 .1482 530 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "Little change was wrought l>y the action of the solvents in the amounts of lime and potash soluble in water. . . . We see, however, that the amounts of lime and potash rendered soluble in 1 per cent citric aeid are enormous, even in compari- son with the large proportions soluble in that solvent in the natural soil. There are features in the behavior of the potash which attract special attention. It is seen that less potash is found soluble in 1 per cent citric acid after the action for 130 days of the 1 per cent solvent than where the -^ per cent solvent was used. This behavior is also repeated in the beaker series of experiments with the lowland soil. Also the phosphoric acid gives peculiar results of the same nature. In every exam- ple the soils acted upon for 130 days by the stronger solvents showed less phosphoric acid soluble in 1 per cent citric acid after than before the action. These peculiar results are bound up with the question of resorption." To further study the question of resorption the following experiments were made: "As a first test a given volume of a solution, which had been obtained by treating a soil with a dilute solution of citric acid, containing known amounts of given elements, was passed through a new quantity of the same soil. A second test con- sisted in passing another but a similar solution, which had been obtained by the action of a dilute citric acid solution upon the soil, through a totally different soil. . . . "In the first test the result of passing the solution through the same soil was to increase its lime, to double its potash, and to reduce its phosphoric acid con- tent. ... In the second test, despite the very high potash content of the second soil, that soil took one-half of the potash out of the solution on its passing through; also the same soil, although its content of phosphoric acid was only one-fourth as large as that of the first soil, did not absorb any phosphoric acid from the passing solution." Similar experiments on mixed soil are reported which show — "(1) That the result of continuing to pass the solution through the soil from which it had been obtained was merely to dissolve out more of the several elements, excepting phosphoric acid. "(2) [When the extract was neutralized with sodium carbonate before being passed through the fresh soil there was] an emphatic absorption by the fresh soil of all elements, notably of the lime, silicic acid, and iron. This is in particular agree- ment with observations upon the action of dilute citric acid upon neutral soils in distinction from the action of the same solvent on acid soils. "(3) In the absence of the carbonic acid, furnished by the carbonate of soda, the lime and also the potash continue to increase in the solution when it is passed through the fresh soil. But almost one-half of the silica and phosphoric acid are taken out of the solution by the fresh soil with a notable amount of iron and alumina, bases." The average composition of the water of discharge of the Hawaiian Islands is given, and the losses from soils in drainage are discussed, it being claimed that it is erroueous to assume that " the composition of sea water represents the relative amounts of elements removed from the land and carried into the ocean by water." A study was made in this connection of the relative proportion of soil constituents soluble in 1 per cent solutions of different acids. The results are given in the following table: AIR WATER — SOILS. 531 Elements dissolved by the action of one per cent solutions of different acids in twenty-four hour 8. Acids. Aspartic . Asparagin Citric Acetic Tartaric... Oxalic Calcium oxid. Per cent. 0. 1065 .0078 .1110 .1000 .1180 .0170 Potas- sium oxid. Percent. 0. 0489 .0117 .0260 . 0240 . 0-J40 .0226 Phos- phoric acid. Per cent. 0. 0054 . 0015 .0037 .0003 . 0054 .0106 Ferric and aliiiuinic oxids. Per cent. 0.0450 .0050 . 6630 .0060 .1880 .5430 Silica. Per cent. 0. 1060 .1740 . 1990 .0740 .1970 .2330 A comparison of amounts of soil constituents soluble in dilute acids with those removed by crops and in drainage water " shows that the elements lime, potash, and phosphoric acid that are being lost to the land have been and are being removed by the waters of discharge and by cropping in the same relative proportions. . . . Aspartic acid acts upon and dissolves the constituent elements of the soil in almost the exact relative proportions that those elements are removed by cropping and the waters of discharge. . . . "Analyses of the upland soils show that under the action of 20 years' cropping and cultivation, and during the time of the production of 10 crops of cane, 40.2 per cent of lime, 16.6 per cent of potash, and 2.02 per cent of phosphoric acid have been actually removed from the land. As a result of the action of a 1 per cent solution of aspartic acid upon the upland soils for a period of 24 hours there were removed 40.2 per cent of lime, 18.1 per cent of potash, and 2.02 per cent of phos- phoric acid; which amounts of material are almost exactly equal to the amounts of the same materials removed from the same soils by 20 years of cropping and during the production of 10 crops of cane." On the presence of sulphurous acid in the air of the Tharand forests, H. Wis- LICENUS {Tharand. Forst. Jahrb., 48 (1898), pp. 173-184). Tobacco soils, M. Whitney ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 83, pp. 23, fig. 1).— This bulletin discusses in a popular way " part of some preliminary work ' which has been done in the examination of the soils of the principal tobacco districts of the country." The topics treated are climate and distribution of tobacco; soils of the several districts, including northern cigar-tobacco soils (Connecticut Valley, Penn- sylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin) ; southern tobacco soils (western Florida and the Florida peninsula); bright-tobacco lauds; manufacturing-tobacco lands on the Atlantic; whitc-burloy lands of Kentucky and Ohio; export-tobacco lands of Ken- tucky and Tennessee ; the water content of northern cigar-tobacco soils, Florida tobacco soils, soils of the manufacturing and export tobacco districts; and control of the water supply of the soil. Report on the composition of the soils of Carmargue, G. Castine (Bid. [Min. Agr. France], 16 (1897), No. 4, pp. 614-6G5; 5, pp. 79S-83S; Ann. Sci. Agron., 1898,1, Xo. 2, pp. 240-320; 3, pp. 321-370). — This is an exhaustive study of the soils along the Rhone in this region, special attention being given to an investigation of the nature of the alkaline soils (including a note by E. W. Hilgard on the analysis of the efflor- escences of alkali soils). On the reduction of nitrates in arable soil, P. P. Deherain (Ann. Aaron., .'I (1898), Xo. 3, pp. 130-134). — Experiments are reported in which the influence of dirterent amounts of starch (1 and 2 per cent) and straw (1 per cent) on nitrifica- tion was determined in 2 soils. The nitrates uniformly decreased in the soil to which starch was added. With straw, however, the nitrates first decreased slightly and then gradually increased. The bearing of these results on the work of Wagner 1 See also U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Soils Bui. 11 (E. S. R., 9, p. 1035). 532 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. and Schneidewind (E. S. R., 8, pp. 761,873; 9, p. 738) is discussed. It is claimed that the denitrifying action of manure and litter in the soil is insignificant unless these materials are applied in excessive amounts. Soil bacteria -with special reference to soil inoculation, R. S. MacDoi'call (Tram. Hot. Soc. Edinlurg, 1898, pp. 25-40). Some features of bacterial life in the soil, C. Lov£n (Landtmannen, 9 (1S9S), No. 24, pp. 880-383; 25, pp. 397-401). FERTILIZERS. The home-mixing of fertilizers, C. E. Thorne (Ohio Sta. Bui. 93, pp. 269-289). — This bulletin discusses, iu a popular maimer, the follow- ing topics: The chemistry of fertilizers; carriers of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash ; the manufacture of fertilizers — the object of acidula- tion, the acidulation of tankage; the fertilizer trade ; does home-mixing save only the cost of mixing; some objections to home-mixing; and the valuation of fertilizers. An account is also given of an experiment in which a comparison was made " of a few standard brands of factory- mixed fertilizers with home mixtures, made from tankage, acid phos- phate, and muriate of potash, in such manner as to duplicate, as nearly as possible, the percentage composition in ammonia, available and total phosphoric acid, and potash claimed for the proprietary brands." "The experiment was located at the northeastern substation, the soil of which is the heavy, white clay of that region. ... A tract of apparently uniform land was selected and divided into three sections of 20 plats each, . . . the plats containing one-twentieth acre each, and a rotation was planned to include the three crops — corn, wheat, and clover, to follow each other in a 3-year course. To start the rota- tion [the first and second], sections Avere planted in corn and [the third] section was sown in soja beans, in order to have a leguminous crop preceding the corn crop of the second year. [The first and second] sections were both fertilized according to plan, thus giving a duplicate test the first year. This proved to be the more important, as [the first] section was found to be in much poorer condition than [the second] section, the latter section having grown clover the previous season." While the season was unfavorable to the growth of corn, the results obtained "show as conclusively as a single season's work can show that there is no superiority in the factory-mixed fertilizer over the home mixture of equivalent composition, while the cost of the fertilizer is largely reduced by home mixing." Bone . superphosphate, F. Poquillon (Monit. Set., 12 (1898), pp. 408, 409; abs. in Jour. Soc. Ghem. Ind,, 17 (1898), No. 7, pp. 679, 680). — It is shown that the determination of nitrogen can not be relied upon to distinguish between bone superphosphate and mineral super- phosphate in cases where the latter are combined with nitrogenous matter. The author found that when bones which had been treated with hot water, carbon bisulphid, or light petroleum were converted into superphosphate by treatment with acid an additional amount of fat was set free. In superphosphate made from bones treated with hot water the amount of fat was from 10 to 12 per cent and from bones treated with petroleum 6.5 per cent of the phosphoric acid. Fat deter- minations in the nitrogenous substances which are likely to be combined FIELD CROPS. 533 with mineral superphosphate in mixed fertilizers showed that there was no practicable combination of them with the superphosphate which would give a product containing as high a percentage of fat as the bone superphosphate. The fat determination therefore offers a means of dis- tinguishing between the two classes of superphosphates. Permanency of effect of lupines as green manure, L. Grandeau {Jour. Agr. Prat., 1898, II, No. 43, pp. 590, 591). — The author's experiments confirm those of Schultz- Lupitz in showing that lupines exert an effect on crops for at least 2 years after turn- ing under. On green manuring, Bumper ( Ueber Griindungung. Schoneberg-Berlin: Stahcl, lS9S,pp.4S). Contribution to the knowledge of the bacteria in barnyard manure -which decompose nitrates, Krexz and M. Gerlach (Jahresber. Landw. Vers. Stat. Jersitz- oei-Fosen, lS97-98,pp. 13-20). Molasses as a fertilizer, P. BOname (Bap. Ann. Sta. Agron. [Mauritius'], 1897, pp. 10, 11). — The value of molasses as a fertilizer is briefly discussed and the results of 5 analyses are reported, from which the following table is calculated: Fertilizing constituents per 100 gallons of molasses. Nitrogen. Phosphoric acid. Potash. Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5 Pounds. 4.75 7.00 7.83 6.16 5.25 Pounds. 1.33 .58 .66 .75 .75 Pounds. 27.00 22.00 22.25 22.06 19.30 Investigations on the action of sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda, G. Kloepfer (Vntcrsuchungen iiber die Wirkung des scliwefelsauren Ammoniaks unci des Chilisalpeters. Essen: C. 1). Baedeker, 1898, pp. 59, figs. 11). — Numerous experiments by the author and by other investigators with different crops on a variety of soils are cited to show that sulphate of ammonia is as effective on certain classes1 of soils and on the majority of crops as nitrate of soda. Sulphate of ammonia gives best results on basic soils and should be used on soils deficient in bases ouly in con- nection with lime in some form — marl, burnt lime, or Thomas slag. The desirability of more completely collectiug the sulphate of ammonia produced by coke ovens, with a view to cheapening this valuable domestic source of nitrogen, is strongly urged. The production and consumption of Thomas slag and superphosphate in the world, Maizieres (L'Engrais, 13 (1898), No. 43, pp. 1019, 1020).— It is estimated that the production of superphosphate in 1897 was 4,000,000 tons, of slag 1,400,000 tons. The average consumption per hectare of slag in different countries is giveu as fol- lows : Austria 2.41, Russia 3, Italy 7.85, France 12.80. Germany 29.57, England 40.25, and Belgium 101.87 kg. Ground limestone in agriculture, N. Heilbran (Das Ealksteinmehl im Dienste der Landwirtschaft. 1898, The Author; rev. in Ztschr. Fleisch u. Milchhyg., 9 (1898), No. 2, p. 37). FIELD CROPS. Field experiments at the experiment farm at Lauchstadt in 1895 and 1896, M. Maercker (Landw. Jahrb., 27 {1898), No. 1-2, pp. 82-174). — This work consisted of fertilizer experiments on meadows and with sugar beets, barley, and alfalfa; variety tests of different field 534 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. crops; a test of legumes as catch crops on loam soils; a comparison of different methods of harvesting alfalfa and clover; a test of growing sugar beets after alfalfa; and a study of the influence of different crops on the moisture content of the soil. - The cultivation of the crops and meteorological conditions of the seasons are described in detail and the results given in tabular form. Experiments with sugar beets (pp. 82-94). — The object of these experi- ments was to compare a number of varieties aud ascertain whether a top-dressing of sodium nitrate would have an injurious effect on the sugar content of the beets and whether certain varieties were more sensitive to this treatment than others. The held on which the experi- ments were conducted contained 11.19 acres and was divided into 6 plats, which were fertilized as follows : Plat 1 received 35.68 lbs. solu- ble phosphoric acid and 356.84 lbs. nitrate of potash per acre at plant- ing time (April 27); plat 2, 35.68 lbs. soluble phosphoric acid and 178.42 lbs. nitrate of potash per acre at planting time; plat 3 received no fertilizer; plat 4, 178.42 lbs. nitrate of potash per acre on June 29, but no phosphoric acid; plat 5 (a check plat) was fertilized the same as plat 1 ; and plat 6 received 35.68 lbs. soluble phosphoric acid and 133.81 lbs. nitrate of potash at planting time aud the same amount of nitrate of potash as a top-dressing on June 25. Owing to abnormal conditions, the variety test was abandoned. The smallest amount of leaves produced by any variety was 8,653 lbs. per acre and the largest amount 12,266 lbs. There was no discernible relation between the yield of leaves and the yield of beets, but there seemed to be a con- nection, although not quite regular, between the amount of leaves and the sugar content of the beets. Some of the more important varieties, averaging 11,874 lbs. of leaves per acre, contained on an average 17.52 per cent of sugar in the beet, and two varieties yielding 9,867 lbs. of leaves per acre had an average sugar content of 16.84 per cent, while the varieties producing only 8,653 lbs. of leaves per acre contained only 14.8 per cent of sugar in the beet. The entire structure of the plant and the amount of chlorophyll and its condition are considered equally important with the leaf surface; aud as the sugar content of the beet depends on the amount of carbon dioxid assimilated, other things being equal, the amount of leaf surface would influence the sugar content. The sugar content of the beets was very satisfactory, although the season was wet and there was but little sunshine. Dur- ing the months of April to October, inclusive, the rainfall was 404.6 mm. (nearly 16 in.) and the amount of sunshine for the months of May to October, inclusive, aggregated only 696 hours and 43 minutes. The amount of sunshine during August and September was especially low, aggregating only 128 hours 3 minutes. The longest time the sun shone on any September day was 4 hours 10 minutes. The average temperature during April to October, inclusive, was 57.6° F. ; the highest average temperature for any month, 68.74°, was reached in FIELD CROPS. 535 June. The author believes the high sugar content obtained was due to the continuous and regular growth of the beets during the entire season, aud that a regular distribution of temperature and rainfall is more conducive to the production of an extremely high sugar content than a larger amount of heat. The results of the fertilizer experiment showed that the application of 35.68 lbs. soluble phosphoric acid per acre did not increase the yield of beets and had no effect on the sugar content. The results with nitrog- enous fertilizers were as follows : No nitrogen, 15.625 tons of beets per acre with a sugar content of 17 per cent; 178.42 lbs. potassium nitrate, 18.221 tons per acre with a sugar content of 17.1 per cent ; and 356.84 lbs. potassium nitrate, 19.318 tons per acre with a sugar content of 16.63 per cent. The results did not show that the top-dressing had any influence on the sugar content of the beets. Fertilizer experiments and variety tests with barley (pp. 94-119). — The field contained 11.18 acres. A test was made of 2 varieties of Hanna barley* (Original and Benkendorfer) and 4 varieties of Chevalier (Trotha Saale, Heine Improved Chevalier, Heine Golden Melon, aud Eichard- son Chevalier). The Benkendorfer Hanna barley is the original Hanna grown at Benkendorf for a number of years. The original Hanna pro- duced the largest yield of grain, 64.52 bu., being 4.44 bu. per acre more than the average yield of the Chevalier varieties; while the Benken- dorfer Hanna yielded only 1.02 bu. per acre more. The Chevalier varieties were about equally productive. The average yield of straw of the Chevalier varieties was 4,644 lbs. per acre and of the Hanna varieties 3,637 lbs. Taking the yield of grain and straw into considera- tion, the author believes Heine Improved Chevalier barley one of the best standard varieties. It is thought the Hanna varieties, like most varieties producing small amounts of straw, possess the advantage of requiring smaller amounts of moisture and plant food, and will be adapted to soils on which the profitable culture of the heavier straw- producing varieties is doubtful. These varieties are also 5 or 6 days earlier in maturing than the Chevalier. The following table shows some points of comparison between the two kinds of barley: Comparison of the crops of Hanna and Chevalier varieties of barley. Protein content. Weight of 1,000 ker- nels. Weight per bushel. Mealy grains. Hanna barley (average of 2 varieties) Chevalier barley (average of 4 varieties) Per cent. 7.71 8.01 Grams. 44.0 42.2 Pounds. 49. 209 49. 010 Per cent. 59 52 The fertilizer tests were made with applications of 535.26 lbs. kainit, 89.21 and 178.42 lbs. nitrate of soda, and 26.76 lbs. nitrogen in the form of crude Peruvian guano per acre. The object was to observe the effect of potash and nitrogen. On some plats the nitrogenous fertilizers 536 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. were applied in conjunction with kainit while in others no potash fer- tilizer was used. The soil contained approximately 0.25 per cent of potash. Some of the results obtained are as follows: Average increase in yield of grain per acre of fertilized over unfertilized plats of barley. Kainit, 535.26 lbs. per acre : Pounds. Hanna, average of 2 varieties 53. 52 Chevalier, average of 4 varieties 405. 90 Kainit, 535.26 lbs., sodium nitrate, 89.21 lbs. per acre: Hanna, average of 2 varieties 401. 44 Chevalier, average of 4 varieties 142.73 Kainit, 535.26 lbs., sodium nitrate 178.42 lbs. per acre: Hanna, average of 2 varieties 292. 60 Chevalier, average of 4 varieties 33. 00 It is shown by these and other experiments that kainit, when applied with nitrogenous materials, not only increased the yield, but also improved the grain, the starch content and weight of the grain, and increased the percentage of mealy grains. Both applications of sodium nitrate were found profitable. The protein content was not increased and the quality of the grain was not impaired. Results obtained from applications of nitrate of soda. Yield per acre. Increase per acre over unfertilized plats. Protein content. Fertilizer per acre. Grain. Straw. Grain. Straw. Without kainit. With 535.26 lbs. kainit per acre. Bushels. 49.28 59.93 64.16 Pounds. 3, 025. 73 Bushels. Pounds. Per cent. 8.42 Per cent. 7.41 Sodium nitrate, 89.21 lbs 3,914.53 10.67 888. 79 8.45 8.10 4, 358. 17 14. 97 1, 332. 44 8. 04 7.83 The plats fertilized with Peruvian guano yielded on an average 44 lbs. of grain and 308 lbs. of straw less than the plats which received the nitrate of soda, but the grain from the guano plats was heavier and contained less protein, more starch, a larger percentage of mealy grains, and better kernels. Each application furnished 26.76 lbs. of nitrogen per acre. Potash applied in conjunction with guano had no influence either on the yield or quality of the grain. Variety tests (pp. 119-150). — Comparative tests were made with vari- eties of wheat, rye, oats, barley, peas, fodder beets, and potatoes. The preparation of the soil is described and the results obtained are given in tables. Sixteen varieties of winter wheat, including 8 square head and 2 bearded varieties, were tested. One of the varieties classed with the square head sorts, a cross between a square head variety and an early maturing American variety, and known as Eimpau Bastard wheat, produced the largest yield of grain and was, with Mold Red Prolific, the earliest maturing variety in the experiment. The periods FIELD CROPS. 537 of growth of the different varieties varied from 294 to 310 days. The square head variety grown in the vicinity of the experiment farm for a number of years yielded 8.89 bu. of grain and 996 lbs. of straw per acre less than the recently improved- varieties of square-head wheat. The protein content of the square head varieties was found to be quite low, being 9.21 per cent in the grain, 1.22 per cent in the straw, and 2.47 per cent in the chaff. The total amount of the protein obtained from equal areas was smallest in the square-head varieties. The author states that modern breeding has not yet produced a variety of square- head wheat which produces large yields and also has a high gluton content. Of winter rye 7 varieties were grown. The best yielding varieties were Heine Improved Zeelander and Petkuser, yielding 52.09 and 51.61 bu. per acre, respectively. The Zeelander variety ripened in 282 and the Petkuser in 277 days. The average number of haulms per plant varied from 5.7 to 0.8 among the different varieties, being 0.3 for Heine Improved Zeelander, 0.4 for Petkuser, and 0.8 for the G-ottinger variety. The Heine Zeelander and Petkuser varieties contained 8.75 and 8.22 per cent of crude protein, respectively. The author states that modern improvement of varieties seems to increase the yield by increasing the size of the grain and consequently the starch content, and that, as a result, the new varieties are poor in protein. A comparative test was made of 7 varieties of spring wheat grown after sugar beets and alfalfa. The plats were fertilized at the rate of 20.70 lbs. of soluble phosphoric acid and 178.42 lbs. potassium nitrate per acre. The wheat was sown in drills March 27 at the rate of 2.02 bu. per acre. The yields are given in the following table: Comparative yields of varieties of spring wheat. Grown after sugar beets. Grown after alfalfa. Varieties. Grow- ing period. Yield per acre. Ratio of grain to straw. Grow- ing period Yield ler acre . Ratio of Grain. Straw. Grain. Straw. grain to straw. Days. 141 138 137 138 141 141 143 Bus. 41.39 40.64 37.61 37.22 33.68 36.84 34.07 Lbs. 3, 969. 8 4, 126. 8 4, 167. 8 4, 223. 2 3,571.9 5,120.6 3, 209. 7 1:1.60 1:1.69 1:1.85 1:1.90 1:1.77 1 : 2. 32 1 : 1. 57 Days. 141 137 137 141 142 138 142 Bus. 47.07 47.42 46. 06 44.45 38. 03 45.76 33.92 Lbs. 4, 506. 8 4, 952. 9 4, 981. 4 4, 704. 9 4, 182. 1 5, 084. 9 2, 781. 5 1:1.60 1:1.74 1 : 1. 80 Strube scfales. Grannen 1:1.76 1:1.83 1: 1.85 1 : 1. 36 The wheat grown after alfalfa gave the best yields, but the grain did not fill as well as that grown after sugar beets. A four-rowed variety of summer barley, grown on land which was in sugar beets the year previous, yielded 53.84 bu. of grain and 3,701 lbs. of straw per acre, but the grain produced was of poor quality. Six varieties of field beets, a yellow and red sort each of the Oberu- dorfer, Eckendorfer, and Leutewitzer varieties, were growu after 538 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. alfalfa. The plants were fertilized with 350.84 lbs. of nitrate of soda per acre, and some plats received phosphoric acid at the rate of 53.52 lbs. per acre in addition. One-half of the nitrate of soda was applied as a top dressing. The results showed that the application of phos- phoric acid increased the protein content of the beets, and that the red sorts gave greater yields than the yellow. The data for the differ- ent varieties are given in the following table: Composition and yield per acre of different varieties of sugar beets. Varieties. Red Eckendorfer — Yellow Eckendorfer . Red Leutewitzer — Yellow Leutewitzer . Red Oberndorfer Yellow Oberndorfer . Yield per acre. Beets. Tons. 44. 167 38. 792 35. 685 34. 589 35. H07 34. 245 Leaves. Tons. 2. 337 3.192 5. 275 5.319 4. 926 4.1)03 Composition of the beets. Dry matter. Per ct. 10.54 10.83 14.38 14.45 13.08 13. 08 Crude protein Per ct. 0.89 .98 1.05 1.06 1.12 1.12 Nitro- gen- free Per ct. 8.80 8.99 12. 40 12.47 11.43 11.43 Food material per acre in the beets. Dry m after. Pounds. 9,310.8 8, 112. 7 10, 263. 6 10, 012. 0 9, 158. 2 8, 958. 0 Crude protein. Pounds. 785. 9 734.1 749. 3 734.1 784.1 767.2 Nitrogen- free extract. Pounds. 7, 773. 7 6. 975. 3 8, 849. 6 8, 626. 6 8, 003. 0 7, 828. 1 Two early and 7 late varieties of oats were tested, and the results are discussed and tabulated. The plats received S9.21 lbs. potassium nitrate per acre, one-fifth being applied as a top-dressing. The results obtained are given in the following table : Results of variety tests with oats. Varieties. Early varieties : Milton Duppauer Late varieties : Trauben Heine ertragreichster Strube Schlanstedter Beseler Anderbecker von Rimpau Bestehorn tJbertluss Leutewitzer Gelbhafer . . . Yield p< Growing period. ( train. Dai/s. Bushels. 123 102. 18 120 93.84 123 104.09 126 101.93 127 115.25 127 106. 09 127 107. 06 129 101. 03 129 110. 56 4,510 4,228 4,755 5, 254 4,782 4,307 4,387 In protein content the varieties differed immaterially, but Leutewitzer Yellow contained 5.12 per cent of fat, being nearly 1 per cent more than found in any other variety. Among 16 varieties of potatoes, Professor Maercker produced the largest yield of tubers and starch, being 458.1 bu. of tubers and 5,225.9 lbs. of starch per acre. Next in order of productiveness was the variety Geheimrat Thiel with a yield of 427.8 bu. of tubers and 4,877 lbs. of starch per acre. Growing sugar beets after alfalfa (p. 151). — Sugar beets on plats which had grown alfalfa the year previous were not only less productive, but FIELD CROPS. 539 also lower in sugar content than beets grown on plats used for sugar beets the year before. Fertiliser experiments on meadows (pp. 151-155). — A swampy meadow was drained and divided into 5 plats, 1 of which was left unfertilized, while 2 were fertilized with kainit and 2 with kainit and ground Thomas slag. No effect of the application was noticeable during the first year. It was found that on the plat which had received potash and phosphoric acid there was a greater admixture of leguminous plants, and consequently the protein conteut of the hay was increased. A fertilizer experiment with alfalfa (pp. 155-157). — A field on which alfalfa had been grown for four years in succession was divided into three equal plats. One plat was left unfertilized, one received an application of 535 lbs. per acre of ground Thomas slag, and the other an application of 892 lbs. per acre of kainit and 535 lbs. of ground Thomas slag. The results do not show that the fertilization was very effective, but the following year the effect of the fertilizers was shown in the growing crop, the results of which will be reported later. Experiments with legumes as catch crops on clay soils (pp. 157-163). — A barley field, after the crop had been removed, was divided into plats and sown with C different mixtures of legumes. The seed on some of the plats was inoculated with Mtragm. The mixtures of beans, peas, and vetch and beans, and sand vetch and vetch made a good growth. The mixtures containing lupines made a less satisfactory growth, and the mixture of lupines, Victoria peas, and Lathyrus made a very poor growth. On the aSTitragin plats many well- developed plants of lupine with normal nodule formations on the roots were found, but on the uninoculated plats normal plants of lupines witli well-developed nodules were very few. The largest amount of nitrogen gathered per acre was by the mixture of beans, Victoria peas, and vetch, 137.76 lbs., which is equal to the amount contained in 892 lbs. of nitrate of soda, and the amount of organic matter produced equaled the amount furnished in 25.35 tons of stable manure. The results in 5 cases are but slightly in favor of inoculation with Nitragin, while in one case the inoculation produced no effect whatever. An oat crop grown after legumes made a remark- able growth, but the results have uot yet been reported. Methods of curing clover and alfalfa (pp. 163-170). — The report of this work has been abstracted from another source (E. S. E., 9, p. 439). Influence of different crops on moisture content of the soil (pp. 170-174). — An experiment was conducted to ascertain the influence of different crops on the moisture content of the soil. The moisture con- tent of fields of sugar beets, peas, winter wheat, potato, and oats was determined twice per week throughout the season from May 21. Sugar beets and potatoes lowered the moisture content comparatively little during the early part of the season, while with winter wheat and oats there was a much greater decrease iu the percentage of moisture. 540 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Throughout the experiment it was shown that the moisture require- ment of peas was not as great as for the other crops. When the crops of peas and wheat had been removed the wheat- stubble field contained only 9.41 per cent of moisture to 14.9 per cent in the pea-stubble field. The moisture requirements for oats and alfalfa appeared to be greater than for potatoes. Corn culture in the South, S. M. Tracy ( U. S. Dept. Agr.. Farmers1 Bui. 81, p. 2i). — The author discusses the soil and its preparation, crop rotations, fertilizers, varieties, the planting, cultivating, harvesting, and storing of the crop, and saving the seed. The results of experi- mental work with corn at various Southern experiment stations are given in connection with the discussion of the different operations and practices. In the discussion of varieties for the South it is advised that when corn is grown for ordinary purposes it should be a dent variety of local origin, ripening in from 150 to 170 days; the stalks should have well-developed roots, and average nearly two ears each of uniform diameter throughout, well filled at both ends and pointing downward when ripej the cobs should be small in proportion to the size of the ear, and the individual grains should be long and so broad at the upper end as to leave only a slight depression between the rows. "White varieties will usually make a heavier yield thau colored varieties, though many colored varieties are more vigorous and hardy thau some of the more prolific white varieties. "It is as important to take seed from the best stalks as from the best ears, and whatever variety may be preferred, every ear which is selected for seed should be taken from a stalk which in size, habit of growth, aud number of ears approaches closely to what is the desired form for thiit variety." The cost of the production of corn and oats in Illinois in 1896 (Illinois Sta. Bui. 50, pp. 53-76). — The results presented in this bulletin were obtained from an investigation of the expense of raising the corn and oat crops of 1896 in Illinois. The estimate of the cost of produc- tion of these crops received from farmers throughout the State are tabulated. Of 900 circulars distributed to obtain the necessary data 316 were returned with answers. Of these 274 and 170 were used in calculating the cost of producing the crops of corn and oats, respectively. The average yield of corn per acre on the farms taken into consideration was 54 bu. and of oats 34 bu. The yield of corn was somewhat above the average, while that of oats was considerably below the average yield. The cost of production as determined here uis the average sum of the expenditures on all the processes involved in production, from the preparation of the soil to the delivery at the elevator, including the wages of the fanner himself, whether owner or renter. A proper allowance is made for time lost and for maintenance of team during idleness, interest on investment, including rent and allowance for depre- ciation of tools and machinery." On this basis the calculated cost of production of corn was 19.5 cts. per bushel and $10.59 per acre, and the cost of production of oats 21 cts. per bushel and $7.76 per acre. FIELD CROPS. 541 A report on flax culture for seed and fiber in Europe and America, 0. R. Dodge (U. 8. Dept. Ayr., Office of Fiber Investigations B/pt. No. 10, pp. 80, figs. 5, pis. 4). — This report describes the different kinds of flax and the methods of flax growing- practiced in Belgium, France, Poland, Ireland, and Russia, and reviews in general the work in the United States. The Loppens de Swarte system of retting and its advantages are pointed out. In considering flax culture in the United States, the author reviews the experiments made at the experi- ment stations and elsewhere and gives cultural directions, including selection and preparation of the soil, use of fertilizers, rotation of crops, sowing, harvesting, retting, aud cleaning. An experiment in flax culture made in 1895 in the vicinity of Puget Souud, Washington, is reported. The flax was grown from Riga seed, the 4 plats containing about 5 acres. The seed was sown too late and drought interfered with the growth of the crop, especially on sandy soil. Plat 1, containing 1^ acres of sandy clay loam river bottom land, was sown at the rate of 2 bu. of imported Riga flax on May 18. No fertilizers were applied. The yield was at the rate of 3,865 lbs. of clean straw and 17 bu. of clean seed per acre. The conditions on plat 2 were identical with those on plat 1, but the flax was sown at the rate of H bu. per acre. The yield on this plat was at the rate of 3,557 lbs. of clean straw and 16.8 bu. of clean seed per acre. In 1896 about 1 ton of flax straw grown in the Puget Sound region was sent to the Hilden Thread Works, Lisbon, Ireland, aud there retted and scutched. The work was done under the direction of Mr. Frank Barbour, who reported the results in detail. In his report he says, " If the flax is grown and manipulated under proper conditions and by people who thoroughly understand the business in Puget Sound, we are convinced that the cultivation of it will be of greatest importance and in a short time would rival the great Belgium district of Courtraie." Present status of flax culture in the United States, 0. R. Dodge (Z7. 8. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1897, pp. 471-180). — This article con- tains a historical sketch of flax culture, a popular description of the more important species of flax, a discussion of European methods of culture, a comparison of the conditions of the industry in the United States and Europe, and suggestions for developing the industry of flax culture and manufacture in this country. A report upon the grasses and forage plants and forage condi- tions of the Eastern Rocky Mountain region, T. A. Williams ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Agrostology Bui. 12, pp. 78, figs. 30). — This bulletin discusses the topographical features of the Eastern Rocky Mountain region, with a special consideration of the soil and the water supply. Detailed accounts of the cultivated grasses aud forage plants and the more important plants native to the region are presented, the present prospect of the forage problem of the region is discussed, aud methods for the improvement of ranges are suggested. An index to both common and botanical names is given. 542 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The cultivated grasses most commonly found in the meadows and pastures of this region are timothy, redtop, Kentucky blue grass, smooth or Hungarian brome grass, meadow fescue, and orchard grass. "The millets and the various small grains are quite generally grown for summer forage and for hay and grain, and the sorghums, both saccharine and non-saccharine varieties, are occasionally grown for fodder. Nearly all the common clovers are suc- cessfully grown in some part of the region, alfalfa and red clover being in most general cultivation. . . . Almost without exception they are irrigated, at least for a portion of the season. . . . There are about 270 species and varieties of grasses known to be indigenous to this region. . . . The most valuable species are quite widely distributed, although occasionally a species of but local occurrence may be of considerable importance in its particular locality, as is the case with some of those occurring in the mountains." Besides the grasses a number of native clovers, vetches, lupines, rushes, sedges, sages, and other forage plants are discussed. The native meadow and hay grasses are considered under two groups: Those growing on low-land meadows and mountain meadows, and the native pasture grasses, as those growing on the plains and on the foot- hills and mountains. Leguminous forage crops, J. G. Smith ( U. 8. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1897, pp. 487-508, Jigs. 8, pi. 1). — This article gives a short historical sketch of the cultivation of leguminous crops and discusses their value for feeding and fertilizing. Eed clover, alfalfa, cowpeas, sqja beans, crimson clover, Florida beggar weed, field peas, Dakota vetch {Lotus americanus), ground plum (Astragalus crassicarpus), Metcalfe beau, (Phaseolus retusus), and the Stolley vetch are considered at some length with reference to their culture and value. Some Irish potato experiments, 0. L. Newman (Arl-ansas Sta. Bui. 50, pp. 21-34). — These experiments consisted of culture and variety tests of potatoes and the use of second-crop potatoes for seed. For 3 years experiments were carried on with second-crop potatoes for seed and with northern-grown seed of the same varieties. The first year 2 varieties were grown, the second year 4, and the third year 7. The varieties planted for these trials were Beauty of Hebron, Bliss Triumph, Crown Jewel, Early Rose, Freeman, Puritan, Wood Earliest, and Peerless. Each set of plats contained the same number of plants. The results for each year are given in tables. The average results give northern seed the advantage in yield and earliness. The following table gives the average of each year's average for the entire series of experiments: Second-crop seed compared with northern-grown seed — average of 3 years. Character of seed. Northern-grown seed Second-crop seed Difference Percentage difference Yield of mer- chantable potatoes. Bushels. 94.91 81.29 13.62 16.75 Yield of culls per acre. Bushels. 11.19 ' 16.04 4.85 43.34 Total yield per acre. Bushels. 106. 10 97.34 8.76 9.00 Number of days from planting to ma- turity. 108. 54 111. 67 FIELD CROPS. 543 With but 2 exceptions the northern-grown seed proved to be supe- rior. In 1890 Early Rose second-crop seed gave a better yield than northern seed, and Crown Jewel from second-crop seed ripened 3 days earlier than from northern seed. In general, second-crop seed was slow and irregular in starting and produced vines inferior in vigor and appearance. It was also found that potatoes from northern seed gave a better yield at different stages of growth than potatoes from second- crop seed. In 1896 the average yield of the 7 varieties from northern and second-crop seed on May 2<> was 80.39 and 09.14 bu. per acre, respec- tively, and on June 1 89.35 and 82.75 bu. per acre. Four plats were planted with large and small second-crop seed to compare the yields. Perfect whole tubers 2 to 3 in. in diameter were planted on plats 1 and 3, and whole tubers from j| to 1^ in. in diameter on plats 2 and 4. Plats 3 and 4 were planted with cut tubers of the same size as those used on plats 1 and 2, respectively. Large whole potatoes yielded 18 per cent more than whole small seed, and the large cut tubers 15.8 per cent more than the small cut tubers. The results of a series of culture tests were in favor of level as against ridge culture. The results are considered due largely to the drought and the sandy character of the soil. The rows were ridged 2, 4, 8, and 12 in. high and each increase in the height of the ridges resulted in a decrease in the yield. Of 20 varieties tested, Ohio Jr., Crown Jewel, Early Six-Weeks Mar- ket, World's Fair, and Wood Earliest gave the best results. An outlay of $2 per acre for spraying or dusting Paris green on the plants to destroy the potato beetles resulted in an increase of 11 bu. or 13.0 per cent per acre. Sugar beets, H. Snyder and A. Boss {Minnesota Sta. Bid. 56, pj). 377-416, figs. 4). — This bulletin gives a summary of the sugar-beet investigations in Minnesota from 1888 to 1898, a report on the work for 1897, and an outline of the proposed experiments for 1898. From 1888 to 1898, 1,351 samples of sugar beets from different parts of the State were analyzed. The average sugar content of these samples was 14.22 per cent, with 81.2 purity. Average results of culture experiments ivith sugar beets, 188S to 1891. 1888. 1890. 1891. 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. 1896. 1897. Average sugar content (per cent) .. Average puritv coefficient Highest sugarcontenl (per cent) - . . 13.4 83.1 20.3 111 12.9 79.5 17.9 55 14.1 80.1 20.4 465 15.0 84.6 19.1 185 15.2 84.4 18.4 15 17.2 86.6 19.4 14 15.6 85.6 20.6 22 13.7 81.0 18.2 25 15.0 83.1 18.3 303 The conditions which affect the sugar content of the crop are discussed at some length. In 1897 culture experiments were made at the station and by farmers throughout the State. The results are given in tables. The results obtained from sugar beets in different, parts of the State under poor conditions of cultivation are reported separately. 12342— Xo. 0 4 544 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Beets obtained in cooperative experiments carried on by 100 farmers in the vicinity of Albert Lea averaged 13.8 per cent of sugar, with a purity of 82. An experiment in seeding beets at different dates gave the following results : Results of seeding beets at different dates. 1 (ate seeded. May 15 May 15 May 27 May 27 June 5 June 5 September 21. Sugar in juice. Per cent. 14.0 13.9 13.7 13.1 14.2 13.8 I'nrity. Per cent. 81.9 86.9 85.6 87.3 88.8 85.2 OctoliiT28. Sugar in purit juice. Per cent. 16.5 16.5 16.6 17.7 18.2 17.9 Per cent. 86.0 86.4 84. 3 86.0 . 87.0 86.0 Average n eight. Ounces. 12.8 11.2 15.2 10.0 11.6 10.8 An experiment was made by the station to ascertain the best dis- tance at which sugar beets should be grown. The following table gives the average results of two trials : Results of sugar beets grown at different distances. Distance. In the row. Between rows. Sugar content. Coeffi- Yield per purity. acre. Per cent. Tons. 85.4 17.2 87.0 16.2 85.7 16.9 84.2 16.9 89.8 16.2 86.8 16.6 87.9 17.6 84.0 17.1 85.1 15.2 88.6 16.3 87.1 16.1 87.1 15.9 83.7 16.5 86.9 16. o 88.1 17.5 80.7 15.7 Value per acre. 4 inches 6 inches 8 inches 10 inches 4 inches 6 inches 8 inches 10 inches 4 inches 6 inches 8 inches 10 inches 4 inches 6 inches 8 inches 10 inches Indies. 14 14 14 14 18 18 18 18 24 24 24 24 30 30 30 30 Per cent. 17.3 17.7 16.1 15.6 18.0 16.8 16.2 16.0 16.5 15. 7 16.3 16.8 15.9 16.0 15.4 14.9 $68. 80 64.80 67.60 67.60 64.80 66.40 70.40 68.40 60.80 65.20 64.40 63.60 66.00 65.20 70.00 62.80 There was practically no difference in the average results from tlie rows which were 11 and 18 in. apart, and these distances gave the best returns. There was little difference in the average results from plats on which the beets were grown 2, 4, G, and 8 in. apart in the row. "Economy of labor would dictate that for our conditions we plant the rows 18 in. apart and thin the beets to 5 to 7 in. apart in the row." Sugar-beet investigations of 1897, G. W. Shaw (Oregon Sta. Bui. 53, pp. 36, Jigs 14, dgms. 3). — Cooperative culture experiments with sugar beets in 1897 were limited to the counties of the State which seemed best adapted to the production of sugar beets and the manu- facture of sugar. The results of analyses of beets from each county are given in tables and the climatic conditions of the season are compared with the normal conditions of the region and those of France and Ger- FIELD CROPS. 545 many. The culture of the sugar beet and the conditions for manufac- turing are discussed at some length. The average results for the different counties where experiments were conducted on a considerable scale are given in the following table: Average results of sugar-beet experiments in i counties in Oregon in 1S97. Counties. Sugar in juice. P-ity. Yi:,1'' "" i '.i-t per acre. Union Jackson "Washington Clackamas . Per cent. 18.5 15.5 10.1 13.7 Percent. 88. 5 81.0 <<6. 7 83.4 Tons. 23. 7 15.8 15.7 17.8 $11.20 24.00 26.00 The average for the entire State (216 analyses) was found to be 15.24 per cent sugar in the juice, with a purity of 84.30 and an average yield of 18.54 tons per acre. Irrigation experiments in sugar-beet culture in the Yakima Valley, E. Fulmer ( Washington Sta. Bui. 31, pp. 30, fig. l,pl. 1, map 1). — In this bulletin the work with sugar beets at the station is reviewed and sugar-beet culture with irrigation discussed. The results of coop- erative irrigation experiments with sugar beets are given in tables. A geographical and geological description of the Yakima Valley and the amount of land there reclaimed by means of artesian wells are given. Chemical analyses of soils from irrigated districts are summarized. The averages of 6S samples from the irrigation experiments with sugar-beet culture were as follows: Sugar in the juice, 17.6 per cent; sugar in the beet, 16.7 per cent; purity, 85.2 per cent. The varieties grown were Kleinwanzlebeuer and Yilmorin. Cultivation of tobacco in Sumatra, E. Mulder ( U. S. Dept. Agr„ Cultivation of Tobacco in Sumatra, pp. 39, Jigs. 3, map 1). — This publica- tion is a paper on the method of cultivation of the tobacco crop of Sumatra and the physical features of the district in which the tobacco is grown. Statistics on the production and trade of Sumatra tobacco are giveu. The mean temperature and rainfall for each month for a number of years at Penang and Singapore and the results of mechanical analyses of Sumatra tobacco soils are given in tables. The physical features of the island, the introduction of tobacco, and the laying out and management of tobacco estates, with directions for building drying sheds and other buildings are discussed, and descriptive notes on the prevailing diseases of tobacco and the various operations in planting, cultivating, curing, and preparing the crop for market are given. The cost of growing tobacco in Sumatra is considered. The author states that a very good type of Sumatra tobacco is successfully grown in some parts of Florida, and that if special attention be given to the qualities which characterize Sumatra tobacco, namely, fine texture of the leaf and uniformity in color and length, there will be a large increase in the demand for the home-grown product. 546 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Report of the agriculturist, W. H. Bishop (Delaware Sta. Rpt. 1897, }>}>. 211-213). — A report is given of fertilizer experiments on rotation plats, with tabulated results. The applications of fertilizers consisted of 100 lbs. nitrate of soda, 400 lbs. acid phosphate, and 100 lbs. muriate of potash per acre. These different fertilizers were applied alone and in combinations of twos and threes, the application being made each year. On account of the poor condition of the soil, the application was doubled the first year of the experiment. Sweet corn, crimson clover, cowpeas, oats, and red clover, in the order given, have thus far entered into the rotation. The results from red-clover plats in 1897 indicated that muriate of potash is a suitable fertilizer for clover on that soil. The mixture of muriate of potash and acid phos- phate was found a desirable fertilizer for cowpeas. The experiment is to be continued. On the production of beet seed, J. F. Lundberg (Landtm. Mdnadsbl., 1SDS, No. 9, pp. 129-131). Corn and its uses in America, G. Rossati (Movimento Agricolo, 4 (1S9S), No. 44, p. 485). In the land of ginger — Jamaica, F. B. Kilmek (Amer. Jour. Pharm., ?0 (1898), No. 2, pp. 65-85, figs. 0; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (189S), No. 4, p. 365). — A popular article describing the methods of cultivating and preparing ginger for the market in Jamaica and giving statistics of the crop. Fodder and forage plants (exclusive of grasses) ( West Australian Settler's Guide and Farmer s Handbook, 1S97, pt. 3, pp. 432-491, figs. 40). — Illustrated descriptive notes are given of numerous fodder and forage plants, the bulk of the information being taken from Bulletin 2 of the Division of Agrostology, U. S. Department of Agriculture. Cultivation of orris root in Italy (-Rpt. of Schimmel ropagated from cuttings taken from the upper part of the stalk are not necessarily inferior. The canes grown from such cuttings had in some cases a higher and in others a lower sugar content than canes grown from cuttings taken from the body of the stalk. In all cases the yield was in favor of cuttings taken from the upper part of the stalk, owing, it is stated, to the fact that these cuttings make the best growth. Composition and yield of different varieties of sugar cane, P. Boname (Rap. An. Sta. Agron. [Mauritius], 1S07, pp. 24-44). — The results of analyses of 61 varieties of sugar cane at different stages of growth and of a large number of seed canes are given in tables. The crop and weather conditions are briefly noted. Similar work has been previously noted (E. S. R., 9, p. 638). HORTICULTURE. 547 Fertilizer experiments on sugar cane, P. I'.oxame (Bap. An. Sta. Agron. [Mauri- tius], 1897, pp. 45-48). — Experiments on commercial fertilizers applied singly and in combination were made on 20 plats and the results obtained are here reported in tables. Nitrogenous fertilizers, dried blood, ammonium sulphate, and sodium nitrate, were most effective when applied in combination. Potash in the form of chlorid gave a larger increase in yield than when applied in the form of nitrate or sulphate. Experiments with Nitragin during the summer of 1897, .1. E. Palmer | Tidskr. Landtman, 19 (1S9S), Xo. 10, pp. 175-179). — Practical testimony, on the whole favorable. Nitragin (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Bui. 34, pp. 53-56). — Brief popular notes are given concerning this preparation and quotations are given from the publications of several who have made experiments with the substance. The culture of tobacco, O. C. Butterweck ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Fanners' Bui. 82, pp. 24). — This bulletin nives complete directions for the culture of tobacco, discuss- ing the following points: Selecting, saving, and sowing the seed; preparing the seed bed; and planting, cultivating, fertilizing, topping, and cutting the plants. A note on the destruction of insect pests injurious to tobacco is given. Progress in tobacco culture, R. Kisslixg (('hem. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 52. pp. 524, 525). — A review of recent experiments on tobacco i:i different countries. The work is described in abstract form and comprises a study of a nematode disease of tobacco and fertilizer and culture experiments carried on to determine the effect upon the quality of the crop, especially its fire-holding capacity. "Wheat experiments, D. Beveridge (Agr. Gaz. Tasmania, 6 (1898), Xo. l,p. 15). — Results of a test of 14 varieties of wheat are given in a table. Smith Xonpareil and Blount Limbrigg were free from rust and The Blount and Square Head were most productive. "Winter and summer pasture in Mississippi, E. R. Lloyd (Mississippi Bid. 50, pp. 12). — This bulletin contains directions for the preparation of the soil for per- manent pasture and notes on Bermuda grass, carpet grass, lespedeza, melilotus, hairy vetch, turf or winter oats, redtop, alsike clover, and pasture grasses. Grass mix- tures suitable for pine-woods soils, yellow and brown loams, and prairie soils are suggested. The water supply of pastures is considered in a short note. Plant culture in Denmark during 1897, K. Hansen (Tidsskr. Landokon., 17 (189S), Xo. 1-2, pp. 5-25). HORTICULTURE. Horticulture : Results for 1896-97, W. C. Stubbs, F. H. Bur- NETTE, and E. WATSON (Louisiana Stas. Bui. 52, 2. ser., pp. 285-332). — This bulletin contains remarks on the seasons of 1896 and 1897, and notes and tabulated data on the following crops grown at the stations during these two years: Vegetables. — Chinese cabbage (Pe Tsai), asparagus, beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflowers, carrots, celery, sweet corn, cress, cucumbers, cantaloupes, eggplant, endive, kohlrabi, lettuce, leeks, watermelons, mustard, okra, onions, peas, parsley, peppers, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, spinach, tomatoes, squashes, and turnips. Fruits. — Apples, figs, pears, peaches, plums, Japan persimmons, grapes, cherries, almonds, apricots, nectarines, pomegranates, medlars, goumi, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, dewberries, nuts, and citrus fruits. In comparative tests of northern with home-grown seeds, the seeds grown upon the grounds of the stations gave equally good or better 548 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. results in the case of cucumbers, cantaloupes, lettuce, peppers, Irish potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, and tomatoes. The results in many of the other crops are not indicated. Tabulated data are given on fertili- zer tests with cabbages, cantaloupes, eggplants, watermelons, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes, and an experiment in growing cucumbers under glass is described. The comparative ability of the crops to endure the drought is reported. Mention is made of the striped cucumber beetle (Diabrotica vitata) and the 12-spotted beetle (Diabro- tica 12-punctata), and a mixture of 12 qt. of air-slaked lime and 1 pt. of coal oil applied with a hand bellows or powder gun is recommende'd for keeping them in check. Winter forcing of asparagus in the open field, J. C. Whitten (Missouri Sta. Bui. 43, pp. 54-62, figs. 2). — Various methods of forcing asparagus are noted and a method of forcing a crop in the field is described. Forcing asparagus in the field has two advantages over removing the roots to a forcing house. It avoids the trouble and expense of transplanting them and it saves the plants from being ruined by the forcing process, as in the case of plants removed to forc- ing houses. The method used at the station is as follows: Trenches are made between the rows by running a double furrow, throwing the soil in the rows of plants, and then making the trenches uniform with a spade. When finished they are 3 or 4 in. lower than the crowns of the plants. They are then covered with 12 in. boards resting on 4-in. blocks on either side of the trenches, thus forming tunnels between the rows. The boards are covered with 2 or 3 in. of soil and then the whole bed is covered with 5 or 6 in. of horse manure. Steam is carried from the boiler to the central tunnel by a steam pipe and from there forced into the tunnels through steam hose. The steam penetrates the soil of the beds, warming it to the desired temperature. This method was tested at the station in the winter of 1 896. The field used had been planted to asparagus some 10 years previous to the exper- iment. Six rows 4 ft. apart and .50 ft. long were prepared for forcing. Steam was first applied November 14. It was discharged in each tunnel for not over 5 minutes at a time, about 1 hour being required to heat the bed to a temperature of 60° F. After the first clay the bed was steamed ou an average of twice in 3 days, and only for 5 minutes for each tunnel. The first asparagus was cut 10 days after steaming was begun. It was as large as that ordinarily produced in spring and much more crisp. Cuttings were made almost daily for a month, when the growth became weak. The second test was begun December 1(3 and carried out as in the first test. The bed prepared for forcing was 25 by 75 ft. The first cutting was made 2 weeks after the first steaming. The time of cutting was more irregular than in the first test, and was prolonged about 2 months. The weather being colder, somewhat more steam was required than in the first test. The plants forced were allowed to grow without cutting during the summer of 1897, and the spring growth of HORTICULTURE. 549 1898 showed that one season's growth after forcing was sufficient for the plants to regain their normal vigor. In the winter of 1897-98 a test was made with a bed 25 ft. square, to determine the amount of coal necessary to force a given area of asparagus and the value of the product. The steam was first used December 29, the first asparagus was cut January 12, and cutting was continued until February 25. Steam was forced into the tunnels a total of GO^ hours; 2,308 lbs. of coal, valued at $1.82, were used in heating the bed. The yield was 162 bunches (80 lbs.), valued at from 10 to 20 cts. per bunch. It was found that about 5 minutes at a time was as long as steam could be forced into a tunnel without danger of overheating the aspar- agus. In regard to the advantage of allowing the steam to come in direct contact with the soil, the author says : "The steam, coming in direct contact with the soil, readily penetrates it, heating the whole bed uniformly ; whereas if the tunnels are heated by inclosed steam or hot-water pipes, the soil becomes too hot and dry close to the tunnels, while it is too cold midway between them. Forcing steam into the tunnels keeps the soil moist and maintains more continuous fermentation of the manure mulch, thus promoting steady heat." The bulletin concludes with general remarks and suggestions on the culture of asparagus in Missouri. Improvement of the wild carrot by grafting it on the cultivated carrot, L. Daniel (Gompt. Bend. Acad. 8ci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 2, pp. 133-135). — The author reports the results of grafting the wild car- rot upon a well-known variety of cultivated carrot having red roots. The stock exerted an influence not only upon the scion itself, but also upon the seedlings of the scion. The seedlings presented anomalies in the number and form of the cotyledons, the young plants from the grafted wild carrot were larger, greener, and less villous than those from the ungrafted wild carrot — i. e., in general intermediate between the wild and cultivated carrot. As the plants became older some of them followed the spreading habit of the wild carrot and others the erect habit of the cultivated carrot. The roots were white, like those of the wild carrot, but with a diameter from 2 to 3 times that of the latter and from one-fourth to one-third that of the cultivated carrot. Out of 30 plants from the grafted carrot 8 ran to seed the first season, an occurrence which, though fairly common in the cultivated carrot, is very rare in the wild carrot. The author believes that these results demonstrate the possibility of improving wild plants by grafting, fol- lowed by an intelligent selection of the offspring of the scion. The fruit industry and substitution of domestic for foreign- grown fruits, W. A. Taylor ( U. 8. Dept. Ayr. Yearbook 1897, pp. 305-314, pis. 5). — This article treats of the history of the development of the fruit industry in the United States and of the importation and exportation of fruits, and notes briefly the possibility of substitution of domestic for foreign-grown fruits. Numerous tables are given showing 550 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the statistics of imports of fruits and fruit products by decades from 1830 to 181)0 aud by years from 1891 to 1807. Imports of many classes of fruits have decreased noticeably in the last few years, owing to the increased home production of these fruits and of others which have been substituted for them. Exports of such fruits as are exported, notably the apple, has steadily increased. Exports of canned and dried fruits of various kinds are becoming very important. In 1807 the total exports of fruits, fruit products, and nuts were valued at $7,828,572, as against similar imports to the value of $20,062,782. A report on damage to fruit trees caused by the severe freeze of November 26-28, 1896, J. A. Balmer ( Washington Sta. Bui. 30, 2jp. 20). — In a preliminary note the use of the nomenclature recom- mended and adopted by the American Pomological Society is urged. During the summer of 1807 the author visited the fruit-growing regions in the Wallawalla, Yakima, and Snake River valleys, and a large number of orchards in the Palouse country and in western Washing- ton, aud has reported in this bulletin the information gathered here concerning the damage done to fruit trees by the unusual cold period of the previous November. Several peculiar effects of the cold were brought out by the study. Of trees under apparently the same condi- tions one may have been severely affected while another of the same variety 25 ft. distant escaped uninjured. The trunks of some Agen prune trees were burst wide open, while others near by were left appar- ently in good order. Certain branches of a tree would be entirely killed while others were scarcely damaged. Detailed reports of 13 orchards in the Wallawalla Valley, 13 in the Yakima Valley, and 3 in the Palouse country including that of the station are given, also tables showing the percentage of dead and damaged trees in the Wallawalla and Yakima valleys. The conclusions reached are summarized in sub- stance as follows : " On low damp ground the damage to trees was very great, while trees of the same age and variety on drier grounds came through uninjured. Trees with high exposed trunks, especially those leaning from the afternoon sun or from the southwest, were greatly damaged in trunk, while in many cases the limbs and young growth were not affected. Agen prune is tenderer than Italian, Golden Drop, or Pond. Napo- leon cherry is one of the tenderest varieties grown in the State. It suffered every- where in the eastern part of the State, except possibly in the Snake River Valley, Of the popular varieties of apples, Yellow Newtown, Esopus, Yellow Bellflower, and Fall Pippin proved most tender. The hardier varieties are Ben Davis, Blue Pear- main, Jefferis, Fameuse, Twenty Ounce, Red June, Red Astrachan, Gloria Mundi, Missouri, Yellow Transparent, Limber Twig, and Waxen. Seedling peaches proved much hardier than budded trees. Amsden, Elberta, and Foster proved as hardy as any in their class. Alexander proved very tender. The damage was greatest where the land was lowest and where the cold air was held in pockets. In most instances late summer irrigation proved injurious, causing the trees to grow too late in the fall, leaving them in a very tender condition to go into winter quarters. Late cultivation has a similar effect on fruit trees as has late irrigation. It is not safe to cultivate much later than the middle of July. Where orchards were weedy and little cared for, the damage by frost was light; this, however, is no plea for weeds, but goes to show that if trees are encouraged to mature their wood early in the fall they will be HORTICULTURE. 551 in better condition to endure the rigors of winter. While the author is iirmly of the opinion that fall and winter irrigation is absolutely necessary, yet it seems to him to be a mistake to keep up irrigation or even cultivation during the weeks in the fall when trees naturally mature their wood; better to have a lew weeds than to have a lot of immature wood and late growth. After the leaves are well down and growth has ceased is a good time to apply water; this is nature's way." Lawns and lawn making, F. Lamson-Scribner ( U. S. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1897, pp. 355-372, pis. 7). — The article gives suggestions for the establishment and care of lawns, based upon replies to a circular of inquiry addressed to superintendents of parks in various parts of the United States and upon the experience of the author. A number of replies to the circular are quoted. In regard to the selection of lawn grasses the author says : "The varieties suited to temperate climates, not subject to excessive drought or where water may be employed, are Kentucky blue grass, Rhode Island bent, and creeping bent. For shaded streets and parks, hard fescue and various leafed fescue, especially the latter, may be used to advantage, and in northern latitudes woodland meadow grass is a desirable variety for shaded situations. In the warmer portions of the South, Bermuda and the variety known as St. Lucie grass stand first, and when the soil is somewhat moist or very sandy St. Augustine grass may be substi- tuted. Curly inesqu'ite is recommended for trial in the warmer regions of the South- west too dry for the successful cultivation of Bermuda." The turf formed by various grasses is illustrated from photographs. Thorough preparation and constant care are considered essential to success with lawns. By way of summary the author says: "A perfect lawn consists of the growth of a single variety of grass, with a smooth even surface, uniform color, and an elastic turf which has become, through constant care, so fine and so close in texture as to exclude weeds, which, appearing, should be at once removed. Briefly, such a lawn may be secured by thorough preparation of the soil and the application of suitable fertilizers ; by seeding with pure seed of the highest quality ; by proper attention to irrigation and the maintenance of fer- tility; by the prompt removal of weeds, and, finally, by the frequent and intelligent use of the roller and lawn mower.'' Cultivation of the sweet potato, J. A. Frye (Jour. Jamaica Agr. Soc, 2 (1898), No. 11, pp. 475, 476). — Popular notes. Some edible and poisonous fungi, YV. G. Farlow ( U. S. Dept. Agr. Yearbook, 1897, pp. 453-470, pis. 10). — The paper gives in a popular way the characteristics of a few of the most common edible and poisonous fungi. The forms considered are Agaricus campestris, A. arvensis, Amanita phalloides, Hypholoma appendiculatum, Coprinus comatus, C. atramentarius, C. micaceous, Lepiota procera, Cantharellus cibarius, Marasmus oreades, Lactarius delicosus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Boletus subluteus, Fistulina hepatica, Hydnum imbricatum, H. repandum, Morchella esculenta, Lycoperdon giganteum, L. cyathiforme, and Scleroderma rulgare. These are illustrated by plates. A number of rules are given to aid the collector in determining edible fungi. Some edible and poisonous fungi, W. G. Farlow ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology Bui. 1.',, pp. 453-470, pU. 10).— This is a reprint from the Yearbook of this Department for 1897 (see above). Edible agarics, M. R. (Jour. Hyg., S3 (1898), No. 1141, pp. 301-303).— A general description of the cultivation of mushrooms in Paris, condensed from an article in Science Francaise. Cherry culture, G. H. Powell (Delaware Sta. Bpt. 1S97, pp. 175-197, Jigs. .9).— A reprint of Bulletin 35 of the station ( E. S. R., 0, p. 834). 552 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Strawberries, F. 8. Earle (Alabama College Sta. Bui. 94, pp. 189-154). — A popular bulletin on growing and marketing strawberries. " In the opinion of tbe writer the strawberry acreage of the State could be largely increased with profit, and with less chance of loss than with most other horticultural crops." Directions are given for the selection of soils, use of fertilizers, preparation of soil, planting, cultivation, and mulching. Insects and diseases affecting strawberries are briefly considered, and notes are given on picking, packing, and shipping the fruit. From tests of 35 varieties grown for 2 seasons under rather unfavorable conditions, the author thinks the fol- lowing can safely be recommended for general planting in all parts of Alabama: Michel, Lady Thompson, Brandywine, and Glenn Mary. Gardner and Meeks pro- duced the most vigorous vines and hardiest foliage. Pruning, 0. E. Orpet (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 193, p. 619).— The gist of the article is given in the author's summary, as follows: "Summer pruning tends to direct the vigor of the trees into legitimate channels making spring pruning a very small matter when the former has been followed up from the time of planting the trees. Spring pruning is necessary when the trees have been neglected for a time. It will not check vigorous growth, rather increase it indeed, but in summer see that this vigor is so placed as to form good fruit bud bearing wood by summer pinching of the strongest growths. . . . All flowering shrubs should be pruned after flowering; then a good display is secured, and the efforts of the shrub are directed toward making wood to flower next season." The fruit industry and substitution of domestic for foreign-grown fruits, W. A. Taylor ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of romologtj Bui. 7, pp. 305-362, pis. 5).— This is a reprint from the Yearbook of this Department for 1897 (see p. 549), with the addition of a discussion of fruit exports and notes on 10 varieties of apples suitable for tbe export trade as follows: Baldwin, Ben Davis, Jonathan, Northern Spy, Rhode Island, Roxbury, Tompkins King, Winesap, Yellow Newton, and York Imperial. The reciprocal action of scion and stock (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 24 (1898), No. 616, p. 288). — A brief review of Daniel's work with carrots (see p. 549) is given, with a note on the physiology of the interaction of stock and scion. The effect of stock on scion, and vice versa ( Wiener Illus. Gart. Ztg., 23 (1898), Nos. S-9,pp. 299, 300).— & brief review of Daniel's work (E. S. R., 5, p. 1089; 9, p. 945; 10, p. 549). The effect of the graft on the flavor of the fruit (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 24 (1898), No. 614, p. 246). — Notes on the work of Daniel and other authorities (see p. 549). The principles and practice of bulb growing, W. C. Worsdell (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 24 (1898), No. 624, p. 422). — One of a series of articles on this subject. Bulb growing in America, W. F. Massey (Amer. Florist, 14 (1S9S), No. 544, p. 400). — The successful growing of bulbs of Dutch and Roman hyacinths, narcissi, and Lilium candicum in North Carolina is reported. The author believes that with experience Bermuda lily bulbs can also be grown successfully. Italian cannas in 1898, E. Andr6 (Rev. Sort., 70 (1898), No. 21, pp. 497-500, fig. 1). — Notes on new Italian cannas. Cannas in 1898, J. S. Wilson (Amer. Florist, 14 (1898), No. 551, pp. 625-62S,fig. 1). — Brief notes on a considerable number of varieties of cannas grown at Western Springs, Illinois, in 1898. The cyclamen, W. W. Gordon (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 203, pp. 773, 774, fig. 1). — The article gives a method of culture by which cyclamens are carried over two years instead of being allowed a resting period at the end of one year's growth. Economic use of bamboos, A. B. Freeman-Metford (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 24 (1898), No. 605, p. 92). — A brief synopsis is given of a lecture delivered by the author before the Royal Horticultural Society at its meeting July 19, 1898. The shrubby St. Johns worts, W. J. Bean (Garden, 54 (1898), No. 1413, pp. 490- 492, figs. 3, pi. 1). — Notes upon tbe adaptability of the genus Hypericum for garden planting, together with descriptive and cultural notes on certain species. SEEDS WEEDS. 553 How to make a lawn, H. A. Surface (Amer. Gard., 19 (1S9S), No. 205, pp.S05, SOS). — Directions are given for making and caring for lawns. To sow an acre the author recommends a mixture as follows: June grass 10 lbs., redtop 10 lbs., peren- nial rye grass 10 lbs., rough meadow grass 5 lbs., timothy 5 lbs., sweet vernal grass 5 lbs., and white clover 5 lbs. Notes on watering, F. Craxefield (Amer. Florist, 14 (1898), No. 545, pp. 434,435, fig. 1). — The article gives a few notes on the use of warm and cold water for both greenhouse and outdoor plants, the notes being supplemental to those given in a previous issue (E. S. R., 9, p. 1053). SEEDS— WEEDS. Wind distribution of seeds, E. M. Hussong (Proc. Nebraska Acad. 8d. 1896, pp. 253-257). — Uuder the author's direction experiments were carried on for 4 years to ascertain the effect of wind as a distributing agent of weed seeds. In order to secure the data desired, deep tin cans were anchored in a number of different exposures in such a way as to collect seeds and other debris carried by the air. The collection made in September for 4 years is tabulated, which shows the following percentages : Weed seeds distributed bu winds. Orders. Portulacacese . . Composite Aruarantacese. . Cbenopodiaceai Plantaginacese . Asclepeidacem . Graniineae Solanaceae Per cent. ]4.6 12.7 12.3 9.8 7.5 7.2 6.7 4.5 Orders. CyperacesB Onagrace* Crucit'erae Leguminosse . .. Polygonacese • - Convolvulacese Unknown Per cent. 4.2 4.1 3.8 3.7 2.5 1.5 4.1 It appears that of these seeds 16.1 per cent were distributed by breezes, 17.8 per cent by local winds, 36.3 per cent by high winds, and 26.6 per cent by continued gales. Naturally the ones distributed by the lighter winds were those which were provided with pappus or some ether special arrangement for distribution, while the heavier seeds are scattered only by the high and continuous winds. In October 20 per cent more Compositse, 8 per cent more of milk- weeds, and from 1 to 3 per cent more grasses, amaranths, and cheno- pods were collected. In November the collections were notable for a very great increase in the percentages of amaranths and chenopods. During December, January, February, and March, on account of the ground being covered with snow or frozen, but slight movements of seeds were observed. In April the spring winds produced quite a marked effect on the distribution, and at this time seeds of the common purslane, tansy mustard, black mustard, wild pea, and winged dock were very abundant in their distribution. These experiments only show data relative to the horizontal distri- bution of seeds, it being generally believed that the distribution of weed 554 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. seeds takes place withiu the stratum of air tbat lies about 30 or 40 ft. from the earth's surface. The desirability of investigations as to ver- tical distribution is pointed out. An investigation of various germination media. B. Jonsson (Report Lund Seed-Control Slat ion for 1897, pp. 7-12, 28,29).— The gen- eral practice adopted in Scandinavian seed-control stations is to ger- minate the seed between pieces of moist paper or cloth. Tbe medium in which the seed is placed differs greatly among the Swedish stations. The author collected over 30 different kinds of paper or cloth used for this purpose in Swedish stations, and subjected them to a critical exam- ination. A number of samples were tested to study which kinds were especially adapted for the purpose in view, and determinations made of weight, ash content, porosity, hygroscopicity, and rapidity of evapora- tion from the surface of the paper or cloth. The samples examined were grouped as filter paper, blotting paper, brown paper, felt, mole- skin, and linen. The following table shows the average data obtained for these groups of media : Examination of germination media. Medium. Filter paper (white) Blotting paper (white or col ored) Brown paper Felt Moleskin Linen Number of samples. Weight of 19.76 sq. cm. Grams. 0.17 .37 .25 .70 1.02 Ash content. Per cent. 0.46 a . 47 2.06 Height to which water rose, dur- ing 3 min. Mm. 2.90 31.0 13.0 3.5 68.0 21.0 Amount of mois- ture taken up in satu- rated al Evaporation during 4 hours — Per mosphere TO "f during24 lll6(lwU1' hours. Per cent. 25.5 16.0 24.0 19.5 11.9 Grams. 2. 695 1.806 1.777 .483 .315 Per same surface (19.76 sq. cm.). Per cent. 69.0 62.0 58.5 9.0 11.0 62.5 a Average for 6 samples. In order to be adapted for use in germination tests, the paper should be pure, free from injurious components or coloring matter, and as far as possible free from fungi and bacteria. It should therefore be kept and handled carefully, and preferably sterilized. It should be soft and pliable and of good keeping quality. Its ash content should be as low as possible, since a high ash makes the paper hard, and may interfere with the germination by the ash components being dissolved in the water of the germination bed. Porosity is essential, to permit of circulation of air; for this reason heavily sized paper is objectionable. In the author's opinion a paper fulfilling the preceding demands is preferable to either clay or terracotta dishes, sand, or soil beds. — F. W. WOLL. Report of Swedish seed-control stations for 1896 {Meddel. K. Landtbr. Styr., 1897, No. 42, pp. 314-382). — The report includes the aver- age data, with extremes, of 9,913 seed analyses made at the 18 Swedish SEEDS WEEDS. 555 State seed-control stations, of which 3,588 analyses were made for farm- ers, 5,548 for seedsmen, and 777 in investigational work conducted by the stations. Of the analyses made, 25.1 per cent were made at the Lund Station, 12.9 per cent at Stockholm Station, 11.7 per cent at Oerebro Station, and the rest divided among- the remaining 15 seed- control stations. While the quality of most kinds of seed examined was very good, considerable variations were found, as shown below : Variations in percentage of pure viable, seed. Kind of seed. Winter rye Two rowed barley Six-rowed barley White oats Red clover Kidney vetch Timothy Swedish turnip Carrot Parsnip Fir (A biex exceha) Norway pine (Pinus sylvestris) Number of samples. 308 296 200 414 ,296 29 615 100 59 10 76 Pare viable seed. Average. Maximum. Minimum Per cent. 90.1 95.8 96.1 91.7 88.1 87.5 86.1 95.5 60.9 53 80.1 83.8 Per cent. 99.7 99.9 100 300 98.7 98.8 99.2 99.9 92.5 87.1 98.9 97.9 Pi r cent. 18.8 14.7 13 8 1.4 5.8 36.2 27.5 18.8 *1 10.7 9.7 Determinations of the viability of weed seeds made at the Jonkoping Station showed the following results: Gentaurea cyanus 88.3 percent, Antliemis tinctoria 57.5 per cent, Cerastium vulgatum 89 per cent, Cuscuta trifolii 19.5 per cent, Bromus secalinus 94.3 per cent, Prunella vulgaris 67.8 per cent, Stellaria media 72 per cent, and Cirsium arvense 1.5' per cent. — f. w. woll. Additional notes on seed testing, G. H. Hicks and S. Key ( U. 8. Ik'pt. Agr. Yearbook 1897, pp. 411-452, figs. 3). — In continuation of previous papers published in the Yearbooks of this Department on pure-seed investigation, the authors in the present paper treat mainly of the special apparatus, methods, and expedients which have been adopted in the regular work of the Seed Laboratory of this Depart- ment. Attention is also called to the importance of field tests, which are too frequently neglected in ordinary seed-testing work. Some methods in the study of mature seed, L. H. Pammel {Jour. AppJ. Micros., 1 {1898), No. 3, pp. 37-39, figs. 6). The choice of seed, G. Battaxchox {Prog. Agr. et Fit., 30 {1898), No. 44, pp. 527- 531). — The author in a semipopular article, points out the value of good seed and the necessity for their selection. On the selection of seed by their specific weight, L. Degrully {Trog. Agr. et Yit., 30 {1858), No. 42, pp. 453-455) .—The author states the general advantage accru- ing from the use of heavy seed and cites examples in which there was an increased yield of oats of 260 kg. grain and 360 kg. straw per hectare from the heavier seed. In the case of maize a gain of 33£per cent was due to the use of heavy seed. Report of the seed-control station at Lund (Sweden) for 1897, B. Jonsson (Malmo, 1898, pp. 29). 556 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Dodder, R. Helms (Producers' (las. and Settlers' Bee. [ West. Australia'], 5 (1808), No. 5, pp. 394-396, fi cranberries in Massachusetts is caused by the following 3 insects: The vine worm (Ilhopoboia rac- ciniana), the fruit worm (Mineola vaceinii), and the cranberry spanworm (Ematurga' faxonii). The habits of these insects are discussed and remedies for them suggested. A few other cranberry insects of less importance are noted. The author also dis- cusses plant lice and the San Jose scale and suggests treatment. Two Japanese insects injurious to fruit, M. Matsumura ( 77. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of Entomology Bui. 10, n. ser., pp. 36-40, figs. 2). — The apple-fruit borer (Larerna herellera) and the pear-fruit borer (Nephopteryx ruhrizonella) are described and notes are given on remedies. The peach-twig borer, C. L. Marlatt (77. S. Dipt. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 80, pp. 15, figs. 5). — This is a revised reprint from U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology, Bulletin 10, new series (see p. 565). Three shade-tree insects, A. H. Kirklaxd (Agr. Massachusetts, 1S91 , pp. 238-247, figs. 5). — The author discusses the sugar-maple borer (Plagioniotus speciosus), the oak primer (Elaphidion viUosum), and the imported elm-bark louse (Gossyparia uhni), considering such points as life history, injury, natural enemies, remedies, etc. Notes on the strawberry weevil : Its injuries and bibliography, F. H. Chit- tenden( 77. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of Entomology Bui. 10, n. ser., pp. 82-87). The fig eater, or green June beetle, L. O. Howard ( 77. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Bui. 10, n. ser., pp. 20-26, fig. 1). — This gives notes on the characteristics and habits of the green June beetle (Allorhina nitida). It is shown, contrary to the general belief, that the normal food of the larva- of this beetle is the vegetable mold of rich soils and that in its larval stage it is not a crop pest. Scale insects, A. M. Lka (Producers' Gaz, and Settlers' Bee. [ West. Australia'] 5 (1S98), No. 6, pp. 465-483, pis. 3, figs. 15). — Notes are given on the San Jose scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus), red scale (A. aurantii), greedy scale (A. rapax), black aspidiotus (A. rossi), mussel scale (Mytilaspis pomorum), mussel scale of citrus fruits (M. citricola), black scale (Lecanium olea-), broad or soft scale (L. hesperidum), cottony-cushion or fluted scale (Icerya purchasi), mealy bugs (Dactylopius spp.), etc. The subject of parasitism of scale insects is discussed at- some length and various remedies suggested for the destruction of the scales by means of washes and emulsions. Monograph of the genus Aspidiotus, G. Leonardi (Bir. Patol. Teg., 7 (1S9S), No. 1-4, pp. 38-86, figs. 18). American scale insects as a menace to European fruit culture, A. Berlese and G. Leonardi (Eiv. Patol. Veg., 6 (1898), No. 11-12, pp. 321-352, figs. 21). Scale insects on cacti, Kuhlgatz (Monatsschr. Eakteenkunde, S (1S9S), No 11, pp. 100-170, pi. 1). — One of a series of articles on scale insects, together with a descrip- tion of Bhizoeoccus multispiuosus nov. spec. Destructive locusts in 1897, W. D. Hunter ( 77. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Ento- mology Bui. 10, n. ser., pp. 40-53). — This is a report of observations made in an exploration of the territory within the limits of the permanent breeding ground of tin' Rocky Mountain locust and adjoining territory. The activity of the Uocky Mountain locust throughout the entire breeding region was greater than for many years. The species Avas present in northwestern Wyoming, the larger part of South Dakota, and the northern half and western third of Nebraska, the situation being serious in some of these places, especially South Dakota. The nonmigratory locust was unusually abundant in South Dakota, Nebraska, and parts of Oregon and Washington. The tobacco flea-beetle, F. H. Chittenden ( 77. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Bui. 10, n. ser., pp. 79-S'!,fig. 1).— This gives recent observations on the larval habits 570 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. of the tobacco flea-beetle (Epitrix parvula), a description of the larvae and. pupa and notes on the published habits and injuries of this insect. On the habits of the Oscinidae and Agromyzidae reared at the United States Department of Agriculture, D. W. Coquillett ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of Entomology Bui. 10, n. ser., pp. 70-70). Notes on cucumber beetles, F. H. Chittenden (U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology BnJ. 10, n. .sec, pp. 26-31, figs. 2). — The striped cucumber beetle (Diahrotica vittata) and the twelve-spotted cucumber beetle (D. 12-punctala) are described and notes are given on their life history and habits. Insects that affect asparagus, F. H. Chittenden (U.S. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Bui. 10, n. ser., pp. 54-62, fig. 1). — This consists of brief notes on numer- ous species of lepidoptera and hemiptera found on asparagus and more extended notes on the common asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi) and twelve-spotted asparagus beetle (C. 12-punctata). The sugar-cane borers of Java, L. Zeiintner ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Ento- mology Bui. 10, n. ser., pp. 32-36, figs. 4). — This is a resume of the results of studies made at the experiment station at Pasoeroean, Java, during the past few years. The results were published in the Mededeelingen van liet Proefstation Oost Java. The following borers are considered: Diatrwa striatalis, Scirpophaga intacta, Chilo infuscatellus, and Grapholitha schistaceana. The pine geometer moth (Fidorcia piniaria), S. MacDougall (Trans. Highland and Agr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser., 0 (1897), pp. 106-123, figs. 3).— Description, life history, and food habits of this insect are given and remedial measures are suggested. Two parasites of sugar cane, E. Bordage (Rev. Agr. Reunion, 2 (1S98), No. 4, pp. 400-403). — Notes the occurrence of larva? of Dendroneura sacchari and Grapholitha schistaceana in cane. Report of the State Board of Agriculture on the work of extermination of tbe gypsy moth (Agr. Massachusetts, 1897, pj). 307-350, pis. 4). — This contains the reports of the financial agent, the entomologist, and the field agent of the Board of Agriculture of Massachusetts. The article reports what has been done in the work of extermination of the gypsy moth and describes the present conditions of the infected regions. Notes on predaceous beetles, A. F. Burgess (Agr. Massachusetts, 1S97, pp. 402- 411). — Notes are given on the life history and habits of several beetles which prey upon the larva' of the gypsy moth. The species of Podisus occurring in the United States, A. H. Kirkland (Agr. Massachusetts, 1S97, pp. 412-439, pi. 1). — Descriptions of the species Podisus occurring in the United States and notes on their habits are given, together with a synopsis of the species, synonymy, etc. Danger of importing insect pests, L. O. Howard (U. S. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1897, pp. 529-55 .', Jigs. 19). — Of the 73 species of insects most injurious in the United States 37 have been undoubtedly introduced from foreign countries. The great majority of introduced species have come from Europe. The author regards nursery stock as the most dangerous means of importation of insect pests. Foreign insects liable to be imported are figured and discussed. Notes from correspondence ( U. S. Dept. Agr.. Division of Entomology Bui. 10, n. ser., pp. 97-99). — Brief miscellaneous notes, taken from correspondence, on the follow- ing subjects: Datana angnsii injuring pecans in Mississippi; abundance of Calocala lacrymosa at Brookkaven, Mississippi; the pear-tree borer in Mississippi; remedy for cabbage worms; the rice grub beetle at electric lights in New Orleans; injury by the bark beetle (Dendroctonus rnjipennis) ; injuriousness of Pieris protodice; injury by the silver-pine tortricid to Douglas spruce in Oregon ; Heterocampa manteo on oak ; the malodorous carabid (Xomius pygmauts) iu Oregon; voracity of Hippodamia glacialis; injury to chrysanthemums by Corythuca irrorata; a psyllid (Trioza diospyri) injuring Chinese persimmons; plant-lice injury to tomato; parasites of goats; the house crab spider as a destroyer ot'ilies, and a wasp parasite. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 571 General notes (U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Bui. 10, n. ser., pp. S7-97, fig. 1). — A peculiar damage to the fruit of the apple front an unknown species of leaf miner is noted. A new case of an insect boring into lead is reported. Notes are given on Icerya purchasi in Portugal and the Azores; a little-known tineid moth of indoor habits; a moth likely to be mistaken for Tinea granella; parasites of bean and cowpea weevils; injury by the western flea-beetle, Phyllotreta pusilla, the wind- row remedy for blister beetles; white grubs of Allorlihia nitida invading a cellar; reported damage by the green plant-bug, IAoderma uhleri; on the food habits of the harlequin cabbage bug; food plants of the "cotton stainer;" collecting locust eggs in Morocco ; poisoning grasshoppers in Natal, and collecting grasshoppers in New Hampshire. Report of the director of the Entomological Institute of Sweden for 1897, S. Lampa (Meddel. K. Landibr. Styr., 189S, No. 46, pp. 48, figs. 9). Report of the entomologist, G. H. Powell (Delaware Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 198-210). — A brief note is given on the study of the strawberry root-louse (Aphis forbesi) and Bulletin 33 of the station is reprinted (E. S. R., 9, p. 73) with the addition of some data collected since its publication. Insecticides, Kitchen (Florists' Exchange, 10 (1S9S), No. 52, p. 1258). — A discus- sion of methods of. applying various insecticides and of their action on the insects and plants treated and on the operator. FOODS— ANIMAL PRODUCTION. Fresh and refrigerated meats, A. Gautier (Rev. Hyg., 19 (1897), pp. 289-303; 394-115). — On the basis of statistics of the amount of food brought into Paris between the years 18S0 and 1890 the daily amount consumed per man is calculated. A study is reported of fresh and refrigerated or frozen beef and mutton. The preserved mutton and beef came from the Argentine liepublic, and had been frozen from five to six months. The samples analyzed were freed as far as possible from tendon and visible fat. The results follow : Composition of fresh and refrigerated beef and mutton. Water Globulin (with a little albumen) in tbe portion of meat solu ble in water Preexistent peptones Myosin Myostroin Indigestible matter (elastin. keratin, etc.) Extractive materials (ferments, leucomaines, etc.) Glycogen Fat and cliolesterin Soluble salts Insoluble salts : Total Mat ton (shoul- Beef Refriger- Refrig- der and steak), fresh. ated erated neck), fresh. mutton. beef. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. 74. 92 74.75 73.66 73.96 3.32 3.06 2.14 2.69 1.33 2.24 1.29 2.56 8.31 10.96 10.33 9.29 4.49 4.30 4.94 6.41 .86 .24 .75 .94 .4!) .97 .95 1.01 .40 .38 .03 .16 5.23 1.97 5.38 2.04 .00 .65 .53 .47 .65 .44 .44 .44 100. 52 99.96 100. 24 100. 02 572 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. In addition, the author made the following- determinations in the same samples of meat: Constituents of fresh and refrigerated beef and mutton. Dry matter in material soluble in cold water Dry matter in material soluble in cold water after removal of albumen and globulin by coagulation by heat.. Dry matter in bouillon obtained by boiling chopped meat in an excess of water Reducing substance calculated as glycoses Gelatine obtained by heating portions insoluble in water 6 hours at 115° Nucleinic acid Acidity of aqueous extract of 100 gm. meat calculated as sulphuric acid Mutton (fresh). Per cent. 5.84 3.37 .191 2.72 .56 Beef (fresh). /'/ r <-, ni. 6.92 3.86 3.98 2.56 .44 Mutton Beef (refrig- (refrig- erated), erated). Per cent. 5. 34 3. 62 . 17 2.69 .59 Per cent. 6.99 5.17 .11 2.15 .66 The different constituents of the samples are discussed in some detail. According to the author, the mineral matter in the fresh mut- ton and beef had the following composition: Composition of ash of fresh mutton and beef. Soluble portion : Potassium ehlorid Sodium ehlorid Potassium sulphate Potassium phosphate (P()4K2H) Calcium phosphate Magnesium phosphate Insoluble portion: Calcium phosphate Magnesium phosphate Total Mutton. Beef. Per cent. Per cent. 0. 103 0.112 .021 .023 .050 .055 .383 .409 .010 .018 .033 .036 \ .650 .440 1. 093 A kilogram of beef was boiled for a long time in 2,500 cc. of water. One liter of beef bouillon contained 18.4 gm. dry matter, made up as follows : Grams. Peptones and propeptones 5. 3 Gelatinoids 2. 6 Creatin and similar liases 1.8 Other bases 2 Inosit and glycogen 1.4 Various extractives 2. 6 Mineral salts 4.5 Total 18.4 The juice which exuded from fresh and frozen meat when it was allowed to stand was also studied in some detail. More juice was obtained from beef than from mutton. Thus, when a kilogram of beef was exposed to the air three days at a temperature of 13-14° C, 33 cc. of juice was obtained; from refrigerated beef 113 cc, and from refriger- FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 573 ated mutton 58 cc. This meat juice lias the following percentage composition : Per cent. Globulins precipitated by an excess of a saturated solution of ammonium sulphate . 4. 23 Albumin coagulable at 100° after removal of the globulins 1.20 Peptones 3. 47 Collagen, coagulable at about 37° .49 Other organic materials, ferments, etc .45 Soluble salts 1.29 Insoluble salts * 06 Water 88.81 Total 100.00 Somewhat extended experiments by methods of artificial digestion are also reported with the different sorts of meat. From the investiga- tion as a whole the author's principal conclusion is that the importation of refrigerated meat should be increased, since such meat is of satis- factory composition, is easily digestible, and may be kept for an indefi- nite time. The economic importance of refrigerated meat is discussed at some length. Nutrition investigations in New Mexico in 1897, A. Goss ( TJ. S. Dept. Agr., Office of Experiment Stations Bui. 54, pp. 20, pi. 1, dgm. 1). — This is a continuation of work previously reported (E. S. R., 9, p. 204). A detailed study was made of the composition of a side of beef taken from a steer representing as nearly as possible the average animal raised upon iSTew Mexico cattle ranges. A dietary study was also made with one of the families previously studied. The usual methods were fol- lowed. The nutrients consumed per man per day were protein 85 gm., fat 71 gm., and carbohydrates 503 gm., with a fuel value of 3,820 calories. The cost was 7.1 cts. The total expenditure for food during 14 days of the dietary study was $2.78. Of this only 21 cts. was expended for food accessories, coffee being the only such article pur- chased. The waste was estimated to cost but 4 cts. It is noted that the diet falls below the commonly accepted standard in both protein and energy. Deep stalls and ordinary stalls for steers, together with feeding experiments -with molasses peat and molasses bran, F. Albert (Landic. Jahrb., 27 (18f)8), N~os. 1-2, pp. 174-188).— -General statements are made concerning the animals fed at the experiment farm at Lauch- stadt, and a number of feeding experiments are reported. A test, begin- ning June 20, 1890, and covering two periods of 49 and GO days, was made with 24 steers, divided into 2 equal lots. One steer was dropped trom each lot before the close of the test. The average weight of the steers was 400 to 500 kg. They were purchased at some distance from the station, and lost 41.23 kg. each during transportation. Lot 1 was kept in deep stalls (see p. 574) and lot 2 in ordinary stalls. During the preliminary period of 14 days the steers were fed a ration of hay and 574 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. beet chips, with wheat bran in addition, the amount being increased from 2 to 4 kg. per 1,000 kg. live weight. During the first period both lots were fed a ration consisting of 5 kg. alfalfa hay, 8 kg. straw and hay, 8 kg. dried-beet chips, 8 kg. molasses bran, and 3:V kg. cotton-seed meal per 1,000 kg. live weight. This was calculated to furnish 3.01 kg. nitrogenous material and 14.97 kg. digesti- ble nitrogen-free material, including fat. The daily average gain of lot 1 was 1.19 kg. and of lot 2, 1.265 kg. The loss of weight during trans- portation was made good in 37 days. During the second period the steers were fed a basal ration of 5 kg. alfalfa hay, 8 kg. straw and chaff, 8 kg. dried beet chips, and 3 kg. cotton-seed meal per 1,000 kg. live weight. In addition, 0 animals in lot 1 and .5 in lot 2 were fed G kg. of molasses peat and 6 kg. of molasses bran. Five animals in lot 1 and 6 in lot 2 were given 12 kg. of molasses bran. It was calculated that both rations furnished 3.08 kg. digestible nitrogenous material and 17.28 kg. nitrogen-free material. The variations in weight of each steer are recorded. The steers in deep stalls fed molasses peat made an average daily gain of 0.88 kg. and those fed molasses bran 7.27 kg. Those kept in ordinary stalls fed molasses peat made an average gain of 1.121 kg. and those fed molasses bran of 1.303 kg. The two molasses feeds were about equal. In the first period the deep stalls seemed superior and in the second period the reverse was true. At the close of the test the steers were sold and slaughtered. The weight of the carcass and organs is recorded for 3 steers. Body measurements were also taken. The financial statement is based on alfalfa hay at $1.20, chaff and straw at 48 cts., beet chips at $1.83, peat molasses at 90 cts., cotton- seed meal at $2.92, wheat bran at $2.26, and molasses bran at $1.51 per 100 kg. The steers were purchased at 15.8 cts. and sold at 16.8 cts. per kilogram. Without taking account of the manure it was cal- culated that the steers gave a profit of $177.24. The value of the manure is discussed. Feeding experiment No. 2 with steers, F. Albert (Landic. Jahrb., 27 (1898), No. 1-2, pp. 203-208). — In continuation of work reported above, a test was made with 14 steers 2^ to 3 years old fed in deep stalls until they were fit for market. The test began November 6, 1896, and covered 197 days. The first 14 days were regarded as a preliminary period. During this time the steers were fed per 1,000 kg. live weight, 00 kg. fodder beets, 5 kg. alfalfa hay, 3 kg. meadow hay, 8 kg. barley straw, 1 kg. cotton-seed meal, and 2 kg. wheat bran. This was calculated to furnish 1.977 kg. digestible protein and 12.545 kg. digestible nitrogen-free material. During the feeding experiment proper the ration per 1,000 kg. live weight consisted of GO kg. fodder beets, 5 kg. alfalfa hay, 2.5 kg. meadow hay, 8 kg. barley straw, 3 kg. cotton-seed meal, and 8 kg. molasses bran (molasses and bran 1:1). This furnished 3.123 kg. digestible protein and 17.149 kg. nitrogen-free material. During transportation to the station the steers lost 54.8 kg. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 575 each. This was made good in 47 days. The gains in weight of the different steers are recorded. The daily gain per steer during the test was 0.727 to 0.882 kg. The financial statement is based on fodder beets at $1.92, beet chips at $1.(58, alfalfa hay at $1.20, meadow hay at $1.20, barley straw at 48 cts., cotton-seed meal at $2.92, wheat bran at $2.25, and molasses bran at $1.51 per 100 kg. The steers were purchased at 16.3 cts. and sold at 17.3 cts. per kilogram. Without taking into account the manure the steers gave a profit of $177.24. Fattening lambs in winter, T. Shaw {Minnesota Sta. Bui. 57, pp. 416-467, figs. 4). — This is a continuation of previous work of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 251). Fattening Minnesota lambs (pp. 417-434). — A test was made with 100 lambs to compare combinations of coarse grains grown in the State and to compare limited and unlimited rations. Five of the lambs were home grown; the rest were purchased in Minnesota at 3Jand 4 cts. per pound. After the lambs were received at the station they were pas- tured and given some oats in addition until the beginning of the test. The test, which was preceded by a preliminary period of 7 days, began December 30, 1895, and covered 77 days. The lambs were divided into 5 lots of 20 each. Lot 1 was fed unlimited amounts of linseed cake, corn, aiid oats 1:3:6. Lot 2 was fed all they would eat up clean of the same ration. Lot 3 was fed a like amount of linseed cake, barley, and oats 1:3:6. The same ration was fed to lot 4 for the first 6 weeks of the experiment, but during the last 5 weeks the proportion of the different feeding staffs was changed to 2:3:5. During the first 6 weeks of the test lot 5 was fed all they would eat up clean of linseed cake and oats 1:9. In the latter part of the experiment the proportion was changed to 2 : 8. During the first 6 weeks of the test all the lots were fed native hay which was of poor quality. During the last six weeks of the test, hay of good quality, consisting almost entirely of clover, was fed. The linseed cake was fed in pieces about the size of a pea. The hay was fed whole and the grain was un ground. About 2 1 days were required to get the lambs onto full feed. The financial statement is based on linseed cake at $14 per ton; corn, 18 cts. per bushel of 56 lbs.; barley, 16 cts. per bushel of 48 lbs. ; oats, 14 cts. per bushel of 32 lbs. ; and native hay at $3 and clover hay at $3.50 per ton. The results of the test are sum- marized in the following table: Summary of results of feeding Minnesota lambs. Total food con- sumed. Average weight at be- ginning. Average gain per lamb. Profit Grain. Hay. per lot. Lot 1 Pounds. 3,821 3,710 3,645 3, 655 3,695 Pounds. 900 1,459 1,355 1,361 1 236 Pounds. 96.4 99.6 96.9 99.1 !H). 'J Pounds. 31.6 31.3 30.2 31.8 30.2 $5.90 Lot 2 11.60 Lot 3 10.91 Lot 4 11.74 Lot 5 9.08 12342 No. 6 6 576 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Fattening range lambs (pp. 435-401). — A test was made with 120 Montana range lambs to learn whether such lambs could be profitably fattened under ordinary farm conditions. After a preliminary period of 0 days, the test proper began November 10, 1890, and covered 84 days. The lambs weighed on an average 57.2 lbs. and cost in Montana on an average $1.25 per head. Lot 1 was fed linseed cake, wheat bran, corn, and oats 1:2:3:4; lot 2, oil cake, bran, barley, and oats in the same proportions; lot 3, bran, linseed cake, barley, and oats in the same proportions; lot 4, linseed cake and oats 1: 9. All the lambs were given native hay in addition to the grain ration. They were fed in sheds with yards. The financial statement is the same as in the previous statement with the addition of bran at $0.50 per ton. The .principal results are shown in the foUowiug table: Summary of results of feeding Montana range lambs. Total food con- sumed. Average weight at begin- ning. Average gain per lamb. Profit per lot. Grain. Hay. Lot. 1 Pounds. 5,127 4,974 5,127 4,771 Pounds. 1,208 1,200 1,196 902 Pounds. 58.1 57.0 57.0 57.2 Pounds. 19.0 18.5 22.7 18.9 $30. 16 Lot 2 29.37 Lot 3 32.98 28.35 A second test, under practically the same conditions as the preceding experiment, was made with 120 lambs divided into 4 lots of 30 each. The test, which was preceded by a preliminary period of 7 days, began November 8, 1897, and covered 112 days. The lambs weighed on an average 55i lbs. when purchased. Lot 1 was fed linseed cake, wheat bran, and oats 1:2:3:4; lot 2, linseed cake, bran, barley, and oats in the same proportion; lot 3, bran, oats, and barley 3:3:4; lot 4, oil cake, bran, and oats 1:2:7. In addition, all the lots were fed mixed hay, in which clover predominated, and sorghum silage. The financial statement is based on linseed cake at $22 per ton, wheat bran $7.50 per ton, corn 22 cts. per bushel of 50 lbs., barley 20 cts. per bushel of 48 lbs., oats 17 cts. per bushel of 32 lbs., mixed hay, clover, and tim- othy $4, and sorghum silage $1.20 per ton. The results are summarized in the following table: Summary of results of feeding Montana range lambs. Total food consumed. Average weight at begin- ning. Pounds. 61.6 61.2 61.4 60.4 Average gain per lamb. Profit Grain. Hay. Silage. per lot. Lot 1 Pounds. 6, 330 6,256 6.005 6,252 Pounds. 2,771 2,773 2,735 2,655 Pounds. 1,024 1,026 1, 034 1,026 Pounds. 35.1 31.8 29.1 35.7 $56. 20 Lot 2 50.81 Lot 3 51.55 Lot 4 . 51.76 FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 577 The author discusses the tests as a whole aud draws the following general conclusions: "(1) Both range lambs and home-grown lambs are well adapted for feeding. "(2) The value of the increase made from feeding lambs in our State is more tlian the cost of the food used in making it. "(3) The coarse cereals which Minnesota produces are well adapted to the fattening of lambs when suitably blended. "(4) When lambs are being fattened, considerably superior gains will be obtained when the grain food contains at least 10 per cent of oil cake. "(5) Oil cake, barley, and oats, suitably blended, with or without bran, makes an excellent grain food for fattening lambs. " (6) While good gains may be secured by feeding oats and oil cake, suitably blended, the dearness of the mixture makes it too costly to furnish the highest profit. "(7) Excellent gains can be secured when fattening lambs in our climate in the absence of held roots or silage. "(8) Under the conditions which have prevailed during the past three years, an average of about $1 per head could be secured from feeding lambs judiciously for about 100 days." Peanuts, cowpeas, and sweet potatoes as food for pigs, J. F. Duggar (Alabama College Sta. Bui. 93, pp. 115-134). — Feeding experi- ments with peanuts (pp. 117-121). — Immediately after weaning 0 Poland China pigs were hurdled on a field of Spanish peanuts aud given some shelled corn in addition. The test began in September and covered 6 weeks. The peanuts were eaten readily from the first and as long as the vines remained green a considerable portion of the leaves was also eaten. The yield of peanuts was 62.G bu. per acre. The 6 pigs weighed at the beginning of the test 181.3 lbs., and gained 19G.4 lbs., consuming 373 lbs. of shelled corn, besides the peanuts and some foliage from 7,673 sq. feet. That is, 1.1 lbs. of peanuts and 1.9 lbs. of corn, together with an unknown quantity of peanut foliage, were consumed per pound of gain. Valuing the corn at 40 cts. per bushel and the pork at 3 cts. per pound, the profit from the peanuts was $3.23 or at the rate of $18.31 per acre. The author points out that this was poor sandy upland which would not have produced over 200 lbs. of lint cotton per acre worth $10 to $12. The expense of cultivating the peanuts was less than for a similar area of cotton and in addition the soil was benefited by the manure and the peanut vines. To compare peanut pasturage and corn meal a second test was made with 6 Essex pigs of about the same age, divided into 2 lots. Lot 1 was hurdled on peanuts which were planted the last of June following wheat, and given as much corn in addition as the pigs would eat. Lot 2 was hurdled on peanuts but given no grain. After a preliminary period of a week the test began November 1 aud continued 4 weeks. Lot 1 grazed over 2,025 sq. ft. of peanuts and gained 38.6 lbs., consum- ing 2.06 lbs. of corn per pound of gain in addition to the peanut forage. Valuing the corn and pork at the prices given above, the l)eanuts yielded a profit of $10.94 cts. per acre. Lot 2 grazed over 578 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 3,517 sq. ft. of peanuts, making- again of 21.1 lbs. This was equivalent to a profit of $7.83 per acre. In the author's opinion, owing to an exceedingly dry summer, the yield of peanuts was only about half what it would have been under usual conditions. He believes that pigs under 100 lbs. weight would make pork worth from $12 to $20 on an acre of peanuts, provided they were fed a moderate allowance of corn or corn meal in addition. In the third test unhulled peanuts and corn meal were compared. For 0 weeks the 2 lots of pigs used in the previous test and a third lot of the same age and breed were fed the following rations: Lot 1 unhulled peanuts and corn meal, equal parts; lot 2 peanuts alone, and lot 3 corn meal. The gains made by the 3 lots were 84, 59.5, and 8.6 lbs., respectively. The food consumed per pound of gain by the cor- responding lots was 3.7, 2.8, and 10.7 lbs. The author calculates that when fed peanuts alone the young pigs were able to make a growth of 9 lbs. per bushel of peanuts, equivalent to a profit of 27 cts. per bushel. Although the addition of corn to the peanut ration increased the gains, they were produced at a greater cost. The pigs fed exclusively on corn gave very poor returns. In the author's opinion this test shows the bad effects of long-continued feeding of corn alone. Feeding experiments with coicpeas (pp. 122-125). — Six Essex pigs of the same litter were divided into 2 lots of 3 each. Lot 1 was fed shelled corn ad libitum, and lot 2 was hurdled on a field of cowpeas and given corn in addition. The test covered 6 weeks and was preceded by a prelimi- nary period of 7 days. At the beginning of the test the leaves of the cowv>eas were all green and only about half the peas seemed mature, although the others had attained full size. While the leaves remained green they were readily eaten. In the latter half of the experiment only the peas were eaten. Both lots of pigs received salt and wood ashes. The lots averaged about 150 lbs. at the beginning of the test. Lot 1 gained 45.2 lbs., consuming 263.8 lbs. of corn, or 5.86 lbs. per pound of gain; and lot 2 gained 122 lbs., consuming 374 lbs. of corn, or 3.07 lbs. per pound of gain. Lot 1 grazed over. 7,280 sq. ft. On the basis of the yield from a similar field, this area would have produced 132 lbs. of cowpeas. In other words, 1.1 lbs. of cowpeas were consumed per pound of gain in addition to corn, or a total of 4.17 lbs. of corn and cowpeas. It was calculated that the cowpeas would return $10.65 per acre in pork. This, in the author's opinion, is not a large return, but it should be borne in mind that the land was enriched by the cowpea vines and by the manure from the pigs. To compare the value of ground cowpeas and corn with ground corn alone a further test was made with the same pigs. Lot 1 was continued on an exclusive corn ration and lot 2 was fed ground corn and ground cowpeas 1:1. The test covered 70 days and was preceded by a prelim- inary period of 7 days. Lot 1 gained 68 lbs., consuming 518.2 lbs. of corn, or 8.06 lbs. per pound of gain. Lot 2 gained 108 lbs., consuming FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 579 569.9 lbs. of corn meal and ground cowpeas, or 5.28 lbs. of the mixture per pound of gain. The nutritive ratio of the ration fed to lot 1 was 1 : 9. 7 and of lot 2, 1 : 0.2. It was planned to duplicate this test, comparing cowpea pasture with corn meal with 2 Essex sows with litters of 6 and 7 pigs, respec- tively. The test was discontinued after 3 weeks owing to the death of one of the sows. During this time the sow and G pigs fed corn in addi- tion to cowpea pasturage gained 29.9 lbs., while the sow and 7 pigs fed corn alone lost 9 lbs. Sweet potatoes vs. corn meal (pp. 126-129). — The 6 Poland-China pigs used in the first test recorded above were divided into 2 equal lots weighing 191.5 lbs. and 189.2 lbs., respectively. After a prelimi- nary period of 1 week the test began November 4 and covered 2 periods of 28 days each. During the first period lot 1 was fed sweet potatoes and ground peas, 3: 1, and lot 2 was fed corn meal and cow- peas 1:1. Both lots were given all they would eat. Owing to the different character of the rations it was not found possible to give them the same amount of dry matter. During the second period the rations were reversed. During the whole test the pigs fed sweet potatoes and cowpeas gained 65.8 lbs., consuming 877.7 lbs. of food, or 13.34: lbs. (equivalent to 6 lbs. dry matter) per pound of gain. The pigs fed corn meal and cowpeas gained 130.2 lbs., consuming 520.8 lbs. of food, or 4 lbs. (equivalent to 3.6 lbs. dry matter) per pound of gain. The author attributes the poor gains made on sweet potatoes to the fact that the pigs could not eat a sufficient amount of the bulky ration, and believes that more favorable returns would have been obtained witli a ration of equal parts of sweet potatoes and cowpeas. It was calculated that the sweet potatoes returned only 13 cts. per bushel. "This does not imply that sweet potatoes can not be profitably employed as food for hogs; but a profit is possible only by saving the expense of harvesting, the heaviest single item of expense in sweet-potato culture. If the hogs do the rooting, the sweet potato is doubtless a cheaper food than corn on some sandy soils that yield 10 to 15 times as many bushels of sweet potatoes as of corn. The vines are also valuable as food for hogs. "The value of sweet potatoes will be enhanced by feeding with them a liberal allowance of cowpeas or peanuts, which supply the nitrogenous material in which the sweet potato is deficient." The pigs used in the various tests were slaughtered and the total dressed weight was recorded, as well as the ratio of the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, etc., to the total weight. The author discusses the effect of cowpeas and peanuts on the quality of pork. The average melting point of leaf and body lard from pigs fed corn meal and cowpeas was 45.3° C. ; from pigs fed corn alone, 43.7°; from pigs fed peanuts and corn, 40.5°, and from pigs fed peanuts alone, 24.5°. The author remarks that it is a common practice among farmers when pigs have been fed peanuts, sweet potatoes, and acorns to give them 580 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. corn alone for several weeks before slaughtering. This is done to harden the meat. With the view of obtaining information on this point, 1 pig each from the lots fed cowpeas and corn meal, peanuts alone, and pea- nuts and corn meal was fed corn only for a month before slaughtering. The melting point of the lard from the 3 pigs was 43°, 38.5°, and 37°, respectively. Cooking tests were made of the pork from the different pigs. "Cowpeas fed with corn did not injuriously affect the quality of pork or lard. Peanuts when fed with corn greatly softened the pork and lard. The softening effect of peanuts was still greater when they constituted the sole food. This softening effect of peanuts was not corrected hy feeding exclusively on corn for a month hefore the date of slaughtering. . . . Lard from exclusive peanut feeding solidified only during the coldest weather of February, at other times in Fehruary and March becoming almost a semiliquid. The low melting point or want of firmness of lard made from peanuts injures its sale. However, cooking tests fail to reveal any real inferiority." Some experiments with poultry, C. D. Smith, C. S. Brooks (Michigan tita. Bui. 158, pp. 329-341). — The authors describe the station poultry house, discuss several trials with incubators, and report a num- ber of feeding experiments with poultry. The chemical composition of eggs of different breeds and under different conditions of feeding is also given. Coarsely cracked vs. finely ground grain for young cliickens. — Eighty- six Barred Plymouth Bocks and 14 Golden Wyandotte chickens were divided into 2 equal lots 10 days after hatching. Lot 1 was fed coarsely cracked corn from which the meal was sifted and an equal weight of clean wheat screenings; lot 2 was fed corn and wheat in the same pro- portions, the grains being ground to a coarse Hour. In addition both lots were given enough sweet skim milk to thoroughly moisten the grain, and the same amounts of oyster shells, finely cut green bone, lettuce, and cabbage. At the beginning of the test, which lasted 7 weeks, lot 1 weighed 5.7 lbs. and lot 2 5.8 lbs. During the test 7 chickens in lot 1 and C in lot 2 died. At the close of the test lot 1 weighed 49.8 lbs. and had eaten 39.25 lbs. of wheat screenings and the same quantity of corn. Lot 2 weighed 59.5 lbs. and had consumed a pound more of each of the grains than lot 1. The conclusion is reached that there was a slight advan- tage in grinding the grain for young chickens. Immediately after the close of this test a comparison of wheat and cracked corn was made with the same lots. The test was divided into 2 periods of 6 weeks each. Lot 1 was given whole wheat and lot 2 coarsely cracked corn, each lot being fed the same amounts of lettuce, cabbage, rhubarb, oyster shells, and green bone. In the first period lot 1 gained 51.7 lbs., consuming 2.8 lbs. of wheat per pound of gain. Lot 2 gained 117 lbs., consuming 2.77 lbs. of corn per pound of gain. During the second period lot 1 gained 72.5 lbs., consuming 2.62 lbs. of wheat per pound of gain, while lot 2 gained 83 lbs., consuming 2.5 lbs. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 581 of corn per pound of gain. The amounts of lettuce, green bone, etc., consumed are recorded and were quite considerable. In the author's opinion there was no great difference in the feeding value of the wheat and corn. "The gains made were satisfactory and again point to the advantage, if not the necessity, of variety in the ration of growing fowls.'7 The feeding of the 2 lots was continued to see if more food was required for a pound of gain as the chickens grew heavier. Both lots were fed oyster shells, green bone, sunflower seed, and turnip tops in addition to the grains. In 3 weeks lot 1 gained 21.8 lbs., consuming 6.50 lbs. of grain per pound of gain. Lot 2 gained 23.5, consuming 5.8 lbs. of corn per pound of gain. "These figures are significant and go far to show that one of the most common mistakes in poultry fattening is holding the chickens too long iu the fall." Relative gains of young duels and chickens. — A lot of 39 ducks 2 weeks old at the beginning of the test was compared with an equal number of chickens of the same age iu order to learn which could be more profitably fattened. The ducks were given middlings, corn meal, and bran, together with necessary grit and green food. They had the run of a small yard. The chickens were fed bran and relatively more corn meal than the ducks, but had no middlings. They were allowed the run of a small grass plat and were also given lettuce. At the begin- ning of the test the ducks weighed 13.25 lbs. and the chickens 7.5 lbs. In 5 weeks the ducks were nearly ready for the early market and had gained 108.75 lbs. They had eaten 41.3 lbs. of corn, 93.1 lbs. of middlings, 13.4 lbs. of bran, 59 lbs. of lettuce, and 88 lbs. of skim milk. The total cost of a pound of gain was 1.9 cts. In the same period the chickens had gained 30 lbs. and had consumed 52.2 lbs. of corn, 25.9 lbs. of bran, 46 lbs. of lettuce, and 44.3 lbs. of skim milk. The total cost of a pound of gain was 4.84 cts. The financial statement is based on corn and bran at $14, and middlings at $15 per ton, milk at 20 cents per hundred, and lettuce at 1 cent per pound. The ducks gained much more rapidly than the chickens and the gains were more econom- ically made. The chickens were not large enough for market at the close of the test and the feeding was continued for some time before they were sold. The gains made and the cost of gain are briefly reported. Feeding laying liens. — Three lots of hens, each made up of 4 Minorcas, 4 White Plymouth Rocks, 9 Barred Plymouth Rocks, 5 Light Brahmas, 8 grade Plymouth Rocks, and 5 crossbred Buff Wyandotte-Light Brahmas, were fed 6 months under the same conditions. Lot 1 laid 2,228 eggs; lot 2, 2,362, and lot 3, 2,288. "While this difference is not large, had a change in condition, whether of feeding or some other item involved in the cure been made between these pens, the difference would have been large enough to be considered somewhat significant. The fact that it occurred when all known conditions were alike teaches again the danger of drawing conclusions from the results of one experiment." 582 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A comparison was also made with Golden Wyandottes, Single-Comb Brown Leghorns, and Barred Plymouth Bocks. The 3 lots received the same care and same rations. They were given a mixed diet con- taining as great a variety of food as possible, consisting of corn, oats, bran, wheat, and linseed meal. The test covered a year. "The Wyandottes laid in the year 3,555 eggs, weighing 451.8 lbs.; the Leghorns laid 3,225 eggs, weighing 322.5 lbs., and the Plymouth Rocks 3,360, weighing 419.2 lbs. The hens were fed alike and consumed approximately the same quantity of food. The . . . record shows a marked difference of breeds in the number of eggs laid." Winter feeding of capons. — A test to see whether feeding could be profitably carried on in winter was begun September 1 with 50 capons of a number of different breeds. During the test, which closed March 1, 9 capons died. The total food consumed was as follows: 743 lbs. corn, 230 lbs. table scraps, 120 lbs. wheat, 74 lbs. bran, 80 lbs. oats. The capons were worth at the beginning of the trial $10.20; their average weight was 2.55 lbs. At the close of the test the average weight was 8.2 lbs. Bating corn at 70 cts., wheat at 05 cts., bran at 70 cts., and oats at 20 cts. per bushel, and table scraps at 2 cts. a pound, the total profit of feeding the capons was calculated to be $5.22. Chemical composition of eggs. — The chemical composition of eggs of a number of breeds was determined by L. A. Chittenden and reported by the authors. The eggs laid by the different breeds were found to have approximately the same composition. The effect of the char- acter of the rations on the composition of eggs was also tested with two lots of Barred Plymouth Bocks, Wyandottes, and Brown Leghorn chickens. The test covered 0 weeks. Lot 1 was fed meat scraps, wheat, and linseed meal, 1:8:1. Lot 2 was fed corn, tallow, and rice meal, 7:1:2. Both lots were given lettuce and oyster shells in abundance. The composition of the eggs is reported in detail. No marked varia- tion in the composition of the eggs due to different rations was observed, but the test is not regarded as conclusive, since it was of short duration. On the composition and food value of native beans, Balland (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 15, pp. 582-584). — The maximum and minimum com- position of French beans is reported. Complete bread, A. CELLI (Salute Pub., 11 (1898), No. 1, pp. 1-5). — A comparison of ordinary bread with that made by the " antispire" system. The bread question, II. Milone (Beforma CJtim., 1 (1897), pp. 419-429). — A discus- sion of the " antispire" system bread. Wheat bread, Tison (Jour. Hyg., 28 (1S9S), No. 1157, pp. 561-563). Utilization of by-products of the dairy, H. E. Alvord ( U. S. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1897, pp. 509-528). — The food value of skim milk, whey, and buttermilk is discussed. In addition to the value of these materials as food for animals, attention is called to their use for a number of manufactured products. The value of skim milk as a fertilizer is also noted. The needs and requirements of a control of feeding stuffs, E. W. Allen ( U. S. Dept. Ayr. Yearbook 1897, )>)>■ £21-428). — The variation in composition of concentrated feeding stuffs owing to changes in manufacture or adulteration is pointed out and FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 583 the need of State control similar to that of fertilizers is insisted upon. It is noted that in many cases interior goods are sold under names which are delusive. So- called condimental feeding stuffs are also discussed. As shown by analysis, these materials have comparatively little feeding value as compared with their price. The medicinal substances which they contain arc of doubtful value and, as shown by tests, they do not produce the improvement which is claimed for them. Composition and nutritive value of millet, Balland ( Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1S9S), No. 4, pp. 239,240). — The maximum and minimum composition of African, French, Italian, and Turkish millet is reported. On the quality of the so-called molasses feed, now found on the market, M. Weibull (Tidskr. Landtmiin, 19 (1S9S), No. 24, pp. 423-426).— -Ten samples of dif- ferent origin were examined and analyzed, and only three samples were found of standard quality, made up of beet molasses, wheat bran, and palm-nut meal, in the proportions of 50:40: 10. Investigation of the milling products of rye which are used as feeding stuffs, B. Schulze (Ztschr. Landw. hammer Schlesien, 1898; abs. in Centbl. Agr. Chem., 27 (1898), No. 11, pp. 746-751). — A report of the examination of a large number of sam- ples of rye bran, etc. The various causes which injure such feeding stuffs are pointed out. • Nutritive value of mushrooms, Mary H. Abel {Amer. Kitchen Mag., 9 (1898), No. 4, pp. 127, 128). — A general discussion of the subject. The author calls attention to the fact that the actual amount of nutriment in mushrooms is small. Chicory: Its manufacture, sophistication, and adulteration, A. Rukfin (Bui. Assoc. Cliim. Sncr. et Distill., France, 16 (1898), No. 1, p. 107). — A note on a paper presented before the Societe" Chimique du Nord de la France, and also the Societ6 industrielle du Nord de la France. Preservation of eggs (Jour. Soc. Arts, 46 (1898), No. 2363, p. 370; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), No. 3, pp. 261, 262). — A brief account of experiments previously noted from another source (E. S. R., 9, p. 981). Foods, A. P. Bkubaker (Sci. Amer. Sup., 46 (1898), No. 1196, pp. 19179-19182).— A lecture delivered at the Drexel Institute, Philadelphia., and revised by the author for publication. Food and feeding, Sir H. Thompson (London: F. Warne 4" Co., 1898, 9 ed. rev. and enl., pp. 312). The feeding of farm animals (Rpt. Agr. New Brunswick, 1897, pp. 183-208). — This is a reprint of U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bulletin 22. The principles of stock feeding, W. J. Spillman (Washington Sta. Bui. 29, pp. 31). — A general treatise on the subject. Amoug the points covered are the composi- tion of the animal body, uses of foods, constituents of feeding stuffs and the functions of each, compounding rations, feeding standards, and rearing calves. The amount of digestible nutrients in a number of feeding stuffs are shown and a number of feed- ing standards for various farm animals are quoted. Some of the points are discussed with special reference to conditions prevailing in the State. Contributions to the comparative physiology of digestion. II, An enzym in the liver secretion of Helix pomatice which dissolves cellulose, W. Bieder- mann and P. Moritz (Arch. Physiol. [Pfliiger'], 73 (1898), No. 5-6, pp. 219-287). Increase in body weight by transformation of fat into glycogen, C. BOUCHARD (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 14, pp. 464-469).— Experiments are reported in which a rabbit, a mouse, and dogs were fed fat. The conclusion was reached that under certain conditions sugar can be formed from fat. Observations on the supposed transformation of fat into glycogen, M. Ber- thelot (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 15, pp. 491-496).— A discussion of the question of the formation of sugar from fat proposed by C. Bouchard. (See above.) 584 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. History of cattle and their role in civilization, Chester (Histoire et role du bceufdana la civilization. Paris: Schleicher Freres, 189S). — This is a volume of Litres d'Orde la Science; rev. in Jour. Hyg. 28 {1898), No. 1154, pp. 517-521. Studies of Bos (brachyceros) europaeus, the wild form from which the do- mestic cattle of Europe are descended, L. Adametz (Jour. Landw.,46 (1898), No. 3, pp. 209-320, ph. 2). Some deductions drawn from the weight of slaughtered cattle, P. Falk (Ztschr. Fleiseh u. Milchhyg., 8 (1898), No. 10, pp. 182-187).— The weight of the con- tents of the intestinal tract and of the blood and organs is reported in a number of cases. Pork production, F. D Coburn (Kansas State Bd. Agr. Quart. Bpt. 1898, Sept., pp. 227, figs. 39). — Raising pigs in Kansas is discussed at considerable length. Many papers on raising pigs, pig feeding, diseases of pigs, and other general topics are quoted. Eggs and poultry (Bpt. Com. Agr. and Dairying Canada, 1897, pt. 8, pp. 33, figs. 12). — Among other topics the number of eggs imported into Great Britain, the prices received, preservation of eggs, packing eggs, the value of poultry imported by Great Britain, and fattening of turkeys are discussed. Articles on eggs in winter and choice poultry, by A. G. Gilbert, are quoted. Determining the age of poultry and game, W. Nieiikl (Ztschr. Fleiseh u.Milchhyg., 9 (1898), No. 2, pp. 21-27, figs. 7). — The methods discussed include difference in the wing feathers, spurs, etc., of birds of different ages. A- manual of hygiene and sanitation, S. Egbert (Philadelphia Sf New York: Lea Bros. Sf Co., 1898; rev. in Aimer. Kitchen Mag., 10 (1898), No. 3, p. 112). Abstract of a description of a respiration calorimeter furnished by Professors Atwater and Rosa, C. F. Langwokthy (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 (1898), No. .9, pp. 681-687). — A brief description of this apparatus (E. S. R., 9, p. 863), with the results of a number of tests of its accuracy. Dairy and food commission, J. E. Blackburn (Ohio State Dairy and Food Com. Bnl. 3, pp. 13). — In addition to brief statements concerning adulterated butter, poisonous butter color, new vinegar law, and oleomargarine, and certain drugs and medicines, the bulletin contains an account of the proceedings instituted in Ohio against the manufacture of a well-known proprietary medicine. Brief statements are also made concerning samples procured in a number of cities for inspection. Twelfth Annual Report of the Ohio Dairy and Food Commissioner (Ohio State Dairy and Food Com. Bpt. 1898, pp. 232). — Statements are made concerning the samples of oleomargarine, whisky, sugar, patent medicines, tea, baking powder, tainted meats, flavoring extracts, flour, candy, cheese, and vinegar examined, and court decisions are quoted. The report of the State Dairy and Food Commission chemists on a number of foods and drugs analyzed is given in detail, cases of the violation of law prosecuted are cited, and the expenditures in prosecuting the same. DAIRY FARMING -DAIRYING. Feeding experiments with cows at the experiment farm at Lauchstadt, F. Albert and M. Maercker (Landw. Jahrb.,27 {1898), JYo. 1-2, pp. 188-203). — The object of this experiment was to study the effect on milk production of increasing the fat in the ration. Ten new milch cows were used, 5 Simmenthaler and 5 Altmarker. The experiment began early in February and lasted until the middle of June. The plan was to feed all of the cows alike, giving a constant basal ration of sugar beets, hay, and straw. To this was added in the preparatory period rape-seed cake, cottonseed meal, and wheat bran, giving a total of 3 kg. of protein per 1,000 kg. live weight. The fat DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 585 content of the coarse fodder was left out of account, as this was constant in all the periods. It was 0.5 kg. in the preparatory period. In sub- sequent periods palm-nut cake and two kinds of cocoanut cake were substituted for a portion of the grain ration, so as to maintain the protein content exactly the same as in the preparatory period, and to increase the fat content of the ration up to 1.706 kg. per 1,000 kg. live weight. In the second and the last periods disembittered lupine was fed with the basal ration of coarse fodder and wheat bran, giving a ration relatively poor in fat. The changes from one ration to another were made gradually and were not accompanied by any apparent disturbance of tbe cows. A summary of the average results with each cow is given in the following table : Effect on milk of feedhuj rations rich and poor in fat. Preparatory periods. Ration rich in fat, I. Ration poor in fat. Cow No. Averages from Feb. 10-12. Normal ration ; 0.504 kg. fat. Averages from Feb. 15-21. Palm-nut cake; 0.937 kg. fat. Av. March 1-7. Disembittered lu- pine; 0.297 kg. fat. Av. March 20-30. Milk yield. Fat con- tent. Fat yield. Milk yield. Fat con- tent. Fat yield. Milk yield. Fat con- tent. Fat yield. Milk yield. Fat con- tent. Fat yield. 655 Kg. 13.9 Per ct. 2.83 Dry. 2.55 3.04 3.64 3.15 3.17 2.79 2.87 3.12 394. 97 Kg. 13.87 Per ct. 3.26 Dry. 3.18 3.25 3.77 3.44 3.22 2.77 2.93 3.26 Gm. 452.4 309. 97 208.8 554.6 667.7 838.3 491.5 674.7 662.3 Kg. 13. 42 16.33 10.9 5.82 14.6 20.1 21.5 18.8 20.4 21.3 Per et. 3.67 3.69 3.28 3.73 4.29 3.02 3.96 2.68 3.87 3.14 Gm. 492.7 602.9 356.9 216.7 627.5 607.1 871.5 503.5 789.6 670.4 Kg. 14.01 15.72 Per ct. 3.33 3 9A Gm. 465 87 802 509. 93 1952 11.43 6.33 14.1 19.6 27.7 16.6 24.2 21.0 292.7 192. 8 513.2 617.8 877.9 463. 1 695.4 654.4 9.75 6.43 14.7 19.4 26.0 17.7 23.0 20.3 10.61 309 80 1953 6.03 13.24 18.40 18.04 16.20 22 18 3.70 4.17 2.87 3.07 2.66 9 fu 323 10 3579 551 60 1 529 00 2 554. 60 3 430. 60 4 630 83 5 19. 20 3 9.0 615 30 Average. 17.2 3.03 522.5 16.8 3.21 540.0 16.32 3.52 573. 88 15.36 3.20 492. 06 Ration rich in fat, II. Ration rich in fat, III. Ration poor in fat. Cow No. Cocoanut cake ; 0. 747 kg. fat. Av. April 16-28. Cocoanut cake; 1.706 kg. fat. j DSb£tte£e? V^lT' Av.Apr.30-Maylt. 22 29. g ^. May Milk yield. Fat content. Fat yield. Milk yield. Fat content. Fat content. Milk yield. Fat content. Fat yield. 655 Kg. 15.02 16. 00 10.34 5.99 12.50 16.58 15.17 15. 38 22.57 16.95 Per cent. 3.628 3.297 3. 282 3. 901 4.290 3.311 3.571 3.197 3.144 3.650 Gm. 544.9 527.3 339. 57 233. 73 536. 25 549. 07 541.7 491.7 709.8 618.9 Kg. 13.9 12.3 9.5 4.9 11.6 14.7 12.5 12.6 18.5 13.7 Per cent. 4.42 3.70 3.99 4.47 4.60 3.84 3.99 3.43 3.55 4.00 Gm. 613.2 468.4 378.5 220.0 536.1 565.4 497.5 433. 0 658.3 548.9 Kg. 14.7 14.0 10.7 5.5 12.5 14.7 13.1 14.1 20.5 14.4 Per cent. 3.23 2.92 3.23 3.87 4.25 2.95 2.93 2.79 2.79 3.30 Gm. 473 3 802 408 2 1952 346 1 1953 214 0 3579 529 5 1 433 7 2 383 1 3 393 6 4 573.4 5 473 8 Average 14.65 3.48 509. 29 12.42 3.96 491. 93 13.42 3.15 422. 87 Cows 655 to 3579 were of the Simmenthaler breed and 1 to 5 of the Altmiirker. The authors conclude that a one-sided increase of the fat content of the ration up to 1 kg. of fat per 1,000 kg. live weight had no influence 586 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. on the yield of milk, but that with a ration of 1.706 kg. of fat per 1,000 kg. live weight there was a marked decrease in the milk yield. The effect of palm-nut cake and cocoanut cake in increasing the fat content of the milk the author regards as beyond question. As com- pared with the normal ration fed in the preparatory period, there was an increase in the fat content of the milk of 0.31 per cent with palm- nut cake, 0.28 per cent on the first cocoanut-cake ration, and 0.75 per cent on the second cocoanut-cake ration which was unusually rich in fat. In regard to the total yield of butter fat, the conclusion is reached that " the increase of the fat content of the milk which can be brought about at will by feeding rations rich in fat is almost without effect on the total amount of fat, and may result in a financial loss. . . The .use of large amounts of expensive feeding stuffs rich in fat should be avoided, since the possibility of a one-sided increase of the fat content of the milk may lead to a positive loss." A consideration of the fluctuations in live weight shows that the 1 lb. of fat eaten daily by the cows on the ration richest in fat was not lost but was used for the production of body fat. The Simmenthaler cows were more sensitive to the fat in the ration than the others, as shown by the fact that they decreased 10 kg. per head in weight when palm- nut cake was replaced by disembittered lupine, while the Altmarker lost only 4 kg. In the first cocoanut-cake period the Simmenthaler gained 13.5 kg. and the Altmiirker 11.1 kg. each ; and during the second cocoanut-cake period, on the ration richest in fat, the Simmenthaler gained 10.4 kg. and the Altmarker 23 kg. each. The feeding left the Simmenthaler cows overfat and unfit for anything except butchering. The author believes the results suggest a possible means for rapidly fattening dry cows. Experiments on the question -whether in feeding sesame cake there is a transmission of material to the butter which gives the Baudouin reaction, H. Weigmann (Milch Zt lbs. corn meal, 1 lb. linseed meal, about 0 lbs. bay. and corn stover ad libitum was fed throughout. During the first and third periods all the cows were fed 4 lbs. buck- wheat middlings per head in addition to the basal ration. During the second period -A cows were fed the same ration as in the first and third periods, 4 were fed 4 lbs. brewers' grains, and 4 others 4 lbs. Oerealine, in place of the buckwheat middlings. Summaries of the rations actu- ally eaten, the computed digestible matter of the rations, and the yield of milk are presented in tabular form, and a diagram is given repre- senting the amount of fat produced by each cow throughout the experiment. Following are the conclusions reached : "(1) The results of this experiment indicate that, for milk and butter produc- tion, dried brewers' grains, buckwheat middlings, and Cerealine are equally valuable when fed judiciously, as part of a balanced ration. "(2) So far as could be observed, none of these foods produced a detrimental effect upon the flavor or quality of the milk and butter. "(3) In view of the results stated, the choice of the above-mentioned foods would depend entirely upon their cost delivered at the railroad station. "(4) With prevailing prices for dairy products and food stuffs, and with good cows, milk and butter can be produced at such a cost as to leave a considerable margin of profit for the dairyman." Tests of dairy methods and apparatus, J. W. Hart (South Caro- lina Sta. Bui. 33, pp. 13). — The feeding and care of cows, the testing of milk, and making of butter, and other topics connected with dairying are discussed iu a general way. Pasteurized milk was treated with Hansen's lactic ferment, but it was considered that this failed to improve the flavor of the butter. It was believed that better results were obtained by using a fermentation starter from skim milk than by using sour buttermilk, sour cream, or leaving the ripening to the action of the germs adventitiously present. Experiments were conducted to compare different methods of making butter and to test different cream separators. Churnings were made of whole milk and of cream obtained by deep setting and by the use of four different separators. Of 17 churnings of whole milk the buttermilk contained on the average 1.5 per cent of fat, a loss of 30 per cent of the fat contained in the milk. The skim milk from 5 deep settings showed an averge fat content of 0.98 per cent. It was thought that there was no difference in the ckurna- bility of the cream from the various separators. In hot weather the use of ice in churning increased the quantity and improved the quality of fhe butter. Cream showing an acidity of 0.7 per cent by Farring- ton's alkaline tablets yielded the most butter. In one experiment the the same quantity of milk, about 4 gal., was put in each of 2 churns, one having a capacity of 10 and the other 60 gal., the other conditions being as nearly identical as possible. Over 7 per cent more finished butter was obtained from the larger churn, hence the author concludes that a churn should not be filled over one-third full. "The separator butter was usually scored higher than that made from whole milk, but DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING 591 the difference was slight." Of the 5 separators used the best results were obtained from the Alpha De Laval Humming Bird Separator, which left only 0.084 per cent of fat in the skim milk as an average of 3 tests. No difference was observed in separating the cream immediately after milking or after a period of 12 hours, but better results were obtained by heating the milk to 100° before separating. Gravity or dilution separators, H. H. Wing {New York Cornell Sta. Bui. 151, pp. 35-47, fig. 1). — Reference is made to work on cream raising by dilution reported in Bulletin 39 of the station (E. S. R.,4, p. 3G1). Descriptions are given of Wheeler's Gravity Cream Separator, Hunt's Improved Ventilated Cream Separator, and the Aquatic Cream Separator, with the claims of the manufacturers. The first two "sepa- rators" are considered similar in all essential features to the Cooley, Moseley, and other cans used in deep setting; the Aquatic differs in being provided with another smaller can intended to be filled with ice and inserted in the large can as a cooler. Fifteen tests were made of the Wheeler and Hunt cans in comparison with Cooley cans, and 5 of the Aquatic. Tests of other cans were also made at various' farms. The data obtained are tabulated and discussed. The following con- clusions were reached: "Gravity or dilation separators are merely tin cans in which the separation of cream by gravity process is claimed to he aided by dilution with water. Under ordinary conditions the dilution is of no benefit. It may be of some use when the milk is all from 'stripper' cows, or when the temperature of melting ice can not be secured. These cans are not separators in the universally accepted sense of that term, and can not rank in efficiency with them. They are even less efficient than the best forms of deep-hefting systems, such as the Cooley Creamer. They are no more efficient than the old-fashioned shallow pan, but perhaps require rather less labor. In all probability they would give better results if used without dilution and immersed in as cold water as possible, preferably ice water." The relation of certain bacteria to the production of butter, C. H. Eckles {Gentbl. BaU. u. Par., 2. Abt., 4 {18!)8), No. 19, pp. 730- 734; 20, pp. 759-763). — Experiments are reported with the use of 4 species of bacteria in butter making, viz, Bacillus subtilis, B. vulgatus. No. 13 obtained from milk from the Iowa Agricultural College cream- ery, and B. lactici-acidi. The effects of the first two were bad, produc- ing "butter of no market value. It is a significant fact that these are species closely connected with dirt and filth." The other two, both belonging to the lactic acid group, produced butter of fine quality, with an unusually pleasant aroma. "The full effect of B. subtilis and B. mesentericus vulgatus is not reached until from 3 to 5 days after manufacture. This shows that an examination made at once after churning is misleading. No. 13, which produces such a marked and pleasant aroma when grown m milk, gives much less aroma to butter than does No. 8, which has but slight aroma in milk." 12342— No. 0 7 502 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The role of lactic-acid bacteria in cheese ripening, H. Weigmann (Gentbl. Baht. u. Par.. 2. Abt., 4 (1898), No. 15-16, pp. 593-607; 17-18, pp. 669-67 I; and Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 42, pp. 660-663; i3, pp. 673- 075; 15, pp. 706, 707). — This is an extended discussion of the part played by lactic-acid bacteria in cheese ripening, with special reference to von Freudenreich's work. The author concludes from his review of the subject and from his own work that — (1) The specific lactic-acid bacteria are not cheese-ripening bacteria, the form used by von Freudenreich in his experiments being only facul tative or more probably degenerate lactic acid bacteria. (2) Lactic-acid bacteria have an important role in cheese ripening, not in actually taking part in the ripening, but by directing the process in the right direction. (3) This function consists in eliminating certain forms of bacteria and fungi by the lactic acid formed, and providing an acid nutrient medium upon which only such bacteria and fungi can thrive as can withstand the acid or consume it. The micro-organisms which consume the acid prevent its accumulation in too strong a degree, take part in the peptonizing and flavor-producing processes, and enable other bac- teria or fungi whose activity was weakened by the acid to continue their work. (4) The specific character of a particular kind of cheese depends upon the predominating form of micro-organism which the manner of preparation and the handling of the cheese have brought about. Preliminary report of tests of the Thistle milking machine, B. Maktixy (Mitt. Deut. Lanrtw. Gesell.', 13 (1898), No. IS, pp. 281-285; and Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 42, pp. 657-660). — Two tests of 77 and 40 days, respectively, were made on a private estate, 10 of the heaviest milkers being selected from a herd of 120 Dutch cows. In each test the cows were milked in alternate periods by hand and with the machine. The results as to yield and fat content of the milk are fully tabulated for the individual cows. The machine -was found satisfactory and did not cause any disturbance or shrinkage of the cows. There is believed to be greater difficulty in keeping impurities out of the milk, especially micro-organisms, than with hand milking, and it is recommended to pasteurize machine-drawn milk immediately after milking. It is questioned whether in the case of young cows machine milking will make as good milkers as hand milking. As the machine is complicated and requires to be carefully looked after, the author doubts whether it simplifies or lightens the management of a dairy farm, provided good hand milkers can be procured. Passburg's dry milk (Trockenmilch), G. Baumert (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 189S, Xo. 13, pp. ~97, $98). — Analyses are given of this product made by evaporating milk at a low temperature without the addition of any foreign material, and of tablets made from it by mixing with it a little cocoa, sugar, etc. The product is said to keep well. Preparation of casein from skim milk (Chem. Ztg., 22 (189S), No. 87, p. 930). — Three patents have been granted in England to' H. Higgius for the preparation of casein from skim milk by means of hydrochloric acid, in the proportion of 5 lbs. of acid to 100 gal. of hot skim milk (130 to 140° F.); and the manufacture of several dried food products from it, either alone or mixed with Hour, rice, tapioca, sugar, aromatic substances, etc. DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 503 Comparative tests of butter fat, P. S. Shiveb (South Carolina Sta. Bui. S3, pp. 13, 14). — A comparison of the Babcock test and the Adam's gravimetric method on whole milk, skim milk, and buttermilk. " The Babcock method with the machine used gives very satisfactory results as compared with the gravimetric method." The average percentages of fat by the two methods were as follows: Fat content by Babcock and gravimetric analysis. Xo. of com- parisons. Gravimet- ric. Babcock. Dili- ?enc£ Whole milk Skim milk by deep settin Buttermilk Per cent. Per cent. 4. 77 4. 83 1.05 1.15 1.50 1.58 Per cent. 0.U6 .10 .08 " These differences between the two methods are within the limit of error between duplicate determinations by the gravimetric method in current work." Correction of the reading of the Babcock test for cream, W. J. Spii-lman (Washington Sta. Bui. 32, pp. 3-5). — It is pointed out that while the 17.6 cc. pipette used in the Babcock test delivers 18 gm. of milk, with cream "the pipette fails to deliver 18 gm. because cream is so much lighter than milk; hence the test reads considerably lower than it should, and the richer the cream the greater the error." The author proposes to overcome this by correcting the reading by a table, which he gives for this purpose. The table gives the correction to be made and the cor- rected reading for cream containing from 10 to over 70 per cent of fat. The method by which the table is calculated and its use in practice are explained. Effect of richness of cream on acid test, W. J. Spillman ( Washington Sta. Bui. ■'--> PP- 5-7). — The failure to obtain uniform results with cream ripened to the same degree of acidity but differing in richness is explained on the ground that "the acid of th „roam is all contained in that part of the cream that would remain if the fat were all removed, i. e., in the serum," and that accordingly " bacterial action has progressed twice as far in 60 per cent cream as in 20 per cent cream when they show the same degree of acidity by the test." A table is given showing the actual degree of acidity of cream of different richness as compared with 25 per cent cream testing 6 degrees of acidity. The practical use of the table in butter making is explained. Testing of cream with Dr. Gerber's acid-butyrometry, M. Kamritz (Milch Ztg., 27 (1S9S), Xo. 44, pp. 694, 095) — A description of the method of testing cream with comparison with the gravimetric determination. Use of pure cultures in butter making, F. S. Cooley (Massachusetts State Bd. Ayr. Bpt. 1896, pp. 169-176). — A popular address on dairy bacteriology, in which is men- tioned a single comparative test of Conn's Bacillus 41, natural ripening, and a bacillus isolated at the Massachusetts Dairy School at Amherst. The results showed only slight differences in the flavor of the butter. The practical side of dairy bacteriology, J. P. Sheldon* (Dairy, 10 (1898), Xo. US. pp. 279, 280).— A popular article. Report of Swedish butter exhibitions for the year 1897, N. Engstrom (Meddel. E. Landtbr. Styr., 1808, Xo. 44. pp. 44). Colored spots in cheese, R. A. Pearson ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Indus- try Circ.24,pp. 6). — A description based upon reports received at the office of cheese rust or colored spots of cheese, with evidence of the bacterial cause of the affection and a discussion of remedial and preventive measures. " So far as is known, these spots do not have any effect on the consumer." The destruction of the objection- able germs by the thorough cleaning and disinfection of factories is considered the only perfect remedy. The spread of typhoid fever by milk, Rapmund ^Ztschr. Medicinalbeamte, 1897, Xo. 15; abs. in Hyg. Rundschau 8 (1898), Xo. 7. pp. 351-353). 594 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The dairy interests of the United States, H. E. Alvord {Masssachusetts State Bd. Agr.Rpt.lS96, pp. 136-164). — An address delivered before a public meeting of tbe State Board of Agriculture reviewing tbe growth of tbe dairy interests of the United States during tbe last seventeen years and considering some of tbe reforms and improvements desirable or essential to future welfare. Dairying in Denmark during 1897, 15. BOGGILD (Tidskr. Landiikon., 17 (1S9S), No. 1-2, pp. 56-87). Report of the dairy agency in Manchester to the Swedish Agricultural Department for 1897, H. Wkdin (Meddel. K. Landtbr. Stijr., 1SDS, No. 47, pp. 71). VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. The lung and stomach worms of sheep, J. E. Wing (Ohio Sta. Bui. 91, pp. 163-178). — In tbe introduction, which is by 0. E. Thome, it is stated tbat a disease caused by parasites in the lungs and known as "paper skin" or "white skin" has prevailed among sbeep for an indefinite period, affecting lambs and yearlings chiefly. Citations are given from several papers. Tbe author describes the lung parasites: White threadworm (Stron- gylus filar ia), the red threadworm (8. rufescens), and the hair worm (Pseudalius ovis); and the stomach worm (Strongylus contortus). The fact is recognized that there is no certain cure for lung disease. The practice of smoking or fumigating lambs for lungworms is regarded by some with considerable favor. The more promising treatment, according to the author, consists of injecting into the windpipe a mix- ture of 2 parts olive oil and 1 part turpentine. From 1 to 3 teaspoon- fuls is sufficient for a dose. A hypodermic syringe may be used for injecting. The experience of the author is quoted to show that if an intermediate host is necessary for the development of the lungworm, the period passed in the intermediate state is not necessarily very long. A number of strong, healthy ewes and large young lambs were put on a high rolling blue grass pasture of 40 acres. No sheep had been on this pasture the preceding year and, so far as known, sheep infested with parasites had never been pastured there. The grass was very luxuriant and the grazing was largely confined to a slope near a spring. The ground was thickly strewn with droppings and probably became infected from the sheeps' nostrils as well. The sheep drank from the stream flowing from the spring. After a time some of the older lambs died quite suddenly. During June and July a number of lambs were born on the pasture and they seemed to thrive at first, but in about 4.3 days showed symptoms indicating the presence of the lungworm and, though treated with the usual remedies, the}' died. The older lambs were removed from the pasture and continued to thrive and the ewes remained healthy. In the author's opinion the young lambs obtained the parasites from the short grass and possibly from the water in the stream. "It is evideutthat older sheep in seeming perfect health may infect lambs with lungworm (and doubtless stomach worm) to a fatal extent, and this during a single season." VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 595 The stomach worm is described at length. The symptoms caused by its presence vary considerably. " There is disarrangement of the digestion, which may cause either scouring or constipation. Fre- quently the constipation succeeds the scouring. The lambs have abnormal appetites, eating irregularly, sometimes very little, then unusual amounts. They often eat rotten wood, earth, etc., and in fact this is the most characteristic symptom. The skin becomes pale, the strength declines, the flesh disappears, the wool is sunken and luster- less. For some reason there seems a greater mortality among ram lambs than among ewe lambs. Few lambs that reach the stage of emaciation ever recover or are of any value if they do recover. Ju some cases death is quite sudden, in others the lamb lingers for weeks or months." One of the most common remedies for stomach worm is 1 part turpen- tine to 16 of milk, given in doses of 1 to 3 oz., according to the size and age of the lamb. The author does not regard this remedy as at all certain. " Seemingly good results, in truth the best results ever observed in practice have been obtained by using the following mix- ture: Pine tar, 8 parts; raw linseed oil, 8 parts; turpentine, 1 part. The dose is from 1 to 3 oz." The fact is pointed out that measures which prevent infection are much more promising than internal reme- dies. The lambs should be kept as much as possible from contaminated food or e1' "nking water. "It must be constantly borne in mind that these parasites are present in nearly or quite all flocks, even in times of health. The older sheep may not suffer per- ceptibly from the presence of the small number of strongyli, yet they are constantly passing the eygs with their excrement and thus polluting the herbage for how long a time we do not know — for at least one year we are certain. If sheep have fresh pasture each year there is not the same opportun-ty for the young worms to find entrance into the lambs, and thus the number will constantly decrease from year lo year. "If, on the other hand, sheep are made to feed over their own droppings from year to year, the worms will increase rapidly in numbers and will sooner or later become sufficient in number to nearly destroy the lamb crop. "The practical lesson is, that it is liettcr to have the lamlis dropped as early as possible in winter, supposing that food and shelter suitable are provided, for in winter there is very little likelihood of their becoming infested with parasites ; then they should be pushed rapidly forward while suckling their mother, and weaned, if of suitable age, when first ready to turn on grass. They ought then to have fresh pasture that- has had no sheep on it for two years, or at least that had no sheep the preceding year, and no old sheep should be pastured with the lambs " Methods of combating communicable diseases of farm animals, •R. R. Dinwiddie (Arkansas Sta. Bid. 51, pp. 35-46). — The cause and origin of communicable diseases, general methods of prevention and control, innoculation against anthrax or charbon, and prevention and control of Texas cattle fever are briefly touched upon. The methods of control, etc., noted are such as are applicable to all contagious animal diseases and such as should readily suggest themselves to intelligent owners of live stock; but, in the author's opinion, they are generally 596 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. neglected or carried out in a halfhearted manner and are therefore ineffectual. Communicable diseases, aside from the primary cases (disease germs), are noted as due to the introduction of diseased stock, exposure of animals to diseased stock of neighbors, to infected drinking water, and such miscellaneous agencies as man, dogs, birds, insects, etc. Proper isolation, the use of water from deep wells, runs, or pastures of suffi- cient size, and disinfection of pens, are insisted upon. Anthrax is not thought to be endemic iu this country. Inoculation against it is not regarded with favor, since there seems to be danger of continuing the disease by this means. Texas fever may be controlled by washes of pyrethrum, kerosene emulsion, and kerosene emulsion iu connection with the liberal use of a currycomb and hand picking. Dips are not thought successful. The presence or absence of ticks in the region is not thought a reliable test for the presence or absence of the disease. For noninfectious diseases the method is the obvious one of introducing no stock from infected localities. Tuberculin investigations in Sweden, J. Svensson (Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Kongr., Stockholm, 1897, J, pp. 229-210).— The first sys- tematic tests in Sweden for tuberculosis by the injection of tuberculin were made in April, 1895. During the following 2 years and 2 months 35,992 cattle, distributed on 1,117 farms, have been inoculated. Of this number 52.0 per cent did not give any reaction, 5.2 per cent were doubtful, and 42.2 per cent gave a decided reaction. The animals examined were largely in herds on large estates. There were many small herds where no tuberculous animals, or only 1 or 2 per cent, was found. The author believes that the percentage of tuberculous cattle for the whole country is below 20. — f. w. woll. Bacteriological work, F. D. Chester (Delaware Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 38-42). — The preparation of anthrax vaccines is briefly described, and bacteriological examina- tions of 12 samples to determine anthrax reported. A study of National and of State legislation on anthrax, A. T. Neale ( Dela- ware Sta. Rpt. 1807, pp. 8-19). — Reprint of Bulletin 37 of the station (E. S. R., 10, p. 396). On the influence of potable water of varying chemical composition upon the virulence of splenic fever bacilli, P. Drosdowski ( Vrach, 1898, No 3). Hog cholera, G. A. Waterman (Michigan Sta. Bui. 157, pp. 323-328).— A general discussion of the subject, including the cause, symptoms, treatment, disposal of the carcasses, aud methods of cleaning the pens where iufected animals have died. The favorable results attending the injection of serum from immune animals are mentioned. Glanders of Droes, D. Hutcheon (Agr. Jour. Cape (lood Hope, 13 (1898), No. 8, pp. 453-4G0). — A general article, giving symptoms ami treatment. Citations from the "Animal disease act" are given. Tuberculosis in cattle and its control, J. Law {New York Cornell Sta. Bui. 150, pp. 30, pis. 2, figs. 3). — A general discussion, summarizing the present knowledge of the subject. The author's experience in eradicating tuberculosis from two herds with- AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. 597 out the use of tuberculin te.st is reported in detail. The importance of the tuber- culin test is, however, insisted upon. The need of State legislation is discussed, the author believing that stock iu New York are menaced by the lack of proper legisla- tion, since herds are being infected by the introduction of cattle brought from other regions where there are strict laws upon the subject. The appearance in the blood serum as the effect of chemical products of a substance capable of agglutinating the tuberculosis bacillus, S. Arloing (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 120 (1898), No. 22, pp. 1550-1555). — Experiments with goats arc briefly reported. Tuberculosis, D. McC'kae (Bpt. Agr. New Brunswick, 1897, pp. 243-257). — A general article on tuberculosis and the importance of the tuberculin tests, together with a discussion. Tuberculosis in spayed cattle, W. C. Quinnell {(Queensland Agr. Jour., 3 {1898), No. 4, pp. 317, 318). — The author points out the danger of infection with tuberculosis when cows are spayed. The necessary precautions are briefly pointed out. Thp article is based on the author's experience. The Royal Commission on tuberculosis, J. McFadyean (Jour. Boy. Agr. rnamental planting, F. W. Card 638 Notes on cold storage, F. W. Rane 639 FORESTRY. Internal temperatures of tree trunks, R. A. Emerson 641 An observation on annual rings, F. W. Card 642 Osier culture, J. M. Simpson 642 Experimental tree planting in the plains, C. A. Keffer 643 List of publications relating to forestry in the Department Library 643 Check list of the forest trees of the United States, G. B. Sudworth 643 SEEDS — WEEDS. Test of beet seed, E. Walker 644 The effect of fertilizers on the germination of seeds, G. H. Hicks 645 On the influence of humus acids on germination, R. Tolf 645 The Russian thistle, L. H. Pammel 646 Sixth report on Kansas weeds, A S. Hitchcock and G. L. Clothier 646 DISEASES OF PLANTS. Report of the botanists, G. E. Stone and R. E. Smith 647 A bacterial disease of beets, Prillieux and Delacroix 649 Concerning a root disease of wheat, L. Mangin 650 The asparagus rust: Its treatment and natural enemies, B. D. Halsted 650 Experiments in combating the rose rust in 1898, K. Mohr 651 Concerning the adherence of copper compounds which are used in combating diseases of the grape, G. M. Guillon and G. Gouirand 651 ENTOMOLOGY. House flies, L. O. Howard 654 House ants, C. L. Marlatt 654 The true clothes moths, C. L. Marlatt 655 The larger apple-tree borers, F. H. Chittenden 655 The peach borer — experiments with hydraulic cement, J. B. Smith 656 The black peach aphis, W. G. Johnson 660 The striped cucumber beetle, F. H. Chittenden 658 Cutworms in young tobacco, W. G. .Johnson 660 Three injurious insects, A. L. Quaintance 658 Remedial work against the Mexican cotton-boll weevil, L. O. Howard 659 On the effect of soil treatment for prevention of insect injuries, J. Kitzenia- Bos 660 Report of the entomologist, C. H. Fernald 661 Orchard pests, U. P. Hedrick 661 The new law providing for the suppression and control of insect pests and plant diseases in Maryland, W. G. .Johnson 662 IV CONTENTS. FOODS — ANIMAL PRODUCTION. Tage. Some practical applications of results of food investigations, W. O. Atwater and A. P. Bryant 678 Fish as food, C. F. Lang worthy 678 The nutritive value of beef when cooked in the usual ways, K. Forster 662 The influence of sugar on the power of muscles to produce work, Schumburg. 663 Studies of dietaries, W. O. Atwater and A. P. Bryant 663 Experiments on the digestion of food by man, W. O. Atwater and F. G. Benedict. 663 A respiration calorimeter and experiments on the conservation of energy in the human body, W. O. Atwater and E. B. Rosa 664 Improved forms of bomb calorimeter and accessory apparatus, W. O. Atwater and O. S. Blakeslee 678 Analyses of foods, feeding stuffs, and other products, W. O. Atwater and F. G. Benedict 678 Digestion experiments, F. E. Emery and B. W. Kilgore 667 Investigations on the amount of food and energy required for fattening full- grown steers, O. Kellner, A. Kohler, et al 669 Fattening cattle in North Dakota, J. II. Sbepperd 671 Fattening steers in winter, T. Shaw 671 The feeding value of whole cotton seed, crushed cotton seed, aud cotton-seed meal and hulls for finishing steers for market, R. L. Bennett 673 Corn meal and shorts as food for pigs, C. S. Plumb and W. B. Anderson 674 Feeding pumpkins to pigs, H. T. French 674 Feeding artichokes to pigs, H. T. French 675 Poultry experiments, W. P. Brooks 675 Skim milk as food for young growing chickens, W. B. Andersou 677 Gravel and sand in the digestive apparatus of fowls, I. Abozin 677 DAIRY FARMING — DAIRYING. On milk " signs " in dairy cows, C. Norner 679 Cotton-seed feed as a hay substitute for milch cows, J. B. Lindsey, E. B. Hol- land, and B. K. Jones 679 A study of rations fed to milch cows in Connecticut, W. O. Atwater and C. S. Phelps 681 Nitrogenous feeding stuffs, and feeding formulas for dairy cows, W. O. Atwater and C. S. Phelps 683 Dairy rations, F. L. Kent 684 Root feeding, F. L. Kent 684 Experiments on the effect on butter of feeding cotton-seed and sesame-oil cake, T. E. Thorpe , 685 The changes in butter due to feeding fat, G. Baumert and F. Falke 685 Fresh vs. stripper cow butter, F. L. Ken t 686 A few experiments concerning the hardness of butter, II. Atwood 687 Studies on the formation of holes in Eninienthaler cheese, O. Jensen 687 The cause of the ripening of Emmeuthaler cheese, E. von Freudenreich 687 The fungi taking part in cheese ripening, < >. Johan-Olsen 688 The action of rennet ferment, E. vou Freudenreich 689 Pasteurization of milk, F. E. Emery 690 VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Preliminary report upon a comparative study of tubercle bacilli from man (sputum) and from cattle, T, Smith 690 A comparative study of bovine tubercle bacilli and of human bacilli from sputum, T. Smith 691 CONTENTS. V Page A study of normal temperatures and the tuberculin test, C. E. Marshall 692 Tuberculous cows and the use of their milk in feeding calves, C. S. Phelps. . . 693 Some diseases of animals caused by improper feeding, J. F. Connor 693 Relation of water supply to animal disease, A. W. Bitting 693 Blood serum in the prevention and treatment of infectious swine diseases, with a report of an experiment with swine plague antitoxin, V. A. Moore 693 a<;i:icultuual engineering. One year's work done by a 16-foot geared windmill, F. H. King 695 STATISTICS — MISCELLANEOUS. Crop circular for October, 1898, J. Hyde 697 Crop circular for November, 1898, J. Hyde 697 Twelfth Annual Report of Alabama Canebrake Station, 1897 697 Tenth Annual Report of Connecticut Storrs Station, 1897 697 Report of Massachusetts Hatch Station, 1897 697 Eleventh Annual Report of New York Cornell Station, 1898 697 Reports of North Carolina Station for 1897 and 1898 (half year) 698 The North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, W. A. Withers 698 The station and its exbibit 698 Experiment Station Work— VII 698 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. Experiment stations in the United States: Alabama Canebrake Station: Twelfth Annual Report, 1897 628, 693, 697 Arkansas Station : Bulletin 52, July, 1898 673 California Station : Bulletin 121, August, 1898 617 Connecticut Storrs Station : Tenth Annual Report, 1897 616, 663, 664, 678, 681, 683, 693, 697 Florida Station : Bulletin 45, March, 1898 658 Idaho Station : Bulletin 12, 1898 630 Bulletin 13,1898 617 Indiana Station : Bulletin 70, May, 1898 \ 693 Bulletin 71, June, 1898 674,677 Iowa Station : Bulletiu 38, 1898 646 Kansas Station : Bulletin 80, June, 1898 646 Maryland Station : Bulletin 55, May, 1898 660, 662 Bulletin 56, June, 1898 633 Massachusetts Hatch Statiou : Tenth Annual Report, 1897 607, 617, 622, 623, 624, 626, 636, 639, 647, 661, 675, 679, 697 Michigan Station : Bulletin 159, June, 1898 692 Minnesota Station : Bulletin 58, June, 1898 671 VI CONTENTS. Experiment stations in the United States — Continued. Nebraska Station: Page. Bulletin 55. August 20, 1898 (138 Bulletin 56, August 31, 1898 637 Nevada Station : Bulletin 37, December, 1897 631 New Jersey Stations: Bulletin 128, February 2, 1898 656 Bulletin 129, June 10, 1898 650 New York Cornell Station : Eleventh Annual Report, 1898 635, 636, 639, 640, 653, 660, 661, 694, 697, 698 North Carolina Station: Bulletin 148, June 8, 1898 667, 690 Bulletin 149, June 11, 1898 639 Bulletin 150, June 13, 1898 612 Special Bulletin 48 '. 698 Special Bulletin 49, March 12, 1898 ' 636 Special Bulletin 50, October 25, 1898 6£8 Twentieth and Twenty-first Annual Reports, 1897 and 1898 (half year) . 698 North Dakota, Station : Bulletin 33, August, 1898 671 Oregon Station : Bulletin 54, May, 1898 635, 674, 675, 684, 686 South Carolina Station : Bulletin 34, May, 1898 631,644 Bulletin 35, June, 1898 624 South Dakota Station : Bulletin 59, April, 1898 629,639 Bulletin 60, May, 1898 629 Utah Station : Bulletin 55, March, 1898 661 Bulletin 56, April, 1898 634 Vermont Station : Bulletin 63, March, 1898 623 Bulletin 64, April, 1898 623 Bulletin 65, May, 1898 623 Wisconsin Station: Bulletin 68, June, 1898 , 695 United States Department of Agriculture: Farmers' Bulletin 19 (revised) 661 Farmers' Bulletin 84 698 Farmers' Bulletin 85 678 Division of Chemistry : Bulletin 50 624 Bulletin 51 606 Division of Entomology: Circular 31 (second series) 658 Circular 32 (second scries) 655 Circular 33 (second series) 659 Circular 34 (second series) 654 Circular 35 (secoud series) 654 Circular 36 (second series) 655 Division of Forestry : Bulletin 17 643 Bulletin 18 ". 643 Bulletin 19 642 CONTENTS. VII United States Department of Agriculture — Continued. Library: Page. Bulletin 24 643 Division of Statistics: Crop Circular for October, 1898 697 Crop Circular for November, 1898 697 ILLUSTRATION. Page. Fig. 14. Effect of alternation of temperature on plants 609 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Vol. X. Xo. 7. It is learned from a recent official report that steps are being taken in Russia lor the establishment of a system of agricultural experiment stations under the supervision of the Imperial Government. The ministry of agriculture has elaborated a plan for such a system of institutions, which has been passed upon and approved by the agri- cultural council. In accordance with the usual course of events in that country, this action will be followed at an early date by the issue of a royal decree definitely inaugurating the system. The plan proposed and approved provides for four classes of insti- tutions, namely: (1) agricultural experiment stations for scientific investigation of problems in agriculture, chiefly by laboratory methods ; (2) experimental fields (or orchards and gardens) for making field experiments in the culture, etc., of agricultural crops, with a view to solving technical questions of a more local character; (3) semiscientitic experiment farms, for conducting practical experiments in general farm management under local conditions, studying economic questions, etc.; and (I) fields of demonstration (also orchards and gardens of the same character) for demonstrating the application in practice of the results of experiment station work, improved methods which have been tested on the experimental fields, new kinds and varieties of valuable plants, breeds of animals, farm implements, etc. Where desirable these four types of stations may be united into one institution with the several departments. The stations may be divided again, according to the scope of their work, into (1) those which are working on the fundamental principles underlying the practice of general agriculture, and (2) those which are studying, by similar methods, questions of a more local character. Stations of the first class will be located in the vicinity of the centers of scientific learning, and those of the second class in typical agricultural regions and, where possible, near the local centers of education. The experiment stations are to be provided with laboratories, collec- tions, libraries, and other facilities as required by their particular lines of work. In some cases they will be provided with departments of agricultural meteorology. They will have under their direction small tracts of land (only a few acres) as required for their work. Aside from their regular investigations they will make analyses of soils, fer- 601 602 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. tilizers, agricultural products, etc., for private persons, according to a fixed schedule of prices. The experimental fields will be established in regions which are typical in regard to soil, topography, and other conditions. They will have a considerable tract of suitable land (up to 1G0 acres), according to their special purpose, and where necessary to the work being done they will have laboratory facilities for making simple analytical deter- minations. The experiment farms will correspond in general character to the farms or estates of the localities in which they are located. There may be affiliated with these farms special departments for horticulture, gar- dening, and agricultural technology, and also for introducing improved breeds of animals, implements and machines, distributing seeds of improved varieties, etc. The experimental fields and farms will conduct meteorological and phenological observations. The fields of demonstration are to be established near localities which are most visited by the rural population, and preferably in con- nection with educational institutions. The experiment stations will each have a director and at least two assistants. The experimental fields and farms will each have a director and at least one assistant. So far as possible these will be selected from persons who have received an education in agriculture or the natural sciences. The managers of the fields of demonstration will, where practicable, be chosen from the local residents, and will be under the supervision of a specialist. Provision is made for the formation of councils for such experiment stations as have experimental fields and farms, to be composed in each case of the director and his assistants, a representative of the ministry of agriculture, persons who have aided in establishing the station, and other persons selected by the council. The general plans for work for terms of four or five years a.e presented by the director to the council, and later to the minister of agriculture for his approval. The approval of the annual plan of operations is left to the council. Where there is no council the director presents his plan of work, as well as his annual report, directly to the minister of agriculture for approval. Arrangements may be made for the holding of public lectures and courses in various branches of agriculture at the experiment stations, under the approval of the minister of agriculture. The experiment stations, fields, farms, etc., may be established by the government, b}^ local communities, or by private persons. Those established by communities (zemstvos), organizations, and private per- sons may receive pecuniary or other aid from the ministry. The experi- ment stations proper, owing to the complex nature and comprehensive- ness of their work, will be established chiefly by the government. The establishment of experimental fields will be left mainly to local commu- nities, as also that of fields of demonstration. The ministry of agricul- EDITORIAL. 603 tnre, through persons commissioned for tbe purpose, will exercise a supervision over the work and expenditures of the institutions which receive government aid. It will also publish an annual report of tbe work of tbe stations, and periodically will give a general survey of their operations. It will be seen that while the government plans for the establishment and maintenance of the higher-grade institutions, it looks to local com- munities, organ beat ions, and public- spirited persons lor tbe establishment of fields and farms where tbe work is to be of a more practical and popular nature or for purposes of demonstration and is to be restricted to the study of local questions. After these more or less private insti- tutions have been established they may receive government aid in the form of annual appropriations, chiefly for defraying the expenses of the staff of the station and purchasing books and scientific equipment, or they may be given the use of government lands, animals for breeding, seeds of improved varieties of plants, etc. They may also have the benefit of advice and information from the specialists attached to the ministry of agriculture. The object of the institutions which the plan contemplates is a double one — that of experimental investigation on both scientific and practical questions in agriculture, and the dissemination of information among the common people by means of fields of demonstration, popular lec- tures, and publications. The scheme bears evidence of thorough familiarity with the history of the experiment station movements of other countries and the tendencies which have developed. In its elaboration the experience of these institutions has been profited by, and the successful features of different countries embodied. As a result, we have a comprehensive system of stations, fields, farms, etc., each class with a definite field of work and designed to serve a definite purpose in the advancement of the science and the practice of agricul- ture. Taken in connection with the proposed system for agricultural education, it will be seen that there is no confusion as to the work of education, investigation, application, demonstration, and the dissemi- nation of popular information. The need for effort along each of these lines is recognized and separate provision for it is made in the schemes elaborated. When the condition of agricultural practice in Russia is considered — the primitive implements which are used, the irrational systems which are followed, and the general lack of progress as com- pared with that made in other countries — it can not but be apparent that the field of usefulness for institutions of the different classes con- templated is an unusually broad one, and that the movement will eventually result in great benefit to the agriculture of that country. According to a recent Russian article on the agricultural experiment stations of that country, there are now in Russia sixty eight stations of various kinds. The first station was established in 1864 at the 604 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Polytechnicum at Riga. No other stations were established until 1878, when the experimental fields of the Petrov Agricultural Academy at Moscow were organized. The experimental fields of the agricultural institute at Novo-Alexandria, Poland, date from the following year. From that time on there has been a steady increase in the number of stations. The earlier stations owe their existence to zemstvos, societies, and private persons. Not until 181)4 did the Imperial Department of Agriculture render assistance to the enterprise. In that year it took a considerable number of stations under its patronage, and began to open new stations in various localities in Russia, Since that time the development of these institutions has been quite rapid. The Russian stations as they exist at present may be divided into three groups, (1) stations for general investigation, conducting experi- ments on their own fields, of which there are 43; (2) stations for special investigations, of which there are 14 — 3 for silk culture, 2 for apicul- ture, 2 for flax culture, 2 for bacteriological investigations, 1 for dairy- ing, 3 for viticulture, and 1 for vegetable growing; and (3) control stations, of which there are 11. Some of the stations are wholly main- tained by the government, while others are supported by local com- munities, societies, and private persons, in some cases with the aid of the ministry of agriculture. A number of the stations receive annual appropriations amounting to $2,800 from the government, and the Turkestan Station receives about $3,800 from that source. Among the best-equipped stations are said to be the Plotyausk, Derebchinsk, Zapolsk, and Poltava stations for general work, the Tiflis Station for silk culture, the Edimonov Station for special work, the control stations at Warsaw, Riga, and Helsingfors, and the St. Petersburg Bacteriological Station. The station staff usually consists of two persons, a director and an assistant, although in some instances there are additional regular assistants as well as volunteer assistants. Aside from the inadequate number of stations (one station to 90,000 square kilometers) and their unequal distribution, which leaves impor- tant agricultural regions without any provision for experimental work, the absence of a unifying central institution is believed to be a great hindrance to their development. There is no general plan of organiza- tion. They have no organ for the publication of their results, and information regarding them is difficult to obtain. The experiment station movement which has been inaugurated by the ministry of agriculture should remedy these conditions, add materially to the influence of the stations already existing, and bring their work into closer touch with more advanced classes of agriculturists. RECENT WORK IX AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. CHEMISTRY. Methods of determining potash and the best precipitants of platinum, A. Atterberg (Ghem. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 54, pp. 538, 539). — The article discusses the several methods that have been proposed for the determination of potash, in the light of experiments made by the author. The gravimetric methods are considered as a rule more satis- factory than the volumetric methods. Of the gravimetric methods the author considers that of Yilliers and Borg (E. S. R., 5, p. 538) the best, of the volumetric methods that of de Koninck.1 A method for deter- mining potash directly in solutions containing iron and aluminum is also described. After freeing the solution from silica, it is evaporated to dryness with an excess of citric acid and sufficient platinum chlorid. The citrates of iron and aluminum are then taken up with alcohol, and the potash in the residue determined in the usual way. As the result of numerous experiments made by himself, the author concludes that magnesium, mercury, and thioacetic acid are the best precipitants of metallic platinum from platinic solutions. — j. T. ANDERSON. Modifications of the Kjeldahl method for determining nitrogen, A. Atterberg- {Ghent. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 50, pp. 505, 506). — The author records a series of experiments which were instituted to deter- mine the relative value of a number of oxidizing agents. He concludes that the best means of oxidation is 20 cc. of concentrated sulphuric acid with 15 to 18 gm. of potassium sulphate and some mercury. The potassium sulphate may be added in the beginning except with sub- stances which foam, when it should be added after solution has taken place. The solution becomes clear in about 30 minutes. — j. T. Ander- son. Contribution to investigations on manganese in minerals, plants, and animals, P. Richard (Gompt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 120 (1898), No. 26, pp. 1882-1885).— -The method which the author has pre- viously described (E. S. R., 9, p. 1023) was applied to a number of soils, plants, and animal products with the result of showing the widespread distribution of manganese in nature. The hymenomycetous fungi appear to be especially rich in this substance, but other fungi and mosses are well supplied with it. Among vascular cryptogams the ferns are the most abundantly supplied. Of the gymuosperms the conifers are richest in manganese. Of the augiosperms the Grammeae, Leguminosae, Rosa- Cbeiu. Ztg., 20 (1896), p. 502. 605 G06 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. cese, Cruciferae, CTnibelliferae, Ampelideae, Solanacese, Liliaceae, Polyg- ouace;c, and Urticacese are rich in manganese. It is abundant in oaks, elms, hornbeam, chestnuts, and poplars. The manganese appears to be concentrated in the leaves and young shoots (the active organs of vege- tation). It is found in greatest abundance, however, in the seeds of flowering plants, such as wheat, barley, oats, maize, beans, buckwheat, hemp, coffee, figs, prunes, raisins, apples, and poplar and in fleshy roots, such as the potato. Manganese is present to a much less extent in auimalsthan in plants. The egg yolk containsmuch more than the white. The agg as a whole contains more manganese than flesh or bone. Horny portions of animals, and in general skin with its associated parts, contain considerable amounts of manganese. The quantitative separation of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, and the occurrence of pentosans in these substances, W. Hoffmkister {Landw. Vers. Stat, 50 (1898), Xo. 5-6, pp. 347-362).— Following a discussion of the properties of these materials, the author describes their separation from sunflower-seed hulls. A large quantity of the hulls was extracted with ether, hydrochloric acid, and ammonia, and the residue was treated successively with 5 per cent sodium hy- droxid (giving 2.78 per cent of hemicellulose), with Schweizer's reagent (giving 0.7 per cent of cellulose), and with hydrochloric acid and ammonia (giving 50.7 per cent of lignin). The hemicellulose contained 81.4 per cent of pentosan and the cellulose 54.5 percent. Fifty grams of the lignin (insoluble residue) yielded, after treatment with dilute ammonia for Odays, 1.91 gm. of hemicellulose containing 30 per cent of pentosans and 20.10 gm. of cellulose containing 2.18 per cent of pentosans. The ammoniacal extract and washings yielded 13.20 gm. of incrusting sub- stance, and the undissolved residue of 14.21 gm. gave, on further treat- ment with ammonia, 2.30 gm. of cellulose. Hence the 50 gm. of lignin was found to consist of 24.37 gm. of cellulose and hemicellulose, and a residue comprised of incrusting substances and ash. The author suggests that determinations of this sort may be of assist- ance in studying digestibility. Studies were made on the effect of dilute ammonia on the cellulose bodies of lignin, and on the effect of dissolving cellulose in Schweizer's reagent on its solubility in sodium hydrate solution. Determinations are reported of the cellulose (Schweizer's extract) and lignin, and the proportions of pentosans in each of these, in clover at different stages of the first and second years of growth. These indicate an increase in both years in both the cellulose and lignin during the growing period. In the first year an absolutely as well as relatively larger amount of these substances was produced than in the second year. The amount of pentosans in the Schweizer extract was relatively higher the second year than the first, but the reverse was true for that in the lignin. All of the above results are believed to need confirmation. Proceedings of the fourteenth annual convention of the Association of Offi- cial Agricultural Chemists ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of Chemistry Bid. 51, pp. CHEMISTRY. 607 169). — A detailed account, edited by the secretary of the association, H. W. Wiley, of the proceedings of the convention of this association, held at Washington, D. C, October 20-28, 1897, a summary account of which has already appeared (E. S. K., it, pp. 101-111). Progress in agricultural chemistry, W. Schneidewind (Chem. Ztg., ,.'.' {1898), No. 82, pp. 870, 871 : 85, pp. 905-907; 86, pp. 911-913). — Reviews briefly recent inves- tigations «>n soils i especially the losses of fertilizing constituents from the soil), barn- yard manure, green manures, and nitrogenous commercial fertilizers; on phosphoric acid, potash, and lime; on plant and animal production, and on analytical methods for fertilizers and foods. Most of the investigations referred to have been noted from time to time in the Record. Report of the chemist, J. B. Lindsey (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. lipt. 1897, pp. 74-7S).— Brief notes are given on the work of the chemical department, which in- cluded examination of a number of samples of water and milk, determination of starch, experiments with pigs, and a study of the feeding value of salt-marsh hay (E. S. R., 10, pp. 472-481). Determination of phosphoric acid in superphosphates, L. ViGNON {Bui. Soc. Chhn. Paris, 3. ser., 19 (1S9S), No. 20-21, pp. S60-S62).— This article has already been abstracted from another source (E. S. R., 10, p. 410). Tables for calculating phosphoric acid from magnesium pyrophosphate. Gultsc'UKE ( Tabelle cur berechnung der pijrophosphorsauren magnesia auf phosphorsaurc, Wiesbaden: < '. W. Kreidel, 1S9G, pp. 20). Methods and solvents for the approximate de rmination of the probably available plant food in soils, W. Maxwell (Landw. Vers. Stat., 50 (1898), Xo.~>-6, pp. 131-334). — This article has been noted from another source (E. S. R., 10, p. 527). Comparison of methods for estimating caffein, E. F. Ladd (Amer. Chem. Jour., 20 (1898), No. 10, pp. 866-869).— The author compares the methods of Peligot, Cros- schoff, and Gomberg. Determination of tannin, L. Vignon (Bui. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 19 (1S98), No. ::. pp. 923-926). Method of determining starch in black and in -white mustard seed, J. W. Lloyd (Bui. Pharm.. 12 (1S9S), No. 11, pp. 497-499). Detection of formic aldehyde in food substances, E. Rimini (Ann. Farm., 1898, p. 97; abs. in Bui. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 20 (1898), No. 23, p. 896). The determination of dirt in milk, R. Eichloff (Ztschr. Vntersuch. Nahr. v. Genussmtl., 1 (1898), No. 10, pp. 678-683).— Instead of Stutzer's sand filter, the author proposes to separate the foreign matter in milk by whirling samples of 300 cc. in a centrifugal run at the rate of 2,000 revolutions per minute, and to collect the sedi- ment on an asbestus filter. Samples to be tested in this way must be perfectly sweet and, as a preservative, the author recommends potassium bicarbonate instead of formalin, as the latter is said to curdle a small part of the casein, which is then separated with the dirt. Analysis of milk — determination of the amounts of added water, A. Villiers and M. Bertault (Monit. Sci., 12 (1898), Apr., pp. 270, 271; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), No. 7, p. 686). The value of Fleischmann's formula in milk analysis, E. Ackermaxn (Milch Ztg., 27 (1S9S), No. 49, p. 770). — Remarks on the use of the formula in laboratory work. Composition of the proteids of cereal and leguminous seeds: Practical results of the researches of E. Fleurent, A. Livache (Bui. Soc. Encour. Ind. Nat., 97 (1898), pp. ,r,47-5r,0; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (IS9S), No. 7, p. OS-',). Method for the quantitative determination of proteids in beer -wort and other protein solutions, II. SchjerniNG (Ztschr. Anah/t. Chem.. 37 (1S9S), No. 7, pp. 413-422; abs. in Analyst, 23 (1S9S), Dec, p. 326). — In this paper the author summarizes the results of his previous work in this line, and presents a complete method for deter- mining the different proteids in solution. 608 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. New contributions on the determination of fat in animal tissues and fluids, J. Nerking (Arch. Physiol. [Pfluger), 73 (1S9S), No. 8-4, pp. 172-183).— The author believes the only quantitative method for determining fat in meat to he digestion with pepsin and hydrochloric acid and subsequent extraction with ether, as sug- gested by Dormeyer (E. S. R., 1, p. 919). He proposes to simplify the extraction by the use of a somewhat intricate apparatus, which he illustrates and describes. The results of trials of the method on various kinds of meat, milk, etc., are reported. Contributions to the analysis of fat. Ill, The detection of cotton-seed oil in lard, A. Bomer (Ztschr. Untersuch. Xahr. u. Genussmtl., 1 (1898), No. 8, pp. 532-552, PJ- 1). The use of benzal in determining the iodin number of fats and the volatile portion of fatty acids, K. Farnsteiner {Ztschr. Untersuch. Nalir. u. Genussmtl., 1 (1S98), No. 8, pp. 529-532). Creatin and its separation, E. F. Ladd and P. B. Bottenfield (Amer. Chem. Jour., 20 (1S98), No. 10, pp. S69-871). The quantitative estimation of sugar in meat and urine, E. Polexske (Arb. I\. Gesundheitsamte, 14 (1898), pp. 149-152; abs. in Ztschr. Untersuch. Nahr. u. Genussmtl., 1 (1898), No. 2, pp. 782-784). — The percentage of sugar in a number of samples of meat is reported, as well as the author's method of determining it. On the detection and localization of phosphorus in animal and vegetable tissues, A. B. Macallum (rroc. Boy. Soc. [London], 43 (1S9S), No. 400, pp. 467-479). Simple method of water analysis, especially designed for the use of medical officers of health, J. C. Thresh (London: J. $• A. Churchill, 1898, cd. 2 cnl., pp. 55). A new filter flask, R. Walther (Jour. Prakt. Chem., n. ser., 57 (1S9S), pp. 544, 545; abs. in Jour. Chem. Soc. [London], 74 (1S9S), No. 432, II, p. 507, fig. 1). A thermostat for high or varying gas pressure, D. Bodine (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), No. 11, pp. 193,194, fig. 1). — A simple and what is claimed to be a, very efficient regulator is figured and described. It is claimed to be valuable where natural gas is used as a fuel or where for any cause the gas supply fluctuates. BOTANY. Experiments on the production of alpine characters in plants by the alternation of extreme temperatures, G. Bonnier (Gompt. Rend, Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. G, pp. 307-312, fig. 1).— The author reports experiments with a number of plants in which he has attempted to produce alpine conditions by employing greatly reduced temperatures. The perennial plants used in the experiments were white clover, Teucrium scorodonia, and Senecio jacobcea. Among the annual plants experimented with were vetches, oats, and barley. The plan of the experiment was to grow these different plants in different exposures, the first being placed in a house, the glass front of which faced north and received only diffused light. The walls of this house were double and were filled twice a day with ice. In this way the tem- perature is kept at an average of 7° 0. and the humidity about 90 per cent. The second lot of plants were exposed to the normal and variable conditions in the neighborhood, under which the temperature ranged from 15 to 35° and the humidity from 64 to 91 per cent. The third lot of plants were placed alternately in the ice house during the night and in the open during the day. These plants therefore had an alternation of temperature from 4 to 35°. The soil in the pots was maintained at the same degree of saturation as the others. The fourth lot of plants BOTANY. 609 were grown under the same conditions as the first, except that the spaces between the walls were filled with water instead of ice, giving' an average temperature of about 16°. The different plants were planted on June 3, and by August 1 they presented markedly different aspects. All those which had received the alternate day and night temperatures were much smaller than those which had been kept at a uniformly low temperature or those grown under normal conditions. In the case of the germander the difference in growth is strikingly shown in the accompanying figure. In the fourth lot of plants, where water was Fk;. It. — Eri'ect of alternation of temperature on plants: 1, normal conditions; 2, constant low temperature; 3, daily variation of high and low temperature. substituted for ice between the walls, the plants made almost normal growth. The effect of the different conditions on the growth of the plants is shown in the following table: Effect of different tempe rat ure conditions on plant growth. Conditions of growth. Germander. Vetch. Oats. Senecio. Clover. Lot. Aver- age height of plant. Aver- age length of inter- node. A ver- age height of plant. Aver- age length ofinter- nodo. Aver- age height of plant. Aver- age length ot leaves. Length of basal leaves. Length of long- est leaves. 1 2 3 Constant low temperature . . Normal temperature Alternate low and normal Cm. 24 42 10 Cm. 5. 5 5.6 2.5 Cm. 38 85 15 80 Cm. 4.8 6.2 3 6 Cm. 35 62 It 50 Cm Cm. 0.8 13..-) 1 19 Cm. 17 30 10 4 Constant medium tempera- 38 r>. 5 9 15 30 14270— No. 7- 610 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Summarizing his results, the author states that plants kept at a very low temperature during the night and in the open during the day will be greatly reduced in size, their internodes will be proportionately shortened, their leaves much smaller and thicker, and they will flower much earlier. It is further stated that by an alternation of the tem- perature comparable to that which is produced on higher mountainous regions, it is possible to artificially produce alpine characteristics in plants grown at low elevations. Half shade and vegetation, B. 1). Halsted (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Set., 47(1898), p. 415). — The author reports a number of experiments in shading various truck crops with frames of lath upon supporting stakes; the spaces between the lath equaling their width, so that half the direct rays are intercepted. In general, the shade retarded the germination of Lima beans in the first crop, but the opposite was the case with the second or midsummer planting. All root crops, such as turnips, carrots, and potatoes, had a larger leaf surface in the shade, but the roots were much smaller. The shade improved the growth of salad crops, such as lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, etc., and celery was improved the most of all. The time of blooming was greatly retarded and the period of fruitfuluess materially prolonged by shading beans, peas, eggplants, tomatoes, cucumbers, aud the like. Leaves grown in the shade are usually of a deeper green color and thinner than those grown in full exposure. A study of some wild plants was made in a wood lot and adjoining clearing. The cinnamon fern (Osmunda ciwnamomea), was noted to have graceful, drooping leaves in the wooded land, while in the open they were nearly upright. Measurements of the thickness of the leaflets showed those in the shade to be 0.098 mm., while in the cleared land the thickness was 0.258 mm. Many other differences, such as hairiness, color of stems, etc., were noted between the shaded plants and those grown in the open. Influence of carbon dioxid on the form and structure of plants, E.G. Teodoresco (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), JVo. 6, pp. 335-S38). — The author reports upon a series of experiments in grow- ing Lupinus albus, Phaseolus multifiorus, Pisum sativum, and Faba vul- garis nnder bell jars in an atmosphere containing carbon dioxid greatly in excess of the normal in one case aud little or no carbon dioxid in another. Comparing the development of the plants, those grown in the presence of carbon dioxid had their hypocotyl, or lower internodes, greatly shortened, but the later internodes were elongated to such an extent that the total height of the plant greatly exceeded those grown without carbon dioxid. In addition, the internodes in cross section were much larger and contained a considerably greater number of fibro vascular bundles, the leaves were much thicker, the cells of the palisade parenchyma were considerably elongated, and the intercellular spaces more extensively developed. BOTANY. 611 On the poisonous effect of the salts of copper on the higher plants, H. Ooupin (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 10, pp. 400, 401). — Attention is called to the investigations of Eoulin show- ing that the presence of 0.00416 per cent of sulphate of copper in water cultures is sufficient to destroy Sterigmatocystis nigra, and to the investigations of Millardet showing that the zoospores of mildew are destroyed by a solution containing 0.0000002 or 0.0000003 per cent of the same. In the author's investigations recently germinated wheat plants were grown in water cultures containing different amounts of a number of copper salts. After a few days the plants were examined and readily showed the effect of the copper upon them. The minimum percentage of the different salts which is capable of destroying the plants is as follows: Copper bibromid, 0.001875; copper bichlorate, 0.005; copper sulphate, 0.005555; copper acetate, 0.005714, and copper nitrate, 0.006102. From these figures it is shown that there is practically little difference in the toxicity of the different copper compounds, and this the author believes is due to the copper ions. On account of the recent recommendation that 5 to 10 per cent solu- tions of copper sulphates be used for the destruction of weeds, the author states that in view of the facts shown in his experiments great care should be exercised in following such directions, since the amount of copper might have an injurious effect upon wheat or other plants. Elementary botany, G. P. Atkinson (New York: Henry Holt. . XXIII -f- 144, figs. 509). — This work, which is designed for use in secondary schools, follows the same lines as given in Barnes' Plant Life (E. S. K., 10, p. 416) in that the subject is treated from the standpoint of function, processes, and relationships of the plant, the main divisions given being morphology, physiology, and ecology. The hook has many excellent features, not the least among them. being the illustrations, most of which are new, and many produced by photographic process with excellent effect. Particular attention is rightly given the study of the lower plants, but from the amount of space given the consideration of some groups they appear unduly exalted. Nearly as many pages are given to the consideration of the morphology of the ferns and their allies as to the consideration of the gymnosperms and the angiosperms. It seems very doubtful whether so much stress should be laid upon the recent cyto- logical studies iu secondary schools, most of which have neither apparatus nor instructors for this order of work. Extreme measures have been taken with the scientific names of plants, although the author has not been entirely consistent in following them. It is doubtful whether anything is gained by extreme decapitalization and the use of Roman type for the technical names of plants; but if an author adopts such a plan it should be carried throughout and occasional lapses into italics avoided. Botany at the anniversary meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, E. F. Smith (Science, n. ser.,S (1S9S), Xo. 203,pp. 651-660; SOS, 000-700). — Abstracts are given by the secretary of the papers presented before section F of the association at its anniversary meeting in Boston, August, 1898. A manual of agricultural botany, A. B. Frank, trans. l>y J. W. Patterson (Lon- don: Wm. Blackwood $ Sons, 1898, j>p. X+199, fujs. 133 ; noticed in Amer. Xat. ,32 (1898), Xo. 883, p. 612 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The organography of plants, K. Goebel (Organographie der Pflanzen. Pt. .', Spe- cial Organography. Jena: G. Fischer, 1S9S, ill.). Medicinal plants -which have been collected and used in North Carolina, C. W. Hyams (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 150, pp. 3.29-409). — The author has given a descriptive catalogue of the plants which have reputed medicinal virtues and which are either native to the State or have become naturalized there. While many of the . plants named are the source of regular officinal preparations, there is no doubt that many which are largely collected and used have little or no value. The bulletin is not intended to indorse the medicinal value of any of the species enumerated. A new myxomycete in New South Wales, 1). McAlpine (Proc. Linn. Soc. New South Wales, 12 (1S9S), No. 1, pp. 82-84). — Notes the occurrence of Physarum cincrcum ou Stenotaphorum americanum, Cynodon dactylon, and Kyllingia monocephala. The anatomical structure of the stem of beets, G. Fuox (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1S9S), No. 10, pp. 397-400, fig. 1). — Comparative anatomical studies are reported upon Beta vulgaris and B. maritima, biennial plants, with B. cycla, an annual. Concerning the red coloration of the stomata of Picea, P. Sorauer (Nolisol. Bot. Garten u. Mus., Berlin, 2 (1898), No. 16, pp. 239-240). — The author does not agree with Hartig that the red coloration of the guard cells is due to the presence of sul- phurous acid in the air. He states that the red coloration of guard cells is not con- fined to the spruces, but has been observed in other conifers where factory smoke and fumes could not have exerted any effect. It is stated that sulphurous acid does influence chlorophyll production and may discolor the chlorophyll grain, but the author has no evidence to show that it becomes red ou such account. The nucleus of the yeast plant, H. Wager (Ann. Bot., 12 (1898), No. 48, pp. 499- 544, pis. 2). — The author states that all yeast cells contain a nuclear apparatus, which is figured and described. Concerning the nucleolus of Spirogyr?, C. Van Wisselingii (Bot. Ztg., 56 (1S98), No. 11-12, pp. 195-226, pi. 1). — A contribution to the study of karyokinesis. Structure and function of the beards on cereal grasses, B. Schmid (Bot. Cenibl., 76 (1898), No. 1, pp. 1-9; 2, pp. 36-41; 3, pp. 70-76; 4, pp. 118-128; 5-6, pp. 156-166; 7, pp. 212-221; S, pp. 264-270; 9, pp. 301-307; 10, pp. 328-334, pis. 2). On the germination of some aecidial spores, 1*. Nypels (Ann. Soc. Beige Micros., 22 (1898), No. 2, pp. 103-111, fig. 1). — Notes are given on the germination of the spores of JEcidiwm leucospermum and some other forms. Vegetable physiology, G. Berthold (Untersuchungen ~ur Physiologie der pflanz- lichcu Organisation. Leipzig: Wilhelm Fngelmann, 189S, pt. 1, pp. IV -f- 243, pi. 1). Reaction of protoplasm to thermal irritation, K. L. SCHAEFER (Flora, 75 ( 1898), pp. 135-140). — It is stated that between 10 and 31° C. sensitiveness increases nearly in a geometrical ratio proportional to the arithmetical increase in temperature. Light and vegetation, D. T. Macdougal (Pop. S on the solubility of potash of soils of volcanic origin in acetic acid, hydrochloric acid (1.12 sp. gr.), and hydrofluoric acid applied successively; and reports results of analyses by the authors of the hydrochloric acid extract (boiling 1.12 sp. gr. with acid for 5 hours) of 4 soils of volcanic origin (from the vicinity of Vesuvius). The potash soluble in hydrochloric acid ranged from 2.71 to 5.05 per cent. Soil bacteria which liberate nitrogen, Caron (Die Sticlcstoffbildenden Bodeiibak- terien. Hannover: Gohmann'sche Buchdruckerei, 1SD7). — Such organisms are stated to be most abundant in fallow land, less abundant under leafy plants, and least abundant under cereals. The denitrification processes, T. Pfeiffer and O. Lemmermann (Landw. Vers. Stat., 50 (1898), No. 1-2, pp. 115-142).— This is a detailed account of investigations already noted (E. S. R., 9, p. 536). FERTILIZERS. Experiments -with ferrous sulphate for destroying the denitri- fying organisms of barnyard manure and the germs of Rothlauf and Schweineseuche, O. Mttller (Jour. Landw., 16 (1898), i\7o. 2, pp. 207-232). — In culture experiments with Bacterium denitrijicans, B. pyocyaneus, and B.Jiuorescens liqtiefaciens in bouillon containing 0.1 per cent of nitrate, ferrous sulphate was used in the form of powder at rates of from 0.2 to 5 per cent. The results show that the addition of 1 gm. of the powdered sulphate to each 10 gm. of the slightly alkaline culture solution killed all of the germs in 24 hours. In neutral solutions a smaller quantity was effective. Two series of experiments were carried out with the same prepara- 1 Riv. Ital. Sci. Nat., 1 (1885), No. 1. Idrol. e Climat. Med., 7 (1885), No. 9; 9 (1887), No. 3; 11 (1889), No. 8. An. R. Scuola Sup. Agr. Portici, 4 (1884), No. 1; 5 (1885), No. 1. FERTILIZERS. 621 tion on horse manure. In one series the manure contained from 80 to 82 per cent of moisture, in the other from (5 to 68 per cent. To each 100 gin. of the manure well supplied with denitrifying organisms from 5 to 25 gm. of the powdered sulphate was added, the powder being inti- mately mixed with the manure. From time to time nitrate bouillon was inoculated with particles of the manure. The culture experiments indi- cated that in order to destroy the denitrifying organisms it was neces- sary to mix at least 5 per cent of the powdered sulphate with the manure, provided the manure contained at least 05 to 70 per cent of moisture. When the amount of sulphate was increased to 20 to 25 per cent all organisms in the manure were killed. As a rule the sulphate was more effective in moist than in dry manure. Another series of experiments was carried out with moist (80 per cent of water) and dry (05 to G8 per cent of water) manure in layers 1, 2, and 4 cm. thick, the sulphate being spread over the surface of the manure in layers from 1 to 2 mm. thick. The time required for the powder to be absorbed by the manure and for the organisms to be killed depended upon the thickness of the layer of the manure and the amount* of moisture present. In the thin layers the organisms were completely destroyed in 24 hours, while in the thick dry layers they were still active at the end of 12 days. It appeared that in the case of the moist manure 10 per cent of the powdered sulphate was sufficient to insure complete destruction of the denitrifying organisms, while in the case of the dry manure 15 per cent was necessary. In a third series of experiments 100 gm. portions of manure were treated with 2.5, 5, and 10 per cent solutions of the preservative. In this case 40 gm. of 5 per cent solution (2 gm. of the sulphate) was suf- ficient to destroy the organisms in 100 gm. of manure both in the dry and moist condition. Culture experiments similar to those with the denitrifying organisms were made with the germs of Rothlauf and Schweineseuche. These experiments indicated that 0.44 to 0.5 per cent of the sulphate was suffi- cient to kill these organisms. Two sprinklings with a 5 per cent solution of sulphate is believed to be the most practicable and effective means of destroying both denitri- fying organisms and disease germs in manure. An analysis of the sulphate used is given which shows that it con- tained 60.18 per cent of ferrous sulphate, 5.4 per cent of free sulphuric acid (S03), 5.3 per cent of ferric sulphate, aud 1.32 per cent of water and insoluble residue. On denitrifying organisms, O. Kunnemann (Landw. Vers. Stat, 50 (189*), Wo. 1-2 pp. 65-113). — The author reviews the literature of the subject, and reports in detail experiments in preparing pure cultures of denitrifying organisms from horse and cattle manure, from straw, and from different kinds of soils. The organisms isolated are described, and their behavior in different culture media and iu the presence of 622 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. varying amounts of oxygen (air), nitrate, caustic lime, and sulphuric acid is discussed. It was found that horse manure as a rule contains denitrifying organisms and these are usually of two kinds, one of them being also found in straw. The organism found only in the manure reduces nitrates in symbiosis with Bacterium coli and is identical with Bacillus denitrificans I of Burri and Stutzer. The organism found both in the manure and in straw is considered a variety of the Bacillus denitrifi- ed us II isolated from straw by Burri and Stutzer. Denitrifying organisms are not present as a rule in cattle manure. Those obtained from this source were identical with Bacillus denitrifi- cans I of Burri and Stutzer. The reduction of nitrates due to the action of these organisms is considerable, but decreases with the amount of organic matter in the culture medium. Bacillus denitrificans I (in symbiosis with Bacterium coli) completely reduced the nitrate in nutrient bouillon containing as much as 0.7 per cent of that substance. Bacillus denitrificans II did the same in bouillon containing as high as 0.8 per cent of nitrate. The exclusion of air as well as its free admission checked the deni- trifying action of Bacillus denitrificans I, but were without effect upon the action of Bacillus denitrificans II. Sulphuric acid is extremely active in preventing denitrification,0.17 per cent in the culture medium being sufficient to prevent the develop- ment of the denitrifying organisms. Denitrifying organisms are less frequently present in cultivated soils than in manure and are usually of a different kind. The denitrifying organisms isolated from soils were Bacillus pyocyaneus, B. fiuorescens liquefaeiens,a,\idB. denitrificanslll,im organism notpreviously described. These organisms reduce nitrates as actively as those present in manure. As in the case of the latter, the presence of sulphuric acid to the extent of 0.17 per cent completely checked the activity of the soil organisms. Comparison of different phosphates, W. P. Brooks (Massachu- setts Hatch itta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 16-19). — This is an account of experi- ments during 1807 on 13 eighth-acre plats planted to corn. The whole area had received an application of 600 lbs. of ground bone and 200 lbs. of muriate of potash per acre in 1800, before the laying out of the plats. In 1897 each of the plats received a basal fertilizer of potash-magnesia sulphate 50 lbs., nitrate of soda 30£ lbs., and sul- phate of potash 12A lbs. per plat. In addition to this basal fertilizer the different plats received phosphoric acid in the form of hoof meal, bone meal, dissolved boneblack, acid phosphate, Navassa phosphate, South Carolina rock phosphate, Florida soft phosphate, apatite, and basic slag. " [The results show] that the yield on the plats to which phosphates were applied varied without apparent relation to the availability of the phosphoric acid in the materials nsed. . . . The unfavorable influence of the season aud possible differences in natural fertility of the soil serve to obscure the action of the phosphates employed." FERTILIZERS. 623 Analyses of commercial fertilizers, J. L. Hills, B. O. White, and C. H. Jones ( Vermont Sta. Buls. 63, pp. i7-60; , pp. 32). — This bulletin gives notes on valuation of fertilizers in South Carolina and laws and regu- lations controlling fertilizer inspection in that State, with tabulated analyses and valuations of 142 samples of fertilizing materials inspected during the season of 1897-98. Natural phosphates compared -with each other and -with acid phosphate, W. P. BROOKS (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Ept. 1S97, pp. 14-10) — This is a continuation of experiments begun in 1890 (E. S. R., 9, p. 337), The crop grown during 1897 was Swedish turnips. The peculiarities of the season rendered the results of the exper- iment inconclusive. FIELD CROPS. Composition of maize, H. W. Wiley ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Chemistry Bui. 50, pp. 31). — This bulletin, which is compiled chiefly from the records of the Division of Chemistry, treats of tbe composition of Indian corn, the composition and properties of tbe stalks, composition of cobs, manufacture of starch, glucose, whiskey, and alcohol, and the by-products obtained in their manufacture. The composition of maire, as shown by analyses in the United States and other countries, is discussed at lengtb. Many analyses are quoted. "A study of all the analyses which have been made in this division reveals the fact that maize is one of the most invariable of the cereals, maintaining under the most different climatic conditions a most remarkable uniformity of composition, and varying chiefly in the size, color, and general physical characteristics of its kernels rather than in their composition." Tbe fact that, as shown by analyses, American maize contains less water than European maize is also pointed out. The high nutritive value of maize meal is insisted upon. Tbe differ- ent processes of milling are described. Indian-corn flour is discussed at some lengtb. In milling, the outer envelope and germ are removed. Tbis flour has the following percentage composition :' Moisture 12.57 per cent, proteids 7.13 per cent, ether extracts 1.33 per cent, carbo- hydrates 78.30" per cent, crude fiber 0.87 per cent, and ash 0.01 per cent. The heat of combustion as calculated is 3,836.8 calories per pound, and as determined 3,88S.3 calories. An extended study of tbe composition and properties of cornstalks is reported. It was found that the nodes formed 20.08 per cent of tbe stalk, the pith of the interuodes 20.25 per cent, and the shells of tbe internodes 53.07 per cent. Tbe composition of the three portions was as follows : Analysis of stalks of maize. ( 'onstituents. Nodes. Pith of inter- nodes. Shells of inter nodes. Per rent. (i. 52 4.38 .94 48.21 37.94 2.11 Per cent. 7.01 3.50 1.17 44.08 41.44 2.80 Per cent. 4 95 2.44 Fat .78 43. S8 46.01 Ash 1 04 FIELD CROPS. 625 The solubility of the different portions of the stalk in acid and alkali alone and successively was studied, as well as the furfurol content of the samples. "The composition of the samples, as determined by successive digestion with acid and alkali, and determination of the other ingredients on a water-free basis, is shown by the following table: Composition of pith and internodes of stalks of maize. Division of stalk. Nodes Pith from internodes . . Shells from internodes Proteids. Per cent. 4.69 3.76 2.57 Fat. Per cent. 1.01 1.26 .82 Insoluble Soluble carbohy- carbohy- drates, drates. Per cent. 33.81 35.64 39.43 Per cent. 58.23 56. 33 44.86 Ash. Per cent. 2.26 3.01 2.04 "These data show that if the matters are treated with both alkali and acid in preparing them for paper pulp they will yield of that material only about one-third of their weight. On the other hand, when treated by an alkali or acid alone they will yield about one-half of their weight as paper pulp." The kinds and quantities of sugar obtained from the different por- tions of the stalk by hydrolysis were determined, and also the celluloses as separated by the chlorination process. The results of the study of the stalks was summarized as follows : "Summing up the results of the investigations, it is seen that the material exam- ined consists of several different kinds of matter. It contains a small quantity of mineral matter, of ash, of proteid matter, and of matter soluble in ether, but is chiefly composed of carbohydrate material. This material is of various kinds. A part of it will yield by hydrolysis with an acid a small quantity of dextrose capable of fermentation. A larger part, on hydrolysis, is converted into a pentose sugar, pre- sumably xylose, incapable of fermentation, but capable of reducing an alkaline copper solution. Another quantity, perhaps larger than that just mentioned, passes into solution under the influence of hydrolyzing agents, but does not seem to pro- duce a sugar capable of reducing alkaline copper solution. The largest portion of carbohydrate matter consists of cellulose of 2 varieties, which may be designated as a and (1. Both of these celluloses are insoluble in chlorin, but the (i cellulose may be dissolved in dilute nitric acid. The bodies which are capable of yielding furfurol consist largely of xylan and allied pentosan substances. There is, however, as the data have shown, a considerable quantity of matter present capable of yielding furfurol on distillation with hydrochloric acid, and yet not possessing the properties of pentosan bodies. The character and quantity of this furfurol-yielding complex is not known, and requires further investigation for its separation and study. It is evident that the material could not be profitably employed as a source of ethylic alcohol, as the quantity yielded is not quite 2 per cent in weight of the whole mass. The possibility of obtaining methyl alcohol from this matter by distillation in closed retorts is a subject for further investigation." Corncobs were found to consist of 1.5 per cent pith and 98.5 per cent shell. "The pith of the corncob has many of the properties characteristic of that of the stalk; is finer in texture, however, and less absorptive. By experiment it was found that 1 gm. of the air-dry pith absorbs 10.43 gm. of water. The chemical composi- tion of the pith and the shell of the cob are found in the following table." 14270— Xo. 7 3 626 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Chemical composition of corncob. Constituents. Pith. Shell. Moisture Protein Ether extract Fiber Ash Per cent. Per cent. 8.11 9.08 2.06 1.75 .52 .23 34. 15 32.17 2.43 1.55 The properties of the cornstalk pith are discussed at some length, and feeding experiments with animals made at the different stations with corn and with maize and with different parts of the stalk are summa- rized. Report of the agriculturist, W. P. Brooks (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 9-14, 19-23, 26-37).— The results of various field experiments, most of which are in continuation of former work (E. S. R., 9, p. 339), are reported. Fertilizer and soil tests. — Soil tests were made with corn on 2 farms and with potatoes at the station. One of the tests with corn was ruined by wire and cut worms. The results of the other were as follows : Soil test with corn. Applica- tion per acre. Increase in yield over unnianured plats. Grain. Stover Muriate of potash Nitrate of soda Dissolved boneblack Manure Complete fertilizer: Nitrate of potash . . . Nitrate of soda Dissolved boneblack Pounds. 160 160 320 5 cords. 160 160 320 Bushels. 36.3 8.3 15.3 26.4 Pounds. 2,203 325 455 3,450 2,455 In the soil test with potatoes the applications of phosphoric acid, nitrogen, and potash increased the crop on an average 2G.6 bu., 11.3 bu., and 7.2 bu. per acre of merchantable tubers, respectively. The application of all 3 elements produced a crop inferior to that where nitrogen and phosphoric acid were applied together. No conclusions are drawn. The one fourth acre plats used for experiments in manuring corn in previous years (E. S. 11., 9, p. 340) were seeded with a mixture of tim- othy, redtop, and clover without further application of fertilizers. The 2 plats which had received manure alone each season for 6 years yielded on an average l,403i lbs. of hay and 784 lbs. of rowen : while the 2 plats which had received manure and potash for the same period gave a yield of 961^ lbs. of hay and 536J lbs. of rowen. Four {-acre plats, ?, of which had been fertilized for 6 years with a special corn fertilizer and 2 with a fertilizer richer in potash than the FIELD CROPS. 627 special fertilizer but furnishing less nitrogen and phosphoric acid (E. S. E., 9, p. 340), were seeded to timothy, redtop, and clover. The plats which had received the special corn fertilizer gave an average yield of 7G0 lbs. of hay and 113i lbs. of rowen. The plats which had received the fertilizer richer in potash yielded on an average 713i lbs. of hay and 147 lbs. of rowen. It is believed that, owing to inequalities of moisture conditions, the influence of the potash was not clearly shown. The test with legumes was continued from former years (E. S. B., 9, p. 340). A number of plats had received nitrogenous fertilizers while some received no nitrogen. During some seasons legumes were grown on the plats to test their ability as nitrogen gatherers. The results from a crop of oats grown on the plats last season show " not the least evidence of any ability on the part of the soy bean when grown before a grain crop (and harvested) to make nitrogen manuring of the grain crop unnecessary." Of the nitrogen fertilizers, nitrate of soda gave the largest crop, followed by barnyard manure, dried blood, and sulphate of ammonia, in the order given. Double sulphate of pot- ash and magnesia was more effective than muriate of potash, especially when used in connection with sulphate of ammonia. A test of muriate with sulphate of potash in connection with sulphate of ammonia as a corn fertilizer gave too small a difference in yield to ascertain the merits of the two forms of potash. Experiments with the rotation of manures on grass lands have been continued (E. S. E., 8, p. 402), and the yields for the last season are reported. " This system of using these different manures for grass lauds in rotation has much to recommend it." Nitragin was tried on crimson clover, alfalfa, and common red clover, but without appreciable effect. " The failure of the material to benefit the crop appears to be due to the fact that our soils contain the nodular bacteria of the common leguminous crops in sufficient numbers." Sulphate of iron used at the rate of 80 lbs. per acre had a very slight effect, sometimes proving deleterious rather than beneficial. Variety tests. — The results of variety tests with corn, potatoes, grasses, millets, soy beans, and clovers are reported. The 9 varieties of flint and 11 of dent corn tested all proved to be too late for culture except for silage. Of 81 varieties of potatoes, Eose No. 9, Restaurant, Woodbury White, Bliss Triumph, Prolific Eose, Empire State, Early Maine, Dakota Eed, Sir William, Early Eose, and Beauty of Hebron gave the best yields, all yielding at the rate of more than 220 bu. of merchantable tubers per acre. Sixty species and varieties of grasses were tested, most of them occupying plats containing 1 sq. rod. English rye grass, Italian rye grass, crested dog's tail, and meadow fescue winterkilled. Tall oat grass, tall fescue, red fescue, fowl meadow, Canada blue grass, water spear grass, and wood meadow grass are mentioned as promising grasses. 628 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The results for Ul varieties of millets belonging to the species Pani- cum crus-galli, P. miliaceum, and P. italicum, grown on plats 1 sq. rod in size, are given in a table. Owing to the small size of the plats, no conclusions as to the relative merits of the different varieties are given. Japanese barnyard millet ( P. crus-galli), Japanese broom-corn millet (P. miliaceum), and Japanese millet (P. italicum) yielded at the rate of about 40 bu. of seed per acre. The early white soy bean yielded 18.7 bu. of beans per acre, medium black 16 bu., and medium green 31.7 bu. The test of medium red, mammoth, alsike, and crimson clover was continued from last year (E. S. It., 9, p. 310). Mammoth clover gave the best results. The other kinds were injured to a considerable extent during the winter. The results of a comparison of sulphate and muriate of potash as fertilizers for clover were without special signifi- cance. Sweet clover (Melilotus alba), grown on the same plat, made a better growth this year than the year before, the yield being at the rate of about 12£ tons per acre. This is believed to be due to a larger sup- ply of the appropriate nodular bacteria in the soil. The crop is recom- mended for green manuring rather than for fodder. Experiments with alfalfa, saccaline, crimson clover, winter vetch, Idaho field or coffee pea (Gicer arietiuum), Brazilian stooling flour corn, and black chaff or African millet are briefly noted. Alfalfa seed treated with Nitragin showed no advantage over untreated seed. Saccaline, crimson clover, Idaho field or coffee pea, and Brazilian stooling flour corn were found unprofitable as fodder crops. Black chaff or African millet resembles Kaffir corn, and both are regarded as inferior to maize for that climate. Report of the director, H. Benton (Alabama Ganebrake Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 5, 6, 8-11). — The experiments described comprise culture, variety, and fertilizer tests of cotton ; variety and culture tests of corn, and a comparison of standard varieties of potatoes. Experiments icith cotton. — Fertilizer tests were made on a sandy cal- careous soil with application of sulphate of ammonia, sulphate of pot- ash, acid phosphate, tankage, cotton-seed meal, and barnyard manure. The results show that acid phosphate applied singly or in combination did not increase the yield. Sulphate of ammonia and sulphate of potash applied alone or in combination gave good results. Sulphate of potash and tankage was found the most profitable combination on these soils. It is concluded from the results of the experiments that the sandy calcareous soils of that region are deficient in potash and ammonia. Shallow preparation of land with the cotton planted on beds gave better results than deep preparation with the cotton planted on the level. Among 7 varieties Truitt gave the best yield of seed cotton. Experiments with corn. — Land plowed 4 in. deep with the corn planted in beds yielded 24.1 bu. per acre; land plowed 10 in. deep with corn planted on the level yielded 24.2 bu. There was practically no differ- ence in the yields of Huffman Early and Welborn Conscience corn. FIELD CROPS. 629 Potatoes. — The 4 varieties tested, Peerless, Beauty of Hebron, Early Rose, and Early Vermont, yielded 90, 93.5, 103, and 111 bu. of merchant- able tubers per acre, respectively. The total yields ranged from 158.5 to 166.2 bu. per acre. An acre of Bunch Yam sweet potatoes yielded 207 bu. Tobacco experiments. — A one-half acre plat yielded 335 lbs. of well- cm ed tobacco. General Grant and Bradley Broad Leaf and Cuban Seed Leaf and Havana Seed Leaf were about equal in yield. The yield of the latter two varieties was about two-thirds that of the former. Millet, E. 0. Chilcott and D. A. Saunders (South Dakota Sta. Bui. 60, pp. 127-140, Jig. 6). — In 1897 a number of varieties of millet were grown in a cooperative experiment with the Division of Agros- tology of this Department. The seed was obtained from 13 seed firms in various parts of the United States and was sown on land of uniform quality in drills 2 ft. apart. The soil was cultivated and hoed during the season. Illustrations are given of samples taken at the best stage of growth for cutting for hay. All the varieties received under many different names are classified under the following groups, each of which is briefly described: Common millet (Setaria italica), Hungarian millet (S. italica), barnyard grass, cockspur grass (Panicum crus-galli), Golden Winter (S. italica), broom-corn millet (P. miliaceinn), and German millet (S. italica germanica). Short notes are given on the growth of the varieties. Forage crops of the James River Valley, J H. Shepard and E. C. Chilcott (South Dakota Sta. Bui. 59, pp. 87-109, pis. 10). — The experi- ments described are a continuation of work formerly reported (E. S. R., 9, p. 295) without any material change in the methods of work. About 100 varieties of forage plants, clovers, alfalfa, grasses, millets, peas, rape, spurry, vetches, sorghums, fodder, field and sweet corns, and sun- flowers were tested on one-fourth acre plats, and 36 varieties of grasses and clovers were grown on small plats 1 square rod each for the pur- pose of comparing their habits of growth and their characters. No deleterious effects were produced by artesian well water used in irri- gating the plats. The results on all plats are described in brief notes. Potato experiments, C. von Seelhorst (Jour. Landw., 46 (1898), No. 1, pp. 43-49). — Twenty tubers of the Magnum Bonum variety, similar in form, each having 9 eyes and weighing about 90 gm., were selected and planted in 2 lots. Ten of these tubers were planted and cultivated according to the Giilich method, and the eyes of the other 10 tubers were planted singly 20 cm. apart in rows 50 cm. apart. Of 88 eyes all but 2 grew. The Giilich method consists in planting whole tubers a meter apart each way, and in bending the stems of the growing plants across each other and covering them well with earth. This extensive hilling is intended to favor the formation of stolons and thus to increase the yield of tubers. 630 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The 10 tubers planted according to the Giilich method yielded 3,800 gm. of large and 500 gin. of small tubers. The 86 eyes of the other 10 tubers yielded 35,700 gm. of large aud 2,900 gm. of small tubers. It is stated that iu field experiments the results were not so striking, but still considerably in favor of planting the eyes singly. The Giilich method was not conducive to the formation of good-sized tubers. The author believes that hilling interferes with the assimilative functions of the plant. In another experiment the use of different-sized tubers for seed and planting at different distances were tested on plats equal in size. The plants were grown 20, 40, and 60 cm. apart in rows 50 cm. apart. Large, medium, and small tubers, weighing 90 to 100, 50, and 30 gm. respec- tively were used for seed. The results are given below : Yields per plat from different- si zed tubers grown at different distances. Large seed tubers. Medium-sized seed tubers. Small seed tubers. Distance between plants in the row. Large tubers. Small tubers. Starch content. Large tubers. Srtall tubers. Starch content. Large tubers. Small tubers. Starch content. 60 centimeters Eg. 151. 125.5 117.5 Kg. 8.2 4.5 5.5 Per cent. 16.6 15. 8 15.8 Kg. 104 104 96 Kg. 6.5 6.5 6.5 Per cent. 15.4 15.4 15.1 Kg. 81 78 82 Kg. 5 5 4 Per cent. 14.7 16.2 14.5 Sugar beets in Idaho, C. W. McCurdy [Idaho Sta. Bui. 12, pp. 37- 73, figs. 8).— This bulletin reviews the work with sugar beets in the State, discusses in a popular way the history of the industry, the world's production and consumption of sugar, and the climate, soil, and fertilizers suited to the sugar beet, and considers the factors which enter into the establishment of a beet-sugar factory. A number of varieties of sugar beets are described and compared. The relative worth of the different varieties deduced from analyses made by the station is given in the following table: Comparison of varieties of sugar beets. Name. Kleinwanzleben ... Metta - Vilmorin Imperial . Vilmorin Improved French Red Top . . . Lane Imperial New Danish Maxirum Minimum Average sugar con- sugar con- sugar con- Purity. tent. tent. tent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Degrees. 19.60 14.40 14.16 82.80 18.40 14.60 13.38 82.78 18.20 10.60 14.10 85. 42 16.60 14.40 11.77 75. 55 15.90 10.70 13.65 82.70 15.70 10.60 13.44 81.69 15.20 10.80 13.83 81.81 Analyses were made of large, medium, and small sized beets of 4 dif- ferent varieties and tbe results show the highest sugar content aud purity in the medium-sized beets, which weighed about 1 pound. Forty- one samples, including 20 from the station, were analyzed in 1897; the average sugar content was 15.17 per cent, with an average purity of FIELD CROPS. 631 87.55 per cent. Twenty samples, grown by the station, averaged 15.28 per cent in sugar content and 92.55 in purity, while the rest of the samples gave an average sugar content of 17.07 per cent and the aver- age coefficient of purity was 82.78. The results of analyses made in the chemical laboratory of this Department of samples grown in the State are also tabulated, together with the results obtained at other stations. Sugar beets, R. H. McDowell and 1ST. E. Wilson {Nevada Sta. Bid. 37, pp. 10, Jig. 3). — This bulletin reviews the work with sugar beets in the State, reports on the work of the season of 1897, and gives direc- tions for the culture of the crop. Vilmorin Improved and Kleinwanz- lebener varieties are described and directions for making culture tests are given. The weather conditions for the season and the results of analyses of 22 samples of sugar beets, 10 of which were grown at the station, are tabulated. In shape the beets scored from 78 to 99.7 on a basis of 100, and the sugar content varied from 14.4 to 23.6 per cent. Farmers sent beets to the station varyiug from 14.4 to 19.4 per cent in sugar content, and reported a yield of 30 tons per acre. Sugar beets in South Carolina, M. B. Hardin and J. F. C. DuPre (South Carolina Sta. Bui. 34, pp. 1-7). — This bulletin reports the results of cooperative culture experiments and variety and fertilizer tests with sugar beets. In 18 samples of beets from different parts of the State the sugar in the juice varied from 7.4 per cent to 15.75 per cent, and the purity ranged from 62.2 to 87.1. No averages are given. Of 9 varieties, Red Top and Henderson White were most productive, each yielding over 12 tons per acre. Fertilizer experiments were made on 12 plats, 3 of which served as check plats. All plats were fertilized with 160 lbs. cotton-seed meal, 120 lbs. acid phosphate, and 120 lbs. kainit per acre, applied broadcast and harrowed in. In addition to this general application, different amounts of these fertilizing materials and nitrate of soda were applied singly and in various combinations in the drill with the seed. The application in the drill of 100 lbs. nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. acid phos- phate, and 400 lbs. kainit per acre gave the largest yield of beets. In general the complete fertilizers were more effective than the applications which furnished but one or two of the elements of plant food. Experiments "with -winter -wheat, O. A. Zavitz (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Bui. 108, pp. 14). — This work, which has been in progress for 9 years, comprises tests of varieties from the United States, Eng- land, Scotland, Germany, France, Russia, and Canada, and experiments in different dates of seeding, methods of soil preparation, methods of seeding, selection of grain for seed, quantities of seed per acre, appli- cation of fertilizers, treatment of smut-infested seed, the yield and quality of wheat cut at different stages of maturity, and the value of seed from wheat cut at different stages of maturity. This bulletin summarizes the experiments of 1898 and gives the average results of 632 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. some of the experiments conducted for several years in succession. A previous bulletin on this work has been noted (E. S. R., 7, p. 394). Ninety-two varieties were sown on plats at the rate of 2 bu. per acre during the first week of September. All varieties ripened between July 14 and 21 and gave an average of 3.4 tons of straw and 42.9 bu. of grain per acre, and an average weight of grain of 63 lbs. per meas- ured bushel. Of 48 varieties grown for 5 years in succession Dawson Golden Chaff, Early Genesee Giant, Egyptian, Imperial Amber, Early Eed Clawson, Reliable Golden Drop, Russian Amber, and Egyptian Amber, in the order named, gave the best results, the average yields varying from 45.3 to 52.6 bu. per acre. Among 44 new varieties of winter wheat grown in 1898 Gold Coin, Silver Dollar, White Golden Cross, Pedigree Genesee Giant, Oregon, Forty Fold, and Zerena were the most productive, yielding from 50 to 52 bu. per acre. The average yield of Dawson Golden Chaff and Early Genesee Giant, grown for 3 years in succession on 25-acre fields, was about 36 bu. per acre. The average results for 5 years show that Egyptian Amber, Emporium, Bissell, Long Berry Red, Turkish Red, and Geneva were least affected with rust. During a period of 9 years there has been a variation from 26.1 to 52.9 bu. in the average yield of grain per acre, from 1.2 to 4 tons in the average yield of straw per acre, and from 55 to 63.3 lbs. in the average weight of grain per measured bushel. The results from the test in seed selection show that large plump seed produced 6.3 bu. per acre more than small plump seed and 8.25 bu. more than shrunken seed. Seed grain which had been broken in threshing yielded only one-fifth as much as large plump seed. The results of sowing winter wheat on different dates indicate that best results are obtained by sowing during the last week in August or the first week in September. In tests conducted for 5 years in succession 1£ bu. of seed per acre gave better results than 1 bu. per acre and similar results to using 2 bu. of seed per acre. It was also found that sowing broadcast and drilling with the grain drill gave results practically alike. The follow- ing table gives the results of experiments in the preparation of soil for winter wheat: Results of preparing land in different ways for winter wheat. Soil preparation, 1896 and 1897. 20 tons farmyard manure per acre on bare sum mer fallow Peas plowed under Bare sumniOT fallow • Eape plowed under Crimson clover plowed under Buckwheat plowed under Average results for two years (4 tests). Height of crop. Inches. 52.4 51.7 52.3 50.7 50.7 50.5 Crop lodged. Percent. 45.0 31.3 40.0 30.8 22.5 17.5 Weight of grain per measured bushel. Pounds. 60.8 60.8 60.7 60.4 60.5 60.4 Yield per acre. Straw. Tons. 3.4 2.7 2.6 2.4 2.3 2.0 Grain. Bushels. 40.4 37.0 35.0 33.7 31.2 29.9 FIELD CROPS. 633 A study of the effect of cutting' grain at different stages of maturity for several years in succession showed that the largest yield of grain and the best quality of seed were produced from the crop which was allowed to mature before cutting. Experiments in treating seed wheat for the prevention of smut were conducted for 3 years. Grain from untreated seed contained an average of 170 smut balls per pound, while seed treated with potassium sulphid produced an average of 12 smut balls and that treated with either copper sulphate or hot water less than 1 ball of smut per pound of grain. Some of the results of cooperative experiments with winter wheat published elsewhere (E. S. K., 10, p. 3G) are given in the bulletin. Wheat, winter oats, barley, and lime experiments, R. H. Miller and E. H. Brinkley {Maryland Sta. Bui. 56, pp. 153-166). — The experi- ments consisted of variety tests of wheat and winter oats; a study of the effects of lime on the production of wheat, hay, and corn; a test of lime and cowpeas as a preparation for wheat; trials of seeding winter oats at different times; and a test of the hot- water treatment of barley seed for the prevention of smut. The results of variety tests of wheat made in 1896 and 1897 are tabu- lated. Among the varieties tested for 6 years Fultz gave the highest yield, 37.8 bu. per acre, followed by Currell Prolific, Wisconsin Triumph, and Valley, yielding 3G.2, 34.9, and 33.7 bu. per acre, respectively. Beal, Ruby, Terry, and Rocky Mountain are considered promising new varieties. Different amounts of lime up to 40 bu. per acre, applied to a number of wheat plats, showed that the increase in yield was in direct propor- tion to the amount of lime applied, but larger applications did not give satisfactory results. To test the effect of lime and cowpeas as a prep- aration for wheat, 2 plats of very poor soil were prepared for seeding in the spring. One plat received an application of 40 bu. of stone lime and then cowpeas were drilled in on both plats at the rate of 5 pk. per acre. The growth of the cowpeas was best on the limed plat. The cowpeas were plowed under and the plats were sown to wheat and timothy in the fall and clover was sown on both plats the next spring. There was an increase of only 1.6 bu. per acre in the yield of wheat on the limed plat, but this plat has "a very fine stand of both clover and timothy, while there is scarcely any clover and a poor stand of timothy on the plat receiving no lime." The test of the effect of lime on hay and corn showed a decided gain for both crops in favor of the limed plat. The varieties of winter oats tested were Hatchett, Black Winter, Winter, and Virginia Gray, the latter producing the best yield. For 2 years in succession better results were obtained from sowing winter oats September 1 than from sowing September 15 and 30. Hot-water treatment of seed bailey proved effective in the prevention of smut. The plat on which the seed had been treated had practically 634 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. no smut, while on the plat which bad been seeded witb untreated seed from 15 to 20 per cent of tbe beads were smutted. Field experiments with -wheat, oats, and barley, L. A. Merrill ( Utah Sta. Bui. 56, pp. 171-193). — Variety tests of wheat have been car- ried on for a number of years and the report of this work is here given in detail. Of 16 varieties of spring wheat and 14 varieties of winter wheat, the following have given an average yield of over 20 bu. per acre: Results of variety tests of wheat. Kind. Years. 1891. Bu. 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. 1896. . Bu. 34.42 29.12 33.76 32.43 29.79 33. 10 33.39 17. 65 23.61 1897. Aver- age. Spring wheat : 2 2 6 5 6 5 2 2 2 Bu. Bu. Bu. Bu. 16.89 16.89 20.22 Bu. 15.33 22.99 16.55 Bu. °5 65 Gilliugs'a mixture 22.00 26.44 24.22 22.22 17.33 25 56 19.00 15.55 28.88 19.99 1G. 66 14.44 12.22 13.33 13.21 17.11 10.54 19.00 20 99 20 75 20. 64 20.55 Fall wheat : 24 36 Early Red Clawson 20 32 20 08 In 1897 31 varieties of fall wheat were tested on small plats. The seed was obtained from the Ontario Agricultural and Experimental Union and the Kansas Experiment Station. Early Ripe, Velvet Chaff, Siberian, and Turkey, in the order given, produced the best yields. "In irrigated districts fall wheat will not do as well as spring wheat under the same treatment." A test of sowing different quantities of wheat per acre has been pre- viously reported (E. S. R., 6, p. 543). It was shown by an experiment that irrigating fall wheat in the fall, when there is sufficient rain to bring up all the grain, is detrimental to the yield of grain and straw. The best results were obtained by one irrigation made in the spring. In this experiment fall wheat produced slightly better results than spring wheat under the same treatment. Results of experiments indicated that sowing wheat in ^November is better than sowing wheat earlier and that drilling is better than broad- casting for fall sowing. A plat rolled after seeding gave slightly better results than a plat rolled before seeding or a plat left unrolled. The results of variety tests of oats for a number of years are given in tables and a number of the leading varieties described. The varieties recommended are American Banner, Canada White, Badger Queen, Wide Awake, Clydesdale, jSTameless Beauty, American Beauty, and Prince Edward Island. The last-named variety is a prolific black oats. The results of experiments indicate that oats should be sown at the rate of 2 bu. per acre. For 4 years oats sown April 12 gave better results than oats sown May 10 or June 1. Of 4 varieties of barley grown at the station for G years or more, Lump Blue gave the best results, the average yield being 32.43 bu. per acre. A number of varieties are described and the results of all varieties are given in tables. FIELD CROPS. 635 The influence of a temporary low temperature on the develop- ment of winter grains when sown in spring, 0. von Seelhorst (Jour. Landic, 46 (1898), No. 1, pp. 50, 51). — Four pots each of winter rye, winter wheat, and winter rape, 2 weeks after the seed had been sown, were kept at a temperature of from 0 to 2° C. for 2 weeks; and 6 of these pots were then placed in the open air and restored to natu- ral conditions of growth. The other 6 pots were kept at this tempera- ture for 1 week longer and then placed in a temperature of 5 to 7° C. below freezing for another week. Each pot produced ripe grain. The series of pots which had been subjected to a low temperature for the shorter period of time ripened about 2 weeks before the other series- The rape ripened during the latter part of July, the rye during the lat- ter part of August, and the wheat during the first half of September. The author concludes that a temporary low temperature during the early vegetative period as tested in these experiments hastens the development of the plant. It is found in practice that winter grains when sown in spring either do not head during the following summer, or that the heading is very incomplete. On the influence of smaller and larger amounts of -water on the development of some cultivated plants, A. Mayer (Jour. Landic, 46 (1898), No. 2, pp. 167-184). — Pot experiments during a num- ber of years with rye, wheat, barley, and oats are reported, in which the moisture content of the soils was maintained uniformly at fixed percentages of their total water capacity from very wet to very dry (10 to 96 per cent). As a rule the less the moisture the greater the relative yield of grain, and as a consequence the less the percentage of fiber the greater the percentage of protein and pure albuminoids and the shorter the period of growth. The presence of large amounts of water in the soil apparently tended to check seed production and caused the formation of fiber instead of carbohydrates. As regards water requirements, the plants experimented with stood in the following- order: Oats, wheat, rye, and barley. In one series of experiments the optimum percentages of water for the different crops seemed to be as follows: For oats 90 per cent of the water capacity of the soil, wheat 80 per cent, rye 75 per cent, and barley 62 per cent. The results of other experiments, however, show that these figures can not be accepted as definitely fixing the relative water requirements of these crops. Notes on flax and hemp, H. T. French {Oregon Sia. Bui. 54, pp. 1-11, pi. 1, Jigs. 2). — The results of culture experiments on flax and hemp are briefly discussed and notes on the method of growing these crops are given. Four varieties of flax — Belgian, Pure Riga, Finest Dutch Sowing, and White Balsam Dutch — were grown in comparison and their relative merits, so far as determined from one year's experi- ments, ai'e pointed out. Variety tests of potatoes, A. Sempolowski (Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 (1S9S), No. 99, p. 1024). — Thirty-three varieties were tested and the results are here reported in tables and discussed. The variety Wohltmann gave the best results. Second report on potato culture, I. P. Roberts and L. A. Clinton (Neiv York Cornell Shi. Rpt. 1898, pp. 885-406, figs. 4).— A reprint of Bulletin 140 of the station (E. S. R., 9, pp. 1044, 1060, 1072). 636 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Cultivation of ramie in foreign countries (Spec. [U. S.~] Consular Bpts., 15 (1898), pp. 111-130). — Reports are given by the United States consuls on the culti- vation of ramie at Amoy, Chefoo, Chungking, Fuchau, and Hankau, China; Calcutta, India; Yokohama, Japan ; Seoul, Korea; Jamaica, and Guatemala. Sugar beets, W. A. Withers (North Carolina Sta. Spec. Bui. 49, folio). — Direc- tions for growing sugar beets, given with a view to conducting cooperative culture experiments. Sugar-beet investigations, J. L. Stone, L. A. Clinton, G. C. Caldwell, et al. (New York Cornell Sta. Rpt. 1S9S, pp. 493-574, figs. 9).— A reprint of Bulletin 143 of the station (E. S. R., 10, p. 143). Notes on field experiments -with tobacco in Massachusetts, 1893-1896, C. A. Goessmann (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 128-136). — The experiments are briefly described and the results tabulated. These experiments were reported in a former bulletin of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 345). Winter oats, Schacht (Deut. Landw. Bresse, 25 (1898), No. 73, p. 789).— Practical notes on growing winter oats with reference to seed and fertilizers. Variations in the water content of shelled corn (Deut. Landw. Bresse, 25 (1898), No. 9S, p. 1017). — The quality of the grain, the weather, and the methods of storing are given as the factors which influence the water content. The variations in the water content for each month are given. It is stated that considering the normal water content of Hungarian varieties of corn to be 12 per cent, their starch content varies from 57 to 65 per cent. Experiments with alinit, 0. Lehmann (Deut. Landw. Bresse, 25 (1898), No. 85, pp. 905,900). — Oats aud barley were inoculated with alinit before sowing and the effect of alinit as a fertilizer compared witli that of nitrate of soda. The oats plats received a general application of kainit and Thomas slag, and the barley plats received combinations of Thomas slag, quicklime, and kainit, in addition to alinit or nitrate of soda. The results show that alinit failed to increase the yield of either crop perceptibly, while nitrate of soda in both cases gave an increase in yield in proportion to the amount applied. Two tests of alinit, J. Lutoslawski (Deut. Landw. Bresse, 25 (1898), No. 87, p. 920). — Seed wheat was inoculated with alinit and the resultiug crop compared with wheat grown from uninoculated seed. The tests were made by two different parties. In one case the inoculated seed gave a smaller and in the other a larger yield than the uninoculated seed. Concerning alinit, Salfeld (Deut. Landw. Bresse, 25 (1898), No. 91, p. 963).— A note stating that quicklime applied as a fertilizer is not detrimental to the action of alinit or inoculating soils. Alinit, V. Alpe (Brog. Agr. et Tit., 30 (1898), No. 51, pp. 739-741).— The author quotes the investigations of a number of experimenters with this substance and con- cludes it is probably without practical value. Comparing it with nitrate of soda as a fertilizer the yield of rye was 3 times as great where soda was used as where alinit was employed. Dr. Gerlach is quoted as having found it, instead of a pure culture as is claimed, a mixture of at least 5 distinct species of bacteria. HORTICULTURE. Fertilizers for garden crops, W. P. Brooks (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 23-26). — This is a report of an experiment with peas, beets, squashes, and celery to compare sulphate of ammonia, nitrate of soda, aud dried blood as sources of nitrogen, and sulphate of potash with muriate of potash as sources of potash. Phosphoric acid was furnished in all cases in the form of dissolved boueblack. The fertili- zers in each case supplied phosphoric acid at the rate of 50.4 lbs., nitro- HORTICULTURE. 637 gen 60 lbs., and potash 120 lbs. per acre. Tables are given showing the yields of the different crops of the various plats. In the case of beets and peas sulphate of potash appeared distinctly superior to muriate of potash. With peas, dried blood gave a somewhat larger crop than nitrogen in other forms and with beets nitrate of soda was greatly superior to the other forms. When sulphate of ammonia and muriate of potash were used together, the growth of both peas and beets was decidedly inferior to that where other combinations were used. The injurious effect is ascribed to the formation of ammonium chlorid. The celery and squashes were failures on account of unfavorable weather. The reciprocal effect of stock and scion, L. Daniel (Jour. Soc. Nat. Hort. France, Congrcs Horticole, 1898, pp. 95-112). — The subject is treated under two heads — the direct reciprocal influence of the scion and stock, and the indirect iufluence of the stock upon the offspring of the scion. Many of the results given have previously been reported (E. S. E., 5, p. 1089; 9, p. 945). Precautious were taken to prevent hybridization. The following conclusions are given: The reciprocal effect of stock and scion can not be denied, though it does not always act with the same intensity. This effect is divided into effects of general nutrition, shown in size, vigor resistance to para- sites, etc., and effects of a specific nature seen in both external and internal morphological characteristics of vegetative organs, as in Heli- anthus, and of reproductive organs, as in beans and Solanacepe. The effects of a specific nature are more pronounced in cases of mixed grafting, while the general effects are decreased by mixed grafting and increased by ordinary grafting. The variations due to grafting are often hereditary, appearing in the first seed generation. There are numerous practical applications of the reciprocal effect of scion and stock, such as increase in the size of fruits, improvement of the flavor of fruits and certain vegetables, production of new varieties in which the color of the flower, the form of the fruit, or the vegetative organs are modified. The effects of grafting are more marked in her- baceous than in woody plants, and also more marked in the offspring of the grafted plant than in the plant itself. Grafting, as a means of retaining variations acquired under culture, is useful only in the case of trees, and the difference betweeu seedling fruit trees and the vari- eties producing them may be explained in part by the effect of grafting on the progeny of grafted plants. Grafting which produces a variation in the seed may be used to produce new varieties. Since this variation can frequently be directed in a given way, it is possible almost to a certainty by repeated graft- ings to impart definite characteristics of flavor, form, color, etc., to plants which vary readily under culture. In the case of other plants grafting may produce variations which, though difficult to obtain, after once appearing, may be directed in a definite way. Methods of tree planting, F. W. Card {Nebraska Sta. Bui. 56, pp. ll-M,Jigs. i). — In this bulletin the author describes various experiments 638 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. in tree planting and makes suggestions for planting apple trees under the conditions prevalent in eastern Nebraska. At the end of the second year of an experiment to determine how old trees should be when planted, the average size of the different sets decreased in the following order: Three-year-old trees, two-year whips and two-year tops on three-year roots, two-year limbed trees, and one-year trees; but not in all cases in proportion to the differences in their ages when planted. While in the opinion of the author it is much too soon to pass final judg- ment upon these results, he remarks that " two-year limbed trees are eminently satisfactory and desirable for ordinary planting, but with good care even one year-old trees may give good results and gain on older trees planted at the same time." On the method of digging large holes through the compact subsoil and filling these with mellow surface soil in which to plant the trees, no conclusions could as yet be drawn from the experiments. Several methods of root pruning were tried, which varied from cutting the roots back to only 1 or 2 in. in length to leaving them wholly untrimmed, just as received from the nursery. The author says: "These experiments indicate that all healthy roots which are found on a tree as shipped from the nursery should be left there in planting. The results upon this point are more emphatic than upon any other question embraced in the experiments." There appeared to be no advantage in making a fresh, clean cut at the ends of sound roots. The conclusions drawn from the experiments on top pruning are unfavorable to cutting back apple trees severely at plant- ing time. Those left entirely unpruned or with the branches shortened about one-half did better than those pruned to a cane or grown as a whip in the nursery. Cooperative experiments on fall planting were conducted at the Nebraska Station and by H. C. Irish at the Missouri Botanical Garden, at St. Louis, Missouri, the object being to determine if root growth can take place while the tops are dormant. The experiments at both places showed that fall planted trees do make some root growth in the autumn succeeding planting, and in the spring before the leaves start. While the experiments were not designed to determine the desirability of fall planting, the author says they indicate that in the locality of St. Louis fall planting gives good results, but upon the plains it is gener- ally found to be unsatisfactory, owing largely to the dry open winters. Ornamental planting, F. W. Card (Nebraska Sta. Bui. 55, pp. 10, Jigs. 7). — This bulletin treats of the lawn, and the arrangement, group- ing, and choice of plants in ornamenting the home. A list of some ornamental plants suitable for Nebraska planting, with descriptive notes, is given. Among those found satisfactory at the station are the following: Shrubs. — Spmea, sand cherry, Rosa rugosa, button bush, red branched dogwood, tamarix, viburnums, syringas, honeysuckles, sumachs, snowberry, juneberry, and gooseberry. Climbers. — Virginia creeper, wistaria, wild clematis, hop, and wild grape. Herbaceous peren- nials.— Gaillardia grandijlora, golden marguerite, perennial sweet pea. HORTICULTURE. 639 Notes on cold storage, F. W. Bane (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 194, pp. 634, 635). — This is taken from a paper read before the Society for the Promotion of Agricultural Science. The author gives an account of a method of cold storage which has been tried at the New Hampshire Station and describes the construction of a storage room built in the cellar of the station barn. "There are few days at a stretch from September until late in spring in New Eng- land, for instance, but that the temperature falls at some time sufficiently to utilize it for cold storage. Being prepared to retain this temperature in cellars or build- ings constructed for the purpose until a similar or lower temperature is again real- ized is the key to its success. From experience it is believed this simple method can with comparatively little care and expense be made more useful at present (in this our transitory stage) than all others. The ordinary house cellar or portion of a barn cellar will answer for the storage room if the simple principles of construction for the retention of dry cold air as well as a proper system of ventilation are considered." The following temperatures are said to be the most satisfactory for the preservation of some common fruits and vegetables : Apples, 30 to 45°; berries, 36 to 40°; celery, 35°; cranberries, 34 to 38° ; peaches, 45 to 55°; pears; 36°; onions, 34 to 40°; potatoes, 36 to 40°; asparagus, 34°; cabbage, 34°, and grapes, 36 to 38°. Report of the horticulturist, S. T. Maynard (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 71-73). — An outline of the work of the year. Garden crops in the James River Valley, J. H. Shepard and E. C. Chilcott (South Dakota Sta. Bui. 59, pp. 109-124, figs. 6). — Notes on variety tests of onions, spinach, salsify, leeks, chicory, kohl-rabi, parsnips, radishes, lettuce, carrots, beets, mangels, turnips, ruta-bagas, and beans, with a list of the following varieties recom- mended as well adapted to the State : Tomatoes. — Salzer First of All, and Early Ruby. Cabbage. — Salzer Earliest, Jersey Wakefield, Henderson Succession, Ideal, and Flat Dutch. Celery. — Self-Blanching, Giant Pascal. Squashes. — Summer Crookneck, Stick- ler SuinmerCrookneck, Hubbard, Sibley,and Giant Chili. Cucumbers. — Fardhook and Boston Pickling. Watermelons. — Early varieties. Muskmelons. — Rough-skinned, strongly netted varieties. Vegetable culture, J. M. Fitch (Lawrence, Eans.: F. Barteldes <$• Co., pp. 30). — Brief, practical suggestions for the culture and selection of the most profitable vege- tables for market or home use. Nitrate of soda in garden culture : Its adulterations, H. Dauthenay (Rev. Sort., 70 (1898), No. 23, pp. 561, 562). — Notes the advantageous use of nitrate of soda on "all vegetables that should remain in the soil a minimum of time and at the same time give a maximum return." Directions are given for detecting adultera- tion, which often occurs. Studies and illustrations of mushrooms, G. F. Atkinson (Neio York Cornell Sta. Rpt. 1898, pp. 337-366, figs 26).— A reprint of Bulletin 138 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 646). The apple in North Carolina, W. F. Massey (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 149, pp. 307-325). — A popular bulletin giving suggestions as to the culture of apples in North Carolina. History of the York Imperial apple (Montana Fruit Grower, 8 (1898), No. 28, p. 1). History of the Yellow Newton apple (Montana Fruit Groiver, S (1S9S), No. 30, p. 4). The Fameuse apple as the head of a family, J. Craig (Amer. Gard., 20 (1899), No. 212, p. 27, fig. /).— Notes on the introduction of this variety into America, some of its seedlings, and a description of the Scarlet Pippin. 640 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The plum and its culture, J. W. Kerr ( Amer. Card., 19 (1898), No. 210, pp. 889, 89U). — This is a paper read before the Maryland Horticultural Society. The author makes a plea for "American plums for America," aud discusses the relative merits of American and Japanese plums in this country. The early botanical views of Prunus domestica, F. A. Waugh (Hot. Caz.,26 (1898), No. 6, pp. 417-427). — The author gives the synonymy of the early varieties of this species, with notes and discussions. The botany of plums and cherries, C. E. Bessey ( Rpt. Nebraska Hort. Soc, 26 (1S95), pp. 163-178, figs. 12). — Systematic descriptions are given of the various species of the genus Prunus, from which have been developed the cherries, plums, almonds, and apricots of cultivation. Third report upon Japanese plums, L. H. Bailey (New York Cornell Sta. Ept. 1898, pp. 369-382, figs. 9).—k reprint of Bulletin 139 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 1053). On the dropping of the buds of peach trees, C. Mayer (Agr. Jour. Cape of Good Hope, 13 (1898), No. 11, pp. 698-701). — Observations, discussion, and a list of varieties badly affected, less affected, and hardly affected. The botany of the bush fruits, F. W. Card (Rpt. Nebraska Hort. Soc, 27 (1896), pp. 241-256). — The botany of the more important bush fruits is given, in which are described the species of raspberry, blackberry, currant, gooseberry, Juneberry, Buffalo berry, tree cranberry, and goumi (Elseagnus). The author describes 18 spe- cies of Rubus and 8 of Ribes in cultivation. Notes on the botany of the strawberry, C. E. Bessey (Rpt. Nebraska Hort. Soc, 27 (1896), pp. 227-240). — Descriptive notes are given of the 11 species of Fragaria which are cultivated to a greater or less degree. It is stated that 7 are native to North America, the others being native to Europe, Asia, and South America. Mixed grapes: Singular results from crossing different varieties, C. P. Close (Amer. Card., 19 (1898), No. 208, p. 857). — Notes on crosses made with varieties of grapes of all colors. In every instance but one the resulting cluster was the same color as the female parent. The botany of the grape, C. E. Bessey (Bjit. Nebraska Hort. Soc, 26 (1895), pp. 7-26, figs. 12, maps 2). — The author gives botanical descriptions of 11 species of grapes which are cultivated to a greater or less extent, together with notes on their geographical distribution, their nativity, and the more important varieties which have been developed from each. The effect of the graft on the flavor of the fruit (Card. Chron., 3. ser.,24 (1898), No. 614, p. 246; Agr. Jour. Cape of Good Hope, IS (1S98), No. 11, pp. 703-705).— Abstracts and discusses the results of experiments made by M. Daniel relating to the reciprocal influence of the scion on the stock, and vice versa (see p. b'37). The modern practical cut-flower grower, O. Schmerbusch (Der practische Schnittblumenzucliter. Bonn, pp. 224). — An eminently practical work, based on the author's own experience. An important feature is the tabulation of both cost of production aud profits under each method of culture. The principles and practice of bulb growing, W. C. AVorsdell (Card. Chron., 3. ser., 24 (1898), No. 625, pp. 442, 443, jigs. 5). — One of a series of articles on this subject. The white cattleyas, H. T. Clixkaberry (Amer. Card., 19 (1898),No.209,pp.880, 8S1). — A list of the white varieties, with descriptive notes. Caladiums, anthuriums, alocasias, and other hot-house aroideas, J. Rudolph (Caladium, anthurium, alocasia, et autre* aro'idees de serre. Paris, pp.223, figs.2S). — A strictly horticultural and practical work. The cultivated species of Bulbophyllum (Wiener Illus. Gart.Ztg., 22 (189S), No. 11, pp. 3SS-392). — A list of the species, with descriptive and cultural notes. Fourth report upon chrysanthemums, W. Miller (Netv York Cornell Sta. Bpt. 1898, pp. 657-689, figs. 12).— A reprint of Bulletin 147 of the station (E. S. R., 10, p. 438). The year's work in chrysanthemums, E. D. Smith (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 210, j). 897). — A tabulated report of the work of the committees of the Chrysanthe- mum Society of America. FORESTRY. 641 Chrysanthemums— certificated varieties of 1898, J. E. Whyte (Florists' Ex- change, 10 (1S98), No. 50, pp. 1177-1179, figs. 25). — Photographs and originators' descriptions of 25 out of 32 varieties certificated by the Chrysanthemum Society of America during 1898. Specimen bush-grown chrysanthemums — how a successful exhibitor does the work, W. C. RUSSELL ( Amer. Gar A., 19 ( 1898), No. 207, pp. 837, 838, pis. 3). The bladder ferns (Cystopteris) (Garden,54 (1898), No. 1413, p. 485, fig. 1).— Botan- ical and cultural notes. Especially describes a new method of growing Chrysopteris montana. For many years the culture of this species has been considered very diffi- cult. The culture suggested, which is stated to be "as simple as effective," consists in excavating a pit and filling it to the depth of 12 in. with coarse and small brick rubble and covering with only a very little loam and leaf mold, in which the rhizomes are planted. Bulbous irises (Garden, 54 (1898), No. 1412, pp. 470, 471, pi. 1, figs. 4).— Cultural notes and a list of the varieties best adapted for cultivation. Raising palms from seed, C. W. Rankin, M. Horvath, M. Munte, and J. E. Hinkle ( Amer. Gard., 20 (1S99), No. 211, pp. 3-5). — Essays submitted in competition for a prize. Placeas ( Garden, 54(1898), No. 1414, pp. 510, 511, pi. 1).— Botanical and horticultural notes. About pruning roses, J. Meehan (Netv England Florist, 4 (1898), No. 42, p. 509). The hardy sumachs, W. J.Beax (Garden, 54 (1S9S), No. 1414, pp. 505-507, pis. 4).— Descriptive and cultural notes and list of hardy species. The beginning of the culture of plants under glass, G. Gibault (Jour. Soc. Nat. Hort. France, 3. set:, 20 (1898), pp. 1109-1117). — Notes upon the industry in ancient Rome and its renaissance in France. Notes on watering, F. Cranekield (Amer. Florist, 14 (1899), No. 554, pp. 698, 699). — Report upon experiments pointing to the conclusion that the growth of ordinary greenhouse and garden crops is not affected by the temperature of any water usually available for irrigation purposes. Greenhouse heating, H. W. Gibbons (Amer. Gard., 19 (1898), No. 204, pp. 789-791).— The author discusses the relative merits of steam and hot-water heating for particular purposes and considers the arrangement of pipes, boilers, etc. FORESTRY. Internal temperatures of tree trunks, E. A. Emerson (Proc. Ne- braska Acad. Sci., 6, 1896, pp. 245-252, figs. 4). — Observations on the internal temperatures of tree trunks and limbs were made continuously during the summer of 1894, and at intervals during the spring and summer of 1890, and the winter of 1896-97. Temperatures were taken in several apple trees, a cottouwood, a box-elder, and a maple. During the first summer temperatures were taken regularly from one to three times daily. After that readings were made hourly and in some cases at intervals of r> to 10 minutes throughout a considerable part of the day. Temperatures were taken at the center and at the surface of trunks and limbs when exposed to direct sunlight and when shaded by foliage and by screens, and these were compared with tem- peratures taken in the air, both in shade and in sunlight. The tempera- tures of live limbs were compared with those of sound dead limbs as found and after being soaked in water. A brief account is given of the methods used in taking the temperatures. Charts are given showing 14270— No. 7 4 642 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the changes in temperature of the air and of limbs under various con- ditions. When the trunks and limbs of trees are shaded their temperatures, if above the freezing point of water, vary according to the temperature of the outside air, but show somewhat smaller diurnal variations and change more slowly, so that in shade tree temperatures above 0° C. are higher than the air temperature when both temperatures are falling and lower when both are rising. On the other hand, when exposed to strong sunlight, again provided their temperatures are above the freez- ing point of water, limbs and trunks of trees exhibit much greater diurnal variations of temperature, much greater maximum daily tem- peratures, and quicker changes in temperature than shaded limbs, and even than the outside air, so that in strong sunlight tree temperatures above 0° C. are higher than the air temperature, not only when both temperatures are falling, but are often higher also when both are rising. One side of even a small limb may therefore have a temperature much higher than the air and the opposite side at the same time a tempera- ture lower than the air. The temperatures of the center of limbs change more slowly than those of the surfaces and the extreme daily variations of temperature are less. Above the freezing point of water, the tem- peratures of water-soaked dead limbs behave like those of live limbs, while the temperatures of normal dead limbs change more quickly than those of live limbs and the extreme daily variations of temperature are greater. The temperatures of normal dead limbs, like the temperature of the air. in both rising and falling, pass the freezing point of water without appreciable retardation. The temperatures of water-soaked dead limbs, in both rising and falling, are noticeably retarded at or near the freezing point of water, but having once passed this point proceed rapidly again. The temperatures of live limbs, in rising, behave like those of water-soaked dead limbs; in falling, however, they are not only retarded at the freezing point of water, but even after having passed this point their descent continues slow. An observation on annual rings, F. W. Card (Proc. Nebraska Acad. Sci., 6, 1896, pp. 243,241). — The author conducted an experiment to ascertain the relation between growth rings and annual rings in trees. A piece of bark was removed early in the season from the north side of an ash tree and also from a maple. Later in the season both trees were stripped of the leaves, which were renewed within 3 weeks. In November both trees were cut down and a cross section made where the bark had been removed, and the ring of growth for that year was apparently as uniform as for others. It seems probable that a greater interference with normal conditions of growth than that in the experi- ment is necessary to produce more than one growth ring in a season. Osier culture, J. M. Simpson ( TJ. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of For- estry Bui. 19, pp. 27). — The author gives a historical sketch of the cul- tivation and use of osiers, together with notes on their geographic distribution and characteristics. The subject of varieties is treated at FORESTRY. 643 some length. Among the European willows which are said to be most suitable for basket making are the following: 8alix amygdalina, S. lucida, S.fragilis, 8. caprea, S.prunifolia, 8. viminalis, and 8. purpurea. Notes are given on the selection and preparation of soil, with directions for preparing cuttings, planting, cultivation, fertilizing, and harvesting the product. The more common and troublesome fungus diseases and insect enemies are noted, together with suggestions for the prevention of tueir attacks. Notes are given on the manufacture of willow ware, cost of basket making, production and price of osiers in this country, and quotations are given from letters stating experiences of various American growers. For the benefit of persons interested in osier cul- ture a list of the principal willow growers of this country is appended. Experimental tree planting in the plains, C. A. Keffer ( IT. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Forestry Bui. 18, pp. 94, pis. 5, Jig. 1). — The effect of heat, light, moisture, soil aud soil moisture, and atmospheric mois- ture as affecting tree growth is stated and notes given on the intro- duction of exotic trees, hardiness, rules for mixing species, pure plant- ing, mixed planting, nurse trees, aud the use of evergreens in Western planting. The objects of experimental plantations are stated, and a list of 39 species of trees employed in these plantings of trees, as follows: Conifers: Finns strobus, P. resinosa, P. ponder osa scopulorum, P. diva- rieata, P. si'vestris, P. austriaca, Larix laricina, L. europwa, Picea can- adensis, P. excelsa, Pseudotsuga taxifolia, Abies coneolor, and Juniper us virginiana. Broad-leaved species: Juglans nigra, Populus tremuloides, P. deltoides, P. certinensis, Belula alba, B. lutea, B. lenta, Ostrya virgin- iana, Gastanea dentata, Quercus alba, Q. macrocarpa, Q. prinus, Q. pla- tanoides, Q. rubra, ITlmus americana, Morus alba, tatarica, Liriodendron tulipifera, Prunus serotina, Gleditsia triacanthos, Robina pseudacacia, Acer saccliarinum, A. negundo, Fraxinus americana, F. lanceolata, Catalpa speciosa, and Artemisia abrotanum tobolskianum. The experimental plantations of Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, South Dakota, Utah, and Minnesota are described and the results as far as shown by the experiments are stated. Notes are given on growing evergreens from seed aud directions for the preparation of an evergreen seed bed are included. List of publications relating to forestry in the Department Library ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Library Bui. 24, pp. 93). — This bulletin contains a list of the works relat- ing to forestry in the library of this Department, together with the forest library of the late Prof. Franz von Baur, which was purchased by this Department in 1897. A catalogue is arranged by authors with a separate list of serial publications and a subject index. No works have been included which do not have a direct bearing on the subject, and those relating to landscape gardening and botany are purposely omitted. Check list of the forest trees of the United States, G. B. Sudworth ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Forestry Bui. 17, pp. 144). — This publication is a revised and condensed edition of Bulletin 14 of the division (E. S. R., 9, p. 452), and contains the scientific and common names of the trees of North America, the synonomy and explanation of the former bulletin being omitted. In order to secure better identi- 044 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. fication and to increase the value of the list a geographical range of species has heen added in a concise form. The present list comprises an enumeration of the trees indigenous to the United States, 495 in number, and a few thoroughly naturalized and natural and artificial varieties and hybrids have been also cited. The red beech in coppice and forest tree growth, H. Fischbacb i Illy. Worst a. Jagdw. Ztg., 71 (1898), Xo. 12, pp. 377-379). On the histology of the pine, E. Strumpfe (Anzeig. J had. Wise. Erakau, 1898, No. 7, pp. 312-317). Notes on the evergreen and the periodically deciduous trees of Java, S. J I. Koorders (Forstl. Naturw. Ztschr., 7 (1898), Xo. 11, pp. 357-373, pis. 5). On the resistance of fir trees to smoke, etc., H. Wislicenus (Tharand. Foist. Jahrb., 4S (1898), pp. 152-172). On the shrinking and swelling of wood, 1). Kitao (Col. A'gr. Tokyo, 3 ( 1898), No. 4, pp. 299-370, pis. 9). — A study of the rate of shrinking and swelling of timber is given, and numerous formulas for determining the same are given. Investigations in the bark of trees* T. Meehan (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Rpt. 1897, pp. 511-523, figs. 7).— Reprint of Bulletin 29 (E. S. R., 9, p. 812). Structure of the wood of the Pomaceae, A. Burgerstein {Sitzber. Math. Naturw. CI. K. ATcad. Wins. [ Vienna], 107 (1S98), Nos. 1-4, pp. 8-22). The walnut and its culture, P. Motjillefert (Prog. Ayr. et Fit., 30 | 1898), No. 52, pp. 774-776, jigs. 14). — Gives brief illustrated notes on varieties of walnuts, and notes some of their diseases, the principal of which are Marsonia juglandis, Polyporm sulphur ens, and Agaricus mcllens. History of a communal forest, E. Picard (Mem. Acad. Sci. Arts et Belles- L< tires Dijon, 4. ser., 6 (189S), pp. VII -f 301). — Describes the Crocheres forests and the town of Auxonne. Concerning the estimation of the quantity of standing timber, K. Boiimerle (Centbl. Gesam. Forstw. Wien, 24 (1898), Xo. 12, pp. 519-531). The nomenclature of the Nebraska forest trees, C. E. Bessey (Proc. Nebraska Acad. Sci., 6, 1896, }ip. 229-237). — The author gives a list of the generally accepted scientific names of the 67 species of trees growing in the State. SEEDS— WEEDS. Test of beet seed, B. Walker {South Carolina Sta. Bui. 34, pp. 7-9). — A report is given of investigations made to test the relative value of large and small beet seed. Of the various lots of seed as pur- chased about 40 per cent were large and plump, while CO per cent were small, poorly developed, and more or less imperfect. The seed which were grown in shallow boxes were pressed uniformly into the soil and then covered with fine sand. One lot of the seeds was soaked for 5 hours in warm water, while the other was planted dry. The germination of the different lots of large and small beet seed is shown in the following table : Germination of large and small beet seed. Large seed. Small seed. Third day. Fifth day. Eighth day. Total 8 days. Third day. Fifth day. Eighth Total day. 8 days. Percent. 50 64 Percent. 25 8 Percent. 7 1 Percent. 82 72 Percent. 23 9 Percent. 12 4 Per cent. Per cent. 7 42 5 18 In conclusion the author states that large seed is to be much preferred, since it gives a larger percentage of germination as well as stronger SEEDS WEEDS. 645 plants. The experiment also showed that there was no advantage in soaking beet seed prior to sowing, but in this case there was an actual loss amounting to about 18 per cent. The effect of fertilizers on the germination of seeds, G. H. Hicks (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (1898), pp. 428, 429). — A report is made upon a series of tests on the effect of various chemical ferti- lizers on seeds of wheat, lettuce, radish, and crimson clover. The authors conclusions are as follows: "One per ceut strengths of muriate of potash and sodium nitrate used as fertili- zers are very detrimental to the germination of seeds, whether applied directly or mixed with the soil. Fertilizers composed of phosphoric acid or lime are much less injurious to germination than sodium nitrate or muriate of potash, and if not used in excess may he harmless. Commercial fertilizers should not he brought into direct contact with germinating seeds. The effect of treating seeds with chemicals before planting is no index to the action of those chemicals when applied as manures to the soil. The chief injury from chemical fertilizers is effected upon the young sprouts after they leave the seed coat and before they emerge from the soil, while the seeds them- selves are injured only slightly or not at all. It is highly improbable that potash, phosphoric acid, nitrogen, or lime used as fertilizers actually favor germination." On the influence of humus acids on germination, R. Tolf ( Tidskr. Landtman, 19 (1898), No. 22, pp. 387-390).— In order to study the effect of free humic and ulmic acids on germination the author filled four germination dishes with sand sterilized by ignition, moistening the sand with distilled water. Four other dishes were filled with raw, wholly undecomposed, but previously finely pulverized peat. The lat- ter was taken 0.5 meter below the surface of a drained marsh and near a ditch, so that its water content was not excessive: the sand in every case contained more water after having been moistened than did the peat. This was a typical Sm aland high-marsh peat, made up exclusively of Sphagnum fuscum and Mriophorum rag in at tint, and had a decided acid reaction. Four other dishes were filled with peat in which the tree acids had been barely neutralized with chalk. In each of the 3 sets of germination dishes, prepared as described, series of 100 seeds each of spring wheat, plumage barley, mammoth spring oats, and Probster oats (outer seeds only) were sown, and kept at a temperature of 18 to 20° C. for 5 days. At the end of this period the lengths of the radical and the rootlet of each plant were carefully meas- ured and the plants critically examined. The average results are shown below: Effect of humus acids on germination. Average length of radical. Average length of rootlets. Kind of seed. Sand. Raw peat. Neutral- ized peat. Sand. Raw peat. Neutral- ized peat. Rye Mm. 29.5 41.8 38.8 a 30. 4 Mm. 13.4 20.6 23. 5 6 14.1 Mm. 36.3 39.7 41.4 a 29. 9 Mm. 158.7 223.6 205.2 137.5 Mm. 36.9 77.U 59.0 45.4 Mm. 163.1 250.6 198.7 149.5 646 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The deleterious influence of free humus acids on germination is strik- ingly shown by the results given in the table. The rootlets of grains sown in humus soils invariably presented an abnormal appearance, both as regards position, number, and shape, and the root tips appeared brown, scorched, and shriveled, separated from the rootlet itself by a partition. The proper treatment of humus soils includes liming, admix- ture of sand, and good tillage. — f. w. woll. The Russian thistle, L. H. Pammel {Iowa Sta. Bui. 38, pp. 24, pis. 4, Jigs. 3). — The present bulletin is issued as supplementary to Bulletin 26 of the station (E. S. R., 0, p. 551). Since the previous bulletin was issued sufficient information has accumulated on which to base some opinion as to the aggressive character of the weed. The present dis- tribution in Iowa embraces 48 stations; but the author thinks that on account of the fact that cultivated crops are so extensively grown in the State the weed will never become as noxious as many other species. Notes are given on the character of the plant, its distribution, methods of eradication, and its forage value, together with a partial bibliography of station and department publications relative to it. Sixth report on Kansas weeds, A. S. Hitchcock and G. L. Clothier {Kansas Sta. Bui. 80, pp. 113-164, pis. 16). — In Bulletin 57 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 409) the authors give a descriptive list with distribution of the weeds of the State, but since that time many notes and observations have accumulated and it is thought desirable to issue a new bulletin showing the distribution of weeds throughout the State. As in the previous bulletin, the distribution of the different species is indicated by maps in which a dot indicates the presence of an authentic specimen from the different counties of the State. In the present bulletin 209 species are described, 80 of which are included in the list designated as bad weeds. While other species than those enumerated may be troublesome in some localities, yet from several years experience it is thought that for the State as a whole the list would be confined to the species enumerated. Of the 80 bad weeds 23 are perennial, 7 biennial, and the remainder annuals, several of which are so-called winter aunuals. Of the total list of weeds enumerated 149 species are native to the State, and of the list of bad weeds one-half are native plants, and among these are many of the worst. The distri- bution throughout the United States of the 80 weeds classed as most troublesome is also given. The methods by which weed seeds are scattered are discussed at some length, the principal agents mentioned being wind, animals, automatic movements, railroads, and the use of impure grass, grain, and vegetable seeds, etc. In 1893 a plat 10 ft. square was marked off on the station ground and a record kept of the seedling weeds which were removed from time to time. This has been continued for several years and the record for 1893-1897 is given. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 647 Notes are given on the number of seeds produced by some weeds, the author having determined approximately the number of seeds pro- duced by a single plant of some of the more common weeds. The fol- lowing table shows the approximate number of seed produced by some of the worst weeds : Number of weed seed produced by a single plant. Species. Number. Species. Number. 69, 000 31, 900 43, 300 23, 100 9,700 10,500 8,000 1,900 85, 000 14 000 155, 000 945 000 357 fifin Euphorbia marginata 21, 900 113, 600 42, 700 140, 000 The authors have made some investigations relative to the fertili- zation of flowers and have found that the following are dependent on insect visits: Portulaca oleracea, Ipomcea hederacea, I. purpurea, Solatium rostratum, and Euphorbia maculata. The following species are self fertile: Abutilon avicennm, Hibiscus trionum, Iva ciliata, Bidens frondosa, Amarantus retrojiexus, Acnida tuberculata, Ghenopodium album, Phytolacca deeandra, Polygonum pennsylvanicum (seed smaller than average), Euphorbia marginata, Panicum sanguitiale, Setaria glauca, and Eragrostis major. The authors discuss the subject of the eradication of weeds and give a list with descriptive notes of 209 species. Massachusetts weeds, G. E. Stone (Agr. Massachusetts, 1897, pp. 268-277). — A popular article on the dissemination, distribution, aud eradication of weeds. A new wild lettuce from New England, B. L. Robinson (Bhodora, 1 (1899), No. 1, pp. 12,13, pi. 1). — The author describes Lactuca morssii from Massachusetts. It somewhat resembles L. canadensis and L. leucophwa. Matricaria discoidea in eastern Massachusetts, W. H. Manning (Iihodora, 1 (1899), No. l,p. 18). — Tbe occurrence of this weed at several stations is noted and it is said to be apparently driving out tbe common mayweed, Anthemit cotula. On the destruction of orobanche on clover, A. Lonay (Jour. Soc. Agr. Brabant- Hainaut, 1898, No. 38). DISEASES OF PLANTS. Report of the botanist, G. E. Stone and R. E. Smith (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 47-70, pis. 2). — The authors give a brief review of the work conducted during the past year and report more at length upon some of the particular lines of investigation. The causes of the failure of the potato crop of 1897 were investigated. Among otber causes may be mentioned the extremely wet condition of the soil at planting time, which is thought to have induced the rotting of the stems of the young plants just below the ground. The authors G48 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. do not consider this a specific disease of the potato nor do they think any treatment necessary. About the middle of July several extremely hot, sunny days following a long rainy period occurred, and in many potato fields on low ground the plants began to wilt. Investigation of the plants showed that there was no one organism, with possibly the exception of bacteria, affecting the plants, but there was a gen- eral rotting resulting from the wet condition of the soil and the con- sequent low vitality of the plants. This trouble was considered to be due to abnormal weather conditions, and when the potatoes had reached a marketable size the authors recommended digging them to prevent decay. In August the potato blight or rot due to Phytophthora infestans appeared and spread extensively. The drop of lettuce caused by Botrytis sp. is discussed at some length, and suggestions are given for the sterilization of soil in greenhouses by steam or other means. Steam sterilization is thought to be the most promising. Various methods of treatment for this disease are being investigated, and it is said to be desirable to ascertain how deep the soil should be sterilized in order to keep down the fungus. Notes are given on asparagus rust and the possibility of checking it by cutting and burning the plants is discussed. Several instances are cited in which cutting, which was extensively practiced in the season of 1897, seemed to be almost entirely without effect, the rust appearing quite badly on the second growth. The experience of another season is said to be necessary to demonstrate the effect and seriousness of this disease. The authors briefly discuss the fire blight of pear, quince, and apple due to Micrococcus amylovorus, quince rust caused by Gynmosporangi urn clampes, the brown rot of stone fruits due to Monilia friictigena, and chrysanthemum rust caused by Puccinia tanaceti. In reference to the last-named disease they state that great care should be exercised in selecting cuttings from vigorous plants unaffected by rust, and that spraying with Bordeaux mixture or a potassium sulphid solution will probably prove profitable. Several other diseases affecting the leaves of chrysanthemums are noted, but the discoloration of the leaves affected by the rust will distinguish them. In the case of the rust there is a production of numerous small pustules on the under side of the leaf which contain a dark red powdery substance similar to carnation rust. A disease of the cultivated geranium is briefly described, which is characterized by the leaves turning yellow in small spots which grad- ually increase in size, the leaf tissue dying away at these points. The dead spots spread until finally the leaves lose their vitality com- pletely. All varieties are equally affected. The disease is reported from several localities in the State. The" injury seemed to be the result of an attack of some fungus, but investigation of infected leaves failed to reveal any specific organism. Plants sprayed with DISEASES OF PLANTS. 649 Bordeaux mixture gave no appreciable immunity. The authors do not consider this a genuine disease, but state that it is probably due to low vitality and hindered growth, caused by excessive moisture. Brief notes are given on leaf blights of native trees. Among those described are the following: Leaf blight of sycamore (Glcesporium ner- visequum), leaf blight of butternut (G.juglandis), leaf spot of chestnut (Septoria ochroleuca), and leaf spot of wild black cherry (IS. cerasina). A bacterial disease of beets, Prillieux and Delacroix ( Gompt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), Wo. 6, pp. 338, 339).— For several years there has been noticed in the north of France and in the vicinity of Paris a disease of beets, to which the name "yellows" (jaunisse) has been given. This disease seems to appear on soil where seed beets have been grown, and makes its appearance between the 1st and 15th of July. At first the leaves lose their normal turgescence, the petioles become less rigid, and the tip of the leaf turns down. At the same time the leaves become finely variegated green and white, as is the case in the mosaic disease of tobacco. This appearance is more noticeable by transmitted light, the discolored portions, especially in the young leaves, being translucent. With the progress of the disease the dis- colored spots coalesce and the leaf dries up; at this time the color varies from yellow to gray. When plants are severely attacked the roots do not increase much in size, although retaining their normal sugar content, and the total loss of the crop is about 50 per cent. If the dis- eased beets are planted for seed in the spring, the leaves which appear will show the pathological characters which have been enumerated. Under the microscope the diseased areas show great numbers of short, curved bacteria, which rapidly render the liquid contents of the cell turbid. The chlorophyll bodies of the cell are discolored and the gran- ules in the cells become more refractive and are more apparent than in sound leaves. When mother beets are attacked by the bacteria, not only the leaves but the floral bracts and calyx are attacked, and it seems probable that the bacteria are able to persist, probably in the state of spores, in the fruit of the beet. Experiments have been conducted to test the artificial infection of beets with this disease with marked success. Three rows of beets were seeded in sterilized soil and transplanted to a soil in which beets had not been grown. One row was watered with a diluted pure culture of the bacteria and in a few days the characteristics of the disease appeared, while the others remained absolutely unaffected. In the second experiment dried leaves from diseased plants were powdered and mixed with the soil in the garden in April. Young beets were transplanted to the soil and, except when planted in the soil receiv- ing the powdered leaves, there was no appearance of disease. The authors consider it established that this disease is due to bacteria, and further study under the direction of the minister of agriculture is con- templated. 650 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Concerning a root disease of wheat, L. Mangin (Gompt. Rend. Acad. Sri. Paris, 127 {1898), No. 5, pp. 286-288).— The author gives a report on a disease of wheat known in France since 1878, which has been generally attributed to Ophiobolus graminis (E. S. B., 9, p. 1057). This fungus is said to develop principally on the leaf sheaths and rarely on the culm or roots. The author states that he has found associated with it Leptosphwria lierpotrichoides. The effect of both these fungi on the wheat plant was shown, and their parasitism seems well established. Other species of fungi that have from time to time been reported as associated with them are said to be saprophytic, and are not directly concerned in producing the disease in question. A report is given on a series of inoculation experiments carried on with the fungi, from which it appears that both parasites are found in the lower internodes, while Ophiobolus sometimes occurs on the roots. They are capable of producing diseased conditions of the culm, weakening it and greatly reducing the total harvest. The rigidity of the culms is influenced somewhat differently by the different fungi, the Leptosphreria probably causing the most damage. As a result of the invasion of the fungi the culms take a peculiarly twisted condition, and the harvest is dimin- ished not only on account of the presence of the parasite, but because the twisting restricts to some extent the circulation in the plants and exposes the weakened plants to attacks of numerous parasites and saprophytes. The asparagus rust : Its treatment and natural enemies, B. D. Halsted (New Jersey Stas. Bui. 129, pp. 20, pis. 2).— A brief sketch is given of the history and distribution of asparagus rust which before 1896 was only known to occur in this country in California. Since that time it has spread extensively and it now seems to occur throughout New England and the Atlantic Coast region as far south as South Carolina. The interior and western part of the United States seems as yet to be free from the rust and it has not been reported for a number of years in California. When the asparagus field is badly affected with the rust, the general appearance of the plants is that of unusual early maturity. Instead of the healthy green color the plants are of a brownish hue, as though insects had sapped them or frost destroyed their vitality. A close examination shows the characteristic appearance of the rust, and all its stages are borne upon the same host. Experiments were conducted to test the value of spraying plants with Bordeaux and similar fungicides for the prevention of the rust. A number of plants were selected and 10 applications given at a total cost of $4.59, or at the rate of $21.76 per acre. The result of the application of fungicides seemed to indicate a reduc- tion of the disease amounting to about 25 per cent. The author rec- ommends the autumn treatment of the fields, which consists of burning old brush, either as it stands in the field or by cutting and burning in DISEASES OF PLANTS. 651 piles. The latter method, however, is thought to be hardly as efficient as the former on account of the fact that many spores will be scattered in the cutting- and piling. It is thought that a thin coat of lime spriu- kled over the ground and left there during the winter will also prove beneficial in destroying those spores which may have found lodgment on the soil. Two fungus enemies are described which attack the asparagus rust and may, to some extent, help hold it in check. These are Darluca jilum and Tubereularia perslcina. The author gives briefly a summary of the literature relating to asparagus rust in the United States. Briefly summarizing the conclusions, it is stated that the asparagus fungus (Pucdn ia asparagi) was described as early as 1805 and is generally distributed throughout Europe. Aecidial, Uredo, and Teleutosporic forms are all found on the asparagus plant. Spraying experiments with Bordeaux and similar fungicides reduced the amount of rust about one- fourth. Among the varieties tested Palmetto proved less susceptible than others. The pistillate plants also appear less subject to attack than the staminate ones. This rust is found on other species of aspar- agus, but so far is not known to occur on any wild plants or weeds other than asparagus. Experiments in combating the rose rust in 1898, K. Mohr {Rosen Ztg., 13 {1898), ¥o. 5, pp. 79, 80).— The occurrence of the rose rust on quite a number of varieties of roses during the summer of 1898, led the author to conduct a series of experiments for the prevention of the disease. It was successfully combated by spraying the plants with a. mixture composed of 9 liters of limewater and f liter Sulfurin. The lime water was formed by slaking quicklime and thoroughly stirring it before using. After mixing with the Sulfurin the mixture is allowed to settle and the clear liquid is sprayed upon the plants. Investigations made from time to time during the season on some of the more suscep- tible varieties showed that where the plants had been sprayed no rust was present, while upon the unsprayed ones the disease was very abun- dant. In spraying the roses particular pains must be taken to spray both surfaces of the leaf, as well as to apply it thoroughly to the stems of the plants. The author states that the same mixture is also very beneficial in combating the rust of mallows (Puecinia malvacearum). Concerning the adherence of copper compounds -which are used in combating diseases of the grape, G. M. Guillon and G. GouiRAND (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 4, pp. 254-256; 11, pp. 423, 424). — The authors have investigated the subject of the adherence of different fungicides, making a study of the following: (1) Bordeaux mixture, composed of 2 per cent of copper sulphate and suffi- cient lime to render the mixture slightly alkaline; (2) the same with the addition of 1 per cent molasses; (3) the same with the addition of 0.3 per cent gelatin; (4) mixture of 2 per cent copper sulphate and 3 652 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. per cent carbonate of soda; (5) a solution of 2 per cent copper sulphate and 3 per cent of bicarbonate of soda; (6) 2 per cent copper sulphate and 3 per cent soap ; (7) 2 per cent copper sulphate and 3 per cent carbonate of potash; (8) 2 per cent copper sulphate and 3 per cent carbonate of ammonia; (9) eau celeste, to which sufficient ammonia is added to ren- der the solution slightly alkaline; (10) 2 per cent solution of copper acetate, and (11) neutral acetate of copper. The method of distinguishing the adherence of these different fungi- cides was to place small quantities of the liquid on glass plates which had been previously washed with alcohol, and after drying them in the sun subject them to an artificial rain; the liquid remaining on the plate was tested for copper immediately after its deposit, also 2 and 24 hours later. At the expiration of 24 hours the Bordeaux mixtures were the most adherent, followed closely by the mixture composed of copper sulphate and carbonate of potash and eau celeste. Some of the other fungicides had been completely washed off at the end of 24 hours. The experiments were repeated, the plates being exposed to natural rain with results analogous to those above. From the authors' experi- ments it seems that acid Bordeaux mixture is less adherent than basic, and basic still less than neutral Bordeaux mixture. The same applies to fungicides containing carbonate of soda. When molasses is added to the mixture in general they are less adherent, and the more molasses added the less the adhesive power. The same applies equally to gelatin. In a series of experiments reported later the authors tested the adher- ence of the same fungicides on grape leaves under the same conditions as previously given. In the case of the latter experiments they concluded that in general fungicides as used were less adherent than those pre- pared under the earlier formulas. The difference in the case of the adhesive power of Bordeaux mixture was not very great, but in the case of those fungicides containing soda, soap, or ammonia, it was greatly affected by the method of preparation used. In conclusion the authors state that fungicides to be most adherent to grape foliage, especially those containing soda or soap, ought to be employed immediately after their preparation. Based upon their adhesiveness the fungicides maybe arranged in the following order: (1) those containing soap; (2) bicarbonate of soda; (3) carbonate of soda; (4) Bordeaux mixture, carbonate of potash, eau celeste, and acetate of copper; (5) gelatin ; (6) molasses, and (7) neutral acetate of copper. In general all these fungicides are most adherent the nearer neutral they are made. The brulure of flax, E. Marchal (Bui. Soc. Belg. Micros., 22 (1S98), pp. 125, 126).— This disease, which results in the etiolation of the plants, is said to be due to Jstero- cystis radicis. A clover fungus ( Jour. Bd. Agr. \_London~), 5 (1S9S), No. 1, pp. 37-50, figs 2).— Illus- trated notes are given of Sclerotinia trifoliorum. Protection against canker of white fir, Heck (Forstl. Naturw. ZUchr., 7 (189S), DISEASES OF PLANTS. 653 No. 10, pp. 344-347).— Notes the distribution aud methods of attack and suggests means for the prevention of Agaricua adiposus and Polyporus hartigii. Notes onapple canker, W. Paddock (Science, n. ser., S (1898), jVo. 206, pp. 836,837).— It is stated tjiat Spharopsis malorum is in all probability parasitic on the wood of the pear and quince as well as upon the apple. Inoculations made from cultures from the 3 kinds of wood produced diseased fruits in every case. Some important pear diseases, B. M. Duggar (New York Cornell Sta. Bpt. 1898, pp. 596-627, figs. 16, dgm. 1).—A reprint of Bulletin 145 of the station (E. S. R., 10, p. 150). The lily disease (Amer. Gard., 19 (1S98), No. 210, p. 53.?).— The views of Peter Barr on the cause of the lily disease are given, in which it is attributed to weakness of plants, due to exhausted condition of Bermuda soils where bulbs are grown. American and Holland bulbs are expected to be free from this trouble. A new disease of cultivated palms, W. Trelease (Bpt. Missouri Bot. Gardens, 9 (18DS), p. 1~>9, fig. 1). — Exosporium palmivorum, a new species by Saccardo, is figured and described as the cause of a disease of Phfjcnix canariensis, P. tenuis, and P. reclinata. Fungus and insect pests of the red beech in the Alsacian forests, Stroh- meyer (Forstl. Naturw. Ztschr., 7 (1898), No. 9, pp. 316-319). Distribution of potato diseases in Germany, Frank (Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 (1S98), No. 32, pp. 347,348 ; abs. in Bot. CentbL, 76 (1S9S), No. l,pp. 26, 27).— Diseases due to Thytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Phellomyces, and the bacterial diseases are said to be generally distributed throughout the country. Fusarium is not found in Brandenburg nor in the Kingdom of Saxony. Nematodes are reported as particu- larly destructive in 9 states and provinces. A considerable variation in resistance of varieties to disease is also reported. Some observations bearing upon the symbiotic mycoplasm theory of grain rusts, H. L. Boixey (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (1898), p. 408). — The author reviews the work of Eriksson relative to the rusts of cereal grains and other grasses. He dissents from the view given by Eriksson that there is any indication of a mycoplasm infection. The author gave au outline of experiments in which he grew cereals to maturity in rust-proof cages without any infection whatever, although every plant close by bore numerous pustules. Incidentally it is stated that the germ tubes of the uredo-spores may enter not only by way of the stomata, but also directly through the cuticle of wheat and oat plants. The smuts and blights of cereals, E. Thomas (Jour. Soc. Agr. Brabant- Hainaut, 1S98, No. 38. Chrysanthemum rust, G. Abbey (Jour. Eort., 50 (1898), No. 2611, pp. 284, 285, jigs. ,:).— The uredo aud puccinia forms of this rust are figured and described. The author thinks the method resorted to in forcing the plants is largely responsible for the disease. Bordeaux mixture is recommended as an efficient fungicide. Washing the plants with a permanganate of potash solution is also mentioned as an effective treatment. Twig galls of the pine, K. von Tubeuf (Forstl. Naturw. Ztschr., 7 (1898), No. 9, p. 321). Parasites of the willow, E. Crotjzel (Les parasites du saule. Paris: Soc. a" Edit. Scientifiques, 1898, pp. 36). — Treats briefly of the principal fungus and insect pests of willows, with means for their prevention. Some coffee pests, A. Zimmermanx ( Tegsmannia, 9 (1898), No. 9-10, pp. 402-421). — In an address before the Coffee Congress at Malang the author mentioned some of the more destructive enemies of coffee culture, among them being nematodes, Tglen- chus coffew being especially troublesome. The influence of potash fertilizers on "beet sickness," M. Hollrung (Ztschr. Ver. Deut. Zuckerind., 1898, pp. 343; abs. in Bot. CentbL, 76 (1898), No. 7, pp. 243, 244).— The author concludes, from an extensive series of experiments, that potassium carbonate, and especially potassium magnesium carbonate, exert a favorable influence in correcting "beet sickness'' of soils. 654 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. ENTOMOLOGY. House flies, L. O. Howard ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Girc. 55, 2. ser., pp. 8, figs. 6). — The difference between house flies and several related species is briefly pointed out. The eggs, about 120 for each individual, are usually laid upon horse manure. One-fourth pound horse manure, taken from a pile of manure in August, contained 100 larv;e and 146 puparia. Larvrganic Crude matter, protein. Proteiu. Non- albumi- noid ni trogen. Fat. Nitro- gen-free extract. /'/ r et. Per ct. Per et. Per et. rer ct. Per ct. 59 50 57.3 100 43.8 61.8 86.5 83.9 94.8 100 83.7 89.5 70. 6 59. 2 07.5 100 31.6 70.2 Crude liber. Per ct. 5o.2 59. 0 65.4 The income and outgo of nitrogen and carbon was as follows: Income and outgo of nitrogen and carbon. Xitrogen. Carbon. Inf«°d- urine. T Gain feT-es ' ( + )or teces- loss(-). In food. In urine. In feces. In re- spira- tory prod- ucts. Gair (+) »r loss(— ). Experiment 1, steerl, 7.30J kg. hay, 27.65 kg. water Experitnent2, steer 2, 5.197 kg. hay, 2.621 kg. rye bran, 23.96 kg. water.". . . Experiinent3. steer 3,5.179 kg. hay, 4.328 kg. beet chips, 0.866 kg. rye bran, 34.84 kg. water.". Grams. 109. 40 164. 24 179.82 Grams. 65.57 111.44 96.10 Crams. Grams. 57.66 —13.83 55.61 - 2.81 78.67 + 5.05 Grams. :t,4o:i. 7 3, 651. 6 4, 695. 2 Grams. 183.5 187.8 184 Grams. Grams. 1,5H0.1 l,tT,7.:! 1,256.9 2,233.9 1.511.5 2,892.8 Cram*. —343. 2 — 27.0 + 106.9 From the balance of nitrogen and carbon, it was calculated that steer 1 lost 84.5 gm. of water-free flesh, 391.2 gm. fat; steer 2 lost 17.2 gm. water- free flesh and 23.7 gin. fat; or, in other words, there was practi- cally a nitrogen equilibrium. Steer 3 gained 30.9 gm. water-free flesh and 118.8 gm. fat. The authors calculated that an adult steer, when in good condition for fattening, requires per day, per 1,000 kg. live weight, 670 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 0.85 kg. digestible crude protein (equal to 0.78 true protein) and 0.G4 kg. nitrogen-free material. Of these quantities a small amount of protein (13 gm.) and of nitrogen-free material (equal to 10G gm. fat) was required for the building and repair of hair, of hoof, skin, etc. Following methods outlined in the earlier investigations, the income and outgo of energy in the 3 experiments was calculated. Income and outgo of energy. Income. < Mlt go. Experiment 1: Calorie*. Meadow hay (7,303 gm.) 32, 252. 2 Feces (4,668.2 gm. ) Nitrogen evolved in drying feces Urine . Methan (156.8 cm.) Protein tissue lost (84.."> ij.ni.). Fat tissue lost (391.2 gm.) Total outgo Balanc Experiment 2: Meadow hav (5,107 cm.) live bran (2,621 gm.) Feces (2,641 gm.) Nitrogen evolved in drying feces Urine Methan (165.4 gm) Protein tissue lost from body (17.2 gm.) Fat tissue lost (23.7 gm.) Total outgo . Balance Experiment 3: Meadow hav (5,179 gm.) Beet chips (43.28 gm.) Kye bran (866 gm.) Feces (3,278 gm.).. Nitrogen evolved in drying feces Urine Metban (267.09 gm.) Protein tissue gained (30.9 gm.). . Fat tissue gained (118.8 gm.) Total outsro Calories. "" 14," 653*5 15.5 1, 789. 9 2,077.0 374. 5 3,716.4 17 807.2 22. 951. 5 12,158 3 76.2 225. 1 18, 654. 5 22, 787. 6 17, 855. 2 4, 03:;. 5 24, 557. 7 18, 535. 9 12,331.1 14.7 1, 918. 6 2, 190. 9 16. 455. 3 14. 733. 6 27.4 1, 820. 9 3, 536. 7 317. 5 2, 052. 0 20,118.6 As shown by the 3 experiments the average energy required of a steer per 1,000 kg. live weight is 24,979 calories, when the tempera- ture of the surrounding air is 15.7° 0. The deduction is drawn from the experiments that feeding is less profitable the longer the feeding period is prolonged. The authors discuss the energy of the feces, urine, and methane excreted, and deducting these factors from the energy of the food, calculate its physiological nutritive effect. The physiological nutritive effect per gram of meadow hay in the first experiment was calculated to be 3.435 calories; of 1 gm. of meadow hay and rye bran in experiment 2, 3.722, and of 1 gm. of meadow hay, beet chips, aud rye bran in experiment 3, 3.593 calories. The physiological nutritive effect of 1 gm. of digestible rye bran is calculated to be 4.102 calories. The experimental data are reported in full in tabular form. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 671 Fattening cattle in North Dakota, J. H. Shepperd (North Dakota Sta. Bui. 33, })p. 281-292). — The author discusses at some length cattle feeding under existing conditions in North Dakota. Investiga- tions made in different parts of the country bearing upon the subject are quoted. In his opinion cattle can be profitably fattened on corn fodder, hay, and barley on nearly all the farms of North Dakota. A test of the comparative value ot" bran and bran and shorts for fattening steers is reported. The test was made with 2 lots of 5 grade steers each. These animals were believed to be on an average better than the range stock of the State. The experiment proper was preceded by a preliminary period of 1 month. All the steers were fed bran and shorts 1:1 and 1 lb. of linseed meal per head daily. The steers in lot 1 ate an average of 12 lbs. of grain per head daily and gained a little less than 1£ lbs. per head. Lot 2 ate practically the same amount of grain and gained a little more than 1^ lbs. per head daily. The test proper began immediately after the close of the preliminary period and continued 12 weeks. Lot 1 was fed barley and lot 2 bran and shorts 1 : 2. Each lot was fed oil meal in the proportion of 1 lb. to 10 lbs. of grain. Lot 1 ate on an average 16 lbs. of grain daily and lot 2, 11^ lbs. The steers were confined in stalls and were fed separately and given all the hay they would eat in addition to the grain. The financial state- ment is based on oarley at 75 cts., linseed meal at $1, bran and shorts at 60 cts. per 100 lbs., and hay at $4 per ton. The results of the test are shown in the following table: Result from feeding steers barley and bran and shorts. Kind of feed. Average weigh t"of steers at begin- ning of test. Grain eaten per day. Hay eaten per day. Gain in weight per day. Grain eaten per lb. gain. Profit per steer. Pounds. 1, 080. 4 1, 054. 8 Pounds. 15.9 14.32 Pounds. 16.9 17.16 Pounds. 1.74 1.35 Pounds. 9. 14 10.6 $4. 51 The principal conclusions follow: " Rauge steers require a long preliminary feeding before a heavy supply of grain is given them. "Eleven hundred and fifty pound steers fed for a period of 6 months will eat an average of about 16j lbs. of grain and 12 lbs. of hay per day. '• Range steers fed in a commercial way will gain from 1^ lbs. to 14 lbs. per day. " Cattle should neither be gorged nor starved for feed or water before shipment is made. A medium quantity of dry feed is best. "Barley gives a heavier gain per 100 lbs. of grain fed and a higher rate of gain per day than does bran and shorts. " With the prices for feed which prevailed locally, bran and shorts gave the cheaper gain and the greater profit." Fattening steers in winter, T. Shaw {Minnesota Sta. Bui. 58, pp. 469-509, figs. 2). — These tests were made in continuation of work pre- viously reported (E. S, li., 8, p. 211). (572 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Fattening Minnesota steers (pp. 469-485). — In order to study the rela- tive value of light, moderate, and heavy feeding- and the relative merits of steers of different grade a test was made with 3 lots, each containing a Shorthorn, a Hereford, and an Aberdeen Poll steer. They were about 2 years old and were from cows of a common mixed breed and a pure-bred sire. They were all purchased in Minnesota. The net cost of the Aberdeen Poll steers was $3.35 per 100 lbs. ; the Short- horns §3.07, and of the Herefords$3.70. The test began January 0,1890, and covered 150 days. At the beginning of the test lot 1 was fed per head daily 5 lbs. of meal composed of equal parts of bran, oats, barley, and corn; lot 2, 7 lbs., and lot 3. 9 lbs. of the same mixture. This was increased 1 lb. per head every 4 weeks. February 10 the animals were given a pound of linseed cake per head daily in addition. On March 10 the amount was doubled and the grain ration was changed to bran, bar- ley, and corn 1:1:2. The maximum amounts of meal fed were 10, 12, and 14 lbs. in the 3 lots, respectively. The steers were fed daily 25 lbs. of corn silage per head in addition to the grain and all the native hay they would eat up clean. They were fed in stalls and were given water twice a day, with salt 2 or 3 times a week. The Herefords were dehorned at the beginning of the test. This interfered with their feeding for about 14 days. The financial statement is based on bran at $0.50, oil cake $14 per ton, native hay at $3, and corn silage at $1 per ton, and oats at 14 cts., barley 10 cts., and corn IS cts. per bushel. At the close of the test the steers were sold in St. Paul for $4.10 per 100 lbs., a shrinkage of 4 per cent being allowed. The results of the test are shown in the following table: Summary of results of steer feeding. Average amount of food con- sumed per steer per dii ni. Total weight at beginning. Total in- crease per lot. Average cost of 100 lbs. increase. Net profit per lot. Hay. Silage. Meal. Lot 1 . Pounds. 6.91 6.53 5.71 Pounds. 2:s.04 21.77 18.07 Pounds. 8. 58 10.48 11.94 Pounds. 3,110 3, 165 3, lit) Pounds. 741 776 692 $3. 55 3.72 4.37 $10. 21 Lot 2 9. 20 Lot 3... 4.70 Fattening range steers (pp. 486-504). — A test similar to the preceding was made with 9 range steers, divided into 3 lots of 3 each. They were purchased in Montana and were worth at the beginning of the test $3.13 per 100 lbs. In some of the steers Hereford and Polled Aberdeen blood predominated, in others Shorthorn blood. They were a fair type of beef steers. They had been suckled by their dams in winter and when necessary given some hay. Otherwise they fed on the range. The test began December 7, 1890, and closed April 17, 1897. All the lots were fed bran, barley, corn, and linseed cake 3:3:3:1, with hay and silage in addition, lot 1 being fed 7 lbs. of grain per head daily, lot 2 9 lbs., and lot 3 11 lbs. at the beginning of the test. These amounts FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 673 were increased 1 lb. per mouth, until lot 1 was fed 11, lot 2 13, aud lot 3 15 lbs. Iu some instances it was fouud necessary to diminish the amounts. It was the intention to feed 25 lbs. of corn silage per day, but the amount was finally reduced to 18 lbs. One steer in lot 2 was given no silage. The financial statement is based on barley at 16 cts. and corn 18 cts. per bushel; bran at $6.50, oil cake at $14, hay at $3.50, and corn silage at $1.25 per ton. The results are given in the following- table : Summary of results of steer feeding . Average amount of food con- sumed per steer per diem. Total weight at begin- ning. Total gain per lot. Total cost of food consumed per lot. A verage cost of 100 lbs. of gaiu. Net profit per lot. Hay. Silage. Meal. Lot 1 Pounds. 10.58 8.99 9.06 Pounds. 18.17 20. 31 17.44 Pounds. 9.08 11.17 13.09 Pounds. 3,620 3,413 3,465 Pounds. 709 785 758 $25. 71 28.35 30.70 $3.94 3.G9 4.21 $53. 20 51 21 Lot 2 Lot3 ... 48 34 The following are some of the deductions drawn: "The wonderfully low cost of the food fed should not he overlooked. The average cost of feeding one steer per day in the 3 experiments was hut 8.36 cts. . . . "The low cost of the increase per 100 Ihs. is also noteworthy. With the steers in all the lots it was $4.62, while the average price for which it was sold was $4.66 per 100 lhs. During the 3 years of feeding, therefore, the cost of the increase was less than it sold for. In hut few countries of the world could this he accomplished with food charged at market values. . . . "The net profit on each of the steers in lots 1 was $1.93 more than on each of the steers in lots 3. It was $1.41 per animal more than the average profit from each of the steers in lots 2 and 3 combined, and in each of the 3 experiments was the profit greatest on the steers fed the light meal ration. It is fair to infer, then, that had the steers in these lots heen fed as the steers in lots 1, $25.38 additional would have heen added to the net profit on the 18 steers in lots 2 and 3. And it should also he borne in mind that the dearer relatively the price of grain, the greater will the contrast be between feeding meal or grain in moderate or in large quantities. The increase in the quantities of meal fed did not result in a decrease in the consumption of fod- der to the extent expected. . . . "The average quantity of meal fed per day in securing the hirgest profit was only 8.23 lhs. To this must he added some corn which the silage contained. The aver- age amount of silage consumed per day throughout the feeding was a little more than 21 lbs. aud it contained a moderate amount of corn, but how much can not be stated. In any event, it would not increase the meal fed daily to those steers to very much beyond 10 lbs. The writer can not but conclude, therefore, that in Western-fed lots much grain is oftentimes fed to no purpose, since from 25 to 30 lbs. of slielled coi u are frequently fed per day to one cattle beast and to one pig that feeds upon its droppiugs." The feeding value of whole cotton seed, crushed cotton seed, and cotton-seed meal and hulls for finishing steers for market, E. L. Bennett (Arkansas Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 47-52). — A test was made with 3 lots of 5 steers, to compare cotton seed and cotton-seed products. Lot 1 was fed cotton-seed meal and hulls in the same proportion as they exist in the seed ; lot 2, whole cottou seed, and lot 3 ground cotton seed. 11270— No. 7 6 674 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. In addition each lot was fed cow- The steers were fed in large box These materials were fed ad libitum. pea bay. The test covered 00 days stalls opening into small lots. The results of tbe test are shown in the following table Results of steer-feeding experiments. Total weight at begin- ning. Total food consumed. Average daily' gam. Cotton- seed meal. Cotton- seed hulls. Whole ! Ground cotton | cotton seed. seed. Cowpea hay. Lot 1 Pounds. 3,800 3,806 3,820 Pounds. 2,189 Pounds. 2,900 Pounds. Pounds. Povmds. 6, 252 0, 591 Pounds. 2 Lot 2 4,009 1.9 4,630 6,535 1.9 The principal conclusions follow: "This trial suggests the practice, when meal and bulls sell for more thau seed, or when they sell for relatively the same price, of feeding seed during the first part of the feeding period, not exceeding 60 days, and of feeding meal and hulls during the last part of the period. "The excess of oil in seed over that in meal would seem to he the cause of the diminished appetite of the steers fed seed when the weather was warm and sultry. The diminished appetites suggest that when seed is to he fed without any meal either corn or bran should partly or wholly replace the seed when the weather affects the appetites to any extent during the last part of the feeding. " Feeding seed as the only concentrated food for fattening should he done only during the cool part of the year." Corn meal and shorts as food for pigs, O. S. Plumb and W. B. Anderson {Indiana Sta. Bui. 71, pp. 55-00). — A test of the comparative value of corn meal and shorts covering 70 days was made with 2 lots of 3 high-grade Chester White sows each. Lot 1 was fed shorts and corn meal and lot 2 corn meal. The pigs were kept in pens about 30 by 15 ft. with a small shelter. The financial statement is based on shorts at 70 cts. and corn meal at 65 cts. per 100 lbs. At the beginning the total weight of lot 1 was 387.5 and lot 2, 385.75 lbs. The average daily gain per head of lot 1 was 1.68 and of lot 2, 1.55 lbs. The pigs in lot 1 consumed on an average 3.11 lbs. corn meal and the .same amount of shorts per day; lot 2 consumed 6.72 lbs. of shorts per day. The cost per pound of gain for lot 1 was 0.0274 cts. and of lot 2, 0.028 cts. The sows in the 2 lots were not pregnant nor suckling young and came into heat at regular intervals during the feeding period. The gains, which were recorded each week, varied. In the author's opinion, no variation in gain in weight could be definitely ascribed to the fact that the sows were in heat. Feeding pumpkins to pigs, H. T. French (Oregon Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 22-25). — The feeding value of pumpkins was tested with 6 Berkshire pigs 8 months old at the beginning of the trial. They had been pas- tured on a stnbble field for 6 weeks previous to the test. The test proper, which was preceded by a preliminary period of 7 days, began FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION 675 October 30 and covered 50 days, and was divided into 4 periods of 14 days each. The pigs were fed twice a day pumpkins which had been steamed after cutting up and removing the seeds. When thoroughly cooked the pumpkins were mixed with some shorts and a little salt. The financial statement is based on pumpkins at $2.50 and shorts at $12 per ion. During the entire period the pigs made a total gain of 499 lbs., con- suming 7,523 lbs. of pumpkins and 924 lbs. of shorts. The average cost per pound of gain was 2.9 cents. "On the whole the results were quite satisfactory when compared with previous work in feeding grain rations alone. The pigs seemed to relish the food and were very con- tented." The meat produced was regarded as very satisfactory. Feeding artichokes to pigs, H. T. French (Oregon Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 26-28). — Six Berkshire pigs which had been pastured on a stubble field were fed artichokes with a little grain (chopped wheat and oats 1:1) from October 22 until December 11. The artichokes were grown near the pens and were gathered by the pigs. It is estimated that the artichokes yielded 740 bn. to the acre. The pigs were weighed every 14 days. During the 8 weeks of the test they gained 244 lbs. and con- sumed 756 lbs. of grain and the artichokes from an eighth of an acre (92.5 bu.); that is, in addition to artichokes 3.1 lbs. of grain was required for a pound of gain. "In other experiments we have found that it takes about 5 lbs. of mixed grain to produce a pound of gain; hence, on this basis, the artichokes consumed would represent 2 lbs. ot grain in producing each pound of gain in live weight." The attempt was made to feed the artichokes without grain, but this was not successful. Poultry experiments, W. P. Brooks (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 37-44). — In continuation of work previously reported (E. S. 11., 9, p. 376) tests were made with poultry to learn the effect of condition powder and the value of cut bone vs. animal meal and of clover rowen vs. cabbage for egg production. Effect of condition powder (pp. 37-41). — The test, which began Jan- uary 1 and continued to May 2, was made with 1 lot of 19 and 1 lot of 20 Light Brahma hens. Lot 1 was fed a mixed grain ration, with cut clover and fresh cabbage from time to time. Lot 2 was fed the same ration with the addition of condition powder. The nutritive ratio of the first ration was 1 : 5.16 and of the second 1 : 5.14. The results are bnefiy summarized as follows: Results of feeding poultry with and without condition powder. Food con- sumed. Cost of food per day per fowl. Number of eggs produced. Weight per egg. Cost of food per egg- Lot 1 Pounds. 532. 0 549.3 Gent. 0. 285 .280 532 540 Ounces. 1.958 1.993 Cents. 1.24 1.25 676 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Samples of the eggs were analyzed. Those from the fowls given con- dition powder were somewhat richer in dry matter, protein, and fat. The eggs were also tested by housekeepers, but definite conclusions were not drawn. The fowls which had received condition powder were reported as dressing rather better than the other lot. In the author's opinion the differences observed in the 2 lots were too small to be con- sidered decisive, but the conclusion seems warranted that the condition powder did not pay for its use. Cut bone vs. animal meal (pp. 41, 42). — A test, beginning January 1 and continuing until May 2, was made with 2 lots of 20 Plymouth liock hens. Each lot was fed a mixed ration with clover and cabbage. In addition lot 1 was fed Chicago gluten and cut bone and lot 2 Buffalo gluten and animal meal. The nutritive ratio of the ration of lot 1 was 1: 5.05 and of lot 2, 1: 4.45. The average results are shown in the fol- lowing table: Comparison of cut bone and animal meal for poultry. Food consumed Cost of food per day per fowl. XllllllllT of eggs produced, Weight per egg. Cost of food per egg. Lot 1 (cut bone) Lot 2 (animal meal) Pounds. 525.5 513.1 Cent. 0.28 508 639 Ounces. 2. 0034 2. 0270 Cents. 1 3 .97 As shown by analysis, the eggs from the hens fed cut bone contained rather more protein but less fat than the others. Tests of the cooking qualities of the eggs were not decisive. The author notes that in this trial the auimal meal gave better returns than the cut bone as regards egg production, the results being the opposite of those obtained in the experiments of the preceding year. Clover rowen vs. cabbage (pp. 42-44). — A test of the same duration as the last was made with 2 lots of 19 Plymouth Pock pullets. Both lots were fed wheat, oats, bran, middlings, animal meal, cut bone, and oatmeal. In addition lot 1 was fed clover and lot 2 cabbage. The nutritive ratios of the 2 rations were for lot 1,1: 4.09 and for lot 2, 1:4.838. The results are summarized in the following table: Comparison of clover rowen and cabbage for poultry . Lot 1 (clover rowen) - Lot 2 (cabbage) Cost of Food food per consumed day per fowl, Pounds. 519.5 559. 5 Cent. 0.29 Number of eggs produced. Weight per egg. Ounces. 2. 0472 1.9880 Cost of food per egg. ' 'ents. 1.5 1.18 Analysis showed that the eggs from the lot fed cabbage contained a higher percentage of dry matter, protein, and fat. As regards weight and cost per egg the trial also showed the superiority of cabbage, but FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 677 the flavor, and cooking qualities of the eggs from the lot fed clover were regarded as superior. Skim milk as food for young growing chickens, W. B. Ander son [Indiana Sta. Bui. 71, pp. 60-HS). — A test of the value of skim milk for chickens was made with 2 lots containing 10 Plymouth Rocks and 10 Houdans. Each lot was given all they would eat of a mixture of crushed corn, bran, and ground oats, 2:1:1. Both lots were also fed cracked bone, cabbage, and lettuce and had access to water. The amount of these articles consumed is not recorded. The two lots received the same treatment in every respect, except that lot 2 was given all the skim milk they would eat in addition to the grain ration. The test began July 11 and closed September 5. During the test one chicken in lot 1 died. Lot 1 consumed 179.S lbs. grain, and the average weekly gain per chicken was 2.02 oz. Lot 2 consumed 217.3 lbs. grain and 90.4 lbs: skim milk, and the weekly average gain per chicken was 4.4G oz. The following conclusions were drawn: " If skitn milk be added to the ration fed to young chickens it will increase the con- sumption of the other foods given. The great increase in average gain was coinci- dent with the periods when the greatest amount of skim milk was consumed. Skim milk is especially valuable as a food for young chickens during the hot, dry weather, and becomes of less importance as the chickens grow older and the weather becomes cooler." Gravel and sand in the digestive apparatus of fowls, I. Abozin (Selsh. Khoz. i Lyesov., 187 (1897), No. 1.2, pp. 595-601). — Several experi- ments were made with hens to determine whether the gravel and sand eaten have any other function besides assisting in grinding the food. In the first test 2 sitting hens were fed buckwheat mush and sour milk but no sand or gravel. After 10 days one of the hens was killed. She had lost 202 gm. in weight. Not more than a gram of sand and gravel was found in the digestive tract, and no sand was found in the feces. The second hen was killed at the end of 20 days and dissected. She had lost 163 gm. in weight. The stomach contained 10 gm. of gravel but none was found in the feces. In both cases the bones were thin and brittle. The skeleton formed only 5 per cent of the total live weight, instead of 0 per cent, which is normal. The test was repeated several times. In some cases the hens were fed soft foods, in other cases grain; they were given no sand or gravel. In every case the bones became thinner, more crumbly, and weighed less than normal. The principal conclusions reached were the following: Gravel and sand are uniformly distributed throughout the food in the stomachs of fowls. This material renders the stomach contents porous and thus makes digestion more regular and also renders the passage of the food from the stomach into the intestine more rapid and easy. Gravel and sand are in large part if not entirely dissolved in the stomach of fowls and furnish nutritive material for the bones. The author discusses 678 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD at some length the conclusions of Kalagin (E. S. R., 8, p. 718). — P. FIREMAN. Some practical applications of results of food investigations, W. O. At- w a ri.i; and A. P. Bryant (Connecticut Storrs Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 168-188). — The practi- cal value of food investigations is discussed and a table is given in which foods are di\iiled into a number of groups. The different members of each group furnish nearly the same amounts of protein and energy. It is believed that such tables will nrovc useful in devising menus. A number of sample menus for a family equivalent to 4 persons at moderate muscular work are also given. Fish as food, C. F. Langwortiiy ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 85, pp. 30). — Sta- tistics are given showing the importance of the fishery industry in the United States ; the composition, nutritive value, and digestibility of fish are discussed, as well as its place in the diet. Sample menus are given showing that the proper amount of protein and energy may be readily furnished by a diet containing a considerable amount of fish. Some of the possible dangers from eating fish Avhich has not been handled in a cleanly manner, or which is not properly preserved, are pointed out. Soft clams as human food, E. Cutter (Dietet. and Hyg. (laz., 15 (1899), No. 1, pp. 55, 56). — The author believes that soft clams (Mya arenaria) have a high food value. The measurement of muscular energy in man, L. Hermann (Arch. Physiol. [Pfliigef], 73 (1898), Xo. 10, pp. 429-437). — The article is based on experiments by C. Hein and T. Siebert. The diet of laborers on the docks, P. Ivanoff (Vestnik Ohsh. Big. Subcd.i Prakt. Med., 31 (1896) No. 1, Pt. VIII, pp. 4-7; als.in Rev. Hyg., 19 (1897), p. 753).— An extended study is reported of the dietary of the laborers at the Cronstadt docks. In general it was found that they consumed from 216 to 220 gm. protein, 'Jo gm. fat, and 931 gm. carbohydrates, the total cost being about 13 cts. per day. During the Lenten season and other Church fasts, the amount of fat was diminished to 45 gm. per day and the carbohydrates increased to 1,040 gm. Deducting the amount of indi- gestible matter, the dietary was thought to furnish about the amount required by Voit's standard. Improved forms of bomb calorimeter and accessory apparatus, W. O. Atwater and O. S. Blakeslee (Connecticut Storrs Sta. Ilpt. 1897, pp. 199-211, figs. 8). — A detailed description is given of an improved form of the bomb calorim- eter described in Bulletin 21 of this office (E. S. R., 7, p. 148). Analyses of foods, feeding stuffs, and other products, W. 0. Atwater and F. G. Benedict (Connecticut Storrs Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 189-198). — Analyses are reported of corn stover, oat straw, hay from mixed grasses, hay of second quality, meadow hay, oat hay, corn silage, Buffalo gluten feed, Chicago gluten meal, Rockford gluten feed, com meal, corn and cob meal, ground oats, fine wheat feed, linseed- oil meal, rye meal, wheat bran and potatoes, and also of the food materials and feces examined in connection with the digestion and metabolism experiments with man reported elsewhere (p. 663). Feeding of animals and the composition of a number of feeding grains, hays, and other feeding stuffs, P. B6name (Rap. An. Sta. Agron. '[Mauritius'], 1897, pp. 57—91). — The author discusses the feeding of animals in general and reports the com- position of a large number of feeding stuffs grown in Mauritius. Among others these include: Seeds and grains — Muouna atropurpurea, Dolichos lablah, 1'haseolus inatnanus, Dolichos hijlorus, Leuccena glauca (whole and ground), Cajanus, lentils, barley, oats, maize, ilaxseed, and rice. Roots, fruits, etc. — Manioc, manioc flour, cassava, arrowroot, carrots, and sugar-cane sprouts. The forage plants include : Dried sugar-cane leaves, sugar-cane sprouts, hay from a number of leguminous jdants, and hay of mixed grasses. The green forage plants include: Saltbush, aloe stalks, tops and blossoms of maize, cowpeas, banana stalks, and the leaves of Leuccena glauca, Melia azederach, Accacia lehheck, Terantheria laurifolia, Artocarpus integrifolia, and Telferia. An analysis of the ash of manioc is also given. DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 679 Experiments on the fermentative action of the liquid in the small intestine, F. KRUGER (Ztschr. Biol., 37 (1898), No. 2, pp. 229-260). — The principal conclusions follow : The ferment of the mucous membrane of the small intestine did not cause cleavage of protein or fat. It saccharified cooked starch, but did not invert cane sugar. Concerning the origin of domestic cattle, A. David (Landw. Jdhro. Schweiz, 11 (1S97), pp. 117-15,', pis. 12). — This article is based on studies of the fragments of bone found in the lake-dwelling remains of the Bielersee. Crosses between the zebra and the horse, F. Steinriede (Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. S3, pp. 885, 887, figs. 2). — References are given to a number of such crosses. Advantages and disadvantages of modern methods of poultry culture, S. Cush- max (Agr. Massachusetts, 1897, pp. 95-116). — A popular address on this subject. DAIRY FARMING— DAIRYING. On milk "signs " in dairy cows, G. Norner {Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), N~o. 16, pp. 722-725; 47, pp. 739-741). — The author reviews the various rules or points (Milchzeichen) for judging of the merits of milcli cows, which have been laid down by different reputable writers from time to time. These "signs" are based upon a variety of characteristics, some on the relative size and shape of the different parts of the cow's body, others on the hair, others on the size and conformation of the udder, escutcheon, milk veins, etc. Following a summary of them, the author gives a crit- ical discussion of their merits, based upon observatious and measure- ments made by himself as well as on the studies of others. He con- cludes that most of these signs are wholly useless for judging the productiveness of a cow. He lays the most stress upon what he terms a "maternal appearance" both in bodily form and in character. The form of the udder is considered an important point, and also the size of the milk vein; but it is pointed out that a large udder is not always a sign of productiveness. "In the case of good milkers the skin of the udder has the appearance of having been dusted over with bran and has a fatty feeling." No importance is attache'd to the escutcheon, and this is said to be the general conclusion of European authorities. In conclusion, the body measurements are given of the best cow in the Province of Brandenburg, as shown by a trial milking for one year. This cow was small and unsightly in appearance, and gave no external indication of so great productiveness. Cotton-seed feed as a hay substitute for milch cows, J. B. Lindsey, E. B. Holland, and B. K. Jones (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 79-101). — Two experiments are reported on the substitu- tion of cottonseed feed for hay, using 6 cows in each experiment. In the first experiment the commercial mixture, said to consist of 1 part of cotton-seed meal to 4 parts of hulls, was used, and in the second experiment the materials were mixed at the station in this proportion. Preliminary to the experiments G digestion trials of cottonseed feed were made with sheep. The details of these trials are not given, but the average is tabulated, together with the results of similar determina- tions made at other stations. "The cotton-seed feed appeared to agree 680 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. better with the sheep when fed in connection with hay than when fed by itself. In the latter case, at the close of the period the sheep began to show signs of digestive disturbances, which would certainly have become quite pronounced had the feeding been continued much longer." The first feeding experiment was made during April and May and included 2 periods of 21 days each, with a transition period. The sec- ond experiment lasted from October G to December 15, the time being- divided into 2 periods, with a transition period of 2 weeks. In each experiment the cows were divided into 2 lots, one lot being fed the cotton-seed feed ration and the other the hay ration in the first period, and the feeding reversed in the second period. In the first experiment like amounts of cotton-seed feed and hay were fed with a constant basal ration, but in the second experiment 2 or 3 lbs. of hay was fed with the cotton-seed feed, the basal ration of grain being constant as before. The results for the individual cows, together with the composition of the feeding stuffs and the milk, are tabulated. In computing the finan- cial results, hay and cotton-seed feed are both rated at $15 per ton. A summary of the results of the 2 experiments is given in the following- table : Comparison of cotton-seed feed with hay for milch cows. first experiment: Cotton-seed feed Hay : Second experiment: Cotton-seed teed Hay Summary of 2 experiments Cotton-seed feed Hay Total yield of milk. Pounds. 2, 574. 58 2, 483. 21 548. 73 574. 99 5, 867. 00 5, 933. 00 Total yield of 'solids. Pounds. 366. 87 346. 92 76.10 79.90 823. 50 826. 30 Total yield of fat. Digestible matter required to pro- duce— Pounds. 133. 33 119. 00 26.18 27. 02 290. 4 281.1 100 lbs. of lib. of milk. butter, a Pounds. 64.40 68.49 70.90 66.90 67. 65 67.69 Pi) ii nils. 10.68 12.27 12.77 12. 18 11.72 12. 22 A \ erage cost of food per — lOOlbs.of lib. of milk. butter. Cen ts. 94.70 100.10 110.6 104.9 102.6 102.5 Cents. 15.49 17.94 20. 10 19.33 17.79 18.63 a Calculated from the milk fat. " [In the first experiment] the cotton-seed feed ration gave a slightly larger amount of milk than the hay ration. A 5.4 percentage increase in the amount of total solids is also noted, while fully 10 per cent more butter fat was produced hy the cotton-seed ration. This latter result could hardly have been expected. ... A part of the decrease in the amount of milk, solids, and fat produced by the hay ration can be accounted for in the sudden shrinkage of cow 5, . . . showing a shrinkage of 34 per cent in yield of milk [on hay] from that produced in the previous period. . . . "[In the second experiment, with fresh cows] the results are the reverse of those obtained in the first test, the hay period yielding several per cent more milk, milk solids, and fat. Our observations of the animals from day to day during the trial indicated that the cotton-seed feed ration was falling slightly behind the hay ration. . . . The cotton-seed rations slightly increased the cost of the milk and butter." In conclusion, the authors state that while the 2 experiments have shown cottonseed feed to give as large milk and butter yields at as DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 681 low a cost as a good quality of hay, they believe it to require more energy for digestion than hay, and that when fed for any length of time it would have a tendency to induce digestive disturbances. It is not recommended for Massachusetts farmers in place of hay unless it can be bought cheaper than hay, in which case it is suggested that one half of the hay may be replaced by the feed. A study of rations fed to milch cows in Connecticut, W. O. At water and C. S. Phelps (Connecticut Storrs Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 17-66). — This is a continuation of the study of rations fed by practical dairymen in the State (E. S. R., 9, p. 786), being a report for the fifth winter's work. The rations of 4 herds were studied, the period of observation lasting 12 days, and then after an interval of about 2 weeks, in which the suggested rations were introduced, the study was repeated. "The main idea was to change the feeding in such a manner as would not only give a ration with a narrow nutritive ratio, but to vary this for the different animals of the herd in accordance with their milk pro- duction." The details of the study are tabulated, and the results are discussed at considerable length. The results for the 4 herds are briefly summarized in the following table, the first test showing the rations which were being fed by the dairymen, and the second test those sug- gested by the station : Original and suggested rations fed to dairy coirs. Total amount of food. Digestible nutrients and fuel value. Cost. Value of obtain- able manure. Net- cost. Pro- tein. Fat. Carbo- hy- drates. Fuel value. Nutri- tive ratio. Her(' rations containing 2 pounds or less of digestible protein per day, as fed 16 herds (226 cows) in actual practice Average of rations containing more than 2 pounds of digestible protein per day, as fed 16 herds (227 cows) in actual practice Average of 11 wide rations (tirst test) as found in use Average of 1 1 narrower rations (second test) proposed by the Station Digestible nutrients and fuel values. Pro- tein. 1,6s. 2.08 1.97 2.32 1.76 2.40 Lb. 0.72 .81 .04 .07 Carbo- hy- drates. Lbs. 11.21 11.77 11.86 10.37 Fuel value. Gal. 27, 750 28, 250 20, 900 29, 600 28, 100 26, 000 Nutri- tive ratio. 1 : 6, 5 1 : 7. 0 1 : 5. 9 1:7.7 1 : 5. 1 Daily milk yield. Lbs. 17.6 18.7 18.0 18.2 Aver- age fat content of milk. Perot. 4.S 4.9 4.7 4.9 Daily butter yield. a Lbs. 0.97 1.05 l.OO 1.04 a Calculated. "The 45 rations as fed contained from 1.15 to 3.26 lbs. of digestible protein, aver- aging 2.1 lbs. ; and the fuel values vanned from 21,150 to 35,150 calories, averaging 27,750 calories. The nutritive ratios ranged from 1 : 3.3 to 1 : 11.3, with an average of 1:6.5. . . . DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 683 '•In the 32 testa of actual feeding practice the average ration per cow per day supplied Ironi 1.15 to 2.70 lbs., averaging 2 lbs. of digestible protein; while the range of fuel values was from 21,150 to 35,150, averaging 28,250 calories. The nutri- tive ratios of these rations ranged from 1 : 4.5 to 1 : 11.3, averaging 1 : 7.0. . . . "The advantage of rations with liberal quantities of protein is quite clearly shown when the herds are divided into two groups according to the amounts of protein in the rations fed. The group composed of those herds receiving 2 lbs. or less of digest- ible protein per cow per day produced on the average 16.3 lbs. of milk and 0.87 lb. of butter per day, while the group receiving more than 2 lbs. of digestible protein per cow per day averaged 18.7 lbs. of milk and 1.05 lbs. of butter. This means that the herds which were fed the larger quantities of protein produced on the average 15 per cent more milk and 20 per cent more butter per cow than those fed the smaller quantities of protein. . . . " It is impracticable to compare accurately the costs of the rations fed throughout these 32 tests, but the general results of our experiments indicate that the rations with relatively large proportions of protein are cheaper thau those containing relatively smaller quantities. ... " Our studies tend to point more and more to the conclusion that rations should be compounded in accordance with the milk flow rather than in accordance with the live weight of the animals. If the milk flow is uniform, the feed need not vary much for variations of 100 to 200 lbs. live weight, but with an increase in the milk flow the size of the ration should be larger, and especially the protein should be increased both in total quantity and relatively, in order to meet the increased demands on the system of the animal.'' Nitrogenous feeding stuffs, and feeding formulas for dairy cows, VV. O. Atwater and C. S. Phelps (Connecticut Morns Sta. L'pt. 1897, pp. 67-129). — This is quite a general article discussing the food supply of the farm, composition and digestibility of feeding stuffs, energy required for digestion, food requirements of the animal organ- ism, manurial value of nitrogenous feeding stuffs, influence of food upon the composition of cows' milk, with a summary of experiments on this point made by different stations, and feeding standards or formulas. The conclusion from the experiments summarized on the effect of food on milk is that — "Liberal amounts of protein and narrow rations tend to increase the tlow of milk and to lessen the natural shrinkage due to advanced period of lactation. "As to the intluence of nitrogenous feeding stuffs on the composition of milk, the results of the majority of the experiments here reported indicate that the narrow rations tended to increase the percentages of total solids and of fat in the milk to a slight degree. A rise of from 0.2 to 0.6 in the average percentages of fat in milk in favor of the narrow rations is seen in at least 4 of the experiments recorded. The individuality of the cow, however, seemed to be an important factor. Wbile in tin- ease of some cows a considerable change in the percentage of solids and of fat was noticed, in other cases there seemed to be little or no change. "The percentages of fat in the total solids of the milk was larger in at least 4 of the experiments where the narrow rations were fed — that is, the proportion of fat to solids-not-fat seemed to be increased in these instances by the use of narrow rations. ""With regard to the relative profit from the use of the narrow and the wide rations, there seems to be a diversity of opinion, but the general verdict of the experiments here recorded is in favor of the liberal use of nitrogenous feeding stuffs from the standpoint of profit, especially in the Eastern States." G84 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The effect of some undetermined factors in experiments of this kind, as short periods and the total quantity of food, is considered, and the application and importance of metabolism experiments in the study of this question is emphasized. The question of feeding standards is discussed at considerable length and the point is made that "a physiological standard or a formula for profit to feed in all cases is not only irrational but impossible." It is believed that the amount of food should be varied in proportion to the milk yield and to suit the stage of lactation. In accordance with this belief 0 rations are proposed "with the plan in view of utilizing home- grown nitrogenous feeding stuffs and of supplementing these mainly by the addition of concentrated nitrogenous feeds, the latter to be increased in accordance with the milk production." In the case of each ration a basal ration is given for cows producing from 10 to 20 lbs. of milk per day. For all cows giving over 20 lbs. of milk per day there is added to this basal ration 1 lb. of a protein mixture (furnishing 0.3 lb. of digestible protein) for each 5 lbs. increase in the milk flow. The rations are calculated for cows weighing from 750 to 950 lbs. and would prob- ably require to be increased for heavier cows. In the case of each ration the components of the basal ration and the protein mixture, with the amounts of digestible nutrients furnished, are given. The rations are adapted to different conditions with respect to the feeding stuffs grown on the farm. Dairy rations, F. L. Kent {Oregon Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 12-16). — Four cows were fed for periods of 15 days each on the following rations: Ration 1. Corn silage 25 lbs., clover hay 10 lbs., bran 6 lbs. Ration 2. Com silage 25 lbs., clover bay 10 lbs., bran 5 lbs., oat chop 3 lbs Ration 3. Corn silage 40 lbs., clover hay 5 lbs. Ration 4. Clover bay 15 lbs., bran 5 lbs., oat chop 2 lbs., carrots 8 lbs. Ration 5. Clover bay 15 lbs., bran 5 lbs., oat chop 3 lbs., shorts 2 lbs. " Of the 5 rations fed, No. 1 . . . is shown by tbe tables to be tbe most satisfactory. Tbe cost of a pound of butter fat is low, only 10.4 cts. at a time when butter was worth 25 cts. per pound in the market. ... In rations 1 and 2, Avhere silage was fed in connection with grain and hay, butter fat was produced at a cost of 10.4 cts. and 12.8 cts. respectively. In rations 4 and 5, where the silage, was omitted and larger quantities of hay and grain fed, tbe cost per pound of butter fat was 16.1 cts. and 17.4 cts. respectively." Root feeding, F. L. Kent (Oregon Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 17-19). — Feeding a constant basal ration of clover hay, silage, and grain, a comparison was made of beets, carrots, and mangel-wurzels, feeding about 21 lbs. of each. Each ration was fed to 4 cows for 1 weeks. There were no differences in the yield and cost of butter fat on the 3 rations which could be attributed to the different root crops. "Very little difference was noticeable in the quality of the butter from the differ- ent rations, especially between the rations consisting largely of carrots and sugar beets. That from the ration consisting largely of mangels was not quite so high in flavor, however, as the butter from the other 2 rations." DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 685 Experiments on the effect on butter of feeding cotton-seed and sesame-oil cake, T. E. Thorpe (Analyst, 23 (1898), Oct, pp. 255-259).— Tbese experiments were made for the British Board of Agriculture by the Southeastern Agricultural College at Wye, "for the purpose of determining whether and to what extent the substances giving the cotton-seed and sesame-oil reactions might be found in the butter made from the milk of cows fed on cotton-seed and sesame-oil cakes." Twelve cows were fed in 4 lots during 0 periods, commencing February 16 and ending May 25. A part or the whole of the linseed cake in the basal ration was replaced in different periods by cotton- seed cake or sesame cake, as high as 7 lbs. of each being fed per cow daily, which was the limit to the amount the cows would eat. Butter was made from the milk and samples were tested for the cotton-seed oil and sesame oil reactions. They were also compared with butter made with the addition of 1, 2, and 5 per cent of 4 representative samples of cotton-seed oil. The general conclusions from the experiment are summarized as follows : " (1) Cows fed on cotton-seed oil cake produce milk the butter fat of which gives cotton-seed oil reactions. " (2) The reactions appear when the cows receive only a small quantity of cake. They increase somewhat with continuous feeding, hut apparently can uot he carried beyond a certain point, even when the amount of cake is increased to the full limit which the cows under ordinary circumstances care to eat. " (3) The reacting substance passes into the milk within less than 24 hours after the cake feeding begins, and continues to do so for several days after it has been dropped. " (4 ) The reactions vary in intensity in individual cows, but do not in any case much exceed those given by 1 per cent of cotton-seed oil mixed with butter. The pre- sumption is, therefore, that in butter made in the ordinary way from the mixed milks of several cows the reaction would, as a rule, be less than that due to the presence of 1 per cent of the oil, and experiment shows that this is actually the case. "(5) As feeding with cotton-seed oil cake gives butter affording analytical data tending to differ from rather than to approach to those given by margarine, it appears to be possible in most cases to differentiate between the cotton-seed oil reaction due to feeding on eotton-seed oil cake and that produced by any considerable admixture of margarine containing cotton-seed oil with butter. " (6) The butter from the milk of cows fed on sesame-oil cake gives no sesame-oil reaction, oven after more than 5 months' continuous feeding up to as large a quan- tity as the cows will take." The changes in butter due to feeding fat, G. Baumert and F. Falke (ZUchr. Untersuch. Nalir. u. Gcmtssmtl., 1898, No. 10, pp. 665- 078). — This experiment was made at the agricultural institute at Halle. Two cows were fed from January 17 to May 7, 1897, in 5 periods of 20 days each, the lirst half of each period being regarded as preparatory. A constant basal ration was fed throughout the experiment. To this was added per cow 701) to 900 gm. of sesame oil in the second period ; 550 to 700 gm. of cocoanut oil in the third period, and 500 gm. of almond oil in the fourth period. The oil was given as in Soxhlet's experiments (F. S. K.j 8, p. 101G), in the form of an emulsion as a warm drink. Sweet 680 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. cream butter was made from the milk of each cow daily. Xo data are given as to the yield and composition of the milk, but the results are tabulated of the examination of 32 samples of butter produced in the first period, 44 in the second period, 36 in the third period, 34 in the fourth period, and 32 in the last period. The results are summarized in the following table : Butter produced on basal ration and with the addition of sesame, cocoanut, and almond oils. Meltiug point of butter. Index of refrac- tion. Kottstorfei Volatile fatty number. acids. lodin number. p e P. Of oil fed. Of but- ter. Of oil fed. Of hut 01' oil ter. fed. Of but- ter. Of oil fed. Of but- ter. 1 2 3 4 5 Basal ration : Swiss cow Dutch cow Sesame oil: Swiss cow Dutch cow Cocoanut oil : Swiss cow Dutch cow Almond oil: Swiss cow Dutch cow Basal ration ; Swiss cow Dutch cow Deg. 0. 34.16 33. 96 37.011 36.76 33.58 34. 70 34.28 34.50 34.50 35.15 + 17.6 + 17.6 — 9.2 — 9.2 + 13.6 + 13.6 +1.7 +2.4 +5.6 5.4 —0.5 —0.6 +3.6 +4.3 +3.0 + 3.6 190 190 255 255 195 195 224 223 204 206 237 230 210 207 218 216 0.4 0.4 8.0 8.0 0.0 0.0 31.0 29.5 16.9 15.7 20. 0 18.6 19.7 15.3 22.0 24.4 116 116 9 9 98 98 44 3 45.0 53.9 52. 9 37. 1 35.2 50.9 53.9 41.2 44. 5 The sesame oil had a marked influence on the appearance and taste of the milk and increased the index of refraction, diminished the Kottstorfer number and the volatile fatty acids^ and increased the iodin number of the butter. A test for sesame oil with furfurol and hydrochloric acid gave no reaction. The butter produced on cocoanut oil was normal in appearance, but had an unmistakable taste of cocoa- nut oil. The index of refraction of the butter was materially diminished, the Kottstorfer number was materially and the volatile fatty acids slightly increased, and the iodin number was noticeably diminished. On almond oil the butter showed a positive increase in the index of refraction, the Kottstorfer number diminished slightly, and the iodin number increased. The authors conclude that the feeding of oils not only greatly changed the butter, but that the changes followed in general the characteristics of the oils themselves. "In other words, in feeding sesame oil, cocoa- nut oil, and almond oil butter fat was produced which corresponded in its chemical properties to artificial mixtures of butter with these 3 oils." The authors go so far as to say that in the light of the above investigations the feeding of such oils would constitute " an adulteration of the butter within the animal's body." Fresh vs. stripper cow butter, F. L. Kent ( Oregon 8ta. Bid. 51, pp. 20, 21). — In an experiment of about 5 days' duration the milk of 11 cows averaging 121 days from calf was compared with that of 4 cows averaging 283 days from calf. "So far as this short experiment goes, it shows that the milk from comparatively- fresh cows gives up its cream more readily even with a separator than does milk DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 687 from cows well along in the period of lactation. It also shows that butter made from the milk of cows whicli have been in milk for a considerable period of Time is slightly inferior to that made from the milk of cows which are comparatively fresh." A few experiments concerning the hardness of butter, H. Atwood ( West Virginia Farm Review, 6 (1808), Xo. 11, pp. 355, 356). — Fifty-two and one-half pounds of sweet Cooley cream was divided into 2 equal parts, one being wanned gradually to 5G° and churned and the other warmed gradually to 65°, kept at that temperature 2 hours, and then churned. It was found that the butter from the cream churned at 65° came and remained softer than that from the cream churned at 56°. The hardness of the butter was determined by drop- ping a small glass tube filled with mercury upon the butter and observ- ing the penetration. In another experiment both lots of cream were warmed considerably above the proper churning temperature and then cooled quickly. One part was churned at once and the other was allowed to remain at the proper churning temperature for 44 hours and then churned. uThe butter from the cream which was churned immediately after being cooled came softer and remained softer than the other." Studies on the formation of holes in Emmenthaler cheese, O. Jensen (Gentbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. Abt., 4 (1898), No. 6, pp. 217-222; 7, pp. 265-275 ; 8, pp. 325-331).— The author reviews the theories in regard to the cause of these holes and reports investigations to test their accu- racy. The conclusions which he reaches are as follows : (1) The normal holes in Emmenthaler cheese are not produced by the same agents as swelling or by yeasts or obligate anaerobic bacteria, but by the agents which cause normal ripening, i. e., lactic-acid producing organisms. (2) The gas which is the immediate cause of the holes is not produced at the cost of the milk sugar, but from the nitrogenous substances. (3) The lactic-acid organisms of cheese can, under certain conditions, form traces of carbon dioxid from nitrogenous substances, and these traces are the cause of the normal formation of holes in Emmenthaler cheese. The cause of the ripening of Emmenthaler cheese, E. von Freudenreich (Landic. Jahrb. Schweiz, 11 (1897), pp. 85-101; and Gentbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. Abt., 4 (1898), No. 5, pp. 170-171; 6, pp. 223-230; 7, pp. 276-284). — Two cheeses were examined bacteriologically with results similar to those found on previous occasions. Numerous lactic acid microorganisms were found, with only a few liquefying organisms. Experiments in inoculating Ducleaux' liquefying organism, tyrothrix, into cheese, showed as formerly that the organism can not increase in cheese but, on the contrary, decrease in numbers. Various experiments are reported with cheese made from pasteurized milk which was inocu- lated with cultures of lactic-acid bacteria, liquefying bacteria, and anaerobic bacilli. These experiments, the author concludes, indicate that the lactic-acid organism plays a principal role in the ripening of cheese, since ripening took place when the lactic-acid organisms were 688 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. used alone or combined with other forms, and the cheese did not ripen with the liquefying bacilli alone. As the pasteurized milk was not eutiiely free from micro-organisms, experiments were undertaken with milk which was obtained under tlie greatest precautions in the hope of securing aseptic milk. This milk was found, however, to contain from 92 to 500 bacteria per cubic centi- meter. The cheese molded, although it was kept under a sterilized bell glass, and was then scraped and dipped in a solution of paraffin, which, in some cases, promoted the growth of an amerobic bacillus. This, however, is not believed to have interfered with the experiment. " These experiments indicate anew that the ripening of cheese is invariably associated with the presence of lactic-acid organisms and under the exclusion of so-called tyrothrix bacilli; the latter were not to be found in the ripened portion of the cheese or on the surface." Studies were then made on the effect of lactic acid in changing the casein, to determine definitely whether the change in the casein was due to the action of the lactic organisms or to the acid produced. The lactic acid produced in the milk cultures was neutralized by calcium carbonate, the bottles being frequently shaken for this purpose. The results showed that the change in the casein could not be attributed to the action of lactic acid. Finally the results are recorded of 12 experiments in inoculating into milk various pure cultures of micro-organisms isolated from cheese. The author's final conclusion is that the lactic acid organisms, espe- cially those isolated from cheese, are able to dissolve and decompose casein, and that there is no further ground for doubt that the cause of the ripening of hard cheese is to be found in the lactic organisms. He suggests that, knowing the cause of the ripening, a practical applica- tion may be made as has been done in butter making in using pure cultures for ripening cream. The fungi taking part in cheese ripening, O. Johan-Olsen (Gentbl. Bald, u. Par., 2. AM., 4 (1898), No. J, pp. lt;i-l<;9, pis. 6).— The author gives a condensed account of his studies on the cause of the ripening of Gammelost, a Norwegian cheese made from pasteurized skim milk, and the use of a mixture of pure cultures in the manufacture of this cheese. From the various forms of micro-organisms found in different samples of the cheese, it was found by practical experiments extending over quite a period that the best results were obtained by the use of pure cultures of lactic-acid organisms from Gammelost cheese, Chlamy- domucor casei, Mucor casei I, and Penicillum aromaticum casei. The character of the cheese could be changed at will by partial changes in the organisms used. The method of making the cheese by the old and the new ways is described. The cheese made with the pure cultures was much more uniform in quality, kept better, had a liner flavor, and a less objectionable odor. The ripening can be so well regulated that less than 10 per cent of the cheeses are inferior. These pure cultures are DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 689 coining to be used in practice, about 15,000 kg. of Gammelost being made with pure cultures the past year, it is estimated. In a similar way the author has worked out pure cultures for making Gorgonzola, Camembert, Roquefort, and Fromage Norwegian cheeses, although these are not described in the article. The action of rennet ferment, E. von Freudenreich (Landtc. Jahrb. Sohiveiz, 11 (1897), pp. 102-116; and Centbl. Boot, u. Par., 2. AM., 4 (1898), No. 8, pp. 309-335). — In order to obtain germ-free rennet the author made experiments with the use of various antiseptics, i. e., chloroform, potassium bicarbonate, thymol, salol, glycerin, and formic aldehyde. An artificial preparation of rennet in the form of rennet tablets was used. An aqueous solution of formic aldehyde (0.5 to 1 per cent) was the only disinfectant which gave satisfactory results. Chloroform did not diminish the action of the rennet but failed to ster- ilize it completely. Potassium bicarbonate in 0.005 solution did not sterilize and materially weakened the action of the rennet. Thymol sterilized the preparation but prevented the action of the ferment. The same was true of formic aldehyde vapor. The best means of preparing a germ-free rennet was found to be filtering it through a Chamberland porcelain filter. This weakens the action of the rennet solution somewhat, which can be remedied by starting with a stronger solution. The strength of this filtered rennet solution was weakened by keeping. Experiments were made with this germ-free rennet on the curdling of pasteurized milk, the milk being heated for different lengths of time at from 68 to 90° O. Milk heated to 68° for 15 minutes curdled well with rennet, but if the heating was continued for an hour the curdling was materially diminished, although not entirely prevented. Contin- ued heating at 70° or over had a decidedly unfavorable effect upon the curdling. The conclusion is that where it is desirable to pasteurize milk it may be done without spoiling the milk for cheese making. Dairy bulletin by the Dairy School, Guelph {Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Bid. 107, pp.32). — A popular bulletin on methods of disposal of sewage from cream- eries and cheese factories, the testing and handling of milk, and the making of butter and cbeese. Report on the chemical examination of two hundred individual specimens of human milk, V. Adriance and J. S. Adriance {New Fork, 1898, pp.42; aos.in Jour. Soc. Chem. hid., 17 {1898), No. 7, pp. 686). Composition and food value of cheeses, Balland {Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 {1898), No. 22, pp. 879-881).— A brief extract of a paper presented before the society. Milch cows, structure as relating to production, G. M. Twitchell ( Agr. Mas- sachusetts, 1897, pp. 23-37). — This is a popular paper delivered before the Massachu- setts Board of Agriculture on the importance of type in the selection and breeding of dairy cows. The source of milk fat, R. Warington {Jour. Roy. Agr. Soc. England, 3. ser., 9 {1898), pt. 2, No. 34, pp. 317-323).— -This article consists principally of a review of the experiment in milk production on fat- free food at the New York State Station (E. S. 14270— No. 7 7 G90 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. R., fl, p. 1083), from which the author concludes that "the dairy farmer need no longer feel the necessity for supplying his cows at all costs with a highly nitroge- nous diet; a liberal ration of eereal corn, including bran, is apparently sufficient to yield a full supply of milk and butter." Is the fat of the food directly transmitted to the milk? WlNTERNITZ (Miinchen. Med. Wchngchr., 44 {1897), No. 30; ahs. in Ztsehr. Fleisch uud Milchhyg., 8 (1S9S), No. 11, l>. 209). — The author fed iodin fat to a goat and examined the milk for iodin. The results, he believes, indicate that the food fat is transmitted to the body fat or milk. Abnormal milk (Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 48, p. 760). — A cow at the agricultural academy at Poppelsdorf, in the last stages of lactation, gave milk with from 6.5 to 7 per cent of fat. When she was nearly dry she gave 60 gm. of milk at night and 100 gm. in the morning which contained 42.1 per cent of solids, 25.57 per cent of fat, 10.53 per cent of solids-not-fat, and 2.32 per cent of sugar. She was found unsound when slaughtered. Milk supply and the public health, W. T. Sedgewick ( Agr. Massachusetts, 1897, pp. 16-54). — This is a popular paper delivered before a public meeting of the Massa- chusetts Board of Agriculture, iu which the character and sources of milk contam- ination are discussed and suggestions made on the production and handling of milk from a sanitary standpoint. The present status of the "milk ice" question (Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 49, p. 776). — A commission sent by the Mark Brandenburg to investigate the, milk ice trade in Copenhagen (E. S. R., 9, p. 581) reports that at present about 18,000 liters are sold daily. There has been no difficulty in introducing milk ice, but on the contrary the demand at times has exceeded the supply. It is preferred to other milk by the customers because the chilling as soon as possible after milking preserves the original aroma and hinders the action of micro-organisms. It is of advantage to dealers, as surplus milk can be stored for some time and used as needed. Why milk sours and how souring can be prevented or at least delayed, G. M. Whitaker (Agr. Massachusetts, 1897, pp. 48-53). — This treats in a popular manner of the souring of milk and the value of cleanliness and prompt cooling as preventives. Pasteurization of milk, F. E. Emery (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 148, pp. 300-304, fig. 1, dgm. 1). — A popular explanation of pasteurization with an illustrated description of a pasteurizing apparatus devised at the station. The apparatus consists of a large galvanized iron box with a rack for supporting the jars or cans and heated by live steam or a stove. A diagram shows the temperature of the milk and the water in the box during two trials. The effect of several substances on the curdling of milk, T. Bokorney (Milch Ztg., 27 (189S), No. 49, pp. 769, 770). — Experiments with a number of common and some new milk preservatives. Most of the new substances were ineffective. Observations on the ripening of cream, W. Gransky (Milch Ztg., 27 (1S9S), No. 47, pp. 741-742). — Data covering a little over 2 weeks, collected at the dairy institute at Hameln. Effect on the quality of butter of feeding oil cakes (Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 46, pp. 721-722). — An account of English experiments noted elsewhere (p. 685). Cost of production of butter, T. L. Haecker ( Wisconsin Dairymen's Assoc. Ilpt. 1898, pp. 127-142). — A popular address. VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Preliminary report upon a comparative study of tubercle bacilli from man (sputum) and from cattle, T. Smith {Agr. Massachu- setts, 1897, pp. 564-581). — The author's observation that there were dif- ferences iu the lesions produced in guinea pigs by the inoculation of tubercular products of cattle and from the sputum of human beings VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 691 led to au extended investigation of the subject. Some of the earlier experiments have been previously reported.1 In the present publication 12 experiments with cattle are described in considerable detail. Six animals were inoculated with human bacilli, 5 with bovine bacilli, and 1 with swine bacilli. In all cases cultures isolated by the author were used. Inoculations were first made on guinea pigs, and from them after 3 to 0 weeks cultures on dog serum were made. These were tested upon rabbits and guinea pigs and lastly on the cattle. In all the tests the experimental conditions were kept as nearly uniform as possible. Of the G cases inoculated with bacilli from sputum 1 showed no disease, 2 very slight lesions, and 3 only local lesions without dissemination. Of the 5 cases inoculated with bovine bacilli, 2 died of generalized disease, 2 showed extensive lesions, and 1 less extensive lesions. The animal inoculated with swine bacilli, which the author remarks were probably originally bovine, showed less exten- sive lesions than the animals inoculated with bovine bacilli. "We may now maintain that bovine tubercle bacilli and human bacilli as found in sputum are not identical. The difference in their action upon cattle is reinforced by certain differences in the bacilli themselves and their effect upon rabbits. . . . " What the significance of these divergencies is, what influence they have upon the transmissibility of the disease from cattle to man, we are unable at present to state with any degree of certainty. That they do have some effect must be admitted in view of results of studies upon other species of pathogenic bacteria. Their pre- cise bearing needs careful investigation. "These studies will, I think, warrant one inference, however; that is, that human sputum can not be regarded as specially dangerous to cattle, nor can it be looked upon as a factor in the introduction of tuberculosis into a healthy herd of cattle. Even if the tubercle bacilli of cattle and of man are very closely related and have the same ancestry, as we all must admit, if we regard the two as mere varieties, which may eventually, under very favorable conditions, pass one into the other, the condition in which the bacillus leaves the lungs in sputum is evidently such as to interfere, under ordinary circumstances, with any development in the bovine body. It would fall a speedy prey to destruction. "I refrain, for obvious reasons, from drawing the conclusions that all human tubercle bacilli are like those existing in the sputum of phthisis." A comparative study of bovine tubercle bacilli and of human bacilli from sputum, T. Smith (Jour. Exptl. Med., 3 (1898), X<>. 4-5, pp. 451-511). — In this publication the author describes the experi- ments noted above, and in addition reports comparative tests of bovine tubercle bacilli and bacilli from human sputum upon rabbits, gray mice, and pigeons. "The foregoing experiments, while they show unmistakably theclose relationship existing aiming the various cultures studied, nevertheless justify us, if only to guide and stimulate fmther study, in establishing a distinctively human or sputum and a bovine variety of the tubercle bacillus. . . . The characters upon which the bovine variety may be based reside, morphologically, in the invariably short, straight 'Trans. Assoc. Anier. Physicians, 1896, pp. 75-93. U. S. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Industry Rpt, 1895-96, pp. U9-161 (E. S. R., 9, p. 889). 692 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. form, and in the greater resistance of this form to modifying influences of culture- media; biologically, in a greater resistance to artificial cultivation and in a much greater pathogenic activity toward rabbits, guiuea pigs, and cattle. "There is proof, furthermore, of the existence of slightly varying characters even within the varieties proposed. Among the bovine forms studied slight variations in virulence were noticeable. Among the sputum forms, variations in size, in capac- ity for cultivation, and in pathogenic activity have been observed. ... In spite of these variations, mammalian tubercle bacilli may still be considered as forming a fairly compact group when compared with the tubercle bacilli of birds, which are but slightly virulent toward the guinea pig, so susceptible to the mammalian type. . . . The bovine type differs from the human bacilli in a far less saprophytic growth. In the pathological secretion and in the caseous masses the bacilli are relatively scarce. This difference may be a result of their adaptation to the bovine body, in which cavities of the lungs and catarrh of the air tubes are far less com- mon. In other words, certain differences in the type of reaction tend in the one case to make the human bacillus more saprophytic, the bovine more parasitic." A study of normal temperatures and the tuberculin test, C. E. Marshall (Michigan Sta. Bui. 159, pp. 347-390). — A general discussion of tuberculin and its use is followed by a detailed report of a study of the variations in normal temperature of cattle and a comparison of these results with the variations in temperature after injecting tuber- culin. It was found that normal maximum temperatures varied from a fraction of a degree to over 5°. "Owing to this great variation in normal maximal temperatures, we feel justified in bidding caution to all operators in the tuberculin test. The too prevalent method of finding the maximal temperatures of the day of and the day after injection and condemning animals in accordance with this standard, without any further investi- gation, may be the means of unnecessary destruction of property. There are cases where this would be legitimately allowable, as we shall see later in a survey of reactions, but when it is applied irrespective of other features it can not be justified. Where there is a possibility of 5° of variation in normal maximal temperatures, 2° can not be taken as the sole criterion for placing the stamp of 'tuberculous' upon an animal." Sudden changes in temperature, the influence of seasons or atmos- pheric temperature upon the temperature of animals, time of day when maximum and minimum temperatures occur, and whether temperatures higher or lower occur on the second day of the test are also discussed with reference to the temperature records kept at the station. In summarizing the discussion the following tentative conclusions are advanced : "(1) Tuberculin is the best diagnostic known for tuberculosis. " (2) Tuberculin itself may be infallible, but its application and interpretation are not. " (3) An arbitrary point of condemnation is unwarranted. "(4) To succeed iu eradicating tuberculosis from a herd, the tuberculin test must be applied persistently at intervals for as yet an undetermined time. "(5) The slaughtering of animals reacting to tuberculin is not justified, unless the physical condition of the animal confirms the tuberculin test and makes it a wise precaution. Reacting animals should be isolated. Should a second test diagnose tuberculosis, slaughter is possibly made justifiable unless the animal is sufficiently valuable to isolate her for offspring or in hopes of recovery." VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 693 Tuberculous cows and the use of their milk in feeding calves, C. S. Phelps {Connecticut Storrs Sta, Bpt. 1897, pp. 243-251).— The record for 2 years is given of 4 Devon cows which were condemned by the State Cattle Commission as tuberculous. At different times during the period the cows responded to the test and at other times they failed to respond. A statement of the veterinarian as to the present condi- tion of the cows is given. Good care and treatment evidently prevented the development of the disease in these cases. Four calves from healthy cows were fed for periods of 5 to 10 months upon the milk of the 4 cows supposed to be tuberculous. The disease had not appeared in the udder of any of the cows. "In no instance do these calves show symptoms of the disease either by the tuberculin test or physical examinations." Some diseases of animals caused by improper feeding, J. F. Connor (Alabama Canebrake Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 13-15). — The author discusses the symptoms and treatment of acute gastrointestinal catarrh, colic due to overloading the stomach, and flatulent colic. The fact is emphasized that care should be taken not to overload the stomachs of horses and mules. They should not be fed immediately before starting on a long journey. Care should be taken not to feed moldy corn. "Horses and mules should be fed 3 times a day and from separate mangers. The amount of food required by each animal can only be determined by observation by those in charge. Oats and corn mixed make a good food. This, with plenty of clean hay or fodder and an occasional bran mash (when there is a tendency to con- stipation) will keep the animal in good condition." Relation of water supply to animal disease, A. W. Bitting (Indiana Sta. Bui. 70, pp. 42-51, Jigs. 3). — The amount of water which different animals consume is discussed. "The diseases which arise as a result of supplying water in insufficient quantities, or not providing water in accessible places, are sporadic in character; that is, affect only an occasional animal or a few in a herd or iiock. Probably the most serious disease having such cause is mad itch in cattle. This occurs especially in the fall of the year, when the cattle are upon dry pasture, or when turued in upon a dry stalk field. It may occur at other times, and also he due to other causes, but with- out doubt 90 per cent of the cases occurring iu this State are directly traceable to this cause. Sheep also suffer from impaction and constipation, and large numbers die for want of proper water supply. Hogs, especially young ones, often succumb from like treatment. Horses probably suffer least loss, because they receive the greatest care in this respect, but no doubt many cases of colic, impaction, and constipation are traceable to this source. " The author notes that the dangers of diseases which arise from insufficient water are much less numerous than those due to supplying impure water. The possibility of infection with animal parasites and diseases conveyed by impure water is discussed at some length. Blood serum in the prevention and treatment of infectious swine diseases, with a report of an experiment -with swine plague antitoxin, V. A. Moore (Proc. Soc. Prom. Agr. Set,, 1897, pp. 26-34). — Serum therapy in infectious swine diseases is discussed at some length. (104 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. In a test reported the presence of the disease in the herd was demon- strated by inoculation of rabbits. Eleven animals were treated. Of these 8 were sick when given the serum. Six died. Later 13 others were treated with injections of serum. Of these 8 wore sick at the time of treatment and 5 died. Of the total number of animals treated, 11 died and 14 survived. "It is difficult to draw further conclusions from this experiment or the results of others herein referred to. Just what the action on the animal body of the toxin injected is, by which it is converted into an antitoxin, has not as yet been satisfac- torily explained. The investigations have not advanced sufficiently to enable us to say what species of animals will furnish the best antitoxin, but if it is to become practicable it seems that it must be one of the larger, such as the cow or horse. The question has also arisen, whether or not the method will be practicable even if the serum can be made efficient. To this a positive answer can not be given, but it seems highly probable that it can. It is easily administered, and the cost of its prep- aration ought not to preclude its use. It is suggested by the work on guinea pigs that the serum for hog cholera and swine plague can not be made interchangeable; neither can they bo made a specific for dietary and filth diseases. These must be eliminate 1 by the introduction of better sanitary methods. From the successes reported from serum therapy in other diseases it is reasonable to expect that even- tually we may have antitoxins for the bacterial diseases of swine. Certainly the results of the experiment just described indicate that the investigations along these lines are more promising than any others which have been proposed for the discovery of a specific for swine plague." Bacillus anthracis similis, J. McFarland (Centbl. Bakt. n. Par., 1. Alt., 24 (189S), No. 15-16, pp. 556, 557). — A description is given of a bacillus cultivated from au abscess, the organism greatly resembling that causing anthrax. On the production of Pasteur's vaccine for anthrax, J. Mendez (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Alt., 24 (1898), No. 17, pp. 616-619). — Directions are given for the prepara- tion and use of this vaccine. Cattle tuberculosis : A practical guide for the farmer, butcher, and meat in- spector, T. M. Legge and H. Sessions (London: Bailliere, Tindall $ Cox, 189S, pp. 78, ill). Acute pulmonary tuberculosis in the horse, H. Thompson (Vet. Jour., 1898, July, pp. 21-23; noted in Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. AM., 24 (1898), No. 11, p. 430). The malignant foot disease of sheep, Martens (Berlin. Klin. Wohnschr., 1898, No. 45, pp. 529-531). Foot and mouth disease in sheep and goats, Himmelstoss ( IVchnschr. Turheilk., 1S9S, No. 37, pp. 341-344; 88, pp. 349-353). Report of the commission appointed to investigate the hoof and mouth dis- ease, Loeffler (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Abt., 24 (1898), No. 15-16, pp. 509-574).— This is the fourth report of the commission of the Institute for Infections Diseases at Berlin. The sturdy, or staggers, of sheep, R. Cassirer (Arch. Path. Anal. n. Physiol. [Firc/iote], 153 (1898), No. 1, pp. 89-110). — Pathological, anatomical, and bacterio- logical studies were made of this disease. African haemoglobinuiic fever, commonly called black water fever, R. M. CON- NOLLY (British Med. Jour., 1S9S, No. 1969, pp. 882-885). Poisoning by Kafir corn ((Queensland Agr. Jour., 3 (1898), No. 4, p. 321). — A note on this subject. Powdered soap as a cause of death among swill-fed hogs, V. A. Moore (New York Cornell Sta. Rpt. 1S9S, pp. 409-418).— A reprint of Bulletin 141 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 1090). Systematic feeding and watering as a preventative of diseases in horses, J. B. Paige (Agr. Massach nsetts, 1897, pp. 254-267). — A general discussion of the subject. AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. 695 AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. One year's -work done by a 16-foot geared windmill, F. H. King (Wisconsin Sta. Bui. 68, pp. 44, figs. 13). — The work done by a lG-foot geared steel power mill as well as the total wind movement, hour by hour, for the year ending March 6, 1898, are recorded in this bulletin. The mill is placed on the tower of the agricultural physics laboratory of the station and — " Stands on a steel tower with its axis 22 ft. above the deck, 82 ft. above the ground outside the building, and about 106 ft. above lake Mendota. . . . The building is on the north slope of a hill, near its summit. It was impracticable to arrange the pumps and other machinery in the laboratory in such a way as to transmit the power directly to the driving shaft and an offset had to be made. . . . [This was done by meaus of] 14-inch Hanged pulleys carrying a 6 inch rubber belt. . . . At the bottom of the 1-inch driving shaft a foot gear transmits the power to a 1^-inch horizontal shaft from which the pumps and other machinery are driven. ... It will be observed that this arrangement has necessitated two transfers of power besides that in the head of the mill itself." The work of the mill was measured by pumping water from a reser- voir having an area of 285 sq. ft. into a measuring tank holding 141.2 cu. ft. "When the measuring tank was filled to the top of the siphon it was automatically emptied. By means of a float . . . arranged to work the pen on a chronograph, a record was secured of the number of times the tank was emptied each day and of the interval between each emptying. The mean height to which the water was lifted was, during March and April, 1897, 10.5 ft., but after that date the lift was increased to 12.85 ft." The pumps used were (1) a reciprocating pump with a 14-inch piston and a 9-inch stroke; (2) a bucket pump having a capacity of 120 gal. per minute, and (3) two pumps of the centrifugal type. Nearly all the work, however, was done with either the first or the second or the two combined. By combining the pumps in various ways it was possible to secure more work than by any one pump alone, but it was impossible to secure the maximum amount of work the mill was able to do. "It frequently happened when the mill was left with one pump that during the night the wind became strong enough to carry two, but it did not get them until the next morning. So, too, when in the evening the wind was strong enough to work the two pumps and it was left with them the wind would go down until the two could not be handled, when if but one had been left this could have been worked all right. . . . "The total amount of water pumped during the 365 days was 24,433 tanks, each holding 141.2 cu. ft. This is at the mean rate of 2.789 tanks each and every hour of the day, or 393.8 cu. ft. per hour and 6.562 cu. ft. per minute. Expressed in another way, -the water pumped during the year is sufficient to cover 79.1 acres 12 in. deep or a rate of 2.6 acre-inches per day for the full year. . . . The largest amount of water pumped during any single day in the year was 39,540.2 cu. ft., which is a rate of 27.04 cu. ft. per minute." Calculating the work done to 10-day periods it was found that "the smallest amount of water lifted 10 ft. high in 10 days was enough to cover 9.87 acres 1 in. deep, and this occurred from July 28 to August 7, 696 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. at the time when water for irrigation is most needed. The largest amount pumped occurred during the 10 days from February 13 to 23, and was enough to cover 75.73 acres 1 in. deep." "The mean amount of water pumped during the 100 days from May 29 to Sept. 6 was 24.549 aere-inches per 10 days, and as this is the season when the water is most needed in the United States it shows about what the capacity of such a plant is for irrigating purposes where the lift is 10 ft. With a lift of 20 ft. the capacity would he a little less than one-half of this amount. That is to say 10 in. of water can he given to 24.5 acres of ground during 100 days where the lift is 10 ft. and 12.25 acres where the lift is 20 ft. ; and 20 in. of water could he given to one-half of these areas, respectively. There were, during the year, 5,239 hours when the velocity of the wind equaled or exceeded a meau of 9 miles per hour and there were 3,531 hours when the mean velocity did not reach 9 miles per hour, during which time there was no water pumped or but very little, because the wind was too light.'' The mill worked on an average 14.32 hours per day during the whole year and 10.74 hours per day during the period from March 6 to Sep- tember 1 (the irrigation season). The horsepower of the mill was calculated from the amount of water pumped and determined by brake tests. The effective horsepower measured by the water lifted during the year (305 days of 24 hours each) was .1817. Figured on the basis of 14.32 hours per day, the effective horsepower was .3044. "In the last trials [with brakes] the indicated horsepower was . . . 3.932 times the effective horsepower, and did this ratio hold true for all of the pumping the actual horsepower developed by the windmill would be .3044 x 3.932 = 1.197 horsepower, while the curve of brake tests gave 2.107 horsepower." Under similar conditions a 2^-horsepower gas engine lifted 2.35 times the water pumped by the mill. The indicated horsepower of the engine in these trials was 1.8, the effective horsepower 1.02. "During a 6-hours' run with this engine there were lifted to a height of 12.85 ft. 13,202 2 cu. ft. of water, with a consumption of 458 cu. ft. of gas, costing $1.25 per thousand. This is a cost for fuel of 95.4 cts. per day of 10 hours' work." From tests of the mill in grinding corn when the wind velocity was from 9 to 30 miles per hour, it is calculated that — "the total amount of feed which could be ground by the mill in a year was 871,500 lbs. or 15,560 bu. of 56 lbs. Grinding trials were also made with a Webster 2£- horsepower gas engine, and its rate was found to be 6,408 lbs. per day of 10 hours with a cost of fuel of 99 cts. The windmill was therefore able to do during the year the equivalent of 136 days of the 2.5-horsepower engine." It was found that the loss of energy in the offset pulleys was .18 horsepower, and in the entire system of shafting, including the offset pulleys, .767 horsepower, when the shaft was making 500 revolutions per minute. The sanitation of farm buildings, J. Scott {Trans. Highland and Agr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser., 9 {1897), pp. 40-60, figs. 7). — The topics discussed are sanitary legislation, requirements for health, site and foundations, ventilation, lighting, drainage, con- servancy, water supply, lambing folds, and disinfectants. STATISTICS MISCELLANEOUS. 697 Lecture and articles on irrigation in India, America, Egypt, and Australia, R. Wallace {Edinburgh: Oliver $• Boyd, 1898, pp. 31). — Brief popular essays. Unprofitable irrigation works, T. S. Van Dyke (Irrig. Age, 13 (1898), No. 2, pp. 45-50). Irrigation in "Wyoming, J. Shomaker (Irrig. Age, 13 (1898), No. 2, pp. 41-44). Irrigation of fields and lawns, R. V. (Belg. Hort. et Agr., 10 (1898), No. 15, pp. 234-230, figs. 4: 16, pp. 258-255, figs. 3; 17, pp. 269, 270, figs. .>).— A popular article describing a variety of methods and apparatus. Mountain water courses as industrial aids (U.S. Consular Rpts.,5S (1898), No. 219, p. G1S). — An abstract of a discussion of the desirability of building reservoirs to store storm waters in Germany. Wide tires on farm wagons, J. M. Stahl (Country Gent., 63 (1898), No. 2382, pp. 744, 745). Cow barn with framework of steel (Irrig. Age, 13 (1898), No. 2, pp. 64-68, figs. 6). The experimental elevator at Berlin (Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 88, pp. 931, 932, figs. 2, plan 1). — A description and the plan of the building are given and its purpose pointed out. Experiments in storing and handling grain under different conditions are to be conducted. STATISTICS— MISCELLANEOUS. Crop circular for October, 1898, J. Hyde ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Statistics Crop Circ, Oct., pp. 8). — This circular contains notes on the condition of the principal crops with estimates of the yields and a synopsis of the weather conditions east of the Rocky Mountains for September, 1898. The English, French, and Hungarian estimates of the world's wheat crops by countries for 1897-98; the rainfall percent- ages east of the Rocky Mountains from April to September, aud the average yield per acre and average condition of crops by States and Territories October 1, 1898, are given in tables. Crop circular for November, 1898, J. Hyde ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Statis- tics Crop Circ, Nov., pp. 4). — Preliminary estimates on the crops of 1898, and on the wheat crop of a number of foreign countries are given. Report on crops, live stock, etc., in Manitoba (Ontario Dept. Agr. and Immigr. Bui. 56, pp. 25). — This bulletin is a summary of the conditions of the crops and live stock, estimates of the yield of various crops, and the quantities of land broken dur- ing the season. General notes on the agricultural conditions of the several districts are given. Twelfth Annual Report of Alabama Canebrake Station, 1897 (Alabama Cane- brake .V«. I'pt. 1897, pp. 15). — Contains a financial statement for the civil year ending December 31, 1897, and a report on station work, noted elsewhere. Tenth Annual Report of Connecticut Storrs Station, 1897 (Connecticut Storrs Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 276). — This includes general remarks on the work of the station during the year; a financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897; various articles on foods and animal production, abstracted elsewhere; and an index to annual reports 1 to 10, inclusive. Report of Massachusetts Hatch Station, 1897 (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Ept. 1897, pp. 138). — This contains a brief summary of station work and a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, and reports of the various depart- ments, noted elsewhere. Eleventh Annual Report of New York Cornell Station, 1898 (New York Cornell Sta. Rpt. 1898, pp. XIX; Append. I, pp. 337-721; II, pp. XI: III, pp. 69-125).— This contains reports by the director, treasurer, chemist, botanist, entomologist, agriculturist, horticulturist, veterinarian, and the assistant professor of dairy hus- bandry and animal industry for the year ending June 30, 1898. Appendix I is made up of reprints of Bulletins 138-149 of the station. Appendix II gives a detailed state- 14270— No. 7 8 698 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. ment of receipts and expenditures of the station for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898. Appendix III consists of reprints of Teacher's Leaflets on Nature Study 8-11. Reports of North Carolina Station for 1897 and 1898 (half year) {North Caro- lina Sla. Bpt. 1897 and 1898, pp. XL1 V-\- 423-426). — This contains reports of the director and heads of departments covering the work of the station from January 1, 1897, to June 30, 1898, and financial statements for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1897 and The North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, W. A. Withers (North Carolina Sta. Spec. Bui. 48, pp. 11). — Notes on the station staff and the equipment and work of the station. The station and its exhibit (North Carolina Sta. Spec. Bui. 50, pp. 10).— A special bulletin explanatory of the station and its exhibit at the annual fair of the North Carolina Agricultural Society in 1898. Experiment Station .Work, VII (U. S. Dept. Ayr.. Farmers' Bui. 84, pp. 32, figs. S). — This includes the following popular articles: Home-mixed fertilizers, forc- ing asparagus in the field, field selection of seed, potatoes as food for man, corn stover as a feeding stuff, feeding value of sugar beets, salt-marsh hay, forage crops for pigs, ground grain for chicks, skim milk for young chickens, by-products of the dairy, stripper butter, curd test in cheese making, and gape disease of chickens. The development of agriculture in Japan (UEngrais, 13 (1S98), Xo 47, pp. 1117, 1118). Fourth report of progress on extension work, I. P. Roberts (New York Cornell Sta. Bpt. 1898, pp. 633-654, maps 3). — A reprint of Bulletin 1-16 of the station (E. S. R., 10, p. 498). NOTES. Arizona Station. — A new office building, costing $340, has been erected at the substation at Phrenix. Attention is being given to the introduction of plants not indigenous to that section, the testing of new varieties of fruits, and especially the date palm, which promises success. The growing and fattening of live stock has been taken up. The result of sugar-beet experiments indicates that beets of high quality may be grown far south of the usually accepted region for first-class beets. Inoculation experiments have been made with the crown knot of fruit trees, showing its ability to spread by this means. Montana College and Station. — E. V. Wilcox has resigned his position as zoologist and entomologist in the college and station, to take effect April 1, 1899, and has accepted a position in the Office of Experiment Stations of this Department, vice F. C. Kenyon, resigned. Dr. Wilcox will have charge of the departments of zoology, entomology, and veterinary science of the Experiment Station Record. John M. Robinson and Walter S. Hartmau, both of Bozeman, have been appointed on the executive board, rice Nelson Story and Walter Cooper, whose terms have expired. New Mexico College and Station.— C. A. Keffer, of the Division of Forestry of this Department, has been appointed agriculturist>and horticulturist in the college and station. He will enter upon his new duties in the early spring. Pennsylvania College and Station. — G. E. Voorhees, formerly superintendent of the National Farm School of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, has been employed as temporary instructor in agricultural chemistry during the absence of Prof. William Frear at the farmers' institutes. Much interest is being manifested at various farmers' institutes in the work of the station and school of agriculture, and numer- ous applications for reports and bulletins are constantly beiug received. South Carolina Station. — The board of trustees at a receut meeting ordered the college farm divorced from the experiment station. A short bulletin has just been prepared for the purpose of encouraging cooperative experimental work among the farmers, especially among the auxiliary experiment clubs organized under the auspices of the farmers' institutes last summer. Mi.sc kllaneous. — Memorial services for the late Senator Justin S. Morrill were held in both branches of Congress February 22. Several addresses were delivered, which, together with the report of the funeral services held in the Senate Chamber and at Montpelier, Vt., are published in the Congressional Record for that date. The executive committee of the Association of American Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations, at a recent meeting held in Washington, voted to recommend that all land-grant colleges observe April 14, next, Senator Morrill's birthday, with appropriate services in his honor. They also voted to invite President Buckham, of the University of Vermont, to prepare a set of resolutions to be presented at the next convention of the association, and President Atherton, of Pennsylvania State College, to present an address on Senator Morrill's life work in the interests of the education of the industrial classes. Dr. C.G. Gibelli, professor of botany and director of the Botanic Institute of the University of Turin, died September 16, 1898. 699 700 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. I >]•. van Tieghem, the well-known botanist, has been elected president of the Paris Academy of Sciences. J>r. W. Schimpfer, of Bonn, has accepted a call to Basel as professor and director of the botanical garden. Dr. F. W. C. Areschoug, professor of botany of the University of Lund, has retired and Prof. S. Berggren has been chosen as his successor. Dr. A. Zschokke has been chosen director of the recently established Wine and Fruit Culture School at Neustadt, Bavaria. Dr. Adolph Osterwalder has become assistant in the laboratory of plant physiology of the Experiment Station and School for Fruit, Wine, and Garden Culture in Wiidensweil, Switzerland. Dr. Roux, of the Pasteur Institute, has been elected a member of the agricultural section of the Paris Academy of Sciences, taking the place left vacant at the death of Aime Girard. At a recent meeting held in London to consider questions connected with Cam- bridge University it Avas stated that the Drapers' Company would subscribe $1,000 a year for ten years in support of a professor of agriculture. Sir Walter Gilby has subscribed $1,000 a year for the same period to provide for a readership of agriculture. The commission which was appointed sometime ago in France to consider the question of colonial botanical gardens and agricultural experiment stations has recommended that a station be established in each of the French colonies and a central station for the distribution of seeds and plants. A decree has been issued organizing such a station at Vincennes, and J. Dybowski has been appointed director. Notice has been received that the International Veterinary Congress will be held at Baden, Germany, August 4-14, 1899. The subjects io be discussed include pro- phylactic measures to prevent the spread of cattle diseases by the export of ani- mals, treatment of tuberculosis in domestic animals, use of llesh and milk of animals affected by tuberculosis, and requirements for inspection of meat, cure of foot aud mouth disease and diseases of swine, dissemination of veterinary instruction, prepa- ration of a uniform anatomical nomenclature in veterinary medicine, and cure of rabies. The new bacteriological institute of the University of Louvain, of which Pro- fessor Denys is the head, was formally opened in February. A special department of the institute will be devoted to the preparation of therapeutic serums, etc. The December number of the Forstlich-naturwissenschaftliche Zcilschrift announces the discontinuation of that journal owing to the removal of the editor, Dr. Carl Freiherr von Tubeuf, from Munich to Berlin, as previously noted (E. S. R., 10, p. 400). EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, EDITED BY A. C. TRUE, Ph. D., Director. E. W. Allen, Ph. D., Assistant Director — Chemistry, Dairy Farming, and Dairying. W. H. Beal — Meteorology, Fertilizers, and Soils (including methods of analysis), and Agricultural Engineering. Walter H. Evans, Ph. D. — Botany and Diseases of Plants. C. F. Laxgworthy, Ph. D.— Foods and Animal Production. Entomology and Veterinary Science. R. A. Emeusox — Horticulture. J. I. Schulte — Field Crops. With the cooperation of the scientific divisions of the Department and the Ahstract Committee of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. CONTENTS OF Vol. X, No. 8. Page. Editorial notes : Agricultural experiment station in Alaska 701 Twelfth annual convention of the Association of American Agricultural Col- leges and Experiment Stations, W. H. Beal 704 Recent work in agrioultural science 714 Notes 799 SUBJECT LIST OF ABSTRACTS. CHEMISTRY. The determination of citrate-soluble phosphoric acid in Thomas meal, J. Freundlich 714 Reynoso's method of analysis of phosphates, U. Anthony and G. H. Mondolfo. 714 A study upon the phosphoric acid dissolved in the soil solutions, T. Schloes- iug.jr 714 Determining the density of sugar cane, A. A. Ramsay 715 The proteids of cream, E. F. Ladd 715 Report of the chemist, E. Fulnier 716 BOTANY. Economic grasses, F. Lamson-Scribner 718 A report upon the forage plants and forage resources of the Gulf States, S. M. Tracy 718 The Red Desert of Wyoming and its forage resources, A. Nelson 718 X II CONTENTS. Page. On the role of the awns of Gramiuese, N. I. Vasilyev 718 On the vegetative period of plants, L. P. Nilssen 719 A study of the roots of perennial plants, E. S. Goff 720 Evaporation and plant transpiration, W. Maxwell 721 The fertilization of cultivated legumes, C. Fruwirth 722 Alinit, Gerlach 722 Experiments with Nitragin, E. Wollny 722 On the assimilability of organic nitrogen in sterilized media, A. Lyebyedyev. 723 The geographical distribution of cereals in North America, C. S. Plumb 72.3 Life zones and crop zones of the United States, C. H. Merriam 724 ZOOLOGY. Cuckoos and shrikes in their relation to agriculture 726 The winter food of the chickadee, C. M. Weed 726 Feeding habits of the chipping sparrow, C. M. Weed 726 Joint report of the botanist and entomologist and the veterinarian on spermo- phile or ground-squirrel investigations, C. V. Piper and S. B. Nelson 727 AIR — WATER — SOILS. Percolation, storage, and movement of water in the soil, P. P. Deherain 727 Percentage of water retained by long columns of sand, F. H. King 727 The farm water supply, F. W. Morse 730 The treatment of swamp or humus soils, F. H. King 728 Fertilizer experiments with Indian corn on marsh soils, F. W. Woll 729 Pot-culture tests of the productiveness of the soils of Minong pine barrens in Douglas County, Wisconsin, F. H. King 730 FERTILIZERS. On the spreading and plowing under of barnyard manure, P. P. Deherain 731 The fertilizer control for 1897, W. A. Withers 732 Fertilizer inspection, C. D. Woods 734 Commercial fertilizers, M. A. Scovell, A. M. Peter, and H. E. Curtis 734 Fertilizer analyses, R. C. Kedzie 734 Analyses of commercial fertilizers, H. J. Wheeler and B. L. Hartwell 734 Analysis of licensed commercial fertilizers, F. W. Woll 735 Experiments on the action of phosphoric acid in bone meal and Valserinc phosphate as compared with that of superphosphate and Thomas slag, P. Licchti 733 Lime, nitrogen, and soda,. H. J. Wheeler 735 FIELD CROPS. Report of the department of agriculture of Washington Station 735 Reports of the department of agriculture and horticulture, F. A. Huntley 74!) Fiber flax investigations, F. A. Huntley 736 A report on the culture of hemp in Europe 737 The influence of soil moisture and fertility on the development of the oat plant, M. Tucker and C. von Seelhorst 737 Experiments with oats, J. F. Duggar 738 The influence of depth of planting on the growth and productiveness of pota- toes, E. S. Goff 740 Growing rye after potatoes, M. Fischer 740 The growth and use of the rape crop, J. A. Craig 741 Special report on the beet-sugar industry in the United States, 1897 741 CONTENTS. Ill Page. A soil study of sugar beets. W. P. Headden 743 New Mexico sugar beets, 1897, A. Goss 745 The importance of the right amount and the right distribution of water in crop production, F. H. Kiug 74(5 HORTICULTURE. A comparison of the " Station" tomato with three standard varieties, E. S. Goff. 751 Ou the structure of the epidermal layer, and the cause of the varying keeping qualities of pomaceons fruits, A. Zschokke 751 The application of artificial root pressure to recently transplanted trees, E. S.Goff 751 Orchard cultivation, T. J. Burrill and J. C. Blair 752 The green gage group of plums, F. A. Waugh 753 The composition of fresh fruits, A. Girard 754 The protection of orauge groves against frosts 754 The degree of cold endurable by flower buds of the plum and cherry, E. S. Goff. 755 Small fruits, E. S. Goff 757 Is the ripening season of a pistillate strawberry affected by the blooming period of its pollenizer ! E. S. Goff 755 Cold vs. warm water for greenhouse plants, F. Cranefieid 755 Notes on watering, F. Cranefield 756 SEEDS — WEEDS. The influence of varying amounts of water on the germination of beet seed, E. S. Goff 759 Resistance of seed to immersion in water, H. Coupin 759 The Russian thistle in Washington, C. V. Piper 760 Twelve of Idaho's worst weeds, L. F. Henderson 760 Report of botanist and entomologist, C. V. Piper 760 DISEASES OF PLANTS. Diseases of plants, A. P. Anderson 763 Potato diseases, E. Roze 761 Diseased potatoes, G. Abbey 761 The effect of various copper preparations on the potato, R. Thiele 762 Report of the department of botany, L. H. Henderson 763 A new copper fungicide for combating black rot, J. Perraud 762 A trial of " Ceres pulver'' for the prevention of smut in oats, E. S. Goff 762 ENTOMOLOGY. On the poison of honeybees, J. Langer 765 Report of the department of entomology, J. M. Aldrich 705 Some insects of the year 1897, W. P. Barrows and R. H. Pettit 766 Colorado's worst insect pests and their remedies, C. P. Gillette 770 On the biology and taxonomy of some species of mining Diptera, W. C. Brashuikov 766 A new squash bug, F. H. Chittenden 767 Scale insects, C. E. Chambliss 767 A new danger to fruit growers, L. R. Taft 771 Summer treatment for the San Jose scale, W. B. Alwood 771 Legislation for the suppression of the San Jose scale, W. B. Alwood 771 The life history of Scliizoneura lanigcra, W. B. Alwood 768 The proposed attempt to introduce Blastophaya psenes into California, L. O. Howard 768 IV CONTENTS. FOODS — ANIMAL PRODUCTION. Page. On the relative digestibility of white and brown [whole wheat] bread, T. L. Brunton and F. W. Tunniclitfe 771 The use of molasses in feeding animals, D. Dickson and L. Malpeaux 772 Bullock feeding experiment, T. B. Wood 773 Rape for lambs, J. A. Craig 773 Grain for lambs before weaning, J. A. Craig 774 Grain mixture for lambs before and after weaning, J. A. Craig 775 Lambs for early spring market, J. A. Craig 775 Experiments in sheep fattening, J. Grude 776 Establishing a flock of mutton sheep, J. A. Craig 776 Whole corn compared with corn meal for pig feeding, W. A. Henry 776 Data concerning sow and pigs at farrowing time, W. A. Henry 777 The cost of feeding pigs before and after weaning, W. A. Henry 778 Peat molasses for horses, H. Goldsmith 778 DAIRY FARMING — DAIRYING. Variations in milk and milk production, E. Davenport and W. J. Fraser 781 Test of the Guernsey cow Suke of Rosendale (6520 G. H. B.), F. W. Woll .... 782 A new proteid constituent of milk, A. Wroblewski 782 On the yield and composition of sows' milk, W. A. Henry and F. W. Woll 782 Comparative investigations of the applicability of different tests for ascer- taining the fat content of milk, F. Friis 784 State standards for dairy products, H. E. Alvord 791 Rancid butter, A. J. S waving 784 Experiments with a self-regulating pasteurizing apparatus, V. Henrhjues and V. Stribolt 784 Tolerance of certain milk bacteria toward ether, S. M. Babcock and H. L. Russell 785 Unorganized ferments of milk: A new factor in the ripening of cheese, S. M. Babcock and H- L. Russell 785 Influence of temperature on the ripening of cheese, S. M. Babcock and H. L. Russell 787 Further communications on the role of lactic acid bacteria in the ripening of cheese, E. von Freudenreich 789 On the question of the decomposition of milk fat in the ripeuiug of cheese, H. Weigmann and A. Backe 789 Statistical data relative to the cheese industry in Wisconsin, J. W. Decker. .. 790 The distribution of cheese and butter factories in Wisconsin, S. M. Babcock, H. L. Russell, and J. W. Decker 792 VETERINARY* SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Proceedings of the second annual meeting of the Association of Experiment Station Veterinarians 793 Sheep scab: Its nature and treatment, D. E. Salmon and C. W. Stiles 793 Blackleg, E. P. Niles 794 The cattle tick in Virginia, E. P. Niles 794 AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. Loss from canals from nitration or seepage, L. G. Carpenter 795 Report of trials with insulating materials, E. J. Bonnesen 796 Lightning rods and protection of farm buildings from lightning, R. C. Kedzie. 797 CONTENTS. V STATISTICS — MISCELLANEOUS. Page. Report of Idaho Station for 1898 797 Annual Report of South Dakota Station, 1898 797 Sixth Annual Report of Washington Station, 1893 798 Fourteenth Annual Report of Wisconsin Station, 1897 798 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. Experiment stations in the United States: Alabama College Station : Bulletin 95, August, 1898 738 Colorado Station : Bulletin 46, June, 1898 743 Bulletin 47, July, 1898 770 Bulletin 48, July, 1898 795 Idaho Station : Bulletin 14, 1898 760 Bulletin 15, July, 1898 (Annual Report, 1898) 749, 763, 765, 797 Illinois Station : Bulletin 51, May, 1898 781 Bulletin 52, June, 1898 752 Kentucky Station : Bulletin 76, August, 1898 734 Maine Station : Bulletin 45, October, 1898 734 Michigan Station : Bulletin 160, June, 1898 766 Bulletin 161, July, 1898 734 Special Bulletin 3, October, 1896 797 Special Bulletin 7, January 20, 1897 771 New Hampshire Station: Bulletin 53, May, 1898 730 Bulletin 54, June, 1898 726 Bulletin 55, July, 1898 726 New Mexico Station : Bulletin 26, June, 1898 745 North Carolina Station : Bulletin 151, June 17,1898 732 Rhode Island Station: Bulletin 47, July, 1898 735 Bulletin 48, July, 1898 734 South Carolina Station : Bulletin 36, September, 1898 763 South Dakota Station : Annual Report, 1898 797 Tennessee Station: Bulletin, Vol. X, No. 4, December, 1897 767 Virginia Station : Bulletin 74, March, 1897 771 Bulletin 75, April, 1897 794 Bulletin 76, May, 1897 794 Washington Station : Bulletin 33, May, 1898 736 Bulletin 34, May, 1898 760 Sixth Annual Report, 1896 716, 727, 735, 760, 798 Wisconsin Station : Fourteenth Annual Report, 1897.. 720, 727, 728, 729, 730, 735, 740. 741, 746, 751, 755, 757, 759, 762, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777, 778, 781, 782, 785, 787, 790, 792, 797, 798 VI CONTENTS. United States Department of Agriculture : Page. Special Report on the Beet-sugar Industry in the United States, 1897 741 Division of Agrostology : Bulletin 13 718 Bulletin 14 718 Bulletin 15 718 Bureau of Animal Industry : Bulletin 21 70S Bulletin 22 793 Circular 25 791 Division of Biological Survey : Bulletin 9 72G Bulletin 10 724 Bulletin 11 723 Division of Chemistry : Bulletin 52 749 Office of Experiment Stations: Bulletin 45 (revised) 780 Office of Fiber Investigations : Report No. 11 737 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Vol. X. No. 8. To the list of agricultural experiment stations in this country must now be added that of Alaska, which has been organized under the supervision of this Department. For the past two years the agricul- tural conditions and possibilities of that country have been inquired into with a view to determining what encouragement there might be for undertaking experiment station work. The first year Congress appro- priated $5,000 for this inquiry, and the result was so encouraging that last year the appropriation was increased to $10,000. Prof. C. C. Georgeson, until recently connected with the Kansas Agricultural Col- lege and Experiment Station as agriculturist, was placed in charge of the work. The Weather Bureau of this Department cooperated in the enterprise by establishing a special meteorological service for Alaska. Headquarters were established at Sitka, a small building being rented for office purposes. Several small patches of cleared land at Sitka, including the garden of the Governor of the Territory, were secured, and on these were planted seeds of a large number of cereals, forage plants, and vegetables, specially selected for the purpose. More restricted experiments in growing cereals and vegetables were made at Skagway by a settler in that place who was formerly connected with the Kansas Agricultural College. The results at Sitka brought out some interesting facts regarding the soil and the suitability of the climate for growing food crops. It was demonstrated that oats and barley will not only make an excellent growth, but will mature in southeastern Alaska. This has not been determined for wheat and rye, but experiments with fall-seeded grain are now in progress. The Riga flax grew excellently, and gave prom- ise that a good commercial article can be produced, suggesting a possible industry for the natives. Several kinds of clovers " grew with remarkable vigor," the plants from the American seed making the best growth. Buckwheat made a good growth and bloomed abundantly, but was killed by frost before it was ripe, owing to late planting. Among the vegetables, asparagus, beets, carrots, cress, kale, kohl-rabi, lettuce, onions, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, rhubarb, salsify, turnips, and Windsor beans all did well on old ground, and showed that the climate and soil were favorable to their growth. Cabbage and cauli- flower suffered from club root, but the plants which escaped indicated that these vegetables can be grown with proper treatment. 701 702 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. At Skagway the land was newly cleared and was " raw and sour, containing a large percentage of imperfectly decayed vegetable matter, mostly the rotten wood of conifers which had accumulated in the course of ages." But in spite of these unfavorable conditions and the fact that planting was delayed until June, oats, barley, and flax were success- fully grown, together with a long list of vegetables. One important fact developed during the past season is the sensi- tiveness of certain varieties and crops to^ the new ground, and its possible explanation of the adverse criticisms which have been made on Alaska as a farming country. The newly broken ground is raw, sour, and water-logged, and contains a large amount of decaying wood, etc. It needs to be aerated, drained, and in many cases limed to make it suitable for most cultivated plants. For example, barley and flax were nearly total failures on new ground and oats were only a partial success, while on old ground they all made excellent growth. The same was true of varieties of clover from Norway, and a considerable number of vegetables. The seed in all cases germinated promptly in the new ground, but the young plants languished, turned yellow, and soon died. The failure in all these cases was due to the soil and not to the climate. In addition to these field trials, observations and records were made of soil temperatures, and samples of soil were taken for moisture and other determinations. A number of places in the coast region of Alaska were visited, and surveys and reservations of land for experi- mental purposes were made at Sitka, Kadiak Island, and Kenai in Cook Inlet. Considerable additional information relative to the agri- cultural conditions in different parts of Alaska was obtained in response to circulars of inquiry. Dr. Walter H. Evans, of this Office, continued his botanical survey during the past summer, adding a considerable number of new speci- mens of the flora of the coast region. Several species were found which give promise of considerable value as sand binders. The reports of Professor Georgeson and Dr. Evans for the past year have recently been issued. On the whole, the outcome of the two years' investigation was suffi- ciently encouraging to recommend the establishment of a station or stations on a definite basis, and Congress has accordingly increased the appropriation for the ensuing year. The main station will be located at Sitka, and an office and laboratory building costing about $5,000 will be erected there this spring on a small tract of land reserved for that purpose. Other land near Sitka will be cleared and broken and put in shape for field trials. This will be of little use the coming season except for growing forage for the work animals, but several small patches of old ground have been secured for continuing the field tests. At Kenai a tract of land will be cleared and broken, and log silos will be erected for ensiling the native grass, which is abundant and nutritious, but not easily made into hay on account of the very frequent EDITORIAL. 703 rains and high humidity. Hardly more than a beginning can be made at that place during this season. Arrangements have been made with a resident of Kadiak to begin experiments on old ground at that place; and cooperative trials will be made at various other places, so that a quite extensive area of country will be included in the work this year. The headquarters of the Weather Bureau will be moved into the interior, but it will continue to cooperate with the Alaska station, and will make observations on soil temperatures at different places. Professor Georgeson will remain in charge of the work, and will reach Alaska about the middle of April. He will take with him Mr. C. H. Robison, a graduate of the Michigan Agricultural College in 1895, as assistant at Sitka, and Mr. H. P. Melsen, formerly of the Kansas Agri- cultural College, as assistant at Kenai for the summer. He has also engaged three laborers to go to Alaska for the summer, as there is diffi- culty in procuring satisfactory farm laborers there. Several yoke of oxen will be shipped there from Oregon, and a full line of implements, including wagons, stump pullers, plows, cultivators, harrows, hand tools, etc., will be taken. The new station will not be on the same basis as the stations receiv- ing the Hatch fund. It will be maintained by funds appropriated for the Secretary of Agriculture and not subject to the provisions of the Hatch Act. It will be conducted under the supervision of this Office, as the Alaska investigations of the past two years have been, and reports of its operations will be made to Congress annually. Moreover, its problems will be different from those presented to stations in States where agriculture is already a reality. There can not be said to be any agriculture in that vast tract of country at present. Aside from the products of small gardens and the fishing industry, the country is almost entirely dependent for its food supplies on materials shipped there. An important function of the station will be to prepare the way for agriculture and to aid in its development. It will be necessary to demonstrate the capabilities of different sections of the country, deter- mine the best methods of managing the soil, procure varieties of plants suited to the climate and the season, devise methods for preserving forage crops, etc. Much interest in the establishment of a station has developed among people who have gone to Alaska during the past few years. It has become apparent to them that if the mineral wealth of the Territory is to be developed, sufficient agriculture should be developed, if possible, to furnish at least a part of the food products required by the increasing population, thus reducing the cost and furnishing a greater diversity of industries. If it can be shown that it is possible for a man to live there on the product of the land, without being entirely dependent on the mines, a strong factor will have been gained for the development of the country. If the home markets can be supplied with the principal food products, the independence of this isolated country will be materially increased and it will become a far more attractive place in which to live. TWELFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES AND EXPERIMENT STATIONS. W. H. Beal, Office of Experiment Stations. The twelfth annual convention of the Association of American Agri- cultural Colleges and Experiment Stations was held at Washington, D. C, [November 15-17, 1898. All sections of the country were repre- sented, there being 154 delegates and visitors in attendance. Arizona, Kansas, Oregon, and Texas were the only States which did not send delegates. GENERAL SESSIONS. The convention was called to order and presided over by the presi- dent of the Association, H. C. White. A report of the executive committee, briefly reviewing the work of that committee during the past year, was submitted by the chairman, H. H. Goodell. The usual section reports were submitted by the chairmen of sec- tions, as follows : College work, Alston Ellis ; agriculture and chemistry, K. J. Eedding ; horticulture and botany, S. T. Maynaid ; and entomology, J. B. Smith. No report was received from the section on mechanic arts. The address of the president, H. C. White, was a scholarly presenta- tion of the purposes and potentialities of the Association, showing the breadth and strength of the scientific and industrial education offered by the land-grant colleges, and pointing out how such institutions may be made to produce the "scholar" just as truly as schools built on classical foundations. "The industries whose fruits satisfy the material needs of man which, if you please, accumulate his wealth, which regulate his commerce and direct his trade, are no longer exclusively or best served by the unremitting muscular energy of toil- ing millions, nor yet by high efficiency of manual skill. They have come to involve in their prosecution intellectual abilities of the highest order and become not only thereby fit occupation in activity for him who is to be the scholar but, indeed, unre- munerative and unadapted to those lacking some part of scholarly training. . . . The intellectual training which shall best serve the application of intellectual power to industrial pursuits is not yet systematized, has not yet been given a sat- isfactory form to serve for pedagogic purposes. To give it such form, to fit it to the needs and the uses of the great masses of those who, in the nature of things, 704 CONVENTION OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 705 may not have other scholarly attributes than that of action and at the same time suit it to the equipment of the scholar who shall be differentiated from the masses is one high and important office of the American university which is to be.-' He pointed out that the land-grant colleges which derive their sup- port so largely from the United States Treasury together constitute this great national university. On motion of G. W. Atherton, the president's address was referred to a committee of five for consideration. This committee, which con- sisted of G. W. Atherton, J. E. Stubbs, E. H. Jesse, E. A. Bryan, and J. K. Patterson, subsequently reported as follows: "(1) That the proceeds of the United States land-grant act of 1862 and the annual appropriations provided for by the acts of Congress of 1887 and 1890 are a national trust to be administered by the several States in strict accordance with the letter and the spirit of the grant. "(2) That the land-grant colleges whether organized separately or as branches of State universities are primarily educational institutions required by law to teach certain branches of learning. "(3) That these branches of learning are to be taught with special reference to their 'applications in the industries of life.' "(■i) That this requirement involves a thorough fundamental training in the prin- ciples of the mathematical, physical, and natural sciences, in order that their prac- tical applications may be clearly understood, and forbids that the institutions shall in any way be regarded as 'trade schools.' "(5) That the land-grant colleges are required bylaw to provide a 'liberal' as Avell as a 'practical' education, and that it is therefore their special duty to study, practice, and develop sound principles of instruction in the teaching of all branches of learning both liberal and technical, to the end that the subjects taught may be made the means and instruments of a true education, as well as a means of acquir- ing a body of concrete knowledge. "(6) That the aim of all research should be to learn the truth, and the aim of all teaching to teach the truth and nothing but the truth ; and that to this end freedom of research and freedom of teaching are indispensable. "(7) That all teaching should accordingl}* be absolutely free from partisan or sec- tarian bias; that the institutions should be free from partisan or sectarian control, and that no interference in the administration or in the teaching or in the tenure of office should be allowed on partisan or sectarian grounds." The Secretary of Agriculture responded to an invitation to address the convention. He referred to his efforts to bring the Department of Agriculture into closer sympathy with the agricultural colleges and experiment stations, and briefly discussed the character and extent of the work done by the Department in the interest of agriculture. He urged upon the agricultural colleges the importance of special effort to make their courses attractive to farmers' sons and especially adapted to their needs. He suggested as means to this end the introduction of nature studies into the common schools, and the more thorough train- ing of teachers for such schools in the natural sciences. A resolution, introduced by E. H. Jesse, favoring the introduction into the public and grammar schools of nature study and instruction in the elements of the economic sciences, and the training of teachers in these various lines at the agricultural colleges, was adopted. 706 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A report of the committee on graduate study at Washington,1 sub- mitted through G. E. MacLeau, introduced a discussion of one of the most important topics taken up by the convention. The report gave a detailed account of the operations of the committee during the past year, with the conclusions that — " It is entirely practicable to provide for the use of the Library of Congress and the collections of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum, and of the various scientific and other bureaus in the several departments of the General Gov- ernment, by graduate students of the land-grant and other colleges for study and research, and that it is also practicable to organize, coordinate, and direct such work so as to make it eminently effective. . . . "It submits tentatively that Congress might be asked to provide for the estab- lishment of an administrative office in Washington, preferably in the Smithsonian Institution, in which graduate students of the institutions we represent, and others as well, might be enrolled and directed to the appropriate departments. "To maintain this office, pay the expenses of administration, support graduate courses of research, freely open to the graduate students of the land-grant and other colleges without distinction of race, sex, or color, on such terms as the admin- istrative office should prescribe, and to aid such students in their researches, Con- gress might be asked to make an appropriation of, say, $25,000, to be increased annually $1,000, to be expended under the discretion of the institution or depart- ment in which the office of administration may be located." The discussion of this subject was participated in, upon invitation of the chairman, by Mrs. Calvin S. Brice and ex-Governor J. W. Hoyt, who spoke of their interest in the subject and of the efforts of the George Washington Memorial Association to establish a National University in Washington. The report was approved and adopted. The committee was con- tinued and empowered, in connection with the executive committee, to propose and secure if practicable such legislation as will carry out the object and purposes of the resolution under which it was appointed. The committee consists of C. Northrop (chairman), Alston Ellis, M. H. Buckham, G. E. MacLean, Alexis Cope, and J. H. Washburn. Another subject which provoked lively discussion was the detail of military officers to the agricultural colleges. Much dissatisfaction was expressed with the present condition of affairs in this respect. The matter was finally "referred to the executive committee with power." A paper on Land-grant and other colleges and the national defense2 was read by C. W. Dabney. In this paper it was urged that the Gov- ernment take steps to recognize these institutions more fully as agencies for the training of the officers who will be needed for our increased mili- tary establishment. A considerable number of the graduates of these institutions served with distinction in the war just closed, and there is good reason to believe that in the reorganization of our volunteer army it will be necessary to look to these institutions very largely for the trained material needed to put the volunteer army on a more efficient basis. 1 U. S. Dept. Agr., Office of Experiment Stations Bui. 49, p. 39. 2 This paper has been published as Circular 40 of the Office of Experiment Stations. CONVENTION OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 707 On motion of A. W. Harris, a committee of seven, consisting- of G. W. Atherton (chairman), A. W. Harris, C. TV. Dabney, A. Cope, H. H. Goodell, R. H. Jesse, and H. C.White, was appointed "to consider the organization and extent of military work which can be properly under- taken by the land-grant colleges and the proper relation of this work to the military service of the several States and of the United States; that this committee, in conjunction with the executive committee of the Association, be empowered to propose and secure if practicable such legislation as may be necessary to carry out the conclusions Avhich the committee may reach." One of the important reports submitted was that of the committee on the collective station exhibit at the Paris Exposition. This report gave the general features of a plan which the committee has formulated for this exhibit, which is to be similar to that at the World's Fair at Chicago. The recommendation of the committee that the exhibit when prepared should be a permanent one and that the Secretary of Agri- culture be requested to provide a proper place for it after its return from Paris, was adopted by the Association. The committee was con- tinued and instructed to prepare the exhibit. This committee is made up as follows : H. P. Armsby (chairman), W. H. Jordan, A. W. Harris, M. A. Scovell, and A. C. True. As was expected, the question of amendment to the constitution, brought over from the previous convention,1 received very full considera- tion and discussion. The discussion developed a very strong opposition to confining the work of the Association to purely administrative mat- ters. The majority report recommending the abolition of all sections was rejected, while the minority report providing for 3 sections, (1) administrative, (2) agriculture, and (3) horticulture, was laid on the table. The committee on engineering experiment stations submitted a brief report of progress, and recommended that the bill which has been drawn up to be laid before Congress be so amended as to permit investigation in marine engineering, naval architecture, and the theory and use of projectiles on laud and sea. The committee, consisting of C. S. Murk- land (chairman), F. P. Anderson, M. H. Buckhara, A. W. Harris, and J. E. Stubbs, was continued, and directed to cooperate with the execu- tive committee in urging this legislation upon Congress. The report of the bibliographer, A. C. True, outlined the bibliograph- ical work of the Department of Agriculture during the year, and gave a list of 10 or more bibliographies of interest to agriculture which have recently appeared. The committee on indexing agricultural literature submitted through the chairman, A. C. True, a report embodying a scheme of classifica- tion of agricultural literature prepared by W. P. Cutter, Librarian of the Department of Agriculture. "This classification is designed to cover agriculture only, and not such subjects as farm architecture, systematic 1V. S. Dept. Agr., Office of Experiment Stations Bui. 49, p. 28, 708 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. entomology and botany, or farm engineering. The scheme is designed to be used with the Dewey system of classification." A. C. True submitted the third report of the committee on methods "of teaching agriculture.1 This gives a syllabus for a course of instruc- tion in agronomy (plant production). After some discussion, it was voted that the reports of this committee be made the subject of special consideration at the next annual convention. A paper by O. L. Waller entitled What shall be the character of the preparatory work required to enter four-year engineering degree courses ? was reported from the section on mechanic arts and read in general session. A paper from the section on agriculture and chemistry entitled Some notes in connection with the testing of cows as to milk and butter production by M. A. Scovell was read in general session. T. E. Miller, president of the Colored Normal, Industrial, Agricul- tural, and Mechanical College of South Carolina, read a paper on The undeveloped agricultural resources of South Carolina. The subject of mailing lists for experiment stations was discussed, and a resolution was adopted urging upon all stations the use of the mailing lists prepared by the Office of Experiment Stations. C. C.Georgeson and A. C. True spoke briefly of the progress made in investigating the agricultural possibilities of Alaska, a number of prod- ucts grown there during the season of 1S98 being exhibited. During the course of the convention the Association as a body paid its respects to the President of the United States. Invitations were extended to the Association to hold its next con- vention in California, Washington, and New York. The matter was referred to the executive committee. Officers were elected for the ensuing year as follows: President, H. P. Armsby, of Pennsylvania; vice-presidents, J. E. Stubbs of Nevada, C. S. Murkland of New Hampshire, J. L. Snyder of Michigan, P. H. ftlell of Alabama, and F. P. Anderson of Ken- tucky; secretary and treasurer, E. B. Voorhees, of New Jersey; execu- tive committee, H. H. Goodell of Massachusetts (chairman), A. Cope of Ohio, J. H. Washburn of Khode Island, W. M. Liggett of Minne- sota, and ex officio the president, the junior ex-president (H.C.White), and the secretary and treasurer; bibliographer, A. C. True, of Wash- ington, D. C. Section on college tcork. — Chairman, C. W. Dabney, of Tennessee; secretary, C. E. Coates, of Louisiana. Section on agriculture and chemistry. — Chairman, J. L. Hills, of Ver- mont; vice-chairman, C. E. Thorne, of Ohio; secretary, E. Davenport, of Illinois. Section on horticulture and botany. — Chairman, L. H. Pammel, of iowa; secretary, S. B. Green, of Minnesota. 1 U. S. Dept. Agr., Office of Experiment Stations Circ. 39. CONVENTION OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 709 Section on entomology. — Chairman, C. W. Woodworth, of California; secretary, L. Brnner, of Nebraska. Section on mechanic arts. — Chairman, C. S. Murkland, of New Hamp- shire; vice chairman, G. A. Harter, of Delaware; secretary, F. P. Anderson, of Kentucky. MEETINGS OF SECTIONS. SECTION ON COLLEGE WORK. The sessions of the section on college work were devoted to papers and discussions on recent changes in the theory of higher education and the relation of the churches to State colleges and universities. Discussion of the first subject was introduced by a paper presented by E. A. Bryan, who traced the progress of several American colleges in their attempts to improve their curricula by giving to the natural and physical sciences an equal place with linguistic and philosophic subjects. The nature of education will be determined by the use to which it is to be put, and the modern idea that the purposes of higher education include the application of its results to industry and the material welfare of mankind has done much to revolutionize the col- lege methods. The separation of culture and utilitarian ends was considered impossible. R. W. Silvester spoke of the impulse given by President Eliot to higher education by the introduction of the elective system into the undergraduate courses. The evolution of the individual and the changed attitude of instructor to student were dwelt upon. The Asso- ciation was urged to aid in the establishment of a national university in Washington characterized by the truly scientific spirit. J. E. Stubbs gave an historical retrospect of national civilizations by which education in its modern aspect is to be interpreted. He said the end of education should be the development of cultured manhood which fits for a passport to high positiou in every sphere of usefulness. A. W. Harris read a paper on The relation of the church to State colleges and universities, in which he urged the obligation of the churches to extend their care to students in undenominational as well as denominational institutions, and suggested the establishment by the different denominations of dormitories and chapels for the students of their membership. It was also suggested that the churches might fur- nish funds to provide the State colleges and universities with preachers and lecturers that theological courses might be maintained. In the discussion which followed, J. L. Snyder expressed the opinion that the churches did not have the means to carry out the plans sug- gested by Dr. Harris in addition to keeping up denominational schools. The most effective way for the churches to hold their young people was to place in the pulpits of the university towns and cities the stronger preachers in their denomination. The faculty should encourage the students to activity in the churches in the immediate vicinity. 710 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. M. H. Buckham, J. H. Canfield, and W. I. Chamberlain agreed with the previous speaker that religious instruction might be safely left to the church and the home. The subject was further discussed by A. B. Peebles and J. E. Stubbs, the latter holding that the State colleges in the far West in nouchurch going localities needed the influence of the church, and that the different denominations should plant church organ- izations and auxiliary colleges in the vicinity of such institutions and enable the students to have direct religions culture under the direction of their own church. SECTION ON AGRICULTURE AND CHEMISTRY. In the section on agriculture and chemistry the first paper was sub- mitted by W. I. Chamberlain. The subject of this paper was Becent investigations, together with former experiments, on the relation both of commercial fertilizers and of clover to wheat growing in Ohio.1 In it the author quotes statistics which he believes tend to show that there has been a relative decline in clover growing and an increase in the acreage and yield of wheat in Ohio. This increased production of wheat he believes to be due largely to a more liberal use of commercial ferti- lizers. The direct purchase of unmixed fertilizing materials for cash at wholesale is considered impracticable as a rule, although sound in theory. He stated that in his opinion the attitude of some of the experiment stations has seemed to be antagonistic to fertilizers, and that he deplored this state of affairs. This paper provoked a lively discussion of the relation of the experi- ment stations to the fertilizer business. W. Frear maintained that in those States where the purchase of fertilizers is an important factor in farm expenditures the stations should aid the farmer in the intelligent purchase and application of fertilizers. He believed this to be the attitude assumed by most of the experiment stations, and that the position needed no defense. W. H. Jordan stated that while he recog- nized that there are manufacturers and agents who stand on as sound and dignified a basis in what they say and do as any other class of men, he was personally cognizant of methods and arguments in vogue which made it incumbent upon the experiment stations of his State to secure better methods of trade than those now prevailing; and he believed the New York Station or any station in the Eastern States — he could not speak as to the West — could do for the farmers no better service than to point out to them more efficient and economic methods of purchasing- plant food. The attitude of the stations had been not so much directly antagonistic to the purchase of commercial fertilizers, as an attempt to point out to the farmers of the Eastern States the value of their home resources. He wished to disclaim on the part of eastern experiment stations, as far as he had any authority to speak for them, any such position as antagonism to the judicious and economical use of commer- cial fertilizers. This paper lias been published in a series of articles in the Ohio Farmer. CONVENTION OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 711 I. P. Koberts read a paper on Productivity as affected by tillage, in which lie showed that by the employment of better methods of till- age the soil supplies of fertility may be more largely utilized, and thus the necessity for applications of fertilizers may be greatly reduced. H. P. Armsby read a preliminary account of feeding experiments at the Pennsylvania Station which are reported in detail elsewhere.1 The report of the committee on uniform fertilizer legislation was sub- mitted by H. J. Wheeler, and adopted as submitted. The recommen- dations of the committee will be found elsewhere (E. S. E., 10, p. 506). The only portion of this report which called out any discussion was that relating to the form of guarantee of phosphoric acid, but the recommendation of the committee on this point was finally adopted. H. J. Wheeler read a paper on The possibility of drawing erroneous conclusions from plant-soil tests. In this paper, which was based upon the results of experiments at the Rhode Island Station, attention was called to the unreliability of soil tests with fertilizers under certain conditions, e. g., with a deficiency of lime or of available phosphoric acid. Attention was called to the fact that the value of lime as a liberator of inert phosphoric acid may be, in certain soils, of more far- reaching importance than is generally supposed. This paper gave rise to considerable discussion, in which the danger of drawing hasty conclusions from experiments with fertilizers was strongly emphasized. A paper on The significance of stock-feeding experiments was read by C. F. Curtiss. This paper discusses the progress made in applying scientific principles to practical stock feeding in the United States, and points out the practical value of feeding experiments by the stations in showing the feeder how to raise a better product at a less cost and how to get the greatest return for the feed consumed under varying conditions. In many cases, however, work of this character has been superficial. It should be made more thorough and confined to a few definite lines. The report on nomenclature was submitted by H. P. Armsby. Two questions are considered in this report: (1) The terms "concentrates" and "roughage" as applied to feeding stuffs by Henry, and (2) the nomenclature of nitrogenous compounds. As regards the first, the committee was of the opinion that action by the Association was unnec- essary. As regards the second, the committee recommended "for pres- ent use certain collective terms," as follows: 1. Albuminoids (albumins, globulins, coagulated and com- pound proteids, and other cleavage products down to and including peptones). Collagens or gelatinoids (collagen, elastin, and related nitrogenous bodies specially characteristic of connect- Protein..P- ■'■'>■'• 554). — Analyses of the soil from ancient rubbish heaps are reported, which show, among other things, an average of 2.19 per cent of nitric nitrogen, corresponding to 4.1 per cent of potassium nitrate. On the influence of crops and manure on the nitrogen content of soils, C. F. A. Tuxens (Landw. Vers. Stat., 50 (1898), No. 5-6, pp. 335-342).— For an abstract of this article as it appeared in another journal, see E. S. R., 10, p. 425. On the pulverization of the soil, M. Ringelmann (Jour.- Agr. Prat., 1898, II, No. 42, pp. 558-561, Jig. 1). — A popular discussion of this subject. Treatment of the soil; a question for the consideration of the farmers, W. G. Waring (Tyrone, Pa.: Tyrone Times, 1898, pp. 11). The bringing of soil under culture, M. Ringelmann (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1899, I, No. 3, pp. 92, 93). — A brief, popular note on this subject. On the cultivation of the soil, E. Wollny (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1S98), No. 80, pp. 856, 857; 88, pp. 932, 933; 89, pp. 941, 942).— A discussion of the physical properties of soils in their relation to cultivation. Drainage of the soil, S. Guerand de Laharpe (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1898, II, No. 50, pp. 846-849). — The advantages of drainage are discussed in a popular way. The relative sensitiveness of plants to acidity in s(5il, W. Maxwell (Landw. Vers. Stat., 50 (1898), No. 5-6, pp. 325-330) .—See E. S. R., 10, p. 128. The inoculation of soils, A. Hertzog (Monatsber. Gesell. Ford. Wiss. Ackerbaues u. Kiinste Unter Elsass, 32 (1898), No. 7, pp. 439-467).— Reports inoculation experi- ments with germ-containing soils and with pure cultures for nitrogen assimilation. Nitragin was successfully tested, aud a trial of Alinit is contemplated. Soil inoculation, Tancre (Landw. Wchribl. Schlesivig-Holstein, 48 (1898), No. 17, pp. 290-293). FERTILIZERS. On the spreading and plowing under of barnyard manure, P. P. Deherain (Gompt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 14, pp. 469- 472; Ann. Agron., 24 (1898), No. 9, pp. 401-416 ; abs. in Rev. Sci., 4. ser., 10 (1898), No. 16, pp. 499,500). — For the purpose of throwing light upon the losses of nitrogen which manure undergoes when placed in heaps in the field and allowed to remain some time before spreading, the author placed 10 gm. of manure in a wide glass tube and passed a cur- rent of air through it, determining the amounts of carbonic acid and ammonia in the gases which passed off. Of the 32 mg. of ammoniacal nitrogen originally present in the sample, 23.9 mg. passed off under this treatment in 2 days. The evolution of ammonia gradually decreased after this period, but at the end of 26 days 31.8 mg. of ammoniacal nitrogen had escaped. The evolution of carbon dioxid, however, con- tinued quite. uniform throughout the experiment, 590.4 mg. of this gas being obtained. 732 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. In another series of experiments 100 gm. lots of manure, either with- out covering or covered with a layer of soil 7 to 8 cm. thick, were sub- jected to currents of normal air or air to which ozone had been added. In this case the passage of 1,583 liters of air containing ozone removed 43.3 per cent of the ammoniacal nitrogen originally present, and the normal air 48.7 per cent. In the case of the manure covered with soil the amount of ammoniacal nitrogen removed by normal air was only 3.9 per cent. Analysis showed that a considerable quantity of organic nitrogen was also removed in the free state by this treatment. In the case of the air containing ozone 19.3 per cent of the original nitrogen was lost in a free state; in the case of the normal air 15.2 per cent. The manure lost in both forms 20.4 per cent of its original nitrogen when subjected to the action of air containing ozone; 23.2 per cent with normal air when the manure was uncovered, and 22.7 per cent with normal air when the manure was covered with soil. When the manure and air were sterilized the loss of nitrogen was very small, showing that the evolution of ammonia and free nitrogen was due to the action of micro-organisms and not the result of purely chemical changes. The fertilizer control for 1897, W. A. Withers (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 151, pp. 113-422). — Fertilizer inspection in North Carolina is now under the control of the State department of agriculture. The station is employed to make the analyses, but the collection of samples and the publication of results is in the hands of the commissioner of agriculture. This bulletin, therefore, is confined to a summary of the work of the year, including data relating to the increase in the number of brands of fertilizers, extent and distribution of the fertilizer trade, valuation of fertilizers, and average composition of fertilizers on sale in North Carolina during several years (1890-1897). "The number of brands registered for sale in North Carolina during 1897 is about the same as for 189G, but before that year the number increased very rapidly for each year since 1890, when there was a change from the brand tax to the tonnage tax." The number of brands offered for sale in the State in 1897 was 073 as against 000 the previous year. The consumption of fertilizers in the State has rapidly increased from year to year, amounting to about 208,000 tons, valued at about $5,000,000, in 1897. " The larger part of the fertilizers now used in the State were manufactured in North Carolina and Virginia." The average composition of the principal classes of fertilizers used in the State during 1897 is shown in the following table: Average composition of fertilizers sold in North Carolina in 1897. Available phos- phoric acid. Ammonia. Potash. Found. Guaran- teed. Found. Guaran- teed. Found. Guaran- teed. Per cent. 12.96 10.58 9.01 Per cent. 12.15 9.66 8.01 Per cent. Per cent. Percent. Per cent. 1.89 2.43 1.85 Ammoniated superphosphates with 2.85 2.56 2.15 FERTILIZERS. 733 The average composition of the fertilizers is about the same as in previous years except that there are slightly smaller percentages of ammonia and potash. " One out of every 4 of the usual fertilizers fell below the guaranty in some single ingredient and 1 out of 15 in its valuation." Experiments on the action of phosphoric acid in bone meal and Valserine phosphate as compared with that of superphosphate and Thomas slag, P. Liechti (Landw. Jahrb. Schweiz, 11 (1897), pp. 378-389). — This is an account of comparative tests during 2 years (1890-1897) of the above phosphates on oats growing in galvanized-iron cylinders (20 cm. deep and 20 cm. in diameter) tilled with a sandy humus soil containing a moderate supply of potash and phosphoric acid. The phosphatic materials used were bone ash superphosphate contain- ing 16.3 per cent of water-soluble phosphoric acid in 1890 and 17.5 per cent in 1897; tine-ground Thomas slag containing 17.51 per cent total phosphoric acid and 15.08 per cent of citrate-soluble phosphoric acid, tine-ground Valserine phosphate containing 19.39 per cent total phos- phoric acid and 1.44 per cent citrate-soluble phosphoric acid, raw bone meal containing 19.02 per cent total phosphoric acid and 4.32 per cent of nitrogen, fine-ground steamed bone meal containing 32.3 per cent phosphoric acid and 1.3 per cent nitrogen, and coarse steamed bone meal containing 32 per cent phosphoric acid and 1.4 per cent nitrogen. Each year phosphoric acid was applied in the different forms at the rate of 0.35 gm. per pot, or 111.40 kg. per hectare (99.3 lbs. per acre), together with supplementary applications of the necessary amounts of potash and nitrogen. The highest yields were obtained each year from the pots to which superphosphate and slag were applied. The pots receiving superphosphate yielded on the average in 1890 54.3 gm. of grain and 112.7 gm. of straw, containing 0.271 gm. of phosphoric acid ; in 1897 the corresponding figures were 54, 83.3, and 0.2057. The pot receiving slag produced in 1890, G0.9 gm. of grain and 110.0 gm. of straw, containing 0.271 gm. of phosphoric acid; the corresponding figures in 1897 were 48.0, 70.1, and 0.292. It is thus seen that in case of the super- phosphate and slag the yields were somewhat lower in 1897 than in 1896. There was a small relative increase in yield in the pots which had received insoluble phosphoric acid in the form of bone meal and mineral phosphate, but when the large amount of phosphoric acid actually applied in these cases is taken into account this increase is insignificant. The proportion of phosphoric acid applied which was recovered in the crops was as follows : Proportion of phosphoric acid recovered in the crop. Superphosphate Thomas slag Raw bone meal Steamed bone meal (fine) . . . Steamed bone meal (coarse) 1896. 1897. Per cent. Per cent. 68 70 68 73 0 0.04 3 9 0 0 734 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. These results agree in general with those obtained by Wagner and Maercker; nevertheless the author concludes that such experiments do not furnish a reliable means of determining the relative value of differ- ent fertilizers. How shall barnyard manure be managed, J. Stoklasa ( Wiener Landw. Ztg., 10 {1898), No. 40, p. 330; abs. in Cenibl. Agr. Chem., 28 (1898), No. 1, p. 62).— In tlie author's experiment decomposing liquid manure lost 50 per cent of its nitrogen in 30 days. This loss was not entirely prevented when the liquid was kept in deep pits unless these were hermetically sealed. From a test of various preservatives, includ- ing superphosphate and superphosphate gypsum, the author concludes that " bisul- phate," a by-product from the manufacture of nitric acid, is the most effective and economical preservative material. Bisulphate contains 66 per cent of sulphuric acid in the form of acid sodium sulphate and frequently 2 per cent of potassium sulphate. Loss of nitrogen is completely prevented in manure treated with this substance to the extent of 0.5 per cent acidity. The liquid manure treated with this preservative must be applied to the soil alone. If mixed with the coarser manure a loss of nitrogen in the free state occurs. Experiments on beets and barley -with manure treated -with superphosphate gypsum, A. Olschbauer (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 66; abs. in Centbl. Agr. Chem., 28 (1S99), No. 1, p. 62). — The author concludes from his experiments that superphosphate is not as valuable as a manure preservative as is usually assumed. The best results were obtained by the author with manure preserved with street dirt. Farmyard manure, G. E. Day (Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm Bui. 109, pp. 24). — A popular discussion of this subject, based partly upon results of investiga- tions at the experimental farm. The topics treated are constituents of plants, farm- yard manure, solid and liquid excrements, influences which affect the composition of manure, care of farmyard manure, application of farmyard manure, and valuation of fertilizing constituents in manure. Manures and composts, H. Boiret (Fumiers et composts. Annecy: Hcrisson $• Co., 1898, pp. 24). Fertilizer inspection, C. D. Woods (Maine Sta. Bui. 45, pp. 24). — The results of analyses of 199 samples of commercial fertilizers are reported. The bulletin also includes a comparison of guarantees and analyses of samples collected by the station for 3 years, the chief provisions of the State fertilizer law, and a list of manufac- turers complying with the law in 1898. "A comparison of the results of the analyses of the samples collected by the station, with the percentages guaranteed by the manufacturers, shows that, as a rule, the fertilizers sold in the State are vrell up to the guaranty." Commercial fertilizers, M. A. Scovell, A. M. Peter, and H. E. Curtis (Kentucky Sta. Bui. 76, pp. 97-105). — This bulletin calls attention to the main features of the State fertilizer law, gives directions for sampling fertilizers, discusses briefly the selection of fertilizers for different crops, and reports analyses of 48 samples of ferti- lizing materials. Fertilizer analyses, R. C. Kedzie (Michigan Sta. Bui. 161, pp. 441-456).— This bulletin gives an abstract of the State fertilizer law, with an explanation of its objects ; a schedule of commercial prices, with notes on the valuation of fertilizers ; an explanation of terms used in fertilizer analyses; a brief discussion of the principles underlying the use of fertilizers and of the sources from which nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash in fertilizers are derived, and tabulated valuations and analyses of 61 samples of fertilizing materials inspected duriug 1898. Analyses of commercial fertilizers, II. J. Wheeler and B. L. Hartwell (Rhode Island Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 13-34). — This bulletin deals with changes in the regulations regarding the inspection of fertilizers and cooperation in the work of fertilizer FIELD CROPS. 735 inspection, and gives a schedule of trade values of fertilizing materials, text of the Rhode Island fertilizer law as amended March 1, 1898, a list of licensed fertilizers sampled hy the chemist of the Rhode Island State Board of Agriculture, and analyses and valuation of 121 samples of fertilizing materials. "In May, 1897, the fertilizer law which had been in operation in the State since April, 1892, was amended in such a way that the State Board of Agriculture, under whose authority the inspection had nominally been conducted, was released from any obligation to cause the work of the inspection to be done at the Rhode Island Agricultural Experiment Station, as heretofore." This change did not prove satisfactory, and in March, 1898, the law was again amended so that the inspection of fertilizers was placed in the hands of the board of managers of the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. Analysis of licensed commercial fertilizers, F. W. Woll ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 257-263). — Notes on the commercial forms of the 3 essential elements of plant food and on valuation and tabulated analyses and valuations of 14 samples of fertilizers licensed in Wisconsin in 1897. The different forms of lime for fertilizing purposes and their value and use, F. Wagner ( Vrtljschr. Bayer. Landw. Bath., 3 {1898), No. l,pp. 1-20).— The different forms and sources of lime fertilizers are described with reference to Bavarian conditions. Lime, nitrogen, and soda, H. J. Wheeler {Rhode Island Sta. But. 47, pp. 10). — A brief summary of the results of investigations by the station (E. S. R., 9, pp.933, 935) on the use of lime, the relative crop-producing power of different forms of nitrogen on acid soils, and on soda as a substitute for potash. The basis of the selling price of phosphatic slags, J. Graftiau {Bui. Assoc. Beige Chim., 12 {1898), No. 9, pp. 328-331).— Discusses fineness and citrate-solubility as bases of valuation. The drying of superphosphates, A. Petermann {Jour. Soc. Ayr. Brauant-Hainaut, 1898, No. 25). The production and utilization of natural nitrates in agriculture, V. Ayme {Rev. Sci. [Paris], 4. ser., 10 {1898), No. 26, p. 817). — A general discussion of this subject. Nitrogenous fertilizers — nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, L. Gran- deau {Jour. Soc. Agr. Brabant- Hainaut, 189S, No. 20). Statistics of production and consumption of nitrate of soda, Maizieres (L'Engrais, 14 {1899), No. 2, pp. 35-37). — The exports and consumption for a number of years past are stated. The exports from Chile in 1898 are stated to be 1,260,000 tons. Of this 110,000 tons was consumed in America and 1,040,000 tons in Europe. FIELD CROPS. Report of the department of agriculture ( Washington Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 5-26). — The results of experiments with wheat, oats, corn, and forage plants, and in seeding pastures and permanent meadows are reported, and the work of the department is briefly described. The experiments with wheat comprised variety tests, trials of differ- ent depths of plowing, and different rates and methods of seeding. Seventy-six varieties of winter wheat and 24 of spring wheat were tested. The following varieties of winter wheat, in the order given, averaged best for the seasons of 1895 and 1896: White Track, White Blue Stem, Seneca Chief, Thiess, Tasmania Red, Turkey, German Emperor, and Valley. Tbe results of plowing at different depths showed that the yield increased with the depth up to 6 in., while beyond 736 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the yield was materially reduced. In the seeding test the wheat was sown at rates varying from 2 to 5 pk. per acre. The largest yield was obtained from sowing 2 pk. per acre, the next largest from sowing 4£ and 5 pk., and the smallest from sowing 2i pk. Drilling gave better results than broadcasting. Plowing 0 in. deep for oats gave better results than plowing either 3 or 9 in. deep. Harrowing the soil 4 times before seeding instead of only once increased the yield per acre by <> bu. On 9 plats oats were sown broadcast on the stubble and covered by means of a disk barrow, and then 3 of the plats were dragged twice and 3 dragged once and rolled. The results gave a difference of about 3 bu. per acre in favor of harrowing or harrowing and rolling. Of 13 varieties White Russian produced the best average yield for 1895 and 189(>. Twelve varieties of corn were tested to ascertain which kind reached the most advanced stage before frost. White dent gave the best results, reaching tbe proper stage for cutting before frost and yielding about 10 tons of silage per acre. The grasses and forage plants grown at the station on experimental plats, permanent meadows, and in pastures are enumerated and a num- ber of them briefly discussed. Fiber flax investigations, F. A. Huntley (Washington Sta.Bul.33, pp. 24, Jigs. l,pl. 1). — This bulletin reports culture and variety tests and retting experiments with flax, and describes in a popular way the vari- ous operations which enter into its culture and the preparation of the fiber. The results of the culture and variety tests are given in the fol- lowing table: Yield of flax from different varieties of seed. Plat 1 . . Plat 2 . . Plat 3 . . Plat 4 . . Plat 5 . . Plat 6 . . Plat 7 . . Plat 8 . . Plat 9. . Plat 10 . Plat 11 . Plat 12 . Plat 13 Variety of seed. Riga do ... ....do ... ....do ... Belgian . . Riga Belgian . . Riga Belgian j do Riga do When sown. Mar. 28 ...do ... Apr. 17 ...do .. ...do.. May 15 ...do.. ...do .. .do .do .do .do .do .do Amount sown per Pounds. 90 120 150 120 120 210 180 150 120 210 180 150 120 Character of soil. Yield of un- threshed straw per acre. Sandy loam ....do ....do ....do do do do do do Clay and sandy loam. do do do Yield of threshed straw per acre. Pounds. 3,545 3,082 4,267 3,760 3,704 4,344 3,908 4,016 4,080 Pounds. 2,280 2,425 2,986 2,608 2,521 3,325 2,720 2, 921 3,663 2, 800 Yield of seed per acre. Pounds. 640 695 661 638 56b 430 657 664 425- 656 704 569 Retting was performed by submerging the straw placed in crates in a slow-flowing, clear stream, by anchoring the straw tied into bundles in a pool filled with water from the same stream and by placing it in special retting tanks. The water in the stream and pool maintained a temperature of about 51° F. and the retting required an average duration FIELD CROPS. 737 of 14 days. In the retting tanks the temperature of the water was kept at 100° during- the day and raised to 110° in the evening and allowed to fall from 5° to 15° during the night. These ranges of tem- perature produced the best results and the retting was usually completed in 110 hours. A higher temperature did not hasten the process and an average temperature of 20° lower prolonged it to about 145 hours. At 150° no retting took place. A report on the culture of hemp in Europe ( U. 8. Dept. Agr., Office of Fiber Investigations Ept. 11, pp. 2'J,figs. 6). — This includes a special consular report on the growth of hemp iu Italy. The author reviews the hemp industry in this country and in France, discusses the kind of hemp grown in different countries, and gives directions for the various operations which enter into the culture of hemp and its preparation for market. Notes are given on the cultivation, drying, and cleaning of hemp iu Italy. The consular report discusses Italian hemp culture, describes the heinp plant, reports its chemical composition as determined by several authorities, and gives full directions for its culture and preparation. A plan of crop rotation is given in which the farm is divided into 18 fields and each year 6 fields grow alfalfa, 6 wheat, and G hemp. Notes are given on the construction of retting pools. The influence of soil moisture and fertility on the develop- ment of the oat plant, M. Tucker and C. von Seelhorst {Jour. Landw., 46 (1898), No. 1, pp. 53-63). — These investigations on the development of the different parts of the oat plant were carried on as pot experiments. The pots were 33 cm. high and 24 cm. in diameter, and thus gave considerable space for root development. Each pot contained 17,130 gm. of dry soil and 712 plants were grown. The pots were divided into 3 series, according to the amount of moisture in the soil. At the beginning of the experiment, March 29, the amount of water furnished the soil was as follows: First series, 14.35 per cent; second series, 15.41 per cent; third series, 16.44 per cent, being 41.6, 45.2, and 48.8 per cent, respectively, of the water-holding capacity of the soil. May 18 the moisture was increased to 47.4 per cent of saturation in the second series and 53.2' per cent in the third, and on June 4, when the plants were heading, it was further increased in tbese series to 51.7 and 63.7 per cent of saturation, respectively. About 1 week later the water content in these series was increased to 56.1 and 70.6 per cent of saturation, respectively. Potash was applied in the form of potassium carbonate, phosphoric acid in the form of monocalcic phosphate, and nitrogen in the form of sodium nitrate in amounts shown in the table, which also summarizes the results. 738 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Effects of different amounts of soil moisture and fertilizers on the development of the oat plant. Plant food per pot. Check Potash, 1 gni. ; phos. acid, 1 gm Potash, 1 gm. ; phos.acid, 1 gm. ; nitrogen, 1 gm . . Potash, 1 gin. ; phos. acid, 1 gm. ; nitrogen, 2 gin . . Potash, 1 gm. ; nitrogen, 1 gm Potash, lgm.; nitrogen, 1 gm. ; phos. acid, 2 gm. . . Phos. acid, 1 gm.; nitro- gen, 1 gm Pfios. acid, 1 gm.; nitro- gen, 1 gm. ; potash '_' mn First series. Weighl of roots ^^ofrtts 0tagnT— 7» ( 3 rami 7.67 10.78 10.07 10.97 5. 69 10.68 111. 06 11.50 Grams. 41.5 67.5 68.5 68.5 38.5 79.2 75.5 74.0 1:5.41 1 : 6. 26 1 : 6. 80 1 : 6. 24 1: 6.75 1:7.41 1:7.08 1:6.43 Second series. height jeigl Patio Grams. 5.27 8.27 7.11- 8.51 4.38 8.95 6.65 8.64 graini°fro<*8 It ^ raw- straw. Third series. Grams. 47.2 83.6 93.4 94.0 40.0 108.0 101.5 99.5 1: 8.95 1:10.10 1:13.13 1:11.04 1: 9.13 1:12.07 1:15.26 1:11.51 Weigh! of roots. W5 , i and straw- straw. Grams, 7.28 8. 40 7.62 9.1(1 8.12 8.60 9.03 7.27 Urania. 68.5 99.5 119.5 135. 0 63.5 127.5 126. 0 117.5 1 : 9.41 1:11.84 1:15.68 1 : 14. 83 1: 7.82 1 : 14. 82 1 : 13. 95 1:16.16 Most of the plants were ripe August 9, but the plants grown in pots which received no fertilizer and those which received only potash and nitrogen were not ripe until August 10. In general the increase in soil moisture increased the development of the parts of the plant above ground and decreased the development of the roots. The fact that the soil with the lowest moisture content favored root development is con- sidered due to hydrotropism. The plants which received no phosphoric acid showed the least root development and gave the smallest yields. The authors conclude that increase in soil moisture diminishes root development and that fertilizing increases it, but that these 2 factors acting in conjunction increase the yield. Experiments with oats, J. F. Duggar (Alabama Sta. Bui. 95, pp. 157-180). — The experiments with oats here reported consisted of variety and fertilizer tests and investigations on the time of sowing, rotations, and the prevention of smut. Five varieties of oats imported from France were compared with varieties obtained from seedsmen and lied Eust Proof oats grown at the station. All varieties except one were sown at the rate of 44 lbs. per acre on November 16, 1896, and all plats were ^ of an acre in size. The foreign varieties were evidently spring oats, and only one, Gray Winter, proved hardy, and has for 2 years ranked well among the varieties tested. Virginia Gray and lied Eust Proof, both American varieties, produced the best yields of grain. Seed from the varieties tested in 1896 and of a few additional varieties was sown November 6, 1897. In the same field spring and fall strains of Bed Eust Proof oats were tested. Eed Eust Proof, Beardless, Hatchett Black, and Gray Winter, in the order given, produced the most grain. Eed Bust Proof yielded 30.8 and Gray Winter 19.5. There was practically no differ- ence between the spring and fall strains of Eed Eust Proof oats, which FIELD CROPS. 739 is considered due to a mild winter. Of 7 varieties sown February 17, LbOS, Burt, May, and Red Rust Proof were most productive, yielding 41.4, 35.9, and 30.6 bu. per acre, respectively. The yield of Red Rust Proof is the average of 2 plats. The varieties grown as Burt and May appeared to be identical. The winter varieties, Virginia Gray, Meyer Turf, Black Belgian Winter, and Black Mesdag, failed. The Black Belgian Winter oats produced no grain at all. In the experience of the station Red Rust Proof is the only general purpose variety for that locality, although Meyer Turf, Virginia Gray, Delaware Winter, and Gray Winter were found to be hardier. Burt ripened 1 to 2 weeks before Red Rust Proof sown on the same date in the spring and only 1 to 3 days later when this variety was sown in the fall. Red Rust Proof matured 12 to 19 days earlier when sown in November than when sown in February. Meyer Turf, Virginia Gray, and Gray Winter matured 10 to 12 days later than Red Rust Proof, and Hatchett Black matured between Red Rust Proof and Meyer Turf. Three experiments were made on fall and spring sowings with Red Rust Proof oats, the average results showed that oats sown in Novem- ber yielded 9.8 bu. of grain and 531 lbs. of straw per acre more than oats sown in February and March. The average date of harvesting the spring-sown crop was June 12, and of the fall-sown crop May 26. Oats grown after cowpeas, the vines having been plowed under, pro- duced 10.4 bu. of grain and 229 lbs. of straw per acre more than oats grown after German millet plowed under as a fertilizer. On a series of 6 plats velvet bean vines, velvet bean stubble, cowpea vines, cowpea stubble, crab grass and weeds, and German millet stubble were plowed under. The plats were then fertilized with 220 lbs. per acre of acid phosphate and 44 lbs. muriate of potash and sown to oats in the fall. The average yield of oats per acre was 33.6 bu. after velvet beans, 31.6 bu. after cowpeas, and 8.4 bu. after crab grass and weeds and German millet. There was a gain of 24.2 bu. of oats and nearly | of a ton of straw per acre as a result of growing leguminous insiead of nonlegu- minous crops during the preceding season. The plats on which the velvet bean and cowpea stubble had been plowed under produced bet- ter yields than those on which the vines were plowed under. This is believed to be due to the fact that the vines were not properly buried by the plow and that the stubble ground made a better seed bed. Three series of experiments, 2 with fall-sown oats, and 1 with spring oats were made to determine the best time of applying nitrate of soda as a top-dressing. In all cases the application was more effective when applied in March than when used in the latter part of April. Four plats were sown to oats after having been fertilized with com- plete fertilizer and 2 of the plats received in addition 660 lbs. slaked lime per acre. There was a difference of 12.9 bu. per acre in the yields in favor of the limed plats. One thousand pounds of quicklime per acre, applied as a top-dressing after being slaked, effected no gain on 740 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. poor sandy soil. A cooperative fertilizer experiment with oats sown in February failed on account of dry weather. The plats receiving kainit offered the greatest resistance to the drought and produced the largest yields. Equal quantities of seed oats by weight were sown on 2 plats of poor sandy soil. The seed lor 1 plat had been scalded in water at 130 to 135° F. for 10 minutes. The untreated seed yielded 13.1 bu. and the treated seed 14.2 bu. per acre. The heads on both plats were counted and it was found that on the plat with untreated seed 5.9 per cent of the heads were destroyed by smut and no smut was found on the other plat. Complete directions are given for the Jeusen or hot-water treat- ment for the prevention of smut. The influence of depth of planting on growth and productiveness of potatoes, E. S. Goff ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 306, 307). — An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of depth of plant- ing on productiveness, size, and manner of growth of potatoes. Twenty- five hills of Burbank potatoes were planted May 22, at different depths. The seed tubers were planted whole, one in a place, 2 ft. apart, in rows 3£ ft. apart. Ordinary cultivation was given, and the crop was har- vested October 13 to 14. The results obtained are given in the fol- lowing table : Results of planting potatoes at different depths. Depth planted. Hills germinat- ing. Tubers protrud- ing from soil. Average number of tubers per bill. Average weight of tubers per bill. Average depth to deepest tubers. Per cent. 100 96 88 Per cent. 8.4 .8 .0 6.6 5.4 3.2 Pound. 0.58 .62 .35 Inches. 5 Growing rye after potatoes, M. Fischer {Finding's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), No. 18, pp. 702-700).— -It is stated that rye grown after potatoes frequently gives an unsatisfactory yield, which is believed to be due to the fact that a hoed crop like potatoes leaves the soil too loose for the rye plant. To ascertain whether this belief is correct rye was grown on 10 plats on which fertilizer experiments with potatoes had been made the previous year. Two of these plats were fertilized with nitrate of soda, 2 with lime, 3 with barnyard manure, 1 with Thomas slag, and 2 receiving no fertilizer. The best yields were obtained from the plats which were fertilized with nitrate of soda. From the results obtained it is concluded that the mechanical condition of the soil is not the direct cause of tne unsatisfactory yields of rye when grown after potatoes, but that the potato, especially wheu it remains in a growing condition nearly to the time of harvesting, uses most of the available nitrogen and leaves an insufficient supply to enable the rye to make a good growth. FIELD CROPS. 741 The growth and use of the rape crop, J. A. diAia (Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 56-71, Jigs. 3). — This article gives complete and detailed instructions for the culture and use of the rape crop and reports the results of cutting rape for soiling purposes. The limits to the growth and use of rape are pointed out, the different varieties described, and directions given for the seeding, cultivation, and use of the crop. A half-acre plat of rape was used for soiling purposes and furnished feed for one month beginning August 16. The rape was cut close to the ground and owing to the lateness of the season did not make a heavy second growth. A number of trials were made with different methods of cutting and twisting the plants. Results are given in the following table: Besults of different methods of twisting and cutting rape. Method of treatment. Five rows twisted 8 in. from ground Five rows cut 8 in. from ground Five rows cut 4 in. from ground Five rows cut close to ground Yield. Aug. 29. Sept. 29. Nov. 8 Pounds. 253 273 293 343 Pounds. 157J 206i Not cut. Not cut. Pounds. 1591 153i 431J 296 Total. Pounds. 569| 633 724| 639 In this test cutting rape 4 in. from the ground gave the best results. Cultivation immediately after each cutting is recommended. Another experiment was made to determine the best time for cutting the crop. The following results were obtained: Besults of cutting rape at different times. First cutting. Second cutting. Third cutting. Total. Date. Yield. Date. Yield. Date. Yield. Plat 1 . . June 25-July 1 July 2-8 July 9-15 .... Pounds. 3,062 4, 081* 2, 939* Aug. 6-12 Aug. 13-19 Aug. 20-26 Pounds. 2, 3891 1,708 1,443 Oct. 22-28 Oct. 29 Nov. 4. Pounds. 2, 218 1,987 Pounds. 7, 669* Plat 2 7, 7764 4,382 Plat 3 Too light for cutting. The author concludes that rape sown as early as possible, cut 4 in. from the ground, and cultivated frequently, will furnish 3 cuttings during the summer and fall. Special report on the beet-sugar industry in the United States, 1897 ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Special Report on the Beet-sugar Industry in the U. S., 1897, pp. 240, Jigs. 2, maps 2). — This publication is a compre- hensive report of the conditions of sugar-beet culture and beet-sugar manufacture in the United States in 1897. The results of analytical and experimental work, and statistics concerning the production of beet sugar and the cost of producing sugar beets are given. 742 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Report of the chemist, H. W. Wiley (pp. 1-160).— This report gives a bibliography of Department publications on the sugar-beet industry, reviews in general the work of the Department and the experiment stations with sugar beets, and reports the results of analyses made in the chemical laboratory of the Department and at different experiment stations. The climatic conditions are considered in general and the probable areas suited to beet culture are shown on a map. The average rainfall for the months of April to October, inclusive, at different places in 11 States east of the Mississippi are tabulated, and the conditions of temperature and precipitation of particular localities throughout the country are noted. The following table gives the results of analyses of beets for States from which 10 or more samples were obtained: Composition of sugar beets grown in different States, 1897. Number of samples. Number of coun- ties rep- resented. Average results. Maxima. Minima. State. Weight. Sugar in the beet. Purity coeffi- cient. Sugar | in the beet. Purity coeffi- cient. Sugar in the beet. Purity coeffi- cient. 174 32 103 130 41 29 450 49 324 13 21 31 225 68 59 13 17 11 35 34 34 14 42 34 26 19 17 38 12 9 22 15 90 8 6 8 27 32 12 8 5 8 7 21 10 5 8 9 Ounces. 20 17 14 18 27 19 22 24 20 29 18 16 21 22 18 17 11 22 20 21 27 19 15 19 Per ct. 13.6 13.1 13.1 13.3 11.4 11.4 14.7 11.0 11.7 12.9 18.3 14.2 15.0 13.8 13.8 9.9 10.8 12.6 14.3 11.6 1H. 7 15.4 15.8 17.2 76.7 75.5 78.9 73.7 73.8 79.1 81.1 79.2 73.5 76.9 81.4 81.4 82.4 79.1 79.5 79.9 71.9 76.5 81.1 76.2 80.7 80.4 83.3 82.3 Per ct. 20.9 21.2 19.1. 19.0 17.8 15.7 20.2 17.7 19.8 17.3 20.8 18.7 22.6 18.7 19.6 13.7 14.9 14.7 20.2 15.5 19.9 18.9 19.5 24.3 88.1 86.8 88.4 87.4 85.3 85.7 91.0 86.3 86.1 80.2 85.5 90.1 90.6 89.9 89.2 74.1 80.1 90.5 83.3 89.7 88.8 88.2 92.1 Per ct. 4.1 8.3 7.8 6.1 6.6 3.2 4.1 6.9 3.6 8.5 16.0 8.6 9.0 5.6 7.1 3.8 5.G 8.8 9.1 5.6 5.8 11.9 11.5 9.1 63.4 67.7 71.3 65.9 65.7 66.8 67.9 67.5 57.8 73.0 75.4 67.8 New York Ohio 70.8 63.1 Pennsylvania South Carolina 65.0 "69.8 72.3 Utah 70.6 65.4 67.0 West Virginia 69.1 71.4 70.2 The analytical data presented in the table are elucidated by a brief discussion of them for each State, supplemented by a summary of the results obtained by the experiment stations in the different States. Suggestions based on some of the data obtained are made on the influence of temperature on the quality of sugar beets, and in this connection the significance of the theoretical thermal belt suitable to the growing of sugar beets is pointed out. The use of sugar beets and beet pulp as cattle feed is discussed, with a review of feeding experiments in this line, and the results of analyses of diffusion pulp are quoted. Data collected in previous years from cultural tests of sugar beets in various States are summarized in tables. The investigations in seed production carried on under the direction of the Department of Agriculture at the New York State, Indiana, Wis- consin, Iowa, Kentucky, and Tennessee stations are described for each FIELD CROPS. 743 station. A number of varieties of high-grade beets were grown at each station and analyzed, and samples were also sent to the Department laboratory for analysis. The most satisfactory results were obtained at the New York State Station. The classification of the beets of each variety based on the sugar content is given in the following table: Classification of sugar beets of different varieties grown at the New York Station at Geneva. Variety. Number of beets having contents of sugar from — 15 to 1G per cent. 16 to 17 per cent. 17 to 18 per cent. 18 per cent and above. Maximum polariza- tions of in- dividual beets. Minimum polariza- tions of in- dividual beets. White Improved Imperial Elite . . . Vilmorin La Plus Riche Vilmorin Improved, Schuyler Seed. Demesmay Vilmorin ' Improved Elite (Dippe Bros.) High Grade Commercial Kleinwan- zlebener Kleinwanzlebener (Holland) Kleinwanzlebener Elite 4 94 3 40 47 107 50 165 Per cent. 19.6 23.4 18.8 22 21.6 22 22.2 22 Per cent. 11.6 13.4 12.4 9.6 10.6 13.6 18.4 14.6 The work of the experiment stations reviewed in this publication has been abstracted from the bulletins of the respective stations. Report of the special agent, C. F. Baylor (pp. 161-240). — This is a com- prehensive presentation of the conditions of the sugar-beet industry in the United States in 1897, the methods in vogue to aid its growth, and the natural resources and commercial advantages and opportunities which exist and tend to make it a profitable field for labor and capital. The author discusses in a popular way the experiments in growing sugar beets in 1897, the region adapted to the culture of the sugar beet, and the factory requirements with reference to the quality of the beets and the materials used in the manufacture of beet sugar. General sug- gestions are given on the various operations connected with the grow- ing of sugar beets, and statistics are presented on the consumption of sugar in the United States and leading European countries and the beet-sugar industry in Germany for the years 1892 to 1895. The expe- riences and observations of factory officials and operators and successful sugar-beet growers, obtained through a series of questions concerning their work, are reported. The cost of growing sugar beets and the cost and running expenses of factories are estimated in detail. Notes are given on the by-products of beet-sugar manufacture. A soil study of sugar beets, W. P. Headden {Colorado Sta. Bui 46, pp. 63). — This bulletin presents the results of a study of the effects of alkali on the composition of the sugar beet. The experiments were made to determine the effects of the accumulation of various salts on or near the surface of low or poorly drained lands under irrigation. The soil on which they were conducted varies from a gravelly loam to a fine alluvium with a calcareous subsoil, being very retentive of water 16130— No. 8 4 744 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. to a depth of 5£ ft., where it is underlaid by a stratum of clay practi- cally impervious to the water which tills the gravel below. The salts mentioned as present in the soil are sodium chlorid, sodium carbonate, sodium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, and calcium sulphate. Check plats were located on good soil presumably free from alkali. After irrigation or other favorable conditions incrustations of soluble salts \ in. in thickness formed on the surface of j>ortions of the plat on which the sugar beets were grown. The ground was plowed and sub- soiled to a depth of 14 in., and the seeds were drilled in rows 2 ft. apart. From the analyses of the beets produced the author concludes that the effect of the alkali upon the sugar content was not detrimental. Beets were analyzed each week, from September 2 to October 13, to test the increase in sugar content during the ripening period. The most marked increase was found to have occurred from October 6 to 13. "This change which we speak of as the maturing of the beets makes a differ- ence of from 2 to 3 per cent." Beets left in the ground and protected against severe freezing did not show a loss in sugar or in weight. Analyses were made to determine the distribution of sugar in the beets and the effects of freezing and drying. It was found that the difference in the average percentage of sugar in the thirds of beets, taken by weight, was less than 2 per cent in favor of the middle and lower thirds, but the coefficient of purity was practically the same throughout. The percentage of sugar in the crown was about 1 per cent less than in the rest of the beet, while the coefficient of purity was but little lower. Freezing without subsequent thawing did not seem to affect the quality of the beet, while drying increased the per- centage of sugar, but was accompanied by an actual loss of sugar. The loss in drying amounted to about 5 per cent during the first 24 hours, but it fell to about 2 per cent at the end of 5 days, and then remained practically constant for the next 12. It was shown in these experiments that the weight of the leaves was equal to about 87 per cent of the weight of the roots. The weight of the leaves did not increase materially during the last 0 weeks of the growing season, but the weight of the root increased by 04 per cent of its weight at the beginning of the period, September 2, or 39 per cent of the weight of the mature beet. The presence of alkali slightly increased the weight of the leaves but had no marked influence on the maturing of the crop. From the results of numerous analyses of the beets, which are given in tables, it was found that the presence of alkali had had no influence on the amount of dry matter, and that the dry matter other than sugar decreased as the formation of sugar in the beet progressed. The dry matter of the upper third of the beet was a little higher than in the other two-thirds. As shown by the ordinary fodder analysis, the presence of alkali increases the percentage of ash and crude protein and decreases the percentage of nitrogen-free extract. The alkali had a greater effect upon the composition of the beet than upon that of the leaves. The FIELD CROPS. 745 mature beet as grown in these experiments contained, about 1.1 per cent of ash and the leaves a little more than twice as much. The effect of alkali was to increase the percentage of ash in the roots by about 2 per cent of the dry matter. The upper third of the beets was found to contain a higher percentage of dry matter than the other two-thirds, but the dry matter of the lower third was richer in ash than that of either of the other two. The author states that he failed to find any relation between the percentage of sugar and the percentage or com- position of the ash. The character of the soil did not seem to affect the composition of the ash which is believed to be very constant; the analyses show the following approximate percentages: Sulphuric acid, 3.5; phosphoric acid, 7 to 9; alkalies, 48 to 52; lime, 2 to 3; magnesia, 6; chlorin, 11.50 to 14.50; carbon dioxid, about 15. The ash of the leaves contained from one-third to one-fourth as much phosphoric acid, from 2 to 3 times as much chlorin. a little more lime, about one half more magnesia, and about -iV less alkalis than the ash of the roots. Four series of tests were made to determine the effect of some of the salts found in the soil on the germination of different varieties of beet seed. The salts were used separately and in conjunction, in quantities varying from 0.01 to 1 per cent of the air-dried soil in which the seed was germinated. The first series of tests was made with sodium car- bonate, the second with sodium sulphate, the third with a mixture of these two, and a fourth with magnesium sulphate. Seeds were germi- nated in ordinary glass tumblers. It was found that the beet seed germinated freely in soil containing 0.1 per cent of sodium carbonate, but the young plants were injured in soil containing only 0.05 per cent. The influence of sodium sulphate was less marked, but it proved inju- rious when present in larger quantities than 0.8 per cent of the air- dried soil. When both of these salts were present in equal quantities, the action of the carbonate was not influenced perceptibly. One per cent of magnesium sulphate retarded germination, and the presence of sodium salts hastened it. Of the varieties tested in these experiments Vilmorin seemed to be most sensitive to the action of the alkali. New Mexico sugar beets, 1897, A. Goss (Neic Mexico Sta. Bui. 26, pp. 71-113, pi. 4). — This bulletin presents the results of culture experi- ments with sugar beets, carried on at the station and in 14 of the 18 counties of the Territory. Popular directions are given for the various operations in sugar-beet culture, including irrigation, and statistics concerning the sugar industry are tabulated. The average results at the station with different varieties of beets harvested at different dates were as follows : Beets harvested September 15 averaged 1.22 lbs. in weight, 11.03 per cent sugar in the juice, and 78.8 in purity; beets harvested October 14, 1.53 lbs. in weight, 12.47 per cent sugar in the juice, and 79.4 purity; and the beets harvested November 16, 1.71 lbs. in weight, 13.89 per cent sugar in the juice, and 77.2 purity. 746 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The beets in the samples from the 14 counties averaged 1.83 lbs. in weight, 14.46 and 13.74 per cent sugar in the juice and the beet, respec- tively, and 77.9 in purity. Fourteen samples from San Juau County gave an average of 16.46 per cent of sugar in the juice and 81.3 purity, the beets averaging 2 lbs. in weight. The samples from Taos County showed an average sugar content in the juice of 17.42, a purity of 80.7, and an average weight per beet of 1.17 lbs. On a series of plats at the station beets were harvested and analyzed each month from September to March, inclusive. " The beets did not attain their full sugar content until the middle of November, and . . . The sugar content remained practically constant from that time until the middle of February. In Marc!) the sugar had begun to decrease, due, doubtless, to the fact that the beets had started to grow." Analyses were made of beets varying in weight from ^ to 9J lbs. It was found in general that the sugar content and the purity decreased as the size of the beets increased, ranging from 16.2 per cent sugar and 82.2 purity in the ^-lb. beets to S.8 per cent sugar and 66.2 purity in the 9f-lb. beets. Fifty well-formed beets, dug November 18, were divided into 5 equal lots, kept at an ordinary room temperature and analyzed at different periods, to study the effect of drying. The results are given in the following table: Sugar content and purity of ■sugar beets as affected by drying. Analyzed after harvesting. 0 days. 6 days. 15 days 21 days 28 days Average 1 weight Sugar in juice. Decrease per beet Purity. in water in fresh content. sample. Pounds. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. 1.44 14.3 84.1 0. 1.56 15.9 79.9 9.0 1.52 18.5 81.1 21.7 1.51 20.0 82.3 25.9 1.46 21.5 81.8 33.7 Increase in sugar content. Per cent. 0. 11.2 22.7 28.5 33.5 It is stated that 15 tons of sugar beets per acre remove from the land 105 lbs. of potash, 30 lbs. of phosphoric acid, and 60 lbs. of nitrogen; and that 30 bushels of wheat per acre remove in the grain and straw 28 lbs. of potash, 23 lbs. of phosphoric acid, and 45 lbs. of nitrogen. The importance of the right amount and the right distribution of -water in crop production, F. H. King ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 216-231, figs. 9).— Experiments with supplemental irrigation at the station during 3 years have shown that as a rule the natural supply of water (rainfall) is not sufficient for the maximum yields of the ordinary farm crops. This article summarizes the results of experiments along this line on barley followed by clover, potatoes, and corn. Barley. — In the experiments with barley in 1897, the rainfall of 5.81 in. was supplemented by 4.16 in. of irrigation water (2.32 in. applied June 17 and 1.84 in. applied July 9). The results indicate that the Field crops. 747 amount and distribution of rainfall during this season was such as to give nearly the maxiniuin yield of barley; so that there was little dif- ference between the yields on the irrigated and unirrigated plats. The clover following the barley, however, was decidedly benefited by irri- gation. This crop received 3 additional irrigations (July 23, August 20, and September 8), amounting in the aggregate to 12.84 in. The result of these 3 irrigations was a second crop of barley and clover mixed, which was cut and put into the silo September 22, weighing 6,552 lbs., from 25,330 sq. ft., or 1.36 tons of hay per acre, containing 15 per cent of water. With the rain- fall of this year this crop would have been nothing, and there would have been a much poorer stand of clover. Clover. — The rainfall during the season of growth of the clover was 9.44 in. This was supplemented by 5.85 in. of irrigation water, divided between May 18, June 1, July 7, and July 22, making the total amount of water which the clover crop received 15.29 in. The total yield of hay in 1897 was 4.43 tons, the second crop being 1.8 tons. "It is safe to say that with plenty of water, either as rain or irrigation, both the first and second crops of hay may easily be made double what is usually realized." Potatoes. — In these experiments Rural New Yorker potatoes were planted in rows 30 in. apart, with hills 15 in. apart, and Burbauk pota- toes were planted 30 in. apart both ways. Alternate groups of 6 rows were irrigated in each case, the Eural New Yorkers receiving 8.25 in. of water July 20, 21, August 19, and September 8; the Burbanks 6.79 in. on the same dates, making; with the rainfall of 11.49 in., 19.74 and 18.28 in. respectively of total water. The gain due to irrigation was 12G.2 bu. per acre in case of the Rural New Yorker and 117.1 bu. in the case of the Burbanks. The results also show that water applied to one side of the row (half irrigation) "does not produce the maximum results, the mean loss by half irrigation being for the 2 years and 4 sets of trials 70.3 bu. of merchantable potatoes per acre, while the mean gain for full irrigation over no irrigation was 105.8 bu. per acre. " In the case of the rows of potatoes next to the half irrigated ones the mean yield was increased by the watering 7.9 bu. per acre. It is plain, therefore, from these two years' work that plenty of water at the right time is indispensable to the largest yields of potatoes." It was observed that tip burn did less injury on the irrigated plats than on those which were not irrigated. Com. — Plats which have not been fertilized since 1894 have been planted continuously from 1894 to 1897, one-half in flint corn, the other half in dent corn. The rainfall, which ranged from 4.48 in. in 1895 to 15.02 in. in 1896, was supplemented by irrigation water amounting to from 5.7 in. in 1897 to 26.6 in. in 1895. The yield was invariably increased by the supplemental irrigation, showing that in none of these years were the amount and distribution of rainfall such as to produce the maximum yield of corn. In these experiments the effect of the rate 748 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. of planting was also studied. Corn was planted in rows 44 in. apart and in hills 15 in. apart at rates of 4, 3, 2, and 1 stalk to the hill. " The maximum yield of feed per acre was secured with 3 stalks in a hill when the natural rainfall fed the crop, and also when this was supplemented with a little more than 7 in. of water by irrigation. So, too, the smallest yield of dry matter per acre was secured in every one of the 4 cases where the 1 stalk was planted every 15 in. with rows 44 in. apart (E. S. R., 9, p. 595). "When the yields of shelled corn per acre are compared it will be seen that a somewhat different relation holds, the largest amount with the white dent being produced where there were but 2 stalks every 15 in. ; but with the smaller variety of Pride of the North dent the largest yield of corn coincided with the largest yield of dry substance where irrigation was practiced, but where the natural rainfall pro- duced the crop the largest amount of shelled corn was associated with the thinnest seeding, and it is a noteworthy fact that this yield is almost as large as where the water was applied, showing that with so thin a stand there was nearly water enough in the season's rainfall for maximum yields." Analyses of the grain indicate that the thinnest seeded corn was somewhat the richest in nitrogen. Cost of irrigation in 1897. — With an ordinary farm engine using coal at $5 per ton, 28.87 acre-in. of water per ton of coal was raised 26 ft. through a 0-iu. pipe, at a cost of 17.32 cts. per acre-inch. With a 2^-horsepower gas engine, using gas costing $1.25 per thousand feet, the cost of raising the water 12.85 ft. was 15.75 cts. per acre-inch. ''These results make it appear safe to say that water can be pumped to a height of 26 ft. under conditions similar to ours at a cost for fuel not to exceed 20 cts. per acre-inch." Water used by crops in Wisconsin. — This is a continuation of previous investigations on this subject (E. S. R., 8, p. 293), both in the plant house and in the held. The investigations have included experiments with corn, oats, clover, and potatoes. The results are summarized in the following table: Water used by different crops in Wisconsin. Corn in the field Corn in plant house Difference Oats in the field Oats in plant house. Difference Clover in the field Clover in plant house. Difference Potatoes in the field Potatoes in plant house. Difference Crop. Number of trials. Water re- quired per ton of dry matter. Acre-inches. 2.433 2. 386 .047 5.011 4.535 5.345 5. 005 .340 4. 283 2.618 FIELD CROPS. 749 ••It will be seen that, except iu the case of the potatoes, the difference between the amount of water used iu the held and iu tbe plant house is relatively small. In the case of the potatoes the large difference is due to the fact that iu the field trials the plants did not develop perfectly." The completeness with which the water is utilized by crops in the field and iu the plant house is briefly discussed. Agriculture in Russia, C. Courrikre (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1S99, I, No. 1, pp. 22-24).— A note on tbe conditions of Russian agriculture. Wobum Experimental Farm: Tabulated results of experiments, J. A. Voelcker (Jour. Boy. Agr. Soc. England, 3. ser., 9 (1898), pt. 4, No. 36, pp. 678-726) .—The results of rotation tests and experiments on the continuous growth of wheat and barley for the years 1877 to 1897, inclusive, are given in tables and the plan of the experiments is briefly outlined. An account of some of this work has been noted from a previous volume of this publication (E. S. R., 9, p. 199). Reports of the department of agriculture and horticulture, F. A. Huntley (Idaho Sta. Hid. 11, pp. 145-149). — This report briefly outlines tbe work performed in the line of agriculture and horticulture by the station iu 1897 and presents plans for the work during the season of 1898. The work consists mainly of variety, and cul- ture tests of grain, grasses, and garden crops. The castor-oil plant (Jour. Jamaica Agr. Soc, 2 (1898), No. 12, pp. 528-530).— Rotes on the culture of the plant and the preparation of the seeds for the oil mill. The culture of coffee in Mexico, H. A. Turnbull (Bol. Repub. Mexicano, 2 (1898), pp. 161-169).— A popular article describing the coffee industry of Mexico. A few hints on maize growing, H. A. Tardext (Queensland Agr. Jour., 3 (1898), No. 6,p>p. 411-420, pis. 2, figs. 4). — Notes are given on the preparation of the land, the selection of seed, and the planting, harvesting, storing, and marketing of the crop. Growing and breeding oats, A. Kirsche (Deut. Landtv. Presse, 26 (1899), No. 6, pp. 45, 46, figs. 2). — A report on experiments in breeding oats, with measurements and weights of the plants obtained. The potato, A. W. Sutton (Jour. Roy. Agr. Soc. England, 3. ser., 9 (1S98), pt. 4, pp. 581-653, figs. 58). — This illustrated monograph discusses the natural distribution of the potato and its introduction into Europe; deterioration of cultivated varieties; the diseases which attack the plant, and the means to prevent them ; the manuring of the crop, its composition and comparative food value, and the practice of modern potato culture. The habitat of other tuber-bearing species of Solanum is discussed and varieties of potatoes in different parts of the world are described. The different practices in potato culture in various parts of England, Scotland, and in the Chan- nel Islands are outlined. Experiments with potatoes, C. Fruwirth (Fiihling's Landiv. Zlg.,47 (1898), No. 24, pp. 921-923).— -This article reports the results of variety tests, distance experi- ments, tests of using whole tubers or different-sized cuttings for seed, and a trial of treating seed tubers for the prevention of scab. New plants for field culture, A. Dubois (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1899, 1, No. 3, pp. 90-92, figs. 3). — Notes on a new variety of potatoes, a new hybrid wheat, and canaigre. Experiments with sugar beets in 1897, II. W. Wiley ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Division of Chemistry Bui. 5.', pp. 105, figs. 2, maps 2).—X reprint from the special report on the beet-sugar industry in the United States, 1897 (see p. 740). The culture of beets and beet seed, P. Doerstling (FiikUngs Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), No. 22, pp. 857,858).— A popular note. The velvet bean (Florida Agr., 25 (1898), No. 13, p. 196).— Notes are given on the value of the velvet bean as a soil renovator and forage crop, with directions for its culture. Florida velvet bean (Jour. Jamaica Agr. Soc., 3 (1899), No. 1, pp. 14-16). — A gen- eral discussion of the value of the velvet bean and its botanical relationship. 750 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Varieties of winter cereals, Tribondeau (Jour. Agr. [Paris'], 1S98, II, No. 1675, pp. 1026-1030). — Brief descriptions are given of a number of different, varieties of winter grains. The results of several fertilizer experiments in connection with the tests of these varieties are reported. Report on experiments carried on at Kloster Hadmersleben in 1897-98 with different sport varieties of grain, F. Heine (Ueut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1S9S), No. SI, p. S6S). Notes on the culture of wheat (Queensland Agr. Jour., 3 (189S), No. 6, pp. 399-410, pis. 3). — Notes on seeding, harvesting, and stacking wheat. Descriptions of a num- ber of varieties of wheat and barley are given. Natural cross fertilization of oats and "change of seed,'' T. Jamieson (Proc. Agr. Research Assoc. [Scotland], 1897, pp. 31-50, fig. 1). — This article is a discussion of the practice of changing seed and a report on experiments in natural cross fertili- zation of oats. The terms high breeding, cross breeding, mongrels, and natural and artificial crossing are defined. From the results of the experiments the author con- cludes that oat plants cross freely when grown side by side, that the wind is a suffi- ciently effective pollen carrier for this purpose, that naturally crossed seeds produce heavier plants than seeds that have not been so crossed, and that crossing may be accomplished on a large scale by mixing the seeds of 2 varieties or differentiated strains and then sowing the resulting seeds the following year. Cross breeding of wheat {Queensland Agr. Jour., 3 (1S98), No. 5, pp. 335-33S).— Notes on the objects and methods of cross breeding wheats with regard to the requirements of good milling wheats. The wheat-growing capacity of the United States, E. Atkinson (Pop. Sci. Mo.f 54 (1S9S), No. 2, pp. 145-162). The mineral requirements of grain and the fertilizer applications in spring, L. Grandeau (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1899, I, No. 1, pp. 12-14). — A popular article dis- cussing the utilization of plant food by grain at different stages of growth and its relation to fertilizers applied in spring. Field experiments with fertilizers in 1895, Edler (Jour. Landw., 46 (1S9S), No. 4, pp. 349-365). — This article is a review of the results obtained from work begun by the late Dr. Liebscker, of Gottingen. Cooperative fertilizer experiments were con- ducted with a view to determining the fertilizer requirements of cultivated soils and the results obtained by the different experimenters are here reported. The author states that owing to lack of uniformity in the conditions no conclusions can be drawn. Experiments with nitrogenous fertilizers on hoed crops, G. Dusserre (Chron. Agr. Canton Taud, 11 (1898), No. 23, pp. 668-672).— The results of experiments with nitrogenous fertilizers on fodder beets are reported. The yields were profitably increased, the amount of dry matter in the beets remained the same, the proportion of protein was considerably increased, and the sugar content slightly diminished. Box experiments, J. D. Kobur (Meded. Prafistat. Oost Java, 3. ser., 1S9S, No. 7, p. 11). — An account of experiments with different fertilizers on sugar cane, including detailed analyses (fertilizing constituents) of the canes and blades and sugar con- tent of the canes. Residual effects of fertilizing oats and clover, sown together, with Thomas slag and superphosphate (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 91, p. 957). — The land on which the tests were made received a general application of nitrate of soda. The application of Thomas slag and superphosphate furnished 36.84 lbs. of citrate-soluble and 26.59 lbs. of water-soluble phosphoric acid per morgen (0.63 acre), respectively. The Thomas slag plats gave somewhat better yields of oats than the superphosphate plats, and the following year the Thomas slag plats also produced the largest yields of clover. The differences in the yields of clover were much more marked than the differences in the yields of oats. Curing cigar tobacco, R. S. Nevill (Queensland Agr. Jour., 3 (1898), No. 5, pp. 342, 343). — Instructions for curing cigar tobacco and directions for packing tbecured product for the market. HORTICULTURE. 7 5 1 HORTICULTURE. A comparison of the "Station" tomato -with three standard varieties, E. S. Goff ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 303-306). — This tomato was produced by crossing the French Upright or Tree Tomato with the Alpha, and has been developed by the author since 1883. Tables are given showing the comparative yield, earliness, and percent- age weight of seeds of the Station, Dwarf Champion, Acme, and Nichol Stone varieties. The advantages claimed for the Station tomato are the superior earliness, productiveness, and freedom from decay of the fruit; and the compactness, stockiness, and hardiness of the plants. On the structure of the epidermal layer and the cause of the varying keeping qualities of pomaceous fruits, A. Zschokke (Landw. Jdhro. Schweiz, 11 (1897), pp. 153-196, pis. 2). — The author states that the keeping qualities of fruit are determined by both mechan- ical and chemical conditions. Chief among the former are the number of stomata, lenticels, and abrasions in the epidermis by which fungi gain access to the flesh of the fruit. The principal chemical conditions are the presence of acids and tannin which generally hinder or prevent fungus growth. Keeping quality in the more restricted use of the term is, however, dependent mostly on physiological conditions and processes within the fruit. The causes of rotting, dotting, aud water core of apples and soft overripeness of the pear are discussed. The application of artificial root pressure to recently trans- planted trees, E. S. Goff ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 272-282, figs. 4). — The author reports experiments in the application of water pressure to the roots of trees as a means of promoting the starting of their buds and thereby preventing failure in transplanting. A small quantity of distilled water was supported at a height equal to or slightly exceeding that of the tree, and connected by a tube with the cut end of one of the roots of the tree. The effect of the water pres- sure was often very quickly noticed, sometimes within 48 hours. Pres- sure was applied in the latter part of May, 189G, to a small, purple beech tree which had been planted in April but had shown no indica- tion of opening its buds. Six days later the buds had opened suffi- ciently to show the leaves plainly. In the Middle of May water pressure was applied to a tree of the City plum which had been planted nearly a month previous. Several leaf buds had opened but had been dried up by hot, dry weather. A week after the pressure was applied many buds which had not opened" before began to swell, and in about another week the leaves were pushing out vigorously. In the spring of 1897, 20 Whitney crab apple trees were planted in rather poor, dry soil. During the 4 days preceding planting, the roots were exposed to the air but protected from the rain and snow. The trees were planted in the latter part of April without special care, and water pressure was applied to a root of each alternate tree. In one week after planting the buds on the trees supplied with water pressure began to open, and in 2 weeks every tree thus treated was starting well. During 752 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the next 2 weeks with dry, clear weather, the treated trees continued, with one exception, to expand their leaves. By this time the buds on one of the untreated trees began to start, but those on the other untreated trees showed no sign of starting. Later the ground was well irrigated and mulched. All the trees ultimately grew except 2, both failures being in the untreated lot. By fall little difference could be seen between the trees of the treated lot and the live ones of the untreated lot, showing that the advantage of the treatment is only in starting growth. The results of these experiments are shown in figures from photographs. Trees taken up, removed to a building, injected with water, and returned to their places started promptly after the treatment, the results being striking in some cases. In all cases deciduous trees less than 4 years old were used. The amount of water absorbed from the apparatus up to the time of expansion of the leaves was rarely over 10 cc. The apparatus used in the tests consisted of an inverted flask of water supported on a post by the side of the tree and connected by rubber tubing with a root of the tree. Air was admitted to the flask through a short glass tube. A simpler form of apparatus is recom- mended for ordinary use consisting of an open cup of galvanized iron soldered to the upper end of a piece of small gas pipe, the lower closed end of which is placed in the ground near the tree. Near the end of the pipe a T is inserted as an outlet for the water and a rubber tube connects the T with the root of the tree. A test was made to ascertain to what extent slight pressure pro- motes absorption of water by living wood. A small apple scion was immersed in distilled water and another similar one was connected with distilled water under pressure of between 5£ and 5f ft. and left exposed to the air. In about 18 hours water was forced through and dropped from the scion connected with the water pressure. In 118 hours the immersed scion had increased about 17 per cent in weight and the other nearly 26 per cent. In regard to the practical value of this treatment of trees the author says: "Trees of which the bark is shriveled and the buds blackened by undue drying, or of which tbe roots have* been killed by severe freezing in dry soil, can not be saved by this treatment. But trees of which the bark and buds are plump, that are unable to expand their leaves, even when the soil about their roots is moist, may generally be assisted to do so by the apparatus here described. The treatment will probably have especial value for trees thatnt is desired to plant without severe cut- ting back of the top." Orchard cultivation, T. J. Burrill, and J. G. Blair (Illinois Sta. Bui. 52, pp. 105-127, Jigs. 13). — In this bulletin the common cause of failure of orchards in Illinois is attributed to the summer drought and the lack of proper cultivation and care to counteract the ill effects of the dry period. Experiments in orchard cultivation and management begun at the station in 1887 are reported and results are presented in HORTICULTURE. 753 tables and by means of illustrations. In 1890, 3 rows each of Ben Davis and Grimes Golden apple trees were planted. The plantation was divided into 5 plats, 1 of which was cultivated clean, 1 was cropped with oats, 1 with corn, 1 with clover, and 1 was seeded with blue grass. The treatment of the plats has since been continued as at the outset. Typical trees from each of the plats are illustrated. "The marked inferiority of the trees from the oats and grass plats, particularly the latter, may be seen at a glance,- while the superiority of the one from the clean cultivation plat, as regards vigorous and healthy appearance and wealth of foliage, is almost equally apparent." The trees in the plat receiving clean cultivation and the corn plat proved superior to those in the grass plat in character of foliage and size of trunk. Measure- ments show the trees on the corn plat to be slightly larger than those on the clean cultivated plat, but the authors think it would be an error to conclude that cropping an orchard with corn is beneficial. The root- system of the trees in the clean cultivated plat was compact and deep in the soil, while in the other plats the roots ranged nearer the surface and extended farther. Of the 5 methods tried, the results on the whole indicate that clean cultivation is the best, and that crop- ping with corn, clover, oats, and grass are less desirable in the order named, and that "under no circumstances should hay or any grain crop be grown on orchard land." The percentage of moisture iu the first 27 in. of the soil of the 5 plats was shown by analyses made during October 1897 to be as follows: Clean cultivated 12 per cent, corn 12 per cent, clover 10 per cent, oats 8 per cent, grass 8 per cent. During 1897 the main orchard at the station was cultivated 13 times after the spring plowing, at a cost of $16 per acre, or 32 cts. per tree. The tools employed were the ordinary plow, roller, and disk, and spring- tooth and smoothing harrows. Eemarks are made on the methods of cultivation and on the preparation of the soil for planting orchard trees. The green gage group of plums, F. A. Waugh (Gard. Chron., 24 (1898), Wo. 627, pp. 465, 466). — A history of the group with a discussion of its botanical relationships and position. This study grew out of the author's attempt to trace the 14 varieties of Prunus domestica distin- guished by Linnaims (E. S. B., 10, p. 640). The green gage group is be- lieved to be the one that gives the best key to the horticultural evolution of the whole species. A chronological conspectus of the more important references to these plums from 1671 to the present time, and a bibliogra- phy of the group in America are presented. Their progressive distri- bution in Italy, France, and England is traced. It is believed that the group was first introduced into America from England where it was known as Green Gage, and later importations of the same tribe were made from France under the name Eeine Claude. At the present time the author finds 2 principal varieties of this type in the market: (1) Green Gage, with dwarfish tree, fruit small and early ; and (2) Eeine Claude de Bavay, which is a stronger growing tree, with fruit later, 754 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. larger, and better. Besides these there are numerous varieties of the same groups named and recognized but having only local importance. The composition of fresh fruits, A. Girard (Bui. [Min. Agr. France], 17 (1898), No. 7, pp. 1523-1528).— Detailed analyses are reported of fresh strawberries, raspberries, currants (white and red), cherries, figs, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes, pears, apples, and oranges. In nearly every case several varieties were analyzed. The article has a prefatory note by L. Lindet. Several of the analyses follow : Table showing ana lyses o f red and white currants and the mandarin orange. Aver- age weight of fruit. Skin. Seed. Composition of pulp. Water Pro- tein. Saccha- rose. Reduc- ing sugar. Acid. a Pec- tin. Crude liber. Ash. While currants Mandarin orange... Gnu. 0.00 .45 100. 00 Per ct. 4.06 3.65 23.80 Per ct. 10.40 6.64 2.50 Per ct. 75.09 78.85 64.01 Per ct. 0.20 .28 .33 Per ct. 0.18 1.04 5.60 Per ct. 5.96 6.06 .65 Per ct. 2.50 2.30 .29 Per ct. 0.32 .34 .48 Per ct. 1.28 1.15 1.60 Pr.ct. 0.49 .51 .39 a Calculated as tartaric acid. The protection of orange groves against frost (Florida Agr., 25 (1898), No. 10, p. 147; Florida Farmer and Fruit Grower, n. s., 10 (1898), No. 10, p. 147; Pacific Rural Press, 55 (1898), No. 11, p. 170).— This is the report of a committee appointed by the Biverside (Califor- nia) Horticultural Club to investigate the various methods suggested for the protection of orange groves against frost. The committee, assisted by some 15 or 20 persons interested, made tests of the numer- ous methods of frost protection and compared protected orchards with neighboring unprotected ones. It was found that the temperature in the orchards could be materi- ally raised by the use of dry heat. Burning coal in wire baskets proved the most effective method of warming orchards. Oil pots made a hotter fire, and were neither expensive nor difficult to manage, but the deposit of lampblack upon the fruit made the method unfit for general use. With coal, 20 to 50 fires per acre gave good results. In several cases 20 fires per acre raised the temperature 3 to 5°. The expense of keep- ing up coal fires for a few nights during the coldest weather is so small in comparison with the value of an orange crop that the method is considered feasible. The 50 wire baskets cost about $5, and the fuel to run them from $2.50 to $3 a night. The possibility of raising the dew point, by means of steam-produc- ing apparatus, sufficiently to prevent injury on dry, cold nights was thought impracticable. It was found that flooding was of considerable value when used in connection with dry heat or smudges. Covering- trees with cloth or matting is considered very effective, but the expense is too great. The use of moist smudges, made by burning damp straw, very con- siderably lessened the loss of heat by radiation, especially when they were started early. The results obtained by this means are less HORTICULTURE. 755 definite, however, than those obtained by the use of dry heat. It is considered a valuable means of protection in localities where the tem- perature falls but little below the danger point, and where there is a considerable area of orchards together. The temperature in groves protected by wind-breaks was found to be almost invariably from 1 to 2° higher than in exposed orchards in the immediate neighborhood. The degree of cold endurable by flower buds of the plum and cherry, E. S. Goff (Wisconsin Sta, Bpt. 1897, pp. 309-313, dgm. 1).— Observations at the Wisconsin Station, with notes from the New York State Station, indicate that flower buds of varieties of the native plum endure without harm a greater degree of cold than those of varieties of the European plum (Primus domestica) or Japan plum (Primus triflora). In Wisconsin during the winter of 1895-96 the temperature at the station was not lower than —13° F., and the flower buds of 8 varieties of Primus domestica were uninjured. During the winter of 1896-97 the temperature was lower than —13° F. on 3 days, and was —23° on one night, and all the flower buds on the same varieties were destroyed, excepting a few on " Orel 20." The flower buds of the cherries Dye House, Large Morello, and Late Morello suffered less from the cold than the buds of the European varieties. Is the ripening season of a pistillate strawberry affected by the blooming period of its pollenizer? E. S. Goff (Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 283-285).— The influence of the pollen of Michel Early, Wilson, and Parker Earleupon the ripening season and fruitfulness of the Warfield strawberry was tested. The experiment was conducted during 2 seasons. The different plats covering about one-half acre were grown under conditions as nearly uniform as possible. The yield of fruit from each plat at each of 12 pickings in both seasons is given in tabular form and the results are summarized by the author as follows: 'When the Warfield was pollenized by Michel Early, an early bloomer, 68.8 per cent of tbe total crop was gathered in the first 6 pickings. When the Warfield was pollenized by Wilson, an early bloomer, 65 per cent of the total crop was gathered in the first 6 pickings. When the Warfield was pollenized by Parker Earle, a late bloomer, 56.3 per cent of the total crop was gathered in the first 6 pickings." The average yield for the 2 seasons from the rows pollenized by the early blooming strawberries was somewhat larger than that from the rows pollenized by the late blooming strawberry, but the author sug- gests that this difference might easily result from an imperceptible variation in the soil. Cold vs. -warm water for greenhouse plants, F. Cranefield ( Wisconsin Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 317-320, figs. 2). — An experiment was conducted to determine the temperature of water best suited to the growth of certain plants under glass. Cuttings of equal length were taken from the top shoots of a single plant of the Golden Bedder coleus and placed in 4 equal compartments of an ordinary greenhouse flat. 756 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The same was done with the Verschaffeltii coleus. The temperature of the water applied to the compartments, numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4, was respectively 35, 50, 65, and 80° F. There was no noticeable difference in root development at the end of 12 days, when the cuttings in each compartment were potted and each lot svas watered with water of the same temperature as before. A table shows the growth at GO, 70, and 90 days after the cuttings were taken. At 90 days the plants in lot 1 were about 18 per cent. smaller than those in the other 3 lots, which were practically equal, indicating that "the coleus may be watered with water of a temperature from 50 to 80° F., and that there is little choice between these temperatures." Temperature readings taken before watering and at intervals of 1 hour after showed that the tem- perature of the soil in lot 1 was perceptibly lowered by the watering, and at the end of 3 hours it had not regained its original temperature. In lots 2, 3, and 1 the temperature of the soil was little changed by the watering. A similar experiment was made with 48 Lorillard tomato plants of uniform size at the beginning of the experiment. These proved to be more susceptible to water of different temperatures than the coleus. Two months after transplanting the plants given water at 35, 50, G5, and 86° F. measured in height 318, 363, 368, and 358 mm., respectively, the best results being obtained apparently with water at 65° F. The experiments are to be repeated on plants growing under outdoor con- ditions. Notes on watering, F. Cranefield (Amer. Florist, 14 (1898), No. 539, p. 256). — Much of the data in this article is given in the preceding- article. After 2 years' work the author believes the following state- ments can be made: "(1) Water at 35° F. does not injure coleus, bego- nias, nor geraniums; (2) similar plants treated with water at 50° F. grow equally as well as those watered with water at 65 and 86° F." Warm water appeared to produce an elongated or "drawn" growth, while cold water made the plants short jointed and stocky but well colored and healthy. Though the plants given warm water grew taller they weighed slightly less than those given water at a temperature of 50° F. Bush fruits, F. W. Card (Ihe Macmillan Co., New York, 1S98, pp. XII -\- 537, figs. 113). — This book is one of the Rural Science Series and the first of a proposed series of monographs on the various types of American fruits. The purpose of the work is to present all important phases, both practical and technical, of bush fruit culture and domestication. Bush fruit management in general, comprising location, culture, and marketing, are discussed. Bush fruits are classified as brambles, groselles, and miscellaneous types. The brambles comprise the red raspberry, black raspberry, blackberry, dewberry, oriental raspberry, may berry, strawberry- raspberry, wine- berry, and Chinese raspberry. Certain ornamental species of brambles are also included. The groselles comprise currants and gooseberries. Miscellaneous types occasionally met with, though of no commercial importance in cultivation, are the Buffalo berry, goumi, huckleberry, juneberry, tree cranberry, barberry, and sand cherry. The management of each type of commercial importance is comprehensively HORTICULTURE. 757 discussed, and an attempt is made to estimate the average yield and profits per acre under favorable conditions of culture. Notes are given upon the history and future of each type of importance, including as complete a list as possible of varieties, with recommended sorts. The insects and diseases affecting brambles and groselles respectively are enumerated, and those of economic importance are briefly discussed. A systematic study of Ribes and Rubns is made, in which all species, native or cultivated, in America, north of Mexico, are classified and described. The editor has added an appendix of American books treating in part of bush fruits. The usefulness of the book to both grower and student is much enhanced by the treatment of practical and technical subjects in separate chapters. Measures for the promotion of horticulture and forestry in Sweden, Den- mark, Germany, and Austria, J. Smith (Tidsskr. Norske Landbr., 5 {1898), No. 5, pp. 215-235). The principles of fruit-tree culture, E. Lucas and F. Medicus (Stuttgart: I. B. Metzler, 1898, pp. 482 + XVI, ill.).— A text-book. Observations of the relative moisture content of fruit trees in winter and in summer, C. S. Crandall (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (1898), pp. 405-407). — A report is given upon a series of investigations which the author conducted with samples of trunks and branches of apple trees taken January 15 and 16 and August 3. The specimens were thoroughly air dried, carefully weighed before and after the drying, and the percentage of loss in each case is given in a table. From the trial made it seems reasonable to conclude that there was hardly any appreciable differ- ence between the winter and summer moisture contained in apple trees, at least when grown under Colorado conditions. Some conditions which influence the setting of fruit, S. A. Beach (East. Neio York Hort., 2 (1898), No. 2, pp. 6, 7).— This is a paper read before the Eastern New York Horticultural Society. The author enumerates the following factors which influence in a most marked degree the development of fruit buds and thereby the production of fruit, and which are largely under the control of the fruit grower: "The kind and quantity of fertilizers which are applied to the soil, the supply of moisture in the soil, the condition of the foliage, and the directing of the supply of plant food to different parts of the plant by judicious pruning. Those things which are beyond the fruit grower's control, and which combine to vary the results, are temperature, light, and atmospheric moisture." Manurial requirements of orchard and fruit trees, J. J. Willis (Gard. Citron., 3. ser., 25 (1899), No. 630, p. 36). — A discussion of principles. History of the Gano apple, H. E. Van Deman (Amer. Gard., 20 (1899), No. 215, p. 81). A preliminary study of the prickly pears naturalized in New South Wales, J. H. Maiden (Dept. Agr. Neiv South Wales, Misc. Pub. 253, pp. 30, pis. 6).— Extracts from the law providing for the eradication of the prickly pear, with notes upon its administration. Notes on the prickly pear in other countries aud a brief biblio- graphy of the prickly pear as a fodder plant are given. The species naturalized in New South Wales are described and the synonymy discussed. A new fruit (Tidsskr. Norske Landbr., 5 (1898), No. 11, p. 566).— A French botan- ist, Andree, has found a new fruit tree in his travels in the Argentine Republic (La Plata). The tree, Feijoa Sellowaua, is 3 to 5 meters high. The fruit is an elongated egg-shaped berry, 4 to (5 cm. long and 3 to 5 cm. broad; it retains its green color when ripe. The meat of the fruit is firm, white, very juicy, and sweet, and tastes much like pineapple. The tree is now planted in the south of France, where it thrives excellently. If it will grow in other parts of Europe, Andre"e is of the opinion that it will prove a valuable southern fruit for Europe. Small fruits, E. S. Gokp ( Wisconsin Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 313-316).— Notes and variety tests on European cherries, strawberries, gooseberries, golden mayberry, strawberry- raspberry, and currants. 758 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Cranberry growing in Nova Scotia, J. Craig ( Amcr. (lard., 20 (1S99), No. 214, p. 63, figs. 2). The strawberry -raspberry, W. E. Britton (Amer. Gard., 20 (1899), No. 215, p. 63} figs. 2). — Descriptive and cultural notes. Nutrition and protection of the vine by injection, L. Mangin (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1898, II, No. 52, pp. 918-920). — Statement and unfavorable criticism of Berget's theory that the vine may in practice be protected from the attacks of fungi by injec- tion of copper salts into the stem and advantageously nourished by injection of a solution of phosphate of ammonia. The productiveness of grafts on Vitis rupestris and V. riparia, J. M. Guil- lon (Jour. Agr. Pral., 1898, II, No. 51, pp. 899,900).— Abstract of a bulletin of the viticultural station of Cognac. The comparative productiveness of grafts on these stocks is studied. The must of rupestris was found to contain 148 gr. sugar per liter, riparia 191 gr. Packing and shipping fruits, C. C. Bell (Gardening, 7 (1899), No. 153, pp. 138-140). — A paper read at the last annual meeting of the Illinois Horticultural Society. Preservation of fruits in lime (Belg. Hort. et Agr., 10 (1898), No. 24, p. 378).— In experiments in France grapes packed in lime for 7-"? months were found still very fresh. Winter pears and quinces which otherwise could be kept only 2 or 3 months were preserved until fully ripe. It is stated that lime does not retard decay when produced by physiological causes. It protects the fruit only from external causes of decay, such as dampness, vermin, insects, and microbes. With the use of lime it is not necessary to make any special provision for storage. Preserving in tins*, or the art of canning, A. M. Howell (Agr. Gaz. New South Wales, 9 (1898), No. 10, pp. 1181-1190, figs. 6). — Methods of canning on a small scale. Among the subjects treated are cauning in tins with solder, the home cannery, the wax-sealing method, standard methods, exhausting the cans of air, testing cans for leaks, the sterilizing process, and general formulas for canning. Pulping fruit (California Fruit Grower, 24 (1899), No. 4, p. 4). — Notes upon the process in Australia and the utilization of the product. The use and construction of greenhouses for horticulturists, L. R. Taft (Flor- ists' Exchange, 11 (1899), No. 4, pp. 73, 74; Gardening, 7 (1S99), No. 154, pp. 153-155).— Abstract from a paper read before the Missouri State Horticultural Society. The water garden, W. Tricker (New York: A. T. De La Mare Printing and Pub- lishing Co., Ltd., 1897, pp. 120, pis. 27, figs. 20, dgms. 5).— The work discusses the construction of ponds, adapting natural streams, planting, hybridizing, seed saving, propagation, building an aquatic house, wintering, correct designing and planting of banks and margins, together with cultural directions for all ornamental aquatics. Descriptive notes with cultural memoranda are given for water lilies, miscellaneous aquatic plants, orchids, ferns, and hardy perennials, hardy shrubs, and trees suitable for wet or moist situations. The illustrations represent various cultivated aquatics and ti-eatment of water scenes in landscape gardening. Artificial ponds and an aquatic house are figured. The plates are numerous and artistically executed. Further notes on watering, F. Cranefield (Gardening, 7 (1899), No. 154, pp. 152, 153). — A continuation of experiments reported on page 756, with similar conclusions. Cultural directions for begonias, C .W. Rankin, A. E. Ley, and P. B. Kennedy (Amcr. Gard., 20(1S99), No. 213, pp. 45, 46, pis. 4).— Papers submitted in competition for a prize. Propagating ferns (Garden, 55 (1S99), No. 141S, p. 33). Phacelias (Garden, 55 (1S99), No. 1418, pp. 36, 37, pi. 1).— Botanical and cultural notes. Grafted roses, R. Craig (Amer. Gard., 20 (1899), No. 214, pp. 61, 62). The principles of rose pruning ((Success with Flowers, 9 (1899), No. 5, pp. 97-99, figs. 5), SEEDS WEEDS. 759 SEEDS— WEEDS. The influence of varying amounts of water on the germination of beet seed, E. 8. Goff ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 299-302, figs. 2). — The author states that in testing seed in a Geneva tester he fre- quently noted the influence of varying amounts of water in the cloth. This is more apparent with beet seed than with other species which have been tested. If the corky covering becomes saturated with water, the oxygen may be so far shut out as to prevent germination. In order to test the influence of varying amounts of water on germination a series of experiments was conducted with 22 lots of beet seed from various sources. In one apparatus the ends of the cloth of the Geneva tester were constantly immersed in the water of the pan, the level of which was slightly below the bottom of the pockets. In the other the cloth was wrung out as nearly dry as possible without removing the wires and placed in the empty pan and no further water was added. In this apparatus provision was made against undue evaporation. One hundred seed balls of the sugar-beet seed were placed in each pocket and the 2 testers were placed in the horticultural laboratory, in which the temperature varied during the test from 70 to 90° F. The average germination from the 2 testers showed a difference of 50 plantlets for each 100 seed balls in favor of the drier cloth. It would appear from these results that the germination of beet seed in the open ground is liable to be prevented by excessive water in the soil. Resistance of seed to immersion in -water, H. Coupin (Compt. Bend. Acad. Set. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 19, pp. 1365-1368).— On account of the importance of water as a factor in seed dissemination, the author has made a study of the effect on the vitality of seed of their prolonged immersion in water. Some of the injurious effects are pointed out, notably the osmotic pressure of liquids in the cells, the loss of soluble material in seed, the presence of bacteria which dissolve cellulose and produce butyric fermentation, the lack of oxygen, and finally the attack of various low organisms. In one set of trials the water was changed every 24 hours, while in the other it remained unchanged from the beginning of the experiment. The following table shows the length of time seeds were immersed in water before their vitality was destroyed. • Number of days within which seed vitality ivas destroyed by soaking. Kind of seed. Beets Mullein Leeks Asparagus Borage Anise Sweet fennel Poppy Flax Wheat Oats Millet 16130— No. 8 Water Water not changed. changed. Days. Days. 148 30 115 49 90 45 75 145 57 . 28 57 21 39 30 27 25 13 12 10 17 9 11 9 G Kind of seed. White mustard Mallow Sunflower Stock Castor bean Harry vetch . . . Crimson clo\ er. Cytisus Hemp Maize Buckwheat .... Water changed. Days. 110 20 Water not changed. Days. 7G0 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A second series of experiments was conducted to test the effect on germination of immersion in running and still water. Comparable lots of different seeds were immersed in running and still water for 24 and 48 hours with the following results: Effect of soaking on percentage of (termination of seed. Kind of seed. In running water. In still water. 24 hours. 48 hours. 24 hours. 48 hours. Per cent. 81 99.6 85 98 Per cent. 70 ]00 89 97 Per cent. 35 64 84 94 Per cent. 52 97 80 85 In addition to the facts shown in this table, it is found that still water not only destroys the germinative ability of some seeds, but also retards it in others. In the case of buckwheat placed in running water, most of the seeds germinated within 24 hours after being placed in the ger- minating chamber, while those soaked in still water did not germinate until after the second day. The flaxseed in its botanical, chemical, and agricultural relations (Der Lein- same in botanischer, chemiseher und landwirtschaftlicher Beziehung; noted in Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 {1898), No. 59, p. 660). On the ripening of seed, W. Johansen (Abs. in Norsk Landmandsblad, 17 {1898), No. 35, pp. 373-375; 36, pp. 384-386; 37, pp. 399-102). Combating juncus in meadows and pastures (Deut. Landir. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 81, p. 869). — Recommends addition of lime, kainit, and other fertilizers. Combating mustards -with iron sulphate (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1898), No. 48, p. 523; 60, p. 667). The Russian thistle in Washington, C. V. Piper ( Washington Sta. Bid. 34, pp. IS, 2>ls. 2). — The author notes the occurrence of the Russian thistle (Salsola kali tragus) in a number of places throughout the State, and a description of the plant is given with suggestions for its destruction. Numerous weeds which arc sometimes mis- taken for the Russian thistle are briefly described, and an appeal made to farmers to prevent the spread of this pest. Twelve of Idaho's worst weeds, L. F. Henderson (Idaho Sta. Bui. 14, pp. 91-136, pis. 13, figs. 5). — Descriptive notes are given of 12 of the worst weeds of Idaho, together with the methods by which, they arc distributed and suggestions for their eradication. The following is a list of the weeds: Wild oats, prickly let- tuce or compass weed, Russian thistle, tumbling mustard, cow herb, Canada thistle, dodder, false flax, sunflower, squirrel-tail grass, common tumbleweed, andhorehound. Report of the botanist and entomologist, C. V. Piper ( Washington Sta. Ppt. 1S96, pp. 29-39). — The author briefly reviews the laboratory work of the year, gives notes on the occurrence of the Russian thistle, and states that a bulletin is in course of preparation in which attention will be called to the most serious weed pests of the State. Need of a revision of the State weed law is pointed out, and notes are given on the herbarium and field botanical work of the season. The entomological work of the season is briefly described, and reference made to the more common injurious insects (E. S. R., 8, p. 321). DISEASES OF PLANTS. 761 DISEASES OF PLANTS. Potato diseases, E. Roze (Gard. Ghron., 3. ser., 24 (1898), No. 608, p. 134.) — The conclusions of the author as to the cause of various potato diseases are given. He states that the dry rot is produced by Pseudo- commis vitis, in which case the tubers are free from any odor, but show depressed dark spots in the parenchyma with a brownish band sur- rounding. These tubers can be kept until spring, when they develop shoots which bear brownish or blackish tips. Dry rot may also be produced by a species of Micrococcus. In the case of this form of attack the tubers are said to be free from odor, moderately firm, more or less soft in spots, but showing in certain places a loose epidermis which yields to the pressure of the finger. Under this epidermis the parenchyma exhibits white, gray, or brownish blotches. Sometimes there are depressions which exhibit the sclerotia of Ehizoctonium or later an abundant development of Fusisporium and Spicaria. The wet rot is produced by a species of Micrococcus closely allied to Bacillus subtilis. The tubers are partly or wholly soft and exhale a very disagreeable odor. Under the epidermis there is a disintegration of parenchyma with an elaboration of butyric acid. Destruction is slow and progressive and contact with healthy varieties should be avoided. Wet rot is also said to be produced by Phytophthora infestans, in which case there is a partial or complete softening of the tissue, the epidermis is shrunken, the parenchyma which is weakened is depressed, pasty, but not deliquescent. The author states that of the different forms of potato rot at least 50 per cent of the tubers are attacked by Micrococcus sp. and 25 per cent by the Pseudocommis, while a still smaller amount is due to Phytophthora. The remedies recommended are alternation of crops, planting of healthy tubers, destruction at harvest of all diseased potatoes, and treatment of the plants with copper fungicides. Diseased potatoes, Gr. Abbey (Jour. Rort., 50 (1898), No. 2620, pp. 463, 464, Jig. 1). — Specimens of some badly infested tubers were sub- mitted to the author for examination, and he reports finding in one of them several wireworms and quite a number of small forms closely related to the springtails. In another specimen several protuberances of various kinds were noted, some just beginning, while others were in a more advanced stage of development. No trace of animal life was discovered in the cracks of the excrescences, which were black and moist, the warts being brown and scabbed. A closer examination of these tubers showed the presence of the scab fungus O'dspora scabies, but the main trouble, the author states, could not be attributed to this cause. A slimy fungus closely related to the Plasmodiophora was present in abundance. It is stated that it may be Pseudocommis vitis, although the resemblance is not sufficiently clear. Besides the various parasites already mentioned there were found present Bacillus amylo- bacter, the mycelium of Fusarium solani, a root worm (Enchytrceus 762 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. minutus), an eel worm (Tylcnchus obtusus), and the mite Rhizoglyplius echinopiis. For the prevention of all these attacks on the potato the author recommends treating the tubers before planting with a solution of cor- rosive sublimate and planting in soil that has been heavily limed. The application of kainit is also recommended, applications of 10 tons of lime and 10 cwt. of kainit being applied in the fall, the lime to be first plowed under and then the kainit applied as a top dressing. The effect of various copper preparations on the potato, R. Thiele (Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank., 8 (1898), No. 2, pp. 70-80).— The author reports the effect of applications of fostite, a copper sucrate solution, a copper, sulphur and lime powder, and copper calcite. Fifty varieties of potatoes were planted in rows, but so arranged in different plats that treated and checked lots were comparable. Some of the results of the applications are tabulated, showing that the different fungicides affected different varieties differently. The potato blight was greatly restricted by the use of all the fungicides except the cop- per, sulphur and lime powder. The plat where this was applied showed the greatest amount of disease of any of the treated plats and exceeded some of the control plats in this respect. The influence of the treatment on the yield of different varieties is shown. The gains and losses were about equal. It was apparent, how- ever, that there were a greater number of small tubers on the plants in the sprayed plats than in the others, and the author believes that this was due to the fact that the copper preparations prolonged the growing period of the plants and at the same time checked to some extent the growth of the tubers. He states, however, that if the period of growth could be prolonged sufficiently to mature the small tubers that in all probability the yield would be considerably increased by the application of the fungicide. A new copper fungicide for combating black rot, J. Perraud (Jour. Ayr. Prat., 62 (1898), No. 50, pp. 849, 850).— The author describes a form of fungicide which he claims is very efficient in preventing attacks of black rot. The method of preparation is fully given as well as the formula, which consists of water 100 liters, copper sulphate 2 kg., and resin 0.5 kg. Carbonate of soda sufficient to render the solu- tion slightly alkaline is added. Another formula given contains only half of the above amount of copper. This fungicide has been tested and compared with ordinary Bordeaux mixture to which soap was added, and the total amount of copper adhering to the grapes was some- what higher than in the case of the other fungicide. The tenacity with which it is held upon the fruit and foliage is said to be the most impor- tant factor in its favor. A trial of " Ceres pulver" for the prevention of smut in oats, E. S. GoFF ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 307-309). — A comparison was made of Ceres pulver and hot- water treatment as a means of prevent- ing smut in oats. The grain used for seed was from a crop that had DISEA.SES OF PLANTS. 763 been nearly destroyed by smut the preceding year. Untreated seed produced 10.2 per cent of smutted heads, seed treated with Ceres pulver, 2.7 per cent, and seed treated with hot water, 0.00075 per cent. The author is inclined to believe the amount of water recommended for dissolving the Ceres pulver (3.2 oz. in 10 qt.) is insufficient to sat- urate the hulls of the oats, and that the use of a little more water might have made the treatment more effective. Diseases of plants, A. P. Anderson (South Carolina Sta. Bui. 36, pp. 17, figs. 14). — A brief popular description is given of the different classes of plant diseases due to fungi, bacteria, or other causes. Disease in vegetable life, W. T. Sedgwick (Florists' Exchange, 11 (1899), No. 3, p. 56). — Abstract of a lecture discussing the lines along which prevention of disease and promotion of health must work. These are stated to be improvement of the mechanism and control and amelioration of the environment, the latter eventually attended by improvement of the organism itself considered as a physical mechanism. Report of the department of botany, L. H. Henderson (Idaho sta. Bui. 15, pp. 151-162).— The author briefly reviews the work of the year and gives notes ou the occurrence of and approved remedies for a number of orchard and garden diseases which have appeared iu Idaho. The leaf-spot disease of apple (Phyllosticta pirina), and several unrelated forms occurring therewith, W. B. Alwood (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (189S), p. 413). — The author gives notes on the common occurrence and life cycle of this fungus and mentions the occurrence therewith of 3 apparently unrelated forms, viz., Sphairopsis malorum, Hendersonia malt, and an undetermined species. The apple mildew in the Tyrol, P. Magnus (Ber. Deut. Bot. Gesell., 16 (189S), No. 9, pp. 331-334, pi. 1). — Notes the occurrence of Spharotheca mail on the apple in the Tyrol. It had associated with it I'odosphwra sp. Monilia fructigena and the Monilia disease of fruit trees, C. Weiimer (Brr. Deut. Bot. Gesell., 16 (1S9S), No. 9, pp. 298-307, pi. 1).—A sketch is given of the distribution, history, characters of the fungus, nature of its attack, and means for combating the Monilia disease of apple, pear, cherry, etc. Report on the investigation of the disease of the roots of the mulberry tree on the Caucasus, A. Yachevski (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 190 (189S), No. 9, pp. 653-660). — According to the author, Demataphora necatrix is the cause of the disease of the mulberry tree in the Caucasus. On the appearance of, and methods for combating, grape injuries in Germany in 1896, Moritz (Abs. in Centbl. Bait. u. Par., 2. AM., 4 (1S9S), No. "22pp. 842,843).— The first part of this work discusses the effect of atmospheric conditions, such as late frosts and hailstorms, and suggests how to overcome their injury. In the second part of the treatise the author mentions the principal troublesome insects of the grape. Those especially described are Conchylis ambiguella, Ilhynchites bebuleti, Otiorhynchus Ugustici, Eumolopus vitis, the cankerworm, Melolontha vulgaris, Phytoptus vitis, and Tetranychus telarius. Among the diseases described and for which remedies are suggested the following fungi are noted: Peronospora viticola. O'idium tiicleri, Sphaceloma ampelinum, Dematophora necatrix, Botrytis cinerea, and several other diseases of unknown origin. Investigations on the life history of rust fungi, E. Fischer (Kntwiehelungs- geschichtliche Untcrsiichungen iiber Rostpilze. Bern: K.J. Wyss, 1S9S, pp. X + 121, pis. 2, figs. 16). — This is a preliminary contribution to a monograph of the Swiss Uredi- nese and was published by Siveiz. Naturforsch. Gesellschaft. Descriptions of American Uredineae, II, J. C. Arthur and E. W. D. Holway (Bui. Lab. Nat. Hist. Univ. Iowa, 4 (1S9S), No. 4, pp. 377-402, pis. 11).— ■Descriptions and notes are given of a number of species of Uredineaj that have been distributed by the authors. 764 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Cereal blights and the liming and sulphuring of the seed grain, E. Piret (Agronome, 1S9S, No. 40). The gum flow of the sereh disease of sugarcane, A. Wieler (Beitr. Wiss.Bot., 2 (1S9S), pp. 29-140). The parasitic diseases of sugar beets ( Agr. RaiioneUe, 1S9S, No. 20). The biology of some parasitic fungi, M. Nordhausen (Jahrb. Wiss. Bot. [Prings- heim~], 33 (1S9S), No. 1, pp. 1-46). — This paper treats of the conditions and manner of infection by Botrijiis cinerea, conditions of the host plant for successful infection, the occurrence of B. cinerea and related fungi in nature, and studies of.Penicillium and Mucor as representatives of saprophytic life. On the presence of a fungus in Lolium temulentum, P. Guerin (Jour. Bot. France, 12 {1898), No. 15-16, pp. 230-238, figs. 5).— The author reports finding in the grain of this plant a fungus of a somewhat similar nature to the ergot of rye, and thinks the poisonous properties of the plant may be due to this cause. Notes on the occurrence of a fungus in Lolium temulentum, P. Guerin (Jour. Bot. France, 12 (1898), No. 23-24, pp. 384, 385).— Attention is called to the publication by the author in August, 1898, mentioning the presence of a fungus in the grains of the darnel, the name Endoconidium temulentum having been given it. This paper seems to have been overlooked by Hanausek and Nestler.1 The conclusions of the different authors agree in the main, except Guerin finds this fungus on other species than L. temulentum, such as on L. perenne and L. linicola, and its wholly saprophytic nature is questioned. A comparative study of some anthracnoses, B. M. Stoneman (Bot. Gaz., 26 (1898), No. 2, pp. 69-120, pis. 12). The stem-rot disease of carnations, W. E. Britton (Gardening, 7 (1899), No. 153, p. 138). — Notes on unsuccessful attempts to check the disease. Destruction of all diseased plants, propagation only from healthy ones, and the use of fresh soil are believed to be the most nearly successful methods of control yet known. Antirrhi- nums and asters have been affected in a similar manner. That the same fungus attacks these 3 plants is believed to be probable. A disease of the loquat, G. Quinn (Jour. Agr. and Ind., S. Australia, 2 (1S9S), No. 5, pp. 400, 401, fig. 1). — The occurrence of a destructive disease of loquats, due to Fusicladium eriobotryce, is mentioned. The application of Bordeaux mixture has been tried and is recommended for its prevention. All diseased fruits and leaves should be collected and burned. Rose mildew, G. Scalia (Bol. Ent. Agr. e Patol. Teg., 5 (1898), pp. 17-21; abs. in Ztsclir. Pfianzenkranlc, 8 (189S), No. 5, p. 304). — The author notes an unusual out- break of this fungus, and states that the atmospheric conditions had been exception- ally favorable for the development and spread of the disease. Sulphur dusted on the plants is recommended as treatment. Splurrotheca pannosa is also noted as abundant on peach trees. The clematis disease, J. Jensen (Amer. Florist, 14 (1899), No. 555, p. 740). — Notes are given of the disease, and quotations from various investigators seem to indicate that the trouble is a physiological one. Sorauer is quoted as saying it is due to too much nourishment, Avater, and heat. The Florida and lanuginosa types seem most subject to the dying off that characterizes this particular disease. On the presence of Septoria curvata on Robinia, A. Mori (Staz. Sper. Agr. Ital., 31 (1S9S), No. 5, p. 499). — Notes the attack of this fungus ou Robinia pseudaca- c\a~. The circular brown spots, with their numerous perithecia, are said to be quite abundant on the leaves and have proved very destructive to the trees. The cause of chlorosis in green leaves, C. Mohr (Garlenwelt, 2 (1898), No. 48, p. 569; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 76 (1S9S), No. S, p. 2S2).— The author does not consider chlorosis a disease, and for its prevention recommends the use as a fertilizer of a ' Ber. Dent. Bot. Gesell., 16 (1898), No. 8. ENTOMOLOGY. 765 strong solution of iron sulphate and lime, In order that the plant should receive sufficient iron. Eel worms in grape roots, G. Abbey {Jour. Hort., 51 (1899), No. 2623, pp. 14, 15, figs. 2). — Notes the presence of Heterodcra radicieola on grape roots. The life his- tory of the nematode and means for its destruction are given. The application to the roots of a solution of 3 oz. of Little's soluble phenyl in 3 gal. of water is recom- mended. Digging about the roots and applying nitrate of soda and surphate of ammonia is also recommended. ENTOMOLOGY. On the poison of honeybees, J. Langer (Arch. Expcr. Pathol, u. Pharmakol., 38 (1897), pp. 381-396; abs. in Jahresher. Thier. Chem., 27 (1897), pp. 520, 521). — The poison drop, freshly excreted, weighs from 0.0002 to 0.0004 gm. It has a specific gravity of 1.0013, is clear as water, and has a marked acid reaction, bitter taste, and a pleasant aromatic odor. The poison was obtained by collecting the drops or by extract- ing the entire poison apparatus with alcohol. This caused coagulation, and the poison was taken up by the alcohol. When the alcohol was supersaturated with ammonia and evaporated a yellowish material was obtained. Solutions of this gave reactions of formic acid. The author's investigations, however, showed that formic acid does not possess the poisonous properties of the bee poison. The solution of the poison contains an albuminoid, hydrochloric and phosphoric acids, sodium, and calcium. The albumin does not produce the poisoning, since a solution of the poison freed from it produced poisoning symptoms, as observed on the conjunctiva of a rabbit's eye. Evaporating the poison and heating at 100° does not diminish its properties, nor does keeping it for some time in sealed capillary tubes. On the other hand, when kept in open glass tubes the poisonous properties are lost in about 4 weeks. The poison spoils on standing and loses its toxic properties. The poisonous substance is held in suspension by acid, and can be precipitated by alkali. This shows that the active principle secreted by members of the aculeata group of Hymenoptera is a base. Report of the department of entomology, J. M. Aldrich (Idaho Sta. Bui. 15, pp. 167-176, Jig. 1, pi. 1). — This bulletin gives a brief account of the work of the year and the result of several investigations. An investigation of the grasshoppers (Camnula pellucida) in a few localities in the State is reported. A method which was found very useful in destroying young grasshoppers was to drive them together by partly flooding the ground by irrigation ditches, and to burn them during the cool part of the day through the aid of straw. Where this treatment was impracticable hopperdozers were employed. The young grasshoppers did not jump into the hopperdozer when it was drawn along, but did so when it was left standing and they were driven toward it. 766 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A few experiments were made to determine whether kerosene could be successfully and economically used to rid certain localities of the mosquito plague and to determine how large a pond could be success- fully treated. The test did not result satisfactorily. "The conclusion from this experiment is that kerosene to he effective against mosquito larvae must cover the surface to a perceptihle depth ; a mere film Avill not answer. As the usual market price of the oil in small quantities throughout Idaho is 30 to 35 cts. a gallon, the cost will he prohibitive except in thickly settled com- munities and on small bodies of water, where the remedy will doubtless be of marked usefulness." Some differences between the Putnam scale and the San Jose scale are pointed out. The characteristics, habits, and injuries of the box- elder bug are considered. Some insects of the year 1897, W. B. Barrows and B. H. Pettit (Michigan Sta. Bui. 160, pp. 339-436, Jigs. 29). — Notes are given of 28 species of insects which were more or less troublesome during the sea- son indicated. These were not necessarily the ones that caused the most damage, but as it is considered impracticable to publish in a sin- gle bulletin a treatise which shall cover all insect enemies, it is thought the selection made will prove to be the most serviceable. The insects treated are the following: Grasshoppers (Melanoplus femur-rubrum and M. atlanis), pear psylla (Psylla pyricola), aphids of plum, cherry, and apple (Aphis prunicola, Myzus cerasi, and A. mail), black peach aphis (A. persiccc-niger), woolly aphis of apple (Schizoneura lanigera), San Jose scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus), eccentric scale (A. ancylus), oyster-shell bark louse (Mytilaspis pomorum), white scale of the pine (Chionaspis pinifolU), scurvy scale of the pear and apple (C. J'urJ'urus), plum scale (Lecanium cerasij'ex), currant scale (L. ribesii), cankerworms (Anisop- teryx pometaria and Paleacrita vernata), apple-leaf tier (Teras minuta Cinderella), bud moth ( Tmetocera ocellana), army worm (Leucania uni- puncta), erratic army worm (Noctuafennica), zebra caterpillar (Mamestra picta), cat and dog flea (Pulex serraticeps), grape-cane borer (Amphicerus bicaudatus), cherry-leaf beetle (Galerucella cavicollis), asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi), pear slug (Eriocampa cerasi), and white-pine saw- fly (Lopliyrus lecontei). On the biology and taxonomy of some species of mining Dip- tera, W. C. Brashuikov (Nachricht Moskauer Landiv. ' Instituts, 3 (1897), pp. 22, pis. 1, and Jigs.; abs. in Zool. Centbl., 5(1898), No. 7, pp. 234- -236).— Observations were made on the 3 genera of Muscidse — Phyto- myza, Agromyza, and Anthomyia. The larvae of Phytomyza geniculata mine the leaves of different Composite of Pisuni sativum, Gucumeris sativa, several Cruciferre, etc., and are also polyphagous — a habit not found in other mining Diptera. The eggs are laid on the under surface of the leaves, the larvae eat through the epidermis of the leaf, and make irregular passages in its interior. In a single leaf 1 or 2 larvae may be found. Pupation always takes place on the under leaf surfaces, where the larva sticks its head somewhat out of the leaf. The larva ENTOMOLOGY. 767 of P. attra always mines along the leaf rib. Larva of P. flavoscutellata does not pupate in the leaf but hides in the earth; that of P. bipunctata mines the upper surface of the leaf and pupates in the earth. The larva of Agromyza pulicaria always ends its mined passages with 1 to \h spiral turns. jSear the time of pupation the larva assumes a lively green color, closely resembling the leaf. The larva of A. strigata pupates in the leaf. In Anthomyia nigritarsis several larvae generally mine in the same passage. Sometimes several groups are met with in a single leaf and the latter in such cases is completely hollowed out. This species especially is to be considered as injurious in contrast to the true miners of the last 2 genera. The author believes that the genera Phytomyza and Agromyza may have been derived from a form related to Anthomyia. To this form Agromyza stands nearest, followed by the subgenus Ophiomyia. A new squash bug, F. H. Chittenden (Ganad. Ent., 30 (1898), Xo. 9, pp. 239, 240). — While investigating the insects affecting cucurbits the author discovered that in addition to the common squash bug a second species is present in certain parts of this country. This insect (Anasa armigera) has been observed in a number of places around Washington, D. C, and it appears to have very much the habits of the more common squash bug, A. tristis, preferring the squash to all other cultivated plants, but feeding on the cantaloupe or other cucurbits when the squash is not available. This new insect is said to be much more active than the common form and has a later season, appearing 3 weeks later and remaining in the held after the common species has gone into hibernation. In size A. armigera is nearly the same as A. tristis, but may be readily distinguished from it by a broader protborax and more prominent angles, the reflected sides of the abdomen showing 4 promi- nent white marks on the hemelytra, and its armed femora, from which it derives its specific name. The author believes this is a more southern insect and is not liable to become a serious pest in its northern range, although it is capable of severely injuring late crops of all cucurbits. In addition to the localities already mentioned this species is known to occur in Kansas, western Iowa, and Florida. Scale insects, C. E. Chambliss (Tennessee Sta. Bui., Vol. X, No. i, pp. 141-151, pi. l,fig. 1). — Notes are given on the San Jose and other scale insects which have been observed in Tennessee. At present the San Jose scale is known to occur in 4 localities in the State. So far as reported its food plants in Tennessee are the apple, peach, plum, pear, apricot, grape, and English walnut. The life history of the scale is given and suggestions made for combating it. From experiments con- ducted at the station it was learned that two applications of either whale-oil soap or caustic potash soap used at the rate of 2 lbs. per gal- lon of water is very effective in destroying the scale. Its efficiency is greatly increased on trees having a very rough bark by brushing the trunks and larger limbs. 768 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Descriptions and brief notes on the life history are given of the fol- lowing additional scale insects: Oyster-shell bark louse {Mytilaspis pomorum), scurfy bark louse (Ohionaspis furfurus), rose scale (Diaspis rosce), cottony maple scale [Pulvinaria innumerabilis), grape scale (As- pidiotus uvce), and peach lecanium (Lecanium nigrofasciata). The bulletin concludes with remarks on the natural enemies of scale insects and gives directions for remedial treatment. The life history of Schizoneura lanigera, W. B. Alwood (Science, n. ser., 8 (1898), No. 195, p. 400). — In a paper read before Section F of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the author states that breeding records show that the root and stem forms of this insect can be colonized from root to stem or the reverse. Many of the agamic wingless females at Blacksburg, Virginia, survive the winter exposed on aerial situations. Twelve generations of agamic viviparous females have been observed from May 12 to September 20. At this time winged agamic viviparous females were observed m all colonies examined. Under normal conditions these proved migratory, but in confinement they produced 4 toG young, which were sexed individuals. These are small, beakless, and are produced in about the proportion of 2 females to 1 male. After copulation the females lay one egg, which remains dormant during the winter. From long observations it is concluded that in southern latitudes agamic individuals continue in an unbroken chain and oviparous repro- duction plays no important role in the life cycle. The proposed attempt to introduce Blastophaga psenes into California, L. O. Howard (Science, n. ser.,8 (1898), No. 195, pp. 399, 400). — In a paper read before Section F of the American Association for the Advancement of Science at its meeting in August, 1898, the author gives an account of the attempts made to introduce these insects into California. The practice of fig growers in utilizing this insect which inhabits the wild Capri fig is stated, and the belief is expressed that if the Blastophaga could be established in California a fig could be grown quite as good as those imported. Capri figs with their insects have been repeatedly imported, but attempts to establish the species have not been very successful. The author believes the time has come to carry on these experimants in a larger way and believes it will be successful. Elements of apiculture, R. Hommell (L' apiculture par les me'thodes simples. Paris: G. Carre and C. Naud, lS9S,pp. 838, ph. 6,fujs. 102). Natural history, anatomy, and physiology of the bee, T. W. Cowan (Rev. Intemat. Apicult., 20 (1898), No. 12, pp. 231-236, figs. 3). Beneficial insects (Jour. Bd. Agr. \_London~], 5 (1898), No. 3, pp. 320-334, figs. 2).— Brief notes are given of various ladybirds, syrphus flies, lacewings, and ichneumon flies. Report of the State entomologist of Norway for 1897, W. Schoyen (Aarsber. Offent. Foranst. Fremme, 1897, pp. 57-99, ill.). Reports of injurious insects in Finland during 1897, E. Reuter (Landbr. Styr. Meddel, 1898, No. 23, pp. 70). Handbook of insects injurious to orchard and bush fruits, E. A. Ormerod (London: Simpkin, Marshall $ Co., 1898, pp. 286, ill.; rev. in Canad. Ent., 30 (1S9S), ENTOMOLOGY. 769 No. 12, p. 32S). — The different crops treated are apple, cherry, currant, gooseberry, medlar, pear, plum, quince, raspberry, and strawberry. The insects are given with their scientific and popular names, and so far as possible are grouped together. The latest remedies are suggested for the repression of these pests. A new method of studying underground insects, J. B. Smith (Science, n. ser., 8 (1898), No. 195, pp. SOS, 399).— This is an abstract of a paper read before Section F of the American Association for the Advancement of Science at its Boston meeting, in which the author states that plaster Paris thinned makes excellent casts for studying the burrows of underground insects. If properly thinned it will follow the burrow for about 6 ft. underground. In this way satisfactory studies may be made of the burrows of bees, wasps, spiders, and many Coleopterous insects. The relation of insects to plants and the role of extra floral bracts, F. Pla- teau (Mem. Soc. ZooL, France, 11 (1S98), No. S, pp. 339-368).— This paper is a study of the insect visitors of Salvia horminum, Dianthus barbatus, and Hydrangea opuloides. Insect enemies of citrus trees, Allen, Bludxo, Froggatt, and Guthrie ( Ayr. Gaz. N< w South Wales, 9 (1898), No. 10, pp. 1216-1221, ph. 4).— The authors describe and suggest remedies for the following insect pests of citrus fruit trees : Orange butter- fly (Papilio ereoihus), orange borer ( Uracanthus cryptopliaga) , Monolepta rosa>, fruit fly (Tephritis tryoni), bronze orange bug (Oncoscelsis sulciventris), green orange bug (Byn- chocorus sp.), yellow cross bug (Midi* symbolica), orange aphis (Siphonophora citri- folii), fluted scale (Icerya purchasi), red scale (Aspidiotus anrantii), long scale (Myti- laspis gloveri), purple scale (M. citricola), white louse (Chionaspis citri), brown olive scale (Lecanium olece), Indian white wax scale (Ceroplastis ceriferus), and orange rust mite (PhytOptus oleovorus). New, or little-known, Aleurodidae, A. L. Quaintance (Canad. Ent., 31 (1899), No. 1, pp. 1-4, pi. 1, figs. 7).— The author figures and describes the various phases of a new species to which the name Aleurodes mori is given. This insect is said to occur in great abundance on the leaves of mulberry at Tampa, Florida. It also is found in some abundance at Lake City on the leaves of various trees. Bark beetles of Denmark, E. A. Loevendal (Be Dansle Barkbiller. Copenhagen, 1898; abs. in Forst. Natunv. Ztschr., 7 (1898), No. 12, pp. 448-450).— Illustrated notes are given of about 50 species of Scolytidse and Platypodida? and the injury to the trees they attack. The Cattleya fly, W. H. Young (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 28 (1899), No. 629, p. 23, fig. 1). — Notes are given of Isosoma orchidearum. Notes on Coccidae, with descriptions of new species, J. D. Tinsley (Canad. Ent., 30 (1898), No. 12, pp. S17-320, figs. 2). — Phenacoccus solenopsis and Dactylopius azalea', are described and notes given on other species. New species of Coleoptera of the family Chrysomelidae, with a short review of the tribe Chlamydini, M. L. Linell (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 20 (1S9S), pp. 473- 485). — A monographic review is given of the above and the following new species described : Megascelis texana, Lema longipennis , L. jacobina, L. lebioides, L. colora- densis, Chlamys arizonensis, Cryptocephalm pubicollis, Metachroma viticola, Plagiodera purpurea, Phyllobrotica nigritarsis, Diabrotica nitida, llaltica nigritula, and Crepido- dera carinata. Two parasites of sugar cane, E. Bordage (Rev. Agr. Reunion, 2 (1898), No. 9, pp. 400-402). — Notes are given on Dendroneura sacchari and Grapholitha schistaceana, the grubs of which bore the sugar cane, causing considerable loss. Notes on insects attacking dried fruit, seeds, etc., W. W. Froggatt ( Agr. Gaz. New South Wales, 9 (1898), No. 10, pp. 1103-1105, pi. 1).— Brief notes are given of Ephestia elutella in compressed vegetables, Tenebroides mauretanicus in wheat, and mites, probably Tyroglyphus longoir, in linseed meal. The Hessian fly on timothy, J. Fletcher (Canad. Ent., 30 (189S), No. 12, p. 301).— The author notes the presence of the puparia of the Hessian fly on specimens of timothy that grew in a badly infested wheat field on Prince Edward Island. The Hessian fly has been reported as attacking timothy in Eussia, but the author believes this the first record in America. 770 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Macrolepidoptera of early spring, A. J. Nielsen (Ent. Medd., ?. ser., 1 (1897), No. 1, pp. 38-43) . Danish Lepidoptera, P. Gudman (Ent. Medd., 2. scr., 1 (1897), No. 1, pp. 1-32). Descriptions of new Noctuids, J. B. Smith (Canad. Ent., 30 (1898), No. 12, pp. 321-326). — The author describes the following new species: Eutolype grandis, Haden- ella laevigata, H. subjuncta, Lathosea ursina, and Pleroma bonuscula. The first species is from Missouri, the others from Colorado. Revision of the Orthopteran group Melanopli (Acridiidee), with special ref- erence to North American forms, S. H. Scudder, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 20 (1898), pp. 1-421, pis. 26). — The following new genera with numerous species are figured and described: Gyrnnoscirtetes, Netrosonia, Phredrotettix, Conalcasa, Barytettix, Phaulotettix, Cephalotettix, Rhabdotettix, Cyclocercus, Sinaloa, Campylacantha, Eotettix, ^Eoloplus, Phoetaliates, Pcecilotettix, CEdaleonotus, Asemoplus, and Philocleon. The earlier phases of Plusia aemula, H. Hirschke ( Verhandl. K. E. Zool. Bot. Gesell. Wien, 48 (1898), No. 8, pp. 535, 536).— The early stages in the life history of this insect are described. Its food is secured from low growing plants, such as Hieracium, Leontodon, Plantago, clovers, etc. A new plant louse on tobacco, T. Pergande (Canad. Ent., 30 (1898), No. 12, pp. 300, 301). — Technical descriptions are given of Nectarophora tabaci, a new plant louse that feeds on tobacco. The insect has been under observation for more than a year, and in addition to tobacco it is said to occur on Rttmex crispus, Leucanthemum vulgare, Forsythia viridissima, and on the leaves of the apple, pear, eggplant, and tomato. Notes on the life history of Protoparce Carolina, W. B. Alwood ((Science, n. ser., 8 (1898), No. 195, p. 400). — The author states that in the vicinity of Blacksburg, Virginia, this species shows a tendency to be double brooded. The earliest moths appear June 7-12, oviposition begins June 20, the larva? molt four times at inter- vals of about 4 days, become full-fed in 20 to 21 days, and enter the soil for pupa- tion. A small part of the brood issues as adults the first year, but the greater part are single brooded and appear as adults in July after passing the winter as pupae. Classification of the suborder Phytophaga, W. H. Ashmead (Canad. Ent., 30 (1898), No. 12, pp. 305-316). — This is the concluding paper on this subject and deals with the families Tenth redinidae and Cimbicidae. Sphaerococcus in Massachusetts, T. D. A. Cockerell and G. B. King (Canad. Ent., 30 (189S), No. 12, p. 326). — Sphcerococcus sylvestris n. sp. is described on the white oak in Massachusetts. It is closely related to S. parvus, but may be distin- guished by its better-developed antenna*. The life history of Tortrix resinella, M. Bi'SGEN (Allg. Forst u. Jagd Ztg., 74 (1898), No. 12, pp. 380-383). American leaf hoppers of the subfamily Typhlocybinae, C. P. Gillette (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. ,20 (1898), pp. 7 09-77 3). — A monographic review is given of the above and the following new species described: Alebra eurvilinea, A. bifasciata, A. trimacu- lata, A. robusta, A. dorsalis, A.fumida, Dicraneura maeulata, I), cruentata, I). unipuncta, D. communis, D. quadrivittata, Empoasca trifasciata, E. livihgstonii, E. unicolor, E. splen- dida, E. albolinea, E. denticula, E. pergandei, E. incisa, E. atrolabes, E. mexicana, E. radiata, E. robusta, E. pallida, E. snoivi, E. alboncura, E. tumida, Eupteryx vanduzei, E. flavoscuta, Typhlocyba bipunctata, T. tunicarubra, T. hartii, T. rubroscuta, T. illi- noicnsis, T. dentata, and T. crevecwuri. Colorado's worst insect pests and their remedies, C. P. Gillette (Colorado Sta. Bui. 47, pp. 64, figs. 54). — The author gives popular descriptions and suggests methods for the destruction of the principal insect enemies of the apple, pear, plum, peach, and cherry trees ; small fruits ; roses ; shade trees ; farm and garden crops ; grain insects and household pests. A. number of insecticides are described, their methods of preparation and use being given in considerable detail. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 771 The Coccidae of Kansas, S. J. Hunter (Kansas Univ. Quart., S (1899), Xo. l,pp. 1-15, pi. 1). — Critical notes and descriptions of new species. Odor of the San Jose scale, F. M. Webster (Canad. Enf.,31 (1899), No. 1, p. 4). — Attention is called to the odor which is associated with Aspidiotus perniciosus hy which, in cases of considerable abundance, the scale can be detected at a consider- able distance. When the air is quiet it is often possible to detect the presence of a badly infested tree at a distance of a yard or more. The author comments on the possession of this odor and states that possibly in its native home this may attract insects and afford means of diffusion which are not present in this country. A new danger to fruit growers, L. R. Taft (Michigan Sta. Spec. Bui. 7, pp. 3). — Attention is directed to the San Jose scale and the growers are warned against its attacks. Summer treatment for the San Jose scale, W. B. Alwood ( Virginia Sta. Bui. 74, pp. 28-34, jigs. 3). — This records data obtained in the use of pure kerosene against the San Josd scale since the publication of Bulletin 72 of the station (E. S. R., 9, p. 1067). Instances are noted in which kerosene proved very injurious to the trees, but in many cases no serious injury was noted, even when trees were in flower at the time of spraying. In regard to the use of kerosene the author says : " The foregoing abstracts and unpublished matter in the records of the work now in progress show that pure kerosene can be safely used upon all our fruit trees in the dormant season and with proper precautions during the growing season also. The chief point to be observed in its application is the proper atomization of the kero- sene. Unless it be applied in a finely atomized condition, and in quantity so as to just moisten the parts of the plant there is danger. The skill and judgment neces- sary to insure safety in this work are not such as to preclude the use of kerosene by fruit growers, hence in the light of the above and other unpublished experiments, I recommend it as a summer treatment for San Jose" scale. I believe it to be the treat- ment par excellence, as in every case where I have used it on this scale it has destroyed them with great certainty. It is too soon to make an absolute statement as to the degree of efficacy, but the experiments now under way will furnish much data on this point by the end of the season." Three forms of apparatus for spraying kerosene are figured and briefly discussed. Some form of blast atomizer is thought to be best. Hydrocyanic-acid gas fumigation, A. F. Woods (Florists' Exchange, 10 (1S0S), Xo. 40, p. 1146). — Reports on tests made to observe the eft'ect of weak doses of hydro- cyanic-acid gas for long periods on greenhouse plants in large houses. It was found that any dose weaker than 0.15 gm. of 98 per cent cyanid per cubic foot of space in the house for 20 minutes was ineffectual. Fumigation of fruit with hydrocyanic acid, F. B. Guthrie (Agr. Gaz. Xew South Wales, 9 (1S98), Xo. 10, p. 1191). — Oranges, lemons, and apples were placed in a small chamber and treated for 3 hours with vapor of hydrocyanic gas. After exposing the fruit in the open air for half an hour no trace of the acid could be detected in the flesh or outer skin of the fruit by smell, taste, or chemical examina- tion. No live scale remained. Legislation for the suppression of the San Jose scale, W. B. Alwood ( Virginia Sta. Bui. 74, pp. 21-28). — The law of Virginia relating to the San Jose scale is given, together with comments by the author of the bulletin. The lines of work to be followed under the law are pointed out. FOODS— ANIMAL PRODUCTION. On the relative digestibility of white and brown [whole wheat] bread, T. L. Brunton and F. W. Tunnicliffe (St. Bartholomew's Hospital Bpts.y33 (1807), pp. 157-168).— The authors report an extended 772 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. study of the composition and digestibility of white and whole-wheat bread. The composition of the two sorts of bread was as follows: Composition of white and whole-ivheat bread. Water Drj substance . . Total ash Phosphoric acid. Soluble matter . . Nitrogen. Albumen, calculated from nitrogen Pure albumen Soluble nitrogenous matter Starch and saccharine matters, etc. Starch Sugar (maltose) Dextrin Cellulose Fat. Acidity (lactic acid) Loss of water in fifteen days . White bread. Whole- wheat bread. Per cent Per cent. 39.10 40.18 60.90 59. 82 .59 1.88 .16 .51 4.73 7.54 1.32 1.25 8.25 7.87 7.34 7.80 .61 .73 51. 85 49.44 38.45 39. 18 1.19 1.77 .84 .71 .24 1.06 .21 .63 .19 .29 9.23 Artificial digestion experiments were made with mixed saliva and Benger's liquor pancreaticus and liquor pepticus. The principal deduc- tions from the experiments, which are discussed in detail, follow: " From the experiments we are justified in concluding that the higher nutritive value which we might, upon pure chemical grounds, ascribe to brown bread, can not, with the single exception of fats and mineral constituents, be maintained from the physiological side. On the other hand, distincty less of the nutritive materials actu- ally get into the blood in the case of brown than of white bread. , , . "White bread is, weight for weight, more nutritious than brown. Therefore it appears the preference given by operators in large towns for white bread has, to a certain extent, a sound physiological basis. "In the case of people with irritable intestines, white bread is to be preferred to brown. "In the case of people with sluggish intestines, brown bread is preferable to white, as it tends to maintain regular peristaltic action, and insure regular evacu- ation of the bowels, with all its attendant advantages. "In cases where the proportion of mineral ingredients, and especially of lime salts, in other articles of food or drink is insufficient, brown bread is preferable to white. . . . "If the dietary is insufficient in fat, or if the patient is unable readily to digest fat in other forms, brown bread may possibly be preferable to white." The use of molasses in feeding animals, D. Dickson and L. Malpeaux (Ann. Agron., 24 {1598), No. 8, pp. 353-381).— Experiments on the value of molasses as part of a ration are reported with sheep, pigs, steers, milch cows, and horses. The principal conclusions follow : When molasses formed part of the ration of sheep, pigs, and steers the gains in live weight were rapid. When molasses was fed to milch cows the total milk yield and the amount of fat and milk sugar in the milk was increased. The increase is not regarded as sufficient to war- rant the conclusion that molasses is a suitable food for milch cows. Molasses is regarded as an excellent food for horses. It was readily eaten and vigor and weight were maintained when it was added to the FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 773 ration. Molasses may be advantageously employed for rendering interior hay or fodder more palatable. Bullock-feeding experiment, T. B. Wood (Cambridge and Counties Agr. Education Scheme, Field and Feeding Experiments, Rpt. 1897, pp. 44-52). — Brief reference is made to feeding experiments with sheep and steers carried on in previous years at Whitlingham, Norfolk. In the winter of 1896-97 a test was made with 4 lots of 5 steers each, to compare linseed cake and the following grain mixtures: Linseed cake and common cotton-seed cake; decorticated cotton-seed cake and maize meal; and decorticated cotton-seed cake, common cotton-seed cake, maize meal, and dried grains. In addition to the grain the steers were given 10 lbs. of mixed chaff and 112 lbs. of roots per head daily. The average weekly gains per head of the 1 lots was 1G.7 lbs., 13.9 lbs., 14.0 lbs., and 15.2 lbs. The net profits were from $3.60 to $4.86 per head. Making allowance for the mauurial value of the food, linseed cake gave slightly the best results. Few details of this test are given. In 1897-98 a similar test was made with 4 lots of 5 steers each. Lot 1 was fed linseed cake ; lot 2, linseed cake and common cotton-seed cake, 1:1; lot 3, decorticated cotton-seed cake and dried brewers' grains, 1:1; and lot 4, linseed cake, common cotton- seed cake, and maize meal, 1:1:1. At the beginning of the test the steers were fed per head daily 6 lbs. of the grain ration. After about a month the ration was increased to 8 lbs. and later to 10 lbs. In addition the steers were fed 10 lbs. cut (chaffed) hay and straw mixed and 112 lbs. of roots per head daily. The test began December 13 and continued until the steers were judged ready for slaughtering. One steer from each lot was sold and slaugh- tered March 15, March 16, April 18, April 25, and May 3. The average weekly gain per head of the 4 lots was 11.9 lbs., 10.6 lbs., 9.3 lbs., and 10.5 lbs., respectively. The gains of the steers of the different lots and the cost of gains are discussed in detail, the results being compared with the test made in the previous year. "Summarizing the 2 years' results, the 2 experiments have agreed very well, and it appears clear that linseed cake alone is the most profitable food to purchase for fattening steers, though it has been very closely followed in each experiment by the mixture of linseed cake, common cotton cake, and dried grains, with or without maize meal. Linseed cake and common cotton cake mixed have always paid the least, but it is worthy of notice that the steers eating this mixture have always started well, and have only lost ground Jater in the period of feeding. This suggests that in future experiments one lot should be started on linseed cake and common cotton cake, half and half, for the first month, after which the proportion of linseed cake should be raised, until the steers finished up the last month on linseed cake only. This ration would probably compare favorably from an economical point of view with cake alone all the time." Rape for lambs, J. A. Craig {Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 72-79, fig. 1). — The author quotes at some length experiments on the value of rape for fattening lambs, which were previously reported (E. S. R., 8, p. 327). The value of rape for lambs previous to fattening was tested in 1896 with 2 lots of 48 lambs. The lambs were dipped and tagged, and after a preliminary period of 2 weeks the test proper began Octo- ber 12. It was divided into 2 periods of 4 and 12 weeks. Lot 1 was 774 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. fed rape and lot 2 was given the range of a blue-grass pasture. In addition both lots were fed a mixture of peas and corn 1:1. At the beginning of the test lot 1 weighed 3,022.5 lbs. and lot 2, 3,232.5 lbs. The gains made by the 2 lots were 50L and 325 lbs. respectively. Lot 2 was fed the rape from 0.64 acre. Each lot consumed 878 lbs. of the grain mixture. During the second period both lots were fed in sheds, and given similar rations, consisting of hay and a mixture of corn and peas 1:1, the object being to compare the influence of the previous pasturing on fattening. Lot 1 gained 952 lbs. and lot 2, 858 lbs. Each lot consumed 4,084 lbs. of grain. Lot 1 consumed 2,488 lbs. of hay and lot 2 2,703.5, a difference of 215.5 lbs. in favor of lot 1. " From the results it will be seen that when the 2 lots were put in pens and fed similar rations, lot 1 that had rape instead of pasture made a greater gain than the other lot, aud they also ate less hay, thus showing the beneficial influence of pastur- ing lambs on rape in the fall previous to fattening them." Grain for lambs before weaning, J. A. Craig ( Wisconsin Sta. Ept. 1897, pp. 37—11). — The author quotes earlier work (E. S. E., 8, p. 714), and reports additional tests of the value of grain before and after weaning. In 1896 a test was made of 4 lots of 6 lambs to compare corn meal, oats, bran, and cracked peas. The test began April 14 and covered 12 weeks before weaning. Three ewes ran with the lambs in each lot and were given the same rations as the lambs mentioned below. The financial statement is based on oats at 20 cts., corn at 30 cts., and peas at 45 cts. per bushel, and bran at $13 per ton. The results are summarized in the following table: Results of feeding grain to lambs before weaning in 1S96. Lot, Food. Weight at beginning. Total gain. Food eaten per pound of gain. Cost of food per pound of gain. Ground corn , Whole oats... Bran Cracked peas Pounds. 153.0 145.5 144.0 145.5 Pounds. 297.5 298.5 307.5 298.0 Pound. 0.19 .20 .75 Cent. 0.10 .40 .12 .52 In 1897 a test was made with 4 lots of 6 Shropshire grade lambs, 3 ewes running with each lot. The test covered the 10 weeks previous to weaning. The conditions of the experiment were the same as in the preceding test. The results were as follows: lit suits of feeding grain to lambs before weaning in 1897. Lot. Food. Weight at beginning. Total gain. Food eaten per pound of gain. Cost of food per pound of gain. Ground corn . Whole oats... Bran Cracked peas Pounds. 314.0 316. 0 299.5 307.0 Pounds. 214.5 211.5 181.0 188.0 Pound. 0.55 .51 .53 .69 Cent. 0.27 .30 .31 .48 FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 775 From these tests and that previously reported the general deductions are drawn that — "The ground corn gave the best results as far as cost of gain is concerned, and next to it ranks bran, while oats and peas are shown to be of equal value. . . . The trials show that for feeding lambs when they are suckling tlieir dams these foods should be chosen in the following order : First, ground corn ; second, bran ; third, oats or cracked peas." Grain mixture for lambs before and after weaning, J. A. Craig ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 42-44). — The comparative value of corn and a mixture of corn with other grains was tested with 15 lambs before and after weaning. They were divided into 3 lots of 5 each. There were 3 ewes with the lambs in each lot. Lot 1 was fed ground corn, lot 2 corn and oats, and lot 3 ground corn and cracked peas. The lambs were fed all the grain they would eat morning and even- ing, and during the day were with their dams on ordinary blue-grass pasture. The test covered 8 weeks before and 8 weeks after weaning. The weight of the lots at the beginning of the test was as follows: Lot 1, 291.5 lbs. ; lot 2, 299.5 lbs. ; and lot 3, 288 lbs. In 8 weeks the 3 lots had gained 139, 139.5, and 139 lbs., consuming 0.2G, 0.31, and 0.42 lb. of grain, respectively, per pound of gain. In each case the corresponding cost of gain was 0.13, 0.17, and 0.24 ct. During 8 weeks immediately after weaning lot 1 gained 95, lot 2, 92.5, and lot 3, 98 lbs., consuming 0.13, 0.14, and 0.13 lb. of grain per pound of gain, respec- tively, tbe cost of gain being 0.6, 0.7, and 0.7 ct. per pound. "The outcome of this trial still maintains the position of ground corn as a food for lambs, though the results are practically the same from the lambs in all of the lots. The lot getting the corn and peas gained slightly the most, and they ate more grain than the others, but in respect to the cost of the gain the ground corn main- tains its position. "The mixture of corn and peas, however, seems to be a ration that the lambs rel- ish as they grow older, but previous to weaning none of these mixtures seem to give as satisfactory results as the ground corn. It is a fact, however, that in feeding such a ration as ground corn alone there is likely to be more sickness among the lambs than if they have a mixed ration. Aside from this the addition of oats or peas to the ration of unground corn produced no appreciable benefit, while it increased the cost in every instance." Lambs for early spring market, J. A. Craig ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 45-49, Jigs. 4). — The lambs raised at the station are mostly a cross of a pure-bred Dorset ram on Shropshire grade ewes. There are also some second-cross lambs; that is, lambs from a crossing of a pure- bred Dorset ram on the cross-bred ewes mentioned above. The author gives in tabular form the number and cross of the ewe, date of service, date of lambing, number of lambs, date when sold, and the weight and value of the lambs in the station flock. "From our experience in trying to establish a flock for breeding early lambs, we can say that a reasonable degree of success may be attained as soon as the first-cross ewes are ready to be bred, but it is equally clear that a greater certainty of breeding the ewes early exists where the ewes are the second cross of the Dorset on native sheep." 16130— No. 8 6 776 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Experiments in sheep fattening, J. Crude (Aarsber. Offent. For- anst. Fremnie, 1897, pp. 282-290). — The tests were conducted on the same general plan as the earlier experiments carried on by the author with government aid (E. S. R., 5, p. 919; 8, p. 154; 9, p. 1075). The following table shows the principal results: Results of sheep-feeding experiments, 189^. Wethers Do Ewes Do Wethers Lambs Totals ami averages . Num- Average Feed per day per 1,000 kg. live Live weight. ber of ani- mals. Aver- age age. length of fattening period. Hay. Tur- nips. Linseed oilcake Oats. At be- ginning. At end. Years. Days. Kg. Kg. Kg. Kg. Kg. Kg. 70 n 30 7.6 75.6 16.2 5.4 44.1 50.7 50 2* 30 7.0 79.1 15.6 4.1 49.2 57.2 70 n 30 8.0 74.8 16.6 5.1 41.9 48.6 50 2i 30 7.6 82.8 16.9 4.4 44.2 50.7 70 n 30 10.3 70.9 14.7 6.0 44.2 48.6 70 * 30 10.3 72.5 15.0 6.4 31.2 34.7 380 30 8.5 75.6 15.8 5.3 410 47.8 In- crease in live weight. Per ct. 15.0 16.3 16.0 12.9 9.8 10.3 — F. W. WOLL. Establishing a flock of mutton sheep, J. A. Craig ( Wisconsin Sta. Ept. 1897, pp. 50-55, Jigs. 3). — The author discusses the require- ments for a flock of mutton sheep. The most important considerations in his opinion are good rams and ewes that are deep milkers and suckle their lambs well and have the densest fleeces for their own protection. " It matters little if a ewe is not as nicely rounded in form as she might be. If she is a good milker, she deserves the premier position in the flock. . . . The feeding of the ewe lambs that are to furnish the new material for the flock should be liberal in every sense of the word. Feed them liberally on oats and see that they get the best pasturage that it is possible to secure for them, and it will be found surprising how lusty they will grow during the first 9 months of their lives." Uniformity in the lambs raised is deemed an important requisite. "To secure this it should be an axiom for every flock master to never sell or dis- pose of a ram that proves to be a valuable breeder as well as a getter of superior lambs. Such a ram should be permanently retained at the head of the flock, and bred to the same ewes year after year as long as it is possible to do so." Whole corn compared with corn meal for pig feeding, W. A. Henry ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 29-36). — The author quotes in some detail 2 experiments in 1896 on this subject (E. S. R., 9, p. 580), and reports 2 additional experiments made in 1897. The flrst trial in 1897 was with 2 lots of 9 Poland China-Chester White pigs each. They were all straight bodied, strong boned, and well built, with vigor- ous constitutions. They had been pastured on rape or grass and given grain, and were in rather high condition at the beginning of the trial. Lot 1 was fed a ration consisting of shelled corn and wheat middlings 2 : 1. The shelled corn was fed in a trough and when consumed the wheat middlings was fed mixed with water. Lot 2 was fed corn meal and wheat middlings 2 : 1. The test covered 12 weeks. Lot 1 weighed 1,907 FOODS ANIMAL PRODTCTION. 777 lbs. at the beginning of the trial and gained 984 lbs., consuming 4.42 lbs. of grain per pound of gain. Lot 2 weighed 1,886 lbs. at the begin- ning of the test, gained 1,348 lbs., and consumed 5.01 lbs. of grain per pound of gain. In the author's opinion the amount of feed required per pound of gain is reasonable considering the good condition of the pigs at the beginning of the trial. The second test was made with 2 lots of 7 pure-bred Poland Chinas and cross-bred Poland China Berkshires. "They were of fine bone with round bodies and much more delicate than the preceding lot. They showed in strong contrast with those of the first trial the difference between pigs of good bone and constitution and those too much refined by high breeding." These pigs had likewise been pastured on rape or grass before beginning the test, which covered 9 weeks. In other respects the conditions were the same as in the preceding trial. Lot 1 weighed 1,281 lbs. at the beginning of the trial and gained 552 lbs., con- suming 4.62 lbs. of grain per pound of gain. Lot 2 weighed 1,383 lbs. at the beginning of the trial and gained 576 lbs., consumiug 4.24 lbs. of grain per pound of gain. The gains made at different periods of the test are discussed and the results of these trials are compared with those of earlier tests. "The gains were greatest during the first weeks of the trial and lightest during the last weeks. On the contrary, more feed was eaten during the last weeks of the trial than in the beginning. Coming to the feed required per pound of gain, the results obtained in the earlier stages stand in strong contrast with those obtained near the close. For the first week 3.62 lbs. of feed made 1 lb. of gain, while in the twelfth week 5.98 lbs. were required. "Grouping the results into four-week periods in order to secure better aver- ages ... we see that during the first period of 4 weeks, 4.18 lbs. of feed made 1 lb. of gain ; during the second four-weeks period 4.61 lbs. were required; and during the last four weeks 5.59 lbs. of feed were required per pound of gain." Data concerning sow and pigs at farrowing time, W. A. Henry ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 8, 9). — A number of observations were made in the spring of 1897 on pure-bred Poland China and Berkshire pigs or crosses of these breeds, and upon cross-bred Poland Chinas and Chester Whites. The sows ranged from 1 to 4 years in age and from 240 to 577 lbs. in weight. They were weighed several hours before and several hours after farrowing and the pigs were also weighed. The average weight of the sows before farrowing was 382.1 lbs. and after farrowing 359 lbs. The average weight of the afterbirth was 4.01 lbs. "The litters averaged 16.7 lbs. each, the individual pigs ranging in weight from 1.3 to 3.1 lbs., the average being 2.2 lbs. In general, the individual pigs in largo litters are somewhat smaller than those of small litters. "Frequently in a litter of pigs there is one member much weaker than the others, and this is styled the 'runt' or 'teatman.' It is sometimes spoken of as the last pig farrowed, this occurrence seeming in some unknown way to mark its inferiority. [The observations made showed tbat] the last pig farrowed was not necessarily of lighter weight than the others, and the observer noted no weakness or other mark indicating inferiority in any way." 778 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The cost of feeding pigs before and after weaning, W. A. Henry ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 20-28). — Tests were made with 5 sows and their litters, to compare the cost of feeding before and after weaniug. There were 6 pigs with sow 1, 6 with sow 2, 7 with sow 3, 9 with sow 4, and 12 with sow 5. All the lots were fed equal parts by weight of a mixture of corn meal, middlings, and skim milk 1:1:4. The milk was generally- sour. Water was supplied in addition. When very young the pigs were given no food except milk supplied by the sows. As they increased in size they were encouraged to eat the ration mentioned above, which was placed before them in a separate trough 3 times daily. The pigs were weaned when 70 days old, and the feeding continued for 49 days after weaning, the pigs being fed all they would eat without waste. On the other hand, the sows, having gained in weight while suckling the pigs, were given a limited quantity of food, in order that they might not make too much gain. The tests are reported in detail in tabular form. The results are summarized in the following table, which shows the food required per pound of gain by both sows and pigs before weaning and by each after weaning: Average of results with soivs and pigs before and after weaning. Feed required per pound of gain. Meal. Milk. Sows and pigs before weaning. Pigs after weaning Sows after weaning Pounds. 2.37 Pounds. 4.75 5.76 14.20 On the supposition that C lbs. of separator skim milk is the equiva- lent of 1 lb. of meal, the author calculates that the sows and pigs before weaning required food equivalent to 3.16 lbs. of meal per pound of gain, and the pigs after weaning the equivalent of 3.84 lbs. of meal. "In these figures we have another illustration of how much more economical young pigs are than more mature animals in the feed required for a given gain. When these same pigs have reached a weight of 300 lbs., about 500 lbs. of grain will be required for 100 lbs. of gain. "A large amount of feed was required by the sows for 100 lbs. of gain after their pigs had been weaned; the explanation of this is simple. These sows had usually gained in weight while suckling their pigs and were therefore in good flesh. Being required for future breeders, we did not wish them to become too fat, a condition which they would readily attain, had sufficient feed been supplied. These figures afford an excellent illustration of how unprofitable it is to supply animals with less feed than they can readily consume when gain in weight is the end desired. These sows require nearly three times as much feed for 100 lbs. of gain as did their pigs which had just been weaned from them. This is because the herdsman gave them a very limited quantity of nutrients, only about what they required for maintenance, his object being not to allow them to materially gain in flesh." Peat molasses for horses, II. Goldsmith ( UgesTcr. Landm., 43 ( 1898), No. 23-21, pp. 291, 292, 306-309).— The peat molasses fed in this experi- ment was manufactured from beet molasses and dry peat in the propor- FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 779 tion of 4:1. Chemical analysis by V. Stein showed it to contain: Water, 23.80 per cent; protein, 9.31 per cent; fat, 0.23 percent; car- bohydrates, 52.00 per cent (sugar, 40.1 per cent); crude fiber, 3.75 per cent; ash, 10.31 per cent. Twenty street-car horses were included in the experiment, which was continued for about 4A months (December 20-May 2). The regular grain ration of the horses consisted of 11 lbs. of oats, 5.5 lbs. corn, 1.65 lbs. wheat bran, 0.55 lbs. rye bread. For 15 of the horses 3.3 lbs. of this mixture was replaced by 3.3 lbs. of peat molasses, and after 2 months 2.2 lbs. were again replaced by 2.2 lbs. of peat molasses. The remain- ing 5 horses formed a control lot and were fed the regular grain ration during the entire experiment. The health of the horses and their capacity for work were satisfactory throughout the test. The average weight of the horses fed peat molasses at the beginning of the test was 1,220.5 lbs.; at the end of the first period there was a loss of 25.3 lbs.; at the end of the second period a gain of 8.8 lbs. Considering the experiment as a whole there was a loss of 23.1 lbs. The average weight of the horses fed grain at the beginning was 1,298 lbs.; at the end of the first period there was a loss of 14.3 lbs. ; at the end of the second period there was a loss of 16.5 lbs. During the whole test there was a loss of 34.1 lbs. While 3.3 lbs. of peat molasses could not quite take the place of 3.3 lbs. of grain feed in the experiment, it will be noticed that 2.2 lbs. of the molasses feed under the conditions present had a higher nutritive effect than the same weight of grain feed. Considering the average results obtained for both periods the peat molasses proved somewhat superior to the oats and corn. The experiment indicates that a few pounds of peat molasses may be fed daily to horses with advantage, if this feed is cheaper, pound for pound, than common concentrated horse feeds. The decrease in weight of the experimental horses is in accordance with general experience, as horses regularly fall off in weight during the spring (according to the author, about 16.5 lbs. per head). — f. w. woll. The distribution of gluten and its constituents in the starch layer of wheat, E. Fleurent (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1S9S), 2fo. 22, pp. 1592- 1505). — The gluten in the flour at different stages of grinding and the amount of glutenin and gliadiu in the gluten are reported in several sorts of wheat. The results, in the author's opinion, show that the gluten content and the composition of the gluten varies in different varieties of wheat and in the products ohtained from the same wheat at different stages of grinding. The quantity of gluten increases from the center toward the periphery of the starch layer aud the gluten contains a higher percentage of glutenin as it approaches the interior of the grain. Nuts as food in foreign countries ( U. S. Consular Bpts., 1898, No. 219, pp. 537- 548). — These articles, prepared hy the consuls to the various countries, describe the nuts used as food in France, Italy, Korea, and Syria, In France these were chest- nuts, almonds, and peanuts; in Italy, almonds, filberts, chestnuts, pistachios, wal- nuts, aud pine nuts; in Korea, chestnuts, walnuts, pine nuts, peanuts, and jinko nuts; in Syria, chestnuts, filberts, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. In several cases statistics of the amount consumed are given together with methods of culti- vation, etc. 780 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The composition of Ohio wines, A. W. Smith and N. Parks {.four. Amir. Chem. Soc, 20 (1S9S), No. 11, pp. 878-882). — Analyses are given of wine made by the authors from 12 varieties of grapes grown in Ohio, and of a number of typical samples of wines sold in northern Ohio. The Ohio wines were 1 year old, except 2 samples which were 2 years old. The results are compared with European analyses and standards, and the application of the results in determining cases of adulteration is pointed out. Michigan Dairy and Pood Commission Bulletin 40 (j>p. 43). — A report is given of the examination of a considerable number of samples of spices, imitation fruit jelly, oleomargarin, etc., together with a rosunid of the Dairy and Food Commis- sion's operations for the 6 months ending December 31, 1898. Publications of the institute of hygiene of the University of Padua (Pubblica- zioni Dell 'Isiitulo D'Igiene Delia R. Universita Di Padova. Padua: P. Prospering 1898, p. 344, maps 2). — This volume (which is made up of separates with an introduc- tion) contains the investigations which have been conducted by Prof. A. Serafini, or by his students under his direction. Some of these have already been noted in the Record (E. S. R., 9, pp. 265, 266). Rules for the management of the Bengal Institute Hostel and scale of dietary studies for each student, F. Raymond ( Ann. Iipt. Civ. Vet. Dept. [Bengal], 1897-9S, Append. 21-22, pp. 14-16). — The kinds and amount of food consumed per man per day in the students' boarding club and its cost are briefly recorded. Annual report of the live stock breeders' assoications (Epts. Live Stock Assocs. Province of Ontario, lS97-9S,pp. 142). — This contains the usual addresses and reports and, in addition, the following papers: Tuberculosis in cattle, D. McCrae; The requirements of the home and foreign mutton and wool markets, M. Leveriug; Short- horn prospects, R. Gibson; Broad-minded breeders, W. Linton; Beef breeds and their value, J. I. Hobson; Care and application of manure, J. Yuill; and The Ayr- shire and its uses, J. C. Smith. A digest of metabolism experiments, W. O. Atwater and C. F. Langworthy ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Office of Experiment Stations Bui. 45, rev. ed.,pp. 434). — A number of errors in the figures in the tables have been corrected. Analyses of cakes used in bullock-feeding experiments, T. B. Wood (Cam- "bridge and Counties Agr. Education Scheme, Field and Feeding Expts., Iipt. 1897, p. 53). — Analyses of the composition of the cakes used in steer feeding experiments stated above (p. 773), are reported. The fattening of cattle, J. W. Robertson {Rpt. Comr. Agr. and Dairying, Canada, 1897, pt. 4, pp. 23-30). — These tests have been noted from another source (E. S. R., 6, p. 450; 8, p. 916). Calf raising, J. MASWERSIT (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), No. 24, pp. 918-920).— The author reports the successful use of starch and skim milk as a food for calves. Experiments to determine the effect of pea meal and sunflower-seed cake on the quality of fat, flesh, and wool of sheep, Ramm (Deut. Landw. Presse, 25 (1S9S), No. 80, p. 855; 81, p. 864, figs.; 82, pp. 875, 876; 84, pp. 895, 896). — Tests were made with 4 lots of 3 sheep each. Lots 1 and 3 wereMerinos ; lots 2 and 4, English sheep. Lots 1 and 2 were given sunflower-seed cake and lots 3 and 4, pea meal. The principal conclusions follow : The Merino sheep made 10 per cent higher gains thau the English sheep. Disre- garding the belly fat, the results of slaughter tests of the breeds were about the same. The English sheep, however, had more belly fat and, in general, fatter car- casses. The solidifying point of the Merino fat was several degrees lower than that of the fat in the English sheep. The Merino sheep produced more wool than the others; the wrool contained about twice as much wool fat; and the melting point of the wool fat was about 2i per cent higher than that of the wool of the English sheep. The gains made with pea meal were about 2.2 per cent better, and the results of slaughter tests were also about 6.54 per cent better than in the case of the sun- flower-seed cake. The sheep fed pea meal showed more belly fat, the flesh contained more dry matter, and more nitrogen. The fat had a much lower iodin value. The sheep fed sunflower-seed cake weighed more shorn and the wool contained more fat. The melting point of the wool fat was, however, 4.2 per cent lower. DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 781 Molasses as a feed for swine, G. Faye and E. Frederiksen ( Ugeskr. Landm., 43 (1S9S), No. 11, pp. 134-139). — Forty pigs were divided into 2 lots of 20 each, one lot was fed Indian corn and the other harley. In each case molasses feed was substi- tuted for one-third of the grain ration of part of the pigs. The test covered 140 days. The results are expressed in full in tabular form. The test indicates that beet molasses when it is uot fed too heavily, is an economical food for swine, its feeding value being equal to about three-fourths of that of grain feeds, pound for pound. — f. w. woll. Rape for swine, J. A. Craig ( Wisconsin Sta. Ept. 1S97, pp. 80, SI). — The tests were reported in a previous publication (E. S. R., 9, p. 374). Concerning horse raising in Denmark, S. von Nathusius (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 4? (1898), No. 22, pp. 834-840; 23, pp. 865-870) .—The author visited Denmark and gives his opinion of horses aud borse raising in that country in some detail. The duration of a horse's life and the limits of his usefulness for work and breeding purposes, Zi'RN (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), No. 24, pp. 929-931). — The author quotes many instances which are believed to be authentic of horses which have lived to an extreme age and many of them have been useful as draft animals and for breeding purposes. DAIRY FARMING— DAIRYING. Variations in milk and milk production, E. Davenport and W. J. Fraser (Illinois Sta. Bui. 51, pj). 77-104, dgm. 1). — This is a record for 2 high-grade Jerseys, 2 registered Holsteins, and 1 high-grade Holstein. All were given similar care and feed. The fat was determined by the Babcock test and the solids-not-fat were calculated from the lactometer reading. The data were recorded for each of the 5 cows separately for each milking. A complete record for all 5 cows for 1 month and of 1 cow for 10 months is given in tables. The records of all the cows for 3 months were compiled and the results are presented and discussed. The yield and quality of the milk at the beginning and near the close of the period of lactation was also considered. A diagram is given showing the daily feed consumed and the yield of milk and fat for 2 cows for a period of 4 months. The authors' deductions from the record are as follows : "The yield of milk from different cows under the same conditions differs greatly, and that from the same cow varies widely from day to day. "The composition of milk is highly variable; the ratio of fat to other solids, and that of solids to water, is not constant as between different cows or for the same cow on successive clays. "The percentage of fat, or of other solids, is not always highest in the smaller yields, but cows that give milk with a high percentage of solids generally show a low total yield. " Fat is the most variable constituent of milk, and its variations are independent of those of the other solids ; therefore the yield of milk is a better index of the other solids than it is of the fat. "As regards the first and last milk drawn, the proportion of solids-not-fat is higher in the first, but the proportion of fat is decidedly greater in the last. "When the milking periods are unequal the longer period will generally, though not always, give the larger yield of milk, of fat, and of solids-not-fat; but the differ- ence in yield does not correspond to the difference ' in time ; that is, the secretion calculated per hour is greater during the shorter period. 782 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "Neither daytime nor nighttime is shown to he superior as a milk-producing period. " Different cows differ iu their power to make milk from food, and the same cow varies in this respect from time to time. " It pays to select the individual according to her power to manufacture milk from food, and according to the character of the product. "Aside fioin the influence of food or environment each animal exhibits individual variations of her own, and such variations tend to show something like periodicity in the separate functional activities of the animal body." Test of the Guernsey cow Suke of Rosendale (6520 GJ-. H. B.) F. W. Woll ( Wisconsin 8ta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 153-160, Jig. 1).—A test of this cow for one week just after calving by one of the owners " shows a total production of 189.7 lbs. of milk and 14.98 lbs. of butter fat, making the average fat content of the milk produced during the week 7.90 per cent." For the purpose of studying the quality of the milk during the progress of lactation, samples were sent to the station on the 20th to 21st of each month during the winter, spring, and summer until the cow was dried oif. The methods of analysis employed are described and the results of this study are tabulated, together with a summary of the yield and butter fat during 4 previous periods of lactation. The milk at no time during the test equaled in fat content that shown in the preliminary test of one week, indicating "that the high percentages of fat in the milk shortly after calving were due to abnormal conditions in the cow at the time."' During the 285 days of the test the cow pro- duced 5,490.7 lbs. of milk with an average fat content of 5.78 per cent, the total yield of fat being 317.28 lbs.,' an average of 1.11 lbs. per day. A new proteid constituent of milk, A. Wroblewski (Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., 26 (1898), No. 3-1, pp. 308-313).— The author finds that besides casein, albumin, and globulin, milk contains a fourth proteid, which he calls opalisin, on account of the opalescence of its solutions. The new proteid is obtained by precipitating the casein with acetic acid, and then saturating the curd with either magnesium sulphate, ammonium sulphate, or common salt. This precipitate differs from casein by not leaving any residue of pseudonuclein on digestion with pepsin. A neutral solution of the precipitate treated with a few drops of calcium chlorid and considerable phosphoric acid solution gives a precipitate of the opalisin. It is present in considerable quantity in human milk, less in mares' milk, and in very small quantity in cows' milk. This constitutes another difference between human milk and cows' milk. The difficulty of precipitating the casein of human milk is said to be due to its opal isin. Mares' milk is in this respect, as in many others, intermediate between human milk and cows' milk. The characteristics of opalisin are described. On the yield and composition of sows' milk, W. A. Henry and F. W. Woll ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 10-19, Jig. J).— Four farrow- ing sows were selected, 3 being pure-bred Poland Chinas and 1 a grade Chester White. Two of the sows were 2 years old and weighed nearly DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 783 450 lbs. each, while the other 2 were only 1 year old and weighed less than 300 lbs. each. The method of determining the yield was to weigh the pigs each time before and after suckling, keeping them confined between times in a pen near the dam. This weighing was continued on 3 days every 2 weeks until the pigs were weaned. In this way it was found that the average milk yield of the 4 sows ranged from 4.1 to 5.8 lbs. per day for the whole period of observation. The highest yield of milk in any one day was 8.7 lbs. and the lowest 1.2 lbs., the latter occurring just before weaning. Some difficulty was had in securing samples of milk for analysis. " It was found that more milk could be obtained with less trouble by allow- ing a pig to empty an udder in part. At this stage the young animal was pushed aside, and the attendant quickly drew what milk he could from the teat before the dam became aware of what was happening." By this means small samples were obtained, seldom more than 1 fluid ounce. The analyses of 9 samples are tabulated. The average of these showed : Water 80.35 per cent, total solids 19.65, fat 8.24, and solids-not-fat 11.41. Excluding the first 2 analyses, which, owing to the smallness of the samples, were incomplete, the following averages are given for 7 samples : Average composition of sotvs' milk, with variation. Average. Lowest. Highest. Per cent. 80.96 7.06 6.20 4.75 1.07 11.99 Per cent. 79.5 3.9 5.3 3.1 .8 10.8 Per cent. 82.9 Fat 9.5 7.3 6.0 Ash . 1.3 13.2 These results are compared with those given for sows' milk by other writers and with the averages for cows' milk. The results of G8 analyses reported by Dietrich and Konig, Petersen and Oetken, and the authors show the fat in sows' milk to range from 1 to 16.1 per cent, the average being 6.74 per cent. The wide variations in the composition of sows' milk are explained by the fact that the samples obtained represent fractional milkings. "The average daily yield of milk of the 4 sows ranged from 4.1 to 5.8, or about 5 lbs. a day. If we consider this yield an average for good sows, and the fat content above given, 6.74 per cent, an approximately correct figure, we have that a sow will yield 0.337 lb. of fat a day, a very fair performance for an animal weighing only one-third as much as an average cow, especially since the milk-producing faculties of the sow have hardly received any thought from the breeder or the feeder. "The microscopic examination of the milk shows that the fat globules of sows' milk are of a very minute size, on the average only about one-quarter that of aver- age-sized fat globules in cows' milk. On the other hand, the number of globules in a given volume of milk is about 8 times as large in sows' milk as in cows' milk." 784 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Comparative investigations of the applicability of different tests for ascertaining the fat content of milk, F. Friis (Ber. K. Yet. Landbohojslcoler Lab., Copenhagen, 1898, pp. 112). — The tests com- pared in this report are Gerber's acid butyrometer, Fjord's control cen- trifuge (cream test), and the "lactoscope." Earlier experiments at this station have demonstrated the accuracy of the Gerber test. The lacto- scope is an apparatus invented by a Danish engineer, P. V. P. Berg, for determining the quality of milk. It is a Fjord centrifugal cream test, modified so as to be used with an Alpha separator. The appara- tus consists of a hollow steel cylinder fitting into the Alpha separator stand. Loose aluminum plates shaped to hold 24 test tubes are placed in this cylinder, which will hold 16 plates, or 384 test tubes at a time. The milk in the tubes is heated to 40° C. and rotated for 35 minutes at a speed of 0,000 revolutions per minute. The results agree with those obtained with the Fjord cream test, each "per cent cream " being equiv- alent to about 1.5 per cent fat. The author concludes that the lacto- scope when operated according to directions may be used with perfect assurance of accuracy in separator creameries and private dairies. — f. w. WOLL. Rancid butter, A. J. Swaving (Ztschr. Untersuch. Nahr. u. Genussmtl., 1808, No. 11, pp. 759-702). — The author reports two series of experiments with butter of unquestionable purity. In the first series, samples of melted and unmelted butter were kept in open and closed vessels, both in the dark and in the light, for 15 months, the volatile fatty acids being determined at the beginning and end of the experiment. There was a loss in volatile fatty acids in keeping the unmelted butter in both open and closed vessels, but a small increase in case of the melted butter. The second series of experiments was like the first, except that the samples were kept for 5 years. The unmelted samples molded and assumed a dark color, while the melted samples remained a yellowish white and showed very little change in appearance. There was an increase in volatile fatty acids of the melted butter ranging from 1.7 to 2.3, the increase being greatest in the closed vessels. There was a loss of from 2.9 to 11.8 in case of the unmelted butter, the loss being mate- rially greater in the open vessels, and in the dark. The indications from these experiments are that in keeping unmelted butter there is a loss of volatile fatty acids, while in the case of melted butter the Keichert-Meissl number increases slightly. It is suggested that the difference in the behavior of melted and unmelted butter may be due to the presence of casein, milk sugar, and water in the unmelted butter. The greater loss of volatile fatty acids in darkness than in light is taken as a suggestion of the action of bacteria. Experiments with a self-regulating pasteurizing apparatus, V. Henriques and V. Stribolt (Ber. K. Vet. Landbohojslcoler Lab., Copen- hagen, 1896, pp. 25; Tidsslr. Norshe Landbr., 5 ( 1898), No. 10,pp. 527-533).— The authors have adopted the principle of tlie Roux thermoregulator in constructing an apparatus which regulates the supply of milk to a DAIRY FARMING — DAIRYING. 785 Fjord pasteurizer in such a manner that milk is admitted to the pas- teurizer only when the temperature of the outgoing milk is above 85° C. If the temperature goes below 85° the difference in the expansion of the two parts of the regulator (a brass aDd a steel rod) closes a valve at the inlet and keeps it closed uutil the temperature of the milk at the outlet reaches 85°. The experiments made with the regulator iu the laboratory and under factory conditions show that it will control the sup- ply of milk so that the pasteurization temperature is practically constant at 85° C. The apparatus is described in detail in the report, and illus- trations given of its various parts and connections. — F. w. woll. Tolerance of certain milk bacteria toward ether. S. M. Bab cock and H. L. Russell ( Wisconsin Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 211-215). — When fresh cheese curds were placed in an atmosphere saturated with ether vapor it was found that the oxygen disappeared entirely in a short time, being replaced by an equal volume of carbonic- acid gas. Microscopic examination showed that the whey expressed from these curds was teeming with bacteria. Cultures made from various colo- nies were placed in respiration chambers in atmospheres of ether, chloroform, and alcohol. There was evidence of growth except in the alcohol chamber. Experiments to determine whether the organisms could live contin- uously were made with lactic-acid bacteria and with the organisms which have been found to grow in ether atmosphere. In these experi- ments the inspired air was drawn through ether, so that the air was saturated with ether vapor. The respiration of the lactic-acid cultures ceased within a short time after the admission of the ether, but that of the other culture continued for a period of 72 hours, the quantity of carbon dioxid evolved gradually decreasing during this period and finally ceasing. '•'This experiment indicated that a saturated ether atmosphere was not especially suited for the development of the ether bacillus, hut that it possessed a tolerance toward this anaesthetic that was far greater than any organisms heretofore reported." The ether organism was cultivated for a period of 8 months on artifi- cial media, during which it seemed to lose its ether-tolerating property. The culture characteristics of the organism are described. u In milk cultures it produces an abundance of lactic acid from the sugar in the milk, thus causing it to curdle quickly. No gas is produced in the milk at all." Unorganized ferments of milk: A new factor in the ripening of cheese, S. M. Babcock and H. L. Russell ( Wisconsin Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 161-193).— -The authors give a clear, concise account of the changes taking place in the ripening of cheese and the present status of the theories regarding the cause of these changes, followed by an account of their own investigations resulting in the discovery of an unorgan- ized ferment as a natural component of milk. "The enormous development of lactic-acid bacteria in hard cheeses and the elimi- nation of the digesting or peptonizing organisms at an early stage of the ripening 786 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. has led Lloyd, working with English Cheddar, and Freudenreich, with the Swiss, both to ascribe to the milk-souring ferments the chief role in these changes. "We have been able to confirm these results so far as the bacterial changes are concerned, but early in our work observations were made which did not conform to this theory. "From two independent lines of research it became evident that profound changes of a physical and chemical nature occurred in milk in which bacterial fermentations had been excluded. In these experiments the casein of the milk underwent practi- cally the same series of decomposition changes that are to be found in a ripening cheese, viz, the insoluble casein was converted into soluble proteids as indicated above. "Parallel experiments with cheese gave the same result qualitatively and quanti- tatively; the products formed could not be distinguished from those of a normally cured cheese. "Having eliminated the effect of the organized ferments (bacteria) by means of such chemical agents as ether, chloroform, benzol, etc., which do not affect the action of unorganized ferments, the conclusion was forced upon us that the changes which occurred were of a nonvital character and w«re undoubtedly due to enzyms. Two hypotheses as to the origin of these enzyms suggested themselves — either they were produced by bacteria which developed in the milk before the anaesthetics were applied, or they were inherent in the milk itself. The possibility of bacteria func- tioning in this way was excluded by securing milk drawn from the animal with great care and treated immediately with antiseptics. These freshly secured milks underwent identical changes with the others, showing that the enzyms were natural to the milk." It was found that the proteids in separator slime digested more rapidly than those in skim milk, showing that the enzyms were sepa- rated in part in centrifugal creaming. Accordingly the slime was used for isolating the enzyms, the fresh slime being mixed with an equal weight of water containing 40 per cent of alcohol, the paste thus formed strained through cheese cloth, an antiseptic (either thymol or benzol) added to prevent fermentation, and the mass filtered after 24 hours. The filtrate was concentrated to about -^ its volume (never heating over 25° C). It was usually quite acid, and when neutralized with sodium carbonate gave a precipitate the filtrate from which was of a clear amber color, decomposed peroxid of hydrogen rapidly (a reaction common to most unorganized ferments), greatly hastened the formation of soluble products in milk, and liquefied gelatin. "When added to milk it first coagulated the casein and afterwards redissolved the curd— the time required for this change depending upon the amount of extract added and the temperature. When the acid extract was added to milk the coagu- lation of the casein was hastened and the curd formed was firm and quite similar to that produced by rennet. In acid solution the digestion was much slower than in neutral or slightly alkalin solutions, indicating that the hydrolytic principle which it contains is more nearly related to a tryptic than to a peptic ferment. Attempts to obtain more concentrated extracts by precipitating the enzym from the above extract with absolute alcohol have thus far failed." Various experiments are reported showing how the formation of soluble proteids in milk is accelerated by the enzym, that this power of digesting casein is destroyed by heat, and that the change does not occur as readily when even small amounts of hydrochloric acid are DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 787 present. "In this respect the character of the enzym present conforms closely to that of trypsin." Other experiments were made showing the power of the enzym extract to liquefy gelatin. Tables are given showing the comparative rate of ripening in cheese and in milk. "The progressive nature of the changes in both cheese and milk are similar, the rate being somewhat more rapid in milk than in cheese, a fact of some moment when it is considered that bacterial activity was suspended in these milks." The effect of temperature on ripening was also studied, cheese being kept at 55, 63, 73, and 86° F. The cheese kept at the higher tempera- tures ripened faster, which "is in conformity with what is well known concerning the action of enzyms under these conditions." A cheese more than a year old which has been kept under chloroform from the beginning, and, according to bacteriological examination, is perfectly sterile, is said to be thoroughly broken down, resembling a well-cured cheese. Chemical analysis shows that more than 50 per cent has been converted into soluble products. A sample of milk to which both ether and rennet were added after 4 months had 44.8 per cent of the total protein of the curd converted into soluble products. Both the cheese and the milk contained tyrosin and leucin like normal cured cheese. These same products were found in samples of skim milk kept under anaesthetic conditions for varying periods of time. The authors discuss the relation of these inherent milk enzyms to current theories of cheese ripening and some other phenomena hitherto difficult to explain. '•'It is our present belief that the ripening of hard cheese, instead of being due solely to bacteria, is caused by the joint action of both organized (bacteria) and unorganized ferments (enzyms). The breaking down of the casein is undoubtedly due, in larger part, to the action of enzyms. Concerning the production of the char- acteristic flavors, our knowledge is as yet too vague to warrant a definite assertion as to their origin. In all probability the bacteria in this relation play a much more important role." Influence of temperature on the ripening of cheese, S. M. Bab- cock and H. L. Russell ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 194-210, Jigs. 7). — In the introduction the authors discuss the inadequate provision for curing cheese in the large majority of cheese factories, and call attention to the very deleterious effect of high temperatures on the quality of cheese. A diagram is given showing the actual temperature variation in an imperfectly constructed curing room in comparison with the variation in the cheese cellars of the Wisconsin dairy school. The zone which is stated to be invariably consistent with favorable results extends from G5° F. downward. In the investigations on the effect of temperature on the curing of cheese a special cheese-curing chamber was made in which the temperature could be controlled and varied at will by the use of ice or a gas burner, and another was made for lower temperatures (cold storage). The construction of these chambers is illustrated and described. 788 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Five series of experiments were made, each series including from 3 to 5 full-sized cheeses made from mixed milk under identical conditions. These were cured at (1) a laboratory temperature, approximating 50° F. ; (2) a normal curing-room temperature, ranging from 60 to 65°; and (3) an abnormally high temperature, 85°. Bacteriological and chemical examinations were made of the cheeses, the results of which are given : "Results of bacteriological analyses. — (1) It was found that the bacterial flora of cheese cured at a low temperature (50 to 56° F.) retained for a certain period the same general aspect as that of the milk. In cheese cured under ordinary conditions there is almost immediately a differentiation as to the character of the micro-organ- isms present, the lactic-acid type acquiring the ascendency. In the refrigerated cheese this change is much less marked in the beginning, although it does occur in the course of time. "(2) Bacterial growth in the cold cheese develops more slowly than at higher temperatures and persists for a longer period of time. "(3) In cheese cured at a higher temperature the number of bacteria per gram is greatly diminished when compared with either a refrigerator or normal temperature cheese, and the bacteria fail to persist for as long a period of time. "(4) Not only is there a quantitative differentiation between cheese cured in low and high temperatures, but a qualitative change is also more or less marked. In the beginning of the ripening process the flora is practically the same, but in the cheese cured at high temperatures there is a strong tendency toward differentiation when compared with the flora of a refrigerator cheese. It is possible that this differen- tiation in species may stand in close relation to the varying flavors of cheese cured under these divers conditions, and further experiments on this point are in progress. "Results of chemical analyses. — (1) During the ordiuary life of the cheese, the rate of curing changes is quite uniform, if the conditions are identical. Wheu reduced to a curve it is apparent that it progresses somewhat more rapidly in the early stages than later. "(2) The rate of the curing increases quite rapidly with a rise in temperature, and within the limits of our experiment has been nearly proportional to the tem- perature. Hence the cheeses cured at high temperatures were ready for consumption much earlier than those kept at low temperatures." It was found in these investigations that cheese ripened faster (as measured by the formation of soluble proteids) at a high than at a low temperature, whereas the cheese cured at a high temperature contained less bacteria than that kept in cold storage. In other words, where the curing was most rapid there was a diminished bacteria content, a relation which is thought to be contradictory to the theory that the ripening of cheese is due exclusively to the action of micro-organisms, but in harmony with the theory of the action of euzyms, "as the euzyms naturally inherent in the milk would act much more rapidly at higher temperatures than they would at a lower degree." The commercial value of the cold-storage cheese was rated by an expert at 7§ cts., that cured at normal temperatures at about the same price, while that cured at a high temperature "had a rank flavor and a value not exceeding 3 or 4 cts. a pound." At that time prime Ched- dar cheese was quoted at 7£ to 8 cts. The high temperatures impaired both the flavor and texture, whereas the cheeses cured at 55° and below were invariably of good quality and were entirely free from all bitter flavor. DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 789 The authors draw several practical deductions from the results of their work. " Here iu Wisconsin the ordinary curing room almost invariably reaches a temperature in summer incompatible with proper curing," and as the expense of erecting suitable curing and storage rooms is considerable, central cooperative curing stations where the cheese from a number of factories could be shipped for ripening under safe and uniform conditions are suggested. The advantages of such a system are enumerated. Further communications on the role of lactic-acid bacteria in the ripening of cheese, E. von Freudenreich (Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 47, p. 738). — The author refers to his previous work on this ques- tion (E. S. E., 10, p. 687), and reports the results of examination of a number of milk cultures of different lactic-acid bacteria more than a year old. These are presented as additional proof of his theory that the formation of soluble proteids during ripening is principally due to lactic-acid bacteria. Mention is made of Campbell's work with pure cultures1 and a footnote reference is given to Babcock and Russell's discovery of enzyms in milk (p. 785). On the question of the decomposition of milk fat in the ripen- ing of cheese, H. Weigmann and A. Backe (Landw. Vers. Stat., 51 (1898), No. 1, pp. 1-14; and in Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 48, pp. 757,758; 49, pp. 771, 775). — Previous investigations by Weigmann and Henzold showed that in the ripening of cheese the greater portion of the fat was unchanged. According to earlier work by Weigmann the fat iu the ripening of Emmenthaler cheese is either not altered at all or only very slightly. Duclaux, on the other hand, has found that fat undergoes a change during ripening, this change being only slight at first, but very considerable after a long time; and while the change is at first limited to the glycerids of the volatile fatty acids, it is later extended to the glycerid of oleic acid. The authors used in their investigations a number of different kinds of cheese of different age, employing the following method of analysis: The cheese was rubbed with sand, extracted with ether, and the dried ether extract purified by taking up in petroleum ether, and again dried at 100 to 105° C. The free fatty acids in the petroleum ether solution were obtained by neutralizing this extract, dissolved in ether and alco- hol, with decinormal soda solution. Any unchanged fat was removed by shaking with petroleum ether. The alcohol was evaporated from the soap and the residue treated with dilute sulphuric acid, and the melted fatty acids removed from the surface, washed with water, and used for further investigation. The authors' investigations are believed to show that a decomposition of the fat takes place in the ripening of cheese, though much the larger part of the fat remains unchanged. The cheeses used, where of ordinary ripeness, contained from 1 to 7 per cent of the fat in the form of higher nonvolatile fatty acids. Of the hard cheeses, the newest i Jour. Highland and Agr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser., 10 (1898), pp. 181-224 ; abstract will be given later. 790 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. (Edam, 2.1,- mouths old) contained the smallest amount of fatty acids, while a soft cheese, only £ month older, contained nearly 7 per cent, indicating that the decomposition depends more on the intensity of the ripening of the cheese than on its age. The results also indicate that after a short time, even 2£ months, the decomposition may extend to the glycerids of the nonvolatile fatty acids. Statistical data relating to the cheese industry in Wisconsin, p. 12; rev. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov.,188 (189S), Xo. 2, p. 474). — This includes a description of the making of "Pekarino'' cheese by E. E. Rostovtsev and of "Crinza" and "Kachkaval" cheeses by S. G. Leontovich. The biology of cheese ripening, S. M. Babcock and II. L. Russell (Froc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (1S9S), pp. 420, 421).— The authors report the discovery in milk of an unorganized ferment, "galactase" (E. S. R., 9, p. 205), and discuss the impor- tance of its bearing on the ripening of cheese. The occurrence of relatively large colonies of bacteria in inferior Emmentha- ler cheese, R. BURRI (Centbl. Bait. u. Par. ,2. Abt., 4 (1S98), Xo. 15-16, pp. 608-615).— A cheese was examined which contained numerous dark-colored spots, occurring all through the cheese. Investigation showed the spots to be due to large colonies of bacteria, and that all the colonies were of one and the same species of bacteria. VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 703 The micro-organism was isolated arid studied. It is suggested That possibly the con- ditions at the points where the spots occurred were so especially favorable for the bacteria that they were able to withstand the competition of other bacteria and formed relatively large colonies, visible to the naked eye. On the formation of holes in cheese, F. Bagge (Xord. llejeri Tidn., 13(1898), No. 25, pp. 475-477). VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Proceedings of the second annual meeting of the Association of Experiment Station Veterinarians ( V. 8. Bept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Industry Bui. 22, pp. 29). — In addition to the usual statistical information the report contains the papers presented at the meeting of the Association at Omaha, September, 1898. These were: Growing tubercle bacilli for tuberculin, G. A. Cary; The experiment station vet- erinarian as a member of the State Board of Health; Laboratory rec- ords for veterinarians, A. W. Bitting; The desirability of cooperation between the station veterinarian and local veterinarians in the State, A. W. Bitting; The exhibit of the United States Experiment Stati< n veterinarians at the Paris Exposition in 1900, A. T. Peters; The value to veterinarians of cooperative experiments, L. L. Lewis; Constitution and by-laws of the Association of Experiment Station Veterinarians, and Feeding wild plants to sheep, S. B. Nelson. The last article reports the feeding of a number of plants, several of which are regarded as poisonous, to sheep. These were: Delphinium menziesii, Castilleja pallescens, Crepis barbigera, Astragalus dorycnioides, A. spaldingii, A. palousensis, Zygadenus venenosus, Frasera albicaulis, Antenaria luzuloides, Sisyrinchium grandiflorum, and Arnica fulgens. The following plants, which are not regarded as poisonous, were also fed: Saxifraga integufolia, Lupinus ornatus, Leptotcenia multifida, Feu- cedanum grayii, Synthyris rubra, Clematis douglasii, Heuchera glabella, Lithospermum pilosum, Geranium, Potentilla, Eriogonum heracleoides, Geum triflorum, Grindelia nana, and Ghcenactis douglasii. Negative results were obtained in all cases. Sheep scab: Its nature and treatment, D. E. Salmon and C. W. Stiles ( U. 8. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Industry Bui. 21, pp. 64, ph. 6, figs. 35). — This is an extended discussion of the subject. In addi- tion to historical matter, the principal points treated of are the cause of the scab, description of the scab of different sorts and treatment, and the conditions which may be mistaken for scab. Dipping is regarded as the most effective treatment for scab, and detailed descriptions are given of different methods of conducting this operation. Federal laws and regulations relative to sheep scab are quoted. On bovine tuberculosis and its eradication, O. Malm (Tidsskr. Xorske T.andbr., 5 (1898), Xo. 10, pp. 475-525).— This is a general discussion of the subject, with special reference to conditions in Norway. From 1895 to 18(J7, inclusive, 55,542 animals have been tested with tuberculin under the author's direction. Of these, 36 per cent were found to be affected with tuberculosis. The animals examined 794 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. were distributed in 4,331 herds, 26.55 per cent of this number containing tuberculous animals. According to an earlier investigation1 of the author's, different breeds of cattle have shown the following percentages of tuberculous individuals : Common Norwegian natives, 0.7 per cent; Telemark, 4.9 per cent; Ayrshire, 15.1 per cent; mixed breeds, 12.4 per cent ; various or unknown breeds, 3.8 per cent. According to the age of the animals, reaction to the tuberculin test was as follows: Under 6 months, 1.9 per cent ; 6 months to 1 year, 3.2 per cent; 1 to 5 years, 7.1 per cent ; over 5 years, 10.4 per cent; age not known, 7.5 per cent. — F. w. woll. Milk from tuberculous cows, C. H. Harrison I Ontario Agr. Col. Rpt. 1S97, pp. 147-149). — Experimental tests showed that milk may be tuberculous though the udder is not affected. In one case a cow gave no reaction, but was found upon post- mortem examination to lie generally affected with tuberculosis. One of the cows gave a reaction, but the milk was not affected. On the chemistry of tubercle bacilli, W. (t. Puppel (Ztschr. Physiol. Chem.,26 (1S9S), Xo. 3-4, pp. 218-232'). Tuberculin, C. H. Harrisox (Ontario Agr. Cot. Rpt. 1S97, pp. 144-147, Jigs. 4). — Popular directions for applying the tuberculin test are given, together with a sum- mary of tests made with the herd at the college farm. One hundred and sixty, or 24 per cent of the 762 animals tested, were diseased. Report of superintendent of the civil veterinary department, F. Paymoxd {Ann. Rpt. Civ. Vet. Dept. [Bengal], 1897-98, pp. 29). — In addition to statistical and other information concerning the Bengal Veterinary Institution, the article contains an account of rinderpest experiments and information concerning contagious diseases in various districts of India. Blackleg, E. P. Niles ( Virginia Sta. Bid. 75, pp. 37-4?). — This is a general article describing the causes, symptoms, and treatment of blackleg. The fact is empha- sized that the only hope of exterminating this disease lies in combative treatment by vaccination. The cattle tick in Virginia, E. P. Niles (Virginia Sta. Bui. 70, pp. 45-50). — The author describes the different cattle ticks. The regions in Virginia already infested with them are mentioned and the desirability of quarantine is pointed out. The various methods of preventing ticks are described and measures discussed for exter- minating them in Virginia and preventing their importation. Modern views as to milk fever and its treatment, A. Bergstrand (Landmans- blade, 31 (1S9S), Xo. 10, pp. 145-148). Concerning the bacteria in the air passages, T. Barthel (Centbl. Ball. u. Bar., 1. AM., 24 (1898), Xo. 11. pp. 401-414; 12, pp. 433-441) .—The bacteria of the trachea, bronchial tubes, etc., were examined. An active principle in millet hay, E. F. Ladd (Amer. Chem. Jour., 20 1 1S9S), Xo. 10, pp. 862-866). — The author reports the isolation of a glucosid from the aqueous extract of millet hay, which on small animals produced the characteristic symptoms of millet disease. Poisoning of cattle by the saltpeter on the walls of stables, L. Graxdeau (Jour. Agr. Brat., 1898, II, Xo. 50, pp. 846, 847). Poisoning of swine by too heavy molasses feeding, L. Braxte (Tidslcr. Landt- mcin, 19 (1S98), Xo. 42, pp. 758-760). — Three fattening pigs, 7 to 9 months old, fed for eks nn molasses feed (1 part bran, 1 part palm-nut meal, and 2 parts molasses), were taken suddenly sick, and were killed in a dying condition. The presence of potash salts in the molasses is ascribed as the cause. Cribbing and its operative treatment, S. J. J. Harger (Jour. Comp. Med., 20 (1899), No. 1, pp. 22-25). — A number of cases are briefly reported. A new method of employing charcoal in the treatment of acute indigestion in horses, G. J. Gouiseaud (Jour. Comp. Med., 20 (1899), Xo. 1, pp. 16-22). — A paper read before the Veterinary Medical Association uf New York County, New Yoik. 1 Report Veterinary Department for 1896, Norges Otitic. Statistik., 3. ser., No. 299. AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. 795 The author recommends that charcoal should be heated before administration to drive off the absorbed gases. The disappearance of pathogenic organisms from manure and compost, A. Gartner {Ztschr. Hyg. n. Infektionskrank., 28 {1898 , No. 1, pp. 1-19). Notes on an experimental study of the disinfecting power of common soap, J. Alexandrow {Russk. Arch. Patol. Klin. Med. i Bakt., 4 {1897), No. 6, pp. 676-685). Experimental studies on the disinfecting power of ordinary soaps, A. Sera- fini {Arch. Hyg., 33 {1S9S). Xo. 4, pp. 369-399).— A number of experiments are reported. The investigation of Dr. Koch on animal diseases in Africa.. E. L. {Rev, Gen. Agron., 7 {1S9S), Xo. 11, pp. 4S5-491). — A brief summary. The literature of veterinary medicine and allied sciences, R. Schotz (Die Lit- teratur der Vetinar wissenschaft mid verwandter Gebiete. Berlin, 1S9S: rev. in Zischr. Fleisch u. Milchhyg., 9 {1S9S), Xo. ,2, p. 37).— The period covered is from April 1, 1889, to July 1, 1898. AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. Loss from canals from filtration or seepage, L. G. Carpenter {Colorado Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 36, jig. 1). — A series of observations were made on " stretches of canals in the Flatte Valley and Cache la Pondre Valley near Fort Collins and several in the San Litis Valley, and one canal on which automatic records were kept for 2 years. The method of measurement was essentially the same in all cases, namely, to measure the amount flowing in the canal at different points, and then to compare the increase or decrease in the amount of water in the canal after allowing for the water taken out by laterals between the points of measurement.*' The results are discussed in detail and summarized as follows: "(1) The losses from evaporation are relatively insignificant compared with the seepage losses from most canals. In the cases most favorable to evaporation and least favorable to seepage the evaporation is nut over 15 per cent of the seepage. "(2) In the case of reservoirs it was concluded in bulletin 45 that the seepage was less important than the evaporation. This is different from the results found in ditches, not because the evaporation is less, but because the seepage is much more. " (3) The losses are sometimes enough to cover the whole canal 20 ft. deep per day. "(4) The loss in clay soils is less than in sandy or gravelly soils, but rarely as small as 3 in. daily. "(5) The loss is greater when water is first turned in than after the bed has become saturated. Sometimes the canals are found to gain for the whole or part of their length or the canals may act as drains. This is more likely to be the ease when the canal is deep in the ground, when crossing lines of drainage, or when located below other ditches or irrigated tracts. " (7) In the prevailing Colorado soil, when not intercepting seepage, the loss may be put provisionally at from 1 to 2 ffc. per day over the whole surface of the canal. In clay soils it is less, but still nearly one-halt' as much. "(8) The loss in carrying water in small quantities is relatively larger than iu carrying large amounts. The increased depth of water means increased lea! but the carrying capacity increases faster than the leakage. " (8a) From the standpoint of economy it is wasteful to run a small head. It is more economical to ruu a large head for a short time. In the management of small ditches the time system of distribution can be introduced to advantage, saving time and labor as well as water. 796 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "(9) It is wasteful to use 2 ditches or laterals when 1 would serve. "(10) The loss iucreases Avith higher temperature, being about twice as much at 80° as at 32 . " (11) The loss iucreases with greater depth of water, but the exact relation needs further investigation. " (12) The loss will be lessened by any process which forms or tends to form an impervious lining or coating of fine material, as of clay or silt. The silt, consisting of fine sand, improves many soils. Clay is better and especially limey clay, the lime with the clay forming an almost impervious coating. " (13) Cement linings as used in California and Mexico are not warranted by the conditions in Colorado, nor would the weather conditions be favorable. Nor is the use of wooden stave piping for this purpose likely to be profitable iu many places in the State, if at all on the larger canals at present. The silting process applied with discrimination will accomplish much at smaller cost. "(14) On small laterals glazed sewer pipes may save annoyance often connected with the carrying of water in laterals for considerable distances, which, with the saving of water, may make its use an object. One of the supply laterals of the Colorado Agricultural College is of vitrified sewer pipe, over 4,000 ft. of 12-iuch pipe liciug used. " (15) Some particular sections iu canals are subject to much greater loss than the canal as a whole. Hence water can be saved by locating the leaky place and reme- dying it. This may be desirable to do while it would be unprofitable to treat the whole canal. " (16) There are many places where it would be advantageous to combine 2 ditches, by this means saving not only the loss of water, but saving superintendence and maintenance charges. With increased confidence in the accuracy of water measure- ment, reluctance to such consolidations should lessen. "(17) The depth of losses from laterals is probably greater than in the main ditches. The laterals are less permanent, are steeper, have less silt, and are more poorly cared for. "(18) There must be some arrangement of ditches and laterals which is the most economical for given conditions, so that the aggregate of the losses of the whole sys- tem will be a minimum. Certainly the location and arrangement of the laterals for carrying water from the main ditch is worthy of consideration by the management of the main canal, and the importance increases with the size of the canal aud the width of the strip it serves. " (19) It is not to he understood that the whole of the loss from the ditches is lost to the public wealth of the State. Some, perhaps much, of the loss, may reappear as seepage in lower ditches or iu the main stream and again be used. It is, however* lost to the particular ditch, and incidentally is destructive to much land. With all practicable methods of prevention there will still be abundant loss. It should be to the advantage of the individual ditch to prevent such loss as far as practicable. " (20) A general statement of the total amount of loss of water must be made and accepted with reservation. It would appear that in the main canals from 15 to 40 per cent is lost, and in the laterals as much more. It would thus appear that not much over one-half, certainly not over two-thirds, of the water taken from the stream reaches the fields. In the most favorable aspect the loss is great, and is relatively greatest when the loss can be least afforded, viz, when the water is low and the ditches are running with reduced heads. "(21) There are Some 2,000,000 acres of land irrigated in Colorado, and the value of the water rights at a low estimate is as much as $30,000,000. (The census esti- mates the water rights as worth $28.46 per acre.) On this basis the capital value of the water lost by seepage in the canals and ditches may be put at from $6,000,000 to $10,000,000. From the evidence at hand at present this seems a low estimate." Report of trials with insulating materials, E. J. Bonnesen (TidssJcr. LandbJcon., 17 (1898), No. 5-6, pp. 379-394).— The materials tested were placed between zinc cylinders 19 in. in diameter and 3h ft. STATISTICS MISCELLANEOUS. 797 high, and galvanized-iron cylinders 25 in. in diameter and 4 ft. high (placed one within the other). Ice was kept in the zinc cylinders, and the water melted from the ice weighed twice a day, the room tempera- ture being kept constant throughout the trial, which lasted about 3 weeks. The following table gives a summary of the observations taken : Trials with insulating materials, 1898. Weight of melted ice in 24 hours. Weight of insu- lating material. Comparative insu- lating power. ™t Cork refuse "< 'nrk stone," ei ushed Straw band Heather, packed Cut straw Paper Heat her, loose Rice liulls Siliceous earth ("kiselgur") Pounds. 5.97 6.84 7.40 7.40 7.63 7.82 7.84 8.19 11.79 Pounds. 47.0 81.5 48.0 72.5 59.5 49.5 38.0 85.0 201.0 78.2 89.6 97.0 97.0 100.0 102.5 102.8 107.3 154.5 61.8 122. 7 78.3 118.2 100.0 85.3 65.7 153.3 521.9 — F. W. WOLL. A simple and efficient method of irrigating the soil, C. Schuler (Landw. Jahro. Schiveiz, 11 (1S97), pp. SG9-377, pis. 2, chart 1). — The distribution of rainfall (with chart of normals) and the need of irrigation in Switzerland are discussed, the Con- clusion heiug reached that only simple, cheap methods of irrigation can he profitably employed. A method of irrigation in which the soil is flooded by means of gates at intervals in the ditch is described. Manure platforms, M. Ringelmaxn (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1S98, II, No. 51, pp. 892- 897, figs. 7). — Plans and descriptions are given, Manure yards, M. Ringelmaxn {Jour. Agr. Prat., 1S9S, II, No. 52, pp. 923-926, figs. 4). — Plans and descriptions of covered aud uncovered yards. Pit or platform for manure, H. D'Anchald (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1899, I, No. 3, pp. 98, 94). — A brief note on the relative merits of these two means of storing manure. The amount of "water pumped by a geared 16-foot aermotor windmill, F. H. King ( Wisconsin Sta. Ilpt. 1897, pp. 240-248, figs. S). — This is a preliminary account of experiments more fully reported in Bulletin No. 68 of the station (E. S. R., 10, p. 695). The Venturi meter (Jour. Franklin Inst., 147 (1899), No. 2, pp. 108-145, figs. 23).— Report of the Committee on Science and the Arts of the Franklin Institute on the inventions of Clemens Herschel, Frederick N. Connet, and Walter W. Jackson. The Elliott-Cresson Gold Medal (the highest honor in the gift of the institute) was awarded to the first mentioned for the invention of the Venturi tube, and the John Scott Legacy Premium to the other two for their registering apparatus adapted to use with the Venturi meter. Lightning rods and protection of farm buildings from lightning, R. C. Kedzie (Michigan Sta. Spec. Bui. 3, pp. 8). — A popular article. STATISTICS— MISCELLANEOUS. Report of Idaho Station for 1898 (Idaho Sta. Bui. 15, pp. 139-1S0).— This con- tains reports of the director and the heads of departments, parts of which are noted elsewhere, on the station work for the year, and financial statements for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1897 and 1898. Annual Report of South Dakota Station, 1898 (South Dakota Sta. Rpt. 1898, pp. 7-19). — This contains a report of the director, including a financial statement for the 798 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. year ending June 30, 1898, and brief reports of the agriculturist, horticulturist, chemist, and botanist and entomologist. Sixth Annual Report of Washington Station, 1896 ( Washington Sla. I!pt. 1896, pp. 50). — This includes reports by the director, botanist and entomologist, veterina- rian, horticulturist, and chemist ; a meteorological report, and a financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896. Some of these are noted elsewhere. Fourteenth Annual Report of Wisconsin Station, 1897 ( Wisconsin Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 338). — This contains the report of the director on the station staff, work, and publications; various articles noted elsewhere; lists of exchanges and acknowl- edgments; and a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897. Report of the agricultural department, Finland, for 1896, N. Grotenfelt (Landbr. Styr. Meddel., 1897, No. 22, pp. 20-7). Report of the agricultural department, Norway, for 1897 (Aarsber. Offent. Foranst. Fremme, 1898, pp. 478). Report of the agricultural experiment station of Poltava for 1896, V. N. Diakov (Poltava, 1897, pp. IV+207; rev. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 188 (1898), No. 2, pp. 470, 471). Constitution of the Association of Agricultural Experiment Stations in the German Empire (Lanchv. Vers. Stat., 51 (1898), No. 1, pp. 83-86). — Text of the con- stitution as it now stands. NOTES. Alabama Canerrake Station. — W. M. Booker, a member of the governing board, has recently died. The vacancy in the board has not yet been filled. The Thirteenth Animal Report of the station has, just been issued. Iowa Station. — Arrangements have been made for a series of experiments in roadmaking at the station during the coming season, in cooperation with the Office of Road Inquiry of this Department. Kansas College and Station. — A. J. Burkholder, M. D., D. V. S., has been appointed assistant in veterinary science and biology in the college and station. The number of farmers' institutes held this year has been greater than ever before, being 62. This result has l«een attaiued by grouping institutes so that several could be attended at one trip, thus saving both time and expense. Three sets of bulle- tins are sent out: The ordinary pamphlet bulletins, weekly press bulletins to the county newspapers, and another set of occasional press bulletins in mimeograph typewriting to the agricultural papers which circulate in Kansas. During Febru- ary and March an extra number of some of the press bulletins is printed and mailed to the pamphlet bulletin list; at the same time an unusual number of different press bulletins is issued, the object being to place before the farmers information which they need at this season. The State legislature has appropriated $25,000 for a dairy building, $6,000 for equipment, and $3,000 for a herd and stable. Michigan College and Station. — The following changes have been made in the governing board of the station: E. P. Allen, of Ypsilanti; H. F. Marsh, of Allegan, and L. "Whitney Watkins, of Manchester, have been appointed, vice Arthur C. Bird, Charles W. Garfield, and Charles F. Moore, retired. T. F. Marston, of Bay City, has been elected president of the board, vice Franklin Wells, who still continues on the board. Arthur C. Bird has succeeded Ira H. Butterfield as secretary of the State board of agriculture and secretary and treasurer of the station. The work of the farm department has been subdivided, the field crops and plat work being placed in charge of J. D. Towar, the live stock under H. W. Mumford, and the dairy work under G. H. True. During the season of 1899 the work with sugar beets will be con- tinued, sending out seed furnished by the Government for delinite experiments as to fertilizers and methods of cultivation. At the station the plat work with sugar beets will relate to kinds and methods of application of fertilizers and means of avoiding as far as possible the work of thinning. Experiments are being concluded on the feeding of beet pulp to dairy cows. North Carolina College and Station.— The new members of the board of trustees, elected by the General Assembly March 6, are as follows : Frank Wood, of Edenton; J. B. Stokes, of Windsor; W. J. Peele, of Raleigh; D. A. Tompkins, of Charlotte; E. Y. Webb, of Shelby; W. C. Fields, of Sparta; J. Frank Ray, of Franklin; W. H. Ragan, of High Point; David Clark, of Charlotte; T. B. Twitty, of Rutherfordton ; A. Leazar, of Mooresville; H. E. Bonitz, of Wilmington; R. L. Smith, of Albemarle; H. E. Fries, of Salem; and P. J. Sinclair, of Marion. W. S. Primrose, of Raleigh, has been elected president of the board, vice J. C. L. Karris, resigned. Mr. Harris is still a member of the board. The terms of office of the fol- lowing have expired: J. J. Britt, J. R. Chamberlain, S. L. Crowder, and W. C. O'Berry. Cooper Curtice, veterinarian, has been granted leave of absence for the 16130— No. 8 8 800 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. remainder of the fiscal year, to enter the service of the State Department of Agri- culture. In accordance with the act of the General Assembly of 1899, on July 1 next the analytical work of the fertilizer control will be performed by the chemist of the State Department of Agriculture and not in connection with the station. On July 1, therefore, the fertilizer control division of the station will be discontinued. Oklahoma College and Station. — The following appointments have been made on the board of regents: Jas. P. Gaudy, of Alva, vice B. S. Barnes, late president of the board, and J. D. Ballard, of Weatherford, vice R. J. Edwards. P. J. Wykoff, of .Stillwater, has been elected president, and C. J. Benson, of Shawnee, has been reelected treasurer of the board. The State legislature has made appropriations approximating $30,000 for buildings and equipment and about $8,000 for mainte- nance of the college for the next two years. It is expected that these sums will be appropriated in such ways as to considerably increase the facilities for work by the station staff. Texas College and Station. — A bill has recently passed the State legislature providing for a State entomologist to study the cotton boll worm and other insect pests of the State and to give instruction in entomology at the college. An appro- priation of #5,000 is made for salaries and other expenses. Vermont Station. — W. C. Norcross has been succeeded by G. W. Strong as dairyman. West Virginia University and Station. — The Mechanical Hall of the univer- sity was destroyed by fire March 4, together with the valuable equipment which it contained. The building and contents were valued at $40,000. The insurance car- ried on the building was $28,000. The net loss will not exceed $4,600. Arrange- ments for rebuilding are being made. The State legislature has appropriated $5,500 for the station, to defray the expense of printing bulletins and reports, purchasing stationery, and office supplies, etc. Wyoming University and Station. — The station farm has been increased by the addition of 80 acres of land under the Pioneer Canal, along with the water right for the same. This laud is to be held as the property of the university so long as it is used for experimental purposes. The land is virgin soil, having never been fenced or plowed. It joins the present farm on the south and will be used mainly for some extensive field experiments in irrigation. Association of Official Agricultural Chemists.— F. S. Shiver, Clemson Col- lege, South Carolina, is the referee for nitrogen for the coming year, instead of B. L. Hartwell as stated in a former issue (E. S. R., 10, p. 512). Necrology. — Dr. Albert Schultz died at Lupitz, Germany, January 5, 1899, at the age of 68 years. He was one of the most prominent agriculturists of Germany, and widely known as the originator of the Schultz-Lupitz system of culture, by which poor, sandy soils are brought to a state of fertility through the combined use of leguminous crops in the rotation and phosphates and potash salts as fertilizers. Schultz-Lupitz was a charter member of the Deutsche Landwirtschaftliche Gesell- schaft, and a prolific writer on agricultural subjects. For several years he was a member of the German Reichstag. The utility of his system of culture, especially the importance of legumes in the rotation for the assimilation of the free nitrogen of the air, was demonstrated under bis management on his own lands. His estate was formerly known as the Desert of Lupitz, the soil being a coarse-grained, diluvial sand, destitute of lime and extremely poor iu potash, nitrogen, and phosphoric acid. Through his method of culture the estate was brought to its present high state of fertility. o EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, EDITED BY A. C. TRUE, Ph. D., Director. AND E. W. Allen, Pir. D., Assistant Director — Chemistry, Dairy Farming, and Dairying. W. H. Beal — Meteorology, Fertilizers, and Soils (including methods of analysis), and Agricultural Engineering. Walter H. Evans, Ph. D. — Botany and Diseases of Plants. C. I". Langworthy, Ph. D. — Foods and Animal Production. Entomology and Veterinary Science. Horticulture. J. I. Schulte — Field Crops. With the cooperation of the scientific divisions of the Department and the Abstract Committee of tin- Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. CONTENTS OF Vol. X, No. 9. Paga Editorial notes: Agricultural approiniation act 1899-1900 801 Investigations on the metabolism of milch cows, Oscar Hagemanu 803 Recent work in agricultural science 817 Notes 899 SUBJECT LIST OF ABSTRACTS. chemistry. The oil of corn, C. G. Hopkins 817 Proceedings of the eleventh convention of the Association of Agricultural Ex- periment Stations in the German Empire 817 A new solvent for distinguishing the phosphoric acid in various phosphates, W. Hoffmeister 818 The determination of potash as perchlorate, F. S. Shiver 819 A source of error in the determination of nitrogen in Chile saltpeter by tho Ulsch method, L. Brandt 819 Some errors in the determination of nitrogen, C. G. Hopkins 819 Report on an investigation of analytical methods for distinguishing between the nitrogen of protein's and that of the simpler amids or amido-acids, J. W. Mallet 819 Separation of proteid bodies from tho flesh bases by means of chlorin and bromin, H. W. Wiley 819 Investigations on the effect of the quality of the ether on the results of fat determinations in feed stuns, T. Methner 820 A condenser for extraction work, C. G. Hopkins 820 I II CONTENTS. BOTANY. Page, Notes on plants of the season, F. L. Harvey . : 824 Transpiration into a saturated atmosphere, II. H. Dixon 822 On the formation of proteids and the assimilation of nitrates by pha'iiogams in the absence of light, IT. Suzuki 822 The influence of gases and vapors upon the growth of plants, E. P. Saudsten. 822 The toxic action of a certain group of .substances, R. II. True 823 The acquisition of atmospheric nitrogen, W. M. Munson 824 The king-devil weed, F. L. Harvey 826 METEOROLOGY — CLIMATOLOGY. Meteorological observations, Massachusetts Station 826 Meteorological observations, Maine Station 826 Report of the Chief of the Weather Bureau for 1898, W. L. Moore 827 Monthly bulletins of the River and Flood Service, E. B. Garriott 827 The probable state of the sky along the path of total eclipse of the sun, May 28, 1900, F. H. Bigelow 827 Aneroid barometers, C. F. Marvin 827 water — SOILS. Analysis of Malinesbury soils, C. F. Juritz 827 Canadian soils, F. T. Shutt 828 Some investigations on the nitrogenous matter of the soil, A. Pagnoul 829 On the composition of natural humus sitbstances, G. Andr6 830 The lime content of soils and nitrification, F. Polzeniusz 830 Is a lack of lime general in Rhode Island soils? H. J. Wheeler and G. E. Adams 832 Comparative trials of lime worked into the soil before seeding and applied as a top-dressing afterwards, H. J. Wheeler and J. A. Tillinghast 832 The effect of carbon bisulphid on the fertility of soils, E. Wollny 831 FERTILIZERS. The fertilizing value of street sweepings, E. E. Ewell 832 Contribution to the study of street dust as a fertilizer, A. Casali 832 Seaweed as manure, J. Hendrick 833 The black phosphates of the Pyrenees, D. Levat 833 Report of analyses of commercial fertilizers for the spring of 1898, L. L. Van Slyke '. 833 Inspections for 1897, C. D.Woods 835 On the occurrence of perchlorate in nitrate of soda and its injurious effect upon the growth of cereals and sugar beets, A. Zaharia 834 Egyptian clay and salt, J. Golding 834 FIELD CROPS. Experiments with field crops, W. Saunders 835 Farm crops at the experimental farm at Brandon, Manitoba, S. A. Bedford 836 Farm crops at the experimental farm at Indian Head, Northwest Territories, A.Mackay --- 836 An observation upon the after effect upon the growth of barley of the roots of the flat pea (Latliyrm sijJvestris), H. J. Wheeler and J. A. Tillinghast 836 Experiments with crimson clover and hairy vetch, J. F. Duggar 837 The cotton crop of 1897 and 1898 846 Cotton, corn, wheat, and forage crops, H. Benton - 846 CONTENTS. Ill Page. Grasses and forage plants, B. C. Pittuck 838 Report of the State chemical -control station at Christiania, Norway, for 1897, F. H. Werenskiold 838 The culture of beets on the experimental held at Grignon in> 1895, 1896, and 1897, P.P. Deherain 839 Experiments with sugar beets in Norway in 1897, B. Larsen 841 Experiments at the Dercbchinskoe experiment field of Baron A. A. Mas, P. Lynbanski 841 Experiments with sugar beets at the experiment station of Count Bobrinski at Smyela, Kiev Government, Russia, V. Boudiryev 841 Experiments on sugar beets in the Royal School of Agriculture at l'ortici 842 Tobacco, J. Craig 842 Experiments with wheat, J. S.Newman and C. M. Conner 842 Wheat 842 Field experiments with wheat, W. C. Latta and W. 1!. Anderson 843 Sowing field crops at different rates in Russia 843 The chemistry of the corn kernel, C. G. Hopkins 844 Clovers as green manures, F. T. Shutt 845 Experiments in fertilizing meadows 845 Fertilizer experiments with lime, F. H. Werenskiold 846 HORTICULTURE. Report of the horticulturist, J. Craig 848 Trial shipments of fruit 819 Fruits, H. Benton 854 Report on plums, G. Vestal and F. Garcia 854 The date palm, J. W. Tourney 851 Results of experiments in the cross fertilizing of plants, shrubs, and trees, \V. Saunders . . . , 851 Ornamental plants for Maine, W. M. Munson 855 FORESTRY. Report of the foreman of forestry, W. C. Macoun 855 DISEASES OV PLANTS. The effect of aqueous solutions upon the germination of fungus spores, F. L. Stevens 857 Influence of wet weather upon parasitic fungi, B. D. Halsted 858 Concerning the etiology of some diseases of cultivated plants, F. Carvara 858 Fungus diseases, J. Craig 860 Some important wheat diseases, C. O. Townseud 864 Red rust of wheat, H. Garman 864 Rust in wheat during the dry season of 1897, D. McAlpine N61 The treatment of sooty mold (fumagine), L. Degrully 861 Notes on Stewart's sweet-corn germ (Pscudomonas stewarti), E. F. Smith 862 The time for treatment of black rot in southeastern France, J. Perraud 862 The life history and characteristics of the pear-blight germ, M. 13. Waitc 863 Notes on some diseases of southern pines, H. von Schrenk 863 ENTOMOLOGY. Report of the entomologist and botanist, J. Fletcher 866 Experiments with bees, S. A. Bedford 866 IV CONTENTS. Page. Notes ou the insects of the year, F. L. Harvey 871 Miscellaneous injurious insects, C. V. Piper and R. W. Doane x>>7 Some notes on the entomology of Primus, T. D. A. Cockerell 871 The strawberry tbrips and the onion thrips, A. L. Quaintance 867 The Hessian fly, W. G. Johnson 872 Report on the San Jos6 scale in Maryland and remedies for its suppression and control, W. G. Johnson 868 Insects injurious to currants and gooseberries, C. V. Piper and R. W. Doane. . 869. Notes on horntails and their host plants, W. Leisewitz 869 A spraying mixture for cauliflower and cabbage worms, F. A. Sirrine 869 Spraying, J. Craig 870 FOODS — ANIMAL PRODUCTION. Food and food adulterants, H. W. Wiley et al 872 Nitrogenous feeding stuffs, C. S. Phelps 884 Forage plants and fodders, F. T. Shutt 876 On the absorption of several kinds of fat in the intestinal tract of man, N. Kienzl 876 The theory of fat resorption, III, O. Frank 877 Chemical composition of the carcasses of pigs, H. W. Wiley et al 877 Digestion experiments, J. M. Bartlett 879 Spontaneous combustion of feeding stuffs, F. Hoffmann 880 Live stock, A. Mackay 881 Experiments in feeding steers, S. A. Bedford 881 Experiments on the feeding of steers, W. Saunders 882 Experiments in fattening swine, W. Saunders 882 Poultry, S. A. Bedford 883 The new poultry plant, G. M. Go well 885 DAIRY FARMING — DAIRYING. Feed and care of the dairy cow, H. M. Cottrell, F. C. Burtis, and D. H. Otis 891 Herd records, G. M. Go well 892 Studies in milk secretion drawn from officially authenticated tests of Holstein- Friesian cows, H. H. Wing and L. Anderson 885 Butter investigations, H. Kreis 886 Milk supplies of Pennsylvania, M. E. McDonnell 887 Tuberculosis and milk supply, M. P. Ravenel 888 Tubercle bacilli in butter, Lydia Rabino witsch 888 Pasteurization as applied to butter making, E. H. Farrington and H. L. Russell. 889 The necessity for a butter standard, F. A. Genth, jr 890 Boiled or process butter, T. J. Edge 891 Dairy and milk inspection, C. A. Cary 892 Testing dairy products by the Babcock test, J. M. Bartlett 892 VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Report of the State veterinarian, L. rearsou 892 Effects of tuberculin on tuberculous cows, F. L. Russell 894 A comparison of the temperatures of healthy and tuberculous cows, F. L. Russell 896 Parturient apoplexy and its modern methods of treatment, Poeppel 895 Life history of the sheep-scab mite ( Psoroptes communis), C. P. Gillette 895 List of cases treated by the station veterinarian during 1894 . 896 TECHNOLOGY. Further experiments in the preservation of grape juice, J. Craig 896 CONTENTS. V STATISTICS — MISCELLANEOUS. Page. Thirteenth Annual Report of Maine Station, 1897 898 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED. Experiment stations in the United States: Alabama College Station : Bulletin 96, August, 1898 837 Bulletin 97, September, 1898 892 Alabama Canebrake Station : Bulletin 18, March, 1895 846,854,896 Arizona Station : Bulletin 29, June, 1898 851 Connecticut Storrs Station: Bulletin 18, December, 1897 884 Florida Station: Bulletin 46, July,' 1898 867 Illinois Station : Bulletin 53, July, 1898 844 Indiana Station: Bulletin 72, August, 1898 843 Kansas Station : Bulletin 81, September, 1898 891 Kentucky Station: Bulletin 77, September, 1898 - 842.864 Maine Station : Bulletin 46, November, 1898 855 Thirteenth Annual Report, 1897 . . . 824, 826, 835, 871, 879, 885, 892, 894, 896, 898 Mai viand Station: Bulletin 57, August, 1898 868 Bulletin 58, August, 1898 864,872 Massachusetts Hatch Station : Meteorological Bulletin 118, October, 1898 826 Meteorological Bulletin 119, November, 1898 826 Meteorological Bulletin 120, December, 1898 826 New Mexico Station : Bulletin 27, June, 1898 854,871 New York Cornell Station : Bulletin 152, October, 1898 885 Now York State Station : Bulletin 144, September, 1898 869 Bulletin 145, September, 1898 833 Rhode Island Station: Bulletin 49, November, 1898 832, 836 South Carolina Station: Bulletin 37, October, 1898 842 Texas Station : Bulletin 46, 1898 - 838 \Yashington Station: Bulletin 35, May, 1898 867 Bulletin 36, May, 1898 869 Wisconsin Station : Bulletin 69, September, 1898 889 United States Department of Agriculture : Division of Chemistry : Bulletin 13, Part IX 872 Bulletin 53 877 VI CONTENTS. United States Department of Agriculture— Continued. Division of Chemistry — Continued. Page. Bulletin 54 819 Bulletin 55 «32 Division of Statistics: Circular 9 846 Weather Bureau : Monthly bulletins of the river and flood service, .) uly-Septomber, 1898. 827 The probable state of the sky along the path of total eclipse of the sun, May 28, 1900 827 Aneroid 1 >arometers - 827 Report of the Chief of the Weather Bureau for 1898 827 ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. Fig. 15. Apparatus for use in digestion experiments with cows 808 16. Parts of apparatus for use in digestion experiments with cows 809 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Vol. X. No, 9. The act of Congress making appropriation for this Department for another year includes several new features which, together with in- creased funds for many of the bureaus and divisions, will materially strengthen the Department and extend its sphere of usefulness. It provides an increase of nearly $200,000 over last year and of more than half a million dollars over the year previous, the total appropriation for the closing fiscal year of the century being $3,720,022. This includes the $720,000 for the agricultural experiment stations in forty-eight States and Territories, and a special appropriation for the establish- ment and maintenance of experiment stations in Alaska. The largest increases in appropriation are for the Weather Bureau and the Bureau of Animal Industry. The total appropriation for the Weather Bureau is $1,022,482, which includes an increase of $00,000 for the maintenance of the new stations in the West Indies and adja- cent coast, and $25,000 for the erection of an addition to the present buildings of the Bureau in Washington. The total appropriation for the Bureau of Animal Industry is $1,044,030. This includes $50,000 additional for investigations and inspection and $20,000 "for the purchase and equipment of land in the vicinity of Washington for an experiment station for the study of the diseases affecting the domesticated animals.'7 The Secretary of Agriculture is also authorized to expend a sum within his discretion "for promoting the extension and development of foreign markets for dairy and other farm products of the United States." The fund for irrigation investigations has been increased to $35,000, $10,000 of which is made immediately available. The object stated is "to investigate and report upon the laws and institutions relating to irrigation and upon the use of irrigation waters, with special sugges- tions of better methods for the utilization of irrigation waters in agri- culture;" and it is directed that this investigation shall be carried on in cooperation with the experiment stations, "in such manner and to such extent as may be warranted by a due regard to the varying con- ditions and needs of the respective States and Territories and as may be mutually'agreed upon." The scope of the Division of Forestry is enlarged to include the sub- jects of forest fires, lumbering, the advising of owners of woodlands as 801 802 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. to their proper care, and forestry experiments for the treeless region. An increase of $20,000 is provided, making a total of $4S,520 for this division. An appropriation of $ 10,000 is made for tobacco investigations, including the mapping of tobacco soils; study of soils and conditions of growth in Cuba, Sumatra, and other competing countries; investiga- tions on the methods of curing, with particular reference to fermenta- tion; and originating improved varieties by means of selection and breeding. These investigations will be in charge of the Division of Soils. The Division of Chemistry receives $34,000 — an increase of $5,300 — $2,500 of which is for the equipment of the new laboratory and is made immediately available. A new clause relative to investigation on the adulteration of foods, drugs, and liquors authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to procure through the Secretary of the Treasury samples of articles imported from foreign countries which are suspected of being dangerous to health; and such articles as are found by inspection and analysis to be dangerous to health are to be confiscated. An appropriation of $1,000 is made for tea culture, to investigate its adaptability to the Southern States. The appropriation for the Division of Publications contains an increase of $15,000, giving a total of $101,G00, including $35,000 for Farmers' Bulletins. This is apart from the printing fund of the Department, which is provided in the general appropriation for print- ing. The Department's share of the latter is $100,000 for the miscel- laneous publications, and to this is added $300,000 for the Yearbook. The other items of the appropriation act are as follows: Office of the Secretary, $88,150; Division of Statistics, $115,100, an increase of $5,000; Division of Botany, $28,800; Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology, $32,500, an increase of $G,000; Division of Entomology, $30,700; Division of Biological Survey, $27,500; Division of Soils, $20,300, including the $10,000 for tobacco investigations; Division of Agrostology, $20,100, an increase of $2,000; Division of Pomology, $1G,000; Office of Experiment Stations, $45,000, including $12,000 for the Alaska stations; Nutrition Investigations, $15,000; Public Road Inquiry, $8,000; Division of Seeds, $130,000; Experimental Gardens and Grounds, $30,500, an increase of $8,000; Domestic Sugar Produc- tion, $7,000; Division of Accounts and Disbursements, $10,300; Library, $11,960; Museum, $2,500; furniture, cases, and repairs, $10,000; postage, $2,000; contingent expenses, $25,000. In addition to the increased appropriations in many lines, the Depart- ment has been provided with a tract of land located near by to be used as a testing ground. This will afford facilities which the Department has long needed and will be a valuable acquisition to its equipment. INVESTIGATIONS ON THE METABOLISM OF MILCH COWS Oscar Hagemann, Ph. D., Professor at the Agricultural Academy, Poppehdorf, Germany. The theories concerning the processes in the animal body covered by the term metabolism have undergone many changes, and although much has been learned regarding them, they will undoubtedly be still further changed as investigation progresses and methods are improved. The earliest investigations of this sort were made with man. The weight of the food and drink was determined, as well as the weight of the material excreted in the urine, feces, and respiratory products. These investigations were carried on by Sanctorius and published in 1614.1 Further progress was impossible until the science of chemistry had been elaborated, and this required 150 years. The most impor- tant advancement was in knowledge of the character of different gases. Van Helmont (1G44) discovered carbon dioxid and also found that the air expired by man and animals was injurious. In 1757 Black identi- fied carbon dioxid in respired air. Priestly and Scheele discovered oxygen in 1774-75; and Lavoisier established the relation between oxygen and combustion, and in 1777 published his classic investiga- tions,2 showing that when the vital processes take place in the human body oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxid excreted, in the same way that combustion takes place in a furnace. He held the opinion that with the aid of the food a fluid rich in carbon and hydrogen was formed in the lungs. This was constantly renewed, and united with the oxygen to form heat, water vapor and carbon dioxid being pro- duced at the same time. Lavoisier also determined the effect of mus- cular work, food, and low temperature on the consumption of oxygen. The investigations of Lavoisier and his associate, Sequin, may be said to mark an epoch in animal metabolism. Levoisier's theory of pulmonary combustion was incorrect, but more exact knowledge was impossible at that time, since the fact that the animal body is made up of cells was not discovered until many years after his death. We are still further indebted to Lavoisier for the methods of elemen- tary analysis. Among other things, this rendered possible the deter- mination of the elementary composition of the food, urine, and feces, 1 De Medicina Statica Aphorisiini, Venice. 2Sur la respiration ties animaux et sur les changements qui arrivent n I'air en passant par leur pounion. 803 804 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. and permitted investigations based on other data than the study of the gaseous excretory prod nets. Progress was hindered by the lack of a proper standard for compar- ing the processes which take place in the animal body. The develop- ment of organic chemistry and the isolation of a number of well char- acterized chemical compounds which occur in the food and excretory products furnished Liebig the foundation for his theories. He divided nutrients into nitrogenous (plastic) and nitrogen-free (respiratory) materials. To Voit and his fellows belongs the credit of discovering the impor- tance of protein as a nutrient, *. e., that the animal requires daily in the food a definite amount of nitrogenous material in order to sustain life. The protein is broken down in the body at the same time the processes of combustion are carried on, and eventually theanimal comes into nitrogen equilibrium. Nitrogen equilibrium can be reached when only protein is consumed, provided the amount is very large, but it can be attained with a much smaller amount if fat and carbohydrates are consumed at the same time. If the animal perforins work, accumu- lates flesh and fat, or produces milk or wool, or nourishes a fetus, more protein must be consumed than for maintenance or an equivalent amount of nitrogen-free nutrients or both must be supplied. If work is rjerforined nitrogen-free material is essential, if flesh is formed then pi otein is required. Voit defined nutrients as materials which build and repair the ani- mal body. This definition includes mineral matter and water. In investigations which have proved most useful for an understand- ing of the processes of metabolism, the total income and outgo have been taken into account. The elementary composition of the food, urine, and feces has been determined, the respiratory products have been measured and analyzed, and finally the oxygen consumed has also been measured. The principal investigations along these lines were made by Bidder and Schmidt, Petteukofer and Voit, Henneberg and his followers, Regnault and lieiset, and Pfliiger and his associates. It is interesting to note some of the changes in theories of animal feeding which have accompanied the growth of the knowledge of nutri- tion. In this connection two points have always been of importance and are important to day. The practical feeder (1) wishes to know the cost of a method of feeding and the profit it will return, and (2) he desires definite feeding standards or formulas which can be successfully followed. In the early part of the present century feeding stuffs were first examined on the basis of their content of protein, starch, gluten, sugar, gums, mineral matters, etc. As these materials were regarded as of equal value, it was customary to add them together and regard the sum as the measure of the nutritive value of the feeding stuff. The chemical methods followed were not exact, and for this and other reasons the system was of little value. INVESTIGATIONS ON THE METABOLISM OF MILCH COWS. 805 Boussingault called attention to the importance of the nitrogen con- tent of feeding stuffs, and believed that this alone could be taken as a basis for estimating their value. On the other hand, Haubner showed that nitrogen-free material was useful for building up the animal body. Nathusius showed that the woody fiber was to a certain extent injuri- ous; and Boussingault finally modified his theory so that on the basis of the nitrogen content feeding stuffs were divided into 4 classes: (1) Hay and straw, (2) roots and tubers, (3) oil-bearing seeds, and (4) grains, leguminous seeds, and oil cakes. The attempt was also made to compare feeding stuffs in a practical or empirical manner by means of tables showing the so-called "hay values," or the hay equivalent of different materials. Thus it was said that 16§ kg. hay equivalent was required per 1,000 kg. live weight for maintenance by cattle or sheep. IT the food supplied more than this, each kilogram consumed in excess would produce a gain of 0.1 kg. body material or fetus or 1 liter of milk. However, one hay differs from another and other feeding stuffs also vary in composition, and as a result there were soon a considerable number of "hay value" tables from which it was impossible to select the correct one. An improvement was suggested by E. Wolff, who took account of the chemical composition of feeding stuffs and considered crude fiber as indigestible. Thus it was said that normal hay should contain 8.2 per cent of protein, 41.3 per cent of soluble nitrogen-free material, and 30 per cent of crude fiber, with a nutritive ratio of 1 : 5. This modification did not prove of much value since crude fiber is partially digestible, and, further, the soluble nutrients in different feeding stuffs have different nutritive values and different digestibility. The convenient theory of hay values was there- fore abandoned and experiments were undertaken with different kinds of animals to learn how much protein, soluble nitrogen-free material, and fat must be fed for different purposes. Grouven's normal feeding standards, which were published in 1862, were determined by this method. They were a great improvement on the tables of hay values, and superseded them. These standards were a series of formulas based on experiments depending in part on the general appearance of the subject, and on results of slaughter tests. Grouven also made many investigations, including digestion and respi- ration experiments, for the purpose of determining the nutritive value of a number of simple nutritive materials, such as sugar, starch, and dextrin. A curious theory was devised by Enzmann in I860.1 He determined the ratio of carbon to nitrogen in different feeding stuffs, designating it the "specific carbon content," and on this basis arranged materials as follows: Bice straw 117, potatoes 34, hay 27.4, red clover hay 17.4, 1 Landw. Vers. Stat., 8 (1866), pp. 309, 320. For earlier work see Die Ernahrnng der Organismen besomlers °°2 (contaiuinS 43'7 ^m. O). The amount of oxygen necessary would be: 17 x 135.8 16 = 144.3 gm. O. Supposing the animal took 500 gm. of O from the air and excreted 160 gm. C02 in the breath, the amount of carbon which must have 814 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. been derived from some substance other than protein — that is, from fat and carbohydrates — is shown as follows : 160 gm. C (excreted in breath) — 43.7 gm. (derived from protein) =116.3 gm. (derived from fat and starch). 500 gm. <> (amount consumed) —144.3 (amount necessary for oxidation of pro- tein) =355.7 gm. O (amount for oxidation of carbon from fat and starch). The proportion of fat and starch burned in the body may be deter- mined by studying the respiratory quotient. Ordinary animal fat has the following percentage composition: 76.54 carbon, 12.01 hydrogen, 11.45 oxygen. When 100 gm. fat is burned 11.45 gm. oxygen and 1.43 gm. hydrogen unite to form water, and there remain 10.58 gm. hydrogen and 7G.54 gm. carbon. These require 84.04 gm. and 204.11 gm. oxygen, respectively, or a total of 288.75 gm. for complete combustion, 280.65 gm. C03 being produced. This oxygen must be derived from the air. The respiratory quotient would therefore be 280.65 + 1.96633 _ 288.75 +■ 1.43003 ~ °'70b9 Starch has the formula (OGHl0O5)x. Its molecular weight is there- fore some multiple of 162. The oxygen in the starch molecule is sufficient for a complete combustion of the hydrogen; therefore only an amount sufficient for the combustion of the carbon need be taken from the air. The carbon in 162 gm. of starch would require 192 gm. of oxy- gen for its combustion and produce 264 gm. carbon dioxid. Therefore the carbon in 100 gm. would require 118.5 gm. oxygen, producing 163 gm. carbon dioxid. The respiratory quotient when starch is burned is therefore 1. If a respiratory quotient of 1 is found in an experiment, then starch alone is burned iu the body. A respiratory quotient of 0.7069 shows that fat only is bnrned. If the respiratory quotient is between these values, it indicates the combustion of a mixture of fat and starch. The amount of oxygen necessary for combustion may be computed as follows : Let A = total O used, B = 0O2 produced, and X = O necessary for oxidation of fat. Then A — X = O available tor oxidation of starch; and X x 0.7069 -4- ( A — X) x 1 = B (the C02 produced). In the concrete example cited above there were 116.3 gm. of carbon (equal to 216.9 liters of carbon dioxid) and 355.7 gm. (equal to 248.7 liters) of oxygen remaining to be accounted for by combustion of fat and starch. The respiratory quotient would therefore be 0.872. Substituting the proper values in the above equations would give the following: 0.7069 X+248.7— X=216.9. Then X=108.5, the oxygen necessary for oxidation of fat; and 248.7—108.5=140.2, the oxygen necessary for oxidation of starch. INVESTIGATIONS ON THE METABOLISM OF MILCH COWS. 815 From the above data the metabolism of energy in the animal body can be calculated. One gram of protein burned in a calorimeter pro- duces 5.711 calories (mean of Berthelot and Stohmann's determina- tions). Combustion in the animal body is less complete since nitrogen is excreted largely in the form of urea, therefore less energy is pro- duced. According to Rubner 1 gm. of dry matter of ash-free protein of tissue burned in the body of a fasting animal yields 4.4 calories. Provided the animal is amply nourished, substances containing more carbon and having a higher fuel value than urea are excreted in the urine, therefore the energy available from the combustion of protein is still less. The true value in such cases can not be calculated with certainty, but must be determined by accurate investigation in the individual experi- ments. In most cases it is sufficiently accurate to assume that 1 gm. of protein yields 4.1 calories when burned in the body. The heat of combustion of a gram of fat is 9.5 calories and of 1 gm. of starch 4.18 calories. As noted above, the combustion of 100 gm. of fat requires 288.75 gm. or 201.9 liters of oxygen. Each liter of oxygen utilized for the combustion of fat produces 4.7 calories (950-^201.9=4.7) ; 100 gm. of starch requires for oxidation 118.5 gm. or 82.9 liters of oxy- gen. Therefore each liter of oxygen used in the oxidation of starch produces 5 calories (418-^-82.9=5). In the example cited above the total energy produced would be 1,046.6 calories, calculated as follows : 100 v 17 Calories. t^L£L±i= 106.25 gm. protein Lurried in tbe body. 106.25x4.1 = 435.6 The oxidation of fat requires 108.5 liters oxygen. 108.5 X 4.7 = 510.0 The oxidation of starch requires 140.2 liters oxygen. 140.2 x5 = 701. 0 Total „ 1,646.6 In this computation no account is taken of the fact that in addition to protein other nitrogenous materials, amids for instance, were con- sumed, which also produce nitrogenous compounds in the urine but of less fuel value than tbe compounds derived from protein. Further, when large quantities of fat and starch are consumed fat will be stored in the body. The amid nitrogen in the urine may be treated as nitrogen derived from protein without serious error, since the assump- tion is made that 46.6 gm. organic material in the urine is derived from the cleavage of 100 gm. protein, and further since the fuel value of protein is assumed to be 4.1 calories per gram. For very accurate investigations, however, the above factors an not be used and actual determinations of the values must be made. If the food is very abundant the formation of fat from starch is accom- panied by cleavage of carbon dioxid from the starch molecule. Deducting the values for the oxidation of protein the respiratory quotient in the case becomes greater than 1. That is, the total quantity of oxygen available for the oxidation of nitrogen free material should be assumed 816 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. to be used for the oxidation of starch. The excess of carbon dioxid must be attributed to the formation of fat from starch. These facts are more clearly brought out in the following equation: 100 gm. fat will yield 950 calories. 100 gm. starcli will yield 418 calories. The greatest possible quantity of fat which can he formed from 100 gm. starch is 44, since 418-^-9.50=44. 100 gm. starch contains 44.44 gm. C, 6.18 gm. H, 49.38 gm. O 44 gm. fat contains 33.68 gm. C,5.28gm. H, 5.04 gm. O Difference 10.76 gm. C,0.90gm. H, 44.34 gm. O For oxidation there is required 28.69 gm. O + 7.20 gm. 0=33.89 gm. O. The oxidation products are: 39.45 gm. C02 and 8.10 gm. EL> O. Excess: 8.45 gm. O. (44.34—35.89=8.45.) This quantity of oxygen is available for the oxidation of further quan- tities of starch. It would oxidize 7 13 gm. starch (162-4-192x8.45 = 7.13). This would yield 29.8 calories (7.13x4.18=29.8) and 11.62 gm. carbon dioxid. That is, from 107.13 gm. starch 44 gm. fat can be pro- duced, together with 51.7 gm. or 26 liters carbon dioxid and 29.8 calo- ries. In other words, when the respiratory quotient is greater than 1, each liter of carbon dioxid in excess of tlie quantity of oxygen required is equivalent to 1.694 gm. fat and 1.15 calories. [Concluded in next number.] RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. CHEMISTRY. The oil of corn, C. G. Hopkins (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 (1898), No. 12, pp. 948-961). — The author reports a systematic study of corn oil obtained partly by extraction and partly from starch and glucose fac- tories. Determinations were made of the specific gravity, melting point, iodin absorption, and oxygen absorption of the oil and of the content of lecithin, cholesterol, total fatty acids, volatile acids, and the separate fatty acids. The method of operation is described in each case. The total fatty acids were found to constitute 93.57 per cent of the. oil. A summary of the composition of corn oil, as found in this investigation, is as follows: Composition of corn oil. Per cent. Cholesterol 1.37 Lecithin 1. 49 Stearin ( ?) 3. 66 Olein 44. 85 Linolin 48.19 Total 99. 56 It was found that corn oil does not take up any oxygen at room temperature, but when heated in a water oven changes in weight were noticed which have an important bearing on the determination of water in corn. "The first action of air upon the hot oil is evidently the direct addi- tion of oxygen; but after 2 or 3 days the oil began to turn noticeably darker in color and finally to lose weight, evidently due to a secondary reaction which effects some decomposition of the oil with formation of volatile products." Proceedings of the eleventh convention of the Association of Agricultural Experiment Stations in the German Empire (Landw. Vers. Stat., 51 (1898), No. 1, pp. 15-41).— This reports, among other things, the action of the association on methods of analysis of Thomas slag and of examining seeds, and includes discussions on the prepara- tory training of station assistants, the allowable amount of perchlorate 817 818 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. in nitrate of soda, and changes in laws. Comparative tests by 19 sta- tions of the inolybdic and Bottoher citrate methods for determining the citrate-solnble phosphoric acid in Thomas slag are reported. As a result of this work, the citrate method was made optional, although in cases of dispute Wagner's molybdic method is to be used. By applying the Loges method the Halle Station found in 107 samples of nitrate of soda from 0.27 to 5.04 per cent of perchlorate, averaging 0.94 per cent. The general occurrence of this substance in nitrate was shown by reports from other analysts. P. Wagner briefly reported results of pot experiments with different amounts of perchlorate on oats and rye. He found that the rye plants ceased to grow when the nitrate of soda used contained 12 per cent of perchlorate; the oat plants died when the amount reached 18 per cent. No change was made in the methods of seed testing. It seemed to be the consensus of opinion that the best preparation for station assistants consists in a good, general training in analytical chemistry, the necessary technical skill required being easily acquired in the laboratory. A new solvent for distinguishing the phosphoric acid in various phosphates, W. Hoffmeister (Landw. Vers. Stat., 50 (1898), JSTo. 5-6, pp. 363-379). — The author claims that humic acid furnishes a more reli- able means of distinguishing between different phosphates than the citrate solutions commonly used. The humic acid is prepared as fol- lows: Extract wood lignin with ammonia vapor, precipitate the humic acid in the ammoniacal solution with dilute hydrochloric acid, collect the precipitate on a filter, wash and dry. Extract with alcohol and again dissolve the humic acid in ammonia, precipitate, wash, and dry. The method proposed for the examination of the phosphate is as fol- lows: Dissolve 15 gm. of the humic acid in dilute ammonia1 and pour the solution into a 2 liter flask containing some sand. Add 5 gm. of the phosphate and 1 liter of water; shake the contents of the flask and pass a moderately rapid current of carbon dioxid through the solution for 12 days, adding ammonia1 frequently; pour off the solution; wash the sand; combine the wash water with the solution previously poured off; make up to a definite volume; filter, aud evaporate four-fifths of the filtrate to dryness with the addition of hydrochloric acid; treat the residue with water containing a little hydrochloric acid; filter, wash, and make up the filtrate to 100 cc. Use portions of this solution for the determination of phosphoric acid, etc. A slag containing 10.7 per cent of citrate-soluble phosphoric acid according to Wagner's method gave 10.43 and 10.38 per cent soluble in humic acid by the author's method. In bono meal and fermented bone meal 1.01 and 1.48 per cent of phosphoric acid respectively were dis- solved in the humic acid. When the slag was very finely ground the two methods gave practically identical results— 18.53 per cent by the 1 The amount of ammonia to he used is not stated. CHEMISTRY. 819 Wagner metbod and 18.48 and 18.45 by tbe author's method — thus show- ing the great importance of manufacturers supplying slag in the finest possible form. Humic acid dissolved 05.8 per cent of the phosphoric acid in very fine ground slag, 30.38 per cent of that of Eedonda phosphate, and 43.3 per cent of that in bone precipitate. The determination of potash as perchlorate, F. S. Shiver {Jour. Amer. Gliem. Soc, 21 (1899), No. 1, pp. 33-42).— The solution of potash, after freeing from sulphuric acid and nonvolatile acids, is evapo- rated in a porcelain dish with an excess of perchloric acid until all odor of hydrochloric or other volatile acids has disappeared, and the white fumes of perchloric acid begin to appear. The sirupy solution is then treated with alcohol containing 0.2 per cent of perchloric acid, the precipitate washed by decantation, transferred to a Gooch crucible, washed with pure alcohol, dried, and weighed. The method is pro- posed as a check upon the commonly employed platinum chlorid method. — l. h. merrill. A source of error in the determination of nitrogen in Chile salt peter by the Ulsch method, L. Brandt (Chem. Ztg., 23 (1899), No. 5, p. 22).— The author discovers an impurity in the iron used for his deter- minations in the form of an organic nitrogen compound, the nitrogen of which is converted into ammonia when the iron and sulphuric acid are brought together in the process. The error thus occasioned, he finds, amounts to as much as 0.8 per cent, when 0.5 gm. of Chile salt- peter is used in the determination. He announces this discovery to put other analysts on their guard. — j. t. Anderson. Some errors in the determination of nitrogen, C. G. Hopkins (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc., 20 (1898), No. 12, pp. 961-905).— Two common sources of error were investigated, (1) the loss of ammonia in titrating in an open vessel, and (2) the loss of ammonia from the receiving flask in case there is not sufficient acid above the end of the delivery tube to neutralize all of the ammonia distilled over. In the first case it was found that when titration requires from 3 to 5 minutes the error from loss of ammonia from the standard solution may become an important factor, the total variation in the two series of experiments amounting to 0.8 cc. or 3 per cent of the ammonia required. In tbe second case the loss of ammonia was found to vary with the depth to which the deliv- ery tube of the condenser dipped into the standard acid, in some cases amounting to a considerable proportion of the amount of ammonia theoretically required. Report on an investigation of analytical methods for distin- guishing between the nitrogen of proteids and that of the simpler amids or amido-acids, J. W. Mallet. Separation of proteid bodies from the flesh bases by means of chlorin and bromin, H. W. Wiley ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Chemistry Bui. r>l, pp. 30).— In the first part the classes of nitrogenous constituents in food and the 820 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. plan of the investigation are discussed, and a description is given of the various methods which have been proposed for the separation of proteid matter in animal products, with investigations of these methods. "By a happy modification of the phospho-tungstic acid method he has greatly improved this process, and shown how a practical separation of the flesh bases from the other nitrogenous substances can be effected by this reagent. The flesh bases are to some extent precipitated by the new form of the reagent proposed by Professor Mallet, but they are brought into a soluble state by the addition of water and heat, so that a practically complete separation of them is effected. This process, together with the use of tannic acid for the separation of peptones, leaves little to be desired in securing a practically complete separation of the nitrogenous matters." In the second part H. W. Wiley describes in detail the method of separating proteid bodies from the flesh bases by the use of hot water followed by chlorin or bromin, which has recently been investigated in the laboratory of the Division of Chemistry and applied in a series of analyses of flesh products. The application of the bromin method to commercial meat extracts is discussed, and the factors for the calcu- lation of total nitrogen are considered. Investigations on the effect of the quality of the ether on the results of fat determinations in feed stuffs, T. Methner (Chem. Ztg., 23 (1899), N~o. 5, pp. 37, 38). — Results are given which were obtained with the' use of (1) ether purified by metallic sodium in the prescribed way, (2) ether thus purified plus varying amounts of absolute alcohol, and (3) ether which had been allowed to stand over caustic lime for 3 weeks and then distilled. The author concludes from these results that alcohol, in the amounts used, has no considerable influence on the amount of extract obtained, and that ether, purified by caustic lime, is pure enough for practical purposes. — J. t. Anderson. A condenser for extraction work, O. G. Hopkins (Jour. Amer. Chem. floe, 20 (1898), JVb. 12, pp. 965, 966, fig. J).— This condenser has the water tube inside, instead of in the usual form of a jacket, both the inlet and outlet being at the top of the condenser and the inlet tube extending to the bottom of the water tube. It is intended for use in fat extraction apparatus in place of the ordinary condenser, " mainly to avoid the constant trouble of having atmospheric moisture condense upon the outer surface . . . and run down over the extraction appa- ratus." The condenser may also be used in ordinary distillation and is less likely to break than the ordinary condenser. Researches on chemistry and physiology, applied to agriculture, A. Peter- mann (Becherch.es de chemie et pliysiologie, ajyjjlique'es a V agriculture. Brussels : <>. Mayoly and J. Audictre; Liege: C. Desoer ; Paris: G. Masson, 1898, vol. 3). Text-book of physiological chemistry, O. Hammarsten (New York: John Wiley , p. 404. Phenological investigations in Schleswig-Holstein in 1897, P. Knuth (Schr. Xatunc. Ver. Schleswig-Holstein, 11 (1898), No. ..'. pp. $52-259). The influence of land and sea winds on the nitrogen content of rain, L. Anderland (Landw. Vers. Slat.,.',') (1898), No. 1-2, pp. 150, 16o) .^-T\\in is a brief review of a report of observations made at Tuy in Galicia (Spain),- showing that rams brought by winds from the ocean contain less ammonia than those coming from the direction of the hfnd. The author urges stations favorably located for such work to make further observations on this point and also on the influence of manu- facturing industries upon the nitrogen content of rain. Climatology in Belgium, P. De CoURRNElXiSS (lour. Hyg., 23 (1898), No. 1153, pp. 505-508). The cyclone at Swabia, July 14, 1894, F. Horn (Forstl. Naturw. Ztschr., 7 (1898), Xo. 12, pp. 429-438, figs, 4). — A discussion of the causes and characteristics of this storm. Cultural conditions of Tunis, Dybowski ( Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 (1S99), Xo. J. pp. 133-135; Bev. Sci. IParis], 4. set:, 11 (1899), No. 3, p. 85).— A discussion of the climatic conditions in this country, confined largely to the amount and distribution of rainfall. Aneroid barometers, ('. F. Marvin ( U. S. Dept. Ayr.. Weather Bureau, Doe. ISO, pp.6). — The unreliability of aneroid barometers and the results of experiments on such barometers by C. Chree at Kew ; observatory are briefly discussed.1 WATER- SOILS. Analysis of Malmesbury soils, 0. F. Juitrrz (Agr. Jour. Cape of Good Hope, 13 (1898), Xo. 13, pp. 818-822).— In the Malmesbury dis- trict and in other portions of South Africa, there are soil areas which, contain numerous slight elevations, from 1 to f ft. in height and -0 or more yards in diameter. The soil on these hillocks is alleged to be extremely rich, and cereals of all kinds are said to grow on them with luxuriance, while on the lower ground between the elevations the soil is poor and produces scanty crops. Analyses of samples of soil from "For first report see U. S. Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau Doe. 142; Monthly Weather Review, 25 (1897), No. 9, p. 394. 2Report from Observatorio meteotoldgico del colegio de hi compania de Jesus en Guardia. Tuy, 1894, pp. 62. 3Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. [London], ser. A, 195 (1895). 4 See also U. S. Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau, Monthly Weather Review, 2(5 ^898), No. 9, p. 410. 17950— Xo. 9 3 828 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. these hillocks and from the adjacent level land gave the following average results : Composition of hillock and level soil in South Africa. Hillock soil Level soil . . Lime. Potash. Per cent. 0.078 .010 Per cent. 0.073 .061 Phosphoric acid. Per cent. 0.051 .032 It will be seen from the table that each of the three constituents is less abundant in the level soil than in the hillock soil, the lime being especially deficient. Canadian soils, F. T. Shutt ( Canada Expt. Farms Ept. 1897, pp. 151-170). — The results are presented of chemical and partial mechanical analyses (1) of soils sent by farmers for examination, including 2 sam- ples from British Columbia, 5 (1 of muck soil) from Ontario, and 4 from Quebec; and (2) of virgin soils,1 including 29 samples (with sub- soils) from British Columbia, 8 from the Northwest Territories and Manitoba, 9 from Ontario, 10 from Quebec, and 5 from the Maritime Provinces — New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The samples and the regions from which they were obtained are briefly described, and the value of soil analysis, standards of fertility, and methods of analysis are discussed. "The solvent used in the determination of total or maximum percentages of the mineral constituents has been hydrochloric acid, sp. gr. 1.115 (corresponding to 22.86 per cent IIC1.), 10 gm. of the air-dried soil being digested with 100 cc. of the acid at the temperature of the water hath for 10 hours. "For the estimation of the available potash and phosphoric acid 1 per cent citric acid solution has been employed, digesting 100 gm. of air-dried soil with 500 cc. of the solvent for 5 hours at room temijerature." The latter determinations were made in 1 soil only. The average composition of the surface soils examined is given in the following table: Average analyses of virgin surface soils of Canada. Number of sam- ples. Province. British Columbia Northwest Territories and Manitoba Ontario (Muskoka only) Quebec Maritime Provinces Average of all Potash. Per cent. 0.42 .44 .22 .44 .44 39 Phos- phoric acid. Per cent. 0.27 .19 .15 .20 .11 .18 Nitrogen. Per cent. 0. 262 .537 .135 .226 .130 .258 Lime. Per cent. 1.17 1.08 .44 .52 .11 .66 Although the above are averages of analyses of samples which "are typical, and, as far as possible, thoroughly representative of large areas, 1 For previous work on such soils see Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1896, p. 184 (E. S. R., 9, p. 821). WATER SOILS. 829 taken from tbe thousands of square miles of uncultivated soil in the Dominion, they do not afford sufficient basis for generalizations regard- ing the average soil fertility of the yet untilled areas of the respective provinces." " Our data indicate that good agricultural soils in Canada possess usually between 0.25 per cent and 0.5 per cent potash; less than 0.15 per cent in our experience, points to the necessity, or at all events to the value of potassic fertilizers, though with good climatic and soil conditions the limit might be reduced to that suggested by Hilgard. " The phosphoric acid in Canadian virgin soils of average fertility lies usually between 0.15 and 0.25 per cent. Some good soils contain from 0.25 to 0.3 per cent, and a few exceed the latter figure. The adequacy or otherwise of phosphoric acid in a soil would appear to depend largely on the accompanying amount of lime. Increased crop production has usually followed the application of phosphatic fertilizers to soils containing less than 0.15 per cent phosphoric acid. " Lime ranks next in importance to potash and phosphoric acid in a consideration of the mineral constituents of plant food. Our experience goes to show that clay soils, containing less than 0.5 per cent will have their productiveness increased hy a dressing of lime in one or other of its agricultural forms. Peaty soils and soils generally that are rich in organic matter, are frequently poor in this element. All such have been found to respond to an application of lime, and more particularly so when given in conjunction with potash and phosphoric acid. For these classes of soils, therefore, I deem it advantageous that they should contain at least 1 per cent of lime. " Richness in nitrogen may be measured to alarge degree by the organic or humus coutent, though the condition or stage of decomposition of this organic matter is an important factor in determining the nitrogen's availability. The larger number of our good soils contain between 0.1 and 0.2 per cent, though many reach 0.5 per cent and some exceed 1 per cent nitrogen." Some investigations on the nitrogenous matter of the soil, A. Pagnotjl (Ann. Set. Agron., 1898, II, No. 1, pp. 97-112). — Previous work by the author is briefly summarized, and an account is given of G series of pot experiments carried out during 1897. The general plan of these experiments was as follows: Nitrogen in 3 forms — nitric, nitrous, and ammoniacal — was determined in the soil at the beginning of the experiment (200 gm. lots being used), various nitrogenous mate- rials were added, and at intervals during periods of from 80 to IIS days determinations of nitrogen in the above forms were again made. In the first series a comparison was made between the changes which the organic nitrogen of the soil and that introduced in the form of dried blood aud manure undergoes. In these experiments 7.4 per cent of the original nitrogen in the soil, 59 per cent of the nitrogen of the dried blood, and 48 per cent of the nitrogen of the manure was rendered sol- uble in 80 days, due principally to nitrification. Over 50 per cent of the nitrogen of the dried blood became soluble in 12 days. In the second series of experiments the assimilability of nitrogen in ground meat, peanut cake, and sesame cake was compared. Sixty-two per cent of the nitrogen in the meat powder was rendered soluble in 13 days, 100 per cent in 116 days; 64 per cent of the nitrogen of the pea- nut cake became soluble in 13 days, 100 per cent in 116 days; and 62 830 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. per cent of the nitrogen of the sesame cake was rendered soluble in 13 days, 94 per cent in 11G days. In the third series of experiments castor-bean cake, colza cake, and wool waste (dust) were compared. In case of the first 52 per cent of the nitrogen was rendered soluble in 11 days, 80 per (-eut in 107 days; in the second case 32 and 70 per cent, respectively; and in the third case 0 and 4G per cent, respectively. In the fourth series of experiments the effect of previously heating the soil to 100° and adding a small amount of sulphuric acid was tested. In this series 2 pots received dried blood without previous treatment of the soil, 1 received dried blood after the soil had been heated to 100°, and another received dried blood after heating to 100° and adding a small amount of acid. The heating had the effect of reducing the nitric nitrogen and increasing the amount of ammoniacal and nitrous nitrogen produced. Heating to 100° C, especially with the addition of acid, appears to have been destructive to the nitrifying organisms. In the fifth series of experiments an investigation was made of the progress of nitrification in soils to which mixtures of horse manure and nitrate of potash or sulphate of ammonia with or without starch were added. The results indicate that horse manure, especially in the pres- ence of starch, tends to cause the disappearance of nitrates, but under the conditions of these experiments, i. e., with a temperature of 30° and a sufficient supply of air and moisture, this disappearance of nitrogen is not due to an evolution of free nitrogen but largely to the formation of new organic compounds of nitrogen. In the sixth series of experiments a comparison was made of the trans- formations of nitrogen which go on in soil very rich in humus and nitrogen, with and without the addition of nitric and ammoniacal nitrogen. The transformations of nitrogen were somewhat slower in this case than in the case of an ordinary soil. On the composition of natural humus substances, G. Andre (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 {1898), No. 11, pp. 411-417; abs. in Ann. Agron., 24 (1898), No. 12, pp. 602-604). — In the investigations here reported vegetable mold, moor soil, compost, and peat were treated with (1) potash followed by hydrochloric acid and (2) hydrochloric acid followed by potash. The ammonia volatilized and the nitrogen soluble and insoluble in the acid and alkali were determined. The results reported show the complex character of the nitrogenous matter of the soil. Previous work by Berthelot and Andre ' led to the conclusion that the nitrogenous matter of the soil is of an amid character. The lime content of soils and nitrification, F. Polzeniusz (Ztschr. Landic. Versuchw. Oesterr., 1 (1898), p. 235; abs. in Centbl. Agr. Chem., 28 (1899), No. 1, pp. 12, 13).— Samples of 200 gin. each of a soil contain- ing 0.540 per cent of lime, 0.014 per cent of which was carbonate, were placed in glass dishes, and in different cases 0.0866 gm. of nitrogen in 1 Aim. Chiin. et Phys., 6, ser., 11 (1887), ]». 368; 25 (1892), p. 314. WATER — SOILS. 831 the form of bone ineal and of sulphate of ammonia were added. In one series of experiments no lime was added; in the other series 3 gm. carbonate of lime were added in each case. The soils were kept moist, and the carbon dioxid which passed off was measured. After several weeks the samples were extracted with water, and ammonia and nitric nitrogen were determined in the solution. The soils were also extracted with dilute hydrochloric acid and the ammonia determined. The results show that the soil originally contained sufficient lime for the nitrifica- tion of the bone-meal nitrogen, but that the addition of lime was necessary for the transformation of the ammonium sulphate. In case of the soil to which no lime was added only 0.19 per cent of the nitrogen added in form of ammonium sulphate was nitrified, while in the experi- ments with lime 7G per cent of this nitrogen was transformed. The author concludes that the good results obtained in this case are due to the neutralization of the sulphuric acid of the sulphate of ammonia by the calcium carbonate, and that this result can not be accomplished as effectively by any other form of lime. The effect of carbon bisulphid on the fertility of soils, E. Wollny ( Vrtljschr. Bayer. Landw. Italh., 1898, No. v, pp. 319-342). — The results of a series of experiments are recorded in which the effect of carbon bisulphid on the fertility of the soil was studied. Pot and plat experi- ments were made with various crops and fertilizers and the carbon bisulphid was applied at different times. The author concludes that treating the soil with carbon bisulphid during the vegetative period of the crop is detrimental to the plants, but if the soil is treated several months before the crop is planted its fertility is increased to a notice- able degree, and the effect is noticeable in the growth of several suc- ceeding crops. An explanation of this action of the carbon bisulphid on the fertility of the soil is not given. It was found that activity of the nitrifying organisms and the root-nodule bacteria of legumes is temporarily retarded by the carbon bisulphid treatment, but that eventually their activity again becomes normal. Well water from farm homesteads, F. T. Shutt {Canada Expt. Farm* Rpt. 1897, pp. 180-1S5). — The results are given of analyses with reference to sanitary condition of 66 samples of well water; "one from British Columbia, 6 from the Northwest Territories, 28 from Ontario, 8 from Quebec, 7 from New Brunswick, and 17 from Prince Edward Island. < >f these, ~>0 per cent were reported dangerously polluted and unsafe for drinking purposes, 25 per cent as suspicious and in all probability as unsafe, and 25 per cent as unpolluted and wholesome." Soil analysis, its historical development and its significance to agriculture, A. Otto (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1S9S), No. 23, ]>. SO.').— A general discussion. The calcareous efflorescence found on cultivated soils, P. Sestini t.ltli. J,'. Accad. Econ. Agr. Georg. Firenze, H ( 1898), Xo. 2, pp. 14, pi. 1).— The. analyses showed the samples of this substance examined to be essentially carbonate of calcium and magnesium with a small amount of carbonate of ammonia. The judging of the physical properties of soils by means of the heat which they evolve when moistened, A. Mitscheruch (Beurtheilung der pJiyaikalischen Eigensehaften des Aekerbodens wit HUfe seiner Benetzungawarmer Inaug. Diss., hid, 189S,pp. 52, ph. .).— See E. S. K'.. 10, i>. 123. 832 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. On the influence of frost on cultivated soils, E. Woixny ( Fiihling's Landir. Ztg., 47 (1S9S), No. 17, pp. 631-636; 18, pp. 075-681; 19, pp. 700-711; 20, pp. 749-756).— A general discussion of this subject based largely upon the author's extended studies. Is a lack of lime general in Rhode Island soils? H. J. Wheeler and G. E. 'Adams {Rhode Inland Sta. Bui. 49, pp. 37-48). — This is a brief summary of experi- ments with lime during a number of years on a variety of crops and at different points in Rhode Island. The results indicate the wide distribution in the State of soils which are benefited by applications of lime. It was found that beets " furnish an unusually good crop for testing soils as to their lime requirements." Comparative trials of lime -worked into the soil before seeding and applied as a top-dressing after-wards, II. J. Wheeler and J. A. Tillinghast (Rhode Island Sta. Bui. 49, pp. 4S-50). — From the results of experiments made at the station on timothy " it seems that the recommendation to lime land before seeding is one that shonld be adhered to if the best results are to be obtained.'' FERTILIZERS. The fertilizing value of street sweepings, E. E. Ewell (U. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Chemistry Bui. 55, pp. 19). — This bulletin sum- marizes data regarding- disposal of street sweepings in 204 out of the 354 cities and towns of the United States having 10,000 or more inhab- itants, as furnished by replies to circulars of inquiry sent to officials in charge of street-cleaning departments. "The total quantity of street sweepings annually collected may be estimated at not far from 3,000,000 tons. ... In general terms it may be stated that the cities represent- ing one-fourth of the urban population of the country make an effort to utilize the fertilizing value of some portion of their street sweepings." Analyses of 18 samples of sweepings collected in Washington, D. C, are reported. In these the nitrogen varied from 0.17 to 1.18 per cent, phosphoric acid from 0.01 to 0.1G per cent, and potash from 0.00 to 0.5 per cent. Extracts from letters from farmers and gardeners who have used street sweepings are quoted to show " that well-selected and judi- ciously used street sweepings possess considerable manurial value." Valuing nitrogen at 10 cts. per pound and disregarding phosphoric acid and potash, the poorest sample of sweepings examined would be worth 34 cts. per ton; the richest, $1.46. Contribution to the study of street dust as a fertilizer, A. ( asali (Contributo alio studio pratico della polvere di strada come materia ammendante e eoncimante, Bologna, Societa Tipografica gia Compositori, 1899, pp. 23; Staz. Sper. Agr. Ital., 31 (1898), pp. 377-396; abs. in Ghem. Centbl., 1898, II, No. 22, p. 1106). — This article discusses the formation, composition, properties, fermentation, and uses of street dust, and reports results of analyses of a few samples. The composition of the substance examined was as follows: Moisture 1.20, nitrogen 0.05 (traces in form of ammonia and nitric acid), potash 0.16, lime 22.34, phosphoric acid 0.09, carbon dioxid 17.33, and silica 40.44 per cent. Of the mate- rial, 15.9 per cent was soluble in 5 per cent acetic acid, 30 per cent in 25 per cent hydrochloric acid, and 0.4 per cent in boiling water. It lost 33.5 per cent on calcination. FERTILIZERS. 833 The author concludes from his study that oue of the most marked and important properties of this material is its power of inducing- bene- ficial fermentations in manure and in the soil. Sea-weed as manure, J. Hendrick {Ayr. Students' Gaz., n. ser., 9 (1898), -ZVo. 2, pp. 41-49). — The author reports analyses and discusses the fertilizing value of 3 samples of cut weed, or shore weed, including 2 of Fueus nodosus and 1 of F. vesiculosus ; 1 sample of F. ceranoides, which grows in brackish or almost fresh water, and 3 samples of drift weed, including 1 of mixed seaweed, 2 of Laminaria digitata (stalk and blade), 1 of L. saccharina, and 1 of Alaria esculenta. The author con- cludes that, weight for weight, seaweed is about equal in value to barn- yard manure, but differs from the latter in its higher content of potash and lower content of phosphoric acid. It is also claimed that seaweed must undergo decay before its nitrogen (rarely less than 0.5 per cent) is available for plants or even ready for nitrification. The potash in seaweed is in a very available form. If fresh living seaweed is placed in fresh water "a large part of its potash will diffuse out into the water as soluble potash salts, chiefly chlorid, in a few hours." The black phosphates of the Pyrenees, D. Levat (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 21, pp. 834-836; abs. in Rev. Sci. [Paris], 4. ser., 10 (1898), No. 23, p. 726). — Extensive deposits of a phosphate having the appearance of anthracite have recently been discovered in the Pyrenees. This deposit lies between strata of marble or limestone and schist. The richer portion of the deposit contains numerous hard brilliant black nodules which contain from G5 to 75 per cent of tricalcium phosphate. The gangue surrounding the nodules is also phosphatic. The phosphate contains a considerable amount of organic matter yield- ing from 3 to 5 kg. of organic nitrogen per ton. The bed is from 8 to 10 meters thick. Report of analyses of commercial fertilizers for the spring of 1898, L. L. Van Slyke (New York State Sta. Bui. 145, pp. 49-149). — This bulletin contains notes on the valuation of fertilizers, suggestions regarding purchase of fertilizing materials, a list of manufacturers com- plying with the requirements of the State fertilizer law, an explanation of terms used in stating results of analyses, and tabulated analyses of 1,183 samples of commercial fertilizers, representing 73!) different brands collected by the station during the spring of 1898. Of the 739 brands examined 578 were complete fertilizers. "Of the others 55 contained phosphoric acid and potash without nitrogen, 47 contained nitrogen and phosphoric acid without potash, 8 contained nitrogen only, 44 con- tained phosphoric acid alone, and 7 contained potash salts only." In the complete fertilizers the nitrogen varied from 0.12 to 8.21 per cent, averaging 2.2 per cent. The available phosphoric acid varied from 3.69 to 14.28 per cent, averaging 8.65 per cent. The potash varied from 0.22 to 15.22 per cent, averaging 4.91 per cent. The average amounts of nitrogen, available phosphoric acid, and potash exceeded the guaranteed average by 0.14, 1. and 0.24 per cent, respectively. 834 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. In 110 cases the potash in the complete fertilizers was in the form of sulphate free from an excess of chlorids. "The retail selling price of the complete fertilizers varied from $15 to $45 a tori and averaged $27.65. The retail cost of the separate ingredients unmixed averaged $18.52 or $9.13 less than the selling price." On the occurrence of perchlorate in nitrate of soda and its injurious effect upon the growth of cereals and sugar beets, A. Zaharia (Bui. Soc. Set. Bucharest, 7, pp. 361-40H; abs. in (Jhem. Gentbl., 1898, II, N~o. 22, p. 1106). — The author gives a very complete review of the literature of this subject and reports the results of 3 series of his own experiments on the action of perchlorate on the germination and growth of the more important agricultural plants. Experiments were conducted both in the field and in vegetation pots. As a rule the germinative power of cereals sustained little or no injury from the perchlorate, although in case of barley and oats treated with concentrated solutions the development of the plantlet was retarded. In case of beet seed, on the other hand, neither the germina- tive power nor the growth of the plantlet was seriously interfered with by the perchlorate solutions. It was found in general that nitrate of soda containing 1.5 per cent of perchlorate had no injurious effect upon wheat and barley. Small amounts of perchlorate were apparently beneficial to beets. The growth of peas was retarded and the yield decreased by perchlorate. Egyptian clay and salt, J. Golding (Bpt. on Experiments, Agr. Dept. Univ. College, Nottingham, 1898, pp. i)_ — A brief account is given of experiments on permanent meadow, barley, oats, and wheat with a crude salt obtained by lixiviatiou of the nitrate- bearing clays which occur in upper Egypt (E. S. E., 6, p. 510). The sample of salt used in these experiments contained about 56 per cent of sodium nitrate, 31 per cent sodium chlorid, and 9.5 per cent of sodium sulphate. The results of the experiments indicate that the salt is '-worth quite as much per unit of nitrogen as nitrate of soda imported from Chile, also that dress- ings of li cwt. per acre are likely to produce good results, especially on barley and pasture grass." On the fertilizing value of the nitrogen of fresh and old barnyard manure, M. Maerckek (Agr. ('hem. Vers. Stat. Halle, 2 (lS98),p. 51). On green manuring, Rumker (Ueber GrUndiingung. Sehonberg-Berlin: F. Telge, 1S9S, pp. 48)- — This little pamphlet discusses the general principles of green manur- ing and their application in the management of light and heavy soils. A brief bib- liography of the. subject is appended. Notes upon garbage fertilizers, W. Freak (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Bpt. 1897, pp. 524-529). — Analysis of crematory ashes and garbage tankage, alone or mixed with phosphates and sulphuric acid, are reported, and the fertilizing value of these sub- stances is discussed. Fertilizers in the village, II. Fayet (Lcs engrais au village. Paris: Librairie Larousse, 4. ed., pp. 8-\-20ff). — An elementary general treatise <>n fertilizers, designed for small farmers iu Fiance. Naturally-occurring fertilizers, F. T. Shutt (Canada Expt. Forms Rpt. 1897, pp. 170-179). — Analyses, with notes on use as fertilizers, of 9 samples of swamp muck; 6 FIELD CROPS. 835 samples of marsh, creek, and tidal deposits; 1 sample of marl; 2 samples of lobster refuse (bodies and tails) ; 1 of limekiln ashes; 1 of purslane; 1 of a fraudulent mixture "for making manure," and 2 of moss litter. On the fertilizing value of olive cake (L'Enyrais, 14 ( 1899), No. 7, p. 159). — Analy- ses are given which show 0.75 to 0.77 per cent of nitrogen, 0.17 to 0.20 per cent of phosphoric acid, anil 0.13 to 0.45 per cent of potash. Inspections for 1897, C. D. Woods (Maine Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 52-60).— This is a brief summary of the work done during the year in the inspection of fertilizers and feeding stuffs, with brief reference to the testing of seeds and of chemical glassware used in creameries. The fertilizer law of South Australia, W. L. Summers {Jour. Ayr. and Ind., South Australia, 2 (1899), No. 6, pp. 499, 500).— An abstract. Tabulated analyses of commercial fertilizers, T. J. Edge and W. Frear (Penn- sylvania Dipt. Ayr. Bpt. 1897, pp. 797-836). — A reprint of Bui. 33, Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. (E. S. E., 9, pp. 825). Fertilizer experiments -with steamed bone meal, B. Schuxze (Jahrb. Ayr. ('hem. Vers. Star. Breslau, 1896; abs. in Centbl. Ayr. Chan., 28 (1899), No. 2, pp. 81-85).— From the results of experiments with winter wheat, potatoes, and sugar beets on loamy and clayey soils rich in humus the author concludes that bone meal is about as effective as superphosphate. Is intensive manuring profitable at present prices for crops? I'. Wagner (Ztsclu. Landw. T'er. Ressen, 1SDS, Xo. 14, p. 125; abs. in Centbl. Ayr. Chem.,28 (1899), No. . , pp. S5-S9).— The results of numerous experiments are. cited to show that under the conditions of these experiments this question should be answered in the affirmative. FIELD CROPS. Experiments with field crops, W. Saunders (Canada Expt. Forms Bpt, 1897, pp. 5-60, fig, l,pls. 2). — The experiments in 1897 consisted "of variety, fertilizer, and culture tests with field and forage crops. The results of vitality tests of "rain and other seeds, and the amount of seed distributed in 1897 are reported in tables. The average results of the variety tests obtained on all the experimental farms has been pre- viously reported (E. S. R., 9, p. 82G). Experiments were begun to ascertain the value of rolling and har- rowing land sown with clover, and of sowing different quantities of clover per acre with barley. Harrowing only after sowing without roll- ing gave the best yield. However, the plat not rolled or harrowed after sowing yielded but 1 bu. per acre less. The experiments showed that clover can be grown with grain without lessening the yield. About 10 lbs. of clover seed per acre was used in most cases. The largest weight of clover leaves, stems, and roots, 8 tons 505 lbs. per acre, was produced on 2 plats, one sown with oats and 10 lbs. of mammoth red clover per acre, and the other with barley and 10 lbs. of common red clover per acre. The weight was determined on October 20. Horse beans, soy beans, sunflowers, buckwheat, flax, and awnless brome grass were grown experimentally. Short notes on each crop and the yields produced are given. The results of fertilizer experiments carried on for a number of years with 19 applications of various fertil- izers, used singly and in different combinations, are reported in tables. The crops grown in connection with these tests were wheat, barley, 836 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. oats, corn, mangel-wurzels, turnips, and potatoes. In general, the appli- cation of 15 tons of fresh barnyard manure per acre gave the best results. Farm crops at the experimental farm at Brandon, Manitoba, S. A. Bedford (Canada Expt. Farms tipt. 1897, pp. 307-328). — The experiments reported included variety tests of wheat, oats, barley, peas, corn, turnips, rnangel-wurzels, carrots, sugar beets, potatoes, millets, clovers, and grasses, and trials of early, medium, and late sow ings of wheat, oats, barley, and peas. All results are given in tables. Wheat, after a summer fallow, produced a better yield and heavier grain than wheat grown on spring-plowed or fall-plowed land. A test of preparing unplowed stubble laud for wheat showed that disking the land after burning the stubble and then drilling in the seed gave bet- ter results than drilling the seed on burned or uuburned stubble, or on disked uuburned stubble land. Very smutty Red Fife wheat treated with a bluestone solution at the rate of 1 lb. bluestone to 10 bu. of wheat yielded 20 bu. 10 lbs. per acre, the grain weighing 59 lbs. per bushel, and the same seed sown untreated yielded 8 bu. 40 lbs. per acre, the grain weighing 40 lbs. per bushel. Among the 10 grasses tested western rye grass (Agropyrum tene- rum) and awnless brome grass ( Bromus incrmis) were the most produc- tive. In most cases sowing the seed at the rate of 15 lbs. per aere gave the best results. Farm crops at the experimental farm at Indian Head, North- west Territories, A. Mackay (Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1897, pp. 357- 379). — Variety tests were made with spring wheat, barley, oats, peas, corn, millets, grasses, root crops, and potatoes. Tests of early, medium, and late sowings and of sowing different quantities of seed per acre are reported. Canary grass, buckwheat, tares, and spring rye were grown experimentally. All results are given in tables. Wheat sown 1 and 2 in. deep gave a much better yield than wheat sown 3 in. deep. The average results for the past G years were in favor of sowing 1 in. deep and at the rate of 1^ bu. per acre. This sea- son wheat sown with a press drill gave better results than wheat sown with a hoe drill, which accords with the average results of G years' tests. A larger yield of wheat was produced on fallow than on fall plowed land or spring plowed and unplowed stubble land. In a test of mixed grain for fodder, barley and oats sown at the rate of 1 bu. each per acre produced the heaviest yield. Flax sown May 25 at the rate of 40 lbs. per acre gave a larger yield of seed than flax sown on other dates or at different rates. The largest amount of straw per acre was obtained from a sowing made the same day at the rate of 80 lbs. of seed per acre. An observation upon the after effect upon the growth of barley of the roots of the flat pea (Lathyrus sylvestris), H. J. Wheeler and J. A. TillinohAst (Rhode Island Sta. Bui. 49, pp. FIELD CROPS. 837 51-53, figs. 2). — During 189S barley was grown on 2 plats, one of which had previously been in carrots and the other in flat peas. The plat on which carrots had been grown had received 87 lbs. per acre more of nitrate of soda, 50 lbs. more of muriate of potash, and a larger amount of available phosphoric acid than the one devoted to flat peas. During 1897 the flat peas were cut twice, yielding 7,050 lbs. per acre of hay. In 1898 the two plats were prepared and fertilized in exactly the same way and seeded to barley. The growth of barley was more vigorous and the yield much greater on the plat which had previously been in flat peas than on that which had borne carrots and received more lib- eral fertilizing. Experiments with crimson clover and hairy vetch, J. F. Dug- GAR (Alabama College Sta, Bui. 96, pp. 183-208, figs. 5). — This bulletin reports the results of inoculation experiments with crimson clover and hairy vetch, and gives a general discussion on soil improving plants, the significance of root tubercles, and the inoculation of soil or seed. Brief notes regarding crimson clover and hairy vetch are given. Nat- ural methods of inoculation and the cause for the frequent failure of Mtragin are pointed out. Four twentieth- acre plats were used for an inoculation experiment with crimson clover. The soil was a clay loam and in a low state of fertility, and so far as known clover had never been grown on these plats nor in adjoining fields. All plats were fertilized alike, and the seed was sown on November 5 at the rate of 1 pt. per plat. No nitrog- enous fertilizer was applied. Plats 1 and 3 were sown with inoculated seed, and plats 2 and 4 were sown in the usual way. The seed was inoculated by moistening it with water to which about 2 teaspoonfuls of clover Nitragin had been added. The average yield of the inocu- lated plats was 14,039 lbs. of green forage per acre, and of the unin- oculated plats 2,293 lbs. per acre; the yield as cured hay was 4,057 lbs. and 761 lbs. per acre, respectively. Plats 2 and 4 were in part inocu- lated accidentally, so that the results failed to do full justice to the increase effected by inoculation. In one experiment 2 lots of hairy vetch seed were sown, one of which was dipped into water into which had been stirred earth from a spot where vetch had grown for several years in succession. The plants from the inoculated seed made the best growth and yielded at the rate of 2,545 lbs. of cured hay per acre, while uninoculated seed yielded only 232 lbs. The inoculated plants had large clusters of tubercles on the roots, while the others had no tubercles. In a similar experiment the seed for some plats was inoculated with vetch Mtragin. The results were similar to those obtained from seed inoculated with vetch earth. In this case the increase in yield of hay per acre as a result of inoculation was 2,706 lbs. Earth from a field of lespedeza used as inoculating material for crimson clover had no effect. It is stated that with few exceptions the inoculation of a leguminous plant can be affected only by the root-nodule bacteria from a plant 838 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. belonging to the same genus. An exception noted is the ability of the root-nodule bacteria of the garden pea to inoculate the vetch. Rye cut when nearly mature yielded about 200 lbs. of hay per acre more than uninoculated hairy vetch grown under the same conditions. The averages of several determinations of nitrogen in inoculated and uninoculated plants are given in the following table: Nitrogen in inoculated and uninoculated plants. Nitrogen content. Nitrogen per acre. Tops. Roots Roots and Tops. and stubble. stubble. Per cent. Pounds. Pounds. 0.35 16.9 9.1 1.19 2.4 4.6 1 . 37 85.6 19.9 .97 1.7 2.6 1.63 1.2 23.7 Total product. Rye, nearly mature Hairy vetch, uninoculated... Hairy vetch, inoculated Crimson clover, uninoculated Crimson clover, inoculated . . Per cut. II. 52 1.23 2.71 1.62 Pounds. 26.0 7.0 105. 5 4.3 143.7 Fertilizer experiments with inoculated hairy vetch, using mixtures of acid phosphate and muriate of potash, as compared with no fertilizer, showed considerable increase with the potash and phosphoric acid. "Leguminous plants . . . when amply supplied with tubercles need no nitrogenous fertilizers, but are highly responsive to acid phosphate and potash salts. These plants make heavy demands on the mineral plant food of the soil." G-rasses and forage plants, B. O. Pittuck (Texas Sta. liuJ. 46, pp. 1011-1030, fitjs. 14). — This bulletin gives brief statements concerning the relative value of 47 species of grasses and 14 other hay and forage plants, grown in an experimental way at the station. In describing the results of the tests of sorghum and teosinte the conclusions given in a former bulletin are repeated (E. S. R., 2, p. 742). Experiments on the influence of depth of plowing on the rate of seed- ing resulted in the best yields from broadcasting sorghum at the rate of 4 bu. per acre on land plowed 15 in. deep and broadcasting at the rate of 2 bu. per acre on land plowed 5 in. deep. Sorghum drilled in rows 3 ft. 8 in. apart at the rates of £ and 1 bu. per acre gave best returns on land plowed 5 in. deep, while drilling in rows 3 ft. apart at the rate of 1 bu. per acre gave best results on land plowed 15 in. deep. Report of the State chemical-control station at Christiania, Nor- way, for 1897, F. II. Werenskiold {Christiania, 1898, pp. 60). — The report gives an account of the activities of the station during the year, and contains summary statements and general discussions of the results obtained. The investigations here referred to have been continued from preceding years (E. S. R., 0, p. 398). Over 300 samples of sugar beets were analyzed during the year. The samples contained from 8.47 to 14.98 per cent of sugar in the beet, the average of all analyses being 12.04 per cent. The yields obtained were small and in but few cases reached 12 tons per acre. For this reason the results of the investigation are not considered very reliable. FIELD CROPS. 839 The results of analyses of 141 samples of root crops other than sugar beets are shown in tbe following table: Composition and yield of root crops in 1S97. Water Protein Fat ('rude fiber Ash Sugar Other components field per acre- (pounds) Carrots (20 samples). Range. Average Per cent. 85.02 89.59 .72- 1.24 . 14- . 35 .96- 1.22 .69- 1.38 4.38- 8.34 1.81- 5.68 Per cent. 88.15 .97 .25 1. L0 .92 5.87 3. 00 31, 850 Kohlrabi (20 sam- ples). Range. Average. Per (••■ill . 86. 27-91. 20 .92- .10- 1.01- .60- 4. 95- 1.09- 1.89 .32 1. 35 .97 7. or. 3.37 Per cent. 88.41 1.29 .17 1.14 .71 6.18 2.24 31, 630 Yellow turnips (40 samples). Range. Average, Per cent. 58.75-92.31 .75- 1.61 .04 . 28 .73- 1.42 . 49- 1. 07 4.112 5. 00 . 33- 2. 78 Per rent. 90. 95 1.01 .14 .94 .68 4.68 1.63 47, 550 White turnips (13 samples). Fodder beets (36 samples). Water Protein Fat Crude fiber Ash Sugar Other components Yield per acre (pounds) Ran ge- Per cent. 90. 91-92. 99 .64- .94 .07- .15 .72- .87 .53- .68 3.52- 4.61 .12- 1.39 Average. Range. Per cent. 92. :to .81 .11 .80 .61 4.18 .99 Per cent. 81. 70-90. 04 . 77- 1. 95 .06- .25 .67- 1.97 . 78- 1. 21 5.06-11.17 . 89- 4. 64 Average. Per cent. 85.67 1.46 .13 1.03 .99 8.02 2.67 56, 320 — P. AY. WOLL. The culture of beets on the experimental field at G-rignon in in 1895, 1896, and 1897, P. P. Deheeain [Ann. Ayron., 24 (1898), No. 2, pp. 49-83). — The work here reported consisted of variety and fertilizer tests with fodder and sugar beets. The results for each year are discussed separately and the weather conditions for each season are described. The details of the experiment and the results are given in tables. In 1895 only a few varieties of beets were tested, but drought interfered with the experiment, and but little significance is given to the results obtained. In 1896 4 varieties of beets, including the Vilmorin sugar beet, were grown on plats which had produced wheat the preceding year. On several of these plats the effect of inoculation with nitrified soil was studied and compared with nitrate of soda. The author states that the formation of nitrates due to the action of soil ferments is insufficient in the spring for the needs of the plant, which may per- haps be due to meteorological conditions or the possible failure of the nitric ferments to become active until a month or 6 weeks after vege- tation has begun to grow. A fertile soil had been taken up in the fall and kept under conditions which favored nitrification in the winter. In the spring furrows were made with a hoe between the rows of beets and the nitrified soil scattered into them at the rate of 200 kg. per hectare and covered. It is stated that the amount of nitrates thus brought to the soil is too small to have much effect, and that the 840 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. benefit resulting from such a practice must be ascribed to the activity of the micro-organisms with which the soil is inoculated. In addition to nitrified soil or nitrate of soda, both applied at the rate of 200 kg. per hectare, a general application of 20,000 kg. of barnyard manure per hectare was given. The following table shows the results obtained : Yield of beets on plats fertilized with nitrified soil and nitrate of soda in 1896. Variety. Globea jannes. Do Collets rosea . . Do Globes jannes. Do Collets roses .. Do Kind of fertilizer used. Nitrate of soda . Nitrified soil Nitrate of soda . Nitrified soil Nitrate of soda Nitrified soil Nitrate of soda Nitrified soil Vilniorin improved Nitrate of soda . Yield per hectare. Kg. 70, 000 53, 800 38, 500 42, 300 57, 500 53, 600 37, 600 48, 500 28, 300 Aver- age weight per beet. Gm. 650 500 450 470 510 470 410 390 330 Dry matter per hectare. Sugar per hectare. Kg. 8, 239 6, 483 6,911 7,701 6,400 6,925 6,636 8, 594 6,345 Kg. 5,460 4,250 5, 005 5, 499 4,542 5,092 4,662 5,529 4,500 Nitroge- nous mat- ter per hectare. Kg. 581.0 433.7 522.5 505. 6 528.0 450.0 468.0 633.7 435.0 Nitrate of potash removed in the crop per hectare. Kg. 51.8 46.8 18.5 28.0 51.8 52.5 41.7 50.4 8.5 In 1897 the work was continued along the same lines. Unlike the fall of 1896, the fall of 1897 was comparatively dry. The following table presents the difference in composition of the beets for the two seasons : Comparison of the composition of beets grown in 1896 and 1897. Variety. Dry matter. Sugar content. Nitrogenous matter. Nitrate of potash. 1896. 1897. 1896. 1897. 1896. 1897. 1896. 1897. Collets roses Per cent. 17.99 12.44 13.37 22.50 Per cent. 18.5 15.9 14.5 22.3 Per cent. 13.0 8.5 10.1 15.5 Per cent. 12.1 10.5 9.5 16.6 Per cent. 1.275 .850 .812 1.666 Per cent. 1.28 1.30 .76 1.31 Per cent. 0.057 .087 Per cent. 0.107 .237 .045 .045 The A^ilmorin sugar beet varied least in composition. The Tankards were found to contain a large percentage of nitrate of potash and are considered of little value on this account. This season nitrified soil was less effective than nitrate of soda for all varieties. A comparison of varieties of sugar beets grown this season is shown in the following table : Density of the juice and sugar content of different varieties of sugar beets. Variety. Vilniorin Wohanka No. 1 Wohanka No. 2 MetteM. V.... MetteM.K. V. MetteM.S.P.. Density of the 70.7 70.9 70.6 70.9 70.6 80.2 Sugar in the juice. Per cent. 17.0 18.5 19.8 17.9 17.6 18.6 Sugar in the beet. Per cent. 16.6 17.4 18.6 16.8 16.5 17.4 FIELD CROPS. 841 The average sugar content of the beets was 18.2 per cent for plats fertilized with barnyard manure, 17.8 per cent for plats fertilized with barnyard manure and nitrified soil, and 17.1 per cent for the plats fertilized with barnyard manure and nitrate of soda. Experiments with sugar beets in Norway in 1897, B. Larsen (Norsk. Landmansblad, 17 {1898), No. 7, pp. 77, 78; Tidsskr. Norske Landbr., 5 (1898), No. 2, pp. 80-89). — This is a report on cooperative experiments with different kinds of sugar beets conducted under the direction of the agricultural experiment station at Aas, Norway. The experiments were made at 18 different farms. The average percentage of sugar in the beets obtained was 12.68 per cent and the average weight of beets was 358 gin. The beets grown at the Aas Experiment Station had an average sugar content of 13.19 per cent with a range from 12.7 to 13.5 per cent. — P. w. woll. Experiments at the Derebchinskoe experiment field of Baron A. A. Mas, F. Lynbanski (Kiev, 1897, Vol. IX, pp. 176; abs. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 188 (1898), No. 2, pp. 471, 472). — Experiments were made to determine the influence of depth of plowing, size of seed, and the use of commercial fertilizers on the yield and quality of sugar beets. It was found that by plowing the soil at depths varying from 7 to 10£ in., the yield increased with the depth of plowing, but that the sugar content suffered a loss. Beets grown from large seed gave better yields and were richer in sugar than beets grown from small seed. A liberal use of nitrogenous fertilizers increased the yield considerably but decreased the sugar content to some extent. A test was made of nitrate of soda as a top-dressing for oats and barley. The result showed an increase in the yield of each crop and an increase in the phosphoric acid content of the barley. — P. fireman. Experiments with sugar beets at the experiment station of Count Bobrinski at Smyela, Kiev Government, Russia, V. Bond- iryev (Selsk. Khoz. % Lyesov., 184 (1897), pp. 165-176). — Fertilizer experiments with sugar beets were made on a Chernozem soil, rich in nitrogen and containing over 0.02 per cent available phosphoric acid but comparatively poor in potash and lime. The fertilizers, lime, pot- ash, nitrate of soda, and superphosphate, were applied on plats of 525 sq. ft. each. The lime refuse from sugar factories was used as the lime fertilizer. The nitrogenous fertilizer showed a tendency to deform the beets but increased the size of those parts which are rejected at the factory, while the other forms of fertilizers had the opposite effect. The sugar con- tent and purity of the juice was decreased by the use of the nitroge- nous fertilizer and lime, but the yield of beets was increased to some extent. The potash and superphosphate improved the quality and increased the quantity of the crop. The greatest increase in sugar was due to the potash fertilizer. 842 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The results of other experiments conducted show that plowing 14 in. deep for sugar beets was better than plowing 10J, in. deep. — P. fireman. Experiments on sugar beets in the Royal School of Agriculture at Portici [Bol. Not. Agr., 19 {1897), I, No. 28).— Experiments with sugar beets are described and the results tabulated and discussed. The use of commercial fertilizers increased the sugar content but not to a great extent, and this result is attributed to unfavorable weather con- ditions and to the fact that the fertilizers were not applied long enough before planting. The Vilmorin Improved sugar beet gave the best results among 4 varieties tested. The latter part of August was found to be the best time for harvesting beets. Tobacco, J. CRAic; {Canada E.rpt, Farms Rpt. 1897, pp. 131-133). — The work consisted of culture and fertilizer tests, and experiments on the time of topping and the number of leaves to allow each plant. Tobacco plants transplanted into hot beds and cold frames before set- ting them out iu the field gave yields so nearly alike that no conclu- sions are drawn. Among the different fertilizer experiments the largest yield of green leaf was obtained from an application of super- phosphate, wood ashes, and nitrate of soda mixed in the proportion of 15, 15, and 5 lbs. respectively, and applied at the rate of 10 lbs. to 24 plants. Plants were cut back to 9 and 11 leaves on July 20 and 26 and August 2. The larger yields were obtained from the later topping and the greater number of leaves. Experiments with wheat, J. S. Newman and C. M. Conner {South Carolina Sta. Bui. 37, pp. i). — Experiments with wheat, comprising variety tests and a comparison of broadcasting and drilling seed were conducted for 2 years. The wheat was sown in the fall. The results are given in tables and the 7 varieties tested are described. Eed Winter gave the best yield in all tests — 21 bu. per acre in the variety test and 30.2 and 25.2 bu. for the broadcasted and drilled plats respec- tively. Lancaster and Red May stood first among the varieties tested for 2 years, yielding on an average 15.1 and 12.3 bu. per acre respec- tively. On the drilled plats the grain came up more evenly than on the broadcasted plats. Wheat (Kentucky Sta. Bui. 77, pp. 109-120). — The experiments reported consisted of variety and fertilizer tests of wheat. The meteor- ological conditions of the season and the results of the experiments are given in tables (E. S. K., 0, p. 639). Notes on all varieties and detailed descriptions of the varieties not described in former bulletins are given. Twenty varieties were grown on twentieth -acre plats in drills 7 in. apart. The seed was sown at the rate of 1£ bu. per acre October 25. Jones Winter Fife, Early White Leader, American Bronze, and Bearded Winter Fife were the most productive, yielding 22.3, 19, 18.5, and 18.2 bu. per acre respectively. The weight per bushel for these varieties ranged from 60.2 to 64 lbs., Bearded Winter Fife being the heaviest. FIELD CROPS. 843 Jersey Fultz aud Extra Early Oakley, yielding 17.8 and 15.2 bu. per acre aud weighing G1.7 and G1.2 lbs. per bu. respectively, were rated as first grade milling varieties. Fertilizers had no appreciable effect on the yield of grain or straw at the station. A fertilizer experiment made in the western coal measures of the State indicated the need of phosphoric acid; potash had little if any effect. Field experiments -with wheat, W. C. Latta and W. B. Anderson (Indiana Sta. Bui. 72, pp. 67-76, dgm. 1). — This bulletin gives the results of variety tests of wheat in 1807-98, and a resume of field experiments with fertilizers ou wheat. In the aggregate 27 varieties of wheat were tested in the 2 seasons. New Columbia, Early Ripe llybrid, Prolific, and Harvest King produced straw of good strength, and Velvet Chaff, Michigan Amber, Early Ripe Hybrid, Prolific, and Harvest King were practically free from scab which was very prevalent in the locality of the station. Velvet Chaff' and Michigan Amber have been grown for 15 years in succession, yielding on an average 29.08 aud 28.94 bu. per acre, respectively. So far these 2 varieties have shown no signs of deterioration. Applications of mixed fertilizer and horse manure were made on 5 series of plats. The series contained 7 plats each aud were under different systems of cropping. The mixed fertilizer furnished approxi- mately 2 parts of phosphoric acid, 4.5 of nitrogen, and 3 of potash. In each series 2 plats were fertilized with the mixed fertilizer, 2 with horse manure, and 3 received no fertilizer. The effect of the systems of cropping and the methods of fertilizing are shown in the following table : Average yield of wheat on fertilized and unfertilized plain. System of cropping Average Average yield per yield per acre of un- acre of fertilized fertilized plats. plats. Bushels. Bushels. 15. 68 28.95 23.44 30.28 16.45 21.00 20.41 26.37 24.20 28.32 Increase over un- fertilized plats. Corn and wheat in alternate years Three course : Corn, oats, wheat Wheat grown continuously Four course : Corn, oats, wheat, clover Corn, beets, oats, wheat, grass Bushels. 13.86 7.87 4.72 6.23 4.72 A comparison was made of the light and heavy applications of ferti- lizers and horse manure, aud of the cost per bushel of increase in yield with the same. This showed the horse manure to be the more economical. Sowing field crops at different rates in Russia ( Rpt. Min. Agr. and Govt. Estates, Division of Rural Economy and Agricultural Statis- tics, St. Petersburg, 1897, pp. X+50+213, abs. in Selslc. Khoz. i Lyesov., 190 (1898), pp. 717, 718).— This article treats of sowing grains at differ- ent rates, and gives the opinion of practical men in this connection. 17950— No. 0 4 844 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. It is stated that in hot dry seasons thinly sown crops are more success- ful than thickly sown crops, and that in southern and southeastern Russia, where the climate is rather dry, crops are usually thinly sown. When the soil is adequately moist and the grain is sown early, thin sowing may be practiced. In general favorable soil conditions and rational methods of sowing tend to decrease the amount of seed neces- sary to sow a given area. — p. fireman. The chemistry of the corn kernel, 0. G. Hopkins (Illinois Sta. Bui. 53, pp. 129-180, fig. 1). — The proximate composition of corn (pp. 130-157). — Following a resume" of the work of various investigators, beginning with that of Gorham in 1821, the author gives the results of his studies on the proximate composition of the corn kernel, describing incidentally the methods of analysis employed, some work on the determination of water and of nitrogen (see p. 819), sampling, and a condenser for use in fat determination (see p. 820). Ten analyses of pint samples of corn of a single variety grown under uniform conditions "showed a marked degree of uniformity;" but analyses of 50 separate ears of Burr White corn from a uniform held varied widely and "seem to bring out and clearly to establish the fact that there are extreme variations in the chemical composition of corn grown from the purest seed of a single variety and under markedly uniform field conditions." The variations in these samples are shown below : Variations in tin proximal e com position of BO different ears of Burr White com grown under uniform conditions. Ash. Protein. Fat. Carbohy- drates'. Per cent. 1.74 1.09 Per cent. 13.88 8.35 Per cent. 6.02 3.95 Per cent. 85.79 78.92 .65 5.53 2.07 6.87 "With every constituent the variation is greater than Flechig found with 13 different varieties, and it is nearly as great as found by the Connecticut Experiment Station with about 75 different varieties of corn grown under 90 presumably different conditions." Thirty duplicate analyses were made of kernels from different parts of ears, dividing the ears lengthwise and into tip, middle, and butt; and in addition the ash and protein were determined in single kernels from different parts of the ear, ears being selected which were rela- tively high and low in these constituents. "The concordant evidence of 30 duplicate analyses of parts of ears, of 50 ash determinations, and of 50 protein determinations in single kernels would seem to warrant the conclusion and to establish the fact that the composition of the ear is approximately uniform throughout." The complete composition of corn (pp. 157-180). — This part consists of FIELD CROPS. 845 a compilation of studies on the ash constituents, proteids, and carbo- hydrates of the corn kernel, together with an account of the author's investigations on the oil of corn (see p. 817). Clovers as green manures, F. T. Shutt {Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1897, pp. 138-146, pi. 1). — Experiments were made in green manuring and in soil inoculation. A number of plats were sown to barley and clover and the total clover residue, comprising the dead stems and leaves and the roots to a depth of 9 in., and the amounts of fertilizing constituents contained in this residue the following spring were deter- mined for each plat. Mammoth red clover was sown on G plats at different rates, but the plat sown at the rate of 10 lbs. per acre, although not giving the largest amount of total residue, furnished the largest amounts of fertilizing constituents. In the following table the data for the other plats sown with this variety are omitted. The clover residue was collected May 1. Fertilizer constituent per acre in the residue of different varieties of clover sown with barley. Variety. Mammoth red Common red . Alsike Crimson Alfalfa Seed per acre. Lbs. 10 10 6 24 14 Composition. Water. Per ct. 59.43 72. 50 71.58 62.82 61.54 Organic matter. Per ct. 33.19 23.61 22.63 33.01 34.79 Ash. Per ct. 7.38 3.89 5.79 4.17 3.67 Nitro- gen. Per ct. 1.417 1.016 1.020 .827 1.075 Residue per acre Lbs. 5, 955 6,125 3, 233 1, 322 2,212 Fertilizing constitu- ents per acre. Organic , , Kitro- matter. Asl1 Lbs. 1, 978 1 , 446 732 478 772 Lbs. 439 238 187 60 79 Lbs. Inoculation experiments were made with Mtragin on horse beans and mammoth red clover grown in pots. In each case plants were grown on inoculated and uninoculated soil and from inoculated seed. The results in each case were in favor of inoculation. Soil inoculation produced the largest yields in the test with horse beans and seed inoculation in the trial with clover. Experiments in fertilizing meadows (SelsJc. Khoz. i Lyesov., 184 (1897), No. 2, pp. 457-160). — Fertilizer experiments with nitrate of soda, superphosphate, kainit, Thomas slag, compost, and barnyard manure were made on a meadow which was divided into 26 plats of three-tenths acre each. The soil was sandy, but contained a good proportion of humus. From the results obtained for 2 years, it is concluded that the use of nitrate of soda alone increases the yield of hay but slightly, while with kainit or with superphosphate and Thomas slag its action becomes more marked. The use of 040 lbs. of superphosphate gave an increase of 2,81G lbs. of hay per dessiatiue (2.7 acres). Superphosphate was most effective when applied in conjunction with kainit and with kainit and nitrate of soda. An application of 1,720 lbs. of Thomas slag per dessiatine resulted in an average increase of 2,800 lbs. of hay, while an application of 9G0 lbs. increased the yield 2,460 lbs. Kainit alone scarcely increased the yield, but 1,000 lbs. of kainit per dessiatine 84G EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. applied with phosphatic fertilizers produced an increase of 2,000 lbs. in the yield of hay. Compost and barnyard manure exerted a good influence only in the second year. — p. fireman. Fertilizer experiments with lime, F. H. Werenskiold (Norsk. Landmansblad, 17 (1898), No. 13, pp. 135-138). — Cooperative fertilizer experiments were conducted on sandy clay and marshy soils. The plats were 0.247 acre in size and one-half of each plat received a dress- ing- of 300 kg. of lime. The plats on clay soil received in addition to the lime an application of 75 kg. of Thomas slag and 25 kg. of nitrate of soda, while those on marshy soil received Thomas slag and kainit. Diippauer oats were grown on all plats. The chemical composition of the different crops showed marked variations which could not be accounted for by the difference in fertilization. — f. w. woll. Farm crops at the experimental farm for the maritime provinces, G. W. For- rest (Canada Expt. Farms Bpt. 1897, pp. 273-2S6). — The work here described is simi- lar to that previously reported (E. S. R., 9, p. 832). The results of variety tests of spring wheat, barley, oats, peas, inangel-wurzels, carrots, sugar beets, potatoes, corn, and millet, and the results of early, medium, and late sowings of wheat, barley, and oats are tabulated. General statements of the weather conditions and the culture, growth, and yield of the different crops are made. Farm crops at the experimental farm at Agassiz, British Columbia, T. A. Siiarpe (Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1897, })p. 405-420). — The work here reported in tabular form consists of variety tests and tests of early, medium, and late sowings of spring wheat, oats, barley, and peas, and variety tests of corn, turnips, niaugel- wurzels, carrots, sugar beets, potatoes, and fodder crops. Similar work has been previously reported (E. S. R., 0, p. 833). Report on crops, live stock, etc., in Manitoba (Dept. Agr. and Immig. [Manitoba'] Bui. 57, pp. 28). — A brief report on the yield of the various kinds of grain and the meteorological conditions for 1898. The cotton crop of 1897 and 1898 ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Statistics Circ. 9t pp. 16). — This circular is a report on the cotton crop of the United States in 1897 and 1898. The movement of the cotton crop by rail, water, and wagon is shown for each State, and other statistical data comprising comparative acreage and pro- duction in 1896 and 1897, the consumption of American cotton by foreign countries, the yields, cotton consumption, and the number of spindles in operation in 1898 in different countries are given. The crop for this season amounted to 10,821,578 bales of upland cotton and 76,279 bales of sea island or a total crop of 10,897,857 bales produced on 24,319,584 acres. Cotton, corn, wheat, and forage crops, H. Benton (Alabama Canebrale Sta. Bui. 18, pp. 3-12). — The results of miscellaneous experiments with various crops in 1894 are briefly stated. Review of literature on plant culture, L. Ochapovski (Selslc. Khoz.iLyesov., 188 (1898), No. 3, pp. 203, 204). Jerusalem artichokes grown in the same field for twelve successive years, M. G. Lechartier (Ann. Sd. Agron., 1898, I, No. 1, pp. 121-154). — The results for each year are given separately. The composition of the different parts of the plant in the fresh and dry state is given and the effect of fertilizer applications on the crop is discussed. It is concluded that Jerusalem artichokes can be successfully grown on the same held without interruption for a series of years with the aid of commercial fertilizers. Applications of commercial fertilizers gave better returns than barnyard manure or mixtures of commercial fertilizers and barnyard manure. Awnless brome grass (Bromus inermis), J. Fletcher (Canada Expt. Farms Bpt. 1897, pp. 229,230). — A popular description of the species and of its importance in connection with the forage problem in the western prairie region. "Under irri- FIELD CROPS. 847 gation . . . brome grass has given on U00 acres of land the enormous yield of ii tons of grass per acre." Review of literature on the culture of beets, L. Oghapovski (SeUk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 189 (1898), No. 4, pp. 171-202). Clover and grass mixtures for meadows and pastures, Werner (Mitt. Dent. Landw. Gesell., 14 (1S99), No. 2, pp. 11-15). — This article describes a number of clovers and grasses and points out their adaptability to certain soils and uses. A number of clover and grass mixtures for meadows and pastures on different soils are suggested. Cowpea ensilage, T. C. Crenshaw, jr. (Country Gent., 64 (1899), No. 2403, pp. 124,125). — The method of ensiling cowpeas is discussed and the valne of cowpea silage pointed ont. Kafir corn, C. K. McQuarrie (Florida Ayr., 26 (1899), No. 10, pp. 146, 147).— A popular article on growing Kafir corn in Florida. Review of literature on the culture of potatoes, L. Ochapovski (Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 1SS (1898), No. 3, pp. 641-672). Variety tests of potatoes in 1898, W. Blumich (Sachs. Landw. Ztschr., n. sir., 21 (1S99), No. 6, pp. 62, 63).— A report on the results. Observations on the yield and starch content of several varieties of pota- toes, A. Girard (Ann. Sci. Agron., 1S9S, I, No. 1, pp. 46-83). — A number of varieties of potatoes were »-rown for 10 successive years and the yields and starch content of each variety for each year are reported. It was found that a dry season decreased the yield but increased the starch content, while a wet season had the opposite effect. The varieties recommended, given in their order, are Richter Imperator, Red Skinned, Idaho, and Geante sans Pareille. Importance of good seed in sugar-beet cultivation, II. W. Diederich ( U. S. Consular 1,'pts. 1S9S, No. 218, pp. 451-454). — This article discusses sugar-beet-seed production in Germany with reference to the needs of the American sugar-beet grower, and advises planting seed of high grade and pure pedigree. Distance experiments with sugar beets, F. Desprez (Jour. Ayr. Prat., 1899, II, No. 4, pp. 125-127). — It is coucluded that the distance between plants is a direct factor in the cost of producing sugar, but that no fixed rule can be laid down, as different distances are required under different conditions. A. new method of growing sugar beets for seed, H. Bkiem ( HI. ZucJcerrubeniau, 6 (1899), No. 1, pp. 1-4). — A general review of the different methods of growing seed beets, with an outline of a. new method. Cultivation of sugar cane in the Bombay Presidency, J. W. Mollison and J. W. Leather (Ayr. Ledger (Ayr. ser., No. 25), 1898, No. 8, pp. 69).— Notes on the cultivation of sugar cane, with descriptions of varieties. The classification of wheat, A. Sempolowskj (Dent. Landw. Presse,26 (1899). No. 12, p. 103). — A discussion of the classification of wheat and an outline of Eriksson's system of the classification of varieties. Investigations on the injurious effects of hail on wheat and barley, C. KRAUS (Deut. Landw. I'resse, 20 (1S99), No. 14, pp. 137, 138; 15, pp. 149, 150, Jigs. 4). Plowing and harrowing, G. Heuze (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1899, /, Xo. 7, p. 240). — A note on the importance of plowing and harrowing in connection with various crops and rotations. The use of the land roller in plant culture, E. Woi.i.xy (Fuhling's Landw. '/Ay., 48 (1899), No. 2, pp. 47-50; 3, pp. S5-91).— The results of experiments show that rolling cereal crops after certain stages of development materially decreases their produc- tive capacity, while the effect during the earlier stages of growth was less marked and in 1 instance slightly increased the yield. Rolling the potato crop during the early stages of growth had a beneficial effect, but when the growth of the plants was advanced the results of rolling did not prove conclusive. The effects of rolling the potato crop varied with different seasons. In general, rolling decreased the num- ber of diseased tubers. 848 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The chemistry of the corn kernel, C. G. Hopkins (Illinois Sta. Bui. 53 — Abstract, pp. 4, jig. 1). — An abstract of Bulletin 53 of the station (see p. 844). Report on experimental manuring, J. A, Murray (Aberystwyth: University Col- lege of Wales, 1897, pp.28). — Results of cooperative fertilizer experiments on grass, mangel-wurzels, Swedish turnips, and turnips are reported. Fertilizer experiments with kainit, B. Sciiul/.k (Jahrb. Agr. Chcm. Vers. Stat. Breslau, 1896; abs. in Centbl. Agr. Chem., 28 (1899), Xo. 2, pp. 90-92).— The results of numerous cooperative experiments on potatoes in different parts of Germany in 1896 are reported. The yield was not increased to an important degree by kainit api>li«''l to the previous crop. The starch was invariably decreased with the large applica- tions of kainit (1,781.4 lbs. per acre) and usually with the smaller applications (890.7 lbs. per acre). Fertilizer experiments with potash salts, H. Wehnert and A. Emmerling (Jahrb. Landwirtschaftskammcr, Schleswig-Holstein, 1897; abs. in Centbl. Agr. Chem., 28 (1899), No. 2, pp. 92-95). — Experiments of the same character as those of Schulze, noted above, led to the conclusion that applications of 890.7 lbs. of kainit per acre do not injuriously affect the starch content of potatoes, although the use of double this amount reduced the amount of starch. The economy of using larger amounts is considered doubtful. The latest information regarding the use of commercial fertilizers in beet culture, J. Stritesk Y (Xeue Ztschr. Biibenz. Ind., 42 (1899), Xo. 3, pp. 21-24). — A gen- eral discussion of the subject. Top-dressings of sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda, Kloepfer (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 4S (1899), Xo. 3, pp. 114-116; 4, pp. 138-142) .^Sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda were applied as a top-dressing to winter wheat in the spring, the sulphate of ammonia being applied about the middle of March, while the nitrate of soda was applied about 1 month later. The records of 5 tests show that the use of sulphate of ammonia was more effective than the use of nitrate of soda. HORTICULTURE. Report of the horticulturist, J . Craig ( Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1897, pp. 90-103, 121-130, figs. 7). — Descriptions are given of 7 seedling black currants: Beauty, Standard, Success, Monarch, Clin>ax, Star, and Winona, which after 7 years' trial are believed to be superior to any commercial varieties of the same season. These have been selected from about 150 seedlings produced by W. Saunders in 1884. Ten American and 107 English gooseberries and a few hybrids have been tested since 1893. Few of the English varieties have succeeded. A table gives notes as to the hardiness and health of plants and the color of fruit for G5 varieties of gooseberries. The following varieties are recommended: lied Jacket, King of Trumps, London, Speedwell, and Kiccardo. A test of thinning peaches and plums, made by M. Burrell at St. Catharines, Ontario, is reported. Three six-year-old Hyne Surprise peach trees were chosen; one was thinned June 22, one 10 days later, and the third left unthiimed. On the thinned trees the fruit was left about 2 in. apart. At the time of thinning, the fruit on the tree first thinned was ^ to § in. long and on the tree thinned later, 1 to 1£ in. long. Thinning was found to increase the total yield and the size of fruits and to decrease the amount of rot. Three trees of Moore Arctic plum were treated similarly to the peach trees. The results HORTICULTURE. 849 gave the same indications as the peaches though not so marked. The author says: "In both cases it will be observed that the early thinning bore the most profitable results, and it will manifestly pay to commence work of this kind immediately after the fruit sets." A test of thinning apples and plums at the Central Experimental Farm emphasized the results obtained by Mr. Burrell. A series of trials of methods of storing apples was conducted during the season of 1896-97, beginning in the fall and continuing until the last of July. The tests included 24 varieties of apples and were planned to test the following points : Wrapped vs. unwrapped fruit, cellar vs. ground floor storage, and close vs. ventilated packages. "Specimens wrapped in paper kept best, there were fewer rotten apples, and they lost least by evaporation. The ground floor storeroom did not preserve them as well as the cellar. . . . The tight package preserved the fruit best in storeroom but not in cellar; per contra the ventilated did better in cellar than in storeroom.'1 Twenty-six varieties of apples are classified according to their keeping qualities. Notes are given on some cover crops for orchards. Mammoth red and common red clover completely winterkilled in January, 1896. Alfalfa fared somewhat better. It was noted that where mammoth red clover and alfalfa plats overlapped, both crops came through the winter better than where growing separately. The next fall plats were sown with clover and alfalfa mixed in equal parts. Of the mixture the author says, " The one formed an appropriate complement to the other, the spreading stools of the mammoth red covering the ground with a thick mat beneath the more slender and taller growing alfalfa." Tests of 48 varieties of bush beans, 19 of pole beans, 11 of Lima beans, 25 of celery, 5 of celeriac, 23 of cucumbers, and 23 of onions are reported in tables, accompanied by brief notes. Cultural experiments were also made with a number of vegetables Seed of peas and beans was soaked 1 hour in solutions of nitrate of soda of different strengths, 1, 2, and 3 oz. of the salt to 1 gal. of water, to ascertain the effect on germination and yield. With peas the percentage of germination was not affected by the treatment, but with the exception of one variety there was a regular increase in yield with the increased strength of solution used. The results with beans were too variable to justify con- clusions. A test of growing a number of varieties of celery in spent hotbed vs. cold frames is reported. The average weight per stalk of the hotbed- grown plants was 11 oz. while that of the cold frame plants was over 1 lb. There was little difference as regards quality. Sowing onion seed at various dates in the hotbed and transplanting the plants into the field was compared with sowing the seed directly in the field at various dates. Transplanting increased the total yield and decreased the quantity of unmerchantable onions. Trial shipments of fruit {Rpt. Comr. Agr. and Dairying, Canada, 1897, pt. 7, pp. 20, jigs. /?).— The results of trial shipments of various fruits from Canada to Great Britain are reported. The article gives 850 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. quantities of fruit shipped, names of shippers, varieties of fruit, freight charges, prices from some sales, extracts from letters reporting on pears, peaches, tomatoes, grapes, and apples, with a report on shipments of apples, the average prices received, etc. Some of the conclusions are as follows : "The value of tender fruits in Great Britain depends chiefly upon their condition. To insure the preservation of their condition at its best, it is necessary that a suita- ble package should be used. It should be (1) strong enough to provide for safe carriage, (2) so constructed as to provide for thorough ventilation, (3) cheap, and (4) of a size convenient for handling. No one package is suitable for all kinds of fruit; but the package for the carriage of every sort of fruit should meet these require- ments. . . . Care should be taken in the handling of all tender fruits to prevent bruising. The sorting and wrapping should be done in such a way as to involve the least possible handling of the fruit. If the fruit can be cooled before it is sorted and wrapped so much the less will be the risk of injury. The packing of the fruit should be done in such a way as to keep it firm in the package. An excess of pack- ing, in so far as that prevents circulation of air, is objectionable. Some kinds of packing are liable to become moldy from the dampness caused by evaporation from the fruit. Paper and excelsior packing are of that sort. . . . All tender or soft varieties of fruit should be cooled as quickly after it is picked as is practicable. For long keeping they should be cooled to a temperature between 36 and 40° F., as warm fruit generates heat by the changes which proceed in it. . . . Packages con- taining warm fruit should never be loaded close in a railway car in warm weather. If a refrigerator car be used, well iced, the generation of heat in cases of warm fruit will more than counterbalance the cooling power of the ice. The fruit will continue to ripen anil decay will begin. . . . "Early ripening and soft varieties of apples should be packed in ventilated bar- rels or boxes and sent in cold storage. Otherwise a large proportion of them are likely to arrive in a slack and wet condition and to be sold for a price which can entail only loss. . . . The later and lirmer varieties of apples can be shipped safely if cooled below 50° F., packed in ventilated barrels, and carried in the holds of steamships provided with air ducts for causing thorough ventilation. . . . Less attention is paid in Great Britain to the variety of pears than to the soundness and nice appearance of the fruit. Pears of a typical and regular shape are wanted and from a medium to a large size. From the trial shipments it appears that a large trade can be created at prices which will be remunerative to the growers here. . . . Tender varieties of peaches, such as Crawfords, can be shipped with safety only when the fruit is picked in a firm condition and cooled to a temperature of under 40° soon thereafter. . . . Tomatoes can be shipped safely. The price that may be obtained regularly will depend so much on the supplies available from other coun- tries that no safe estimate can be made. Those varieties which are of medium size, smooth and regular in shape, solid, with .small seed cavities, sell for the high- est prices. In the trial shipments last year tomatoes of small size were sold at 9s. 4<1. per case, when tomatoes of large size at the same time sold for only 6s. 8d. per case. . . . Fruit intended for Great. Britain should be picked when fully grown and when beginning to change color. If provision has not been made for the carriage of it in cold storage, the fruit should be picked and packed when of full size, but while still a green color and well glazed. . . . Each tomato should be wrapped in tissue paper or in a light, cheap grade of printer's paper. They should be carefully packed stem end down, so that each one will be held firmly in place when the case is closed. It is doubtful whether a profitable trade can be developed in the ship- ment of plums from Canada. . . . From the quotations from letters of those to whom Canadian grapes were shipped last season it is evident that there is not yet a demand for them in Great Britain." HORTICULTURE. 851 The date palm, J. W. Toumey (Arizona Sta. Bui. 29, pp. 102-150, Jigs. 13). — Notes are given on the early history of the date palm, the history of the date palm and some of its seedlings in Arizona, the dis- tribution and present condition of the date palm suckers imported by the Department of Agriculture in 1890, of which 39 are now living, methods of propagation and growth, distinction of the sexes, the fruit of the date palm, which varies greatly in many respects, imports of dates since 1800, and insects and other enemies of the date, making especial mention of a scale insect (Parlatoria victrix) introduced on imported palms and considered the most serious enemy of the date palm in this country. An especial study is made of the climate to which the date palm is adapted. The climatic conditions in countries where the date palm is native are stated and the conditions in southern Arizona studied comparatively. Tables are given showing the average annual precipitation and mean monthly maximum and minimum tem- perature at 3 stations in southern Arizona and 0 statious in northern Africa for a period of years. These show a great similarity between the climatic conditions of southern Arizona and the regions adjacent to the Sahara Desert. Not merely these theoretical considerations, but the experimental fact that date palms from both seedlings and imported suckers are now growing and fruiting satisfactorily in various localities, make it probable that date culture will, in time, become an important industry over considerable areas of the interior arid region of the Southwest, of which southern Arizona may be considered the center. As an ornamental tree the date palm flourishes as far north as San Francisco and southern Colorado, but produces fruit of value only in arid regions where the air is dry and summer heat intense. Abun- dance of water within reach of the roots is necessary to the fruit's per- fection. In a comparative study of the soils of the date regions of northern Africa and southern Arizona, it is found that both possess 2 essential features for date culture, namely, paucity of humus and abundance of alkali. Results of experiments in the cross fertilizing of plants, shrubs, and trees, W. Saunders (Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1897, ]>p. 60-67^ 69, 70, Jigs. 16). — This article was read before the British Association for the Advancement of Science, August, 1897. The writer reports work which was begun in 1808 and has been continued at intervals since then. American varieties of gooseberries were crossed with European vari- eties with the object of improving the size and quality of the fruit, and obtaining varieties unaffected by mildew, which damages the European sorts so severely. Of several hundred seedlings, Pearl and lied Jacket have become popular sorts both in Canada and the United States. Attempts to cross the European gooseberries with the wild smooth gooseberries (Mibes oxyacanthoides) were unsuccessful. With the wild prickly gooseberry (K. cynosbati), a number of interesting hybrids were 852 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. obtained having the habit of growth of the wild sort but with fruit improved in size and quality. Hybrids between the white currant (B„ rubrum) and the black currant (B. nigrum), and between the latter and the cultivated gooseberry (B. grossularia), were obtained. Of the latter, 28 are still under trial. In all these hybrids the black currant was used as the pistillate parent. The hybrids have the thornless branches of the black currant, but as regards the leaves, flower clusters, and pistils are intermediate between the 2 parent forms. Hybrids of the cultivated black currant and the western wild black currant (R. florid um) have characters more or less intermediate between the 2 parents, and some of them appear worthy of cultivation for their fruit. About 400 hybrids of native and improved American grapes from pollen of European grapes were secured. Many of them were not hardy; some lacked in vigor, some in quality of fruit, and many others bore only staminate flowers. Only a few of these are worthy of culti- vation. One of them, the Kensington, is especially productive, has the vigor of growth, character of foliage, and hardiness of the American grape Clinton, and its fruit is intermediate between the Clinton and the European Bucklaud Sweetwater. Hybrids of the American grape Concord from pollen of European sorts have the long, leathery, downy leaves of the former, with fruit very variable in appearance and quality. Crosses of red raspberries were all tender and unhealthy. Twenty- four hybrids of the black raspberries (Bubus occ Idenialis) with pollen of the red raspberry (B. strigostis) were obtained. All the seedlings rooted from the tips, though less freely than the black raspberries, and a few produced an occasional sucker similar to the red raspberry. The fruit was larger than either parent, of a dark purple color, and com- bined the flavor of the 2 parents. Most of the efforts to cross the red raspberry with the blackberry (B. villosus) were unsuccessful. In sev- eral cases seeds were produced, but only part of them germinated and the seedlings were very weak. Attempts to hybridize apples and pears were unsuccessful. The same was true of attempts to cross the plum with the peach and the plum with the cherry. Crosses of differeut classes of cherries were only partially successful. Attempts to cross the sand cherry (Prunus pumita) with various varieties of the cultivated cherries failed, but a single cross of the sand cherry and the wild plum (Prunus americana) was successful. In foliage the hybrid is intermediate, resembling most the plum. A number of crosses have been secured between the more hardy cultivated apples and crab apples and the small Siberian crabs (Pyrns baccata and P. baccata prunifolia). The hybrids vary consider- ably, some resembling one parent and some another. None have yet fruited. Hybrids of the Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and the purple barberry (B. vulgaris purpurea) were intermediate between the parents in character of thorns, leaves, flowers, and time of blossoming. HORTICULTURE. 853 Attempts to hybridize wild and cultivated species of verbena and aquilegia were successful. With the latter many distinct intermediate forms were obtained. Similar attempts with wild and cultivated gera- niums were unsuccessful. The author also reports results of work with various cereals and peas (E. S. R., 10, p. 835). Horticultural conditions in Europe, L. H. Bailky (Rural New Yorker, 58(1899), No. 2559, pp. 9.3-95). Practical arboriculture, Thoncet and Deliege (Arboriculture pratique. Paris: Librairie Larousse, 1S9S, pp. 103, fit/*. 190). — A popular work. Report of the horticulturist of the experimental farm for the maritime provinces, W. S. Blair (Canada Expt. Farms Ilpt. 1897, pp. 288-306). — Lists of varieties of various fruits and ornamental plants planted at the farm are given, together with a, hriel* note on the present condition of each. Notes are given on the hest varieties of a number of garden vegetables tested at the farm. Vegetables, flowers, fruits, shrubs, and trees at the experimental farm for the North-wrest Territories, A. Mackay (Canada Expt. Farms Upt. 1897, pp. 380-398, pi. 1). — Notes and tabular statements regarding varieties of the plants uained ahove are given. Fruits, flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and trees at the experimental farm for Manitoba, S. A. Bedford (Canada Expt. Farms Bpt. 1897, pp. 336-353, pi. 2).— Brief notes and tabular statements in regard to varieties of the ahove plants are given. Truck farming, R. H. Price (Florida Farmer and Fruit Grower, n. xer., 11 (1899), No. 6, pp. 84, 85). — Cultural notes on the cantaloupe, tomato, Irish potato, cabbage, snap beau, and sweet potato, which are stated to be among the vegetables that can be grown with profit in the coast regions of Texas and bear shipping a long Avay. The vegetable garden, L. J. Troncet (Le jardin potager. Paris: Librairie Larousse, 1S98, pp. 181, figs. 190). — A popular work. A number of the illustrations are lithographed in colors. The forcing of vegetables, N. Butterhach (Amer. Card., 20 (1899), No. 217, pp. 121, 122). — A continued article giving practical directions for the forcing of vegetables, together with lists of varieties adapted to this purpose. The eggplant (Solanum melongena), A. Zega (Chem. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 92, p. 975, figs. 2). — Notes on the size, morphology, and culinary preparation of the fruit of the eggplant. The chemical analyses of 6 samples are tabulated and these are compared with analyses of fruit grown from Japanese seed, which latter contained more water. Notes are also given on the extraction of the coloring matter from the outer layer of the fruit. The evolution of our native fruits, L. H. Bailey (New York: The Macmillan Co., 189S,pp. 472, figs. 125). — This is a companion volume to the author's Survival of the Unlike, and endeavors to show how leading types have come to be. The subjects treated are: The rise of the American grape, the strange history of the mulberries, the evolution of American plums and cherries, the native apples, the origin of Amer- ican raspberry growing, and the evolution of blackberry and dewberry culture. Various types of berry-like and tree-like fruits more lightly touched upon are the gooseberry, native currants, juneberry, buffalo berry, elderberry, high- bush cran- berry, cranberry, strawberry, persimmon, custard apple, thorn apple, and nut fruits. In each case the native species, their distribution and feral variations are discussed. These considerations furnish a key to the origin of many of the cultivated races. Other races are traced back to their origin as a stray seedling, or a hybrid, feral or otherwise. Much prominence is given to the work of those pioneer experimenters who have been most instrumental in the amelioration of native fruits. The work thus 854 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. partakes not a little of the nature of historical narrative, and interest in this nar- rative is much enhanced by the author's lucid and entertaining style. Appended to the description of the American grape are a synopsis of the American species of grapes and a bibliography of American grape literature. Much attention is given to the analysis of the complex relationships existing within the genus Prunus. The author's study of the American Rubi has brought to light a surprising confusion in the nomenclature of the blackberry and dewberry group. He has personally identi- fied the type specimens of this group in European herbaria, and h;is thoroughly revised the nomenclature to agree with them. The concluding chapter of the book, general remarks on the improvement of our native fruits, is a reprint Avith minor modifications of a paper originally contributed to the 1896 Yearbook of this Depart- ment, pp. 297-301 (E. S. R., 9, p. 558). In tracing the evolution of the native American fruits the author has brought to light many facts of great historical interest and has called attention to the opportunities that await the explorer in the field of his- tory of agriculture. A new fruit (Salpichroa rhomboidea), F.W. Burrridge (Sci. Amer. Sup., 47 (1899), No. 1:204, p. 19297). — This fruit, which is also known as Withamia and belongs to the Solanacese, is said to be ovoid, "about the size of a small olive, the skin being, when ripe, pale yellow, and filled with soft pulp and seeds." It is said to taste "like a combination of nectarine and pineapple, with a dash of melon thrown in." It is believed that the fruit will never become of much economic value. Fruits at the experimental farm for British Columbia, T. A. Sharpe (Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1897, pp. 420-433). — Data, in regard to varieties of various fruits are given in notes and tables. Fruits, H. Benton (Alabama Canebrake Sta. Bui. IS, pp. 12-15). — A list of fruit trees planted on the station grounds. Certain varieties of apples, pears, and grapes are recommended as especially adapted to the soil and climate. History of the Yellow Newton apple (Montana Fruit Grower, S (1S99), No. 37, p. 1). — Historical and descriptive notes. Report on plums, G. Vestal and F. Garcia (Neio Mexico Sta. Bui. 27, pp. 117- 132). — This bulletin gives directions for plum culture. The subjects discussed are soil for plums, the best stocks for plums, planting the orchard, the best time to plant trees, arrangement of trees in the orchard, cultivation of the orchard, irrigation of the orchard, pruning, thinning the fruit, fertilization of plums, and selection of varieties. Varieties of the domestica group are principally planted in New Mexico. The American and Japanese groups do not succeed, on account of the late spring frosts, the almost certain occurrence of which is a determining factor in the selection of varieties. Descriptions are given of varieties that have fruited in the station orchard, together with tables showing the dates of blooming the last four years; and another table shows the maximum and minimum temperature during the bloom- ing period. A number of varieties not in the station orchard are recommended for trial throughout the Territory. Olive culture, Z. Espejo (Gultivo del oliro. Madrid: M. G-. Hernandez, 189S, pp. 228). — In addition to treating of olive culture, notes are given of the insect and plant parasites and means for their repression. The persimmon, J. C. YViiittkn (Fruitman's Guide, 7 (1S99), No. 157, p. 14). — Notes on the variability, marketing, use, and propagation of this fruit. Modern viticulture, G. De Dubor ( Viticulture moderne. Paris: Ubrairie Larousse, 1S9S, pp. 156, fiP- 110- 120). — Notes are given of a number of the more common parasitic dis- eases of cultivated plants, and experiments are reported on the effect of shading on the production of gooseberry mildew. The plants were shaded by planting hills of corn on the south, east, and west sides of the gooseberry plants. The results obtained seem to indicate that the shading reduced the amount of gooseberry mildew, and this experi- ment is to be repeated on a more extensive scale. Attention is called to the attack of Heterosporium gracile on species of cultivated iris, and applications of Bordeaux mixture are recom- mended as a preventive treatment. A dry rot of apples which is said to be caused by a fungus closely resembling Penicillium glancum is briefly described. A peach disease which has been observed for several years is described, the characteristics of it being abnormally thickened annual shoots; a marked increase in the buds; tufted broom-like growths involving a single twig or branch, or sometimes even the entire top of the tree, the color of the foliage being somewhat lighter green than normal and the leaves much narrower and contorted. The symptoms of this disease are somewhat like those of peach rosette, and specimens submitted to the Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology of this Department were identified as resembling rosette, but no positive opinion was given. On account of the serious nature of this disease the author recommends the cutting and burning of all affected trees. A serious grape disease has been under observation for several years. The affected vine may be recognized by the leaves, which become light yellow in color; the canes are shortened and the tendrils often abor- tive. The root system is very imperfect. Microscopical examination of affected plants did not reveal any fungus, bacteria, or insect that could be positively identified as the cause of this disease. Assuming that the trouble may be due to a lack of nutrition, a series of experi- ments has been begun with different fertilizers and these will be con- tinued for some time. Experiments for the control of potato scab were conducted in which 2 varieties of potatoes were treated with various fungicides. The ones used were corrosive sublimate, kainit, nitrate of soda, potassium sul phid, sulphur, formalin, and lysol. The results obtaiued by these experiments showed that there was a marked difference in the 2 varie- ties in their susceptibility to the potato scab, one variety being affected DISEASES OF PLANTS. 80 1 very little, while in the other 90 per cent of the tubers of the checked plat were affected by the scab. In these experiments thelysol solution gave the best results, followed by corrosive sublimate. The use of for- malin gave very unsatisfactory results, quite at variance with the results of J. 0. Arthur at the Indiana Station (E. S. R., 9, p. 450). Brief notes are given of the injury done to roses by growth of mucor, and on the leaf spot of celery. Experiments were also conducted with the fungus parasite of the San Jose scale, from which it appears that this parasite (SphceropMla cocco- phila) can not be looked upon as a practical preventive of the scale in southern Ontario. Experiments were conducted with corrosive sublimate, kainit, nitrate of soda, potassium sulphid, formalin, and lysol for the prevention of bean anthraenose. One and one-half per cent solutions of lysol gave satisfactory results, followed by formalin and potassium sulphid. If further trials of these fungicides should corroborate the results given, lysol would supersede copper sulphate as a preventive of bean anthrae- nose, as the results obtained are more satisfactory than those in former experiments with copper sulphate. Rust in wheat during the dry season of 1897, D. Mc Alpine ( Agr. Gaz. New South Wales, 0 (1898), No. 12, pp. 1421, 1422).— Notes are given of a number of specimens of wheat that were submitted to the author to ascertain the presence of rust. The season had been an exceedingly dry one and was considered unfavorable for rust growth, but the speci- mens showed the presence of a few rust pustules and associated with them were 2 saprophytic fungi (Cladosporium herbarum and Septoria glumarum). As bearing on Eriksson's hypothesis (E. S. R., 9, p. IIS) of the exist- ence of a symbiotic mycoplasma in wheats whereby the rust is carried from one crop to another, the author states that he grew seed of 10 varieties of wheat that had been sent him from Sweden by Eriksson and although they were all attacked by either one or both of the native species of rust, they were entirely free from the yellow rust (Puecinia glumarum), the rust which attacks wheats most severely in Sweden. This evidence, though not conclusive, on account of the fact that the variety of wheat was selected as one resistant to the yellow rust, seems to be somewhat opposed to the theory advanced by Eriksson. The treatment of sooty mold (fumagine), L. Degkully (Prog. Agr. et Vit, 30(1898), No. 52, pp. 749-751). — The author mentions various attempts to control this disease. Among the winter treatments recom- mended are spraying with kerosene emulsion and the use of sulphuric- acid washes. It is stated that during the past season in Gironde a solu- tion composed of water 100 liters, fat lime 1^0 kg., and crude petroleum 10 kg. was used. Another formula said to have been used with success was crude petroleum 5 kg., crude naphthaline 8 kg., quick lime 25 kg., and water 100 liters. The author believes that the absolute efficiency of these solutions has not yet been established, and has made arrange- ments to have them tested on a greater scale. 862 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Notes on Stewart's sweet-corn germ (Pseudomonas stewarti), E. F. Smith (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sri., 47 (1898), pp. 422-426).— The author reports having received from F. 0. Stewart, of the Xew York State Station, in 1898 pure cultures of the organism, which had been described as the cause of a disease of sweet corn (E. S. K.,9, p. 1056). He states that with some exceptions, as far as he has studied it the organ- ism possesses the characters assigned to it by Stewart, and some others which will help to readily distinguish it. The behavior of the organ- ism on various media is fully described. It seems to be an undescribed form, is motile by a single polar flagellum, and has been designated Pseudomonas steicarti, n. sp. The following synopsis of characters is given : "A medium-sized rod rounded at the ends and motile by means of one polar fla- gellum, size 0.5 to 0.9 by 1 to 2jti, no spores observed ; found in enormous numbers in the vascular bundles of corn (Zea mays) associated with a destructive disease of which it is probably the cause; color in the host plant and in culture media yellow (buff to chrome or ocher, occasionally a pale, dirty yellow) ; aerobic and facultative anaerobic; grown in all ordinary culture media; bears alkali well (soda) ; and plant acids extremely well; grows luxuriantly in Uschinsky's solution; growth enor- mously stimulated by cane sugar, grape sugar, and galactose; growth not favored by 5 per cent doses of lactose, maltose, dextrin, mannite, or glycerin in nutrient starch ' jelly ; diastatic action feeble, i. e., able to obtain food from starch only with much diffi- culty; produces alkalies in all sorts of media and acids in the presence of grape and cane sugar; reduces litmus slowly; does not liquefy gelatin; does not liquefy Loef- fler's blood serum; grows well at summer temperatures of 25 to 30° C.J does not die out quickly in culture media ; does not produce gas ; sensitive to light; occurs in New York and Michigan, and may be looked for in all parts of the United States." The time for treatment of black rot in southeastern France, J. Perratjd ( Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 19, pp. 1377- 1379). — In a previous paper (E. S. E., 9, p. 761) the author has shown in general the time of the different invasions of black-rot fungus in the vineyards of southeastern France. In the present paper he reviews experiments conducted in 1896 and 1897 for the prevention of this dis- ease. In 1896, the times of the appearance of the black-rot fungus were May 26, June 10 and 22, July 5 and 18, and August 1 and 17 ; and sprayings were given the vines on the following dates : May 5 and 15, June 1, 13, and 25, and July 8, 18, and 30. In summarizing the results of the work in 1896, it is stated that 1 applications of fungicides, made May 15, June 1 and 25, and July 18, were sufficient to entirely protect the crop. In 1897 the black rot appeared in the vineyards May 28, June 23, July 6 and 20, and August 4. The sprayings in this year were made on May 1, 12, and 20, June 2 and 26, July 3 and 17, and August 3. In this year, although the vineyard was injured by a heavy hailstorm, 98 per cent of the grapes were saved by treatments given the vines on May 12, June 2 and 26, and July 13 ; and the author states that the pres- ervation would have been complete had there been a supplementary treatment July 3. Generalizing from the experiments of the years 1896 and 1897, the DISEASES OF PLANTS. 863 author states that 4 applications are all that are usually necessary, and these should he given the vines at times which coincide with certain easily distinguished periods of growth, namely, (1) when the young shoots are 15 to 20 cm. in length; (2) at the time when the (lowers are beginning to open; (3) at the close of the flowering period, and (4) when the grapes have attained about one-half their full size. The most critical time in combating the black rot is stated to be the fortnight following flowering and the last half of July. In conclusion, the author states that the 4 applications given as above will usually be found all that are necessary, but occasionally supple- mental treatment will be necessary if a sudden attack of the fungus should be imminent. The life history and characteristics of the pear-blight germ, M. I>. Waite (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (1898), pp. 127, 428). — The author states that the first appearance of the germs on the new growth of the season in the spring appears on the nectar disks. The bacilli live and multiply in the nectar and are able to infest the host without puncture or injury through the nectar glands. The distribu- tion from flower to flower and tree to tree is through the agency of insects. Infection also occurs on young shoots and less frequently on the fleshy bark through injuries. No evidence has been found that the germs are carried by the wind. The blight germs usually die out in the twigs which are blighted, but in certain cases they manage to keep alive through the summer, making slow growth in the fleshy bark. Such cases may succeed in living over a winter, winter weather being favorable to the longevity on account of moisture and low tem- perature. These hold-over cases of blight are apparent in the spring by the exudation of considerable quantities of gummy matter full of bacilli. These are visited by insects, principally flies and wasps, which carry the germs to the newly opened flowers, thus completing the life cycle. The characters of the bacillus are briefly given, its appearance when cultivated upon various media described, and certain statements for- merly made which are now known to be erroneous are corrected. The color of the germ mass, which has previously been stated to be yellowish white on the potato, must have come, in the author's opinion, from impure cultures as the true pear-blight germ is always white. No gas is formed, contrary to previous expressions, and while the germ pro- daces some acids, no butyric acid is produced in its decomposition. It has been stated that starch is decomposed and used as food by the germ in cultures, but in the author's experiments this has never been demonstrated. It has also been claimed that the germ lives over winter in the soil, but so far the author has failed to find any evidence of this fact. Notes on some diseases of southern pines, H. von Schrenk (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Set., 47 (1898), p. 414).— Of the numerous para- sitic fungi attacking the species of southern pines, Trametes pini is said 8G4 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. to be by far the most destructive. This fungus attacks the older trees, entering through a knot and causing disintegration of the heartwood. The mycelium dissolves portions of the wood fibers, at lirst changing them to cellulose. After a time the solution stops and the wood then appears full of holes with a white lining, the holes separated by lamellae of comparatively sound wood. The wood not destroyed seems to be protected against the attacks of fungus ferments by some substance which infiltrates into the wood cells. The author thinks that in the case of pines attacked by this fungus, a compound allied to the humus compounds, is present which gives the wood a brown color. Another fungus, Trametcs radiciperda, enters the trees through the roots; the mycelium passes up into the trunk, causing decay similar to that described above. This disease has been found destroying numer- ous trees of Finns palustris and F. echinata. Plant diseases observed in Denmark during 1896, E. RoSTRTJP (Tidsslcr. Landbr. Planteavl, 4(1897); dbs. in Ztschr. Pflanzenkmnk., S (1S98), No. 5, pp. 278-2S0).— Notes are given on the principal fungus .and insect injuries to cereals, grasses, leguminous forage plants and garden crops. Plant diseases appearing in Italy in the year 1897, G. BRIOSI (Bol. Not. Agr., 19 (1897), pp. 124-133; abs. in Ztechr. Pflanzenkrank., S (1S9S), No. 5, pp. 273-277).— Notes are given on the more important fungus diseases observed during the period indicated. Sensitiveness of certain parasites to the acid juices of the host plants, E. F. Smith (Bol. Gaz., 27 (1S99), No. 2, pp. 124, 125).— -In a brief abstract the author states that the comparatively slow progress of Pseudomonas campestris, P. phaseoli, and P. hyacinth i when inoculated into the host plants, even in enormous numbers, led to the belief that the restraining influence must be the acid juices of the cabbage, bean, and hyacinth. In studying these organisms all the fluids in which they were grown were tested, being titrated with caustic soda and phenolphthalein, so that the exact grade of acidity which retarded growth was definitely known. The full results of the author's experiments are promised in another paper. The plant parasites of coffee, G. Dklacroix (Per. Cult. Coloniales, 4(1899), No. 21, pp. 34-38). — The parasites are said to be several species of Loranthus, an alga, Cephaleuros coffea:, a number of Ascomycetes, and 2 species of Hemileia. Concerning the symbiotic mycoplasmic theory in grain rusts, H. L. Bolley (Centbl. Bakt. it. Par., 2. Alt., 4 (189S), No. 23, pp. 855-859; 24,pp. 8S7-S97; 25, pp. 913- 919, Jigs. 6). — This paper was presented to Section F of the American Association for the Advancement of Science at the Boston meeting August, 1898. An abstract of the paper is given in the proceedings of the Association (E. S. R., 10, p. 653). The author believes that Eriksson's theory (E. S. R., 9, p. 118) is not well founded, and that the infection is by the distribution of uredo spores by the winds. Some important wheat diseases, C. O. Townsend (Maryland Sla. Bui. 5S, pp. 123-127). — Popular notes arc given of the wheat smuts and rusts with suggested remedies. Tbe author states that in certain parts of the State a Septoria (probably S. glumarium) is more or less prevalent. Red rust of wheat, II. Garman (Kentucky Sla. Bui. 77, pp. 121, 122). — A brief popular summary is given of a paper presented by the author for a farmers' institute at Shelhyville, Kentucky, in which is summarized the present state of information relative to the cause of grain rusts. The asparagus rust (Bui. Soc. Cent. Hort. Seine- In ferieure, 2.ser., 2 (1SDS), No. 5, pp. 3G1-363). — Notes the presence and injurious effects of Puccinia asparagi and DISEASES OF PLANTS. 865 recommends spraying the beds with a solution of copper sulphate, 3 kg. to 100 liters of water. On the relation of two species of Puccinia on Stachys, P. MAGNUS (Her. Dent. Boi. Gesell., 16 (1898), Xo. 10, pp. 877-885, pi. 1).— Notes are given on Puccinia har- ioii and /'. vossii. Diseases of carnations, P. Soraueu (Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank., 8 (1898), Xo. 5, pp. 283-295).— The author describes at some length 9 diseases of carnations that have been observed in Germany. Root rot of alfalfa and sugar beete, V. Pegmon (Hot. Ent. Agri. e. Patol., 4 (1S97), pp. 367-369; aba. in Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank., 8 (1898), X<>. 5, p. sdp).—Briel notes are given on the attacks of Rhizoctonia violacea on the alfalfa roots and Dema- topliora necatrix on the beet roots. The bacterial wet rot of potatoes, C. Wehmer (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par. 2. Alt. 4 (189S), No. 13, pp. 540-546; 14, pp. 570-577; 15-16, pp. 627-635; 17-18, pp. 694-700; 'l9, pp. 754-739; 20, pp. 764-770; 21, pp. 795-S05, ph. 2). Combating potato diseases with Bordeaux mixture, E. Git/kit (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 4S (1899), Xo. 4, pp. 142-148).— Three varieties of potatoes were thor- oughly sprayed with Bordeaux mixture and the results of the treatment are given. No Phytophthora appeared on the sprayed plants, and the yield of these plants as compared with the checks was as 161 to 100. There were more large potatoes and the specific weight and starch content were considerably higher, which was attrib- uted to the fungicide. A root disease of mulberry trees, N. Ichakawa (Forstl.Xaturw. Ztschr., 7 (1S98), Xo. 12, pp. 423-42S). — A disease of mulberry trees that has been known in Japan for at least 17 years is described. It is said to be caused by HeJicobasidium sp. attacking the roots of the trees. On the occurrence and prevention of grape diseases in Germany in 1896 (Abs. in Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank., 8 (1S98), Xo. 5, pp. 307-3 10) .—The diseases and inju- ries are classed under those induced by climatic influences, those due to insects, those caused by parasitic fungi, and those whoso origin is unkown. A bacteriological study of pear blight, Lillian Snyder (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (1S9S), pp. 426, 427). — The author has made a study of the life history of the true pear-blight bacillus (Micrococcus amylororus), but the principal part of the paper is taken up with the description of a second germ, which very frequently accompanies it. This germ was isolated and carried through various cultures and inoculation experiments made, and the author concludes that the second germ isolated from the tree in connection with the true blight is really saprophytic. The leaves cf the Red Astrachan apple immune from the attack of Gymnospo- rangium macropus, W.J. Bkal (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (lS9S),p. 421). — The author desiring to cultivate this fungus in the botanic gardens at the Michigan Agri- cultural College secured young cedars well supplied with living galls and planted them almost in contact with 2 young apple trees of the Red Astrachan variety. Artificial transfers were made of the spores from the cedar to the apple and numer- ous examinations made, but no traces of the fungus could be found on the apple leaves. The test was repeated in 1898 with similar results, and a letter from L. R. Jones, of the Vermont Experiment Station, is quoted, in which it is stated that he had tried to induce the teleutospon s of red cedar to attack red astrachans with neg- ative results. On the occurrence of a yeast form in the life cycle of the black rot cf apples, W. B. Alwood (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (1893), p. 422).— The author reports the discovery of a yeast form in laboratory culture of the fungus causing the black rot of apple (Sphceropbis malorum). This yeast form has been isolated and reinfections made on the fruit of apple produced the fruiting bodies characteristic of the black- rot fungus. 8(36 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. ENTOMOLOGY. Report of the entomologist and botanist, J. Fletcher ( Canada Expt. Farms Bpt. 1897, pp. 187-230, figs. 18). — Notes are given on the jointworm (Isosoma sp.), the grain plant louse (Siphonophora avence), and grasshoppers which affect cereals. The pea weevil (Bmchiis j>i*i) and pea moth (Semasia nigricana) are described at some length and suggestions given for their destruction. Insects which attack root crops and vegetables are described. Among them are mentioned cut- worms, blister beetles, carrot rust fly (Psila rosce), and spinach carrion beetle (Silpha bituberosa). Insects affecting fruits are described, the more important of them being the tent caterpillar, cankerworms, shot borer (Xyleborus dispar), oyster-shell bark louse (Mytilaspis pomorum), apple maggot (Trypeta pomonella), apple fruit miner (Argyresthia con- jugella), various species of plant lice, strawberry crown borer (Tylo- derma foveolatum), currant maggot (Epochra canadensis), native currant ■sa wfly ( Oymnonychus appendiculatus), and the San Jose scale. The life history and notes on the attacks and methods of prevention are given for these different insects. A report on the management of the apiary by J. Fixter is appended in which a chronological history of the bees during the season of 1S97 is given. Experiments in wintering are also reported, in which 15 colonies were put into winter quarters in the cellar and placed on shelves beginning 18 in. from the floor. Under the back end of each hive was placed a 3-inch block by which each hive was raised so as to secure ventilation. These hives were put in the cellar with the tops and bottoms of the hives left on. Two colonies were stored in a root house, 2 were placed in a pit dug in the side of a hill, and 2 were win- tered in a wood shed. The mode of wintering which gave the best satisfaction was the first. The other methods were more or less unsatisfactory, owing to a number of causes. The report concludes with a brief account of the distribution and value of awnless brome grass in Canada. Experiments -with bees, S. A. Bedford (Canada, JExpt. Farms Bpt. 1897, pp. 331, 335).— An experiment is reported in wintering bees in which the hives were placed G in. from the floor and protected with a piece of old woolen carpet placed under the wooden cover. When placed in the cellar each colony had 30 lbs. of honey, which proved more than sufficient for the winter, and all the hives wintered successfully. The temperature of the cellar, as shown by a self-regis- tering thermometer, remained steadily between 40 and 50° F. In 189(> some difficulty was experienced with persistent swarming of the bees, resulting in the weakening of the colonies, and in the follow- ing year most of the brood frames were filled with bees and a large upper story filled with wire foundations was added and the frames extracted as required. This gave an abundance of room and no swarm- ing whatever occurred and all the colonies became strong before fall. An average of 45 lbs. of extracted honey was taken from each hive. ENTOMOLOGY. 867 A list of plants which arc visited by bees is given, arranged in the order of flowering-. Miscellaneous injurious insects, C. V. Piper and \l. W. DoANE {Washington Sta. Bui. So, pp. 24, figs. 13). — On account of the rapidity with which the San Jose scale has spread over the State and the great amount of damage it is causing, the authors have given descriptive notes and an account of the life histor.y of this insect. The most approved remedies for the destruction and prevention of the distribu- tion of the scale are given. The bud moth (Tmetocera ocellana), which was unknown within the State 3 years ago, is now reported as having gained a foothold in sev- eral sections and has done much damage wherever noted. The appear- ance of the insect at different stages of development is described. The remedies suggested for combating it are spraying trees with Paris green during the early stages of the larva-, or just as the larva1 are leav- ing winter quarters and beginning to eat their way into the buds. On account of the peculiar habits of this insect these are about the only periods at which it can be successfully treated. The strawberry crown moth (Sesia rutilans) is figured, its habits and life history described, and remedies suggested. The best, surest, and easiest way to control this pest, the authors state, is to watch the plants early in the spring and dig out and ("sstroy by burning any dead and dying plants, or any that from weak condition seem to indicate that they may be infested. The plum sphinx (Sphinx albescens) is figured and described. When abundant the trees should be sprayed with Paris green for the preven- tion of injury. Hand picking, however, will ordinarily be sufficient to keep these insects in check. The sphinx is parasitized by a small wasp- like insect (Rhogas fumipennis). Illustrated notes are given on the tomato worm and blister beetles, with suggested remedies. The strawberry thrips and the onion thrips, A. L. Quaintance (Florida Sta. Bui. 46, pp. 77-114, figs. 12). — The author reports the occurrence of Thrips tritici during the spring seasons of 1896 and 1S!I7, when it proved quite destructive to strawberries and other crops. The insect is said to be present in Florida throughout most of the year, but it was only during March, April, and May in the 2 seasons indi- cated that serious damage was done. In both these seasons the straw- berry crop of Florida was reduced fully one-third by the action of these insects. The thrips attacks the pistils of the strawberry most fre- quently, resulting in the blighting of the ovaries. In addition to the attacks on the pistils, the petals, particularly at their bases, and also the stamens are attacked to some extent. The injurious effect of these insects seemed to be in preventing the fertilization of the ovules. Since the stigmas are attacked, the normal fertilization is greatly retarded, if not entirely prevented. In March, 1898, the thrips was very abundant about Lake City ami 868 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. in April attacked the foliage of various plants, .such as Le Conte pears, Kelsey plums, English peas, parsley, and endive. The damage to the flowers of the strawberry was not so severe as in 1897, but blackberries, dewberries, and roses suffered considerably more. The life history and habits of the insect were studied, from which it appears that the life cycle of Thrips tritici is quite short, requiring but 12 days. The eggs are deposited in the tissues of the infested plants and hatch in 3 days. The larval stage lasts about 5 days, during which time the insect makes 2 molts. The nymph stage continues for about 4 days, in which time no food is taken. In 1897-98 experiments were conducted with a number of insecti- cides for the control of this pest, and while a number of them proved valuable, the laboratory experiments showed that rose-leaf insecti- cide, whale-oil soap, kerosene emulsion, pyrethrum powder, and Ham- mond's thrips juice were all efficient in destroying the insect under laboratory conditions. For field purposes the most successful insecti- cides are rose-leaf insecticide, whale-oil soap, and kerosene emulsion, but on such fruits as the strawberry, blackberry, etc., the author recommends the use of the rose leaf insecticide, since the oils present in the other 2 give a disagreeable flavor to the fruit. During the spring seasons of 1897 and 1898 Thrips tabaci has proved very destructive to onions, cauliflower, and cabbage in the vicinity of Lake City. These insects were first noted about the middle of April, when they were observed to be infesting onions in the station gardens, and continued their destruction until about July 1, when they gradually disappeared. This species is injurious to the foliage of many plants. On onions it chafes the epidermis of the green leaves, causing them to dry out, whiten, and frequently die. On cabbage and cauliflower the effects are about the same. The life history and habits of this insect show that it has a somewhat longer life cycle than that of T. tritici, requiring about 1(5 days for its completion. This insect goes through 3 molts during its life cycle. The egg state lasts about 4 days, the larval stage 8 days, and the nymph stage 4 days. This species of thrips can be successfully combated by the use of the same insecticides as recommended for the previous species except that the solutions should be somewhat stronger. Report on the San Jose scale in Maryland and remedies for its suppression and control, W. G. Johnson (Maryland Sta. Bui. 57, pp. 116, figs. 23). — Preliminary to a discussion of the Sau Jose scale, the author reviews the entomological work of 1890 and 1897 and gives an extended account of the introduction, present condition, distribu- bution, and life history of the Sau Jose scale. The operations con- ducted in Maryland for destroying the insect and preventing its further introduction are given at considerable length. Fumigation with hydro- cyanic-acid gas is considered the most successful treatment. Experi- ments with whale-oil and other kinds of soap and kerosene are reported upon and the result of their application in Maryland is stated. ENTOMOLOGY. 809 Insects injurious to currants and gooseberries, 0. V. PlPEE and R. W. DoANE ( Washington Sta. Bui. 36, pp. 16, Jigs. 8). — The authors state that there arc at least 3 different species of insect in the State which attack and destroy the fruit of the currant and gooseberry. These insects are the dark currant fly {Rhagoletis ribicola), yellow currant fly {Epochra canadensis), and gooseberry frail worm (DaJcruma convolutella). The insects are fully described and their habits and life histories given and various remedies suggested for their prevention. Illustrated notes and life histories are also given of the following insects which are injurious to the foliage of the currant and gooseberry: Native currant sawlly (Gymnonyehus appendiculatus), pepper-and-salt currant moth {Eubyia cognitaria), currant aphis {Myzus ribis), currant borer (Sesia tipuliformis), and western pulvinaria {Pulvinaria innume- rabili.s occiden ta lis). Notes on horntails and their host plants, W. Leisewitz (Ztsclvr. Forst Naturw., 7 {1898), Xo. 12, pp. 439-442).— The author enumerates a number of species of horn i ails, arranging them according to the woody plants upon which they live. The species are as follows: Spruce— Sirex gigas, S. spectrum, S. juvencus, S. noctilio, Xiphydria camelus; pine — Sirex gigas, S. juvencus, S. noctilio, Xiphydria camelus ; Abies — Sirex gigas, S. spectrum, S. juvenvits, Xiphydria camelus; larch — Sirex gigas; oak — Sirexmagus, Xiphydria longi- collis, Cephus cynosbati ; beech — Cephus cynosbati, Sirexmagus, S.fuscicornis; maple — Sirex magus, Xiphydria longicollis; elm — Xiphydria sp., X. dromedarius ; birch — Sirex magus, S. fuscicornis, Xiphydria longicollis, X. camelus; alder — Xiphydria camelus, Oryssus vespertilio; poplar — Sirex fuscicornis, Xiphydria dromedarius; willow — Xiphy- dria dromedarius, Cephus cynosbati; pear — Sirex magus, Xiphydria longicollis, Cephus abdominalis, C. compress us; Ruhus — Cephus fumipennis ; and Spiraea — Cephus major. A spraying mixture for cauliflower and cabbage worms, F. A. Sireine {New Tori- State Sta. Bui. 144, pp. 26-47, pis. 6). — The use of a resin-lime mixture for the prevention of injury caused by the imported cabbage worm {Fieris rapcf) and the cabbage looper {Plusia brassicw) is recommended.- The formula for the insecticide is pulverized resin 5 lbs., concentrated lye 1 lb., fish oil 1 pt., and water 5 gal. This is to be made into a stock solution by placing the oil, resin, and 1 gal. of hot water in an iron kettle and heating it until the resin is softened, after which the concentrated lye is carefully added and the mixture thor- oughly stirred. Four more gallons of hot water are added and the whole mass boiled until the mixture will unite with cold water, making a clear, amber colored liquid. When through boiling this mixture should make 5 gal. of the stock solution. When used the insecticide is prepared by combining 1 gal. of the stock solution, 10 gal. of water, 3 gal. milk of lime, and £ lb. Paris green. The water, resin, and milk of lime are combined, after which the Paris green is added. If the milk of lime should be added to the undiluted resin mixture, a heavy pre- cipitate would be formed, which not only settles rapidly but interferes with spraying, as it clogs the nozzles. This resin-lime mixture with Paris green was first tested in L895, on elm trees for the elm-leaf beetle. Later it was used to spray rutabagas 870 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. which were badly infested with cabbage worms, and 3 days after treat- ment not a single living worm could be found. In 189G and subse- quently it was extensively tested on cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, and in every case when properly applied gave good results. During the fall and winter of 1897-08 it was tested on lettuce grown in forcing houses with good results, but the author does not recommend it for this purpose, as he thinks that the adults could be kept out of forcing houses by the use of mosquito netting to better advantage. The experiments, which have been conducted on a considerable scale, indicate that the cost per acre of material and labor for 2 applications of this fungicide to cabbage or cauliflower would be about $2. Power spraying pumps can not be used for spraying cabbage or cauliflower, owing to the method of growth. The life history of the 2 most serious insect pests to cabbage and cau- liflower growing is given and detailed recommendations made for the application of the insecticides. The use of arsenites on such crops as these is attended with some danger, but the author states that if the directions given are carefully followed no ill effects will result. It is explicitly stated that this mixture should not be used on cabbage after the heads are two-thirds formed; that only skillful and intelligent laborers should be trusted with the application of it on cauliflowers, and that it should never be applied after the "flower" has commenced to form. For the heading varieties of lettuce it can be safely used until the plants are one-third grown; to other varieties it should never be applied. Spraying, J. Craig- (Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 18.97, pp. 105-110). — The apple orchards on the Central Experimental Farm were sprayed 4 times with Bordeaux mixture, and Paris green, and as a result of this work it was difficult at harvest time to find an imperfect specimen of fruit. Comparisons were made of using lysol and formalin in different strengths, the results indicating that lysol does not posesss qualities superior or equal to any of the present standard insecticides. With for- malin some deterrent influence against the codling moth was noted, but it is hardly equal as an insecticide to some of the arsenites. A compar- ison was made of Bordeaux mixture containing Paris green and of Paris green in water. In reporting the experiments the author states that it will not pay a fruit grower to incur the expense involved in making a separate application of Paris green in view of the very doubtful bene- fits derived. Different formulas of Bordeaux mixture were compared, the one containing 6 lbs. copper sulphate and the other 4 lbs., and when applied to crab apple trees the weaker solution was found to be equally as efficient as the stronger, and did not injure the foliage. Experiments with arsenate of lead, which were continued from the previous year, indicate that this is a very effective remedy against the codling moth. Arsenate of lead in combination with Bordeaux mixture was sprayed on a number of crab apple trees with disastrous results, seeming to indicate that this combination is injurious to both foliage and fruit. Experiments are reported in which different fungicides were employed ENTOMOLOGY. 871 to prevent peach-leaf carl, peach and plum rot, and the orange rust of the quince. Different strengths of lysol, copper sulphate, and Bordeaux mixture were employed. The lysol was apparently without much effect. The trees which were sprayed with copper sulphate developed pencil yellows, and were destroyed before harvest, while the Bordeaux mix- ture proved very efficient in preventing the leaf curl. Bordeaux mixture made from 3 lbs. copper sulphate and 3 lbs. of lime to 1 barrel of water is recommended for application on peach and plum trees. During the summer of 1897 plum, cherry, and apple trees were se- verely attacked throughout Ontario and Quebec by aphides, nursery stock and young orchard trees suffering the most. Experiments were conducted with kerosene emulsion, tobacco water, tobacco water and lemon oil, quassia chips and whale-oil soap for the destruction of these insects, and it was found that where cheapness and efficiency is con- sidered, tobacco water with whale-oil soap produced the best results. Tobacco water and lemon oil gave the most decisive results, but the addition of lemon oil increases the cost of the solution. In spraying for the destruction of these insects care must be exercised that the liquid shall reach the under surface of the leaves, and 2 or 3 applica- tions at intervals of a few days should be made in order to destroy the different generations of the aphides. Modern apiculture, A. L. Clement (U apiculture moderne. Paris: Librairie Lou- rousse, 1S0S, pp. 149, figs. 146, map J). — This is the fourth and revised edition of this work. On the properties of cocoons of the various silkworm races of Japan, J. Kawara {Imp. Univ. Col. Agr. [Tokyo] Bui., Vol. 3, No. ■', pp. 508-520). — Notes are given of the physical properties of the cocoons of 12 Japanese, 1 Chinese, and 1 Italian race of silkworms. Notes on the insects of the year, F. L. Harvey (Maine Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 173-178, pi. 1). — Brief notes are given on a number of insects. Among the more common which are of economic importance are the zebra caterpillar (Mamestrapicta), the potato-stalk borer (Gortyna nitela), the apple-tree tent caterpillar, forest tent caterpillar, beech-bud insect, brown-tail moth (Euproctis chryssorrhma), and a timber beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis). The enemies of agriculture, C. Rampon (Les ennemis de V agriculture. Paris and Nancy: Berger-Levrault $■ Cie.,1898, pp. 408, figs. 140). — This work treats of injurious insects, fungus diseases, and injurious plants. Insect and fungus diseases of fruit trees, and their remedies, Allen, Blunno, Fkoggatt, and Guthrie {Agr. Gaz. New South Wales, 9 (1898), No. l.\ pp. 1426-1480, pi. 1). — The life history and descriptive notes of 12 insect pests of the grapevine are given. Injurious insects of the pear, V.Mayet (Prog. Agr. et lit. (ed. Vest), 20 [1899), No. 7, pp. 212-215). — Notes are given on Bhynchites bacchus and /.'. cceruleus eonicus, together with suggested methods for combating them. Some notes on the entomology of Prunus, T. D. A. Cockerell ( New Mexico Sta. Pul. 27, pp. 132-134).— The important agency of wild bees in the cross fertilization of plums is pointed out. Attention is called to 3 insects infesting the wild cherry (Primus capollin) in that region, namely, Anthonomus (Tachypterus) quadrigibbus, Clisiocampa fragilis var., and Coleophora sp., and the public is cautioned against their threatened introduction into orchards. Combating cabbage pests, F. H. Hall and F. A. Sirrine i New Torh State Sta. Bui. 144, popular ed., pp. S, pis. 2).— This is a popular edition of Bulletin Ml of the station'(E. S.E., 10, p. 869). 872 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Insect injurious to rosaceous plants, E. LUCET (Bui. Soc. Cent. JTort. Seine-In f 6- rieure, .'. ser., 2(1898), No.5, pp. 321-359, pis. ^.-^The present paper treats principally of scarabids and curculios. New genera and species of Australian Coleoptera, T. Blackburn ( Trans. Hog. Soc. South Australia, 22 (189S), No. J, pp. 221-233). Notes on Australian Lepidoptera, A. J. TURNER ( Trans. Hoy. Sue. South Australia, : : i 1898), No. 2, pp. 90-100. pi. 1). Descriptions of new Microlepidoptera, A. J. Turner ( Trans. Roy. Soc. South Australia, 22 (1898), No. 2, pp. 200-214). The Hessian fly,W. G. Johnson (Maryland Sta. Bul.58,pp. 117-122, fig. I). — A brief popular account is given of the Hessian fly, its distribution throughout the State, and the best means for its suppression and control. The ravages of Bombyx pini in Siedlec, Russian Poland (Oesterr. Forst. u. Jagdw. Ztg., 17 (1S99), No. 6, p. 43, figs. 2). Recent investigations of the European ccale insects in comparison "with the San Jose scale, Frank (Gartenflora, 4S (1S99), No. 3, pp. 57-66). Experiments in combating Cochylis ambiguella, A. Battaglini (Hal. Knt. Agr. e Patol., 5 (1898), Nos. 1, 3, 4, 5; abs. in Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank., 8 ( 1898), Xo. 5, jip. 311, 312). — Experiments with finely powered sulphur and 2 per cent rubin, and with preparation made of Bordeaux mixture and rubin, are reported. In addition to having valuable insecticidal properties, they also reduced the amount of mildew present. Experiments in combating Cochylis ambiguella, A. Berlese (Bol. Knt. Agr. e Patol., 5 (1898),pp. 51-53; abs. in Ztschr. Pflanzenlcrank., S (1898), No. 5, p. 312).— The author reports favorably upon -what is known as Martini's mixture for the suppres- sion of this insect. This mixture is composed of Bordeaux mixture and ruliin a. id has an important fungicidal action. Soap emulsions were found to be valueless in combating this insect. FOODS— ANIMAL PKODUCTION. Food and food adulterants, II. W. Wiley et al (JJ. S. Bept. A\, Division of Chemistry Bui. 13, pt. IX, pp. VII + 1169-1374, pis. 7, fitjs. 1). — This bulletin is an extended treatise on cereal grains and the products made from them. The composition of different grains and their various constituents are discussed on the basis of bulletins 9 and 45 of the division. The various constituents of different grains are spoken of in detail as well as methods of preparing cereals for food and the method of making and baking bread. The work of many investi- gators on the insoluble carbohydrates of wheat is cited, and investiga- tions conducted by the Division of Chemistry are reported. Following- are some of the chief results : "As determined by the analysis of the osazones, only the pentoses, xylose, and arabinose result from the hydrolysis of the hemicellulose. This is, therefore, prac- tically identical -with the free or normal pentosans which the wheat contains. " The preparation of cellulose from the liber insoluble in dilute acid was found to be best effected by means of alkali and chlorin as described by Cross and Bevan. . . . "The cellulose obtained as just mentioned, or by fusion of the fiber with strong alkali (Lange's method), contains furfuraldchy de-yielding bodies whose deportment toward reagents indicates the presence of penta-anhydrid, probably in combination with apart of the hexanhydrid or normal cellulose. When dissolved in sulphuric acid, diluted, and hydrolyzed, a small quantity of dextrose only was obtained as osazone. "The property of dyeing in a solution of ferric chlorid and potassium ferricyanid is possessed in a marked degree by the wheat fiber, and the reaction has been found FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCT!* >N. 873 useful in testing the purity of "cellulose" residues. In this respect, as in the for- mation of the lignone chlorid, the lignified tissue of wheat resembles that of jute, the typical lignocellulose. "No notable amount of oxycellulose has been found in any of the preparations from the wheat fiber. . . . " The digestibility of the components in a case where wheat bran had been fed alone was found to be: Starch, 100 per cent; free pentosans, 66.2 per cent; lignin and allied substances, 36.7 per cent; cellulose, 24.8 per cent. "From the analyses given in this paper and the best available results of other experimenters, the proportions present in normal mature wheat, air-dried, are cal- culated as follows: Average percentages of insoluble carbohydrates in air-dried wheat. Per cent. Starch 54. 0 to 59. 0 Free pentosans 3. 5 to 4.5 Lignin and its allies 2. 0 to 2.5 Cellulose 1. 6 to 2. 1 Total insoluble carbohydrates 61. 1 to 68. 1 Investigations on the soluble carbohydrates are also quoted and work of the Division reported. The quantities of invert sugar, sucrose, and dextrin found are shown in the following table: Invert sugar, sucrose, and dextrin or gal act in in cereals and cereal products. Xanie. Invert Sucrose. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. 0.027 0.330 0.160 .068 .416 .220 .031 . 173 .200 .017 .177 .140 .014 .101 .190 .038 .382 .210 .000 .060 .006 .000 .056 .080 .003 . 008 .130 .021 .288 .210 .027 .190 .220 . 002 .085 . 200 W heat Ry. Oats Barley Wheat flour Graham flour Buckwheat flour Self-raising wheat flours Miscellaneous wheat flours Common market wheat flours . Rakers' and family flours Patent wheat flours The ash was determined in a large number of samples of cereals. Some of the results are given in the following table: Composition of pure ash of cereals. Kind of grain a 0 P4 Sodium oxid. '3 0 9 '3 "3 o a s §"3 1 'S o 0 "C u 01 o o p.'S ■ £ o s p.! Chlorin. Wheat: Per ct. 24.03 14.06 27.60 43.20 24.15 26. 76 15.91 33. 92 22. 45 35.15 Per ct. 9.55 2.04 4.04 2.83 6.42 9.36 4.38 7.72 8.89 2.26 Per ct. 3.50 5.73 5.56 5.29 2.44 4.27 4. 09 3.18 5.04 6.62 Per ct. 13.24 16.88 11.73 10.54 8. 23 7.87 7. is 17.99 9.80 20.55 Per ct. 0.52 .57 5.23 .42 .33 .3.'. .20 .50 .4'.! 1.68 Per ct. 46.87 58.38 41.81 27. 63 35.47 24.63 24. 34 35. 25 45.13 24. 09 Per ct. 0.01 .02 .52 .87 .22 .71 .48 .44 .50 3 59 Per ct. 0.00 .00 .58 .00 .56 .47 1.02 .00 .95 .67 Per ct. 2. 28 2. 32 Rye: . 2.45 Other parts of United 3.22 Barley : 22. 30 20. 6!) Oats: United States Maize : United States Rice: Polished Guatemala Buckwheat: United States 42. 64 1.00 6.66 5.54 874 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The importance of the different mineral constituents in nutrition is discussed at considerable length. Analyses are reported of a large number of samples of Hour and of the various milling products of wheat, of patent, self-raising, gluten, and Indian-corn flour, rye, and buckwheat. The method of determining the heat of combustion of cereals is discussed at length, and a number of investigations reported comparing the values obtained by combus- tion of the constituents of cereals with the results obtained by calcu- lation, using the ordinary factors. The following factors are proposed for the different carbohydrates and protein of cereals: Pentosans 3,800 calories per gram, cellulose 4,200 calories, sugar 3,950 calories, and protein 5,900 calories. Determinations of the oils of cereals gave the following values: Wheat oil 9,359 calories, rye oil 9,322 calories, Indian-corn oil 9,280 calories. The ether extracts of different cereals gave the following values per gram: Wheat 9,070 calories, oats 8,927 calories, barley 9,070, rye 9,196. The factor proposed for the calcula- tion of the heat of combustion of fat of cereals is 9,300 calories per gram. On the basis of a number of actual determinations the heat of combustion, as calculated by these factors and as actually determined, is compared. "While the variations in individual instances are considerable, the factors which have been adopted must be very nearly correct, inasmuch as the mean calculated calories differ very little from those determined by actual combustion. . . . "In the light of the data here presented, we can with reason claim that the deter- mination of the calorific power by combustion under pressure in oxygen is destined to be a valuable aid to tbe analyst in serving as a check upon the analytical data. We are further warranted in believing that whenever the calculated calories and the analytical data in hulled cereals and cereal products differ by as much as 100 from those obtained by combustion, the chemist will do well to repeat both the analysis and the combustion in order to discover the source of error. The calorimeter in this way becomes a valuable adjunct to tbe chemist in his work from a purely analytical point of view." The average composition of different sorts of wheat and other flours is given, including entire wheat flour, self-raising flour, gluten flour, and flours made from corn, rye, and barley. The carbohydrates in a number of flours are as follows: Carbohydrates in flours. Sucrose. Per cent. Patent Hours I 0.10 Common market wheat flours .25 Bakers' and family Hours .10 Dextrin, „ . (.'rude liber. Starch (proteul factor, 5.70). Percent. Percent. Percent. Percent. 0.20 Trace. 0.20 75.60 .20 ! 0.01 I .30 75.80 .15 Trace. .25 75.05 F001 >S ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 875 A number of adulterants in Hour, meal, and bread are described, together with methods of deduction. A large number of analyses were made of broad purchased in Washington, D. G., breakfast foods and similar products, biscuits, crackers, cookies, and similar goods. The average results for different classes of bread are given in the following table: Average composition of breads purchased in the open market. Per cent. Vienna bread 38.71 Homemade bread 33, 02 ( iraham bread 34. SI) Rye bread 33.42 "Quaker" bread 36.16 Miscellaneous breads .. 34.41 In 1he original substance. "Mois- ture. Pro- teids (N 6.25). Per cent. 8.87 7.94 8.93 8.03 7.78 7. CO Pro- teids (X 5 70). Per cent. 8.09 7. 24 8.15 7.88 7.ln 6.93 Car- bohy- Ether : Urates ex- tract. Per cent. 1.06 1.95 2.03 .66 1. 14 1.48 elud- ing fib( T.a Per cent. 53. 72 56.75 53. 40 56.21 54.53 56.18 Crude Ash. Sber Per Per cent. cent . 0. 62 1. 19 .24 1.05 1.13 1.59 .62 1.84 .26 1.(16 .30 1. 00 Per cent. 0.57 .56 .69 1.00 .58 .49 Heat DigeS' of tible com- al- bus- bumi- tion noids. (calcu- lated). Per Calo- cent. ries. 89. 87 4,435 53. 76 4,467 86.61 4,473 74.06 4. 333 59. 27 4,338 56. 36 4,429 Heat of com- bns- tion (de ter- min- ed). Calo- ries. 4,458 4.497 4, 434 4, 395 4,395 4,401 a Calculated on the assumption that protein = N • 5.70. The average composition of the breakfast foods, etc., made from the various cereal grains is as follows: Average composition of breakfast foods and similar products. In the original substance. Mois- ture. Carbo- Pro- E*£fr d rates Crude teids. i.l.x,\ other fiber. than liber. tract. Di- gest i ble pro- teids. Heat lit* com- bustion (calcu- lated). Heat of com- bustion (deter- mined). Shredded wheat biscuit Indian corn breakfast foods (av- erage of 6) Wheat breakfast foods (aver age of 14) Oat breakfast foods .} Starch and tapioca Xoodles, spaghetti, and maca- roni Barley breakfast foods Miscellaneous 10. 57 12.33 10.08 7.66 11. 20 9.66 10.92 6.41 P.ct. P.ct. P.ct. J'.ct. T.et. 12.06 1.03 71.11 2.58 2.6.". . 58, 78. 51 } 1.80' C75.62! Jgjg} 7.46/67.61 .03 .788. 15 1 .42 ,,77.12 .89 ftS0.35 1.03 078 68 7.02 (a 12.01 1&10.96 a. 39 al2.02 ( al 5U i ,/>; 98 12 81 .67 1.48 1.20 . 13 . 56 .67 .99 P.ct. Calories. I Calories. 1« 1 . 55 1.79 . 14 24. .30 62.47 80.53 39. 20 52. 04 4.385 4. 402 4,875 4. 193 > 4. 42S 4,34^ 4,440 4. 300 4, 4S2 4.071 4,160 4.342 4,365 4.400 a Estimated as X" 6.2.">. // Estimated as X 5.70. c Estimated as X" 6.31. d Estimated as X' 5.82. 17950— Xo. 9 — e Estimated by difference, protein being taken as N 5.70. / Estimated by difference, protein being taken as X 6.31. -/ Estimated by difference, protein being taken as X X 6.25. /, Estimated by difference, protein being taken as X" 5.82. H70 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The average composition of the biscuits or crackers, rolls, and cakes analyzed is shown in the following table: Average composition of miscellaneous products. Biscuit or crack- ers (average of 48) Rolls (average of U) Cake and similar goods (average of 61) J> C3 XI SK m l"T s 5 CO *s so X 2 a • y< £ g 2,Sg 4 I ■A IS s-" 0) o % -fc M % h C8 *» — s Ph Ph W O w P.-et. P.et. P.et. P. ct. 7'. c«. P.et. 7.13 10.34 9.43 8.07 73.17 27.98 8.20 7.48 3.41 59.82 11.65 C.91 0.29 9.81 40. 01 24.57 P. c< 0.47 .60 .50 P. ct 1.57 h i oc. Jersey Do I>o Yorkshire American clear bellies. Berkshire Tamworth Chester White Poland China Duroe Jersey Do Do Yorkshire Short-cut hams. Berkshire Tamworth Chester White Poland China Duroc Jersey Do Do Yorkshire Spareribs. Berkshire Tamworth Chester White Poland China Duroc Jersey Do Do Yorkshire Nil rogenous substances. Pro- Water, teids in- soluble I in hot water. Per et. 32. 27 29. 13 23. 72 26. 13 20. 75 20. 32 20.23 28.55 37.27 33. 69 30. 54 30. 78 29. 13 34.52 21.53 33.79 60.29 57. 93 53. 15 54.78 50. 45 37. 26 44. 26 59.14 :VJ. :.t 49.2i 53. 23 52. 95 54.09 49.84 53. 20 52.31 Per et. 7. 00 5. 75 4.50 5. 13 3.94 3.75 4.06 5.94 7.00 7.00 5.44 4.81 5.06 4. 38 2.81 6. 75 14.00 13. 00 11.13 10.69 8.38 17.38 9.56 11.50 13. 44 11.56 13. 63 10.06 14. 06 13. 63 14.56 13. 56 Gelati- Flesh noids. bases. Per et. 0. 50 .09 .44 . 56 .50 .44 .56 1.00 .56 .63 .03 .63 .56 .56 .38 1.25 .69 .63 .63 .81 1. 00 1.25 .87 .87 1.13 1.31 .87 .63 .81 1.13 1.13 1.13 Per et. 0.91 .91 .75 .81 .84 .72 .50 .62 1.22 .91 1.03 1.19 1.00 .59 .31 .66 1.15 1.25 1.97 1.28 .50 1.69 .81 1.09 1.19 1.40 1.65 3.09 1.53 1.09 1.09 1.34 Peret. 8.41 7. 35 5. 69 6.50 5.28 4.91 5*12 7. 62 8.54 7. 10 6. 63 6.62 5.53 3. 50 8. 66 15.84 14.88 13. 73 12.78 9.88 20. 32 11.24 13.46 15.76 14.27 16.15 13.78 16.411 15.85 16.78 10.03 Fat. leci- thin, a Ash. Per et. Per et. /'«'/• ct. 57.69 0. 15 0.51 61.70 .13 .43 70. 16 .12 . 35 66. 33 b .-Jl .38 73.25 .08 .29 73. 63 c .20 .29 73. 95 c .48 .29 62. 53 c .32 .41 51.93 .14 .55 56. 52 .15 .47 60. 73 .08 .42 60. 69 .12 .43 62. 83 .10 .42 58. 97 c .12 .22 73. 56 c .48 .21 56.22 c .25 .48 ' 22.19 c .65 .96 24. 45 .22 .84 30. 99 .35 .80 30. 12 .23 .76 35.94 .03 .71 39. 10 .35 1.32 43.38 C .45 .65 25.23 c .42 .74 29.10 .35 1.00 33. 88 . 25 .93 27. 93 .28 .92 29.55 .31 .95 26. 90 .12 1.04 31. 95 .33 1. 10 27.51 b .83 1.01 29.28 .33 1.05 Total. Pent . 99. 03 OS, Ml lull. 1)1 99.55 99. 65 99. 3.5 100. 07 99. 43 98. 67 99.37 98.87 98.65 99. Ill 99. 36 99.28 99. 40 99. 93 98. 32 99. 02 98. 67 97. 01 98. 35 99. 98 98. 99 98.75 98. 53 98.51 97. 54 98. 55 99.07 99.33 99. 00 a In extracted sample. b Calculated from averages of like cuts. c In residue and fat extract. The average composition of the meat from all cuts of the dressed carcass, the bones, marrow, etc., is shown in the following table: Average composition of carcasses of pigs. Nitrogenous substances. Pro- Water, [teids in- soluble in hot water. Gelati- noids. Flesh bases. Total. Leci- thin. Ash. Total. Meat fi'om all cuts Dressed carcass (with head, leaf lard, and kid- neys removed) Bones Marrow Skin Spinal cord Tendons Hoofs Per et. 35.85 36. 43 38. 55 14.57 46. 33 48. 27 59. 05 43.82 Per et. 7.20 8.12 18. 03 2.10 13. 09 5.61 23. 97 Per et. 0.72 1.10 .79 .14 8.67 .86 4.35 Per ct. 0.90 1.14 1. 14 .06 4.59 .29 1.10 Per et. 10.40 19. 95 2.29 26. 35 6.77 29.41 Per et. 53.51 49.67 14.01 81.13 22. 89 41.21 11.15 .67 Per 0. Per ct. 0.54 2.11 25. 44 .62 .39 1.07 Per ct. ■ 98.99 98.90 98.26 98.11 96. 52 97.94 100.87 100.77 FOODS — ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 879 The relative proportion of the different parts of the carcass to the entire dressed animal, weighing on an average, 144.6 pounds (the head, leaf lard and kidneys being removed), was as follows: Meat (fat and lean), 88.62 per cent; bones (less marrow). 6.28 per cent; skin, 4.67 per cent; marrow, 0.12 percent; spinal cord, 0.08 percent; tendons, 0.16 per cent, and hoofs, 0.08 per cent. The analytical data are discussed in detail. " In regard to the details of the various constituents, it is seen that the Berkshire leads all the others in the percentage of water, namely, 43.10. The smallest percent- age of water is in one of the Duroc Jerseys, namely, 30.31. The largest percentage of fat is found in a Duroc Jersey, namely, 57.68, and the smallest in the Berkshire, namely, 40.46. Of the total nitrogenous suhstauces, the largest quantity is found in the Berkshire, namely, 13.02, and the smallest iu a Duroc Jersey, namely, 8.96. It is evident tli at the meat of the Berkshire is better for the production of muscular strength, while that of the Duroc Jersey is best suited for the production of animal heat. These remarks are made without any expression of opinion concerning the type as a whole, but only on the data obtained from the 2 animals. The examination of a large num- ber of typical animals of each of the breeds would be necessary to establish a definite rule of that kind. It is fair to presume, however, that the single animalis to a certain extent typical, and therefore represents to that extent racial characteristics." Digestion experiments, J. M. Bartlett (Maine Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 141-158, pis. 1). — Experiments to determine the digestibility of mixed silage from mature flint corn, sunflower heads, and horse beans; corn, sunflowers (whole plant), and horse beans; Sauford corn; hay, mostly timothy; corn meal, and skimmed milk, were made with 3 sheep. The usual methods were followed. The feeding periods were of 12 days' duration, the first 7 days being regarded as preliminary. The com- position of the feeding stuffs used is reported. When corn meal or skimmed milk was fed with hay, the coefficients of digestibility were calculated, taking into account the values found when timothy hay was fed alone. In connection with the digestion experiments, the heat of combustion of the feeding stuffs and feces was determined with a bomb calorimeter. Taking into account the fuel value of the food, feces, and urea, the available fuel value of the rations was calculated. A summary of the digestion experiments follows: Coefficient* of digestibility. Dry | Organic matter, matter. Pro- ti'in. Fat. Nitro- gen-free Fiber. extract. Ash. Avail- able fuel value. Silage from corn, sunflower heads, and horse beans: Per ct. 67.(i Per cent. 70.0 Per ct. 64.9 SO. 4 Per ct. 77.0 74.7 /'. r a nt. Per ct. 74.0 . B3.7 70. 8 1 50. 5 Per ct. 41.2 40. 9 Per ct. 65.5 63.5 65.0 01.4 05.6 03.6 07.1! 67.8 07.8 70.8 62.7 56.6 59. 3 70. 7 76.0 72.2 72.4 72.4 75.0 00.1 62.8 07.8 41.1 63. 5 Silage from corn, sunflower (whole plant), and horse beans : 20. 5 30.6 63.3 Sheep n 66.9 65. 5 09. :i 58.0 74.1 73.7 65.3 25.6 65.1 - 880 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Coefficients of digestibility — Continued. Dry mat ter. Organic matter. Pro- tein. Fat. Nitro- gen-free extract. Fiber. Ash. Avail- able fuel value. Silage from Sanford corn: l'ei ct. 09. 5 70.3 Percent. 72. 3 72.7 I'rr ct. 56.5 56.1 Per ct. 73.8 71.9 Percent. 75.2 70.0 Per ct. 71.9 72.2 Per ct. 31.5 37.3 Per ct. 07.5 08. 1 69.9 72.5 56.3 72.9 75.6 72.1 34.4 07.8 Hay (mostly timothy) : 57.3 54.1 53. 7 59. 2 5(5.9 55.0 48. 1 38.8 46. 3 39.2 35.3 44.1 64.8 01.0 60.6 55. 1 53.3 49.0 20.1 24.9 32.3 57. 9 Sheep II 53. 1 Sheep III 54. 5 55.0 97.1 93.7 89.2 57.0 98.0 93.9 89.9 44.4 77.8 78.5 79.7 38.9 93.8 94.1 89.7 62.3 98.6 95.8 95.1 52.5 27.8 56.1 78.8 50.9 55.2 Corn meal (fed with hay) : Slice]) II Sheep III 93. 8 05.7 95.9 101.9 92 3 91.4 85.1 93.6 99.9 99.8 104.4 78.7 93.1 93.1 96. 13 92.5 106.7 113.9 109.1 98.5 61.9 46.1 51.7 74.1 Skimmed milk (fed with hay) : Sheep I 98.9 100.4 102. 5 Sheep III Corn meal (fed with skim milk and hay) : 92.4 91.6 88.0 83.4 78.9 68.3 97.8 97 6 98.9 90. 2 96.1 93.5 76.4 20.5 52.1 Sheep II Sheep III... Average 98.6 90.7 76.9 98.1 95.3 49.5 In several of the experiments the coefficients of digestibility of pro- tein are reported, allowance being made for the metabolic nitrogen in the feces. After treatment by pepsin and hydrochloric acid, the coef- ficients of digestibility of hay (mostly timothy) was 62.7 per cent; corn meal fed with hay, 86.8 per cent; skim milk fed with hay, 96.4 per cent; corn meal fed with hay and skim milk, 85.7 per cent. After treatment of the feces with alcohol, ether, water, and limewater, the coefficients of the feeding staffs enumerated was found to be 62.2 per cent, 90.5 per cent, 97.5 per cent, and 93.5 per cent. A table is given summarizing all the coefficients of digestibility obtained with sheep at the Maine Station. Spontaneous combustion of feeding stuffs, F. Hoffmann (Ztschr. Spiritusind., 1S07, Nos. 35, 30, 41, 42, 45, 47, 40, 50; abs. in Gentbl. Ayr. Chem., 27 (1898), l\To.6, pp. 305, 300).— The author made a number of experiments with clover hay. His principal conclusions follow: Heat is generated in clover hay, oxygen being taken up from the air and the organic matter transformed into carbon dioxid and water. The water moistens the hay, and the moistened material ferments owing to the presence of bacteria. The fermentation also produces carbon dioxid and water as well as small amounts of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, organic acids, enzyms, etc. Heat is also produced by fermentation. The fer- mentation is more rapid if the clover is moistened at the beginning. However, the water produced by oxidation of the material is sufficient FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 881 to start it. The fermentation of the hay causes a temperature of 50° C. At this temperature a second and more violent oxidation takes place, and the temperature rises to about 90°. Other processes then take place which cliar the material and cause a slow rise of temperature to 130°. When this temperature is reached the hay rapidly heats and the charring takes place rapidly. All these processes destroy at least half of the material present. Theoretically, the temperature may rise to 190°. According to the tests made, clover hay will become ignited at 150- 200°. Therefore, the temperature may rise sufficiently high to cause spontaneous combustion. Oxygen from the air is essential to combus- tion. Spontaneous combustion is indicated by the hay becoming darker in color until it is finally black, by a sooty odor, and by smoke irritating to the eyes. The ash of the burned hay has a characteristic grayish- white appearance and feels like sand. The burned hay is surrounded by a layer of charred but not burned material, which is a poor con- ductor of heat. Live stock, A. Mackay (Canada Expt. Farms Bpt. 1897, pp. 398- 400). — A brief statement is made concerning the cattle, swine, and poultry kept during the year at the experimental farms for the North- west Territories, and a feeding test to compare wheat chaff, cut oat sheaves, and cut brome grass is reported. The test was made with 2 lots of 4 steers each and one lot made up of 3 steers and 1 cow. Lot 1 was fed wheat chaff, lot 2 cut oat sheaves, and lot 3 cut brome hay. In addition all the animals were given 2 lbs. of silage to each pound of dry fodder and C lbs. of ground barley and wheat (2:1) per head daily. The test covered 4 months. During the last 2 months the grain ration was increased to 8 lbs. per head daily. Lot 1 made a total gain of 1,025 lbs., lot 2 of 910 lbs., and lot 3 of 1,015 lbs. The profits are briefly discussed. Experiments in feeding steers, S. A. Bedford (Canada Expt. Farms Bpt. 1897, pp. 328-330).— Statistics are given of the condition of the college herd and a test of the comparative value of hay and oat sheaves made with 2 lots of 4 steers each is briefly reported. Lot 1 was fed ad libitum a ration consisting of 18 lbs. of native hay (Elymus virginicus), 30 lbs. cut turnips, 5 lbs. chopped barley, and 2 lbs. of chopped oats. Lot 2 was fed ad libitum a ration consisting of 18 lbs. cut oat sheaves, with the same amount of turnips, barley, and oats. The test covered 93 days. The financial statement is based on native hay and oat sheaves at $5 per ton, turnips at 5 cts. a bushel, chopped barley and oats at £ ct. per pound each. The steers in lot 1 made a daily average gain of 1 lb. 8 oz. and lot 2, 1 lb. 5 oz. The profit on lot 1 was $55.42 and on lot 2, $50.37. "From the above it would appear that the cultivated native hay is worth rather more per ton than oat sheaves for fattening purposes. "The yield of hay from this grass varies greatly from year to year, depending on 882 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the rainfall, bnt it averages somewhat less than the yield of <>at sheaves, under the same conditions. "This grass succeeds remarkably well on dry uplands, where an oat crop would give small returns. Its roots are also very useful in preventing the drifting of soil." Experiments on the feeding of steers, W. Saunders {Canada Expt. Farms Bpt. 1897, pp. 75-79). — A test was made with 3 lots of 4 steers. During a preliminary period of 1 month all were given a ration consist- ing of 50 lbs. corn silage, 25 lbs. of roots, 5 lbs. of cut bay, and 5 lbs. of cut straw. Tbe test proper began December 15, 1S97, and covered 10 weeks, being divided into 3 periods of 8, 4, and 4 weeks respectively. Throughout the test all the steers were given the same coarse fodder ration as during the preliminary period. During the first period lot 1 was fed no grain in addition. During the second period the steers were given 2 lbs. of a mixture of equal parts of peas, barley, oats, and bran per head daily. During the third period this was increased to 0 lbs. The steers in lot 2 were given 2 lbs. of the same mixture per head daily during the first period, 4 lbs. during the second, and 0 lbs. during the third period. The steers in lot 3 were fed 4 lbs. of the same grain mixture per head daily during the first period and 0 lbs. per head daily during the second and third periods. The financial statement is based on corn silage and roots at $2, hay at $8, and straw at $4 per ton. The grain mixture was valued at the rate of 1 cent per pound. The foods consumed and the gains made by the steers during each period are recorded in full. The animals weighed about 1,000 lbs. each at the beginning of the test. The average gain of the steers in lot 1 was 200.5 lbs.; lot 2, 104.5 lbs.; lot 3, 202.25 lbs. "The results of the foregoing experiments appear to show that it is economical to withhold the feeding of grain, or to feed but little of it, during the iirst portion of the feeding period. The steers in lot 1 fed without grain for the first 8 weeks cost on an average 9.80 cts. per day for the whole period of 111 days; lot 2, 11.10 cts., and lot 3, 12.14 cts. per day. This shows an average cost of 1.30 cts. per day more for each animal in the second lot than for those in the first lot, and 2.34 cts. per day more for each steer in the third lot than for those in the first lot. This makes the average cost of feeding each animal in the second lot for the 111 days during which these tests were continued $1.44 more than for those in the first lot, while the aver- age gain in wTeight at the close of the experiment was 6 lbs. more per head in the first lot than it was in the second. The steers comprising the third lot cost on an average $2.60 per animal more than those in the first lot, while the advantage in gain was only 1 J lbs. per head." Experiments in fattening swine, W. Saunders {Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1897, pp. 80-86). — Tests are briefly reported in which shorts; ground barley; ground Indian corn; shorts, a mixture of ground barley and Indian corn; a mixture of ground peas, barley, oats, and shorts with skim milk; unground oats; ungrouud barley; unground peas; unground Indian corn; and a mixture of unground oats, barley, and peas were fed to swine. The grain was soaked in cold water before feeding, and the pigs were given all they would eat up clean. With the unground grain 3 lbs. of skim milk per head daily was fed. In POODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 883 every case the foods consumed and the gains made are recorded. No comparisons are made and no deductions are drawn. The amount of unground grain which passed through the swine undigested was determined by collecting the manure for one day and separating the undigested grain. When 14 lbs. of oats was fed, 2 lbs. G oz. of undigested grain was recovered. When dry, this weighed at the rate of 22£ lbs. per bushel. A germination test was made and 11 per cent of the grain sprouted. When about 17 lbs. of barley was con- sumed, 2 lbs. 2 oz. was separated undigested, weighing at the rate of 35 lbs. per bushel when dry. This was also tested as to its germinating power, but none of the kernels sprouted. When about 17 lbs. of peas was fed, 2 oz. was separated undigested. When tested none of the peas sprouted. From about 11 lbs. of corn consumed, 8 oz. of undi- gested grain was obtained, weighing at the rate of 10.25 lbs. per bushel when dry. Eight per cent of this grain sprouted when tested. When about 11 lbs. of a mixture of unground oats, barley, and peas was con- sumed, 10 oz. was recovered undigested. One hundred kernels of the mixed grain was tested as to its germinating power. Only 2 kernels of oats sprouted. Poultry, S. A. Bedford ( Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1897, pp. 331- 334). — Brief statements are made concerning the poultry kept at the Manitoba Station, and a comparative experiment on the fattening of 10 turkeys and 10 chickens is reported. The chickens were made up of 6 White Plymouth Rock cockerels and 4 Black Minorca cockerels. Five turkeys and 5 chickens (3 Plymouth Rocks and 2 Black Minorcas) were fed in pens. The remaining turkeys and chickens were not con- fined. The turkeys and chickens in pens~were given all they would eat up clean of a mixture of wheat, oats, and barley 2:1:1. In the morning the grain was fed chopped and wet with milk and in the evening it was fed whole. "The turkeys were apparently more fond of oats than either barley or wheat, and towards the latter portion of the fattening period the proportion of this grain was increased with benefit." " A little grain was given to the turkeys and chickens which were not confined in addition to the food which they could gather. The turkeys were fed from October 14 to November 25; the chickens from Septem- ber 28 to November 26. The turkeys in pens weighed 32 lbs. 12 oz. at the beginning of the test and gained 20 lbs. 4 oz., consuming G lbs. grain per pound of gain. The turkeys running at large weighed 32.12 lbs. at the beginning of the test and gained 9 lbs. 4 oz. The food con- sumed and gains made are recorded for .the 2 breeds of chickens. The chickens confined in pens weighed 20 lbs. 7 oz. at the beginning of the test and gained 11 lbs. and 2 oz., consuming a total of 57 lbs. of grain. The chickens running at large weighed 18 lbs. and 15 oz. at the begin- ning of the test and gained 4 lbs. 14 oz. The turkeys and chickens were killed and the shrinkage between the live and dead weights recorded. 8-S4 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. " The penned fowl, both turkeys and chickens, when dressed, were much plumper and in every way more inviting than those which had been running at large, but the close confinement and heavy feeding appears to injure the chickens otherwise, the "White Plymouth Rocks being badly 'off their feet,' while those running -at large were quite healthy and active. " Both turkeys and chickens made the largest increase during the first 3 weeks. " After 6 weeks of (dose confinement chickens are probably kept at a loss. " White Plymouth Rock chickens are better adapted for feeding in small pens than Black Minorcas. "The White Plymouth Pocks were a better color and more attractive when dressed than the Black Minorcas. '• Penned turkeys shrunk 5 per cent less in dressing than those running at large. " ( hickens whether penned or running at large lost practically the same in dress- ing, viz, 34 per cent. Adulteration of commercial and edible fats and oils, A. Mtntz, C. Durand, and E. Millau (Ann. Sci. Agron., 1898, II, Xo. 1, pp. 113-160; 2, pp. 161-186). The effect of fresh gluten upon old flour, Balland (Jour. I'harm. et Chim., G.scr., 9 (1898), pp. 52-55; abs. in Ztsehr. Untersuch. Xahr. u. Genussmtl., 1899, Xo. 1, p. 156). — It is the gluten in old flour which causes it to spoil. By sifting the spoilt flour, the greater part of the material may be obtained which gives the flour its bad taste, smell, and high acidity. If fresh gluten is then added, and the flour sifted after about 14 days, a flour of improved smell, taste, and lower acidity is obtained. It is also more suitable for baking and makes better-flavored bread. These conclu- sions arc based upon 8 experiments. Diet in Italian hospitals, P. Albertoni (Arch. Hyg., 34 (1809), Xo. 3, pp. 244- 260). — Tables are given which show the foods supplied in a number of Italian hospitals, together with their composition. An experiment in adding sugar to the ration of soldiers, Leitenstorfer (Bent. Mil. Aerztl. Ztsehr., 27 (1898), Xo. 7, pp. 305-314). — Judging by the endurance mani- fested by the soldiers receiving it, the addition of sugar to the ration was beneficial. Sugar in the ration cf soldiers, J. de Pietra Santa (Jour. Hyg., 24 (1899), Xo. 1169, pp. 49-51). — Some of the recent experiments on the use of sugar are briefly reviewed, and the use of sugar in the French army is discussed. The calculation of rations on the basis of heat or energy, J. Konig (Milch Ztg., 27 (189S), Xo. 47, pp. 742-744). — This is a brief summary of the methods of determin- ing the heat of combustion and the application of such data to the compounding of rations for man and animals. Nitrogenous feeding stuffs, C. S. Phelps (Connecticut Storrs Sta. Bui. 18, pp. 16). — This is a condensation of an article entitled "Nitrogenous feeding stuffs and feeding formulas for dairy cows," by W. O. Atwater and C. S. Phelps (Connecticut Storrs Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 67-129; E. S. R., 10, p. 683). Concerning sesame, A. Hebebrant (Landw. Vers. »§<«/., 51 (1898), Xo. 1, j>P- 45- 81, pi. 1). — The author describes the sesame plant, method of cultivation, gives the composition of the sesame seed, and discusses the manufacture of sesame cake and sesame oil. Considerable attention is devoted to a microscopical examination of sesame cake and the opinions of a number of investigators on the use of this cake are quoted. The article contains a bibliography. Rape-seed cake, O. Forster (Landw. Vera. Stat., 50 (1898), Xo. 5-6, pp. 371-447, fig. 1). — The manufacture of rape-seed cake and meal is discussed, the characteristics of rape-seed and similar cakes from a botanical standpoint pointed out, and many investigations on the composition, impurities, digestibility, and feeding value of rape-seed cake quoted. A method of estimating the fat in rape-seed cake is described and determinations reported, which are compared with determinations by other observers. • Rape-seed cake and its impurities, B. Oram (Landw. Vers. Stat., 50 (1S98), No. 5-6, ]ip. 449-481, pis. 12). — The author describes the microscopical characteristics of rape-seed cake and its principal impurities. DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 885 What progress has been made in feeding meat meal? 0. Schellenberger (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 4; 1 1898), Xo. 18, pp. 099-702; 19, pp. 717-7,21).— A general article summing up some of the experiences -with meat meal. The consumption of oxygen and the amount cf oxygen required by mammals, J. Rosenthal {Arch. Physiol. [pa Bois-Reymond~\, 22 {1858), pp. 271-281; aim. in Zool. Cental., 6 (1S99), Xo. 3, p. 111). — Experiments with animals are reported in which a respiration apparatus which combined the principles of Regnault-Reiset and Yoit- Pettenkofer was used. The fate of carbon monoxid in the animal body, F. Wachholtz (Arch. Physiol. [Pfliiger], 74 {1899), Xo. 3-4, pp. 174-180). The relation of intestinal bacteria to nutrition, M. Schottelius (Arch. Jfyg., 84 (1S99), Xo. 3, pp. 2W-243, figs. 3, dgm. 1). — Tests were made with chickens hatched under conditions which rendered them free from intestinal bacteria. After hatch- ing they were supplied with sterilized food and water and the experimental condi- tions were such that the intestinal tract was kept free from bacteria. After a few- days the chickens did not thrive and at the end of 17 days were very weak. The tests were not continued uutil the chickens died, but, in the author's opinion, they could not have lived more than 2 or 3 days longer. The chickens were killed and culture experiments were made, which showed that they were free from bacteria. Chickens raised under the same general conditions, but with no precautions to pre- vent their acquiring intestinal bacteria, grew normally. The author points out ways in which the experiments could be improved, but considers that they show the necessity of intestinal bacteria. "White cattle : An inquiry into their origin and history, R. H. Wallace ( Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgoxo, n. ser., 5 (1897-9S), Xo. 2, pp. 220-273, fins. 2?, pis. J).— This is an extended study of the origin of the so-called white cattle of Great Britain. Swine, A. S. Bedford (Canada Expt. Farms Rpt. 1897, p. 221). — Statistics are given of the pigs kept at the Manitoba Station farm. Fattening swine, Taxcim': {Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), Xo.20,pp. 770-774; 21, pp. 805-S09). — A general discussion of the subject. Report of the poultry manager, A. G. Gilbert (Canada Expt. Farms Ept. 1897, pp. 231-245). — Among other points, somewhat detailed statements are given of the rations fed to the poultry during the year and their cost, the eggs laid and the prices received for the eggs, and the number of eggs set and chickens hatched. The impor- tance of avoiding overfeeding is insisted upon. Unsuccessful attempts to coss a tame gander with a wild goose and a wild gander with a tame goose are recorded. The wild goose laid 6 eggs, but none of them hatched. The new poultry plant, G. M. Gowell (Maine Sta. Ept. 1897, pp. 97-103, jil. 1). — A description of the new station poultry house, with a brief outline of experiments undertaken. DAIRY FARMING— DAIRYING. Studies in milk secretion, drawn from officially authenticated tests of Holstein-Friesian cows, H. H. Wing and L. Anderson (New York Cornell Sta. Bui. 152, pp. 51-105). — The results are given of 210 separate seven-day tests of 153 registered Holstein cows, repre- senting 8 different herds. The tests were made at different times, beginning in 1894, for members of the Holstein-Friesian Association of America, under the supervision of authorized representatives of the station. Some cows were tested twice and one was tested G times. The data given include the yield of milk and bntter fat, fat content as determined by the Babcock test, and the food consumed. The results are grouped according to the age of the cows. 74 tests being of two- year-olds, 38 of three-year-olds, 33 of four-year-olds, and G3 of cows 5 886 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. years old or over. "According to the scheme [of equivalent records] adopted by the Holsteiu-Friesian Association for tbe admission of cattle into the Advanced Registry, each two-year-old must have produced 7.2 lbs. of fat, three-year-old 8.8; four-year-old 10.4, and each cow 5 years old or older 12 lbs. of butter fat in 7 days.'' Tbe data are discussed from various standpoints and the following general summary is given : "The largest total yield of fat among two, three, four year old, or full-aged cows is, mider every age, accompanied l>y the highest percentage <>f fat found among cows of that age. "The smallest yield of fat for each age of animal is accompanied in only one case by the lowest percentage of fat, and that among the two-year-olds. "The largest yields of milk do not contain the lowest percentages of fat, nor do the smallest yields of milk contain the highest percentages of fat. ''The stall-fed cows average higher in total yield of milk and fat and in percent- age of fat than the cows at pasture. " Equal quantities of the same kinds of food or similar quantities of different kinds of food produce widely varying amounts of milk and butter in different animals. "To produce the same or similar amounts of milk and butter different animals require -widely varying amounts of food. "Cows, although of the same breed and raised in the same herd, vary greatly in their power to make an economic use of food. "The cost of production is greatest among two-year-olds, and decreases gradually as the age increases up to 4 years, after which there is little if any variation. " Within a period of 90 days from calving there is but little average variation in the percentage of fat among the different ages, except that the average of all the tests made at 31 to 60 days from calving is lower than for any other period. "There is a slight variation in the average percentage of fat between two, thrse, and four year olds, and full-aged cows. "The highest percentages of fat usually follow the shortest period between milk- ings. The lowest percentages of fat usually follow the longest period between milkings. W here the cows are milked at equal intervals the highest percentages occur most often at or near the noon hour, and the lowest percentages about equally often at morning and night, with a much larger number at midnight than at noon. "The average range of variation during 7 days between the highest and lowest percentages of fat for individual animals is greater among four-year-olds and full- aged cows than among the younger animals. "Neither the cows which show very great variation during 7 days in the percent- ages of fat nor those which show slight variation are abnormal animals, since their total product of milk and fat is near the average for their class. "Cows which have been once tested and forced to their greatest capacity for a week rarely reach the same height of production again during the same period of lactation, even though the circumstances beotherwise most favorable, but frequently have made increased records in succeeding periods of lactation. "There is an increase of only 7.5 per cent of milk and 7.7 per cent in fat of full- aged cows over four-year-olds, which shows that, on an average, cows have very nearly reached their largest production between the ages of 4 and 5. "The 'equivalent record' plan is supported by the records of individual cows which have been tested at various times from 2 to 5 years of age, but not by the aver- age records of all the cows of the different ages." Butter investigations, H. Kreis (Yerhandl. Naturf. Forsch. Gesell. Basel, 12 (1898), Ao. 1, pp. 108-125). — The author reviews, at consider- able length, the principal literature on the volatile fatty acids of butter and tbe methods for their determination, and reports an investigation DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. S«7 conducted under his supervision. The plan of investigation included the examination of samples of butter from large dairies each week daring the year by 6 Canton chemists, but in fact examinations were made much less frequently. The maximum and minimum results for all except the author's work were as follows: Specific gravity, O.SGU- 0.801>; volatile fatty acids (Reichert-Meissl number), 26.6-33.7; saponifi- cation equivalent, 224-235.8, and index of retraction, 41-44. The author made a systematic study, covering one year, of the but- ter produced by a herd near Basel, the maximum and minimum results of which are as follows": Variation in butter from a herd during one year, Month. November. December January... February.. March April Volatile tatty acids. 27. 0-31. 5 27. 5-29. 2 Saponifica- tion num- ber.a 223. 2-2::::. 2 222. 7-224. 5 Index of retraction. 42. 8-45. 5 44. 0-45. 5 23.5-26.2 218.6-228.2 43.7-45.5 23. 7-25. 6 ' 222. 0-227. 1 ; 43. 7-45. 0 22.8-25.5 44.0-45.2 20.9-23.7 21G. 9-221. 7 44.6-47.0 Volatile Month. fatty acids. 1897. May 21.9-22.7 June 18.5-21.6 July 19. 0-19. 5 18. 2-23. 6 Sept i mber.. 20. 7-22. 8 October 25. 1-27. 2 November .. 22. 6-26. 3 Index of refrac- tion. 44. 5-46. 0 44. 5-40. 0 45. 2-40. 2 44. 2-46. 8 46.1-46.6 45. 1 45. 9 43. 9-46. 1 a As the index of refraction rose and fell with the volatile fatty acids, it was not determined after April. The herd included fresh milch cows in varying number throughout the year. The low volatile fatty acids found in August were checked by a trial in which the author himself made butter from the milk drawn in his presence. The author is inclined to believe that the time of year is not without effect on the composition of the butter. The results presented show the danger of condemning butter as adulterated on the basis of the volatile fatty acids. In the case of fresh butter the author recommends microscopic examination, and in the case of other butter he suggests that where possible a sample of milk from the dairy from which the butter emanated should be made into butter and examined. Milk supplies of Pennsylvania, M. E. McDonnell (Pennsylvania Dept. Ayr. Rpt. 1897, pp. 561-597). — In addition to a general discussion of the characteristics of bacteria, the contamination of milk by disease germs, and the inspection and handling of milk, including protection from infection, pasteurization, use of preservatives, a-ration, cooling, bottling, etc., the author presents a detailed report upon the examina- tion of 352 samples of milk collected in 11 cities in the State. The data are tabulated and show the percentages of fat and total solids, specific gravity, acidity, total number of bacteria, and the number of liquefying bacteria per cubic centimeter, temperature on days of collec- tion, and descriptive notes. •'The Pennsylvania supplies were studied at the hottest season of the year, and the number of organisms found is probably greater than it would be at an; other time. The average number found in all of the milk examined, which included all 888 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. classes of milk, was over 5,500,000 per cubic centimeter. Ten samples contained 40,000,000 or more per cubic centimeter, and L0 others contained between 20,000,000 and 40,000,000 per cubic centimeter. These large numbers in a few samples make the total average very much higher than it should be. The worst samples were usually found at restaurants or with small retail dealers, so that such milk reaches fewer persons than that from the better supplies. Seventy-seven samples, 28 per cent of the samples tested, contained less than 100,000 bacteria per cubic centimeter. About '->\ per cenl contained less than 500,000 per cubic centimeter, and 121 samples, corresponding to about 45 per cent, contained less than 1,000,000 per cubic eenti- meter. . . . ••()i 342 samples tested for fat, 64 (18.7 per cent) were found to contain less than 3 per cent; 11 of these were below 2.75 per cent, 22 below 2.3 per cent, 12 below 2.25, and 7 below 2 per cent. Of 329 total solids determined 190 were below 12.il per cent, 72 less than 11.5 per cent, and 37 less than 11 per cent. The specific gravity of 18 out of 329 samples was below 1.029. . . . The restaurant milk, as a class, was badly adulterated, the average per cent of total solids in all of the samples exam- ined from this source (29) being only 11.33 per cent, and 13 of the samples were below 3 per cent fat and 11.5 per cent total solids. . . . "Fifteen per cent of the samples examined were undoubtedly watered or skimmed.'' Tuberculosis and milk supply, M. P. Rayenel (Pennsylvania Dipt. Agr. h'pt. 1897, pp. 495-507). — The author cites evidence bearing on the question of hereditary transmission of tuberculosis and on infection by means of tuberculous milk, and gives the data and conclusions of exper- iments in which guinea pigs were each subjected to an intraperitoneal injection of 10 ce. of milk from cows reacting to tuberculin and show- ing physical signs of tuberculosis. In summarizing 3 series of experi- ments, the author says that " lo.4 per cent of the animals became tuberculous from the single dose of milk." In a later series of experi- ments animals were inoculated with sterilized and unsterilized milk but none in either lot developed tuberculosis. " From these and other like experiments it is fair to conclude that the number of bacilli in the milk of tuberculous animals varies from day to day, although it is pos- sible that in taking 10 cc. from the whole mass of milk, we may have missed bacilli which were few in numb rs. Additional evidence has also been given to show that the bacillus of tuberculosis may pass into the milk of cows having general tubercu- losis, but whose udders are perfectly healthy, so far as the most careful examination by competent veterinarians can show. . . . Milk from suspected cattle should be carefully sterilized before using, and especially should not be given to infants and invalids. The inspections of the animals should be at intervals frequent enough to keep the disease from gaining headway before being discovered." Tubercle bacilli in butter, Lydia Kauinowitsch (Dent. Med. Wchnschr., 25 (1S99), No. 1, p. 5; abs. in Gentbl. BdTct. u. Par., 1. AM., 25 {1899), No. 2-3, p. 77; Science, n. ser., 9 ( 1898), No. 215, p. 232).— The author, Avhose previous work on this subject was published in 1897, has recently conducted further experiments in Berlin, examining the prod- uct of 14 dairy stores. Of these, 13 showed no trace of true living tubercle bacilli, but in many instances pseudo tuberculous bacilli were found. The product from one store was found to contain tubercle bacilli; and during June and July the butter from this store was exam- ined and 70 per cent of it found to contain living tubercle bacilli. Ani- mals injected with the pseudo-tuberculous bacilli died of peritonitis. DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 889 The question whether they are harmful to human beings will be a mat- ter for further investigation. « Pasteurization as applied to butter making, 1". II. Farrington and H. L. Russell ( Wisconsin Sta. Bui. 69, pp. 10, figs. 3). — The bulle- tin gives briefly the history of the use of pure cultures in butter making and describes a series of experiments, extending from February to August, which were made at the creamery of the Wisconsin Dairy School. Where pasteurization was practiced, the milk and not the cream was pasteurized. In 74 trials the milk was divided, a part being pasteurized, while the rest was used in the ordinary way. In addition to this the entire quantity of milk was pasteurized on certain days and on other days was used without pasteurizing. There were 110 cases of this kind. The unpasteurized milk was heated to about 85° for sepa- rating, while the pasteurized milk was heated to 155° F. in a Eeid con- tinuous pasteurizer. The cream was nearly always ripened with a starter made from the Boston butter culture, a pure culture of Micro- coccus butyri aroma faciens. The other operations were similar to the ordinary methods of creamery butter making. The butter was scored twice by a butter expert in Chicago, the first time within 2 weeks after making. The second scoring for flavor was made several weeks later. The culture starter was always found to be free from all foreign organisms, and it was demonstrated that practically sterile skim milk for the purpose of propagating the starter could be easily obtained in general creamery practice. As to the efficiency of the sterilizer used, 13 samples of milk before heating showed an average of 32,000,000 bacteria per cubic centimeter, while the average of 1G samples after pasteurizing showed 1,800,000 bacteria, or a reduction of 91 per cent. As compared with an intermit- tent pasteurizer, the number of germs in the pasteurized milk is much larger. The skim milk from the pasteurized milk kept from 12 to 24 hours longer than that from the unpasteurized milk, and in some cases was sweet after 48 hours. The data for the butter making on 4 days in each month are tabu lated, together with the scores of the butter made from pasteurized and unpasteurized milk, the scoring as affected by the size of the package, maximum, minimum and average composition of the butter from pas- teurized and unpasteurized milk, efficiency of creaming milk heated to 85° and lf>5° F., and the churning record for the jKisteurized and unpasteurized butter during the hot weather. "A comparison of tho flavor scores of 102 churnings of fresh unpasteurized butter with those of 75 of pasteurized butter shows the average score of each to be very uearly the same (^40.69 unpasteurized, 40. H3 pasteurized) on a basis of 45 as perfect flavor, but 5 per cent more of the unpasteurized than the pasteurized butter scored 42 points or better. "The difference in the fresh scores is so slight that it is impossible from these scores to conclude that one system produces higher flavor than the other. The 890 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. scorer, however, claimed to be able to detect the pasteurized butter by it.s 'sweet,' 'curdy,' 'Hat' taste, luit did not materially reduce his score on this account. This conclusion is of material consequence, as it is usually claimed that as high a tlavor cannot be secured in pasteurized butter as in that made in the ordinary way. "Dividing the work into monthly periods (February to August), it can not he said that pasteurizing ail'ects the quality of the butter more at one period than another. "A comparison of the scores of 26 packages of butter, 8 lbs. and 60 lbs., from the same churning shows that the size of the package exerts an appreciable effect on the scorer's judgment of the butter flavor, the larger package scoring A to 2 points higher than the smaller. On 'grain,' however, the size of package exerts no effect on the score. The importance of this deduction we believe to he considerable. Care should be taken, particularly in experimental work, to see that size of package is uniform throughout so as to eliminate this disturbing factor. "The butter made from pasteurized milk was scored considerably lower on 'grain or body' than that made from unpasteurized milk. The pasteurizing process injures the 'gram and body' of tin- butter (according to American (Chicago) standards'), as 62 per ceut of the unpasteurized butter scored over 29 points on grain, while only 25 per cent of the pasteurized butter was given this score. This conclusion might be altered if butter had been sent to markets that are in the habit of using pasteurized goods. "1h our experiments both pasteurized and unpasteurized butter were quite uni- form in quality, a slight difference existing in favor of the pasteurized goods. "Pasteurizing the milk increased the keeping quality of the butter when stored for 2 to 4 weeks at butter cellar temperature, 50 to 60° F. "Analyses of 14 samples of pasteurized and 19 of unpasteurized butter show but very little difference in the chemical composition. The average per cent of water in the pasteurized butter was 13.11 and in the unpasteurized 13.62. "Heating the milk to 155° F. increases the skimming capacity of the separator, i. c, more milk can be satisfactorily skimmed per hour at this temperature than at 85° F., provided the milk is heated by passing it over a hot surface. If heated to this high temperature by forcing steam into it, the skimming is unsatisfactory. "More sediment accumulates in the separator bowl when the milk is skimmed at 155° F. than at 85° F. This is much more noticeable in ripe or tainted (sour) milk than in pure, sweet milk. "A richer buttermilk was obtained from the pasteurized than from the unpasteur- ized ehurnings in hot weather, when the pasteurized cream, as a rule, was not so easily and thoroughly cooled as the unpasteurized. At other seasons when both ehurnings Avert; made at about the same temperature there was not much difference in the amount of fat left in the 2 buttermilks. "The yield of pasteurized butter in our experiments was on the average a little less than from unpasteurized butter. . . . "The slight advantage as to keeping quality would in all probability be offset by the injury which it gives the grain as judged by American standards, and when we take into consideration the extra labor and expense involved in the process it is hardly to be expected that the system would yield increased returns over the ordinary method. "In conclusion, we would say that according to tin; present demands of the American market, its introduction into creameries that already make a good product would hardly be justified." The necessity for a butter standard, F. A. Genth, jr. (Pennsyl- vania J>ept. A (jr. Bpt. 1897, pp. 549-560). — This consists essentially of descriptions and tabulated analyses of 100 samples of butter collected in Philadelphia and vicinity. The work was undertaken to furnish DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 89. data for determining- a standard of percentages of fat, water, curd, and salt for butters in the State. The following table shows the average composition of the samples of each grade: Average analysis of different grades of butter obtained in the Philadelphia market. High-priced butter Medium-priced dairy butter Cheap dairy butter Boiled or process butter. — Miscellaneous butters No. of samples. Water. Per cent. 11.56 9.54 11.31 11.29 11. 23 Butter fat. Curd. Salt, etc. Per cent. Percent. Percent. 85. 'J'.) 86. 69 84.37 84.40 85. 30 1.10 1.36 2.22 1.90 1.75 2. 05 2.41 2.10 2 42 1.71 Of the 78 samples of unmelted butter examined only 1 contained less than 80 per cent of fat, and excluding 3 other samples on the ground of faulty manufacture — "There remain only 3 samples of inferior quality which do not reach an 83 per cent butter-fat standard, to which any dairyman can easily bring his butter. "The percentage of water, according to the results obtained, should not exceed 14 per cent at the very most, the standard adopted by Oregon. '•As to curd, over two-thirds contain less thau 1.5 per cent, and less than 8 per cent of the total number of samples contain over 3 per cent. Of these, 2 are among those low in fats. Eight of the 11 samples, containing between 2 and 3 per cent, are under 2.5 per cent, leaving only 9 samples out of the whole lot over that figure, below which the curd in all butters should be reduced. The percentage of salt is about right when kept below 3 per cent.-' Boiled or process butter, T. J. Edge [Pennsylvania Bept. Agr. Rpt. 1897, pp. 175-178). — Average analyses are given of different grades of butter obtained in the Philadelphia market including "boiled" or " new process"' butter. These all show a content of butter fat above 80 per cent, which the author thinks is a fair standard for both the manufac- turer and consumer. "Boiled" butter is described as being made from rancid and low-grade butter by a patent process in which the butter is reduced to its original oil, treated with alkali, freed from volatile oils, and churned with sour milk. From the standpoint of chemical analy- sis it can not be considered adulterated. Feed and care of the dairy cow, II M. Cottrell, F. C. Burtis, and D. II. < nis (Kansas Sta. Bui. 81, pp. 3S, figs. J). — This consists of a popular discussion of various topics connected with the feeding and care of dairy cows, in which are given results of tests made to show the importance of clean milking and observations on the effect upon the fat content of milk of excitement of cows caused by shipping. The composition and value of various feeding stuffs are considered, and 100 rations are suggested. In tests with 5 cows, the milk showed a gradual increase in the percentage of fat from the beginning to the end of the milking, with the exception of the last 2 pints drawn from each cow, which showed a sudden increase of 1 to 3 per cent. The aver- age fat content for the 5 cows was O.'J-l per cent for the first pint drawn and 6.84 per cent for the last. The percentage of fat was determined in consecutive milkings for each of 5 cows immediately after their being shipped 100 miles on the cars. The data given show 17950— No. 9 7 892 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. irregular fiactual ions in the fat content, continuing in one case to the ninth milking. The total yield of milk was much reduced. Herd records, G. M. Gowell (Maine Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 192-200).— -This is a monthly record of 14 cows for 1897. The tabulated data include the yield of milk and butter, the kind and quantity of food, and a statement of cost of food per pound of milk and butter produced for each cow. Effect of age of the cow on the yield and quality of milk ( .!/i7c7< Ztg., 27 (1S9S), Xo. 53, p. 841). — The milking trials made in Algau since 1894 are said to indicate in genera] that the yield of milk and fat increases up to and including the fifth calving. after which it gradually decreases, although there are exceptions in the case of individual cows. The milk is richest in fat after the third and fourth calvings. The dairy markets of Pennsylvania, II. IIaywahd (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Rpt. 1897, pp. 59S-617). — This treats in a popular manner of the production and marketing of milk, butter, and cheese in Pennsylvania. The author discusses boards of trade in their relation to dairying, and quotes the constitution and by-laws of the Elgin board of trade. Dairying (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Rpt. 1S97, pp. 247-282). — This contains 11 papers read at farmers' institutes in Pennsylvania during 1896-97, treating in a popular manner of various subjects connected with dairying. Milk testing on a large scale by the Nahm method (Milch Ztg., 28 (1S89), Xo. 1, pp. 5, 6, Jigs. 3). — Slight modifications of the apparatus used in this method (E. S. R., 6, p. 47-1), with an arrangement for making a number of tests at the same time. Dairy and milk inspection, C. A. Carey (Alabama College Sta. Bui. 97, )>)>. 211-258). — This is a popular bulletin treating of the testing of dairy herds for tuber- culosis, the feeding and care of cows, the composition and analysis of milk, milk adulteration, bacteria and yeasts in milk, including pathogenic germs, pasteuriza- tion, disinfection of barns and dairy houses, the milk ordinance of Montgomery, Alabama, and a bibliography of works consulted in the preparation of the bulletin. Testing dairy products by the Babcock test, J. M. Bartlett (Maine Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 61-90, figs. S). — This is largely a compilation treating of the subject in a popular manner. The apparatus required is figured and described, and detailed directions are given for sampling and testing milk, skim milk, buttermilk, whey, cream, butter, cheese, and condensed milk, special attention being given to sampling, weighing, and testing cream. A balance speciality designed for weighing cream samples is described. The use of the lactometer and fat test in the detection of adulterated milk is discussed. Tilsiter cheese and its manufacture, R. Eichloff (Milch Ztg., 2S (1899), Xo. 4, pp. 52,53). — Describes the method employed in factories in "West Prussia. Cheese poison, 11. C. Kedzie (Amer. CheesemakiT, 13 (1899), Xo. 156, p)>. 2, 3). — A popular explanation of the changes in milk and dairy products in general. VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Report of the State veterinarian, L. Pearson (Pennsylvania Dept. Ayr. Bttl. 34, pp. 119-150). — The report includes detailed statements of the work of the department during- the year. "The number of cattle tested up to June 1, 1897, was 9,108; the number of these that were found to be tuberculous and condemned was 1,839. The percentage of tuberculosis, therefore, was 20.39. Since June 1, 4,887 cattle have been tested with tuberculin, and of these 671 were found to be tuberculous and killed, equivalent to 13.73 per cent. Considering the manner in which the herds to be tested are selected and the wide distribution of the work, covering practically all parts of the State, it would -ceni fair to assume from this showing that many of the most thoroughly infested herds have been discovered and disposed of, and that the percentage of VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 803 tuberculosis among rattle at large is being steadily and rapidly reduced. This is indeed an encouraging condition, and 1 believe that it justifies the plan that has been adopted for meeting this disease." The author discusses symptoms, methods of treatment, and preven- tion of rabies, glanders, hog cholera, abnormal (depraved) appetite of cattle, blackleg, tuberculosis, infectious abortion of cattle, catarrhal or broncho-pneumonia of cattle, and anthrax. Some of the more impor- tant deductions follow. Reports from different parts of the State indicate that rabies is more prevalent than was suspected. The fact that infected dogs may spread the disease is recognized and preventive measures are suggested. The author believes that by continued vigilance in destroying glau- dered horses and disinfecting the places occupied by them the disease may be stamped out. The value of mallein in diagnosing difficult cases of glanders is pointed out. Vaccination for blackleg "has been practiced ou a few infected farms in Pennsylvania during the past year with very encouraging results. Xo injury has resulted from the treatment, and thus far no cases have developed among the animals protected." Attention is drawn to the fact that no injuries have been reported due to the use of tuberculin as a test for tuberculosis< The author notes that many investigations on methods of dealing with this disease are needed, and that the Department has experiments in progress which it is hoped will throw light on some of the obscure features of the tuber- culosis cpiestion. The importance of the satisfactory disposal of carcasses of animals affected with anthrax is insisted upon Burning is recommended, and when this is not possible the carcass should be covered with lime and deeply buried in some locality where there is no danger of contaminat- ing streams. The premises where the animal died should be thoroughly disinfected. "Whenever anthrax appears it is important to so dispose of the carcasses of its victims that the soil may not become contaminated with its germs. This is best accomplished by burning the carcasses without opening them, because wherever a drop of blood falls the seeds of the disease may become established. If possible, the earcass should be burned on the spot where the animal dies. If this can not be done, on account of the surroundings, the carcass should be loaded onto a stone boat and dragged to a suitable place, and there thrown upon a loose pile of wood and cremated. If burning is not possible, the next best method of disposing of these carcasses is to bury them deeply away from water courses (where they would drain into a stream and might be washed outj and covered well with lime before the earth is thrown Over them. Such graves should be so deep that there will be no danger of future' accidental disinterment. If the animal dies in the stable, the premises occupied by it should be cleaned in the most thorough manner and disinfected by a thorough washing and saturation with a solution of bichlorid of mercury (corrosive subli- mate) 1 part to 1,000 parts of water. As this solution is poisouous it must bo used with care. The germs of anthrax prefer low moist soils and remain alive longest in such places. The infection of the soil of a given region with the germs of anthrax is a serious matter, and endangers the live stock for a considerable period thereafter.'' 894 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Outbreaks of anthrax among the employees in tanneries in Pennsyl- vania and amon- cattle in the neighborhoods are described in consider- able detail. "These two outbreaks illustrate one of the important ways in which anthrax is carried long distances. Unfortunately, there appears to he no simple way by which we can protect ourselves from the danger resulting from the use of such infected hides. No method lias yet been discovered for the safe, efficient, and economical disinfection of hides, and although attempts have been made upon the part of the Federal Government to plan.and enforce such disinfections in Hie case of hides from suspected sources, they appear to have been evaded in a few cases. It seems that in some partly civilized countries the hides are- removed from animals that die of anthrax and are exported. There is a provision against the importation of hides from districts where anthrax is known to exist, but as the hides do not always come directly from such districts the regulation does not fully prevent their importation. It has been shown by firiglio, an Italian investigator, that the spores of the anthrax bacillus are even more resistant than is usually supposed, and that the usual, so-called, disinfectiou to which wool and hair and hides are sometimes submitted is futile. He has found that the salting of hides and steeping of the skins in brine does not destroy the spore, nor does soaking of the dried hides in milk of lime, nor prolonged drying; and other observers have noticed that treatment even with arsenic does not disinfect the skins. One reason for this may lie in the fact that spores exist not only on the surface of the skin, but in the deeper parts, whither they are carried in the circulation. '• With continued careful oversight of the localities in which anthrax has devel- oped, the proper disposition of all suspected carcasses and a judicious use of vaccine, there is every reason to believe that the disease can not only be kept within present bounds but that it will in time be suppressed.'' The other diseases enumerated are treated of in less detail. Effects of tuberculin on tuberculous cows, F. L. Russell (Maine Sta. L'pt. 1897, pp. 159-166, pi. 1). — In a previous publication (E. S. II., 9, p. 891) a partial report was made of the progress of tuberculosis in a herd of 10 cows, which had given reaction to the tuberculin test. During the year the investigation was continued. The cows were quar- antined in a light and well-ventilated stable and well fed and cared for. In summer they had the run of a small pasture, and in winter were allowed the run of a sunny yard when the weather permitted. The attempt was made to keep the animals in as healthy condition as possi- ble without resorting to any unusual means. From time to time the cows were tested with tuberculin and were finally destroyed, post- mortem examinations being made. In the author's opinion the investigation shows that — "Kept under exceptionally good conditions as these cattle were, 5 of them kept the disease in check, so that it made practically no advancement. In the case of 3 others but little advance was mad*;, while in 2 cases the disease had nearly reached a fatal termination when the animals were killed. Ou the whole, we can not see that the exceptionally good care that these animals received had any effect on the progress of the disease. It may have retarded the progress of the disease, but if so, the fact is not sufficiently clear to lend much weight to the argument that tuberculosis can be successfully controlled by simply maintaining animals under good hygienic con- ditions. Twenty per cent of deaths is probably as high a percentage as one could reasonably expect among ordinary tuberculosis herds kept under poor or only fair hygienic conditions if, to begin with, all cases that presented any physical symptoms of disease were removed.*- VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. 895 Four pigs and 15 calves were fed milk from the tuberculous cows; the pigs being given some meal and the calves a little hay in addition. The pigs were killed when they weighed about 175 pounds, and the calves when from G to S weeks old. One of the pigs and 2 of the calves were found to be tuberculous. Parturient apoplexy and its modern methods of treatment, Poeppel {Milch Ztg., 27 (1898) No. 40, pp. 628, 629).— In this article, which is a reprint from another journal, the author summarizes the opinions regarding causes and treatment of parturient apoplexy {Eclampsia puerperalis) in milch cows and reports results of recent investigations. According to a Danish veterinarian, Schmidt von Kolding, the disease is caused by decomposition of the secreting cells in the udder when the milk secretion begins after calving, a leukomaiue being formed from the cholesterin bodies, this leukomaiue being the direct cause of the disease. The method of treatment proposed is injection into the udder of a solution of 10 gin. of potassium iodid in a liter of freshly boiled water. The solution should be inserted at a temperature of 40 to 42° C. A milk catheter with a wide canal attached to a funnel by means of a rubber tube may be used. Instruments should be disinfected. If complications due to the effect of potassium iodid on the heart are feared, sodium iodid maybe used in its place. It is stated that 02 per cent of the cows treated by this method recov- ered. The percentage of recovery by the usual methods of treatment was 50 to GO. Life history of the sheep-scab mite (Psoroptes communis), C. P. Gillette {Ganad. Ent., 31 (1899), No. l,p. 9). — In order to ascertain how long a time should intervene between the first and second dippings of sheep for the cure of scab, the author undertook to determine the period of incubation and also the time elapsing from the deposition of the egg to the time that the mite from that egg, if a female, may itself deposit eggs. It was ascertained that it requires 4 days for a newly deposited egg to hatch and the entire time elapsing from egg to egg would be about 14 or 15 days. As there would be eggs in all stages of incubation upon a sheep when the latter is dipped for the cure of scab, the author states that a second dipping should follow not sooner than 5 nor later than 10 days after the first dipping. Tuberculosis of cattle. B. Bam; | Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Bpt. 1897, pp. 4SO-494). — A general article. The topics covered are the desirability of freeing herds from tuber- culosis: infection of cattle stabled and herded together; value of sanitary condi- tions; infection of swine, calves, and other animals, and man by the use of milk of tuberculous cows; accuracy of the tuberculin test; success of measures against tuberculosis in Denmark; and the advantages of suppressing bovine tuberculosis. Tuberculosis, W. SAUNDERS I Canada Expt. Farms 1,'jit. 1897, />}>■ 70-75). — A detailed report is given of the results of a tuberculin test at the central farm. Brief notes are also given of testing the herds at the experimental farms at llran- dou, Indian Head, and Agassiz. Remarks on tuberculosis in cattle, W. Lox(; (Lancet [London'], 1898, No. 15, p. 93:'). 896 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A comparison of the temperatures of healthy and tuberculous cows, F. L. Russell {Maine Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 167-172). — The temperature of 6 tuberculous and b' healthy cows was taken 3 times a day for 40 days. The results are summarized in tabular form. In the author's opinion the results are negative so far as showing any difference in temperature between healthy animals and those slightly tuberculous. The prophylaxis of tuberculosis, E. Leclainche (Rev. Tuberculose, 1S9S, Xo. 3, pp. 235-248). A case of tuberculosis in a horse, G. PoRTET {Rev. Vet., 24 (1S99), Xo. J, pp. 73-81). — A report of a case of tuberculosis aud a post-mortem examination. Tuberculous meat and milk, J. Niven I Med. Mag. London. 1S9S, Xo. In, pp. 786-793). Contributions to study of the so-called foot rot in cattle, Imminger ( Wchnschr. Tierheilk.. 1898, Xo. 41, pp. 377-3S2; 42, pp. 389-893). On the influence of lecithin and lecithin products on the biology of the splenic fever bacteria, W. Taranuciiin {Russ. Arch- Put- Klin, i Med. Bad., 6 {1898), Xo. 1). Concerning Streptococcus equi, E. Cappelletti and M. Vivaldi {Arch. Hyg., 34 {1SD0), Xo. 1, pp. 1-21). — The authors cultivated Streptococcus equi on artificial media and report inoculation experiments with mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Infectious cerebro-spinal diseases of horses, Spelling {Dent. Tierarztl. Wchnschr., 18DS, Xo. 41, pp. 35S, 359). Anchylosis of horses, Si. vox Ratz {Monatsh. Prakt, Tierh., 10 {1S98), Xo. 2, pp. 49-61). An essay on the diseases of lower animals transmissible to man, E. Marri- sox ( Vet. Jour., 1S9S, Xo. 10, pp. 241-252). A contribution to the subject of the specific effect of serums producing immunity, C. Mann {Arch. Syg., 34 {1S99), Xo. 3, pp. 179-191). — A number of experiments on the effect of different serums upon bacteria were made with rabbits. Bacteriological investigations of animal lymph, W. Dreyer {Ztschr. Hyg. u. Infcctionskranlc, 27 {1S9S), p. 116; ahx. in Hyg. Rundschau, 9 ( 1899), Xo. 4, pp. 1SS-191). Toxic effects of boracic acid, J. J. Evans {British Med. Jour., 1899, Xo. 19S7, p. 209). — The author reports the observation of toxic effects when considerable amounts of boracic acid were taken for some time. Concerning ricinus poison, A. Cusiinv {Arch. Exper. rath. u. Pharmacol., 41 {1898), pp. 439-44S). — A chemical study of ricinus poison is reported. Abortion, miscarriage, slinking, slipping the calf, L. Pearson (Pennsylvania Dcpt. Ayr. Rpt. 1897, pp. 47S-4S0). — A general article. The removal of cows that are affected with this disease is insisted upon, as well as thorough disinfection of sur- roundings, destruction of fetus, etc., disinfection of genital passages, and similar preventive measures. List of cases treated by the station veterinarian during 1894 {Alabama Cane- brake Sta. Bui. 18, pp. 15, 16). Veterinary medicines: Their nature, properties, and doses, T. J. Edge {Venn sylvania Dept. Ayr. Bui. 35, pp. 23). — The author defines many of the terms applied to veterinary medicines, discusses the actions of medicines, and gives briefly the nature, properties, effects, and doses of the more important remedies. Anatomical preparations of the horse, R. Schmaltz {Praparinibungen am Pferd. Berlin: R. Schoet-, 1S9S, pp. VlII-\- 240). — According to the subtitle this volume con- tains directions for the preparation of all the specimens necessary for studying the anatomy of the horse. TECHNOLOGY. Further experiments in the preservation of grape juice, J. Craig- ( Canada E.vpt. Farms Rpt. 1897, pp. 103-105). — In continuation of previous work (E. S. K., 9, p. 895) the following- experiments were made on the juice of 5 varieties of grapes — Clinton, Black Elvira, AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. 897 Bacchus, Brant, and Concord: Juice heated to 170° for 10 minutes, to 100° for 10 minutes, 150° for 10 minutes, 130° for 10 minutes on 2 con- secutive days, not heated, and bottled cold but treated with formalin, A to 1 per cent. Sugar was used in all cases at the rate of 2 oz. to each pint of juice. The results arc summarized as follows: "(1) Formalin while a proved ferment arrester imparts such a disagreeable flavor to the juice that it can not be used, at least as strong as in the proportion of J per cent. "(2) Sugar added to the juice with formalin masked the flavor of the latter some- what, but did not obliterate it entirely. "(3) Salicylic acid, 0.175 gm. with 2 oz. sugar to each pint produced the most palatable beverage. "(4) Samples were successfully preserved when heated for 10 minutes at 160° with sugar at the rate of 2 oz. to each pint of juice. Duplicate samples without sugar were also successfully preserved but were not generally as palatable as the former. "(5) 160° F. seems to be the lowest safe temperature that may be used in the pres- ervation of grape juice. The juice may be held at this temperature for 15 or 20 minutes without imparting to it any unpleasant boiled flavor." Utilization of Indian cornstalks in Russia, W. R. Hollowav ( U. S. Consular Kjyts. 1898, Xo. 217, pp. 216, 217).— A brief account is given of a trial by the Russian Admiralty of cellulose packing made from the pith of cornstalks. The cornstalk as a commercial commodity {Drainage Jour., 20 (1898), Xo. 11, p. 313). — The use of the outer hard portion of the cornstalks ("shives") for paper making is briefly discussed. The nonsugars in beets in their relation to sugar manufacture, A. Rumpler (Die Xichtzuckerstoffe der Ruben in ihren Beziehungen zur Zuckerfabrikation. Brunswick: Friedrich Yieweg 4' Sohn, 1S98, pp. 523). Progress in the manufacture of beet sugar in 1898, E. O. vox Lippmann (Chem. Ztg., 23 (1899), Xo. 11, pp. 106-109). — A resume of work on the growing of beets, and the science and technology of the manufacture of sugar, disposal of by-products, etc. The manufacture of starch from maize in Russia, L. Kramm ( Abs. in Bui. Assoc. Chim. Suer. et Distill., 16 (1S9S), Xo. 4, p. 372). AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. Fourth biennial report of the State engineer of Wyoming, 1897-98 (Cheyenne. 1898, pp. 304, pis. 11, figs. 11, map 1).— Among the subjects discussed are adjudication of water rights, measurements of streams, agricultural problems and possibilities of northern Wyoming, reservoirs, and selecting State lands (especially for grazing purposes). First biennial report of the State engineer of Utah, 1897-98 (Salt lake City, 1899, pp. 86, figs. 18).— This includes a summary account of the work of the office of irrigation engineer during 1897-98, a discussion of irrigation legislation in the State, and instructions as to the preparation of plans for dams or dikes and the measurement of water (including tables of discharge over rectangular weirs). Fourteenth annual report of the hydraulic engineer on water supply, Queens- land, 1897-98 (Brisbane, 1898, pp. 59, pis. 4, dgms. 13, maps 5).— This report summar. izes the operation of the water supply department of Queensland during the year ending June 30, 1898, giving an account of surveys in connection with flood warnings and data relating to artesian wells and irrigation. The report is profusely illustrated with plates, maps, and diagrams. On the preservation of the water supply, being the principal results of four years' work of the expedition for the investigation of the sources of the main 898 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. rivers of European Russia (St. Petersburg, 1898, pp.58; rev. in SeUk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 190(1898), No. 8, pp. (56,457). — During the 4 years of its existence the expedition has studied sj sternal Lcally 8 drainage basins with a total area of more than -1,000,000 acres. As a result of these investigations a series (10 volumes) of publications by the expedition has appeared under the title of "Works on the hydrogeological, hydrotechnical, forest, geological, soil, and meteorological phases of the general water question in the central watershed of Russia." The present publication is a summary <>t" these works. — r. fireman. Report on the prospects of irrigation and water conservation in New South Wales, F. J. Home (Sydney : William Applegate Gullick, 1897, pp. 29, dgms. 86, maps 4). — Discusses both surface and artesian supplies, but devoted especially to the feasi- bility of constructing 2 canals, one on the Murrumbidgee River, the other on the Murray River. Maps are given of the proposed work, and diagrams show the dis- charge of the 2 rivers named at different seasons of the year. Field trials of plows, F. Bokelman ( Tidsskr. Landbkon., 17 (1S98), No. 5-6, pp. 354-878). — An account of a 4-day field trial in Denmark with plows of different makes — 4 American swing plows, 1 German plow, and 17 of the common Danish plows. — F. W. WOLL. ST ATISTICS— MISCELL AN E0US. Thirteenth Annual Report of Maine Station, 1897 (Maine Sta. Rpt.l897,pp. 211). — This contains reports of the director for the year ending December 31, 1897, and the treasurer for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897; acknowledgements; var- ious articles noted elsewhere; reprints or abstracts of Bulletins 32-40 of the station on the following subjects: Three troublesome weeds (E. S. R., 9, p. 143), fertilizer inspection, 1897 (E. S. R., 9', p. 436), box experiments with phosphoric acid from different sources (E. S. R., 9, p. 436), the currant fly, gooseberry fruit fly (E. S. R., 9, p. 673), testing seeds (E. S. R., 9, p. 653), feeding-stuff inspection (E. S. R., 9, p. 682), fer- tilizer inspection, 1897 (E. S. R., 9, p. 739), stock-feeding suggestions (E. S. R., 9, p. 983), and celery (E. S. R., 9, p. 950) ; and a reprint with minor additions of Bulletin 42 of the station on ornamenting home grounds (E. S. R., 10, p. 355). Preliminary report of the municipal agricultural experiment station at Vyatka for 1897 ( Vyatka, pp. 61; rev. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lgesov.,190 (lS08),No. 9,pp, 716,717). Agriculture in the Hawaiian Islands, H. W. Wiley (Jour. Franklin Inst., 147 (1S99), No. l,pp. 31-7,1). Statistics of the glucose industry (Chicago: (ilucose Sugar Refining Co., 1S9S. pp. 63). Development of the text-book of agriculture in North America, L. H. Bailed (Book Reviews, 7 (1899) No. 2, pp. 43-46).— This article discusses the development of the text-book on agriculture, and reviews briefly the most important works pub- lished since 1837 in their chronological order. NOTES. Arkansas University and Station.— C4. L. Teller has resigned his position to take charge of the chemical work in Chidlow Institute of Milling and Baking Tech- nology, recently established in Chicago by David Chidlow, who was formerly chem- ist to the Pillsbury-Washburn Flour Mills Company, of Minneapolis. Idaho University and Station.— The State legislature has made an appropria- tion of $14,000 to finish the university building and $20,000 for maintenance. This is the largest appropriation ever made by the State for the support of the university. A very successful series of farmers' institutes have been held in the State this winter under the direction of H. T. French, agriculturist of the station. This work is of very great value, inasmuch as the conditions affecting agricultural operations vary so much in different parts of the State. It is the first organization of farmers' insti- tutes in the State. The agriculturist will make a special study of forage plants this season. Illinois University and Station.— The term of office of the following members of the board of trustees of the university has expired: J. Irving Pearce, Samuel M. Inglis, Napoleon B. Morrison, James F. Armstrong, and Isaac S. Raymond. In their stead have been elected the following: W. H. Fulkerson, of Jersey ville, ex officio trustee, as president of the State Board of Agriculture; Alfred Bayliss, of Spring- field, ex officio trustee, as State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Mrs. Alice A. Abbott, of Chicago; Frederick L. Hatch, of Spring Grove; and Augustus F. Night- ingale, of Chicago. The board of trustees has appointed the following as members of the advisory board of the station : W. H. Fulkerson and F. L. Hatch (trustees) and Henry Augustine, of Normal, rice E. A. Riehl. Indiana Station. — W. B. Anderson has resigned his position as assistant agri- culturist of the station and retired to his farm at Otwell, Indiana, which he is to manage in the future. The vacancy has been filled by the appointment of J. H. Skinner, B. Sc, a graduate of the School of Agriculture of Purdue University. Kansas College and Station. — W. H. Phipps, recently a member of the board of regents, has become secretary of the, college and station. The following new members of the board of regents have been appointed for the term ending April 1, 1903: William Hunter, of Blue Rapids; J. M. Satterthwaite, of Douglass, and E.T. Fairchild, of Ellsworth. In addition to the appropriatious previously noted (E. S. R., 10, p. 799) the State legislature has appropriated $16,500 for additional buildings and equipment for the mechanical department, $4,000 for the enlargement of the library, and $2,000 for farmers' institutes. The station has issued a press bulletin on soy beans, which has attracted considerable attention. Ohio Station. — On April 11 the station killed 12 cattle which had been under experiment with the tuberculin test for periods varying from a few months to nearly two years. Several hundred people were present, many coming from distant parts of the State. Perhaps the most conspicuous outcome of the experiment was the demonstration that when the tuberculin test is applied iu season, afl'ected cattle may be fattened and disposed of for beef long before the disease has become so generalized as to render their meat unsafe for food. Repeated injections of tuber- culin seemed to have had a retarding rather than an accelerating effect upon the progress of the disease. South Carolina College and Station. — The board of trustees at their last regular meeting took the initiatory steps looking to a permauant and complete 17950— Xo. 9 8 899 900 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. separation of the experiment station work from that of the farm and college. At a recent meeting the chairs of hotany and entomology were consolidated. This con- solidates the work of these two sciences in the station also. As previously noted, live stock and dairying have heen consolidated and placed in charge of C. M. Con- ner. Important work has heen recently done hy the botanist and entomologist in investigations of fungus diseases of rice. Preparations are being made to experi- ment on a more elaborate scale with grasses and legumes. Experiments have also been inaugurated with hop culture. A short bulletin entitled "Suggestions to auxiliary clubs" has been issued to induce cooperation of farmers' clubs with the station. Farmers' institutes will be held, where desired, during the summer and made more strictly agricultural than hitherto. Wyoming University and Station. — The State legislature has provided a ^ mill tax for four years, the proceeds of which are to be used in the construction of a new building at the university. It is probable that a science hall will be built, costing about $22,000, and that work on it will be begun the coming season. This will undoubtedly greatly benefit the station by giving increased facilities for scientific work. The following new members have been appointed on the board of trustees: S. Conaut Parks, of Lander, and J. A. Riner, of Cheyenne, vice James A. McAvoy and J. O. Churchill, whose terms of office have expired. Personal Mention. —Arthur Devarda, adjunct to the agricultural-chemical exper- iment station at Vienna, has been transferred to a similar position in the station at Gorz. He will be succeeded by Adolf Halla, former assistant. Prof. Dr. R. von Wettstein, who succeeds the late Dr. A. von Kerner as professor of botany and director of the gardens and museum of the University of Vienna, assumed his new duties April 1. Prof. Emerich Meissl, director of the agricultural-chemical experiment station at Vienna, has been appointed counselor ("Ministerialraf) to the German agricultural ministry. Dr. F. W. Dafert, director of the agricultural institute at Campinas, Brazil, has been appointed director of the station in his stead, and the place of the latter has been filled by Dr. Gustav Dutra. The agricultural experiment station at Cothen, Germany, which was founded in 1864, has been discontinued, owing to the death of the director, Dr. F. Heidepriem. Dr. Wilhelm Schimper, formerly associate professor of botany at the University of Bonn, has been appointed to a chair in the University of Basel. The British Government has established a botanic garden and experiment station in Uganda, Northeast Africa, under the direction of Alex. White. J. H. Holland has been appointed director of the botanic gardens in Old Calabar, Western Africa. Miscellaneous. — According to The Gardeners1 Chronicle, it has been decided to hold an arboricultural and pomological conference in connection with the horticul- tural section of the Paris Exposition. Preliminary papers will be accepted dealing with the following subjects: Fruit farms, cultural and economic principles, choice of suitable varieties and their use, fruit planting by roadsides, harvesting and pres- ervation of fruit, packing fruit, cider trees and fruits — their cultivation and uses, atmospheric agencies — their influence on forced fruit trees and vines, vegetable physiology as regards fructification, practice of grafting and pruning, tariffs and conditions of transport for trees and fruits, insects, diseases, remedies, manures and fertilizers, the propagation of varieties of fruit for colonial cultivation, tuition in fruit culture, garden schools, public instruction, congresses, etc. The details of the organization will be under the direction of a committee, of which Charles Baltet will be chairman. A semimonthly journal, La Industria A:iN THE METABOLISM OF MILCH COWS. 907 For each 100 gm. of digested crude fiber completely oxidized in the animal body 149.99 gm. (110.19+33.5 = 149.99) of carbon dioxid (equal to 76.28 liters) is produced, and 98.1 gm. of oxygen (equal to 68.6 liters) is consumed from the air. The respiratory quotient is therefore 68.6 -1-11- The fuel value of the cleavage products of the crude fiber can also be calculated from the oxygen utilized and the carbon dioxid pro- duced. One hundred grains of crude fiber has a fuel value of 118.5 calories; 1.7 gm. of methan would yield 02.7 calories (1.7x13.341 [fuel value of 1 gin.] =62.7); 0.2 gm. of hydrogen would furnish 0.9 calories (0.2x34.0 [fuel value of 1 gm.]=0.9; deducting the sum of G2.7 and 6.9 from 418.5 leaves in round numbers 349 calories. A total of 68.6 liters of oxygen would be used; that is, each liter of oxygen utilized for the combustion of digestible crude fiber produces 5.087 calories ( pg-g = 5.087 ). A correction should, however, be introduced for the 33.5 gm. of carbon dioxid and about 48 calories produced by fermenta- tion. Under certain conditions this heat is as available for the body as that produced by the oxidation of materials in the tissues. Further, according to the investigations of Munk and Mallerve sodium butyrate and sodium acetate may be burned in the body, but the metabolism is also increased so that at best only four-fifths of their nutritive value is available. After deducting the 48 calories due to fermentation from the 349 calories per kilogram of digestible crude fiber mentioned above, there remain 301 calories. Assuming that only four-fifths of this is available, 100 gm. of digestible crude fiber yields for the body 210.8 calories. Using this value, 1 liter of oxygen from the inspired air would produce 3.51 calories (240.8-^- -412 )• As previously noted, when 44 gin. of fat 1 Ztschr. Biol., 22 (1886), p. 84. a CO, : C =44 : 12 = 11.3. Therefore C X 11 CO, 910 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. was formed from starch, 51.07 gm. of carbon dioxid was produced at the same time. For this no oxygen from the air was required. The amount of carbon dioxid produced by the formation of* 5.412 gm. of fat would therefore be 0.28 gm. If the 0.3 gm. of digestible crude fiber be neglected and the total nitrogen in the urine be regarded as derived from the cleavage of protein, since the rice fed contained practically no nonprotein nitrogen and the total protein content was small, the respiratory quotient of the pig may be calculated as follows: The oxidation of protein required 1.23 gm. of oxygen, producing 1.3G gm. of carbon dioxid. The fat formed from starch required no oxygen and produced 0.28 gm. of carbon dioxid. The oxidation of starch required 10.01 gm. of oxygen and produced 13.70 gm. of carbon dioxid. The total oxygen required was therefore 11.24 gm. and the total carbon dioxid produced was 21.40 gm. The respiratory quotient would be 21.40-^ 1.96G33_ 10.88 _n H.24-^1.43003- TM~ ' A fasting pig weighing 141 kg. excreted 9.8 gm. of nitrogen in the urine and 217 gm. of carbon. At a weight of 71 gm. the pig would have produced more carbon dioxid, in the proportion of \/li¥: v'TT2, since the metabolism of small animals is intense and the cleavage (Stoffumsatz) is equal to the cube root of the square of the live weight. Of the 217 gm. of carbon in the expired air, 191.8 gm. came from the cleavage of fat, the cleavage of protein causing 9.8 gm. of nitrogen in the urine, which would have necessitated the excretion of 25.2 gm. of carbon in the breath as carbon dioxid (217—25.2 = 191.8). In the case of the pig weighing 71 kg. the oxidation of 2.15 gm. of carbon from fat and 0.282 gm. of carbon from protein furnished the energy expended /191.8x27.1' \ per kilogram of live weight f — \±\ x 17-15 = 2*15 )• As noted above, the oxidation of 1 gm. of carbon from fat liberates 12.4 calories. Therefore 2.15 gm. of carbon from fat would furnish 26.7 calories; and 0.282 gm. of carbon from protein would furnish 2.8 calories (jTl X 4.1x0.282 = 2.8 ). Therefore the energy per kilogram of live weight would be 20.7+2.8 = 29.5 calorics. In the case of the pig fed 2,000 gm. of rice the oxygen utilized in the oxidation of protein was 1.23 gm., or 0.80 liters; that is, 0.906 gm. of protein was oxidized and 3.7 calories of energy was produced (0.900 x 4.1 = 3.7). In the same experiment 10.1 gm., or 7 liters, of oxygen was required for the oxidation of starch, and this furnished 35 calories 7x5 = 35). Further, 6.28 gm., or 3.2 liters, of carbon dioxid was pro- duced as an accompaniment of the fat formed. As noted above, this furnished 3.68 calories (3.2 x 1.15 = 3.68). The total energy liberated was therefore 3.7+35.0+3.7 = 42.4 calories. The 3.7 calories furnished by the formation of fat played no part in the labor of digestion. Deduct- ing this amount from the total (42.4) leaves 38.7 calories. The energy ' 27.1 = l^ 141- ; 17.15 = &7V. INVESTIGATIONS ON THE METABOLISM OE MILCH COWS. 911 produced by the fasting animal performing no labor of digestion was 29.5 calories. Therefore 9.2 calories (3.87 — 29.5 = 9.2) represents the labor per kilogram of live weight expended in digesting 28.17 gm. of rice (the amount consumed per kilogram of live weight). The digest- ible matter in 28.17 gm. of rice had a fuel value of 100.5 calorics 1,568.2 12.1 /113 ( 71 X 4.1+ ^j— x 4.18+ 71x 9.5 = 100.5). In the case of the soaked rice the labor of chewing can be left out of account. The labor of digesting rice which contains practically no crude liber required an expenditure of energy equal to 9.2 per cent of the total energy of the digestible food. In the absence of more accurate data it can be said that in the case of cattle crude liber yields the same amount of energy that is required for its digestion. The labor of chewing and digestiug the remainder of the food may be said to equal 10 per cent of the energy of the digest- ible nutrients; and further, 24.1 per cent of the nitrogen-free mate- rial undergoes fermentation. According to Kellner's calculations, a basal ration for maintenance must furnish per 1,000 kg. of live weight 0.7 kg. of digestible protein, and 0.0 kg. of nitrogen-free material, including 2.1 kg. of crude liber. In a metabolism experiment made by the writer with a milch cow, the factors determined were the amount and composition of the food, urine, feces, and milk, as a respiration apparatus was not available. The details of the experiment were as follows: CALCULATION OF RESULTS' OBTAINED WITH COWS. During the test the cow weighed on an average 440 kg. and consumed daily 5.4 kg. of wheat bran, 2 kg. of straw, 2.82 kg. of hay, 23.5 kg. of fodder beets, 30 kg. of water, and 30 gm. of salt. The preliminary period covered 15 days. The urine and feces were collected for 7 days. On an average 13.004 kg. of urine and 25.814 kg. of feces (equal to 4.419 kg. of dry matter) and 9.998 kg. of milk, containing 12.1 per cent of dry matter and 3.35 per cent of fat, were excreted per day. The amounts of nutrients iu the food and in the feces, with the coeffi- cients of digestibility, are shown below: ( ompasition of food and feces and coefficients of digestibility. Dry matter. Nitro- gen. Crude protein. Pure protein. Fat. Crude fiber. Nitro- gen- free ex- tract. Pure ash and sand. Pure ash. Food consumed (5.4 kg. wheat bran, 23.5 kg. fod- der beets, 2 kg. straw, 2.82kg. bay, 0.03 kg. salt) . Feces excreted (4,401) gni. Gin. 11,153 4,049 Gm. 243. 1 76 3 Gm. 1, 519 Gm. 1,236 299 Gm. 426 99 Gm. 2,115 1, 075 Gm. 6, 024 1,718 Gm. 1,070 680 Gm. 804 399 7.104 Pr. ct. 03.7 160.8 Pr. ct. 68.6 == 937 Pr. ct. 75.8 327 1,040 4,306 390 405 Coellicients of digestibility. Vr.ct. 76.8 Pr. ct. 49.2 Pr. ct. 71.5 Pr.ct. Pr. ct. 50.4 18502— No. 10- 912 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The urine contained 96.2 gin. of nitrogen; tlie milk contained 50.9 gin. of total nitrogen, 47 gm. of albuminoid nitrogen, 335 gm. of fat, and 490 gm. of milk sugar. Deducting the nitrogen in the urine and milk from the amount digested shows that there was a gain of 19.7 gm. of nitrogen. As noted above, the cow digested 1,040 gm. of crude fiber, in addition to the protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Accord- ing to previous statements, 924 gm. of crude fiber was required for maintenance (0.44x2,100=924), therefore 110 gm. (1,040-924 = 110) of crude fiber was digested in excess of the amount required, and had no nutritive value because it was fermented, yielding carbon dioxid, water, and heat, the latter only being of use to the body. This necessitated an expenditure of 10 per cent of the total energy of digestion, on the supposition ordinarily made, and leaving out of account the fact that the energy derived from crude fiber merely covers the labor of chewing and digesting it. On the basis of the nitrogen excreted in the urine, 577 gm. of protein (96.2x6.25=577) was required for maintaining the animal. Deducting this amount from the total ainouut consumed leaves 422 gm. for milk produced and flesh gained. Some idea of the amount of nitrogen-free extract which was required for maintenance may be obtained from the following: The fuel value of digestible protein is 4.1 calories per gram, of starch 4.1S calories per gram. The two substances have practi- cally the same value. An animal weighing 1,000 kg. requires 5.2 kg. (0.7 -f- G.0— 2.1 (crude fiber) =5.2) of protein and nitrogen-free extract for maintenance. An animal weighing 440 kg. would therefore require 440x5.2=2,2S8 kg. As noted above, 577 gm. of protein was necessary for maintenance; therefore the nitrogen-free extract must have been equal to 1,711 gm. (2,288—577=1,711). The cow digested a total of 4,306 gm. of nitrogen-free extract. Deducting the 1,711 gm. necessary for maintenance, there remains 2,595 gm. Of this amount 24.1 per cent, or 025 gm., would be lost by the fermentation which takes place in the intestines, leaving 1,970 gm. of nitrogen -free extract available (2,595-025=1,970). The labor of digestion would require 10 per cent of the 442 gm. of protein, 327 gm. of fat, 2,595 gm. of nitrogen-free extract, and 116 gm. of crude fiber (the amount previously calculated to be in excess of that required for maintenance). The amount of protein metabolized is shown by the excretion of nitrogen in the urine. Furthermore, as noted on p. 816, nitrogen-free extract can take the place of fat in the ratio of 44: 107, i. c, 2.4. Hence, the value of a ration can be calcu- lated in terms of nitrogen-free extract, or "nutrients" in the sense in which Wolff used the term, giving 442 + (327x2.4) + 2,595+116=3,838 gm. of nutrients. Deducting 10 per cent of this amount, or 384 gm. from the 1,970 gm. of nitrogen-free extract, there would remain 1,58G gm., which may be assumed to be starch, sugar, or similar carbohy- drates. Therefore the cow had at her disposal for milk production INVESTIGATIONS ON THE METABOLISM OF MILCH COWS. !>13 442 gin. of protein, 327 gin. of fat, and 1,586 gin. of carbohydrates. The milk contained 318 gm. of protein, 335 gin. of fat, and 490 gm. of carbohy- drates. The difference shows the material gained or lost by the body. That is, the body gained 124 gm. of protein and 1,096 gm. of carbohy- drates, and lost 8 gm. of fat. The 1,096 gm. of carbohydrates would suffice for the formation of 405 gm. of fat ( 1,090 x .> < = 165 ). Deducting the 8 gm. of fat lost, the total gain to the body was 457 gm of fat. On the supposition that 30 gm. of protein is required for the growth of horns, hide, and hair, there remains 94 gm. of protein and 457 gm. of fat. Lean cow flesh contains 20.7 per cent of protein. The protein gained is therefore equivalent to 454 gm. of flesh. As will be seen, a number of suppositions are necessary in these calculations, since no investigations have been made which cover some of the points — for instance, the energy employed in chewing and digest- ing food. That the calculations are substantially correct, however, is shown by the data which are available concerning the formation of fat in the animal body when an excess of carbohydrates is fed. Kellner has calculated from his own and Kiihn's experiments that from each kilo- gram of digestible starch in excess of the amount required for main- tenance 200 to 240 gm. of fat may be produced. As has been stated (p. 81G), at most 44 gm. of fat could be formed from 107.13 gm. of starch ; that is, 1 gm. of fat from 2.435 gm. of starch. Using this value, 411 gm. of fat would be formed from a kilogram of digestible starch instead of 200 to 240 gm. This difference is due to the labor expended in digestion and to the fermentation which takes place. As previously noted, it may be assumed that 10 per cent of the energy of a maintenance ration is expended in the labor of digestion.1 According to the investi- gations of Magnus-Levy, little labor is expended in digesting fat, and considerable energy is required for the digestion of starch. When starch alone is consumed the labor of digestion may be assumed to be from 17 to 25 per cent of the total energy of the food. Assuming that it is 21 per cent and that 24.1 per cent of the total food undergoes fermentation, the amount of digestible starch available for the formation of 411 gm. of fat can be calculated as follows: 24.1 . 21 Let X=this quantity, then Xxv,,,, -=amount fermented, and X x^qq = expenditure for labor of digestion when 1 kg. of fat is formed from 24.1 21 starch. The equation would therefore be ,()() X +1()() X +1= X = 1.82 kg. of starch. It follows that 1 kg. of digestible starch would serve for the formation of 227 gm. of fat, or about the mean of the quanti- ties given by Kellner. 'Ten per cent is probably the minimum value, though this can not be said with certainty. Respiration or respiration calorimeter experiments are necessary before this can be determined accurately. 914 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. It should also be borne ill mind in experiments with ruminants that the nitrogenous extractives serve as protectors of protein, and hence have a value greater thau that indicated by their heat of combust ion. Weiske, Meier under the writer's direction, and later Kellner have shown that with ruminants asparagin serves as a protector of protein. The most reasonable explanation is that the bacteria which cause fer- mentation in the intestinal tract use amid bodies as a nutrient in place of protein. If there is an abundance of amids present the bacteria use little protein, and when the supply of amids is limited protein which would have served for the needs of the body is utilized. The micro-organisms form protein from amid nitrogen by using it, together with carbohydrates, as a source of energy for the formation of cell plasma. They die and are eventually digested, and thus the body gains protein formed from amids. Closely connected with the foregoing is the so called depression of digestion. If a large quantity of starch or feeding stuffs rich in starch is added to the food of ruminants it has been observed that the digestibility of the nutrients, especially of protein and crude fiber, is diminished. If sufficient protein is added to the normal ration plus starch, the digestibility of the nutrients again becomes normal. This is undoubtedly explained by the fact that the bacteria in the stomach of ruminants serve to render the crude fiber soluble. When an abundance of starch is present they attack this, breaking down the starch molecules and leaving an equivalent quantity of crude fiber unchanged. In other words, many cell walls are not acted upon, and the digestive juices can not reach the cell contents. It is clear, therefore, that diminishing the digestibility of crude fiber must also diminish the digestibility of protein and fat. However, when protein is added to such a ration, or, as Kellner has recently pointed out, asparagin or ammonium acetate, the bacterial action is greatly increased and the digestibility of the crude fiber becomes normal. CALCULATION OF RATION FOR A COW WITH CALF. In calculating a ration for a pregnant milch cow, a number of sup- positious are necessary. The ration for such a cow 4 months with calf, weighing 600 kg. and producing 12 kg. of milk daily, containing 4 per cent of x>rotein, 5 per cent of milk sugar, and 3.5 per cent of fat, must be so adjusted that the general condition of the animal remains unchanged ; that is, the ratio of fat to lean in the body, etc. The cow requires the nutrients for the formation of milk and for the unborn calf. On the supposition that, as the fetus increases in weight the milk yield diminishes, the amount of nutrients required by the fetus at any time — when 3 months old, for instance — can be calculated. A new-born calf weighs about 40 kg. The body contains about 20 kg. of water, 2.5 kg. of mineral matter, 1.5 kg. of fat, and 10 kg. of protein, including the proteid bodies in horn, hoofs, etc. This quantity of pro- INVESTIGATIONS ON TFIE METABOLISM OF MILCH COWS. 915 tein and fat is supplied by the maternal organism in 284 days, or at the rate of 35.2 gm. of protein and 5.3 gm. of fat per day. So far as is known the unborn calf itself metabolizes materials, and can not utilize tbe protein of the maternal organism directly. These materials undergo a loss during metabolism. It may be assumed that the maternal organism must supply about 20 per cent more protein and 10 per cent more fat than is actually required in order to make good this deficiency. That is, 42.2 gin. of digestible protein and 5.8 gin. <>!' fat, or an equivalent amount of carbohydrates, is necessary for the forma- tion of the 35.2 gra. of protein and 5.2 gm. of fat mentioned above. Although the fetus requires more material as it increases in size, the average requirements for the fourth month are the quantities given. The 12 kg. of milk produced would contain 480 gm. of protein, 420 gm. of fat, and 000 gm. of milk sugar. Therefore the cow would require 480+42.2=522.2 gm. of protein for milk production and for the fetus, in addition to a sufficient amount of other material, which maybe most conveniently expressed in terms of energy. The fuel value per gram of the protein under consideration is 5.711 calories; of the fat, 9.231 calories; and of the milk sugar, 3.052 calories. If a maintenance ration consists of 8 kg. of meadow hay of good quality, the materials added 10 make it a productive ration — for instance, peanut cake and fod- der beets — must supply 522.7 gm. of digestible protein. Fodder beets contain very little protein, and without introducing much error it may be assumed that 50 per cent may be digested and assimilated. The protein of peanut meal contains 18.2 per cent of nitrogen (instead of the usual 16 per cent), therefore, 100 gm. of digestible nitrogen of pea- nut meal could be stored in the body or used for milk production only in the proportion ( -^09 — =87.9 J. Seventy-three per cent of the nitrogen of peanut meal is digestible. Assuming that peanut meal contains 7 per cent of albuminoid nitrogen, 100 gm. would supply the body with 28.1 gm. of available protein ( jg-^-X jq0x 6.25 = 28.1 J. One hundred grams of fodder beets furnish 0.22 gm. of pure digestbile protein. Assuming that X gm. beets and Y gm. peanut meal are fed, the equation would be 281 Y+ 2.2 X = 522.2. The fuel value of the total butter fat produced would be 3,877 calories (420x9.231 = 3,877). The fat used for the formation of the fetus would be equivalent to 55 calories (5.8x9.5 = 55), and the milk sugar produced would be equiva- lent to 2,371 calories (600 x 3.952 = 2,371). Therefore, in addition to the protein mentioned above, the food must supply 3,877 + 55+2,371=6,303 calories. If this energy is supplied by fat and carbohydrates the ration must also contain sufficient material to make up for the labor of digestion and for the losses by fermentation. As previously mentioned, it maybe assumed that the energy supplied by crude fiber is just sufficient for its mastication and digestion, while 916 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. chewing and digesting the protein, fat, and carbohydrates requires 10 per cent of their energy, and 24.1 per cent of the energy of nitrogen- free nutrients is expended in fermentation. The amount of protein which the ration should furnish has been determined and, to simplify the calculation, the energy required for its digestion may be assumed to be furnished by starch. One hundred grams of peanut meal contains 6.5 gm. of digestible fat and 23.5 gm. of digestible nitrogen-free . extract. Deducting 24.1 per cent nitrogen- free extract for the material which undergoes fermentation, the fuel value of the fat and nitrogen-free extract would be 136.2 calories (6.5 x 9.5+ [23.5-5.7] x 4.18=136.2); and 10 per cent of this should be deducted for the labor of digesting 28.1 gm. of protein, 6.5 gm. of fat, and 23.5 gm. of nitrogen-free extract. Expressed in terms of starch, the nutrients are equivalent to 67.2 gm. (28.14-6.5x2.4+23.5=67.2 gm. starch). Ten per cent of this would be 6.72 gm. of starch, or, expressed in terms of heat, 28.2 calories. Therefore 100 gm. of peanut meal sup- plies the animal, in addition to protein, with nutrients having a fuel value of 108 calories (136.2-28.2 = 108). In the case of fodder beets the calculation is simpler, since the fat content may be neglected. One hundred grams of fodder beets fur- nishes 8.3 gm. of digestible nitrogen-free extract and 2.2 gm. of pure digestible protein. The loss of nitrogen free extract due to fermenta- tion (24.1 per cent) is equal to 2 gm., leaving 6.3 gm., equivalent to 26.3 calories. The 2.2 gm. of protein and 8.3 gm. of nitrogen-free extract would furnish 43.9 calories, from which should be deducted 10 per cent, or 4.4 calories, for labor of digestion. Therefore the 100 gm. of fodder beets would furnish 26.3 — 4.4 = 21.9 calories. As a matter of fact, the energy expended for digestion must be somewhat increased on account of the crude fiber in the beets. However, no account is made of the fat in the beets and the crude fiber in the peanut meal, so it may be assumed that these factors neutralize each other. Taking into account what has been said, we have the following equa- tion: 1,080 Y + 219 X = 6,303. The equation previously given was 281 Y+2.2 X—522.2. Solving the equations, Y=1.7 and X=20.4. That is, a ration of S kg. of meadow hay, 1.7 kg. of peanut meal, and 20.4 kg. of fodder beets is sufficient for a cow weighing 600 kg. 4 months with calf. It is evident from what has been said that the composition of proteid bodies is a matter of great importance in determining their value in the animal body. It is to be regretted that practically nothing is known concerning the proteid bodies in coarse fodders and green feeding stuffs, and very little regarding those contained in grains and oil cakes. RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. CHEMISTRY. The albuminoid of wheat gluten, K. Morishima (Arch. Exper. Path. u. Pharmakol, 41 (189S), No. 4-5, pp. 345-354).— The author agrees with Osborne and Voorhees that the alcohol soluble part of wheat gluten contains only 1 proteid (gliadiu) instead of 3, as stated by Ritthausen. The hitter's preparations contained phosphorus, and this is true of the preparations of the alcohol-insoluble proteid glutenin. It was thought that possibly this phosphorus might occur as an impurity; and the author attempted to determine whether proteids of wheat gluten could be prepared entirely free from phosphorus. This work led him to the conclusion that gluten contains only a single pro- teid, to which he gives the name artolin. In his investigations gluten was prepared from the finest commercial Hungarian wheat flour, using hydrant water with a considerable lime content for washing out the starch, since, as he says, the employment of distilled water gives a gluten which can not be kneaded into a com- pact mass. The gluten was dissolved in a weak potassium hydrate solution, the cloudy solution decanted from the sediment, and precip- itated with hydrochloric acid, sufficient acid being added to give the solution a strength of 1 per cent, to aid the filtration. The precipitate was collected on bolting cloth, thoroughly washed with 1 per cent hydrochloric acid, and treated with sufficient alcohol to give a strength of 70 to 80 per cent with the water retained by the precipitate. The clear solution was filtered off after a few days and the residue treated with more alcohol, this being repeated until only a very small residue remained. These alcoholic solutions of the gluten were united, 95 per cent alcohol added until cloudy, and then precipitated with ether. The precipitate, consisting of hydrochloric-acid artolin, was washed with 95 per cent alcohol, and then dissolved in the smallest possible amount of water, to which a little alcohol has been added, gentle heat being employed. Where necessary the precipitate was purified by repeated solution in alcohol and reprecipitation. Finally it was freed from water by standing in strong alcohol and by drying in a vacuum over sulphuric acid. 917 918 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The artolin prepared in this way was nearly free from ash and was entirely free from phosphorus, although it contained a constant amount of chlorin which could not be removed. From analysis of 4 prepara- tions from 2 kinds of flour the author gives the formula for free artolin as CIiir,n29(,N50SOr)i!, and for the hydrochloric-acid- artolin; Oi85H28ijNr,oSOr)8. 2HC1. This artolin, it is claimed, constitutes, the principal part of gluten. It corresponds in general to gliadin, although it differs somewhat in composition and in physical properties. Its properties are described. Another substance, containing phosphorus, was obtained from the small residue insoluble in alcohol, mentioned above. This body was present only in small amount, and is thought to be a second constituent of gluten. The substances gliadin, mucedin, gluten fibrin, glutenin, and gluten casein are believed to be mixtures of artolin and this phos- phorus body united with a base, as lime. The author is not certain whether or not the phosphorus body is an albuminoid, but will investi- gate it further. The inversion of sugar by salts, L. Kahlenbero, D. J. Davis, and E. E. Fowler (Jour. Amcr. Chem, Soc.,21 [1899), No. l,pp. 1-23, fie summed up briefly as follows: "(1) The freezing poiut method may he successfully employed in determining the speed of the inversion of sugar. "(2) When the metals are arranged in a series according to the speed with which their salts of the same acid radical invert sugar, it appears that the order is similar to that of the electrochemical series. Aluminum forms a notable exception. In spite of the high position of this metal in the electrochemical series, its salts invert sugar more rapidly than those of any other metal thus far tested. "(3) Chlorids invert sugar more rapidly than sulphates, because the ironizing tendency of chlorin is greater than that of the sulphuric radical." The rapid detection of perchlorate in nitrate of soda, P. ISTyssens (Bid, Assoc. Beige Chun,, 12 (1898), No. 5-6, pp. 187, 188; abs. in Chem. Centhl.,1898, II, No. 2d, p. 1281). — Into a test tube containing the nitrate of soda to be tested, introduce 15 cc. of a saturated solution of potas- sium perchlorate. Keep the test tube in a vessel of water at ordinary room temperature and shake from time to time. All chlorates, sulphates, and other salts usually present in commercial nitrate of soda, with the exception of potassium perchlorate, are dissolved in the saturated perchlorate solution. Filter the solution and wash the residue once with a saturated perchlorate solution and then with 85 per cent alcohol. If perchlorates are present the characteristic crystals will be found in the residue on the filter and the amount may be determined by the usual methods, or by weighing the residue and deducting the weight of insoluble impurities as determined in another portion of the sample. CHEMISTRY. !»1!) On the volatile and insoluble fatty acids in butter, E. Hen- riques (Chem. Rev. Fett u. Harzind., 5 (1898), X<>. 9, pp. 109-172: abs. in Analyst, 21 (18!)!)), Jan., p. 7). — The author investigated several sam- ples of pure butter unusually low in volatile fatty acids, with the idea of devising a method for distinguishing these butters from mixed but- ters. The method is based on the differences in the actual quantity and the average molecular weight of the volatile and nonvolatile fatty acids. The results, however, show that butters with a normal Reichert- Meissl number contained 5 to G per cent volatile fatty acids, those with an abnormal 4 to 5 per cent, the average molecular weight of which varied from 93.3 to 90.8; hence the results have but a negative value for analytical practice.. With regard to the insoluble fatty acids, the Ilehner number ranged between 80.5 and 89.1 for normal and 88.9G to 90.68 for abnormal butters; but a difficulty arose in the estimation of the average molecular weight in that the values found on drying at 105 to 110° C. (viz, 267 to 270) differed from those (250.3 to 203) obtained when the drying was effected at the ordinary temperature in a vacuum desiccator. The author, however, considers that assuming butter to contain a large proportion of oleic acid, the above figures indicate that a consid- erable amount of an acid of lower molecular weight than palmitic acid is present; and that by isolating this acid and separating the unsatu- rated from the saturated acids it is not improbable, provided the assumption of a low average molecular weight for this undetected acid be found correct, that the presence of -extraneous fats in butter maybe discovered by the relatively higher molecular weight of the saturated acids they contain. Chemical division of the Rhode Island Station, H. J. Wheeler, {Rhode Island Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 166-176). — This is a summary account of the work of the chemical division of the station during 1897 in the following lines: Fertilizer inspection, studies of methods of analysis, special chemical investigations, field and pot experiments, experiments in culture under glass, etc.; and analyses of miscellaneous materials, including mixed fertilizers, muriate of potash, calcined sulphate of potash and magnesia, carbonate of potash and magnesia, carbonate of potash, nitrate of potash, carbonate of soda, dried blood, dissolved boueblack, dissolved bone, double superphosphate, dissolved phos- phatic rock, Thomas slag, sulphate of ammonia, waste lime from soda- ash works, lime, magnesium sulphate, floats, fine ground bone, tankage, and water. Third International Congress of Applied Chemistry (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 21 (1S99\ No 1, pp. 73-10%), — This is a brief report of the congress held in Vienna, July 27 to August 4, 189S. It gives a list of the papers read, with abstracts in some cases and notes on the discussion ; and an account of the excursions and scientific visits, with short descriptions of the institutions and laboratories visited. Glycollic acid, one of the acids of sugar cane, E. C. Shokey (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, '21 {1899), No. 1, pp. 45-50).— In a previous paper (E. S. R., 9, p. 721) the author 920 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. announced the discovery of glycocoll as the principal amid constituent of sugar cane. lie now announces the discovery of glycollic acid in sugar cane, and describes its separation, properties, etc., and discusses its bearing in relation to sugar manu- facture and sugar chemistry, as well as its physiological significance in the plant. The combinations of carbon in humus substances, G. Andre {Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, US {1899), Xo. 8, pp. 513-5 HI). —In previous articles (K. S. R., 10, p. 830) the author has reported investigations on the form of nitrogen in humus. This article discusses the form of carbon in these substances as determined by methods similar to those employed in the investigations of the nitrogen compounds. The nitrogenous compounds in fungi, E. WlNTERSTEiN (Ztschr. Physiol. Client., !<\ {lS99),Xo.5,pp. 43S-441). — In this article, which is a preliminary communication, the author reviews the literature of nitrogenous constituents of fungi, and briefly reports a study of the nitrogenous material extracted from Boletus edulis and Agarictts campestris. Is ferric chlorid volatilized when evaporated from acid solutions? L. L. De Koninck {Pud. Assoc. Beige Chim., 13 (1S99), Xo. 1, pp. .7-/(9).— The author, after reviewing the work of Presenilis and Vogel, concludes as the results of his own labors that " under the ordinary conditions of analysis, the quantity of iron lost in this way may he neglected." — H. snyder. A critical review of the methods of analysis of fats, A. Lemoixe {Bui. Assoc. Beige Chim., 13 {1899), Xo. 1, pp. 20-39). — A table is given showing the "saponifica- tion index" (Koettstorfer number) and the percentage of carboxyl and oxycarhoxyl of fatty bodies. The author contends that it is more scientific to adopt, in place of "potash number," the terms, carboxyl for actual acidity, and oxycarhoxyl for "latent" acidity of the fatty body. — h. sxyi>er. The identification and reaction of saccharose, dextrose, levulose, and mal- tose, A Gawalowski {Pharm. Post, 1898, p. 3S0). The chemical and bacteriological analysis of drinking waters, F. Baucher and G. Dojimerque {Traite pratique d'anahjse chimique et microbienne des eaux d' ali- mentation. Paris: Imprimerie Levee, 1S9S; rev. in Jour. Hyg., 23 {189S), Xo. 1157, p. 564). Methods for the bacteriological examination of water, W. Hesse and Niedxkr {Ztschr. Hyg., 29 {1898), p. 454 ; abs. in Chem. Ztg., 23 {1S99), Xo. 12, Bepert., p. 35). On the determination of the value of waxes, A. Heupei. {Ztschr. Angeiv. Chem., 1899, No. 8, pp. 171, 172). Temperature correction tables for picnometer measurements, P. Fuchs {Ztschr. Angeiv. Chem., 1899, Xo. 2, pp. 25-27). New laboratory apparatus {Ztschr. Angeiv. Chem., 1899, Xo. 8, pp. 173-175, figs. 6). — Describes (1) an apparatus for the volumetric determination of hydrogen, rnethan, and nitrogen in gas mixtures by fractional combustion with copper oxid, (2) a safety sand bath, (3) an apparatus for the quick determination of the specific gravity of gums, and (4) a universal holder. An aerometer with temperature correction scale, P. FuCHS {Ztschr. Angeiv. Chem., 1899, Xo. l,pp. 15, 16, jig. 1). A new automatic pipette with reservoir, H. Gockel {Ztschr. Angeiv. Chem., 1S99, No. 1, p. 10, Jig. 1). BOTANY. Grass culture in Iceland, P. Teilberg {Ber. Andra Nord. Landtbr. Ko?igr., Stockholm, 1897, I, pp. 310-312; II, App. 8, pp. 27).— This article gives a description of the topography, meteorological conditions, soils, vegetation, and agricultural resources of Iceland, together with agricultural statistics and an enumeration of the most important grasses and other meadow plants. The pasture grasses of Iceland BOTANY. 921 consist mainly of Festuca rubra, F. ovina, Agrostis vulgaris, Poa pra- tensis, P. cassia, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Aira ccespitosa, and Alopecurus geniculatus. Trifolium repens and Alopecurus genieulatus occur in moist places. AchillcBa millefolium is quite abundant on the meadows, and a large number of other plants, especially sedges and the coarser grasses, are frequently found in small quantities. Other plants fre- quently found on the meadows are Carex vulgaris, G. cryptocarpa, G. chordorhiza, G. rariflora, G. ampullacea, G. limosa, C. dioica, C. eanescens, Menyanthes trifoliata, JEriophorum angustifolium, E. capitatum, Juncus triglumis, Scirpus ccespitosus, Vaccinium uliginosum and Betula nana. "Iceland is the laud of the Cyperacese and the coarsest species of grasses, but cattle which through generations have become accustomed to the coarse food do well on it." — f. w. woll. The seeds and seedlings of some Amentiferee, W. W. Rowleb and G. T. Hastings (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (1898), p. 436).— The authors state that compared with other groups, the seeds and seedlings of this group have not been observed to any extent. This fact led them to a series of studies, and their conclusions, briefly stated, are as follows: In the walnuts and hickory nuts the cotyledons cor- respond to the valves of the nut and are deeply two-lobed. The divisions of the embryo resembling cotyledons are each made up of valves of the cotyledons. The seeds of hickory will germinate without frost action, while those of walnut require it. The taproot of all these seedlings is very thick in young plants and very long in older ones. In the case of chestnuts and oaks the shell is spilt by swelling of the coty- ledons in germination. In the species of oak studied the leaves of the seedlings were very much alike, being neither very deeply cut nor lobed. The beech is said to be the only one of all the genera examined in which the hypoeotyl lengthens or the cotyledons become aerial. Temperature of plants, F. Schleichert (Naturw. Wchnschr., 13 (1898), pp. 409-472 ; abs. in Jour. Roy. Micros. Soc. [London], 1899, No. 1, p. 57). — Observations on the temperature of trunks and leaves are reported, from which it appears that the temperature of the interior of the trunk of Pavia rubra at a depth of 12 cm. below the surface was dependent on the temperature of the surrounding air, attaining its maximum and minimum later than that of the atmosphere. It is influenced to a less extent by the temperature of the soil and of ascend- ing currents of water, as well as by the degree to which the leaves are exposed to direct sunlight. The temperature of leaves was found in some cases to be slightly lower (0.7° C.) than that of the surrounding- air, owing to transpiration. In other cases, such as thick-leaved plants of aloes and cactus, when exposed to bright sunlight the temperature was considerably higher; when the air temperature was 20° that of the interior of the leaf was 28.5° 0. This difference is said not to be due to the development of heat in the leaf, but to the absorption of heat through the thick mass of leaf or stem. 922 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Movement of plant food before the fall of the leaf, B. RAMANN (Ztschr. Forsf n. J, and barley in 1896 and 1897. The pots were divided into 2 series, one limed and the other unlimed. The data reported include yield of crop, percentage of nitro- gen in dry matter, and total nitrogen removed by the crop. The results are summarized as follows: "On a very acid (sour) soil sulphate of ammonia has worked like a poison instead of as an effective fertilizer. "Where air-slaked lime was applied with sulphate of ammonia, the nitrogen proved nearly as valuable as like quantities in form of nitrate of soda. "Dried blood, on the acid soil, yielded some nitrogen to the plants and proved its marked superiority to the leather. "When used in connection with lime the nitrogen of the dried blood became nearly as effective as like amounts in the form of nitrate of soda, while nitrogen in the form of leather was very ineffective even when, by liming, the conditions for its nitrification were made as favorable as possible. That the conditions for nitrifi- cation were favorable in the limed pots is shown by the fact that the nitrogen of the sulphate of ammonia and dried blood became almost as effective as nitrate of soda. "These results bring out plainly the fact that upon an acid soil, where nitrifica- tion progresses but slowly, much of the money invested in the best forms of organic nitrogen, such as blood, meat, and fish, is practically wasted, and since these forms make up the major part of the nitrogen of most of the commercial fertilizers sold in the State, the importance of testing soils for their acidity and supplying lime where needed can not be too strongly insisted upon." Observations in connection with a soil test continued for 8 successive years, H. J. Wheeler and J. A. Tillinghast (Rhode Island Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 177-184).— This is an account of a continua- tion of an experiment begun in 1890 (E. S. It., 9, p. 936), in which 938 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. nitrogen lias been applied each year in the form of nitrate of soda, phosphoric acid in form of dissolved boneblack, and potash in form of muriate of potash, with and without the addition of lime. During the earlier years the crop experimented with was corn. Subsequently a large variety of other crops were used. In 1897 the plants grown were crimson clover, common white beans, sunflower, summer squash, and corn. The results are reported in detail and summarized as follows : "The first year's experiment with maize indicated a probable need of potash. Experiments for 3 successive years with the same crop showed in a most decisive manner that phosphoric acid was more deficient in the soil than nitrogen or potash. "Most of our agricultural plants gave indications that their individual require- ments for phosphoric acid on our soil were determinable in a soil test as well by maize as by the use of each of them. "Sunflowers, by virtue of greater requirements for potash or of less ability to extract it from the soil, are probably not well calculated for use in determining phosphoric acid deficiencies for most other plants. White beans, summer squashes, and crimson clover seem also less desirable for such a use than the cereals. "Liming, an unusual amount of water, or possibly both factors, seem capable of rendering assimilable some of the otherwise inert phosphates already existing in the soil." On the substitution of soda for and its value in connection with potash, H. J. Wheeler and J. A. Tillinghast (Rhode Island Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 326-240, pis. 4). — The experiments here reported were a continuation of those of previous years (E. S. R., 9, p. 933). The fol- lowing is a summary of the results thus far obtained: "It may be stated at this time that with each succeeding year soda, when used without potash, has steadily deteriorated in its action when compared with the results from plats manured with potash, but without soda. " Where soda has been added in increasing quantities to a full potash ration, little or no benefit from its use has been apparent. On the other hand, the addi- tion of increasing quantities of potash to a full soda ration, has, especially in the last 2 years, been attended with most marked gains. "In the instances where potash and soda have both been employed in varying amounts, marked evidence of benefit from soda is noticeable in the results for 18SI7, particularly where the potash ration was reduced to one-fourth of the maximum amount. "There seems to be some doubt if it would prove an economical practice to reduce the supply of potash sufficiently to gain the greatest benefit from the soda, for by so doing the total crop seems to be seriously reduced. It may be possible that certain plants may be able to make use of soda without the danger just mentioned. This point can only be determined by further experimentation. " It is not known at present, and can not be until the analytical data are all avail- able, whether the soda has probably acted as a direct plant food, or indirectly by virtue of its having liberated some potash or other manurial ingredients. It is hoped that something in this connection will be ready for publication in the near future." A study of the needs of certain Rhode Island soils, H. J. Wheeler, 0. O. Flagg, and G. E. Adams (Rhode Island Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 185-201, pis. 7). — This is an account of cooperative experi- ments during 1897 in continuation of those of previous years (E. S. R., FERTILIZERS. f)39 9, p. 037). The main results of these experiments are summarized as follows: "In experiments with beets already conducted in 15 localities in the State marked benefit from liming has been observed in every case but one. The .smallest gain has been 21 per cent, the nest smallest 37 per cent, while in the other cases the crop has been practically doubled, or increased several times. "Experiments with barley, in 1896, indicated a more or less general need of lime, but the results were far less marked than with beets. "With but one or two exceptions the most striking benefit from liming lias been noticeable, in 1897, in connection with both red clover and timothy (Phleum pra- tense) in various sections of the State. Liming increases the relative amount of timothy in mixtures of that grass with redtop, and also the total weight of the hay crop on many soils. Practically all of the reasonably heavy soils, and particularly such as are well supplied with humus, have been found to be less in need of nitrogen than of phosphoric acid." Five years' observations upon the growth of plants upon an acid upland soil, limed and unlimed, H. J. Wheeler and J. A. TiLLlNGHAST {Rhode Island Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 202-225, pis. 2).— The experiments in 1897 were conducted on the same plan as that followed in previous years (E. S. B., 9, p. 935). The results obtained are as follows : "Of all the grasses thus far tested, none .seemed to stand so much in need of lime on acid soil as Kentucky blue grass and timothy. "Orchard grass and meadow fescue, though less injured by soil acidity (souruese) than Kentucky blue grass or timothy, nevertheless show great benefit from liming. Sheep fescue is also benefited by liming to a considerable extent, though it gives no promise of value for hay in this section. "Awnless brome grass, redtop, and Rhode Island bent, though valuable grasses, do not seem to be susceptible of great injury, even upon quite acid soils. This obser- vation furnishes a satisfactory explanation of the fact that timothy and clover give way rapidly to redtop and Rhode Island bent on many of our New England farms. "This season's trial indicates wonderful benefit from the use of lime in the grow- ing of asparagus. These observations are to be continued if possible. "New Zealand spinach, like the ordinary varieties, seems to be much helped by liming. "Spinach and asparagus give much better results from nitrogen in form of nitrate of soda than from like quantities in form of sulphate of ammonia. Experiments are in progress for the purpose of ascertaining definitely, if possible, to what this dif- ference is due. "Strawberries, currants, and gooseberries have shown this season some benefit from liming, yet it will be necessary to wait a year or two before definite conclusions in the matter can be drawn. "Judging from the growth only, raspberry plants appear to show some benefit fromliming, while no noticeable differences in blackberry pi ants have been observable. "Delaware grapevines seem to be injured in a marked degree by sour soil, and correspondingly helped by liming, while the Concord viues appear to be compara- tively indifferent in this particular. "Among the other tests made the past season the orange quince, Golden Sweet apple, American elm, and American linden show more probability of Tiltimate benefit from liming than the Crawford Early peach, Baldwin apple, Uartlett pear, sugar maple, or American white birch. In future years more conclusive data should be obtainable in relation to the small fruits, orchard and forest trees." 940 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. On the action of burnt lime and marl on sandy soils, B. Tacke, H. Immendorff, A. Salfeld, and F. Wolff (Landw. Jahrb., 27 (1898), Sup. 4, pp. 131-450). — Experiments in the laboratory, green- house, and field tend to show that fall applications of burnt lime may injuriously affect the growth of leguminous plants by the impoverish- ment of the soil in assimilable nitrogen. The lime, however, did not appear to affect injuriously the root tubercle organisms applied in soil, although on uninoculated soils the plants grew much better where marl was applied than where burnt lime was used. This is believed to be due to the fact that the marl contained the root tubercle organisms in considerable amount. Field experiments on upland moor soils and moor meadows by the Moor Experiment Station at Bremen during 1892-1897, B. Tacke, F. Gaaz, and H. Menkhaus (Landw. Jahrb., 27 (1898), Sup. 4, pp. 1-258, pis. 4). — These include experiments with different crops and with different combinations of fertilizers, the use of sand on upland moors, comparison of barnyard manure and commercial fertil- izers on untreated upland moors, drainage to different depths, and applications of calcareous manures. In experiments with different forms and amounts of phosphoric acid, potash, and nitrogen on moor soils the best results were obtained on the average from applications of 100 kg. per hectare of potash, 100 to 125 kg. of phosphoric acid, and 75 kg. of nitrogen. In comparative tests of Thomas slag, precipitated phosphate, and Algerian phosphate on upland moors, the Algerian phosphate gave a more profitable return than Thomas slag, especially when applied in somewhat larger amounts (one-fourth more) than the latter on moor soils recently brought under cultivation. In comparative tests of kainit, carnallit, and 38 per cent "manure salt" on upland moor soils the use of concentrated manure salt was found profitable, especially on potatoes, even when applied at the rate of 200 kg. per hectare in the spring, but carnallit and kainit applied in the same way reduced both the yield and starch content of potatoes. The reduction in starch content appeared to be due not to a lowering of the percentage of starch in the dry matter, but, as a rule, to an increase of water in the tuber. The injurious effect of the potash salts appeared to be lessened by the application of basic substances, such as lime, Thomas slag, etc. Experiments with varieties of potatoes, oats, and rye are reported, but the results are either inconclusive or mainly of local interest. A series of experiments were made on upland moors, the surface layers of which were mixed with a layer of sand 10 to 15 cm. thick. A variety of crops were grown on the soil and they were invariably bene- fited by the addition of the sand. In the case of cereals the increase in the yield of straw was greater than that of grain. Comparative tests of barnyard manure and commercial fertilizers on untreated upland moors gave inconclusive results. FERTILIZERS. 941 The results of comparative tests of drainage of upland moors to depths of 50 to 150 cm. indicate that for potatoes and rye, which are the principal moor crops, a depth of 50 cm. gives the best results, especially for new soils. As culture continues the depth of drainage may be increased without injury. Burnt lime, marl, chalk, and gypsum in varying amounts were com- pared on a number of different crops and upland moor soils. The results indicate that as a rule these manures increased the productive- ness of the soil principally by improving the porosity and drainage of the soil and thus increasing the depth to which the roots of plants could descend. In experiments on the action of different forms and amounts of potash and phosphoric acid on upland and lowland moor meadows it was found that combinations of kaiuit and Thomas slag gave an increased yield when other conditions of growth were favorable. Crude phos- phates were found to be very effective when considerable amounts of acid were present in the soil. The character of the grasses was much improved by the use of fertilizers. An improvement was also noted in the composition of the individual grasses grown on the fertilized soil. This was shown in an increase in the percentage of protein. The grasses grown with fertilizers contained a higher percentage of water thau those grown without fertilizers. The dry matter of the hay grown on fertilized soils contained higher percentages of potash and phosphoric acid than the averages given by Wolff. Hay from the lowland moors contained 2.17 per cent of potash and 0.57 per cent of phosphoric acid, while that from the upland moors contained 1.95 per cent of potash and 0.79 per cent of phosphoric acid. Pot experiments on moor soils at the Moor Experiment Sta- tion at Bremen, B. Tacke and H. Immendorff (Landw. Jahrb., 27 (1898), Sup. I, pp. 259-300, pis. 19, Jig. 1). — Accounts are here given of pot experiments with upland and lowland moor soils, including tests of nitrogenous and phosphatic manures on lowland moor soils, studies on the optimum water content of upland and lowland moor soils, and on the action of underground liming and of naturally occurring compounds of phosphoric acid and iron on upland moor soils. The experiments with nitrogenous fertilizers on lowland moor soils showed that even in cases in which the soil contained from 2.52 to 3.39 per cent of nitrogen the yields of oats, rye, and sugar beets were greatly increased by applications of nitrogen. The more favorable the conditions for nitrification and the more rapid tin's process took place in the soil the less the benefit from nitrogenous fertilizers. In experiments on the action of phosphoric acid on lowland moor soils containing varying amounts of phosphoric acid, applications of phosphoric acid ceased to increase the yield of oats when the soil con- tained 0.44 per cent of phosphoric acid, and were without effect on the yield of wheat when the amount present in the soil was 1.23 per cent. 942 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Only ou soils very poor in phosphoric acid did water-soluble phosphoric acid produce better effects than Thomas slag containing a high per- centage of citrate-soluble phosphoric acid. The after effect of the latter was also as a rule greater. Examinations of the soils used in these experiments indicated that the total phosphoric acid was not always a safe index of their phosphoric acid requirements, but this was dependent largely upon the form in which the phosphoric acid was present in the soil. Soils which contained phosphoric acid in form of vivianite, or in the transition stages between vivianite and ferric phos- phate, stood less in need of phosphoric acid fertilizing than those which contained ferric phosphate. In experiments on the optimum water content of lowland moor soils it was found that with leafy plants, like oil radish, the largest yield was obtained with the highest amount of water (75 per cent of the water capacity of the soil j. With oats the maximum yield was obtained with a water content of 65 per cent. In similar experiments on upland moor soils the highest yields of both crops were obtained with saturated soil (84.7 per cent of water ). Eed earth containing 2.08 per cent and vivianite containing 14.51 per cent of phosphoric acid, 2 substances which naturally occur in moors, were tested in comparison with Thomas slag. The results show that these substances have considerable value as fertilizers. Fertilizers, E. B. Voorhees {New York : The Macmillan Co., 1898, pp. XIV+335).— When we consider the relation of the experiment stations in this country to the fer- tilizer question it seems peculiarly fitting that the preparation of this volume of the Rural Science Series should have been intrusted to the director of an agricultural experiment station, and especially of a station like that of New Jersey, which has- has done so much to promote the intelligent use of fertilizers. As the subtitle states, the book treats of the source, character, and composition of natural, home-made, and manufactured fertilizers, with suggestions as to their use for different crops and conditions. The following is a summary of the topics treated : The natural fertility of the soil and sources of loss of the elements of fertility; the functions of manures and fertilizers and the needs of artificial fertilizers ; the sources and nature of the various commercial forms of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash, as well as of miscellaneous fertilizing materials, including, among others, green manures and soil amendments; the analysis and purchase of fertilizers; methods of using fertilizers ; and fertilizers for special crops — cereals and grasses, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, sugar beets, green forage plants, market garden crops, orchard fruits and berries, cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, etc. The work is intended for ''the general reader as well as the student," and aims "to point out the underlying principles and to discuss in the light of our present knowledge of the subject some of the important problems connected with the use of fertilizers." In order that each farmer may intelligently apply the results of scientific investi- gation to his own conditions the author outlines a plan of farm experiments. Great emphasis is laid on the importance of the systematic use of manures and fertilizers, a chapter being devoted to a discussion of systems of fertilization adapted to various systems of rotation and farm management, conditions of soil, etc, FIELD CROPS. <)43 FIELD CROPS. A report of progress of investigations in the chemistry of wheat, G. L. Teller (Arkansas Bui. 52, pp. 53-81). — This is a continuation of the authors investigation (E. S. R., 8, p. 854). He refers to bis conten- tion that the wheat proteid designated by Osborne and V oorhees as a pro- teose is gliadiu, and offers " further proof that the conclusion is correct." jMost of the bulletin is devoted to a study of the changes in wheat from the time the grain began to set until it was overripe. A half acre of wheat which gave promise of being very uniform was used for the investigations, but as the wheat matured the held was found to be less uniform than expected. Beginning May 22, when the wheat was past blooming and the grain was set, cuttings were made daily at the same hour on 42 successive days, about one half of each cutting being dried on the straw, and the heads being cut from the other half and dried separately. The wheat from each cutting was thrashed and cleaned, "that used for analysis being hand picked to free it from all foreign matter."' The number of kernels in 10 gin. of each sample was determined. This shows a quite regular decrease from 3,583 kernels for the first cutting to 246 for the last cutting. The quantitative method used for separating the proteids was that described in Bulletin 42 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 854), except that in the extraction of the gliadin alcohol of 0.9 sp. gr. (about 58 per cent by weight) was used instead of 75 per cent alcohol, as formerly recom- mended. The nitrogen compounds were determined in each of the 42 samples of wheat ripened on the straw; the nitrogen was determined in the grain of the heads cut from the straw for the first 36 days, and a complete determination of the nitrogen compounds of the third sam- ple of this series was made. These data are tabulated on the basis of dry matter and of total nitrogen, and the differences in composition where the heads were cut from the straw and the grain cured on the straw are given. A summary of the nitrogen compounds for groups of 3 days is given in the following table: Nitrogenous compounds in wheat at different stages of maturity, in percentages of the total nitrogen. Period. Stage of maturity 9 10 11 a(ll) 12 13 14 A little past bloom; grain set Berries one-half to full length of ripe grain Grain coming in milk; lower leaves dying Grain well in milk Heads and kernels well developed; thin dough Grain in dough Grain in stiff dough ; straw becoming yellow at butt. Straw much yellowed but still decidedly green Straw still a little green Wheat fit to cut; berry nearly dry Grain overripe '. do do do do Edestin Gliadin Glutenin andleuco- Amid nitrogen, nitrogen, i sin nitro- nitrogen, gen. 28.4 34.7 39.9 41.9 43.3 45,6 48 5 51). 0 53. 5 53.3 51.9 (52. 9) 53. 5 52.4 53.0 44.2 43.1 37.8 36.2 85. 7 35.6 35.8 35 9 32.7 31.5 33.2 (32.4) 31.1 32.3 31.9 11.9 13.7 15.1 15.2 14.7 13.9 11.4 10.3 10.4 11.8 11.6 (11.5) 11.5 11.1 11.3 15.5 8.5 7.2 6.7 0.3 4.9 4.3 3.8 3.4 3.4 3.3 (3.2) 3.9 4.2 3.8 a Figures in parentheses give average of group, omitting one sample which was irregular. 18562— No. 10 4 944 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "When considered in proportion to the whole amount of nitrogen compounds present, there is a large increase in the gliadin from the earliest cutting of the grain until it is ripened. There is a marked but smaller decrease in the proportion of gluteniu over the same time and a very rapid falling off in the proportion of amids during the first few days. The changes in the proportion of edestin and leucosin during the entire time of cutting is less marked and more irregular. "There is a corresponding but less marked change in these same compounds when ^considered in percentages of the dry matter of the grain. •'The nitrogen compounds in this grain when ripe were in about the following proportions: Amids 1, edestin and leucosin 3.5, gluteuin 10, and gliadin 16. "There was over the period preceding ripening a very appreciable larger percent- age of nitrogen in the wheat of heads cut from the straw at the time of the gather- ing than in that gathered at the same time and dried on the straw, the explanation of which seems to be that the transfer of dry matter from the straw to the grain after cutting was largely one of non-nitrogenous matter. "When considered in relation to the whole amount of nitrogen compounds present, there was little difference in the proportions of the different nitrogen compounds in the wheat dried on the straw and in that of heads cut from the straw." To study the changes iu the nitrogenous cornpouuds in the endosperm, samples of the wheat from the sixteenth to the thirtieth cuttings were milled in a small roller Hour mill provided for the purpose, and the nitrogenous compounds iu the hour determined. The results are tabu- lated on the basis of the total dry matter aud of the total nitrogen, and are compared with those obtained for the whole wheat. These showed that the difference between the total nitrogen iu the whole wheat and in the endosperm was very appreciably greater in the ripe wheat than in the wheat cut a week or 10 days earlier. Up to about 2 weeks before ripening the gliadin nitrogen formed a greater proportion of the dry matter of the endosperm than of the whole wheat, but from that time until ripening this was reversed, the proportion of gliadin nitrogen being greater in the whole wheat than in the endosperm. A study was also made of the proximate composition of wheat at dif- ferent stages. The samples cut at different stages and dried on the straw were analyzed and the results in periods of 3 days, corresponding to the stages of ripeness mentioned in the preceding table, are given as follows : Proximate composition of wheat at different stages, calculated to dry matter. Period. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 111 11 12 13 II Ash. Per ct. 4.81 4.16 3.24 2.52 2.16 2.07 1.82 1.80 1.68 1.79 1.77 1.59 1.87 1.69 Pro- teids. Per ct. 17.80 17.30 15.36 14.30 13.75 13.15 13.64 14.55 15.40 16.24 14.96 16.59 16.56 17.26 Amids. Per ct. 2.83 1.40 1.01 .91 .78 .56 .51 .50 .44 .50 .44 .61 .62 .56 Fats. Per ct. 4.32 3.09 2.64 2.51 2.31 2.38 2.45 2.59 2.60 2.44 2.50 2.37 2.46 2.52 Crude fiber. Per ct. 8.69 6 96 5.50 4 56 3.72 3 30 3.10 3.11 3.01 3.03 3.04 2.98 3.00 2.96 Pento- sans. Per ct. 13.54 12.84 12.28 11.10 9.73 9.66 9.32 8.82 8.50 8.41 8.08 8.16 8.33 8.63 Dex- trins. Per ct. 2.00 3.07 2. 86 2.66 2.26 2.11 1.94 1.75 1.72 1.83 2.46 1.77 1.79 1.75 Su- Dex- crose. trose. Per ft. Per ct. 2.95 1.55 2.80 .64 2.20 .17 1.94 .08 1.42 .07 1.45 .05 1.45 .05 1.43 Trace. 1.28 .01 1.44 Trace. 1.52 Trace. 1.51 Trace. 1.53 Trace. 1.50 Trace. Starch and un- deter- mined. Per ct. 41.51 47. 74 54.68 59 42 63. HO 65. 27 65. 72 Of,. 45 65. 36 64.32 65. 23 64.42 6S.84 63. 15 FIELD CROPS. 045 "The proportions of ash, amide, fats, fiber, dextrins and pentosans gradually decreased in the dry matter of the grain from the earliest stages up to ripeness. The proportion of sucrose rapidly decreased for the first 5 periods and was practically constant from then on. The very appreciable quantity of reducing sugar in the earlier periods decreased to a mere trace up to the time of ripening. The proportion of starch rapidly increased up to a week or more before ripening. "The proportion of total proteids in the dry matter of the grain steadily decreased from the earliest time up to about a week before ripening and gradually increased from then on. This is not in accord with results of Dr. Kedzie ' in experiments of 2 different years in Michigan, and it is hoped that further information on the subject may be obtained from work now in progress on another year's growth of Arkansas wheat." Summary of experiments -with corn and -wheat, 1898 (Oklahoma Sta. Bui. 36, pp. 4). — The results of experiments with wheat and corn are briefly stated. Among* the varieties of wheat tested Fultz, lied Russian, and Fulcaster gave the best yields, the average for 2 years being 45, 42, and 41 bu. per acre, respectively. Early Red Clawson, Big English, Missouri Blue Stem, Sibley New Golden, Mealy, Crate, and Lebanon averaged from 35 to 40 bu. per acre; and Dietz Longberry, Nigger, Bearded Monarch, German Emperor, Extra Early Oakley, Longberry, Miami Valley, Early Kipe, Saskatchewan, and Valley from 30 to 35 bu . per acre. Genesee Giant was most affected by rust. In gen- eral wheat sown September 25 or October 5 gave better returns than wheat sown earlier or later. The results from sowings at the rates of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 pk. per acre showed that in general the average yield increased from thinnest to thickest seeding. Rolling the land in addi- tion to harrowing it before seeding produced no appreciable effect. In general the best results in the experiment with corn were obtained from plantings made March 28, with kernels every 12 in. in rows 3 ft. Sin. apart; and from plowing about 6 in. deep and subsoiling 4 in. lower. A root-pruning experiment showed that no injury resulted from running a knife 3 in. deep, or running it 6 in. deep 22 in. away from the plants. Where the knife cut 6 in. deep within G or 12 in. of the stalk the yield was reduced considerably. The results from different meth- ods of cultivation proved inconclusive. Brazilian Flour corn and Cornucopia yielded 21 and 15 bu. per acre, respectively. In all experi- ments except the variety test, Adams White Dent corn was grown, and some plats yielded from 40 to 60 bu. per acre. Experiments with roots and forage crops, F. W. Kane (New Hampshire Sta. Bui. 57, pp. 127-153, figs. 14).— This bulletin describes in a popular manner the cultural tests made at the station of various root and forage crops and gives recommendations for their culture. The following crops were grown: Ensilage corn, millets, Brazilian flour corn, teosinte, Kafir corn, millo maize, Jerusalem corn, soy beans, cow- peas, Russian vetch, oats and Canada peas, crimson clover, lupines, serradella, sainfoin, rape, kale, spurry, sunflower, Idaho field pea, sacha- 1 Michigan Bd.Agr.Rpt. 1881-82, p. 233; reprinted 1885, p. 121; and Michigan sta. Bui. 101 (E. S.R.,5,p. 782). 946 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. line, giant beggar weed, sugar beets, carrots, ruta bagas, mangel wur- zels, turnips, and Jerusalem artichokes. The millets, Panicurn crus- galli, I', mileaeea, P. italica, Goldeu Winter and New Siberian, yielded about 1G, 10, 7, 9, and 5 tons of hay per acre, respectively. It was found that soybeans responded readily to fertilizers supplying potash, phosphoric acid, nitrogen, and lime. Of 5 varieties of cowpeas, South- ern Yellow Eye produced the best yield — over 18 tons of green material per acre. The average yield of Russian vetch ( Vicia villosa) was over 13 tons of green fodder per acre. The results with crimson clover have been reported in a former bulletin (B. S. R., 8, p. 586). Thousand - headed kale, sown in spring and cut in August, yielded about 24 tons of green fodder per acre. The yields of the root crops are given in a table. Forage crops, E. B. Voorhees and C. B. Lane (New Jersey Stas. Bui. 130, pp. 1-16, pis. 2). — The results of experiments with forage crops conducted for 3 years are reported, and the methods used in seeding and the cost and composition of the fertilizers applied are dis- cussed in a popular manner. The following forage crops, arranged in the order of their use during the season, were grown at the station: Rye, crimson clover, red clover, mixed grasses, oats and peas, corn, cowpeas and soy beans, Japanese millet, and barley and peas. The laud on which these crops were grown received a geueral application of 8 tons of barnyard manure per acre annually. In addition to this application the crimson clover, corn, cowpeas, and soy beans received a dressing of 200 lbs. per acre of an even mixture of ground bone, acid phosphate, and muriate of potash; the millets, oats and peas, and bar- ley and peas, an application of 200 lbs. per acre of a mixture of 50 lbs. nitrate of soda, 100 lbs. of acid phosphate, 100 lbs. of ground bone, and 50 lbs. muriate of potash. The cost of the fertilizers for these crops was $2.50 per acre. The rye received a dressing of 100 lbs. acid phos- phate and 50 lbs. muriate of potash per acre, applied immediately before seeding. The cost of this application was #1.50 per acre. The digestible food and its cost of production in the various crops as determined in these experiments is given in the following table, the object of the analysis being to determine the average composition of each crop at the stage best fitted for feeding: Cost and amount of digestible food in various forage crops. Kind of crop. Legumes : Crimson clover ... Barley and peas .. Oats and peas Soy beans Cowpeas Cereals : Rye Broom-corn millet Italian millet Corn Barnyard millet .. Dry mat- ter per I ton. Digestible food per ton. Fat. Pounds. 322 316 360 385 238 362 360 541 458 269 l'ounds. 5.4 8.6 10.8 6.6 6.0 7.6 10. 6 8.2 4.0 Protein. Pounds. 49.0 45.2 42.8 34.2 28.8 41.0 34.6 30.8 19.8 18.8 Carbo- bydrates, Pounds. 148.4 118.4 160.4 174.0 119.0 205.6 171.4 295.6 287.6 134.2 Nutritive Cost per ratio. ton. 1: 5.5 1: 5.5 1.111.4 1:15.5 1: 7. 7 $0.61 1.56 1.04 1.20 1.06 .68 .73 .88 .78 .83 FIELD CROPS. 947 Only one sample of barnyard millet was secured, and it is believed that the analysis does not fairly represent its average composition. The average cost of production was 75 cts. per ton for the cereal crops and $1.33 per ton for the leguminous crops, exclusive of the crimson clover. A study was made of 2 soiling crop rotations, and tlie results are reported in detail. Both proved exhaustive to the soil. The method of fertilization followed in the experiments as described above is recom- mended. The lodging of grain, Julten and Dupont (Ann. Agron., 24 {1898), Xo. 11, pp. 534-518). — A study was made of the lodging of grain in the experimental fields at Grignon, where 2 plats of wheat lodged June L>5 after violent rain and wind storms had prevailed, while the grain on 2 other plats remained intact. The conditions were the same for all these plats. It was found that the lodged grain had been attacked by 2 fungus diseases, TJry.siphe graminis and Ophiobolu.s graminis, which weakened the steins and caused them to lodge. Of the lodged plants 15 per cent failed to ripen their grain, while of those which remained standing only 1 per cent failed to produce ripened grain. Grain had lodged in previous years on the plats which produced the lodged grain this season, and the authors believe that the spores which remained in the soil germinated under favorable conditions and caused the spread of the disease and the ultimate lodging of the grain. Burning the stubble after the grain has been harvested is recommended as a remedy. The yield and composition of the lodged and unlodged grain were compared. It was found that wheat aud oats were similarly affected by lodging. The composition of the harvested grain from the lodged and the unlodged plats was about the same, but the kernels on the lodged plat were reduced in number and in weight, thus diminishing the yield considerably. The stooling of grains, B. C. Buffum (Wyoming Sta.Bul. 37, pp. 207-242, ph. 2).— Experiments to determine the relative tillering of wheat, oats, and barley were carried on at Laramie and at 1 substations in the State for 2 years in succession. In 1896 seeds were planted 1, 2, 4, and 12 in. apart in rows 3 ft. apart; and in 1897 the experiment was repeated on a somewhat larger scale. In addition to these tests small plats were planted with different amounts of seed per acre to determine results in actual field practice. The results are tabulated and discussed and also presented graph- ically. The effects of altitude and irrigation on the stooling of grains are discussed, and some practical hints in grain growing at high alti- tudes are given. In general the results show that the number of mature heads pro- duced by each seed varies greatly with the locality and the season, and that the number of heads and the amount of grain produced increases rapidly with the space given each seed. It was found that plants 948 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. grown at wide distances apart produced shorter straw and a greater proportion of straw to grain than when thickly planted. " Where given too much room many more stems are produced than will mature heads. On account of the continuous growth from the crown of the stool during the summer the grain is late in maturing, does not fill well, and as a whole produces light, inferior grain. "Larger heads are produced upon grain planted more than 1 in. apart, although all the heads may not be as uniform in size. The number of seeds in the largest heads produced increased rapidly with the distance between plants. "While more grain will be produced by each seed when planted at greater dis- tances than 1 in. apart, the actual amount of grain will be less for the area of land used ... A study of our experimeuts seems to indicate that in farm practice sow- ing seed so plants will be secured about 1 in. apart in the drill will produce the largest yields per acre of wheat or barley, but that oats should probably be planted a little thicker than this." The author concludes from his investigations that if 80 per ceut of the seed germinates and it is sown in drills 8 in. apart, it requires 78 lbs. of wheat weighing 61 lbs. per bushel, 86 lbs. of barley weighing 53 lbs. per bushel, and 61 lbs. of oats weighing 40 lbs. per bushel to plant an acre with plants 1 in. apart in the row. At Laramie in 1897 50 and 70 lbs. of wheat per acre gave as large yields as greater amounts of seed, but where 100 lbs. per acre were sown the grain weighed more per bushel and ripened earlier. There was little difference in the yield of barley plats sown at different rates per acre, but the plats with the heavier seeding ripened earlier and pro- duced better grain. Oats seeded at the rate of 60 lbs. per acre gave the best yield. The thinly seeded plats failed to ripen the grain fully. At Sheridan in 1897 the best yields were obtained from sowing 50 to 70 lbs. of wheat, 70 to 80 lbs. of barley, and 80 to 100 lbs. of oats per acre. The results obtained at the 5 different places indicate that barley has the greatest tillering power, followed by wheat and oats in the order mentioned. "In addition to the importance of thicker seeding at high altitudes to shorten time of ripening, our experiments indicate that upon like soils and under similar climatic conditions, wheat, oats, and barley actually produce less matured heads and less grain with increase of altitude. "Grain under irrigation produced more matured heads per stool and more grain than where raised without irrigation. . . . "The amount of grain produced on different amounts of seed per acre varies in different seasons. On account of increased tillering light seeding (from 30 to 50 lbs. per acre) may produce as much grain as would a larger amount of seed; but when more seed Ts sown the difference in weight of the grain per bushel, along with shorter period of maturity and evenness in ripening, may more than pay for the extra seed used. Trials with orchard grass, F. and K. Hansen (Landmansblade, 31 {1897), No. 10, p. 134). — Experiments were conducted for 10 years at 3 Danish experiment stations for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of hay obtained from orchard grass, the seed of which had been obtained from different sources. The average results at the 3 stations are com- FIELD CROPS. 949 pared in the following table, the yields from American seed being placed at 100 : Culture tests with orchard grass. Source of seed. Location of experiment sta- tion. America (United States) Europe (Denmark, Germany, Frame, Sn eden) Australia and New Zealand — F. W. WOLL. Influence of permanent grass culture on the nitrogen content of the soil compared with that of other crops, T. A. Tuxen (Norsk. Landmandsblad, 17 (189S), No. 13, p. 142).— The experiments were con- ducted at the State Agricultural College at Copenhagen to determine the influence of continued grass and barley culture and crop rotations on the nitrogen content of the soil. The plats were divided into 3 series; the first was left uu manured, the second received regular appli- cations of complete commercial fertilizers, and the third was regularly manured with barnyard manure. The quantity of nitrogen in the soil was determined after the experiment had been in progress 22 and 30 years. The average results are given in the following table: Nitrogen per hectare in the upper twenty centimeters of soil on plats under different systems of cropping. Continuous grass culture . Continuous bailey culture Cropping in rotation Plats cropped for 22 years. No ferti- lizer. 4,lt::i 3,578 4.407 Commer- cial fer tilizer. Kgs. 5,131 3, 6:i9 4,582 Barnyard manure. 5,842 4,596 5,493 Plats cropped for 30 years. Xn ferti- lizer. Kgs. 4,638 3,470 5, 025 Commer- cial fer- tilizer. Kgs. 5,010 3,403 5,185 Barnyard manure. 6,793 4, 804 6,164 The results show the beneficial effects of grass crops on the nitrogen content of the soil compared with continuous barley culture, and rota- tive cropping. The grass plats which received commercial fertilizers or which were left unmanured gave less favorable results after 30 years of cropping than the plats on which various crops, including beans, were grown in rotation. It is concluded that commercial nitrogenous fertilizers do not increase the nitrogen content of the soil to the same extent as barnyard manure. — F. w. woll. Field experiments with fertilizers in 1897 {Ohio Sta. Bui. 94. pp. 291-326, dgms. 2, map 1). — The plan of these experiments, the soils upon which they were conducted, and the results obtained up to the end of 1890 have been described in previous bulletins (E. S. R., 8, p. 576; 9, p. 747). In this bulletin the results obtained in 1897 are tab- ulated and discussed and conclusions drawn. 950 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. It was found that for the crops under test, corn, oats, wheat, clover, timothy, and potatoes, and for the soils upon which they were grown, phosphoric acid was the most important fertilizer constituent, with nitrogen and potash following, in the order named. The largest increase in yield was obtained with the complete fertilizers containing all these constituents, but it is believed that the use of nitrogen and potash in the same proportion to phosphoric acid in which they are found in the crops is unnecessary under present conditions, and that the quantity of phosphoric acid should considerably exceed that of either nitrogen or potash in applications for corn, oats, or potatoes, while for wheat the proportion of nitrogen may closely approximate that of phosphoric acid. Dissolved boneblack seemed more effective than raw bone meal or acid phosphate; basic slag stood next to it in effectiveness. "Nitrate of soda is apparently tlie most effective carrier of nitrogen in common use as a fertilizer. . . . Slaughterhouse tankage ... is probably a less effective carrier of nitrogen than nitrate of soda, but the cost of nitrogen in unmixed tankage when due allowance is made for the phosphoric acid carried by the tankage is so much less than in nitrate of soda that tankage becomes a much more ecouomical source of nitrogen to the Ohio farmer than nitrate of soda. "This advantage in tankage disappears, however, when it is purchased in the ordinary factory-mixed fertilizer, since the price at which such fertilizers are gen- erally sold brings the cost of their nitrogen to a higher figure than its necessary cost in nitrate of soda." The results further show that the phosphoric acid of finely ground bone meal and tankage is as effective as the available phosphoric acid of acid phosphate, and that when these materials are finely ground no further treatment with sulphuric acid is necessary to render their phos- phoric acid available. The fertilizing constituents of barnyard manure acted more" slowly than those of commercial fertilizers, but as they cost much less in manure it became the cheapest fertilizer. Applying manure to the sur- face instead of plowing it under proved to be most advantageous. "The increase from fertilizers in these experiments was unusually large in 1897, this being the first season of the experiments at this station in which the cereal crops have given a general increase sufficient to cover the cost of fertilizers. In the aver- age of the 4 seasons . . . the value of the increase of crop has only equaled the cost of the fertilizer in a few instances. The most profitable increase in the average is found in the crop which has received a fertilizer mixed from tankage and acid phosphate, with a small addition of muriate of potash, used only on corn and wheat." Third report on potato culture, I. P. Roberts and L. A. Clinton (New York Cornell Sta. Bid. 156, pp. 175-184). — This work is in contin- uation of experiments now in progress for 4 years. Previous results have been reported in former bulletins (E. S. R., 9, p. 345 and p. 1044). The results for 1898 are reported, and the soil conditions, the various operations, and other details of the experiment are described. Direc- tions for making Bordeaux mixture are given, and the ferro-cyanid of potassium test for the purpose of determining the amount of lime FIELD CHOPS. 951 required is recommended. The recordsof the experiment forthis seasou were as follows : Records of potato plats for 1S98. Variety. Endurance Carman No. 3 .. Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Rose of Sharon. Endurance Date of planting. May Kt . ...ido .. do .. do .. do .. do .. do .. ... do .. do .. do .. do .. do .. Number of culti- vations. 6 level .. 6 level . 3 level. 3 level . 3 hilled . 6 level . . 3 level .. 3 level . . 6 level . . 6 level . 6 level .. 6 level . . Number of spray- ings. Dale of digging. October 18... do do October 17 . . . do September 29 do do do do do do Yield per acre. Bushelt. 398.6 344. H 303. 3 340 327.5 310.5 269.6 269. 8 213.3 206. t 118.6 232 The following conclusions are based on the results obtained during 4 years : "Early planting of potatoes and frequent tillage to conserve moisture -will ordi- narily give best results, [but] necessitates vigorous spraying with Bordeaux mix- ture aud Paris green to protect the foliage from blight and beetles. "Success with potatoes depends largely upon the preparation given the soil before the potatoes are planted. Plowing should be deep and at the time of planting the soil should be mellow aud loose. "On soils which are likely to be affected seriously by droughts, it is especially important that the potatoes be planted early and deep, and the tillage should be frequent and level. "On soils which are not well drained, either naturally or artificially, aud on clay or clay-loam soils, potatoes may be. planted somewhat shallow and slight hilling may be practiced with benefit. "Harrowing the land after the potatoes were planted and before the plants appeared produced marked beneficial results. From 6 to 7 cultivations have given best yields." Variety test of potatoes, C. O. Flagg, G. M. Tucker, and J. A. Tillinghast {Rhode Island Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 381-388).— The method of carrying on the test is described and the results are given in tabular form. Brief descriptions are given of the new varieties used in the experiment. In 1896, 11 varieties of potatoes were tested, and the following season 5 of these varieties were given a further trial and 10 new varieties were grown in addition. Enormous, a late variety, produced the largest total yield aud marketable crops in both seasons. Cultural experiments with potatoes, C. O. Flagg, G. M. Tucker, and J. A. Tillinghast {Rhode Island Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 322-351).— The results reported show the effects on the yield of potatoes (1) of spading the soil to depths varying from 4 to 18 in., (2) of very thorough and less thorough cultivation, and (3) of planting at varying distances. The experiments were conducted for 2 years in succession. The aver- 952 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. age results for 2 seasons obtained with plats spaded at different depths are given in the following table: Average yields of potatoes front plats spaded to different depths in 1896 and 1897. Depth of spading. Yield per acre. Total Large yield. tubers. Small tubers. Bushels. BushHs. 288.38 , 158.85 297. 63 186. 70 286.34 180.32 289. 89 187. 55 300. 22 187. 34 Bushels. 129 52 110 92 100. 37 102. 33 112.88 In the cultivation tests the soil of a number of plats was worked to a depth of about 2 in. 10 times the first year and 8 times the second, while au equal number of plats were cultivated 4 in. deep 11 times in 1 890 and 10 times in 1897. The average results show that less thorough cultivation gave an excess of 4.75 bu. per acre in total yield and 0.08 bu. in large tubers over more thorough cultivation, while the latter gave an excess of 2.1 bu. of small potatoes per acre as compared with the former. In 1890 seed pieces uniform in size were planted 9, 12, and 10 in. apart in drills 24 and 30 in. apart. After deducting the seed from the yield of large tubers the plants grown 9 in. apart in the row yielded at the rate of 192.99 bu. per acre of large tubers or 0.52 bu. more than the 12 in. planting and 19.50 bu. more than the 10 in. planting. In 1897 the results were the reverse of those obtained in 1890. The yield of large tubers increased with the distance between plants in the drill. The average yield of large tubers was 30.29 bu. per acre more in drills 24 in. apart than in drills 30 in. apart. Further tests of seed potatoes grown one or more years in Rhode Island from northern-grown seed tubers, C. O. Flagg and J. A. Tillinghast (Rhode Island Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 374-380). — These tests are in continuation of work formerly reported (E. S. R., 9, p. 943). A description of the experiments is* given and the results for the entire series are reported in tables. The author summarizes the results as follows : _ "The average yields of 7 varieties of potatoes, liome-growu respectively 2, 3, and 4 years from seed tubers, produced in Aroostook County, Maine, show great uniformity. The heaviest average total yield was in the second-year crop, while the heaviest yield of large potatoes was in the fourth-year crop. "The average weight of the tubers produced was lowest in the case of the second- year crop and highest in the fourth-year crop. The percentage of large tubers by weight was greatest in the case of the fourth-year crop. "The variety producing the heaviest crop gave the greatest yield secured in the test as the product of the fourth-year crop, viz, 245.87 bu. per acre; and the variety which gave the lowest yield, 155.84 bu. per acre, produced the smallest yield of the test as the product of the fourth-year crop. FIELD CROPS. 953 "Varieties which produced the larger yields gave increased crops the longer the seed tubers .iad been home-grown, while those which produced smaller crops gave decreasing yields the longer the seed had been home-grown." The potato crop in the rotations, C. O. Flagg, G. M. Tuckek, and J. A. Tillinghast (Rhode Island Sta. Ept. 1897, pp. 389-393). — Six rotations are in progress in 2 of which potatoes arc planted on clover sod while in the other 4 they are planted after corn. The results for the seasons of 1890 and 1897 are reported. The average results indicate that when potatoes are planted on a clover sod a better yield is obtained than when the crop is planted after corn. "The growth of potatoes upon the clover-sod plats was very rapid and vigorous, indi- cating the presence in the soil of considerable available nitrogen." External indication of an increase of solanin in potatoes, SCHNELL (Apoth. Ztg., 13 (1898), p. 775; abs. in Ghem. Ztg.,22(1898), No. 95, Repert., p. 291). — In examining potatoes which had caused whole- sale sickness among soldiers, the author found small gray spots which were richer in solanin than the white part of the potato. Whether these gray spots were due to the action of fungi or bacteria he was unable to determine. The potatoes had sprouted vigorously early in June, and contained about 6 times the normal amount of solanin. Fertilizer experiments with potatoes, C. O. Flagg, G. M. Tucker, and J. A. Tillinghast (Rhode Island Sta. Ept. 1897, pp. 352-373). — The fertilizer experiments with different amounts of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash for potatoes made in 1896 and 1897 are described and the results tabulated and summarized. The total rainfall for May, June, July, and August is reported as 14.71 in. in 1896 and 19.04 in. in 1897. The standard fertilizer used in these experiments as a base upon which comparisons were made consisted of muriate of potash, dissolved phosphate rock, and nitrate of soda. It was applied at the rate of 1,678.51 lbs. per acre, and contained 3.2 per cent nitrogen, 8 per cent of available phosphoric acid, and 6.48 per cent of potash. The standard application was the same for both seasons, but the amount of the dif- ferent elements of plant food varied on certain plats, being one-half, 2, and 3 times the amount furnished in the standard fertilizer application. When the amount of an element in the application was increased or decreased the other elements were supplied as in the standard ferti- lizer. The materials used for fertilizers and the amount of the standard applications are given in the following table: Fertilizers used and the standard application of each. Fertilizer. Standard applica- tion per acre. 1896. 1897. 1 'mi mix. 207 209 1,080 392 452 Pounds. 214.89 226.51 874. li) 34:!. 39 438. 50 954 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The average results for the 2 years show that the largest total crop aud the largest yield of large tubers was produced wheu the supply of potash was half sulphate aud half muriate. The standard application of muriate of potash gave a better average yield of total product of large aud small tubers than au application containing double the amount of potash. The tests with different amounts of phosphoric acid resulted in the smallest average yield from the standard application, the next largest from the use of 3 times the amount of phosphoric acid furnished in the standard fertilizer, and the largest yield — an increase of 15.9.5 bu. per acre of marketable potatoes over the standard application — from a fertilizer which contained twice that amount of phosphoric acid. The amount of phosphoric acid which proved the most effective cost $6.29 more per acre in 1897 than the amount in the standard application. The average results iu the comparison of nitrate of soda and dried blood as carriers of nitrogen show that nitrate of soda was most effect- ive, followed by dried blood, and au application of half of each in the order mentioned. The difference in the average of the crops of the nitrogen plats was not great, the extremes in the marketable tubers being 165.35 and 173.4 bu. per acre. Trials with fish guano for sugar beets, P. Hansson (Meddel. K. Landibr. Styr., 1897, JVb. 42, pp. 149, 150). — Fish guano and nitrate of soda were applied in corresponding quantities on 6 plats, 3 of which received fish guano and 3 nitrate of soda. On clay humus the relation of the effect of nitrate of soda to that of fish guano was as 100 to 80; on moist humus, as 100 to 90, and on dry, porous, and sandy humus as 100 to 120. — F. w. WOLL. Fish guano vs. nitrate of soda for sugar beets and for barley, C. O. Hammaegeen (Meddel. K. Landtbr. Styr., 1897, No. 42, pp. 145, 146). — Comparative experiments with fish guano and nitrate of soda for sugar beets and for barley were made on eighth-acre plats. The results obtained are given in the table : Besults of fertilizer experiments with sugar beets and barley. Sugar beets. Barley. Fertilizers per hectare. Yield per hec- tare. Fertilizers per hectare. Yield per hec- tare. Beets. Tops. Grain. Straw. Superphosphate 600 kg., fish guano 300 kg., nitrate of soda 200 kg. Superphosphate 600 kg., fish guano 600 kg. Superphosphate 600 kg., nitrate of soda 400 kg. Kgs. 31, 200 31, 360 34, 080 Kgs. 24, 576 23, 040 28, 160 Superphosphate 400 kg., fish guano 75 kg., nitrate of soda 50 kg. Superphosphate 400 kg., fish guano 150 kg. Superphosphate 400 kg., nitrate of soda 100 kg. Kgs. 1,888 1,856 2,040 Kgs. 2,576 2,520 2,720 — F. W. WOLL. Report of the agriculturist, H. E. Stockbridge (Florida Sta. Bpt. lS9S,pp. 11- 21). — In this report the station farm is described and rontemplated experiments are outlined. Bulletin No. 44 of the station is reviewed (E. S. R., 10, p. 347). Directions FIELD CROPS. 955 are given for making a "simple sirup tester," an instrument for determining the variations in density or the thickness of sirup for the use of ordinary workmen. The necessity of practical field tests and the methods of conducting them, Loc.es and Vibrans (Jahrb. Dent. Landw. Gesell., 18 {1898), pp. 65-74). — A paper read before the German Agricultural Society. Beet culture and beet seed production, P. Doerntling (Bl. Zuckerriibenbau, 6 (1899), No. 4, pp.57, 58).— A brief note referring to some of the results of interest in this connection obtained by several investigators. Time of harvesting beet seed, Nobbe (Jahrb. Dent. Landw. Gesell., 18 (1S9S), pp. 189-197, fig. 1).— This paper discusses the practices of a number of prominent beet seed growers and gives the results of germination experiments with beet seed car- ried on in 1891) and 1897. The author concludes from the results that under favor- able weather conditions it is best to allow the seed to ripen in the field. The importance of growing cereals and catch crops, Stieger ( Ftihling's Landw. Ztg.,47 (1898), No. 20, pp. 762-764).— The importance of cereals and catch crops in 'rotations is discussed. Cotton and its by-product (Jour. Jamaica Agr. Soc, 3 (1899), No. 3, pp. 133-137).— A popular article on the cultivation and uses of cotton. Flax culture in the Russian Baltic provinces and in Germany, Schindler (Jahrb. Dent. Landw. (iesell., 13 (189S), pp. 177-1S3). — A paper comparing the cultural methods of the two regions. Hop culture, Eejiy (Finding's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), No. 19, pp. 730-733, 756-758).— An article on the use of hops for brewing purposes. The author considers the chem- ical composition and the aroma of hops and discusses the methods of harvesting and drying. Investigations on the effects of drying hops by fire heat, T. Kemy ( Wchnschr. Brau., 14 (1897), No. 53, pp. 682, 683). Report on the culture experiments of the German potato experiment station in 1898 (Sachs. Landw. Ztsehr., n. ser., .'1 ( 1899), No. S, pp. 81-S7 ; Dent. Landw. I'resse, 26 (1899), No. 19, pp. 196, 197). — A report on cooperative tests of new varieties of pota- toes on 26 experiment fields located in different parts of Germany. Variety tests of potatoes, 1898, Tancre (Landw. Wchribl. Scldeswig-Holstein, 49 (1899), No. 10, pp. 166-171). — Tabulated results of cooperative variety tests of pota- toes are given, with brief notes on the different experiment fields. Brief descrip- tions are given of some of the varieties. The culture of potatoes on the experimental field at Grignon in 1896 and 1897, J. Crochetelle (Ann. Agron., 24 (1898), No. l,pp. 39-48). Experiments with potatoes, F. Desprez (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1899, 1, No. 9, pp. 814- 316). — A resume of the results of variety tests, distance experiments, and experi- ments in hastening the maturity of late varieties is given. Ruta-bagas, H. L. de Vilmorin (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1S99, 1, No. 9,pp. 319-323, pi. I).— This article discusses the origin and history of the rnta-baga, describes a number of different varieties, and gives directions for the culture of the crop. Breeding Pirnaer rye and investigations on rye breeding in general, Steglich and Fischer (Jahrb. Deut. Landw. Gesell., 13 (1S9S), pp. 198-210).— This paper describes the method in which the Pirnaer rye was originated, and gives the results of experi- ments in growing rye from different colored grains and from seed taken from plants with different numbers of internodes. It was found that grains grayish green in color were richer in nitrogen than reddish yellow or dark brown grains. Sugar cane from seeds in the Straits Settlements, C. Curtis (Agr. /•'«/. Malay Peninsula [Bot. Gard. Dept. Straits Settlements], 1898, No. S, pp. 219-221, pi. l).—\. popular article on growing sugar cane from seeds. Preparation of seed beds for tobacco plants (IViirt. Wchnbl. Landw.. 1S99, No. 10, p. 142). — A popular note. Culture and fertilizer experiments with tobacco, Dettin<;er (Ztsehr. Landw Ver. Rheinpreussen, 15 (1898), No. 31, pp. 281-2S3).—The results of cooperative experi- 956 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. ments arc reported. The plats on which the tobacco was grown were bedded and this method of culture gave good results. The use of commercial fertilizers gave as good results as the use of baruyard manure. The use of guano proved detrimental to the. quality. Report on variety tests, Edlek (Jahrb. Deut. Landw. Gesell., 13 (1S9S), pp. 1S4-1S9. — This report contains brief notes on the results of tests with 13 varieties of spring wheat, 11 of winter wheat, 23 of square-head wheat, and 1 variety of lupines. The relation of crop rotation to fertilization, Schiltz and Maerckek (Jahrb. Dent. Landw. Gesell., 13 (1898), pp. 31-47). — A paper read before the German Agricul- tural Society. Green manuring and its extension in Bavaria with reference to soil, climate, and other conditions, Schnidhr ( Vrtljschr. Bayer. Landw. Rath, 3 (1898), No. 4, pp. 459-47S). — This article discusses the value of various plants for green manuring and suggests 8 different crop rotations for the improvement of soils. Green manuring and fallowing on heavy soils, W. Edleu ( Fuhling'e Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), No. 22, pp. 841-847; 23, pp. 870-880).— Comparisons of green manuring and" fallowing on heavy soils were made and the results are here given in tables and dis- cussed. In general the results were in favor of fallowing, even when peas were used for green manuring. The author believes fallowing preferable to green manuring on heavy soils, as sowing of fall catch crops is often unsuccessful and as these soils are usually not poor in nitrogen. Report on fertilizer experiments in 1897-98, Tancrk (Landw. Wchubl. Schleswig- Holstein, 49 (1899), No. 8, pp. 132-135.) — The results of cooperative fertilizer experi- ments are given. HORTICULTURE. G-arden lettuce and its cultivation, L. F. Kinney {Rhode Island 8ta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 270-285, Jigs. 8). — In this article the author speaks of the favorable location and climate of Rhode Island for lettuce grow- ing, and discusses the modification of form of garden vegetables due to cultivation. The frequent failure of lettuce to head is attributed to the "inability of the plants to absorb or to assimilate an adequate amount of nutritive substances. The former is usually due to an insufficient amount of available fertilizing ingredients iu the soil, and the latter to an insufficient amount of light." The cultivation of lettuce iu the open air is considered. "The ordi- nary garden fertilizers are adapted for the production of lettuce, but two or three times as much of them should be applied as is necessary for the growth of beets, cabbages, and most other garden vegetables." The development of lettuce cultivation under glass during the last 50 years is sketched. Directions are given for starting the plants, preparing the soil, and for the general care of the crop, especially in regard to temperature, watering, and diseases and injuries. The fol- lowing varieties are the ones generally grown in Rhode Island: White- seeded Tennis Ball or Boston Market, Big Boston, and another variety resembling the Big Boston. The preparation of lettuce for market is also considered. Classification and description of the varieties of garden lettuce, L. F.' Kinney {Rhode Island Ma. Rpt. 1897, pp. 286-316, Jigs. 28).— The author believes that the characters of such plants as the garden lettuce HORTICULTURE. 957 are sufficiently permanent to warrant a systematic classification of the varieties, and that ''where both characters and names are associated together for long periods, a systematic classification is just what is needed to obviate confusion." Over a thousand plantings with seeds from different sources were made at the station. Of the kinds of let- tuce in existence none, in the opinion of the writer, satisfactorily fulfills the requirements of a forcing variety. Sixty-nine varieties of lettuce are described and classified according to certain botanical characters, as the margin of leaves near the apex, the length of leaves as compared with the width, the color of leaves and seeds, the habit of leaves in regard to head formation, and the apex of leaves. An analytical key to the varieties is given. Some experiments in forcing head lettuce, S. A. Beach (Xeiv York State Sta. Bui. 116, pp. 151-179, pis. 4). — Tests of various soils and fertilizers for forcing head lettuce were carried on during three winters. The forcing house is described and the general treatment of the crops is given with considerable detail. Salamander lettuce was used in the first test and Rawson New Hothouse in the succeeding tests. At first a soil mixture, which had been used for forcing lettuce with good results, composed of 3 parts rotted clay loam sod, 1 part sand, and 1 part stable manure, was compared with soils differing from it only in containing various amounts of sand. In later tests the per- centages of sand and clay loam in the soil mixtures were still further varied, the sand in one case and the loam in another being omitted entirely. In some tests a light, sandy loam was compared with the clay loam as a basis of soil mixtures. The amounts of stable manure were varied somewhat in the different tests. Commercial fertilizers in varying amounts were tested in some of the soil mixtures, both in com- bination with stable manure and alone. Several tables are given in which are presented such data as the per- centages of the different ingredients of the various soil mixtures, the fertilizer elements of the various mixtures and soils used as basis of the mixture, the mechanical elements of the soil in the mixtures, the amounts of fertilizers employed, the time required for the germination of* the seeds, the percentage of germination, the size-of seedlings, the time required for plants to mature, the average weight of heads, the percentage of marketable heads, the amount of tip burn, the texture. appearance, and firmness of heads, etc. The author gives the following summary of results: "The clay loam with a heavy application of stable manure gave the best results. The light, sandy loam with heavy application of stable manure was least satisfactory. "On pure sand with a good dressing of stable manure the lettuce made a vigorous growth, but the heads were less firm and the texture more delicate than with the lettuce which was grown on the clay loam. . . . " On clay loam mixed with 15.5 per cent stable manure by weight a slight increase in growth followed the use of nitrate of soda, but with double this application of manure practically no advantage followed the use of nitrate of soda, either on the clay loam or on the sandy loam. 1)58 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "No advantage was gained either on the clay loam or the sandy loam from the addition of sulphate of potash and acid phosphate; when the soils had already received a heavy application of stable manure. "Excellent lettuce was produced on the sandy loam by using commercial ferti- lizers with no stable manure. "A heavy application of stable manure to the sandy loam put the soil in poor mechanical condition and a crop of inferior lettuce resulted. "The mechanical condition of the clay loam was improved by a heavy application of stable manure. This mixture produced much better lettuce than was grown on the clay loam where commercial fertilizers were used instead of stable manure." Pea canning in Delaware, G. H. Powell (Delaware Sta. Bui. 41, pp. 16, figs. 5). — This bulletin treats the subjeet from the commercial point of view. Directions are given for the culture of peas, especially for the canning- factory market, and several details of factory manipula- tion are given. The pea-canning industry is of considerable horticultural importance in southern Delaware, representing in 181)8 about 2,000 acres of laud devoted to the growing of the vines, with a product of 144,000 cases. The varieties of peas most largely used for canning are Alaska, Blue Beauty, and French Canner. Advance and Market Garden are canned to a less extent. Three general systems of sowing are in vogue among growers — broadcasting, the 18 inch drill, and the wide-row systems. The most troublesome enemy of the growing plants is said to be the sunscald (pea blight, Ascochyta pisi), a fungus which attacks the plants just before the blossoming period. " It is possible to infect new ground with the fungus where the pea- vine compost is spread on land that is to precede the pea crop, and our observation has led to the conclusion that the disease is most severe on land used successively for the pea, or on new land which has been treated with the pea- vine compost." Rotation of crops is the fundamental corrective for the trouble. As to the yield, a fair average return for the majority of growers is 450 to 750 lbs. of shelled peas per acre, worth from $18 to $30. Ginseng — its nature and culture, H. Garman (Kentucky Sta. Bui. 78, pp. 125-156, pis. 10, figs. 2). — A statement is given of the production and exports of the roots of this plant since 1821, and its history in the State is reviewed at some length. Its use in medicine is commented upon, and a partial analysis of the dried roots, as published in the Annual Report of the station for 1892, is quoted as follows: Composition of ginseng roots. Roots Ash.. Crude iish. Per cent. 5.278 Phos- Nitrogeu. phoric acid. Per cent. 1.600 Per cent. 0.535 10. 140 Potash. Per cent. 0.776 14. 700 Lime. Per cent. 0.856 10. 140 The botany of the species is treated at considerable length and direc- tions given for the cultivation of the plant. The price per pound is HORTICULTURE. 959 given for different counties in the State, in which it appears that the price varies from $1 to $1 per pound for dried roots. Impressions of our fruit-growing industries, L. II. Bailey (New York Cornell Sta. Bui. 153, pp. 111-129, fig. J).— The bulletin gives a summary of 5 years' study of the actual experiences of fruit raisers in New York to determine the underlying reasons for some of the successes and failures in fruit growing. "As a result of the inquiries there have appeared, by various persons, 34 bulletins, covering most of the fruits which are commercially grown in the State. In the progress of these investigations it became apparent that there are greater problems in our fruit growing than those of soil and insects and diseases; that fruit growing is profitable or not, in the long run, in proportion as it meets the general require- ments of trade and conforms to the agricultural status of the time. It became appar- ent, also, that oven the immediate problems of fertilizers, tillage, and handling of a plantation can not be fully understood from mere scientific investigations at a given place. The investigator must correlate and compare the results of actual fruit grow- ing in many places and under many conditions to be sure that he arrives at broad and sound conclusions, or at principles." The tendency in this country to grow but a few varieties is thought to be due to the fact that most American fruit growers are raising fruit for the general market, which requires uniformity of product. The author believes that the tendency is to go too far in the reduction of varieties, thereby reducing fruit growing to a single ideal and increas- ing competition in one line. The following are given as the most general causes of barrenness of orchards, stated approximately in order of frequency and importance: "(1) Lack of good tillage, particularly in the first few years of the life of the plantation; (2) lack of humus and fertilizer; (3) uncongenial soils and sites; (1) lack of systematic annual pruning; (5) lack of spraying and of attention to borers and other pests; (6) bad selection of varieties; and (7) trees propagated from unfruitful stock." Two experiments with fertilizers are reported. An apple orchard at Lockport was fertilized in August, 1894. The orchard consisted of Baldwin and Greening trees 25 years old and was situated on hard, dry, light clay loam and had been in sod for some time. The trees were unproductive, but looked better than the majority of trees. Some trees received nitrate of soda, others muriate of potash, others sulphate of potash, and others both sulphate and muriate of potash, the mate- rials being scattered as far as the spread of the limbs and lightly plowed under. Tillage was kept up in succeeding years. The first results were seen in 1896, when the trees fertilized with nitrate had much darker foliage, were more vigorous, and produced more fruit than the other trees. In 1897 these trees were still superior to the others, but the difference was not so marked. In 1898 no effect of the fertilizers could be seen. Another fertilizer test was begun in 1891 in an orchard of Baldwin and King apples near Ithaca. The trees were 25 years old, had been iu sod since the first 3 years, but had been well top-dressed with stable 185G2— No. 10 5 060 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. manure for several years, and were in good bearing- condition. The orchard was plowed in the fall of 1894 and spring of 1895 and given clean tillage afterward. At the later date sulphate of potash was applied at the rate of 750 lbs. per acre, and in the spring of 1890 the orchard was given a heavy dressing of muriate of potash. In 1895 the apples on the treated trees were larger and from 7 to 10 days later than those on untreated trees. In 1896 the fertilized trees had an unusually dark-colored and vigorous foliage and produced about twice as much fruit as the other trees, the apples being larger, later, and lighter colored. The greater yield was not due to more profuse blossoming, but to less loss from the dropping of fruit. To determine whether the results were due to the cultivation or to the fertilizers, another plat in the orchard was tilled from 1890 to 1898 without fertilizers, and another plat was left in sod, but top-dressed in June, 1896, with 750 lbs. of muriate of potash per acre, and in August, 1897, with 750 lbs. sulphate of potash per acre. The plat which had been cultivated and ferti- lized since 1894 was continued in cultivation and given sulphate of potash in August, 1897, at the rate of 750 lbs. per acre. The plat receiving cultivation alone and the one receiving fertilizers alone showed no effect of the treatment either in 1897 or 1898. The plat which received both cultivation and fertilizers continued to show better foliage and to produce more, larger, and later fruit than the remainder of the orchard, though the differences were less marked in 1897 than in 1896 and very small in 1898. The bulletin also discusses the advantages of sod and of clean culti- vation, the value of spraying, etc. Report of the Russian Apple Nomenclature Commission, August 30-31, 1898, N". E. Hansen (Minneapolis, 1898, pp. JO).— This is the report of the first meeting of a commission appointed by the State Horticultural Societies of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and South Dakota to revise and simplify the nomenclature of the imported Rus- sian apples. It is well known that among a great number of these are found many well-defined groups or "families." An attempt is made to distinguish these. "The varieties here grouped as members of the same families, while in a few cases differing somewhat in characteristics of tree, are so nearly identical in fruit that for exhibition and commer- cial purposes they are practically the same and should be so consid- ered." Each group is designated by the name of its most promising variety, which is carefully described. The varieties belonging to the respective groups are enumerated, and incorrect nomenclatures are indicated. The following groups are established : Hibernal, Duchess, Longfield, Charlamoff, Romna, Cross, Christmas, Antonovka, Anisiin, Golden White, Repka Malenka, Yellow Sweet, Transparent, and Anis. In addition to the above, descriptions of the following varieties, which have attracted special attention in the Northwest, were adopted and are published : Long Arcade, Bode, Lubsk Queen, Lowland Raspberry, HOUTICULTTRK. 961 Ostrakofif, Vargulek, Sweet Longfield, Beautiful Arcade, Zuzoff, and Arabskoe. Chemical studies of Oregon fruits: Cherries, G. W. Shaw (Ore- gon Sta. But. 55, [>}>. 12). — This bulletin is a report of progress in the chemical studies of Oregon fruits which was begun in 1896 (E. S. R., 9, p. 753). The cherries grew on the ordinary gray basaltic; loam of the Willamette Valley, the average composition of which is given. All were fully ripe when analyzed. Brief notes are given on each variety. The following table shows the results: Composition of Oregon cherries. Whole fruit. Flesh. .! nice. Variety. CD E m s u a to 6 "3 Oh u o a a '3 o u 3 03 3 '3 u a it 3 02 Gins. 4.40 5.50 4.15 5.64 4.19 2.85 5.36 5.12 5.94 5.74 4.79 7.79 7.26 r.ct. 95. 45 95. 27 94. 46 94.86 96.42 91.23 95.90 92.78 r.ct. 4. 55 4.73 5. 54 5.14 3.58 8.77 4.10 7. 22 P.et. 8.43 7.37 7.30 11.02 10. 05 10. 40 10. 04 12.22 P.ct 89. 53 87.98 88.90 85.55 91.73 88.99 91.13 80.00 P.ct. 10.47 12. 02 11.10 14.45 8.27 11.01 8.87 20.00 P. ct. 82.35 82. 62 84.45 83.87 84.80 80.65 86.00 76.91 P.ct. 1.06 1.13 1.00 .79 .70 P.ct. 8.83 7.74 7.73 11.62 10.42 11.40 11.10 13.17 12. 42 12. 58 12.31 12.62 13.76 P.ct. 0.73 .55 .58 .53 .55 .82 .46 1.00 .71 .60 .66 .68 P.ct. 0.48 '".'32' .64 .16 .28 .80 .64 .16 .16 .24 .82 P.ct. 9.81 9.31 8.64 Black Tartarian . . . Early Richmond... 13.55 11.36 12.81 Transparent 12.18 16.46 81.01 j 1.20 79.00 l 1.00 74.72 1.00 78. 65 j . 84 81. 29 | . 88 Elton 90. 90 92.31 93.35 94.13 10.10 7.69 6.65 5.87 11.43 11.36 11.78 12.85 86.00 80.00 86.00 14.00 20.00 14.00 14.30 Eockport Bigar- 15.77 16.00 Average 5.29 93.92 5. 32 10.40 86.35 13.09 81.25 , .91 11.21 .53 .43 12.29 The results are compared with those obtained at the California Station (E. S. R., 8, G91), showing that in California the cherry is larger, less juicy, and has a little over 1 per cent more flesh, which the author believes may be explained by the fact that California soils are rich in potash, while those of Oregon are phosphatic. The Oregon fruit has slightly more sugar and protein than the California product, equaling the European analyses as regards the former and exceeding them in the latter. The average acid content from the above table is 0.43 per cent and the ratio between the acid and the sugar in the flesh is 1:26. " It is. interesting to note hero that Fresenius gives as the ratio for sweet cherries 1 to 11.16 and for sour cherries 1 to 6.85, calculated as malic acid. This would indi- cate that a considerable improvement has taken place in those grown on the Pacific coast over those examined by him so far as the proportion of sugar is concerned." It is pointed out that the cherry contains considerable nutritive matter, the proportion of dry matter to water being about 1 :4.5. Of the dry matter about two-thirds is sugar. The fruit is recommended for drying. Variety tests of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, W. Paddock (New York State Sta. Bui. 147, pp. 181-198).— This is a report on the relative time of maturity, productiveness, and hardiness 962 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. of varieties fruited on the station grounds in 1898. These comprise 40 varieties of strawberries, 22 of black raspberries, 26 of red raspber- ries, and 24 of blackberries. Descriptive notes are given on the straw- berries. Of these Anlo, a midseason berry, was first in productiveness, with Stahelin, an early fruit, ranking second. Of the late varieties Rural Gem, Oswego Queen, and Michigan are recommended for trial. Of black raspberries Pioneer and Palmer produce the largest amount of early fruit, with Mills ranking first among the late sorts. Among red raspberries Loudon was the most productive. Among blackberries Success and Mereseau are mentioned as promising new sorts. The European and Japanese chestnuts in the eastern United States, O. H.Powell {Delaware Sta. Bui. 42, pp. 35, figs. 12). — The history of the European and Japanese chestnuts in America is outlined. It is believed that their range will in general coincide with that of the American species. The uses of the nut in France, Italy, Korea, and Japan are stated. Botanicallythe author prefers to consider the Euro- pean, American, and Japanese groups as distinct species. Each is described and the synonymy given. Adaptations for cross fertilization are noted, but it is not yet known whether cross fertilization is neces- sary or not. Mixed planting is recommended as a safeguard. Cultural notes are given. The most serious insect enemy of the chestnut is the weevil (Balaninus caryatrypes and B. rectus). Methods of combating the pest are suggested. Several fungi attack the chestnut, the most injurious of which are Marsonia ochroleuca and Cryptosporium epiphyUum. Nine trees in an orchard of Numbos, 20 to 30 ft. high, were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture 4 times during the summer of 1898. The foliage of these trees was free from fungi and bright in color throughout the summer. All unsprayed trees adjoining were slightly affected with the fungi. The labor of applying the mixture is no greater than in spraying apple trees. The body blight of the chestnut is described. It is thought to be in nature not unlike the sunscald of cherry and other young fruit trees. The advantages of the Japanese and European groups are presented in the form of the parallel. A monograph of varieties is appended. Report of the horticulturist, P. H. Rolfs (Florida Sta. Ept. 189S,pp. 36-54).— Brief notes are given on peaches, asparagus, broccoli, plums, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, rhubarb, and water creas, together with a table showing the date of sowing, time ready for market and number of days from seeding to gathering of numerous varieties of beans, peas, Brussels sprouts, sweet corn, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, collard, garden cress, chicory, cherville, endive, English pea, eggplant, kohl-rabi, lettuce, ruta-baga, turnip, tomato, squash, radish, onion, musk- melon, and watermelon. Simultaneous forcing of carrots and radishes in the same bed, E. Lambert (Rev. Hort., 71 (1899), No. 5, pp. 110, 111). — A statement of a method which is said to be profitable, together with a list of varieties best adapted for such forcing. Forcing head lettuce ; soils and fertilizers, F. H. Hall and S. A. Beach (New York State Sta. Bui. 146, popular ed., pp. 8, pis. 2). — A popular summary of Bulletin 146 of the station (see p. 957). HORTICULTURE. 963 Chervil in the sixteenth century, E. Ro/.e {.Jour. Soe. Nat. Hort. France, 3. ser., 21 (1S99), Jan., pp. 75-79).— Notes on the history and present utilization of this vegetable in France. Protecting tender trees and shrubs in winter, J. Meeiian (Park and Cemetery, 8 {1S98), No. 10, p. 191). — The author states that the winterkilling of many tender evergreens, as Magnolia grandifiora, is caused by light and excessive evaporation rather than by low temperatures. Injurious effects resulting from such conditions may be obviated by mulching, covering the foliage, as for instance with leaves, and making screens on the north side of the plant. With deciduous trees and shrubs the screens inay be omitted. Distribution of seeds and plants, E. J. Wickson (California Sta. Seed Bid., 1S9S-99, pp. 14). — Owing to the serious drought, the distribution of plants and seeds has been seriously interfered with and the number of applications as well as the amount of material distributed have fallen off at least 50 per cent. Descriptive notes are given of the various plants and seeds which are ottered for distribution. Attention is called to the use of resistant apple roots as a stock where the woolly aphis is particularly troublesome. In order to give them a local trial, roots of selected Northern Spy stock have been imported from Australia and will be distributed for use in root grafting. Means of preventing depredations by rabbits in orchards and nurseries and methods of treating the injured trees, E. 8. Zukn (Dent. Landw. Presse, 25 (189S), Nos. 102, pp. 1055, 1056; 103, p. 106.5). Canning fruit, W. Craig, jr. (Jour. Agr. and Hort., 2 (1899), No. 16, pp. 369, 370).— Brief historical notes and a statement of principles involved, together with the method that the author considers best. Some good berries, F. H. Hall and W. Paddock (New York State Sta. Bui. 147, popular ed.,pp. 4). — A popular summary of Bulletin 147 of the station (see p. 961). The Marcon and Cazenave systems of grape training, P. Mouillefert (Jour. Agr. Prat., 63 (1899), No. 8, pp. 286-288, figs. 5).— The former is a modification of the latter; both belong to the French long-pruned cordon system. Neither can be used except with certain varieties on very rich soils. A method of training the grape in upright cordons by looping, C. Grosde- mange (Rev. Hort., 71 (1899), No. 5, pp. 105, 106, figs. 2).— A method devised by M. Pe"cheux. It consists in taking a loop in the cordon and, after pruning, fastening the upper part of it downward at a considerable angle. This method is highly recommended. It is also used ou the peach, though with more difficulty. Green manuring of the vine on the light soils of the center and west of France, G. Pageot (Jour. Agr. Prat., 63(1899), No. 8, pp. 288-290; 9, pp. 311-314).— On very poor light soils chemical fertilizers have not given satisfaction. A method is described for the use of green manuring in vineyards on such lands, with an itemized statement of the expense. The European and Japanese chestnuts in the eastern United States, G. II. Powell (Delaware Sta. Bui. 42, abridged ed., pp. 16, figs. 7).— This is an abridged edi- tion of Bulletin 42 of the station (see p. 962). Raising new varieties of carnations from seed (Florist*' Exchange, 11 (1S99), No. 10, p. 254, figs. 6).— Practical directions, dealing mostly with the mechanical details of cross pollination. Synonyms in chrysanthemums, J. F. Favard (Iter. Hort., 71 (1S99), No. .?, p. 67).— A list of synonyms established by the Committee on Classification of the National Chrysanthemum Society of England. The decline of the orchid (Garden, 55 (1899), No. 1423,pp. 1:7. tS8).—A considera- tion of the causes that have led to a decline, which the author assumes in this article has taken place. While specific application of the argument is made only to the orchid, the discussion would apply with equal force to other flowers that have for a time enjoyed a great measure of popular favor but whose popularity is on the wane. 964 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The history of the Pelargonium, S. Hibberd {Jour. Sort., 51 (1899), No. 2630, p. 158; 2681,p. 172). — A reprint of a lecture delivered before the Royal Horticultural .Society in 1880. FORESTRY. Progress and effects of forest growing, R. W. Furnas (Forester, 4 (1898), No. 12, i>P- 213-218). — The object of this somewhat popular paper is to show briefly what has been done and what may be done in converting the naturally timberless portions of the country into tree- growing regions. It is based upon the author's personal experience during a residence of 43 years in what is now the State of Nebraska. The early attempts at forest planting are described and the effect of tree-planting legislation shown. The author states that from 1854 to 1890, 298,479 acres of land have been planted to forest trees in the State of Nebraska. This includes seedlings, seeds, and cuttings planted in permanent forests, groves, and along highways and streets. Spontaneous indigenous growth is estimated to equal half as much as the area planted. The different methods of planting are discussed; and placing the estimate at the average distance of planting the author states that the area planted, together with the spontaneous increase would give a grand total of 1,005,089,757 trees for the 43 years. To this should be added 15,838,250 fruit trees which have been planted within the State. The different kinds of forest trees which can be successfully aud satisfactorily grown, both when planted and spontaneously growing, are enumerated. The following actual measurements of tree, growths of known ages were made by the author and the Hon. J. Sterling Morton a few years since, showing the circumference in inches 2 ft. above ground : Size of forest trees of knoivn age* grown in Nebraska. White elm Do Red elm Catalpa Soft maple Do Sycamore Pig hickory Shag-bark "hickory Cottonwood Do Do Chestnut Box elder Do Honey locust Do Kentucky coffee tn Bur oak Do White oak Red oak Black oak White ash Green ash ( 'il CHIN I ri'iiir. Tears. 15 24 24 20 18 18 16 24 24 23 11 25 14 14 14 22 22 14 22 20 22 22 22 22 22 Indies. 24J 63 36 4S.', 54 :; 694, 43A 27J 30" 78J 93 98 24;V 31$ 40J 41* 25 J 36i. 43i 29 37J 38£ 324, 30 Black walnut Do Do "White walnut ( (sage orange Larch White pine Do Scotch pine Do Austrian pine Balsam fir Red cedar White cedar Mulberry Do .'. Russian mulberry Linden Poplar Silver-leaf poplar. Black locust Red willow Gray willow Yellow willow . Circum- fe ■ ferenoe. I in- lll'S. 48 18 154 494. 26^ 24 36J 29 23 :;u 22* 26 261 22 43 39| 24 35 12 67 60J 58 264. 132 FORESTRY. 965 The relative value of different kinds of trees is discussed, the cost of planting, distances, and some of the insect enemies of forest trees are mentioned. Preserving timber for estate and other purposes, J). F. Mac- kenzie (Trans. Highland and Ayr. Sac. Scotland, 5. ser., 10 (1898), pp. 1-26, fig*. 13). — The author describes various kinds of timber and gives in some detail methods for preserving the same. The ingredients chiefly used are vegetable oils and tar mixed together, creosote, copper sul- phate, iron sulphate, zinc chlorid, sodium chlorid, mercury bichlorid, calcium chlorid, and other ingredients such as carbolic acid, arsenical acids, lead acetate, and barium sulphurate. The methods described are immersion in a solution of chlorid of zinc, immersion in corrosive sublimate, a solution of copper sulphate applied under pressure, a solu tion of iron sulphate combined with a solution of barium or calcium injected into the wood; the creosote process and a process called thermo-carbolization. This last process consists of the treatment of wood with carburated steam in order to extract the natural sap and free water and at the same time charge the vessels or pores with a preserving agent. The cost of the different methods is given and the special advantages of each discussed. Cultivated shade and forest trees, B. C. Buffum [Wyoming Sta. Bid. 38, pp. 34, pis. 12). — The general forestry conditions of the State are briefly stated and the danger of extinction of native forests, the necessity for tbeir preservation, and the influence of the trees on the growth of plants are pointed out. Suggestions are given for the plant- ing and care of trees, and some experiments which have been carried on by the station are reviewed. It appears that at high elevations sudden frosts in the fall arrest the growth of many trees before they have ripened their wood. On this account some of the slow growing varieties, such as hardwood trees, fail to increase in size above the ground because each season's growth dies back to the original stem or to the top of the ground in the fall or winter. This has occurred year after year with ash, elm, and honey locust and sometimes with the wil- lows where no protection was given them. Detailed notes are given of the relative value of a number of trees for forest as well as ornamental planting in Wyoming. Arranged in the order of their hardiness, the list of trees which have been tested in the State is as follows: Cottonwood, willow, silver spruce, Douglas spruce, box elder, hardy apples, dwarf cherry, silver maple, cedar, white ash, green ash, locust, elm, Morello cherries, plums, mountain ash, soft maple, black walnut, butternut, birch, mulberry, catalpa. A number of insect enemies which are liable to be met with are men- tioned and remedies suggested for their destruction. The home nursery in forestry, A.C.Forbes (Gard. Chron.,8. ser., 25 (1899), No. 638, pp. 163, 164).— The advantages of a home nursery are pointed out and sugges- tions given for its management. Concerning the American red cedar (Oesterr. Font. u. Jagdw. Ztg., 17 {1899), No% 8, p. 60). — Notes are given on Juniperus virginiana. 966 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The reforesting of white pine lands (Forester, 5 (1S99), No. 3, pp. 61, 62). — Quota- tions are given from the Forest Warden of Minnesota on the present condition of the pine forests of the State and notes on the possihle income from reforested lands. Measuring the forest crop, A. K. Mlodziansky ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Forestry Bui. 20, pp. 71, figs 15). — This bulletin is a brief presentation of the methods by which measurements of felled and standing trees, as well as of whole forests, may be performed, together with a discussion of a method developed by the author for ascertaining the rate of growth of trees and forest crops. This method, it is said, has been tested, and the results obtained recommend it for the rapidity with which a large number of measurements may be coordinated and summarized. Periodicity in the growth in thickness of trees, J. Wieler (Tharand. Forst. Jahrb., 48 (1898), p. 100; abs. in Jour. Roy. Micros. Soc. [London], 1S99, Xo. 1, p. 52).— It is stated that often in closely contiguous spots the growth and thickness of tree trunks is far from uniform. There are in general, both with conifers and dicotyle- dons, 2 periods of greatest activity, the one about the beginning of June and the other about the middle of July. The latter period of activity is subject to great variations. The period of greatest activity in the development and unfolding of buds does not necessarily agree with the greatest activity of the cambium. SEEDS— WEEDS. Experiments on red clover seed, A. N. McAlpine ( Trans. High- land and Agr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser., 10 (1898), pp. 224-234). — The author conducted a series of experiments to ascertain whether there was auy connection between the yield of clover and the general appearance; size, weight, name, nationality, and price of seed. Seven lots of seed were purchased in the open market and their purity and germination determined, after which they were distributed to various growers and grown under numbers, no indications being given the grower as to the origin of the seed. The principal experiment in growing was made at Carbeth, where it was continued for 4 years. In the accompanying table the price per pound, purity, germination, number of seed per pound, yield of hay per plat for 4 years, and order of productiveness is given : Comparative tests of red clover seed. American Canadian French American (Trifolium medium) New Zealand English German Price per pound. Cents. 12 14 15 15 19.5 24 15 Purity of seed. Per cent. 98 100 99 100 100 98 Germina- Number tion : seed per of seed, j pound. Per cent. 84 92 87 91 92 94 89 297, 300 287, 400 272, 600 260, 000 212. 500 216, 300 206, 900 Yield of hay per plat. 4 years. Civt. 70 3 67 5 58.6 75.9 76.1 64.7 42.8 Order of produc- tiveness. Other experiments conducted at different places showed either very slight or no appreciable difference. In one case the yield of the plat seeded with American red clover exceeded that of any of the others. In hardiness, as shown by the last cutting at Carbeth, Trifolium medium DISEASES OF PLANTS. 9fi7 ranked first, American red second, Canadian third, the others greatly inferior, and the French nothing. The general conclusion is drawn that the product depends on the germinating power of the seed used and the number of pure and ger- minating seed per pound. If these conditions are satisfied the size and appearance of seed will be of little account. As a satisfactory basis for valuation of seed the author states that the purchaser should take into account the percentage of purity, percentage of germination, and number of seeds per pound. The highest priced seed in his experi- ence did not yield the largest crop. Studies in germination, V. Jodin (Ann. Agron., 24 (1898), No. 8, pp. 382-397). — The author continues to report his investigations on the germination of seed, the present paper treating of the differences between very old and fresh seed in their intramolecular respiration and on the potentiality of seed. Intramolecular respiration was found to diminish as the age of seed increased. Peas 33 years old failed to give off carbon dioxid when in suitable media for germination. A very small quantity was given off from 27-year-old peas and increasing amounts from still newer seed. Influence of the weight of seed on the yield of cereals, L. Grandeau (Jour. Soc. Agr. Brabant- Hainaut, 189S, No. 47). Tobacco seed: its choice; light and heavy seed, Trabut (Gouv. Algerie Bot. Service BuL, 189S, No. 17, pp. 8. ill us. ). On the specific gravity of rice seeds at different stages of ripening, H. Axdo (Imp. Univ. Col. Agr. [Tokyo] Bui., Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 479-481). — The specific gravity of rice seed was tested at various periods of growth, namely, milk-ripe, green-ripe, yellow-ripe, full-ripe, and dead-ripe. From the tables given it is clearly shown that the specific gravity increases with ripening. DISEASES OF PLANTS. On the use of sulphur and sulphate of ammonia as preventives of potato scab in contaminated soils, H. J. Wheeler and G. E. Adams (Rhode Island Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 254-268).— -The trials with sulphur which were conducted in 1896 (E. S. R., 8, p. 798) indicated that when thoroughly mixed at the rate of 600 lbs. per acre in the upper 7 or 8 in. of a badly contaminated soil, though checking the diseases somewhat, was practically useless. In 1897 2 series of experi- ments were made to continue the study. In the first series seed tubers of the variety New Queen, which were practically free from scab, were planted in pots 26 in. deep and 18 in. in diameter, which were buried in the ground to within 2 in. of their tops. Each pot received as fertilizer air-slaked lime, dried blood, nitrate of soda, muriate of potash, dissolved boneblack, and tankage. In previous years the pots had received barnyard manure alone or with common salt, sodium carbonate, or oxalic acid. Sulphur and corrosive sublimate were compared as fungicides. Part of the tubers were treated with 1:1,000 corrosive sublimate solution for 1£ hours; others 968 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. were moistened and rolled iu sulphur at the rate of 300 lbs. per acre, the sulphur uot adhering to the tubers being dusted over them before covering by the soil; and other tubers received no treatment. The results obtained showed that the sulphur treatment was slightly more efficient than corrosive sublimate, and also that the disease germs were present in great quantities iu the soil, as otherwise the corrosive subli- mate treatment would have reduced the amount of scab as compared with no treatment. In the second series of experiments the same pots and soil were used as in previous experiments, which had been treated with lime, wood ashes, calcium chlorid, sulphate, carbonate, oxalate, or acetate. The seed tubers were washed before attempting to examine them for scab. All the tubers were treated with 1 : 1,000 corrosive sublimate solution for li hours before planting. Iu addition, a part of the tubers were treated with sulphur iu the same manner as in the first experiments. The efficiency of the acid soil and calcium sulphate and chlorid in pre- venting the development of scab was shown, not a trace of scab being found where either of the calcium compounds were applied. The poi- sonous action of these substances on the crop was quite markedly indi- cated, as in previous years' experiments. Comparing the sulphur and corrosive sublimate treatment for the prevention of scab, it was found that there was a reduction of about 21 per cent in the number of badly scabbed tubers where sulphur was used. In consideration of the cost of sulphur when applied in large quan- tities, and owing to the fact that it has little or no manurial action, the results are compared with the favorable results previously obtained with sulphate of ammonia, and further experiments in this line are promised. The authors summarize their results as follows: "The results of 1897 fully confirm those of previous years as to the tendency of carhonate of lime, and all combinations of lime which are changed into that lorm within the soil, to promote in a striking degree the development of the potato scab. "On a badly contaminated soil the use of sulphur for 2 consecutive years, in quan- tities amounting in all to 900 lbs. per acre, reduced the amount of scab in a decided degree. "Owing to the cost of sulphur, and the improbability of its being of more than slight, if any, indirect manurial value, it appears possible that the employment of sulphate of ammonia, which is at the same time a valuable source of nitrogen, might prove more economical than sulphur in reducing the tendency to scab on soils already contaminated with the scab fungus. The results thus far secured indicate that if it were employed in connection with kainit, sulphate, or muriate of potash, soils would be rapidly improved in this particular. "Owing to the fact that soils naturally favorable to the development of the potato scab are also favorable to nitrification, the fullest manurial action of the sulphate of ammonia should be obtained." The asparagus rust, L. F. Kinney {Rhode Island Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 317-321). — During the summer of 1897 the asparagus rust (Puccinia asparagi) made its appearance in various Rhode Island market gardens. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 969 Prior to this time the disease had not been reported by asparagus growers in the State, but a thorough investigation showed it rather generally spread. The effect of the disease upon the plants is shown in their exhausted vitality. The mowing and burning of the stalks was thought a possible means for the prevention of the spread of this disease, but its wide distribution showed that nothing would be gained by such treatment. All efforts to control asparagus rust have been only partially successful. The difference in the amount of rust found on different varieties, the author thinks, may not be wholly due to varietal peculiarities, but from the limited data accessible, there appear to be differences iu resistance. Shallow plowing of the beds after the stalks have been cut has been tried, and it is thought possible in this way that the spores of the fungus which are lying on the surface may be covered and destroyed. The aggregate value of asparagus beds in the 2 centers referred to in this report is said to be $200,000, and should this disease continue its course for a few years the greater part of the capital would be lost. Studies on Puccinia ribis of red currants, J. Eriksson {Rev. Gen. Bot., 10 (1898), No. 120, pp. 107-506, pi 1).— As a result of his experiments the author concludes that Puccinia ribis is a true inicro- puccinia with only 1 generation of spores. These are teleutospores, which germinate the spring after their formation. In the fungus it is possible to distinguish a special form to which the author gives the name rubi, which attacks the red currant and also a variety of the white, but not the black currant, nor in all probability docs it attack the gooseberry. The appearance of the disease occurs in the spring- after hibernation of the spores, and the period required for their ger- mination is from 29 to 39 days. As preventive measures against the destructive effect of this fungus, the author recommends the collecting together and burning in the fall of the year all leaves and diseased fruits which fall from the bushes. In the spring all bushes which are liable to attacks of this fungus should be thoroughly sprayed about the time their buds begin to swell, 2 applications of Bordeaux mixture being given during the season. Not only should the bushes be sprayed. but the ground underneath them. Contribution to the knowledge of Coleosporiums and the leaf rust of pines, G. Wagner (Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank., 8 (1898), No. 5, pp. 257-262). — The author reviews a number of experiments and statements on the relation existing between the alternate host plants of a number of species of Peridermium and Coleosporium. He briefly reviews his own experiments in which a number of plants were inoculated with the a;cidiospores from Pinus sylvestris and P. montana. It was found that in nearly every case the ajcidiospores would infect Melampyrum pratense and Euphrasia officinalis, but not Campanula rotundi/olia, G. trachelium, Phyteuma officinalis, and Tussilago farfara. In a subsequent note in the same journal (No. G, p. 3±o) the author 970 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. claims to have infected pine needles with spores from Coleosporium campanula micrantha, the spermagonia appearing in October. Inoculations of pine needles made in September with spores of G. sonchi-arvensis from Sonchus asper, and (7. tussilaginis from Tmsilago farfara resulted in the appearance of spermagonia in November. The leaf-spot disease of walnuts H. Boltshauser (Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank.,8, {1898), No. 5, p. 263).— The author reports the appear- ance in Thurgau during July of the past year of a disease of walnut leaves. The spots were very numerous, round, and dry, the inner por- tion brownish gray, and the outer part darker, more or less arranged in zones. The spots were of various sizes, ranging from 1 mm. to 1 cm. in diameter and occurred on both sides of the leaves. The dried leaf substance finally falls from the leaves. The perithecia which are found on the upper side of the leaf are globular, more or less sunken, about 0.08 mm. in diameter. The spores are oblong, 2-celled, and often con- stricted in the middle. They are from 0.01 to 0.013 mm. in length and from 0.004 to 0.005 mm. in diameter. The fungus, which appears to have been undescribed, has been given the name Ascochytajuglandis. Notes on the Michigan disease known as "little peach," E. F. Smith {Reprint from Fennville Herald, 1898, Oct. 15, pp. 12).— In an address before the Saugatuck and Ganges Pomological Society the author describes this little-known disease which threatens to become of great importance to the peach growers of that State. The symptoms of the disease are the dwarfing of the fruit, retarded ripening of fruit, absence of any red spotting of skin or flesh, the dwarfing or yellowing of the foliage from the start, and the absence of sprouting winter buds. The affected peaches are badly dwarfed, usually one-half or less the size of ripe healthy peaches of the same variety. The color of the skin and flesh is normal. The pits are small but hard and well devel- oped. The leaves are much smaller than normal, perhaps on an aver- age only about half as large. They are thicker, of a sickly, yellowish, reddish, or brownish green color. The diseased leaves examined were found free from mildew, fungus, or insect depreciations. Unlike the rosette and yellows of the peach this disease often appears on all parts of the tree, although sometimes it appears first on one or more limbs, spreading to the remainder of the tree. The main root and all other larger branches appear sound in bark and wood, but the ultimate root- lets were found badly diseased in every specimen examined, fully nine- tenths of the rootlets being found dead and shriveled or brown and dying. Trees attacked by this disease are said to die the second or third year. This disease has been attributed to various causes, several of which are discussed. The author states that in his opinion the dis- ease is due to shutting off of the water supply to the tree, but whether this is brought about by some parasite or by drought combined with overbearing and unsatisfactory condition of soil can not as yet be determined. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 971 Report of the biologist, P. H. Rolfs (Florida Sta. Rpt. 1S9S, pp. 27-36).— The work in botany for the year is briefly reviewed and notes given on a number of impor- tant plant diseases. The fungus tomato blight is briefly discussed, a more extended description and discussion having been given in Bulletin 21 of the station (E. S. K., 5, p. 790). The bacterial tomato blight and tomato rust are also described. Notes are given on the fungus disease of the San Jose scale, a detailed account having been previously published in Bulletin 41 of the station (E. S. R., 9, 1068). Celery blight, due to Cercospora apii. and the pear blight or twig blight are described, and preventive measures suggested. Diseases of cultivated plants in Cyprus, P. G. Gennadius (/tyf. Agr. Cyprus, III, p. 51; abs. in Ztsehr. Pflanzenkranh., 8 (1898), No. 5, pp. ..'Sl-.'S.'!).— Notes are given on diseases of grapes, citrus fruits, olives, apple trees, and cereals. A brief report is given on the destruction of Orobanche and Euphorbias. The lirst plant, it is said, may be destroyed by applications of potash and phosphate fertilizers, also 5 per cent solutions of copper sulphate will destroy Orobanche seeds. The Euphor- bias, it is said, may be destroyed with carbon bisulphid, or with petroleum mixed in fertilizers. Diseases of sugar cane in the Antilles, G. Saussine (Bui. Agr. Martinique, 1S9S, No. 2, pp. 41-53). — Notes are given on Alectra brasiliensis, a saprophytic phanero- gam, 2 cryptogams (IHchosphcera sacchari and Colletotrichum falcatum), and several diseases of unknown origin. Fungus diseases of the grapevine, Allen, Blunno, Froggatt, and Guthrie (Agr. Gaz. Neiv South Wales, 10 (1899), No. l,pp. 26-31). — Notes are given on a number of diseases of the grape, with suggestions for their prevention. Black rot of grapes and its treatment, G. D'Utra (Bol. Inst. Agron. Sao Paulo, 9 (1898), No. 6, pp. 26S-271). The treatment of pourridie L. Rougier (Prog. Agr. et Fit. (ed L'est), 20(1899), No. 11, pp. 327-333). — Carbon bisulphid is said to be the most efficient means for pre- venting the destruction of grapevines by Dematophora necatrix. On the use of carbon bisulphid against Dematophora necatrix, J. Dufour (Chron. Agr. Cant. Yaud, 12 (1899), No. 4,pp. 87-90). — Notes the very successful use of this fungicide against this pest. Monilia variabilis, P. Lindner ( Wchnsehr. Bran., 15 (1898), No. 16; abs. in Bot. Centbl.,77 (1899), No. 2, pp. 67,68). — A variable new species is described which was found growing upon white bread that had been moistened with beer yeast. The chrysanthemum rust, L. Wittmarck (Gartenflora, 47 (1898), No. 23, pp. 625, 626, fig. 1). — Notes are given on Puccinia hierocii. Tea blights, G. A. Massee (Kew Misc. Bui. 138, pp. 105-122, pi. 1).— The author describes the attack on tea of Pestalozzia guepini, Exobasidium vexans, and Stilbum nan um. The first species is also parasitic on rhododendron, citrus, magnolia, etc. Mildew of hops, L. Mangin (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1899, 1, No. 10, pp. 345-347, fig. 1).— Notes are given on Sphcerotheca castagnei. A pestalozzia disease of lupines, F. Wagner and P. Sorauer (Ztsehr. Pflan- zenkrank., 8 (1898), No. 5, pp. 266-271, pi. 1).—The authors describe a very destructive disease of lupines, which is said to be caused by Pestalozzia lupinii, n. sp. Different species of lupines seem to vary in degree of susceptibility to the disease, Lupinus cruikshanksii and L. mutabilis being quite susceptible, while L. albus and /.. luteus are less so. In cultivating these plants to avoid the disease care should be taken in the selection of varieties, and the soil should not be allowed to become too wet. The mycocecidia of Rcestelia, L. Geneau de Lamarliere (Rev. Gen. Bot, 10 (1898), No. 114, pp. 225-237; 115, pp. 273-288, pis. 2, figs. 5). An undescribed disease of peonies and lily of the valley. J. Ritzema-Bos (Ztsehr. Pflanzenkrank., 8 (1898), No. 5, pp. 263-266).— The author describes diseases of the peony and lily of the valley which are said to be caused by Botrytis paonice. On both plants it has proved quite destructive. Experiments were made on Couvallaria 972 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. leaves which were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture. In one case the leaves were severely injured by the treatment, while in the other case there was little evidence of checking the spread of the disease. A bacterial disease of Juniperus phcenicea, F. Cavara (Bui. Soc. Bot. Hal., 1898). Wet rot in potato, C. Weiimer (Ber. Devtt. Bot. Gesell , 16 (1898), pp. 172-177, figs. %; aba. in Jour. Roy. Micros. Soc. [London], 1899, No. 1, p. 69) —The opinion is expressed that the wet rot of the potato is not primarily a bacterial disease, but is due to certain conditions of environment. The author's experiments show that potatoes placed in moist positions, although exposed to aerial and contact infection, remain free from wet rot if they are left uncovered; on the other hand, if covered, the tubers will in a few days be affected with wet rot. When the environmental conditions are suitable, the bacteria are active, and though it is possible that many maybe able to produce decomposition, there are 2 species most frequently met with, namely, Bacillus sp. and Amylobacter navicula. Recent observations on Pseudocommis, E. Roze (Bui. Soc. My col. France, 15 (1899), No. l,pp. 37-43). — Experiments with this myxomycete on beans are briefly reported. Underground galls of beets and crucifers and their causes, von Dobeneck (Bract. Bl. Pjlanzenschutz, 1 (1898), pp. 61, 62). Nematodes and means for combating them, C. Schkeiber (Ayronome, 1898, Nos. 47, 48). ENTOMOLOGY. Some injurious insects, A. L. Quaint ance {Florida Sta. Rpt. 1898, pp. 56-72, pis. 4). — Notes are given on a number of insects which have proved more or less destructive to certain economic plants. The sweet potato prodenia (Prodenia commelinic), which has heretofore been considered of little economic importance is described. During the fall of 1896 and the summer of 1898, the larvae caused considerable destruc- tion by feeding on tomato and Irish potato leaves. In a number of places the insect has been observed feeding on sweet potato leaves and has caused considerable damage to the crop throughout the regions infested. After the foliage has been eaten the larva; have been observed to migrate and attack various plants, such as crab grass, wild coffee plant, partridge pea, tomato, okra, and tobacco. But little data are given as to the life history of the insect. For its prevention the use of Paris green at the rate of 1 oz. to 10 gal. of water, to which 1 oz. of quicklime previously mixed should be added, is recommended. A number of scale insects are described, among them the snowy chionaspis (Chionasjm minor), which has been abundant on the China tree [Melia azederach). It has also been reported as feeding on palms, cotton, capsicum, hibiscus, and grapevines. The appearance of the scale is briefly described, and it is stated that thorough winter spraying with strong whale-oil soap or a kerosene-and- water mixture might prove efficient in destroying this pest. The fig scale (Asterolecanium pustulans) is known in the east coast region of Florida, where it occurs on the fig, mulberry, and oleander. The scale is somewhat circular in outline, slightly convex, and of a yellowish color. Under a hand lens the scale is seen to be surrounded ENTOMOLOGY. 973 by a delicate fringe of pink color. No experiments are known with insecticides, and it is thought advisable to destroy infested plants by digging them up and burning them. The cassava scale (Mytilaspis alba) made its appearance in Florida in March, 189S, on cassava canes which had been imported from Nassau. A considerable quantity of the infested canes were destroyed, and the author visited the fields in which the remaining canes had been planted, but after a careful investigation was unable to find any trace of insects. While it is believed that this threatened pest has been exterminated, the immediate burning of cassava or other plants upon which it is dis- covered is recommended. The rust- red fiour beetle (Tribolium ferrugineum) has proved a serious household and museum pest in Florida. Flour, corn meal, and similar products become badly infested if left exposed. In museums the pest is particularly severe, especially on dried insects. Its methods of attack and injury are described and brief notes given on the life his- tory, from which it appears that the life cycle is completed in about 30 days. The egg state continues for 12 days, the larval 14 days, the pupa state about 5 days. The life of an adult in captivity is from 25 to 30 days. The different stages in the life history of this insect are described. Where it is possible the use of carbon bisulphid is recom- mended as a treatment. Notes are given of the chinch bug, which has occurred in various places in Florida, but on account of the amount of wet weather which occurs in the State, it is thought probable that it will never prove seriously destructive in the State. The rubus white fiy {Aleurodes ruborum) was first noticed in Novem- ber, 1898, infesting several of the varieties of Rubus trivialis. The presence of these scales in such great numbers would necessarily be a serious drain upon the plant, but the insects have been closely observed since their discovery and there seems to be no occasion for regarding it as of very great economic importance. This scale is probably a native of Florida and has been taken in several widely separated localities on both Rubus trivialis and R. cuneifolius. A number of hymenopterous parasites have been bred from the pupa', and it is stated that about 65 per cent of the pupae are destroyed by parasites. The ramie-leaf roller (Pyrausta tlieseusalis) has been abundant on the leaves of ramie grown at the station for the past 2 years. Fully 50 per cent of the leaves were rolled up from one side forming a hollow tube £ inch in diameter. Within these tubes the larva* feed, eating along the rolled up and covered margin, or sometimes eating the distal end of the tube. These insects have not been observed earlier than July and seem to be most abundant about the middle of September. Specimens of young larvae placed in breeding cages grew to adult larvae in about 20 days, pupated within the rolled up leaves, and developed into adults in 23 days. Attempts to secure eggs from moths bred in confinement were fruitless, but making due allowance for the 974 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. egg state, the life cycle is probably not shorter than 50 days. A description is given of the different stages of the insect, and as a pre- ventive treatment the author states that probably the best means would be to pick off and burn the rolled up leaves as soon as observed. The use of Paris green or some other arsenite might be of value, but from the feeding habit of the insect many would doubtless escape poisoning. The report concludes with descriptions and notes on Pyrantels cardui, the larvse of which has been observed for the past 2 years feeding upon prickly comfrey grown in the station grounds. A serious attack on the apple fruit by Argyresthia conjugella in Europe, E. Reuter (Ganad. Ent., 31 (1899), No. l,pp. 12-14).— The presence of this new apple pest in British Columbia has been mentioned in the report of the Canadian Experimental Farms for 189G (E. S. R., 10, p. 856), in which it is stated that the injuries done closely resemble those caused by the apple maggot (Trypeta pomonella). The caterpil- lars tunnel the pulp of the fruit, leaving brown colored channels, with rather large chambers here and there; this attack thus being easily distinguishable from that of the common codling worm. According to the author, during the summer of 1898, there was an unexpected and violent attack of this insect on the apple in Finland. In Finland this insect ordinarily feeds on the fruit of the mountain ash and sometimes on that of the bird cherry, but in the summer of 1898 the fruit of both of these failed almost entirely and the insect, not find- ing its ordinary food, swarmed in immense numbers to the apple trees. On the relations of a species of ant (Lasius americanus) to the peach-root louse, F. M. Webster (Ganad. Ent., 31 (1899), No.l,pp. 15, 16).— The author has had occasion to study the root louse on the roots of young peach trees and has been impressed with the attention given them by ants. Attention has previously been called to the rela- tion existing between ants and peach-root louse by E. F. Smith,1 who stated as probable that the ants bring the plant lice from below ground in the spring and place them upon the twigs, thus indirectly causing their diffusion in the orchards. In the investigations reported the author states that he has not only been able to observe the attention of the ant in caring for the aphis on the roots, but has also found them transporting them about on the twigs, and he has no doubt that they are also transported from twig to root and vice versa. Below ground the aphis is said to usually cluster upon the tender roots or rootlets with ants in constant attendance. Where there was a lack of rootlets the bases of some of the roots and also the crown had patches of bark removed, and the wounds had every appearance of having been caused by gnawing away the bark. On further examination it was found that where these wounds had begun to heal over, the wounds were closely packed with the root lice attended by ants. It appears that the aphis can subsist on this tender growth Eiitomologua Americana 0, p. 101. ENTOMOLOGY. H75 of over- healing- bark as well as though they were colonized on the tender rootlets. Where the wounds ou the peach roots were infested by the aphis all bits of gum aud detached bark had seemingly been removed, thus giving a clear area for the work of the aphis; and here as elsewhere the ants were found carefully looking after them. The conclusion reached is that the ants intentionally gnaw the bark on the roots where there is a lack of rootlets for the required feeding in order to furnish a supply of food for the aphis. Second report on the San Jose scale, H. P. Gould (N~etc York Cornell Sta. Bui. 155, pp. 159-171, fiys. .5).— The observations recorded in this bulletin are in continuation of those previously given (E. S. It., 10, p. 468). The author is inclined to believe that by the use of mechanical mixtures of kerosene and water it is possible to kill the scale and not injure the foliage of the plants. His experiments reported in the previous bulletin were repeated during 1898, and a large number of small pear trees badly infested with the San Jose scale were treated with solutions and mixtures of whale-oil soap, pure kerosene and kerosene diluted with various amounts of water, quas- saiue, and West's insecticide. The effects of these different insecticides upon the foliage of the trees is given and their efficiency as insecticides compared. The best results were obtained with the keroseue. The author states that the practicability of spraying for the destruc- tion of the San Jose scale will depend largely upon conditions. In the case of fruit trees or ornamentals permanently set which have not become weakened by attacks of the insect it will be entirely feasible to protect the trees from further injury by spraying them with kero- sene, but spraying can not be recommended for nursery stock. '. i the latter fumigation with potassium cyanid is recommended. The most satisfactory time for spraying is during the active stage of the scale in the summer and early fall. The effect of kerosene on peach and apple trees was investigated to some extent. It is stated that pure kerosene will seriously injure peach trees even when they are in a perfectly dormant condition. A 20 per cent mixture can probably be safely used on the peach at any time, but stronger mixtures are to be avoided. Apple trees do not appear as susceptible to injury by kerosene as peach trees, and upon apple trees a mixture containing 50 per cent or less may be used with safety. Kerosene is especially likely to cause injury if applied on other than a bright sunny day. In the author's experiments a 20 per cent solution was found harmless to plants and destructive to all insects. Diseases of sugar cane in the Antilles, G. Saussine (Bui. Agr. Martinique, 1S9S, No. 1, pp. 23-35).— Notes are given on the following insects : Diatra a saccharqlis, Xyle- borus perforans, Splienophorus sacchari, scale insects, plant lice, etc. Contributions to the knowledge of Coccidee, T. D. A. COCKERELL and P. J. Parrott (Industrialist, 25 (1899), Xo. 4, pp. ,227-337). A new enemy of wheat, F. Noack (Bol. Inst. Agron. Sao Paulo, 9 1898 No. 6, pp. 261, 262).— The larva? of Molus pyroblapius are said to be very injurious to wheat. 18562— No. 10 6 076 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The flying mechanism of insects,. C. Janet (Compt. liend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 (1899), No. d, pp. 249-258). On the head formation of Hymenoptera at the time of their passing into the nymphal stage, L. G. Seukat (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128, 1899, No. 1, pp. 55, 56). FOODS— ANIMAL PRODUCTION. On the cleavage products of casein in pancreatic digestion, U. Biffi (Arch. Path. Anat. u. Physiol. [ Virchow], 152 (1898), No. 1, pp. 130-157). — A number of experiments are reported. The principal con- clusions follow: Under favorable conditions casein is completely digested. About 4 per cent of the total amount of casein is converted into tyrosiu. The final cleavage product of casein (casein antipeptone) has the following percentage composition: G 49.7, H 7.2, N 16.3 (S 1.3), O 25.2. In properties and reaction it is like fibrin-antipeptoue. The casein albumosesmay.be divided into 2 groups, primary and secondary, and agree in their reaction with those from fibrin. Casein- phosphorus occurs in the products of digestion in 2 forms, one may be precipi- tated with magnesium mixture and the other not. The phosphoric acid compound increases with the length of the period of digestion and the amount of ferment present, while the other phosphorus com- pound is diminished. Further, the organic phosphorus can be con- verted into the inorganic compound by the action of dilute alkali solutions and by boiling with barium carbonate in the same way as the phosphorus compounds derived from casein by digestion with pepsin and hydrochloric acid. Dietary studies in Chicago, reported by W. O. Atwater and A. P. Bryant ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Office of Experiment Stations Bid. 55, pp. 76). — A number of investigations were conducted among families of for- eign birth or origin in the thickly congested West Side of Chicago. A number of samples of food were analyzed in connection with the study. In general the usual methods were followed. In some cases the statistics were prepared by the families themselves and the results thus obtained are regarded as not entirely reliable. The average results follow: Average results of dietary studies — cost and amounts of nutrients eaten per man per day Italians, average of 4 French Canadians, average of 5 Orthodox Kussian Jews, average of 10 a... Orthodox Kussian Jews, average of 4 6 — Unorthodox Kussian Jews, average of 6a. Bohemians, average of 8 b Bohemians, average of 25 a American professional men, average of 3 . . Cost. Protein. Fa, <£bohy- »£ Cents. 15.8 22.1 18.4 19.0 22.0 11.5 19.7 29.1 Grams. 103 118 121 120 153 115 143 104 Grams. Ill 158 87 101 105 103 135 121 Grains. 391 345 410 406 430 360 424 429 Calories. 3, 060 3,365 2,985 3,095 3, 365 2, 885 3,580 3,310 a This average includes both those studies in which the statistics were kept by the families them- selves and those in which the statistics were kept by those in charge of the investigations. The figures are not to he considered as entirely reliable. 6 This average includes only the studies in which the foods were weighed by those conducting the studies. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 977 The results are discussed in detail and compared with the results of similar investigations in New York and Pittsburg (E. S. R., 9, pp.1074, 1075). Foods rich in protein. The advantage of a guaranteed compo- sition, E. B. Voorhees [New Jersey Stas. Bui. 131, pp. 14).— The com- position and adulteration of feeding stuffs is discussed. To determine whether the cotton-seed meal sold in the State was adulterated, 17 samples obtained from 1 1 different counties were examined. Of these 2 samples were undecorticated products. Samples of linseed meal, gluten meals, and other gluten feeds were also analyzed. The maxi- mum, minimum, and average percentage of protein and fat in the samples is reported, and the results of similar work in Maine and Massachusetts are quoted. The advantage of a guaranteed composition of feeding stuffs is pointed out. The cost of protein in the feeding stuffs is dis- cussed : "A comparison of the composition of these feeds with their average selling prices during the past year shows that the gluten meals, at an average cost per ton of $18.75, furnish the protein at a less cost than any of the others, while cotton-seed meal, at an average cost of $24 per ton, is next in order, with gluten feeds with an average cost of $15.70 third in order, and linseed meal fourth at an average cost per ton of $28.85. That is, from the standpoint of cheapness of protein alone this is the order that they would take. Other points, however, should be considered, as, namely, their general adaptability and their content of mineral constituents, if these are taken into account as they should be in well-managed dairies, the order of cheapness would be cotton-seed meal first, linseed meal second, gluten meal third, and gluten feed fourth." The chemical life history of lucern, II, J. A. Widtsoe and J. Stewart ( Utah Sta. Bui. 58, pp. 90). — This bulletin, which forms part of an extended study of alfalfa (E. S. R., 9, p. 104), treats of the action of various solvents upon alfalfa, the carbohydrates and nitrogenous constituents of alfalfa, and the digestibility of alfalfa cut at different periods of growth. Other features of the chemical composition of alfalfa are discussed, as well as the proper time to cut this crop for hay. The action of various solvents on alfalfa (pp. 8-26). — A detailed study was made of the material obtained by the successive action of ether, alcohol, water, dilute hydrochloric acid and sodium hydrate solution upon alfalfa. From 2 to 3 gm. each of different parts of 3 successive crops of alfalfa was extracted with anhydrous ether, Avith the following results : Ether extract and dry matter in alfalfa. Ether extract in — Whole plant. Leaves. Si a Iks. Highest yield of dry 'matter per acre. First crop . Second crop Third crop . Per cent. 2.79 2. 18 1.98 Per cent. Per cent. 4.62 1.52 -.'.. 82 1. 08 ;(. 22 1. 05 Pounds. 6,209 3,878 2,305 978 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The ether extract of plants consists mainly of fat and chlorophyll. In alfalfa chlorophyll very largely predominates. "It may be more than mere coincidence that the average relative amount of chlorophyll in the leaves varies with the total dry matter produced. No such con- stant variation exists in the stalks or whole plant. A comparison of the total amounts of chlorophyll in the plant and its parts does not show any definite rela- tions to the dry matter produced; it appears that the percentage, or relative force, maintained throughout the growing period, determines the amount of dry matter a crop can produce. If this relation should be proved to hold in all cases, the maxi- mum yield of dry matter would be known when the average amount of chlorophyll in the leaves had been determined." The residues from the ether extraction were treated successively with 95 per cent alcohol for 2 hours, and with water for 24 hours, with frequent agitation. The results follow: Alcohol and water extracts of alfafa. Alcohol extract : Whole plant Leaves Stalks Water extract : Whole plant Leaves Stalks First crop. Early period. Percent. 16.02 14.98 18.48 21.93 23.44 19.42 Flower- ing period. Percent. 12.04 13.83 10.94 17.64 26.17 12. 36 Late period. Per cent. 7.43 13.07 5.99 11.34 21. 15 8.43 Second crop. Flower- ing period. Per cent. 9.91 12.87 7.68 18.45 29.07 10.43 Late period. Percent 9.26 13. 72 6.70 15.61 29.17 7.90 Third crop. Percent. 13.80 16.59 10.80 17.66 23.32 11.38 The alcohol extract, according to the authors, consists of resins not dissolved by ether, tannins and their derivatives if present in the plant, alkaloids, glucosids, some proteid bodies, amido compounds and glu- coses, and saccharoses if present. Water would extract from the residue from the extraction by alcohol, "in addition to a number of rare substances, the soluble carbohydrates, such as dextrin and other mucilaginous bodies, the soluble albuminoids and the legumius, some amids insoluble in alcohol, and most of the organic and inorganic acids that may be present." The bearing of this matter on the concentration of plant juice is discussed in some detail. The residues from the above extractions were treated with 2 per cent hydrochloric acid under a reflux condenser for 1 hour, and then with 1£ per cent sodium hydrate at boiling for A hour. The residue from this last extraction was dried, weighed, and incinerated, the loss in inciner- ating being taken as fiber. The alkali extract was determined by FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 979 subtracting from 100 the sum of the ether, alcohol, water, and acid extracts and the liber. The acid and alkali extracts follow: The hydrochloric acid and alkali extracts of alfalfa. Acid extract: Whole plant Leaves Stalks Alkali extract: Whole plant Leaves Stalks First crop. Second crop. Early period. Flower- ing period. Late period. Flower- ing period. Late period. Per cent. 15.91) 20.94 13.07 17.58 19.55 16.59 Per eent. 24.92 26. 62 21.81 16.53 16.95 15.77 Percent. 18.59 21.96 15.77 16.18 17.14 15.62 Per cent. 13.65 20.95 11.25 19.01 23.43 18.27 Per cent. 15.96 21.07 12.01 17.51 19.45 16.12 Third crop. Percent. 18.34 22.14 13.33 17.62 'M. 17 13. 67 Dilute hydrochloric acid would remove from the residue of material extracted with water, starch and allied bodies and the hemicelluloses, gluten and related substances, amins, and inorganic salts. Most of these substances have a very high food value. "Nest to the crude fiber, the alkali extract is the most resistant portion of the plant. It is made up chiefly of the insoluble nitrogenous bodies of the plant, together with small quantities of carbohydrates, organic acids, and other sub- stances. , . . "All the errors made in the preceding determinations fall upon the alkali extract. In spite of this, duplicate determinations agree fairly well, and the results may be accepted as indicative of the truth. . . . "The foregoing facts teach much of interest and importance concerning the con- ditions of solubility of the alfalfa plant at its various stages of growth. We may divide the constituents of a plant into 3 groups according to the solubility (leaving out of consideration the fat): (1) Those easily soluble (in alcohol and water); (2) those difficultly soluble (in dilute acids), and (3) those insoluble, or soluble only in alkalis (fiber, and alkali-soluble). . . . "Considering the whole plant, during the early period more than one-third is easily soluble, about one-third insoluble, and nearly one-quarter soluble with diffi- culty. During the flowering period the easily soluble materials decrease to less than one-third, the insoluble increase to nearly one-half, and the difficultly soluble fall to less than one-fifth. During the late period the easily soluble portion becomes less than one-fifth, the insoluble about two-thirds, and the difficultly soluble less than one-eighth. "The easily and difficultly soluble portions of the plant may be considered almost wholly digestible, while the insoluble portion is but slightly attacked by the diges- tive juices. The percentage of insoluble and alkali-soluble material during the flowering period is very nearly the same as the indigestible percentage as determined by experiments with animals. Apart of the alkali-soluble portion, and of the crude fiber is, of course, digested; and some of the materials of the soluble materials are passed through the body without being digested. The decreasing solubility of the plant with age is due almost wholly to the rapid accumulation of crude fiber. It is quite certain that much of the soluble material becomes so entangled in the fiber as to be practically indigestible. During the cutting periods for alfalfa it may be said that about one-half of the plant is insoluble. "The leaves do not change very much. They are 10 per cent more insoluble when old than they were when young. During the flowering period the leaves are as good as a cattle food as at any other time. 980 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "The stalks arc not much more insoluble than the leaves while the plant is young, hut with increasing age they become insoluble very fast. During the flowering periods there is nearly 60 per cent of insoluble matter, and during the late periods more than 70 per cent. This, of course, makes the stalks very indigestible. The carbohydrates of alfalfa (pp. 27-38). — Following the method pro- posed by Stone (E. S. R., 8, p. 6G4) the authors studied the carbohy- drates in the different crops and cuttings of alfalfa. In determining starch by malt extract, however, it was found that " duplicate deter- minations were very discordant. . . . No matter how carefully the work was done, the results were never quite trustworthy. ... A few preliminary tests indicated active unorganized ferments in the alfalfa after the half hour in boiling water. This part of the research, which promised interesting results, we could not continue." The method adopted by the authors was boiling with hydrochloric acid, allowance being made for the pentosans. "The carbohydrates of alfalfa, with the exception of the fiber, are, as far as their quantity is concerned, of little importance. The general notion that every fodder plant is made up largely of sugar and starch is far from correct in the case of alfalfa. However, there can be no doubt that the carbohydrates are very important as bodies that stand intermediate between the first products of the plant's constructive activity and the compounds finally deposited within the plant. "It is interesting to note the intimate connection between the alcohol and water- soluble carbohydrates; if one decreases the other increases, and rice versa. It seems as if it matters little whether sugar or dextrin be present, as either one meets the condition of solubility. A similar relation holds, in a less degree, between the starch and the pentosans. The lower sugars mark only the transformation of some body into another, within the plant, and are not characteristic ingredients." The nitrogenous constituents of alfalfa (pp. 39-54). — The total proteid and the different nitrogenous materials in alfalfa of different crops and cuttings were studied in detail. The determination of the total protein showed that — " The formation of protein in the whole plant does not keep pace with the increase in dry matter, but that as soon as the crop is in early bloom the proportion begins to decrease. Comparing the leaves and the stalks we see that live-sixths of the total protein was found in the leaves; that at budding time nearly nine-sixteenths, or more than half, was in the leaves; and that eight-thirteenths, or more than one- half was found in the leaves at the first period of full flower." The determination of the relative amount of albuminoid and non- albuminoid nitrogen showed that — "The plant and its parts show an absolute gain of albuminoids up to the time when the crop is in full bloom. At that time material is drawn from the leaves and stalks into the roots, and the crop above ground loses some of its albuminoids. The stalks are the last to lose their albuminoids, as would be expected from the fact that the substances taken from the leaves must pass through the stem to reach the root, and the stem is thus made, temporarily, richer. The nonalbuminoids are unfinished albuminoids. It is therefore natural to find the greatest absolute and relative quantities in the young plant, when growth is active. From the time of budding thero is a rapid conversion of raw materials into finished products, and during that period, therefore, the nonalbuminoids are almost entirely converted into albuminoids. The leaves, which are more or less active to the death of the FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 0«1 crop, contain (to the end of the season) a small proportion of nonalbuminoids, but not enough to keep au excess in the stalks, which, as a consequence, lose nearly all their nonalbuminoids after the flowering period." Noiialbuminoid nitrogenous materials are easily soluble in water or dilute reagents. Many of the albuminoids, however, are insoluble. The proportion of soluble and insoluble albuminoids in alfalfa was determined by digesting samples with a dilute solution of pepsin and hydrochloric acid. "In the whole plant the percentage of protein insoluble in pepsin decreases until budding time. It then remains constant for i weeks, or until the first week of full flower. It then falls agaiu, but remains practically constant until the end of the experiment. . . The reason the percentage of pepsin-insoluble protein in the whole plant decreases as the plant grows older is easily understood when we recall that the ratio between the leaves aud stalks is not constant, but widens as growth goes on. When, therefore, the plant is young and the leaves are abundant, the percent- age of pepsin-insoluble protein is high. As the plant grows older, and the stalks increase more rapidly than the leaves, the percentage of the pepsin-insoluble pro- tein is smaller." The nuclein was determined in the plant, leaves, and stalks of alfalfa and other hays cut in 1897, and in wheat, peas, and alfalfa seed. The results obtained were as follows: Nuclein in alfalfa and other plants and seeds. Substance. Alfalfa second crop, young. Alfalfa, first crop, old Clover slightly spoiled Timothy, slightly spoiled... Wheat, very young W heat, ripe Oats, very young Oats, ripe Wheat, 3 years old Wheat, 1 year old Peas Altalfa Leaves. Per cent. 6.78 6.8fc 9.62 3.15 4.04 3.90 3.48 3.46 Stalks. Per cent. 2.93 2.32 2.71 1.10 1.55 1.58 1.29 Seeds. Per cent. 1.35 1.28 1.62 7.13 "The results, taken in connection with those previously given, furnish sufficient evidence that the percentages of nuclein in the leaves and the stalks of alfalfa are invariable; that they are not affected by the age of the plant, by the season, or by the place of cutting. They show further that the leaves and stalks of other plants do not contain the same percentages of nuclein as alfalfa, though the percentages they do contain are constant. The constancy does not seem to he confined to leaves and stalks alone, for 2 samples of wheat seed, grown in different years, contain the same percentage of nuclein. Only one sample of clover was obtained, aud that in an imperfect condition ; the analysis can not therefore be depended on to show the truth for a perfect sample. "The wheat contains little more than one-half as much nuclein as alfalfa, the oats contain about half as much, and the timothy less than one half. . . . "With these results in our possession, and until later work shall modify them, it may be stated as a law that each organ of a plant contains a definite and invariable percentage of nuclein which is different from that of any other organ, and that sim- ilar organs of different plants do not necessarily contain the same percentages of uuclein." 982 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The function of nuclei n is discussed at some length. As the author points out, nonalbuminoids can not be used in the formation of mus- cular tissue and the nuclein is not digested. The sum of the nonalbu- minoids and the nuclein subtracted from the total protein shows the amount of true flesh formers present. "In the whole alfalfa plant the percentage of true flesh formers decreases as the plants grow older. During the periods of hudding and flowering the percentage was almost constant. The total weight per acre increased to the period of hudding and then remained constant to the period of full flower; after that time there was a decrease." The protein in the different extracts was studied in considerable detail, and the general deduction was that "in the whole plant and its parts, the protein of alkali extract is the highest, followed by the pro- tein of the acid, water, and alcohol extracts, the crude fiber and the ether extract." The author discusses the proximate composition of alfalfa, and the portion determined by difference in ordinary analytical methods. The advantage of frequent cuttings is pointed out. A comparison was made of the yield obtained in various cuttings, the first of them being made very early. "Each successive cutting becomes smaller in the yield per acre, and also in the percentage composition of the most valuable ingredients. It is therefore important to secure as much as possible of the first, and best crop. When the fact that the hay cut at medium bloom has about the same food value as that cut a week earlier, the evidence that alfalfa should be cut after budding becomes still stronger." Digestibility of alfalfa cut at different periods of growth (pp. 55-GO). — Digestion experiments made by artificial methods indicated that the average coefficient of digestibility of the total protein of the alfalfa in the whole plant was for the first crop 71, aud the albuminoids 61; for the second crop the coefficient of the whole protein is 67, and of the albuminoids 01 ; and for the third crop about 00 and 43, respectively. Experiments on the digestibility of alfalfa of different crops and cuttings were made with steers. The usual methods were followed. The average results are shown in the following table: Digestion of alfalfa hay by steers. First crop ; average oi first, second, and third cuttings Second crop; average of first, second, and third cuttings Third crop Average of all Mixed alfalfa, 1896 Dry matter. Per cent. 58.78 60.32 58.17 59.64 60.16 Protein. Per cent. 65.07 70.48 69.30 67.99 70.30 Fat. Per cent. 35.00 42.25 41.51 39.04 50.57 Nitrogen free extract. Per cent. 72.41 71.74 71.00 72. 36 71.80 Fiber. Per cent. 40.15 44.36 34.30 41.12 45.67 Ash. Per cut. 41.62 46. 16 44.25 43. 94 40.85 The author's conclusion is that the digestibility of alfalfa remains practically constant from the time of cutting to the period of full bloom. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 083 The time to cut alfalfa for hay (pp. 61-05). — The yield and composi- tion of alfalfa of different crops and cuttings is discussed. "From what has gone before we may at least draw two general conclusions; alfalfa iu passing from the budding stage to the stage of first full flower decreases, pound for pound, in food value; and the acre crop, in passing through the same stages does not lose any of its beef producing power. We may hold this conclusion to be right; that to insure a large yield of dry matter and the largest amount of alhuminoids, alfalfa should be cut not earlier than the period of medium bloom, and not much later than the period of Hist full flower. This in most cases will he 2 or 3 weehs after the flower buds begin to appear. It will be a more serious error to cut too early than to cut too late." Appendix (pp. 67-90). — In the appendix are given in tabular form the results of the individual analyses discussed in the preceding pages. Summary of digestion experiments with Kafir (Oklahoma Sta. Bui. 35, pp. 4). — A number of experiments on the digestibility of Katir corn and Kafir corn products by steers are very briefly summarized. Two trials were made with Kafir corn, but in all other cases 4 trials were made. The coefficients of digestibility are shown in the following table : Coefficients of digestibility of Kafir corn, products by steers. Shredded Kafir stover Kafir corn, fed dry. . . . Katir corn, soaked Kafir heads Coarse Kafir meal Kafir fodder Dry matter. Per cent. 56. 3 41.7 38.0 24. 3 64.2 60.6 Protein. Per cent. 30.5 43. 6 40.2 12.3 53.3 38.1 Ether Nit™fen- extract. Per cent. 79.3 44.8 38.8 31.1 46.1 61.0 Per cent. 58.2 40.8 38.0 30.8 75.9 66.4 Fiber. Per cent. 67.0 45.4 35.2 27.4 60.4 Ash. Per cent. 19.0 63.9 65.7 53.6 7.8 " Kafir corn stover contained as much digestible matter as corn stover. " Katir corn fodder contained 10 per cent less of digestible matter than corn fodder. "Kafir corn heads contained one-third as much digestible matter as corn-and-cob meal. Kafir corn fed in the heads was neither more nor less digestible than when fed after thrashing. "Kafir corn fed after soaking in water for 12 hours was less digestible than when fed dry. Fed dry it contained 40 per cent less digestible matter than coarsely- ground Katir corn meal. "Kafir corn meal, coarsely ground, contained 20 per cent less digestible matter than corn meal. It paid to grind Kafir corn. One hundred pounds of Kafir corn meal contained as much digestible matter as 160 lbs. of Kafir corn. "A gain of 13 per cent in the amount of digestible matter was secured when Katir corn fodder was thrashed, the grain ground and fed to steers with the shredded stover from the fodder. A gain of less than 2 per cent in the amount of digestible matter was secured when Kafir corn fodder was thrashed and the grain fed to steers with the shredded stover from the fodder." In addition to the above, brief notes are given on the steer-feeding experiments made in 1897 and 1S98. The steers fed Kafir corn heads made an average gain of 1.85 lbs. per day; those fed Kafir corn meal, 2.36 lbs. daily. Horses, cows, sheep, and pigs have kept in good health and made fair gains when the 084 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. only grain fed was Kafir corn, although in no case were as large gains made by pigs on Kafir corn as on corn meal. "The loss from failure to digest all the food eaten is much less when hogs are fed ungnmnd Kafir corn than when cattle are so fed. In some cases hogs made less gain on soaked Kafir corn than when it was fed dry — probably because they ate the latter more slowly and masticated it more thoroughly. "Running whole Kafir cornstalks through the thrashing machine puts the stover in excellent coudition for feeding. Cracking some of the grains in the processor thrashing tends to increase percentage digested, if fed unground. "This station has not succeeded in getting large gains with steers fed whole cot- ton seed as sole grain, hut making cotton seed a part of the gram ration has given good results in a number of cases. "From May 9 to Septemher 1 of this year 9 yearling steers on pasture made an average gain of 160 Ihs. each. During September, when fed reasonahly near full feed of corn, still on pasture, they averaged a gain of 73 lbs. each. Taken from pas- ture and put on full feed of corn meal, with dry rough forage, they made little gain for first 3 weeks of October, probably partly because of carrying less weight in stomach. . . . "Somewhat limited trials in feeding stock melons show them to be much liked, especially by hogs. Having a fair feeding value, being well suited to serve as acor- rective of the bad effects of exclusive grain feeding to hogs, their large yield and the readiness with which they can be harvested, make it probable that they may wisely be substituted for root crops in Oklahoma, in part at least." Feeding experiments at Mains of Laithers, 1897, A. P. Aitken ( Trans. Highland and Agr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser., 10 ( 1898), pp. 259-280).— Experiments on the comparative value of concentrated feeding stuff's, which are in continuation of work previously reported (E. S. R., 9, p. 47G), were made with 5 lots of cattle. Each lot was made up of 8 Irish-bred and 2 home bred animals. Lots 1 to 3 contained 6 heifers and 4 steers, and lots 4 and 5, 5 of each sex. The test began January 14, 1897, and covered 16 weeks. It was preceded by a preliminary period of 1 week under tbe same conditions as tbe experiment proper. All of the lots were given 80 lbs. per head daily of turnips and oat straw ad libitum. Sixty pounds of the turnips were fed sliced and 20 lbs. pulped. The straw was fed in 8-lb. bundles and the amounts eaten recorded. In order to compare the concentrated feeding stuffs on a financial basis the lots were fed an amount of the different materials which could be purchased for the same price as 5 lbs. of linseed meal. Lot 1 was given per head daily G'r- lbs. of decorticated cotton-seed meal and dried brewers' grain 1:1; lot 2, 5 lbs. linseed meal; lot 3, Ih lbs. barley bran; lot 4, 6 lbs. barley; and lot 5, 6§ lbs. maize. It became evident that too large an amount of barley was fed to lot 4 and the quantity was after a time reduced to 4 lbs. In every case account was taken of any uneaten residue of the ration. The feeding stuffs were all analyzed. The nutritive ratio of the rations fed the several lots was as follows: Lot 1, 1 : 5.5; lot 2, 1 : 6.3; lot 3, 1 : 8.7; lot 4, 1 : 10.8, and lot 5, 1 : 11.7. Each lot weighed about 9,S00 lbs. The average daily gain per head for the different lots was as follows: Lot 1, 1.51 lbs.; lot 2, 1.47 lbs.; lot 3, 1.41 lbs.; lot 4, 1.28 lbs., and lot 5, 1.41 lbs. The experiment is reported and discussed in considerable detail. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 985 "One of the objects of these experiments was to discover whether the feeding values of the by-fodders used were in harmony with their market prices. Last year it was found that they were pretty far out, and that linseed cake was ou the whole thedearest. This year, when the amount of turnips fed was raised from 50 to 80 lbs. per head per day and the by-fodders reduced by one-fourth, the discrepancy between market price and feeding value is not so great, and linseed cake is no longer the dearest. The results of the experiment have been such as to enable us in their interpretation to take a wide range, and to afford information of a kind more valu- able than can be obtained from a consideration of the mere question of price in relation to feeding value. Prices are constantly varying, and feeding value is seen to be a much more complex thing than would appear from the sole consideration of increase of live weight. "The results of the 2 years' experiments have brought into prominence the supremo importance of the quality of the turnips grown upon the farm as a determi- nant of the feeding progress of the stock. The quantity eaten in 1897 was greater than in 1896, but on the other hand there was a considerable diminution in the quan- tity of by-fodders. On both occasions the quantity of by-fodders eaten was as much as the cattle could conveniently consume along with their turnip supply, but owing to the superior quality of the turnips the actual amount of true food derived from that source was practically doubled in the latter year, and it is to that circumstance that we must ascribe their greatly enhanced progress." Sheep feeding experiments at Ferney Castle and Whitelaw, 1897, A. P. Aitken ( Trans. Highland and Ayr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser., 10 (1898), pp. 281-292).— In continuation of previous work (E. S. R., 9, p. 477) the author reports experiments with sheep made at Ferney Cas- tle by A. S. Logan and at Whitelaw by A. G. Spence, to compare oil cake and grain when fed in addition to a full ration of turnips. In each case the tests were made with 4 lots of 20 grade sbeep. The lots were carefully selected and were regarded as very nearly uniform. The experiment at Ferney Castle began February 3, 1897, and covered 86 days; that at Wbitelaw began February 5 and covered 85 days. In both tests lot 1 was fed decorticated cotton- seed cake and dried brewers' grains 1:1, lot 2 linseed cake, lot 3 bruised oats and barley 1 : 1, and lot 4 bruised oats and maize 1 : 1. The concentrated foods were given at the rate of 1 lb. per head daily, each farm being supplied from the same source. The linseed cake fed to lot 2 was after a time reduced to % lb., since the amount at first fed was evidently too large. "At Ferney Castle the sheep were penned on turnip land, and were shifted about as the land grew foul, and during the last 3 weeks they were kept on lea. They were fed all the time on Swedish turnips. At Whitelaw the lots were penned on turnip land and fed on yellow turnips till the middle of March ; thereafter they were shifted onto lea, and from March 25 till the close of the experiment they were fed on Swedish turnips." The composition of the foods is reported, as well as the amounts con- sumed and gains made by the different lots. At the close of the test the sheep were slaughtered and the weights of the carcasses, tallow, and wool are recorded. The average gains in weight per head for the different lots were as follows: At Ferney Castle, lot 1, 21.8 lbs.; lot 2, 21.6 lbs.; lot 3, 9.6 lbs.; and lot 4, 11.2 lbs. At Whitelaw, lot 1, 28 lbs.; lot 2, 29.1 lbs. ; lot 3, 16.4 lbs., and lot 4, 14.3 lbs. The average divssed 986 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. weight for the 4 lots was as follows: At Ferney, lot 1, G9.2 lbs.; lot 2, 67.3 lbs. ; lot 3, 59.G lbs., and lot 4, G1.5 lbs. At Whitelaw, lot 1, 07.7 lbs. ; lot 2, 67.4 lbs. ; lot 3, 61.5 lbs., and lot 4, 61.8 lbs. The experiments are discussed in considerable detail. " The results of the experiment are satisfactory, in that they show that there is very little difference in the feeding effect of linseed cake on the one hand and a mixture of cotton cake and dried grains on the other, when given to sheep in as great quan- tity as they can consume along with a full supply of turnips. As regards a mixture of oats and barley and a mixture of oats and maize, these also are fairly equal in feeding effect when given in equal quantities, although on the whole the advantage lies with the latter mixture. But oats, barley, and maize are evidently much inferior to the more concentrated by-fodders cotton cake and dried grains and linseed cake, and, as prices usually go, there is no economy whatever in feeding sheep with oats and barley. It would be better to sell these and buy concentrated fodder with the proceeds. The amounts of loose tallow and wool deserve notice. At both farms lots 1 and 2 produced the most wool, showing that the more highly nitrogenous dietary is favorable to wool production ; and it is noteworthy that the oats-and-maize lot produced most tallow and least wool at both farms, not only on this occasion but also in the case of the former experiment." The by-products of the dairy, F. B. Linfield ( Utah Sta. Bui. 5f, pp. 197-249 ', figs. 9). — In the author's opinion the usual methods of feed- ing pigs at creameries on milk or whey alone and finishing on grain for a short period is not satisfactory. Experiments were therefore undertaken to determine the value of skim milk and grain fed in various ways for pigs and calves. Experiments in pig feeding (pp. 197-236). — Seven tests are reported extending over a number of years. The object was to compare the econ- omy of feeding milk alone and in combination with grain as compared with grain alone. No comparison was attempted of the different grains fed. The composition of the foods used is reported, some of the analyses being made at the station. The first test which began June 27, 1894, covered 161 days, and was made with 2 lots of 4 and 1 lot of 2 pigs. Lot 1 was fed a ration of 1 lb. of grain to 4 of milk for the first 118 days and 1 lb. of grain to 2 lbs. of milk until the close of the test. Lot 2 was fed 1 lb. of grain to 2 lbs. of milk for 118 days and 1 lb. of grain to 1 lb. of milk for the remainder of the test. Lot 3 was fed grain mixed with water. For about three-fourths of the test the grain consisted of barley and bran 1:1; during the remainder, corn and wheat 1:1. The second test began January 5, 1895, and covered 135 days. It was made with 2 lots of 4 pigs each. Lot 1 was fed 4 lbs. of skim milk to 1 of grain until the pigs averaged 100 lbs. The proportion of skim milk was decreased as the pigs increased in weight until the pigs averaged 200 lbs., when they were fed skim milk and grain in equal amounts. Sufficient water was added to the grain to make up for the skim milk omitted. Lot 2 was fed grain mixed with water. The grain fed both lots consisted of wheat and bran 1:1. The third test, which began August 5, 1895, and covered 175 days, was made with 2 lots of 2 pigs each. Lot 1 was fed 6 lbs. of skim milk to 1 lb. of grain until the pigs FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 087 averaged 50 lbs. The proportion of skim milk was diminished, and from the time the pigs averaged 200 lbs. until the close of the test it was fed in the ratio of J lb. to 1 lb. of grain. The skim milk and grain were fed in the form of a mash, the necessary amount of water being used as the skim milk was diminished. An attempt was made to feed lot 2 on skim milk alone, but the supply was not sufficient for the purpose, so some grain was necessary. The amount fed was 2 lbs. per day. The grain fed both lots consisted of wheat and bran 1:1. The fourth test was made with 3 lots of 2 Berkshire-grade pigs each. It began June 15, 1896, and covered 21 days. Lot 1 was fed 6 lbs. of skim milk to 1 lb. of grain until the pigs averaged 50 lbs. each. The amount of skim milk was diminished as the pigs increased in weight. From the time they averaged 100 lbs. in weight until the close of the test 2 lbs. of skim milk was fed to 1 lb. of grain. Lot 2 was fed skim milk alone, and lot 3 grain mixed with water. The fifth test, which was a continuation of the fourth, began January 14, 1897, and covered 102 days. It was made with 3 lots of 3 Berkshire or Berkshire-grade pigs each. Lot 1 was fed 5 lbs. of skim milk to 1 lb. of grain until the pigs averaged 75 lbs. in weight. The proportion of skim milk was then diminished, 3 lbs. to a pound of grain being fed. Lot 2 was fed skim milk alone ad libitum, and lot 3 grain mixed with water. Tests 0 and 7 began July T, 1897, and were made with 3 lots of 3 Berkshire and Poland China- grade pigs. The results as tabulated cover 104 days. In each test lot 1 was fed skim milk or whey alone, lot 2 skim milk or whey and grain in the proportion of 5 lbs. of milk or whey to 1 of grain, until the pigs averaged 75 lbs. in weight. The proportion was then diminished to 3 lbs. of milk or whey to 1 lb. of grain as the pigs increased in weight; lot 3, grain alone mixed with water. In all the tests except No. 0, the pigs were fed in pens. In No. G they were pastured, the special object being to compare pasturage with feeding in pens with lots 6 and 7. The financial statement is based on grain at 75 cts. per pound, this being regarded by the author as a fair average for the 4 years covered by the investigation. The results of all experiments, which are given in detail, are summarized as follows : Summary of tests of feeding skim milk to /"'.'/••<• Food. No. of tests. No. of hogs. Time covered by tefcts. Aver- age weight at be- ginning. Aver- age gain. Food eaten per pound of gain. Dry matti r eaten per pound of gain. Gain per 100 11.8. Grain. Milk. milk eaten. S 5 4 27 15 11 Days. 133 121 108 Lbs. 40 63 39 Lbs. 169 110 74 Lbs. 1 Lbs. 2.92 ' 7.68 4.70 Lbs. 3.34 4.21 Lbs. 23.2 Milk j 33. 12 | 2.98 14.2 988 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The experiments are discussed at length and are summarized as follows : "(1) Skim milk when fed in combination with grain makes a very valuable food for hogs at all periods of their growth, but particularly so during the earlier periods. "(2) Skim milk and grain in combination make a much more economic ration for hogs than either milk alone or grain alone. The milk-and-grain-fed lots required 2.58 lbs. of digestible matter, the milk-fed lots 2.85 lbs., and the grain-fed lots 3.19 lbs. to make 1 lb. of gain in live weight. "(3) When fed in combination with grain, skim milk has 63 per cent greater feed- ing value than it has when fed alone, 100 lbs. of skim milk taking the place of 23.2 lbs. of grain in the former case aud 14.2 lbs. in the latter. "(4) The hogs fed on the milk-and-grain ration made much more rapid gains than either those fed on milk alone or grain alone. The time required to make 100 lbs. of gain was 79 days for the hogs fed on milk and grain, 116 days for those fed on grain alone, and 147 days when the food was milk alone. "(5) When the skim milk and grain were fed in the proportion of 3 lbs. or less of skim milk to 1 lb. of grain, the return for the skim milk was greater than when a larger proportion was fed. When fed in the proportion of 2 lbs. of skim milk to 1 lb. of grain, 100 lbs. of milk took the place of 31 lbs. of grain, but when fed in the proportion of 4 lbs. of skim milk to 1 lb. of grain, only 24 lbs. were displaced. "(6) Hogs fed on milk alone gained very slowly and did not keep in good health; in some cases they were off their feed so frequently that a change of feed had to be made. The milk and grain fed hogs, however, without exception, kept in good health. "(7) Young hogs fed on grain alone did not do well and appeared to make poor use of the food they ate. The hogs on this ration required 2.92 lbs. of digestible matter to make 1 lb. of gain at an average weight of 73 lbs., aud only 2.83 lbs. when they weighed 127 lbs. When the food was changed to milk and grain a marked improvement was effected in their growth and thriftiness. "(8) Those hogs fed on milk alone or grain alone when on pasture, did much better than hogs similarly fed in small pens. The milk-fed lot, on pasture, gained 0.05 lb. more per day aud required 0.54 lb. less dry matter to 1 lb. of gain than did the lot fed in pens, and the grain-fed lot, on pasture, gained 0.3 lb. more per day and required 0.88 lb. less of dry matter to each pound of gain. On the; other hand, however, the hogs fed milk and grain in combination did better in the pens, gaining 0.05 lb. more per day than did those on pasture and required practically the same amouut of foo'd to make a pound of gain. "(9) The appetite of the hogs and the palatability of the food seemed to have a very beneficial effect upon the rapidity and economy of the gain. The milk-and- grain-fed hogs ate 0.37 lb. more digestible matter per day than those fed on grain alone, and 1.46 lbs. more than those fed on milk alone. They gained 0.41 lb. per day more than the hogs fed grain alone and 0.59 lb. more than those fed milk alone. They also required 0.51 lb. less digestible matter for each pound of gain than did the hogs fed grain alone and 0.27 lb. less than the hogs fed milk alone. "(10) Young hogs are in every way the more economic producers of pork. The hogs fed milk and grain required 62 per cent more to grow a pound of live weight when they weighed from 200 to 255 lbs. than they did when they weighed from 38 to 100 lbs. and for those hogs fed on grain alone the difference in favor of the smaller weight was 56 per cent." Experiments in calf feeding (pp. 237-24G). — Tests extending over 4 years were made with 16 calves to learn the relative value of skim milk and whole milk. In all the tests the calves were fed separately in stalls. In every case they were separated from the cow when 12 hours FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 089 old. For from 7 to 10 days all the calves were fed 16 to 18 lbs. of whole milk daily. As the calves grew older the amount given those which were to be kept on whole milk was increased to 20 to 22 lbs. per day. They were disposed of when 1 month old. Skim milk was substituted for whole milk in the ration of the skim milk calves when they were from 7 to 10 days old, the amount fed being gradually increased. When 4 or 5A weeks old, skim milk only was fed, the maximum amount being 25 to 27 lbs. daily. They were given water in addition to the milk. The skim-milk ration was continued until the calves were 5 or 6 months old. In every case fresh separator skim milk was used. It was kept from souring by heating, and was fed at 80 to 100° F. As soon as the calves would eat it, they were given a little dry chopped grain. The grains used were wheat and bran, barley and bran, barley, peas and bran, corn and bran, and corn. No comparison of the grains was made, but it is stated that one did not prove to be more satisfactory than another. After the calves were 2 or 3 weeks old they were given a little hay, usually alfalfa. The average results of all the tests are shown in the following table: Summary of tests of feeding shim milk to calves. Food eaten (average). Aver- age weight at be- gin- ning. Aver- age gain per day. Food consumed perpoiiud of gain. Ratio of Milk. Fat. cvt™ Grain Whole milk. Skim milk. Grain and hay. dressed weight milk. and hay. Milk. Fat. to live weight. Two calves fed Lbs. Lbs. 671 2fi an Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. 70 76 71 Lbs. 2.10 1.77 1.44 Lbs. 9.50 3.60 3.46 Lb. 0.37 .14 .14 Lbs. Lb. Per ,-t. (!."). 0 Seven calves fed whole, milk and skim milk Seven heifer calves fed whole milk and skim 232 181 9. 00 7.60 536 453 5.7 8.3 8.6 0.11 58.3 Eight of the calves were sold for veal and the percentage of live weight to dressed weight recorded. The feeding of the heifer calves was continued. They were fed about 20 lbs. of skim milk daily with hay and grain. The food eaten and the gains made are recorded as well as the food consumed per pound of gain. The labor .cost of feeding calves and hogs (pp. 247-249).— The author discusses the cost of the labor of feeding pigs and calves. "We find that it costs 5 hours of labor, or 50 cts., to look after 500 hogs for 1 day, or $50 to look after 500 hogs for 100 days. This is 10 cts. for 1 hog f*r 100 days, or for 100 lbs. gain, which gives 0.1 ct. as the labor cost of producing 1 lb. of live weight of hog. It is thus evident that when handled in large n umbers, as hogs may be at a creamery, the labor is a very small item in growing the hogs. If the value of the gain was reckoned at 4 cts. per pound, the labor cost of producing the pork was but 2^ per cent of its selling price. "The above, of course, represents almost ideal conditions, yet it is what any fac- tory operator could do with very little outlay. 990 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "The remarks are equally applicable to calf feeding as to hog feeding. Though perhaps it would be more difficult to feed a large number of calves than a large number of hogs. One of the best devices noticed for handling a large number of calves was a row of stanchions along one side of a pasture with a trough on the out- side divided into boxes, one for each calf. At feeding times each calf was fastened in a stanchion, given his share of milk, and left there till he had gotten over his tendency to suck any of his mates. If the calves were divided into lots according to age and the lots fed separately, it would probably simplify matters." Experiments with geese, 0. O. Flagg (Rhode Island Sta. h'pt. 1897, })p. 181-617, figs. 25). — The earlier work of the station with geese is cited, and experiments made in 1890 are reported in much greater detail tha"1 in the preceding Annual Report of the station (E. S. R., 10, p. 979). In the experiments with geese the eggs of different breeds and crosses were marked and the goslings when hatched were per- manently marked by punching one or more small holes through the membrane of the foot. The majority of the experiments in 1897 were made irith the same breeding stock as in the previous year with the addition of some African and Embden stock. A new mating was made to secure pure Toulouse goslings, and 2 crossings of White and Brown Chinas were made. The weights of the eggs at the beginning of the experimental period in January were recorded as well as the eggs laid by the different breeds and crosses. A table is given sum- marizing the weights of eggs laid by the different breeds in 1890 and 1897. "African* laid the largest eggs, averaging practically 6.7 oz. each. Embdens rank next in order, averaging 6.567 oz. each. The eggs of Toulouse geese averaged 6.3 oz. each; those from White Chinas 5.522 oz. each, and those from Brown Chinas were smallest in size, averaging but 5.445 oz. each. These averages are the result of weighing from 155 to 250 eggs in each instance, and fairly represent the difference in size in the eggs from the different breeds. Eggs from African geese would average to weigh 5.025 lbs. per dozen, which is 3.1 times the average weight of Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock hens' eggs as determined by weighing 10 doz. selected for hatching." (Average weight 1.62 lbs.) The loss of weight of eggs during incubation was tested. The eggs were weighed and placedin incubators. After 7 days they were weighed and tested; those which were found to be infertile were removed. On the 22d day of the incubation period the eggs were again weighed, removed from the incubator, and placed under hens. The goslings were weighed as soon as hatched. "The average weight of the 3 eggs from which goslings were hatched was 6.0053 oz. at the beginning of incubation, and the average weight of the goslings when hatched was 3.8913 oz., showing an average loss of 2.114 oz. during incubation. The individual losses were as follows: Egg No. 4 lost in hatching, 1.9827 oz., egg No. 6, 2.1719 oz., and egg No. 7, 2.1875 oz. The gosling from egg No. 4 was the only vigorous one, but whether the smaller amount of evaporation from that egg had any relation to the vigor of the gosling we can not say." The average loss in weight of 12 fertile eggs was 0.3309 oz., of 9 infertile eggs 0.3437 oz., of 3 fertile eggs which hatched out goslings 0.3204 oz., and of 9 fertile eggs which did not hatch 0.3425 oz. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 991 The percentage of goslings batched in 1897 was in all cases low; in the author's opinion mnch lower than is usually seemed by practical goose breeders where the breeding stock is not coniiued and the eggs are set very soon after laying. "In these experiments the percentages are considerably reduced by the poor suc- cess of the White China matings, which the practical breeder should avoid. [The percentages for the year shows] that the Africans, as a breed, both males and females, have given the highest percentage of goslings from eggs set, the average for the breed being 38.09 per cent. This breed also shows the lowest percentage of infertile eggs — 32.18 per cent.. Toulouse rank second, Embdens third, Brown China fourth with a per cent of 28.57, and White China last with a hatch of 10.8 per cent of the eggs set.'' The goslings were fed and cared for in practically the same way as in the previous year, the green feed being probably less abundant. They were weighed when about 5, 8, and 10 weeks old and the weights recorded for comparison. The weights of the different goslings are recorded in full in tabular form, and the growth of the different breeds in the different periods is discussed in detail. "In 1897 pure Toulouse ranked first in average weight at about 5 weeks old, and crossbreds held the next three or more places. At 8 weeks old pure-bred Africans held the third place, and crossbreds held the other three of the four greatest avera ge weights. At about 10 weeks old Africans held the first place, having the highest average weight, the daily growth being equal to 2.28 oz., as against 2.24 oz. per day for the Embden-African cross, which held first place at the same age in 1890. Cross- breds held the next three or more places at 10 weeks old. No pure White China or Brown China matings were made in 1897 and the lowest average weight recorded at each of the 3 weighings was for the White China-Brown China cross." The loss of weight in dressing and drawing was determined with a number of geese. The figures indicate that — "There is less than 5 per cent loss in live weight in the process of dressing for market in the case of geese, and over 13 per cent in the case of hens. . . . The greatest shrinkage between live and drawn weight is found in the case of an Emb- den-Toulouse cross, where the drawn weight was only G3.9-1 per cent of the live weight. The least shrinkage is . . . recorded in the ease of the White China- Brown China cross, where the drawn weight was 76.05 per cent of the live weight. The average percentage for 19 geese from 9 different matings was 68.11, showing a shrinkage from live to drawn weight of 31.89 per cent. The average shrinkage between live and dressed weight was 4.88 per cent." Thirteen goslings were exhibited at the Rhode Island Poultry Asso- ciation Show and the percentage of skin and skin fat, flesh, bones, and offal in each was determined by Prof. Bumpus, of Brown University. The results are given in full in tabular form. The percentage of lean meat varied from 32.4 in the case of the Embden-Toulouse to 38.2 for the White China-Embden. The percentage of skin and skin fat was largest in the case of the Embden-Toulouse (21.G per cent), and smallest in that of the White China-Embden (9.1 per cent), showing the former to have been very well fattened while the latter was the poorest among the number. The percentage of bone was smallest in the case of the 18502— No. 10 7 992 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Embden-Toulouse and next lowest in the case of the Toulouse- African. The bones varied in weight from 9 oz. in the case of the Embden-Brown China cross, to 19 oz. in the Embden- African cross. "In the latter case the bones represented 7.2 per cent of the live weight. The head, feet, wings, and intestines, with the contents of the gizzard, representing the shrinkage in drawing, varied from 20.5 per cent of the live weight, in the case of a Brown China-Embden cross, to 23.9 per cent in the Einb- den-African cross. The percentage of offal was remarkably uniform, there being a variation of only 3.4 per cent." The influence of one white parent in cross breeding geese is discussed at considerable length, as well as the influence of Toulouse blood in the production of goslings with yellow bills. The market quotations of geese in 1897 are summarized. The food of man at the present time and in the future, E. Beketow (Pilanie chelovyeka r ego nastoyashchen i budushchem. Moscow, 1806, ed. 2., pp. 48). Digestive ferments, -with especial reference to the effects of food preserva- tives, H. Leffmann (Jour. Franklin Inst., 147 (1S99), No. 2, pp. 97-10S).— The experi- ments reported have been noted from another publication (E. S. R., 10, p. 170). Tables for computing rations for farm animals, J. L. Stone (Netc York Cornell Sta. Bui. 154, pp. 135-154). — The terms used in discussing the composition of feeding stuffs and mixing of rations are defined. Feeding standards are quoted, and a table is given showing the amount of digestible dry matter and digestible nutrients in a number of common feeding stuffs, in quantities ranging from one pound to a number of pounds. The quantities selected are such as would prove useful in compounding rations. The differentiating characteristics of the products of pepsin and pancreatic digestion of fibrin, V. Harlay (Jour. Pharm. et Chim., 6. ser., 9 (1898), No. 5 pp. 225- 232). The curing of bacon (U. S. Dept. Ayr., Bureau of Animal Industry Rpt. 1897, pp. 87-97, dgm. 1). — The method of curing bacon in England is described in considera- ble detail, an article by L. M. Douglas in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England being quoted. Bacon curing from the English point of view, L. M. Douglas (Ayr. Gaz. New South Wales, 10 (1898), No. 12, pp. 1408-1420, figs. 2, pis. 3).— This article, reprinted from the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, is noted above from another source. Goose breeding, C. 0. Flagg (Rhode Island Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 409-480, figs. 10).— This is a general discussion of the subject with many references to the literature. The principal topics treated are peculiarities of geese, varieties, improvement of breeds, marking, cross breeding, the goose industry in Rhode Island, marking geese, location for breeding, mating, care of geese, feeding and management, rearing of goslings, fattening, killing, and picking, the production of mongrels, and goose raising in Sweden. DAIRY FARMING— DAIRYING. A feeding experiment with rations consisting of forage only and of forage and feed, E. B. Voorhees and C. B. Lane {New Jersey Stas. Bid. 130, pp. 16-22). — In this experiment oats and peas fed alone were compared with the same fed with 5 lbs. of wheat bran and 3 lbs. of dried brewers' grains. One hundred pounds of the forage was used DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 993 when fed alone and 00 lbs. when fed with the grain, giving rations practically identical in the amount and proportion of nutrients. Two lots of 2 cows each were used and the feeding covered 2 ten-day periods, the lots being reversed in the second period. The 2 lots pro- duced on the forage ration 1,021.9 lbs. of milk and 38.2 lbs. of butter fat, and on theforage-and-grain ration 1,091.4 lbs. of milk and 42.9 lbs. of butter fat, a gain on the forage-and- grain ration of 0.8 per cent of milk and 12.3 per cent of fat. With oats and peas at $2 per ton, wheat bran at $16.50, and dried brewers' grains at $17, the milk was produced at 39 cts. per hundred on forage aloue and at 46 cts. per hundred on forage and grain, or an increase of 18.7 per cent in the cost of milk production on the latter ration. uThe results of this experiment indicate that green forage of the same general composition as oats and peas may serve as an entire ration for dairy cows without injury to the animals and at a consid- erable saving in the cost of milk, though the yields may be slightly reduced." Experiments with milch cows on the effect of work on the yield and composition of the milk, A. Morgen et al (Landw. Vers. Stat., 51 {1898), No. 2-3, pp. 117-151). — The experiments included 2 young cows and covered 11 periods of 14 days each. In alternate periods the cows were worked in a power machine, not exceeding 1 to 2 hours dady. It was found that as a result of moderate work the yield of milk decreased (on an average 0.7 kg. per day), this decrease being due to a diminution in the water, since the milk was more concentrated when the cows were worked. The principal effect was noticed on the percentage and total amount of fat, both of which increased, the percentage increase in the fat content being 10.7 per cent. The percentage of total solids increased, but not in proportion to the fat conteut, as the solids-not-fat decreased somewhat. The absolute amount of total solids decreased. There was also a decrease in all of the constituents of the solids except the fat, and especially in the case of milk sugar. Within the limits of the experiment, the larger amount of work (2 hours) did not affect the milk more than the smaller amount. There was only a slight effect noticeable on the live weight. Composition and nutritive value of different kinds of cheese, Balland {Compt. Rend. Acad. Set. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 22, pp. 879- 881).— Ordinary cheese is said to contain 80 per cent of water and a larger amount of proteids than of fat. The so-called "cream" cheeses (as Neufchatel) contain from 50 to 00 per cent of water, more fat than proteids, and very little ash. "Half salted" cheeses are more solid, contain less fat and more ash (1 to 2 per cent). Salted soft cheese con- tains from 4 to 5 per cent of ash, 30 to 50 per cent of water, and vary- ing percentages of fat and proteids, according to the variety. Hard 994 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. cheeses (Chester, Swiss, Holland, Roquefort, etc.) have a more uniform composition. The water content does not exceed 30 per cent, the salt content -I to 5 per cent, and the fat and proteids are often equal. The nutritive value of such cheese is very great, 100 gm. of Swiss cheese containing as much fat and proteids as 1 liter of milk and more than 250 gm. of meat, with 75 per cent of water. It is suggested that cheese with bread would make a good food for army uses. Trial of milking machines, J. Drysdale ( Trans. Highland and Agr. tioc. Scotland, 5. scr., 10 (1898), pp. 166-181, Jigs. 5). — A report of a com- mittee of the Highland and Agricultural Society appointed to conduct a trial of milking machines for a premium of £50. The manufacturers of the Murchland and Thistle machines entered the competition. The committee selected 7 farms on which these machines were in daily opera- tion, 3 usiug the Murchland and 4 the Thistle. These farms were visited, the operation of the machines observed, and samples of the milk taken for testing their keeping qualities in comparison with hand-drawn milk. The committee awarded the premium to the Murchland machine, " it having in every respect the most effectually fulfilled the conditions which they originally agreed should guide them in making their awards.''' "In every instance the samples of milk drawn by this machine -were found to keep satisfactorily. After a lapse of 48 hours they were found in no respect infe- rior to the samples of milk drawn by hand; in fact, if anything, rather superior in point of flavor. The committee regard the Murchland machine as a practical suc- cess, and are of opinion that in large dairies where there may be difficulty in obtain- ing milkers it may be introduced with advantage. . . . The chief defect in [the Thistle] machine is the effect it has on the keeping qualities of the milk. The com- mittee found that in every case the milk drawn by it kept unsatisfactorily, most of the samples developing sourness and bad flavor in from 12 to 14 hours and marked or great acidity in 24 hours, while samples drawn by hand from the same cows at the same time, and kept under precisely the same conditions, remained perfectly sweet for from 36 to 50 hours." In conclusion an illustrated description is given of the Murchland machine and its mode of working. The persistence of bacteria in the milk ducts of the cow's udder, A. R. Ward (Jour. Appl. Micros., 1 (1898), JSro. 12, pp. 205-209, fig. 1). — In studies of the foremilk of a cow 4 or 5 species of bacteria were found, only one of which was common to the 4 teats, but "the same species were found to persist in the same teat from day to day.'* The milk of another cow examined on 5 occasions covering a period of 8 months showed 3 species, streptococcus predominating in all of the teats at first, and persisting throughout the trial, although it dimin- ished in proportion. No streptococci were found in the milk of 8 other cows in the same stable. An experiment was made in colonizing the milk cistern of a cow with Bacillus prodigiosus, introduced with a hypodermic syringe lengthened with a milking tube. The bacillus was found in the milk for 5 days after its introduction, although the number of colonies decreased from day to day, and the bacillus disappeared on the sixth day. DATRY FARMING DAIRYING. 995 Bacteriological examinations were made of the glandular tissue of the apparently healthy udders of 0 cows, together with the foremilk of these cows just before they were slaughtered. The udders were divided arbitrarily into three parts, the teat and cistern, the middle part above the cistern, and the part above the middle. It was found by cultures that — "The same organism frequently occurred in the foremilk and in each <>f the three parts of the udder. Most of the bacteria obtained in pure cultures were found to belong to one of three micrococci. . . . The evidence at hand indicates that the teats and the greater portion of the udder may normally contain bacteria. It also seems highly probable that a few at least of the organisms found in the udder remain there after each milking, becoming the progenitors of the organisms found to be present in the milk when drawn." Bacillus typhi abdominalis in milk and butter, H. L. Bolley aud M. Field (Centbl. BaJct. u. Par., 2. Abt., 4 {1898), No. 24, pp. 881-887).— After a review of the literature of the subject the authors report the results of a large number of experiments in which sweet milk, sour milk, buttermilk, and butter were inoculated with typhoid cultures from different sources. These samples were examined for bacilli at differ- ent dates after the inoculation. From the results the authors conclude that typhoid bacilli may remain in butter in an active virulent condi- tiou for at least 10 days, and under many conditions probably for a much longer period, as, for example, butter containing a large percent- age of buttermilk, which the experiments showed to be a good culture medium. The presence of bacteria in butter, Hormann and Morgenroth (Hyg. Rundschau, 8 (1898), No. 5, pp. 217-230).— -The authors' conclusions are as follows : (1) The best method for detecting tubercle bacilli in butter is to inject 4 to 5 cc. of the butter melted at 37° C. into the peritoneal cavity of 3 guinea pigs. Cultures (at least 8 or 10) are made from the affected organs of the dead animals or those killed after 4 to 0 weeks, and parts of these organs are also introduced into the peritoneal cavity of 2 other guinea pigs and a rabbit. These latter animals are killed after 4 weeks, and blood serum cultures made. (2) True tubercle, bacilli not infrequently occur in butter. (3) An acid-resistant bacteria is found in butter, which produces sickness in guinea pigs. This, however, is not likely to be mistaken for tubercle bacilli. (4) From a hygienic standpoint the use of ordinarily prepared butter is open to question, aud pasteurizing the milk or cream used for butter making is desirable. Further contributions on the presence of tubercle bacilli in butter and cheese, Hormann and Morgenrotii {Hyg. Rundschau, 8 (1898), Xo. 22, pp. 1081-1084).— Three additional samples of butter from different sources were tested, and one found to be infected with tubercle bacilli. 996 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A sample of German Caniembert cheese was mixed with water and injected into a guinea pig. The pig died within 24 hoars of peritonitis. Fifteen samples of cottage cheese were tested, with the result that many of the animals died of peritonitis in 1 or 2 days; and 3 samples were found to be infected with true tubercle bacilli. The rancidity of butter and the effect of pasteurizing cream on the keeping quality of butter, H. Schmidt {Ztschr. Hyg. u. Infec- tionsleranh., 28 {1898), No. 2, pp. 163-188).— Different lots of butter from the same source were kept under a variety of conditions in light and darkness, and observations made on the germ content, the production of acid, the rancidity, taste, odor, etc. Salted and unsalted butter from unpasteurized cream and from cream pasteurized at 70 to 75° and 90 to 95° C. was used. It was fouud that the acidity and the germ content were appreciably lower in the salted and the pasteurized butter in proportion to the height of temperature employed in pasteur- izing. Both the acidity and germ content were greater in butte^ kept in the dark than in the light at similar temperatures; but both were reduced by keeping in a refrigerator and increased by keeping in a breeding oven at 23° C. In sunlight with free access of air there was no increase in germ content and the germs were gradually destroyed. There was a slight increase in acidity, which is believed to be due to chemical action. Under exclusion of air, both in darkness and diffused light, the acidity of butter from cream pasteurized at 90 to 95° exceeded that of butter from cream pasteurized at 70 to 75°. This was true of both salted and unsalted samples. The cause of this is not explained. In general, butter with a high acidity was more or less rancid in taste and odor, but there were some exceptions to this rule, notably in butter kept in sunlight with free access of air. Such butter soon became rancid and greasy, lost its color, and was wholly inedible, although the acidity did not indicate it to be rancid, or only slightly so. Butter became rancid most rapidly in sunlight and next to that in the breeding oven (in darkness). Keeping in a refrigerator was the best protection against rancidity. Butter from ordinary cream became rancid more rapidly and to a greater degree than that from pasteurized cream, and the keeping quality of butter was increased by pasteurizing the cream at the higher temperature. Salted butter did not become rancid as soon or to so great a degree as unsalted. The best conditions for keeping obtained in salted butter from pas- teurized cream kept in a refrigerator. Such butter was normal after 15 days, only slightly rancid after 30 days, and was still edible when 70 days old. Pure cultures for Cheddar cheese making, J. R. Campbell ( Trans. Highland and Agr. Soc. Scotland, 5. ser., 10 {1898), pp. 181-224).— A preliminary experiment in the use of a pure culture of lactic-acid bacteria proviug satisfactory, experiments were made on a practical scale at Craigley during June, July, and August, the results of which DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 991 are reported in detail. In addition to the work at Oraigley one or more "cultures were sent to 32 cheese makers for trial. The more than 100 tons of cheese made with the pure culture was for the most part sold at satisfactory prices, indicating " that the bacterium selected has proved suitable for cheese making-, though it does not mean that this particular bacterium is absolutely the best." When the culture was used in too large quantities it had a decided tendency to quick ripening. The ripened cheese made at Craigley was good, the quality not having been injured by the culture. The flavor was good and there was an absence of "the undesirable fodder taste common to spring cheese." The cheese makers to whom cultures were sent for trial were in the main satisfied, several of them using the cultures all summer and requesting that they be supplied with the same bacterium the following season. In several cases cheese made with the pure cultures was given prizes at exhibitions. The author discusses the cause of ripening, stating that while his investigation " does not absolutely prove that the bacterium used in tbe pure culture is the sole cause of ripening," some special experiments with milk cooled to 61-bT)° F. go "far to show that ripening is caused by the bacterium in the starter." Trials of the pure cultures in 2 dairies for the purpose of preventing discoloration of the cheese resulted favorably " and in a third dairy discoloration ceased as soon as the culture was used." The bacterium used in the culture "agrees in all respects with Leich- mann's bacillus, but differs essentially from the Bacillus acidi lactici (Hueppe)." It produced no gas when cultivated in sealed bottles of milk or in deep tubes of gelatin or agar. In sterilized milk it produced ua clean sharp acid such as cheese makers desire." When grown in milk with other bacteria "it invariably grew so rapidly that tbe prod- ucts of the others were completely masked, or else the acid which it developed destroyed or checked the growth of these undesirable forms of ferments." The bacterium was compared with those found in sour milk, whey, cheese, and pure culture for ripening cream. The form was found to be very prevalent in sour milk, whey, and cheese of fine quality, and in all of the pure cultures for butter making which were examined a lactic-acid bacterium resembling the one used by the autbor was found. The author gives instructions for using the culture, pre- paring starter, etc. : ''The main result of this investigation, so far as it has extended, may be summed up in one sentence, namely, the use of a pure bacterial culture iu cheese making- has been proved both successful and practicable. There is every probability that the system may with great advantage be applied — "(1) Where there is danger of discoloration. "(2) Where there is difficulty in getting a firm dry curd. "(3) Where a starter of some kind is necessary, the conditions for keeping milk being at the same time imperfect. •''(4) Where there is trouble from tainted milk or tainted curd. " (5) For the production of cheese in spring and autumn. "(6) For securing greater uniformity in quality. 998 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. " The system is riot to be recommended, for dairies described as ' quick,' unless efficient means for cooling the evening's milk exist. . . . "Though there are a number of different bacteria which produce lactic acid when grown in milk, one form may always be found predominating in ripe milk, sour whey, and good cheese. "For the manufacture of Cheddar cheese this bacterium, and this one only, is required for the fermentation both of milk and curd, and also for the ripening process." The author promises farther investigation on the subject. VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. Anthrax in the lower Mississippi Valley ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Industry Rpt. 1807, pp. 166-178). — In the spring and summer of 1896 there was an exceptionally widespread epidemic of anthrax in the northern part of Louisiana and adjacent regions. Sta- tistics of the extent of the epidemic are quoted. The epidemic is dis- cussed, and preventive and curative remedies employed and other matters concerning the epidemic are discussed. Preventive measures are regarded as more satisfactory than curative. "The preventive measures recommended were on two lines : "(1) The treatment of healthy living animals by a process of vaccination which, it was claimed, would render them immune to the disease, and the application to their bodies of a preparation to protect them from fiies. "(2) The application of such sanitary measures throughout the infected districts as would tend to destroy or neutralize, so far as possible, every condition favorable to the further increase and wider distribution of the microscopical plant life which is known to be the cause of this disease." Enzootic cerebrospinal meningitis in horses, and hog cholera in Idaho, W. L. Williams ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Bureau of Animal Indus- try Rpt. 1897, pp. 179-187). — In 1896 many horses and pigs in Idaho were affected with diseases which were in that region believed to be due to a common cause. The author reports a number of cases studied by him. The horses were affected with cerebro- spinal meningitis and the hogs with hog cholera. " The common supposition that the two affections — of horses and hogs — are iden- tical and due to a common cause, is sufficiently refuted by the ante-mortem anM post- mortem examinations recorded herewith. It may be added, moreover, that no clinical or historical evidence of identity could be established through other obtainable facts." Contagious diseases in European countries ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Bureau of Animal Industry Rpt. 1897, pp. 69-8G). — Statistics are given of the contagious diseases of animals in Great Britain, France, Norway, Belgium, Hungary, Denmark, and Switzerland. Cattle tuberculosis, T. M. Legge and H. Sessions (London: 1S9S, pp 78). Investigations relative to sheep scab ( U. S. Dept. Ayr., Bureau of Animal Indus- try Rpt. 1897, pp. 155-165). — The article contains the reports of four inspectors who visited a number of sheep-feeding stations to find out the number of sheep fed, the conditions of the feeding stations, water, dipping vats, and the sanitary conditions of the sheds, with a view to determine whether the regulations relative to the trans- portation of sheep affected with scab were enforced. STATISTICS — MISCELLANEOUS. 999 Sheep scab : Its nature and treatment, D. E. Salmon and C. W. Stiles ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Industry Bpt. 1897, pp. 98-149, ph. 6, Jigs. 36). — This is a reprint from Bulletin 21 of this Bureau (E. S. R., 10, p. 793). A pneumo-enteric infectious disease of pigs in Portugal, A. R. Martins (Arch. Med., 1 (1898), Xo. 3; abs. in Cental. Bakt. u. Par., 1. Abt., 25 (1S99), No. 2-3, p. 89). — A study of epidemic diseases observed in swine in Portugal showed the presence of the swine plague. Investigation of alleged rabies in Nebraska, W. H. Gibbs ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Industry Bpt. 1897, pp. 188, 1S9). — The report of a number of cases believed to be rabies, causing the loss of 14 hogs, 2 cows, 1 mule, and 1 horse, from what, in the author's opinion, was rabies communicated to them by dogs. The identification of trichina, A. Johne (Der Trichinenschauer. Berlin: Paul Parey, 1898, 6. ed., pp. XIV-\-170, figs. 125). — This is described as a compendium for inspectors, meat-control officers, and veterinarians. STATISTICS— MISCELLANEOUS. Report of Florida Station for 1898 (Florida Sta. Ept. 1898, pp. 72).— This con- tains reports of the director, agriculturist, chemist, biologist, horticulturist, and entomologist, parts of which are noted elsewhere, and a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898. Tenth Annual Report of Rhode Island Station, 1897 (Rhode Island Sta. Bpt. 1897, pt. I, pp. 90-93; pt. II, pp. 111-644, I-XVII).— This includes the financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897; a brief report by the director; various articles noted elsewhere; lists of donations and exchanges for 1897 and station pub- lications from date of organization; and an index of the bulletins and Annual Report for 1897. Eighth Annual Report of Wyoming Station, 1898 ( Wyoming Sta. Bpt. 1898, pp. 43-63, 85-342).— This contains reports of the director and heads of departments; the treasurer's report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898; and an appendix containing reprints of Bulletins 34-37 of the station on the following subjects: Fruit growing in Wyoming (E. S. R., 10, p. 44), Mechanical analysis and water con- tent of Wyoming soils (E. S. R., 10, p. 29), Wyoming sugar beets (E. S. R., 10, p. 346), and The stooling of grains (E. S. R., 10, p. 947). Experiment Station Work— VIII ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 87, pp. 32, figs. 6).— This number contains articles on the following subjects: Soil moisture, fertility of soils, cover crops for orchards, cultivating rs. cropping orchards, trans- planting trees, fecundity of swine, food value of eggs, starch from sweet potatoes, and the toad as a friend of the farmer. Fourteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of Animal Industry, D. E. Salmon, (T. S. Dept. Agr., Bureau, of Animal Industry Bpt. 1897, pp. 727).— This contains the report of the chief of the Bureau and a number of special articles on a variety of topics, some of them reprinted from other publications. A number of these articles are referred to in another place (pp. 992, 998). The report also contains statistics of the movement of farm animals, the range of prices in Chicago from 1891 to 1896, inspec- tion and movement of sheep, animals imported for breeding purposes, imports of animals at quarantine stations, number and value of farm animals, and imports and exports of animals and animal products, Rules and regulations of the Bureau of Animal Industry, laws of States and Territories for the control of contagious ani- mal diseases, and laws of States and Territories relative to dairy products, are also quoted. A list of the publications of the Bureau for the fiscal year 1897 is given. Statistics of Ontario (Ontario Bureau of hid. Bui. 67, pp. 24).— This contains meteorological observations and statistical tables on farm lands, field crops, live stock, population, etc., of Ontario compiled from the annual reports of the Ontario Bureau of Industries. 18562— Xo. 10 8 NOTES Iowa College and Station. — P. T. Barnes, late of the New York State station, has been placed in charge of the greenhouses. His time is divided between instruc- tion and experimental work. The unusual cold of last winter, coupled with the light snowfall in central and southern Iowa, has caused great damage to nursery stock. This injury has come in the form of what is known to nurserymen as "root killing." In the college nurseries as well as iu private nurseries thousands of trees have been killed and thousands badly injured. In the case of piece-root apple grafts the injury is confined mainly to that part of the root below the union of the scion and stock. Where roots have developed from the scion they are usually in good condition. Texas College. — Fred W. Mally, M. Sc, of Hulen, Tex., has been elected professor of entomology in the college. He will make the boll weevil the primary subject of investigation. Washington College and Station. — Plans and specifications have been adopted for the construction and equipment of Science Hall, to cost $60,000. This building will provide quarters for the departments of botany, zoology, bacteriology, agricul- ture, horticulture, veterinary science, and geology, and the third story will be devoted to museums. Each department will have a professor's office, a lecture room, and from one to three laboratories. The building will be of pressed brick with stone trimmings, 170 feet long by 80 feet deep, and three stories high. Ferry Hall, the boys' dormitory, will also be built, at a cost of $40,000. It will provide for from 175 to 200 students. David A. Brodie, a graduate of the college, has been chosen superintendent of the substation at Puyallup, which has been opened at State expense. Agricultural College and Experimental Farm for Nova Scotia. — An act passed at the last session of the provincial legislature authorizes the purchase of land for an agricultural college and experimental farm and the erection of suitable buildings, appropriating $20,000 for the purpose. The college will take the place of the provincial agricultural school at Truro and the horticultural school at Wolfville. The grant for the maintenance of the horticultural school is to be discontinued with the establishment of the new institution. The agricultural school building at Truro was destroyed by fire in March, 1898, and considerable opposition has developed to the establishment of the college at that place. Its location has not yet been decided upon, but there is said to be a tacit understanding that it will be located in Kings County, in the western part of the province. The old agricultural school aimed to provide courses of instruction for farmers' sons, a general science course for the normal-school pupils, and to train agricultural teachers, who would receive $100 a year additional from the government for teaching elementary agricultural science in the public schools. The work of the new agricultural college is to be confined to courses in agriculture for farmers' sons, and a science school for the teaching of science to the normal-school pupils is to be established at Truro, where the normal school is located. It is expected that the new institution will be more strictly an agricultural school than a college. 1000 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, EDITED BY A. C. TRUE, Ph. D., Director, AND E. W. Ai.len, Ph. D., Assistant Director— Chemistry, Dairy Farming, and Dairying. W. H. Beal— Meteorology, Fertilizers and Soils (including methods of analysis),. and Agricultural Engineering. "Walter H. Evans, Ph. D.— Botany and Diseases of Plants. C. F. Langworthy, Ph. D. — Foods and Animal Production. J. I. Schtjlte — Field Crops. E. Y. Wilcox, Ph. D.— Entomology and Veterinary Science. Horticulture. With the cooperation of the scientific divisions of the Department and the Abstract Committee of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. CONTENTS OF Vol. X, No. n. Tage Editorial notes : Statistics of land-grant colleges and agricultual experiment stations, 1898 1001 Recent work in agricultural science 1003 Notes 1099 SUBJECT LIST OF ABSTRACTS. CHEMISTRY. Methods for detecting adulterations of hone superphosphates with other super- phosphates, F. Dupont 1003 Estimation of pentoses, A. Gre'goire and E. Carpiaux 1003 Contributions on the chemistry of tobacco: II, The determination of tbe non- volatile organic acids in tobacco, R. Kissling 1004 botany. Section of seed and plant introduction, O. F. Cook 1012 Experiments in range improvements, J. G. Smith 1005 On the development of the plumule and radicle of rice seed with various quan- tities of water in the germinating medium, T. Yokoi 1006 On absorption of carbohydrates by roots, J. Laurent 1006 Investigations on the carbohydrate reserve material in bulbs and tubers, Leclerc du Sablon \WTI. II CONTENTS. I'asre. Tlio iiilluence of mineral salts ou the form and structure of plants, C. Dasson- ville 1008 Concerning the nitrogen nutrition of plants, L. Richter 1011 On the assimilation of nitric nitrogen and ammoniacal nitrogen by higher plants, Maze" 101 1 Experiments on the effect of Nitragin and inoculation material upon lupines, W. Edler 1012 Influence of bacterial soil on plant growth, E. Gain 1012 FERMENTATION — BACTERIOLOGY. Potato as a culture medium, with some notes on a synthesized substitute, E. F. Smith 1014 Which forms of carbohydrates are required by denitrifying organisms for their vital processes? J. Stoklasa 1014 A report on bacteriological investigations of the fermentation of tobacco, J. H. Verhout 1014 Experiments with wine ferments in France 1015 On the presence iu germinating barley of a ferment capable of dissolving pec- tin, E. Bonrquelot and H. Herissey 1015 Concerning some of the less known important functions of micro-organisms, C. Wehmer 1015 METEOROLOGY — CLIMATOLOGY. Monthly Weather Review, Vol. XXVI, Nos. 10-12 1017 Instructions for voluntary observers, W. L. Moore 1020 Meteorology of 1897, L. G. Carpenter et al ,. . . 1018 Meteorological record for 1897, New York State Station 1020 Meteorological summary for Ohio, 1897, C. A. Patton 1019 Report of the meteorologist, A. M. Hildebrandt 1020 Relation of meteorology to forestry in Michigan, R. C. Kedzie 1020 Evaporation, L. G. Carpenter et al 1019 AIR — WATER — SOILS. Investigations concerning the influence of the mechanical working of the soil on its fertility, E. Wollny 1020 Report on fertilization, W. Maxwell 1021 Investigations in moor culture, II. I m mendor If 1022 Action of lime and calcium carbonate on certain natural humus substances, G. Andre" 1022 Contribution to the solution of the question whether the water content of the soil influences the nitrogen and ash content of the dry matter of plants, J. Wilms and C. von Seelhorst 1023 The forms of phosphoric acid in moor soils, G. Nannes 1024 On the direct transformation of ammonia into nitric acid in liquid media, E. Demoussy 1024 Alkali studies, II, E. E. Slosson and 13. C. Buffum 1025 The alkali of the Yellowstone Valley, M. Whitney and T. H. Means 1026 Soil temperatures, L. G. Carpenter et al 1030 Soil temperatures, New York State Station 1031 FERTILIZERS. Analyses and valuations of fertilizers, L. A. Yoorkees and J. P. Street 1031 Report of analyses of commercial fertilizers for. the fall of 1898, L. L. Van Slyke 1033 CONTENTS. Ill Pa2o. Analyses of fertilizers, C. A. Goessmann 1033 Virginia marls, W. B. Ellett and A. T. Eskridge 1032 Investigations on the fertilizing value of carbon bisulphid, E. Wollny 1032 Experiments to determine the fertilizer requirements of soils, (i. Liebscher et al 1033 FIELD CROPS. Results obtained in 1808 from trial plats of grain, fodder corn, and roots, W. Saunders „■ 1034 The effect of different methods of culture on the yield of mangel-wurzels, E. Wollny 1035 A report of the cultural experiments at the agricultural college at Carlsburg. 1036 Distance experiments with sugar beets and fertilizer tests with potatoes, C. von Seelhorst 1036 The composition of sugar beets rich in sugar 1036 The influence of different rates of fertilization on the yields of cultivated plants, E. Wollny 1036 Report of field experiments, 1897-98, A. Damseaux 1036 Test of fertilizers on wheat, D. O. Nourse 1037 A contribution to the question of how kainit affects the potato when applied to the preceding crop, O. Lemmermann 1038 Researches on the quantities of fertilizing materials necessary iu the intensive culture of the potato, A. Girard 1038 On the eousumption of water in rice fields, I. Inagaki 1038 HORTICULTURE. The Stringfellow root-pruning theory, H. N. Starnes 1040 Orchard cultivation, J. T. Stinson 1044 Orchard notes, F. S. Earle 1041 Apples in Pennsylvania, G. C. Butz 1042 Tests of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and grapes, J. Troop 1042 Strawberry culture — notes on varieties, L. R. Taft and H. P. Gladden 1043 A native white bedding plant, J. C. Arthur 1043 FORESTRY. A sketch of the original distribution of white pine in the lower peninsula, C.F.Wheeler • 1045 The present condition of Michigan forests and stump lands, with suggestions as to their care, F. C. Skeels 1045 Forestry legislation, C. D. Smith 1046 Methods of reforesting pine stump lands, W. J. Beal 1046 SEEDS — WEEDS. Seed-testing regulations 1046 On the salt-water method of the selection of seeds, T. Yokoi 1047 On the selection of rape seed, C. Kobayashi 1047 On the effect of soaking rice seeds, T. Yokoi 1047 The influence of ether upon the germination of seeds and spores, C. O. Townsend 1048 Weeds of cornfields, L. H. Pammel 1048 DISEASES OF PLANTS. Mycological notes, B. D. Halsted 1049,- 105° Cotton rust, F. S. Earle 105_l The potato disease, H. M. Ward ltU>2 IV CONTENTS. Page. Diseases of the tomato, P. H. Rolfs 1053 The stem-rot diseases of the carnation, F. C. Stewart 1054 Penioillium as a wood-destroying fungus, H. M. Ward 1055 Nematode worms, G. E. Stone and R. E. Smith 1055 Investigations on means for increasing adherence of fungicides, J. Perraud. .. 1056 ENTOMOLOGY. Proceedings of the tenth annual meeting of the Association of Economic Entomologists 1058 Some miscellaneous results of the work of the Division of Entomology 1061 Twentieth report of the State entomologist on the noxious and beneficial insects of the State of Illinois, S. A. Forbes 1064 Thirteenth report of the State entomologist on injurious and other insects of the State of New York, 1897, J. A. Lintner 1065 Fourteenth report of the State entomologist on injurious and other iusects of the State of New York, E. P. Felt 1066 Report of the entomologist, A. D. Hopkins 1067 Preliminary report upon the insect enemies of tobacco in Florida, A. L. Quaintance 1068 The chinch bug, F. M. Webster 1063 The periodical cicada, C. L. Marlatt 1071 The grapevine flea-beetle, M. V. Slingerland 1073 The Hessian fly in the Uni ted States, H. Osbom 1074 The use of hydrocyanic-acid gas for fumigating greenhouses and cold frames, A. F. Woods and P. H. Dorsett 1075 POODS — ANIMAL PRODUCTION. The constituents of the seed of Phi us cembra, E. Schulze and N. Rongger 1077 Vinegar adulteration and the extent to which it exists in the samples for sale in North Carolina, W. A. Withers and J. A. Bizzell 1077 The adulteration of coffee and tea, W. A. Withers and G. S. Fraps 1089 Wheat offals sold in Maine in 1898, C. D. Woods 1089 Concentrated feed stuffs, J. B. Lindsey et al 1077 Feeding-stuff inspection, C. D. Woods 1089 Dried grains as a substitute for hay, J . A. Voelcker 1078 The maintenance ration of cattle, H. P. Annsby 1079- Experiments on the value of meadow hay, W. von Knieriem 1082 Investigations on the value of different concentrated feeding stuffs, W. von Knieriem 1083 The relative values of different fibrous foods for sheep, J. A. Voelcker 1084 The influence of manures on the production of mutton, W. Somerville 1084 Some experiments on the fattening value of certain foods gathered by ^igs, R. L. Bennett 1085 Feediug acorns, G. W. Carver 1086 Poultry notes, F. E. Hege 1087 DAIRY P ARMING — DAIRYING. The water content of butter, B. Martiny 1090 The causes of the rancidity of butter, C. Author 1091 Tubercle bacilli in market butter, Obermiiller 1092 Experiments with calcium chlorid for rendering heated milk suitable for cheese making, Klein and A. Kirsten 1092 An inquiry concerning the source of gas and taint-producing bacteria in cheese curd, V. A. Moore and A. R.Ward 1093 Changes in fat during the ripening of cheese, A. Kirsten 1094 Changes in fat during the ripening of cheese, H. Weigmaun 1095 CONTENTS. V STATISTICS — MISCELLANEOUS. Page. Tenth Annual Report of Alabama College Station, 1897 1097 •Organization and work of Alabama Tuskegee Station, G. W. Carver 1097 Sixteenth Annual Report of New York State Station, 1897 1097 Seventeenth Annual Report of Ohio Station, 1898 1098 Tenth Annual Report of Texas Station, 1898 1098 Tenth Annual Report of West Virginia Station, 1897 1098 An effort to help the farmer, I. P. Roberts 1098 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS ABSTRACTED Experiment stations in the United States: Alabama College Station: Bulletin 98, November, 1898 1041 Bulletin 99, December, 1898 L051 Tenth Annual Report, 1897 1097 Alabama Tuskegee Station : Bulletin 1, February, 1898 1086, 1097 Arkansas Station : Bulletin 54, December, 1898 1085, 1089 Bulletin 55, December, 1898 1044 Colorado Station : Bulletin 49, September, 1898 1018, 1019, 1030 Florida Station : Bulletin 47, September, 1898 1053 Bulletin 48, October, 1898 1068 Georgia Station : Bulletin 40, September, 1898 1040 Indiana Station : Bulletin 73, October, 1898 1042 Bulletin 74, November, 1898 1043 Iowa Station : Bulletin 39, 1898 1048 Maine Station : Bulletin 47, December, 1898 1089 Bulletin 48, January, 1899 1089 Massachusetts Hatch Station: Bulletin 55, November, 1898 1055 Bulletin 56, November, 1898 1077 Bulletin 57, November, 1898 1033 Michigan Station: Bulletin 162, November, 1898 1020, 1045, 1046 Bulletin 163, November, 1898 1043 New Jersey Stations : Bulletin 132, October 18, 1898 1031 New York Cornell Station: Bulletin 157, December, 1898 1073 Bulletin 158, January, 1899 1093 Bulletin 159, January, 1899 1098 New York State Station : Bulletin 148, December, 1898 1033 Sixteenth Annual Report, 1897 1020, 1031, 1097 North Carolina Station : Bulletin 152, September 12, 1898 1087 Bulletin 153, December 8, 1898 1077 Bulletin 154, December 17, 1898 1089 VI CONTENTS. Experiment stations in the United States — Continued. Page. Ohio Station : Bulletin 95, June, 1898 1019 Seventeenth Annual Report, 1898 1098 Pennsylvania Station : Bulletin 42, June, 1898 1079 Bulletin 43, July, 1898 1042 Texas Station : Tenth Annual Report, 1898 1020,1098 Virginia Station : Bulletin 77, June, 1897 1037 Bulletin 78, July, 1897 1032 West Virginia Station : Tenth Annual Report, 1897 1067, 1098 Wyoming Station : Bulletin 39, Decern her, 1898 1025 United States Department of Agriculture: Division of Agrostology : Circular 8 1005 Division of Botany : Circular 16 1012 Division of Entomology : Bulletin 14 (new series) 1071 Bulletin 15 (new series) 1069 Bulletin 16 (new series) 1074 Bulletin 17 (new series) 1058 Bulletin 18 (new series) 1061 Circular 37 (second series) 1075 Division of Soils: Bulletin 14 1026 Weather Bureau : Instructions for Voluntary Observers 1020 Monthly Weather Review, Vol. XXVI, Xos. 10-12, October-Decemher, 1898 : 1017 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Vol. X. No. 11. Educational institutions receiving the benefits of the acts of Cong] ess of July 1, 1862, and August 30, 1890, are now in operation in all the States and Territories except Alaska. The total number of these insti- tutions is G4, of which 01 maintain courses of instruction in agriculture. The aggregate value of the permanent funds and equipment of the land-grant colleges and universities in 1898 is estimated to be as follows: Land-grant fund of 1862, $10,170,549.99; other land-grant funds, $1,204,234.44; other permanent funds, $11,816,258.16; land grant of 1862 still unsold, $3,838,219.48; farms and grounds owned by the institutions, $6,046,500.16; buildings, $15,185,476.95; apparatus, $1,916,227.85; machinery, $1,383,137.14; libraries, $1,634,190.25; mis- cellaneous equipment, $1,765,243.19; total, $53,632,852.25. The income of these institutions in 1898, exclusive of the funds received from the United States for agricultural experiment stations ($720,000), "was as follows: Interest on land grant of 1862, $645,546.28; interest on other funds, $578,067.38; United States appropriation under act of 1890, $1,108,610.38; State appropriation (annual or regular), $1,827,924.51; State appropriation (occasional), $533,794.98; tuition fees, $480,847.32; incidental fees, $140,458.72; miscellaneous, $679,130.93; total, $6,008,- 379.20. The value of the additions to the permanent endowment and equipment of these institutions in 1898 is estimated as follows: Permanent endowment, $1,424,277.64; buildings, $851,481.75; library, $105,661.11; apparatus, $132,111.90; machinery, $123,477.0:5; miscella- neous, $167,336.53; total, $2,796,3 J0.97. The number of persons in the faculties of the colleges of agriculture and mechanic arts were as follows : For preparatory classes, 254; for collegiate and special classes, 1,564; total, 1,722. In the other departments the faculties aggregated 889, making a grand total of 2,611 persons in the faculties of the land-giant institutions. The students in 1898 were as follows: (1) By classes — preparatory, 6,593; freshmen, 6,010; sophomores, 4,202; juniors, 3,216; seniors, 2,506; special, 4,526; post graduate, 878; total, 31,658. (2) By courses — agriculture, 4,181; mechanical engineering, 2,797; civil engi- neering, 1,504; electrical engineering, 1,698; mining engineering, 554; architecture, 411; household economy, 1,298; veterinary science, 419; military tactics, 8,952. The graduates in 1898 were 2,328, and since the organization of these institutions 34,168. The average age of graduates in 1898 was 22.1 years. The total number of volumes in the libraries was 1,221,226. The total number of acres of land granted to the States under the act of 1862 was 9,559,241, of which 1,241,686 are still unsold. 1001 1002 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Agricultural experiment stations are now in operation under the act of Congress of March 2, 1887, in all the States and Territories. Agricultural experiments have been begun in Alaska with the aid of national funds, and an experiment station is in operation in Hawaii under private auspices. In each of the States of Alabama, Connecti- cut, New Jersey, and New York a separate station is maintained wholly or in part by State funds, and in Louisiana a station for sugar experiments is maintained partly by funds contributed by sugar planters. Excluding the branch stations established in several States, the total number of stations in the United States is 54. Of these, 52 receive the appropriation provided for in the act of Congress above mentioned. The total income of the stations during 1898 was $1,201,921.17, of which $720,000 was received from the National Gov- ernment, the remainder, $481,921.17, coming from the following sources: State governments, $341,097.94; individuals and communities, $177.20; fees for analyses of fertilizers, $54,977.30; sales of farm products, $05,356.25; miscellaneous, $20,312.48. In addition to this, the Office of Experiment Stations had an appropriation of $35,000 for the past fiscal year, including $5,000 for the Alaskan investigation. The value of additions to equipment of the stations in 1898 is estimated as follows: Buildings, $109,851.65; libraries, $11,700.73; apparatus, $19,195.43; farm implements, $10,800.27; live stock, $13,151.33; mis- cellaneous, $11,972.97; total, $176,469.41. The stations employ 669 persons in the work of administration and inquiry. The number of officers engaged in the different lines of work is as follows: Directors, 75; chemists, 148; agriculturists, 71; experts in animal husbandry, 10; horticulturists, 77; farm foremen, 29; dairy- men, 21; botanists, 50; entomologists, 46; veterinarians, 26; meteorolo- gists, 20; biologists, 11; physicists, 11 ; geologists, 6; mycologists and bacteriologists, 19; irrigation engineers, 7 ; in charge of substations, 15; secretaries and treasurers, 23; librarians, 10, and clerks, 46. There are also 21 persons classified under the head of " miscellaneous," includ- ing superintendents of gardens, grounds, and buildings, apiarists, herdsmen, etc. Three hundred and five station officers do more or less teaching in the colleges with which the stations are connected. During 1898 the stations published 406 annual reports and bulletins. Besides regular reports and bulletins, a number of the stations issued press bulletins, which were widely reproduced in the agricultural and county papers. The mailing lists of the stations now aggregate half a million names. Correspondence with farmers steadily increases and calls upon station officers for public addresses at institutes and other meetings of farmers are more numerous each year. The station officers continue to contribute many articles on special topics to agricultural and scientific journals. A number of books on agricultural subjects, written by station officers, have been rmblished during the past year. RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. CHEMISTRY. Methods for detecting adulterations of bone superphosphates -with other superphosphates, F. Dupont (Bui. Assoc. Chim. Sucr. et Distill, 16 (1898-99), No. 8, pp. 767-771). — A summary and criticism of the methods submitted in competition for the prize of 1,600 francs offered by the Federation of Italian Agricultural Syndicates. The competitors included 4 Americans, 3 Frenchmen, 2 Italians, 1 Swiss, and 1 Austrian. The prize was awarded to H. Lasne, who submitted a detailed chemical and microscopical method for the purpose. Among those who submitted methods were A. P. Bryant (E. S. It., 8, p. 283), H. A. Huston, and F. Martinotti (B. S. E., 10, p. 219). Estimation of pentoses, A. Gregoire and E. Carpiaux (Bui. Assoc. Beige Chim., 12 (1898), pp. 143-151; abs. in Analyst, 21 (1899), Feb., p. 39). — The authors give an account of their investigations on different methods for determining pentoses, including the phenylhydrazin and phloroglucin methods. In the gravimetric phenylhydrazin method they found a small error due to the slight solution of the hydrazone in the wash water. To obviate this they devised a gas gravimetric process in which the nitrogen in the phenylhydrazin is determined before and after the precipitation, and the difference calculated into the amount taken up by the furfurol. For the determination of nitro- gen in the phenylhydrazin from 4 to 4.5 gm. was dissolved in 250 cc. of water, 25 cc. of the solution mixed with 20 cc. of concentrated hydro- chloric acid, boiled for several minutes to remove the air, and intro- duced while hot into a Schloessing apparatus containing 25 cc. of a 20 per cent solution of copper sulphate and a little hydrochloric acid. The determination was made in the usual way. For the precipitation of the furfurol 81.5 gm. sodium chlorid was dis- solved in about 400 cc. of water, 2 drops of acetic acid added and a quantity of furfurol not exceeding 0.0 gm. After the addition of an aqueous solution of phenylhydrazin (4 to 4.5 gm. in 250 cc.) the liquid was made up to 500 cc. and shaken for at least an hour. The filtrate was at once mixed with hydrochloric acid, which was found to prevent the decomposition of phenylhydrazin acetate. It was then boiled to expel the air, and 200 cc. containing 20 cc. of hydrochloric acid, was used for determining the nitrogen, in Schloessing's apparatus, this 1003 1004 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. being deducted from the amount found in the first determination. The result multiplied by the factor 3.-120 gave the amount of fnrfurol. In 7 analyses of furfurol by this method the percentages found varied from 99.4 to 102.4, the average being 100.5 per cent. Contributions on the chemistry of tobacco: II. The determi- nation of the nonvolatile organic acids in tobacco, R. KiSSLiNG (Chem. Ztg., 23 (1899), No. 1, pp. 2-1). — This deals with the method and results of the determination of oxalic, citric, and malic acids in differ- ent kinds of tobacco. The results obtained are given below: Oxalic, citric, and malic acids in different kinds of tobacco. Oxalic acid Citric acid . Malic arid . Percent. 2.08 5. 32 :: 19 Brazilian. Sumatra, Percent. 3.05 5. 09 3.56 Per cent. 2.50 6.40 4. 95 Virginia. Seed leaf. I't'alzer Percent. 0. 00 8.73 4.72 Per cent. 1.74 5. 'Jo 10.40 Mace- donia. Bosnia. Percent. 3.72 0.55 3.78 Percent. 2.29- 1.63 8.08 The averages for these acids are given as follows: Oxalic 2.28, citric 5.75, and malic 5.65 per cent. Dictionary of industrial chemistry, A. M. Villon and P. Guiciiard (lHctionaire de chimie industrielle. Paris: B. Tignol, 1899, Vol. 2, No. 19). A treatise on quantitative chemical analysis by electrolysis, J. Riban ( Trail v d'ana lyse chi in iq ne q n a n I i tati ce par electrolyse. Pa ris : Masson et Cie. , 1S99, pp. VI -4- 304, figs. 96). Methods of analysis adopted by the experiment stations of Belgium and Holland, F. Hollemann (Landw. Vers. Stat., 51 (1899), No. 4-5, pp. 357-365) .—The, methods have been previously noted (E. S. R., 10, p. 304). Questions which arise in the analysis of potashes, Lacombe (Bnl. Assoc, ('him. Sucr. et Distill., 16 (1899), No. 9, pp. 894-907). On the unreliability of Bottcher's method for determining citrate-soluble phosphoric acidin Thomas slag, M. Passon (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1899, No. l,p. 3). — The author found this method (E. S. R., 10, p. 310) to give results one-half per cent higher than those obtained with the molybdic method. This error is ascribed to the presence of silica in the precipitate. On the insoluble residue from the treatment of Thomas slag with Wagner's solution, M. Passon (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1S9S, No. 2l,pp.4S9, 490). — The residue, carefully washed with water, alcohol, and ether was submitted to analysis. It was found that the phosphoric acid was still dissolved to a considerable extent by citrate solutions. The phosphoric acid of the tine meal was more soluble than that of the coarse slag, but when the coarse portion was ground line, the phosphoric acid was as soluble as in the unsifted meal. On the determination of phosphorus and sulphur in plants and in their ashes, M. Berthelot (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Parix, US (1S!>9), No. 1, pp. 17-23; abs. in Rev. Sci. [Paris], 4. set-., 11 (1S99), No. 2, p. 51). — The ordinary methods of determining these substances, by cautious incineration or prolonged digestion in concentrated nitric acid, are stated to be very inaccurate. A much more exact method was found to be incineration in oxygon in a calorimeter, the gases produced being conducted through a loug column of sodium carbonate heated to low redness to prevent loss by volatilization. On the presence and determination of chlorin in plants, M. Berthelot (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 (1S99), No. 1, pp. 23-26).— The method of determining phosphorus and sulphur described above was used successfully in the determination of chlorin. BOTANY. 1005 Testing butter for foreign fats, R. WOLLNY, (Oesterr. Chem. Ztg., 2 (1899), No. .',, pp. 124-126).— A quite general paper on this subject, presented at the Third Inter- national Congress of Applied Chemistry, 1898. The determination of lactic acid, F. Ulzer and H. Seidel (Monatsh. Chem., 18 (1898), p. 1SS; abs. in Ztsclir. Anahjt. Chem., 38 (1809), Xo. 1, p. 58). The direct analysis of sugar beets by digestion in water in the cold, J. Zam- arox (Bid. Assoc. Cliim. Sucr. el Distill., 16 (1899), Xo. 9, pp. 885-887; abs. in Sua: Intl., 58 (1899), Xo. 15, pp. 449-453). Determination of mercury in grapes, wine, lees, and marc, L. Vignon and Bakrillot (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 (1S99), No. 10, pp. 618-615). The determination of mercury in products of vines treated with mercurial solutions, L. Vignon and J. Perraud (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 (1899), No. 12, pp. 830-833; Rev. Sci. [Parts], 4. set:, 11 (1899), Xo. 11, p. 439). Determination of nitrites in water, D. de Paepe (Bui. Assoc. Beige ('him., 12 (189S), p. 98; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1S9S), Xo. 9, p. 875). On the analysis of water for chemical purification, L. Vignon and Meunier (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 (1899), Xo. 11, pp. 683-686).— Describes method for the determination of the free, and partly combined carbon diosid and of the amount of sodium carbonate necessary to transform the chlorids and sulphates present. A contribution to agricultural chemistry — cardamoms, H. B. Yardley (Chan. News, 79 (1899), Xo. 2051, p. 122). — An analysis of the ash of cardamom seeds (with husk). The chemistry of sassafras, C. Klebbr (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 71 (1899), No. 1, pp. 27-3?; abs. in Tech. Quart., 1.' (1899), Xo. 1, Rev. Chem., p. 22).— Principally a study of the essential oils. The solanin content of potatoes ; and a reliable reaction for the detection of the alkaloid, Banes (Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 1899, Xo. 5, pp. 99, 100; abs. in. .four. Soc. Chem. Ind., 18 (1S99), Xo. 3, p. 301). On solanin, P. Cazeneuve and P. Breteau (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 (1899), Xo. 14, pp. 887-890). Sumac and its adulterants, M. O'Caixaghan and J. Randall (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 18 (1899), Xo. 2, pp. 105-107). The chemical balance of an intensive farm, J. Ernotte and G. Semal (L'Ing. Agr. Gembloux, 9 (1899), Xo. 8, pp. 476-481). A new form of potash bulb, W. C. Anderson {-four. Soc. Chem. Ind., /x i 1899), No. 2, p. 119, fig. 1). A serviceable generator for hydrogen sulphid, W. P. Bradley (Amer. Chem. Jour., 21 (1899), No. 4, pp. 370-376, fig. 1). An apparatus for evaporation in vacuo and underpressure, A. Gawalowski (Ztschr. Analyt. Chem., 3S (1S99), Xo. I, pp. 30, 31, fig. J). A sterilization apparatus for the laboratory, J. Hausser (But. Soc. Chim. Paris, 3. ser., 21 (1889), Xo. 5, pp. 250-253, fig. 1). The lighting of laboratories and the heating of apparatus by carburetted air. C. Masson (L'Ing. Agr. Gembloux, 9 (1899), Xo. 8, pp. 481-4SS,fig. 1). BOTANY. Experiments in range improvements, J. <<. Smith (U. S. Dept Agr., Division of Agrostology Circ. S,2)p. 5, Jig. 1).— The general deprecia- tion in the stock ranges of the Southwest and the reasons therefor are pointed out. Experiments have been undertaken by the Division at two points in Texas to determine the most practical and economical way of treating natural pastures in order to again cover them with native 10(H) EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. grasses or with better species from other regions. The plan of the experiment is as follows : Pasture No. 1. — No treatment except to keep stock oft' until June 1, pasturing the balance of the season. Pasture No. 2. — Cut with a disk harrow and kept stock off until June 1, pasturing the balance of the season. Pastures Nos. 3 and 4 (40 acres each). — Grazed alternately, the stock being changed from one pasture to another every L' weeks, thus allowing the grasses a short period for recovery after each grazing. Pasture No. 5. — No treatment except pasturing until June 1 and keeping stock off the balance of the season. Pasture No. 6. — Left as a check, without any treatment whatever except to keep •tock off during the first season. Pasture No. 7. — Dragged with an ordinary straight-toothed harrow and stock kept oft' during the first season. Pasture No. 8. — Disked and stock kept oft' during the first season. Although sufficient data is not available for definite statements, the outlook for an increase in the quantity of grass on these overstocked pastures is encouraging. During the succeeding seasons experiments will be made as to the practicability of sowing alfilaree, burr clover, Bokhara clover, alfalfa, sorghum, and other wild and cultivated grasses and forage plants directly on the sod without further treatment than to keep the stock off during at least the first year. It is the expectation to carry on these experiments for at least 3 years, at the end of which time definite results are hoped to be secured which will enable stockmen to decide the best method of restoring their pastures. On the development of the plumule and radicle of rice seed with various quantities of water in the germinating medium, T. Yokoi (Imp. Univ. Col Ayr. \ Tokyo] Bid,, Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 482-187, pis. 2). — On account of the practice of covering rice fields with water to facilitate germination, the author has made a study of the effect of such treatment on the development of the plant. Rice was grown in sand cultures to which various amounts of water were given, and the effect on the development of the plumule and radicle was noted. When allowed to germinate under water, the plumule develops 2 or 3 days before the radicle, while when the quantity of water contained in the sand is considerably less than saturation, the radicle develops before the plumule. When the percentage of water falls below 27, germination is retarded, and with it the development of the seedling. It was also observed that the radicle when surrounded with an abun- dant supply of water bore few or no root hairs. These observations have an important bearing on the development of plants, and it is sug- gested that in irrigating rice fields after sowing, only sufficient water for the saturation of the soil should be admitted until the seedlings have established themselves by their rootlets. On absorption of carbohydrates by roots, J. Laurent ( Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 20, pp. 786, 787).— In a previous note (E. S. R., 9, p. 724) the author has shown that the roots of maize BOTANY. 1007 are capable of absorbing and utilizing glucose and invert sugars. The cultures were made in sterile liquid media and served to show under the conditions of the experiment that maize will grow for several weeks in an atmosphere deprived of carbon dioxid. Check plants cul- tivated without glucose under bell jars gained little or nothing in dry weight during the experiment. In darkness and the presence of glucose the increase in dry weight of maize plants was considerably less than in the light, although still appreciable. Maize, as is shown, is able not only to reduce sugars but also saccharose, dextrin, and starch. The roots of wheat, maize, and peas are able to invert cane sugar sufficient for their necessities. The digestion of dextrin and starch by the roots of maize takes place slowly, and only very small quantities of glucose can be recognized in the culture; nevertheless these two substances may be taken up in appreciable quantities, two plants of maize having consumed in 34 days about 0.5 gm. of starch. Following the same system of sterile cultures, the author shows that glucose may be absorbed by the roots of different plants and serve directly for synthesis of starch. Plants of mercury, peas, common groundsel, tropreolum, and sunflower were grown for some time in dis- tilled water in darkness until their starch was used up. Their roots were then placed in a solution of glucose and exposed to sunlight in an atmosphere deprived of carbon dioxid. After G hours at a tem- perature from 20 to 25° C. the leaves were found rich in starch, while the check plants in distilled water did not contain any. Similar results were obtained with ivy, calendula, and round-leaved mallow by simply watering the soil in which the plants were grown with a solution of glucose. In the different experiments it was observed that the starch first appeared in the cells surrounding the stomata, and in these cells it was last to disappear in the darkness. Summing up his conclusions, the author states that from his studies there must be two methods of carbon assimilation — one the ordinary chlorophyll function and the other the absorption of certain chemical compounds after their digestion by the roots. This last method is entirely distinct from the carbon nutrition of fungi and plants without chlorophyll. Investigations on the carbohydrate reserve material in bulbs and tubers, Leclerc du Sablon (Rev. Gen. Bot., 10 (1898), 2fo. 117, pp. 353-369; 118, pp. 385-403; 119, pp. 447-482; 120, pp. 519-538, figs. 23).— Studies are reported on the carbohydrate reserve material in the bulbs and tubers of Ophrys aranifera, tulip, hyacinth, lily, colchicum, potato, Ranunculus bulbosus, arum, iris, Ficaria ranunculoides, arti- chokes, dahlia, onion, asphodel, and Stachys tuberifera. For the most part the reserve organs studied are biennial. During the first year they form their reserves for utilization during the second year, and between these two periods there is a resting stage. Among the plants investigated it was found that the carbohydrate 1008 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. reserve material in the tubers of the potato, rhizomes of arum and iris, and the tubers of colchicum, and Ranunculus consists almost entirely of starch. Dextrin and sugar were present, but in very small quantities. In the tubers of Ophrys, the bulbs of lily, tulip, and hyacinth the reserve material consists of starch mixed with dextrin, or a mucilagi- nous substance more or less soluble in water. In the tubers of Ficaria the reserve consists of starch, dextrin, and nonreducing sugars. In the dahlia, which may be compared with the tulip bulbs, the starch is replaced by inulin and the dextrin by levulin. In the artichoke inulin, levulin, and nonreducing sugars are present. In the onion and asphodel mixtures of reducing and nonreducing sugars form the greater part of their reserve material. In the reaction which takes place in the using up of the reserve material by the plant the starch is transformed into dextrin, then into nonreducing sugars, and later into reducing sugars. Dextrin is trans- formed into nonreducing and reducing sugars. Inulin is reduced simi- larly to starch, but levulin takes the place of dextrin, and the last form present is levulose and not glucose. The carbohydrate materials are directly or indirectly transformed into reducing sugar or glucose, in which form they are assimilated, the only exception in the material studied being the reserve in Stachys. In this galactan is present and seems to be directly assimilable. The formation of the reserve material is muchinore complicated, since the action of diastases and the living protoplasm must be con- sidered. It seems impossible to accelerate the formation of reserve material or to increase the proportion of intermediary products. The investigator must be content to establish the presence of compounds in the reserve organs from which the reserve material is formed. As an example, young tulip bulbs contain dextrin and nonreducing sugar. The sugar and afterwards the dextrin diminishes as the starch increases and from this it would be concluded that sugar is transformed into dextrin and dextrin into starch, but this transformation so far has not been reproduced by experiment. In most of the other plants which have starch as reserve material similar observations can be made. The sugars, especially the nonreducing sugars and dextrin, generally pre- cede the formation of starch. On the other hand, in potatoes and arum the young tubers do not contain much sugar or dextrin and here it seems possible that the starch may be formed directly, or it may de- pend on substances other than sugar. Inulin and levulin are formed apparently in a somewhat similar manner to starch and dextrin. The galactan of Stachys, which is directly assimilated, is also directly formed. The influence of mineral salts on the form and structure of plants, C. DASSONVILLE {Rev. Gen. Bot., 10 (1898), Ko. 109, pp. 15-25; 110, pp. 59-68; 111, pp. 102-124; 112, pp. 161-170; 113. pp. 193-199; 114, pp. 238-260; 115, pp. 289-3(4; 116, pp. 335-344; and 117, pp. 370-380, BOTANY. 1009 pis. 10, figs. 5; abs. Bot. Centbl., Beihefte, 8 (1898), No. 4-5, p. 291; Gompt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 (1898), No. 11, pp. 856-858; Bot. Ztg., :>. Abt., 57 (1899), No. 4, pp. 54, 55). — The influence of salts on the growth of plants was investigated in a number of ways. Plants were grown in distilled water and in Ivnop's solution (E. S. P., S, p. 744), and the external and internal characteristics of each plant compared. In a second series of experiments the effect of single salts was studied in the same way, comparisons being made with plants grown in distilled water and in Knop's solution. The effect of the absence of different sails from the nutrient was also noted. The plants upon which most of the experiments were conducted were seedling lupines, beans, rye, oats, wheat, maize, flax, gourds, hemp, morning glory, castor bean, sun- flower, mustard, buckwheat, tomato, and young plants of the potato. For the most part, plants in the Knop solution grew well and flowered, while those grown in distilled water were much smaller and did not flower. The plants in distilled water remained alive as long as those grown in nutrient solutions, and in some cases longer, and the small amount of tissue developed by them was strikingly unlike the same tissues in the other plants in that it was differentiated to a greater degree. Plants in Knop's solutioo were larger and more vigorous, but there was little differentiation of tissues. There was a lack in the development of cuticular, sceleriform, and ligneous tissues when the plant was highly nourished. . The difference in growth in distilled water and Knop solution of a number of plants may be shown. The roots of bean plants grown in the nutrient solution were less lignified, and there was a great increase in vascular tissues as compared with plants grown in distilled water. In the steins the vascular bundles were more numerous. The experi- ments with oats were similar in their results. The oat leaves in the nutrient solution possessed a greater number of nerves and a greater development of mesophyll. The maize plants grown in distilled water had no root hairs, while those in the Knop solution were abundantly supplied with them, the air spaces were increased, and the vascular bundles were augmented. Similar results were secured for most of the other plauts with which the author experimented. In all there was a marked absence of liguification when the plants were grown in nutrient solutions. In the second part of the paper, in which the action of different salts on the growth of plants is reported, it is stated that magnesium sul- phate retards growth at first but later- seems essential to the develop- ment of lupines, castor beans, and hemp. The retarding effect seems to be principally shown on the roots, the main root of the castor bean being atrophied. Potassium phosphate was found indispensable to the growth of lupines, castor beans, rye, wheat, oats, gourds, and pine. In wheat and oats it favored root growth in proportion to the quantity present. Large amounts tend to prevent lodging in wheat and oats 1010 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. by inducing the lignification of the central cylinder of the roots and the meristem in the lower part of the stem. Of all the modifications brought about in different plants this is the most important from an agricultural point of view. Potassium silicate did not prevent the lodging of oats. Its effect seems exerted principally upon the flower parts and leaves of the wheat, the leaves had a peculiar bright green color and were much more hairy. The salt induces the lignificatioii of the peripheral elements toward the top of the stem as well as in certain parts of the leaves. The action of nitrates was found to differ with different species. These salts were necessary for the growth of pine, although they retarded the root growth. They are equally as essential for the Ipo- mcea although strongly injurious at first. With the lupines the early action of nitrates is advantageous, but later it is prejudicial to their best development. Potassium nitrate is injurious to the growth of wheat, oats, and eggplants in proportion to the quantity used. Cal- cium nitrate favors the development of tomatoes, while it retards the growth of pines. In soil cultures ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate were very favorable to the growth of hemp and buckwheat, while sodium nitrate was injurious. It is said that nitrates, without regard to their base, give to leaves a special color which is doubtless due to the nitric acid. Although the potassium phosphate was found to decrease the ten- dency of cereals to lodge, this is apparently clue to the phosphate, since potash as a base is said to favor cell division, and as a consequence rapid growth, thus retarding lignification and favoring lodging. Sodium was found less active in inducing growth, but it hastens ligni- fication of the lower part of the stem of cereals, preventing lodging. Calcium and magnesium were found to favor the growth of hemp and buckwheat. Experiments with the last two plants, it is claimed, showed the order of efficiency of the acids in the bases used to be nitric, phosphoric, and hydrochloric. A series of plat experiments with buckwheat and hemp is also reported in which the effect of sodium and potassium chlorids, sodium, potassium, and ammonium nitrates, calcium and magnesium sulphates, potassium phosphate, ferric phosphate, and potassium oxalate on ger- mination, growth, and yield were tested. Sodium chlorid injured the plants in proportion to the quantity used. Potassium chlorid in proportion of 13.332 gm. per square meter favored germination, while the oxalate was injurious. The potassium chlorid favored growth in the earlier stages, but later the same quantity became detrimental. The optimum quantity at the beginning of growth proved very injurious at the flowering period. Of the nitrates tested, the sodium nitrate had an injurious effect on the growth of the buck- wheat, while the others favored it. The sulphates favored growth, and in the earlier stages the influence was proportionate to the amount used. BOTANY. 1011 The potassium phosphate increased growth, while the ferric phosphate had some little influence in increasing growth, but in large quantities it caused a change in the color of the leaves. The effect of the salts on the dry weight of the plants is shown, and statements made relative to the effect of different quantities of each salt, the optimum quantity for plant growth being sought. The summary statements in the paper must not be considered as gen- eralizations, but to apply only under the conditions of the experiments. Concerning the nitrogen nutrition of plants, L. Richter (Landw. Vers. Stat, 51 (1898), Xo. 2-3, pp. 221-241, pi. 1).— The author reports an extensive series of experiments with peas, buckwheat, mustard, and oats to study the effect of continual cropping upon the exhaustion of the soil nitrogen. The pots in the experiment each contained 3,600 gm. sand and 1,200 gm. garden soil, to which were added chemical fertili- zers. In one series nitrogen in the form of calcium nitrate was added. Series of sterilized and nonsterilized, inoculated and noninoculated pots were arranged, and the results obtained with each of the three successive crops are shown in tabular form. Photographic representations are made of average plants of the third crop, from which it appears that only the leguminous plants were able to utilize the free nitrogen of the air. An increase in the dry weight and the nitrogen was noticeable in each succeeding crop of peas, while with the nouleguminous plants there was a loss of each in proportion to the decrease in assimilable nitrogen. There was an increase noticed in the nitrogen in the soil in some cases where nouleguminous plants were grown, which the author does not seem to explain. This increase was slight for the first crop and increased with successive seedings. The plants did not seem able to utilize the nitrogen so stored. Where com- bined nitrogen in the form of calcium nitrate was added to the pots, in every case a loss was noted in the nitrogen balance at the end of the experiment. The accuracy of the experiments which showed a loss of nitrogen, where that substance was given the plants in an assimilable form, was further tested the succeeding season in experiments with oats and similar results obtained. Pots containing no other plants were allowed to become covered with various alg;e, and the nitrogen balance showed gains whether the experiment was conducted in light or darkness. Check pots without plants showed losses in every case. On the assimilation of nitric nitrogen and ammoniacal nitrogen by higher plants, Maze (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1808), Xo. 24, pp. 1031-1033).— The author conducted a series of experiments on the germination of peas, maize, and vetches grown in nutritive solu- tions to which were added various amounts of nitrate of soda or sul- phate of ammonia, to ascertain whether these plants possess the ability of assimilating ammoniacal nitrogen. A tabular report is given of the experiments with maize in which it is shown that ammonia can be absorbed and assimilated by the higher plants. 20776— No. 11 2 1012 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Experiments on the effect of Nitragin and inoculation material upon lupines, W. Edler (Ftihling's Landw. Ztg., 48 (1899), Xo. l,pp. 22,23). — A report is given of pot experiments with lupines in which soil inoculation and Nitragin inoculation were compared with each other and with plants grown in pots which did not receive any inocu- lating material. Fifteen pots were filled with a light sandy soil free from lime, and all were equally fertilized with phosphoric acid and potash. Five pots were inoculated with Nitragin, 5 with soil-inocu- lating material from Dr. Salfeld, and the others remained as checks. The yield of the several pots is given, from which it appears that as compared with the yield of grain from the untreated pots the yield of grain from the pots which received Nitragin was 38.44 per cent greater and from those receiving the soil-inoculation material 10G.51 per cent greater. The yield of plants was increased 12.17 and 42.86 per cent respectively. The same line of experiments was undertaken in the open field on clay soil. In this experiment the rows of yellow, black, white, and blue lupines were grown across the field, the different rows receiving the different inoculating materials. Some differences were noted in growth, but the experiment only tended to more firmly establish the author in the opinion that when the mechanical and chemical con- ditions of the soil are not suited to the growth of lupines, no addition of lupine-inoculation material will materially increase the growth of those plants. Influence of bacterial soil on plant growth, E. Gain (Ben. Gen. Bot., 11 (1899), No. 121, pp. 18-28).— After briefly reviewing the general subject of relation of soil bacteria to plant growth, the author gives in some detail a report of experiments conducted to test the efficiency of Alinit in promoting the growth of cereal and allied plants. The first series was conducted with flax, the plants being grown in pots con- taining garden soil. The results in these experiments showed that plant growth was increased in all those pots which had been inoculated with Alinit. Plat experiments were conducted in a similar manner with buck- wheat and flax. The buckwheat was grown in garden soil and the yield from the inoculated plats exceeded that of those receiving no inoculation material, the gain in seed being 7.5 per cent and in plant 12 per cent. The plat experiments with flax which were conducted in a siliceous calcareous soil showed similar effect due to the inoculation, the proportional gains being 11.4 per cent for the total weight of the plants and 9.3 per cent for the seed. The author states that under the conditions of these experiments it seems that Alinit exercises a very favorable effect on the total develop- ment of plants and also upon the amount of seed matured. Section of seed and plant introduction, O. F. Cook ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Botany Giro. 16, pp. 6). — The recent transfer of this section to the Division of Botany, together with a change in tho personnel of the Office, has made it desirable to supplement some of the details of the plans under which the work of plant intro- BOTANY. 1013 duction is to be continued. The general purpose and methods of plant introduction have been set forth in Bulletin 21 of the Division of Forestry (E. S. E., 10, p. 927). Meadows on moor soils of the royal forest domain Zehdenick, L. WlTTMACK (Landw. Jahrb., 27 (1898), No. 3-4, pp. 277-334).— Fertilizer and culture tests were made and the growth of the different grasses and other meadow plants observed. The results obtained in 1896 and 1897 are given in tables and discussed. Different species of grasses are brieily noted. Saltbush, J. Vilbouchevitch (Ann. Sci. Agron., 1898, II, No. 2, pp. 268-271).— A note on Atriplex semibaccatum. Concerning the genus Phyllactinia, E. Paixa (Ber. Dent. Bot. (resell., 17 (1S99), No. 2, pp. 64-72, pi. 1).— Phyllactinia berberidis n. sp. is described and studies are reported upon the haustoria of the genus. Influence of light on the development of some fungi, F. Graenitz (Inaug. Diss., Leipsic, 1S98, pp. 74 ; abs. in Bot. Ztg., 2. Alt., 57 (1899), No. 7, pp. 97-99).— Studies are reported on Pilobus microsporia and Coprinus slercorarius. Influence of light upon the respiration of the lower fungi, R. Kolkwitz (Jahrb. Wiss. Bot, 33 (1S99), No. 1, pp. 128-165, pis. 2).— The effect of light upon molds and bacteria was investigated. Specific characters of Endomyces albicans, P. Vuillemin (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1S9S), No. 17, pp. 630-633). — The author claims the discovery of ascospores in this fungus and groups uuder the above name all the forms of O'idium albicans, etc. Contributions to the biology of pollen, B. Lidforss (Jahrb. Wiss. Bot., 33 (1899), No. 2, pp. 232-312). On the absorption of halogen salts of potassium by plants, E. Demoussy (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 20, pp. 771-774). — The author shows that colza is able to absorb through its roots considerable chlorin and bromin from the potassium salts containing them. A marked difference is noted between those plants which are able to absorb iodin and those not so constructed. On contact irritability, A. J. Ewart (Ann. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg., 15 (1898), No. 1, pp. 1S1 -242, pis. 2, figs. 5). A contribution to the knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of water- secreting organs (Beilrdge zur anatomischen tind physiologischen Kenntniss Wasser secernirender Organe. Stuttgart: M. von Minden, 1899, j;|). 76, })ls. 7). On the growth of root hairs and rhizoids, C. Sokolowa (Bui. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscow, 1897, pp. 167-277, figs. 3; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 77 (1S99), No. 8, pp. 274-276). Experiments with Alinit, J. Stoklasa (Dent. Landw. Presse, 26 (1899), No. 2, p. 13). — The author defends his position relative to the efficiency of Alinit in aiding cereals to acquire free atmospheric nitrogen. The source through which the bac- teria are said to act are the carbohydrates in the soil, the proteid material in the bacteria readily uniting with the carbohydrates and becoming available to the plant. Field experiments with Nitragin, O. Burchard (Landw. Wchnbl. Srhlcswig- Holstein, 49 (1899), No. 12, pp. 200, 201).— Reports the advantageous employment of Nitragin both as a soil and seed inoculating material for Vicia sativa dura when grown with oats. Gains from 25 to 124 per cent are reported. Light a factor in sugar production, H. A. Weber (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 21 (1899), No. 1, pp. 53-59).— Data collected from the history of beet and sorghum cul- ture in the United States are reported to show that the sugar content of the plant is dependent upon the amount of direct sunlight received, and hence that this factor should be taken into consideration in determining the climatic conditions most favorable for beet growing. Influence of the mode of nutrition on the evolution of plants, P. A. Dangeard (Botaniste, 6. ser., 1S9S, No. 1, pp. 1-63).— The origin of the differentiation between animals and plants is said to be a difference in the mode of nutrition. Crossbreeding wheat, L. Broekema (Orgaan Ver. Oudlecr. liijks. Landbouwschool, 11 (1899), No. 128, pp. 34-37, pis. 3).—k description of the methods and results of crossing several varieties of Dutch wheat with square-head wheat. 1014 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. FERMENTATION— BACTERIOLOGY. Potato as a culture medium, with some notes on a synthesized substitute, E. F. Smith (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (1898), pp. 411. 412). — After discussing some of the advantages and disadvantages of potato as a substratum for the growth of fungi and bacteria, the author states that he considers it a very useful substance which should not be discarded. He further describes a synthesized medium which he has found free from many of the objections urged against the potato, while possessing most of its good qualities. It consists of potato starch combined with a modified Uschinsky solution. The methods for prepa- ration of this medium, which the author has designated as "nutrient starch jelly," are fully given. It is stated that many orgauisms which previously made only very feeble growth, in this medium grow exceed- ingly well. This medium possesses excellent keeping qualities and is well adapted to the long-continued growth of many organisms, both fungi and bacteria, and is said to be particularly valuable for studying the diastatic action of various bacteria, some of which grow luxuriantly and convert starch into sugar very rapidly, while others make very feeble growth, being able to convert starch with the greatest difficulty. Which forms of carbohydrates are required by denitrifying organisms for their vital processes? J. Stoklasa (Ztschr. Landw. Versuchw. Oesterr., 1898, p. 371; abs. in Cliem. Ztg., 22 (1898), Xo. 99, Bepert., p. 315). — The author's experiments indicate that xylan, which with other furfuroids occurs abundantly iu straw and manure, when hydrolyzed to xylose furnishes the most natural and favorable carbo- hydrate food for denitrifying organisms. Arabinose is not so well suited to these organisms as xylose. The author made experiments with differ- ent carbohydrates in vegetation pots inoculated with Bacillus denitrifi- cans. On all pots receiving glucose the yield of oats was normal, while on those receiving xylose the yield was almost a fourth less than in case of pots which had received nitrate of soda and superphosphate. The results on the pots to which arabinose had been applied were prac- tically the same as with those receiving glucose. Very different results were obtained in experiments with organisms which produce ammonia in the soil. Soils which were inoculated with Bacillus megatherium and B. mycoides in the presence of nitrates and xylose gave a higher yield of oats than those which had not been so inoculated. The author suggests that this was due to the reduction of the nitrate to ammonia and the thereby increased capacity of the soil for fixing the free nitrogen of the air. The fact that soils rich in furfuroids, especially xylan, contain only traces of nitrates is believed by the author to be due to biochemical action in the soil which quickly reduces the nitrates to ammonia. There is a large number of orgauisms which reduce nitrates and nitrites to ammonia. A report on bacteriological investigations of the fermentation of tobacco, J. H.Verhout (Teysmannia, 9 (1898), IVo. 2-3, pp. 118-144; abs. in Centbl, BaU. u. Par., 2. AM., 4 (1898), No. 20, pp. 778, 779).— The author gives a preliminary report on his investigations of the FERMENTATION BACTERIOLOGY. 1015 micro-organisms of tobacco xermentation. Since tobacco is said to be fermented at temperatures ranging from 50 to 60° C, the investigation was confined to organisms living at this temperature. By means of agar plates cultures were made from fermenting leaves and at about 5(P temperature colonies were developed. These were principally of a single species; although others were present, tliey were not constant. The species isolated from the fermeuting tobacco leaves is a bacillus of the subtilis group and is spore-forming. It is 2.4 u in length and 0.5 jx in diameter. It grows readily upon agar, nutrient gelatin, liquefy- ing the latter, and in bouillon and tobacco decoction. Its optimum temperature for growth was about 50°, although it remained living at room temperatures. Upon proteid media it forms ammonia. The investigations are to be continued and the bacterial flora of tobacco leaves before and during fermentation fully studied. Experiments with -wine ferments in France {Gard. Citron., 3. ser., 23 {1898), Xo. 610, pp. 171-176). — The use of wine ferments by the wine growers of France has been a subject of considerable earnest investiga- tion, and it is asserted that the quality of many wines can be improved by tbe use of the proper ferments. Brief quotations are given from consular and other publications showing the method of employing the ferments. The directions for preparing the ferments are given, and it is stated that 1 liter of select ferment is used with the juice of from 40 to 50 lbs. of grapes for every 1,000 gal. of must. If properly made, tbe yeast ferments and is ready for use in 50 to 60 hours after beginning the preparation. On the presence in germinating barley of a ferment capable of dissolving pectin, E. Bourqttelot and H. Herissey (Conqrt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 {1898), Xo. 3, pp. 191-194).— -The authors report the presence in germinating barley of a diastase, which they have sep- arated by drying the germinating barley at a temperature of from 30° to 35° C. The barley is then ground and macerated for 12 hours in chloroform water, after which it is allowed to settle, removed, filtered, and precipitated with alcohol. The precipitate is collected on a filter, rapidly washed with alcohol and afterwards with ether, and finally dried in a vacuum. Numerous experiments are reported in which this sub- stance was shown to reduce pectin, and the authors state that on account of the lack of information concerning soluble ferments no pos- itive demonstration can be made, yet it is believed a tenable hypothesis that germinating barley contains a diastase somewhat similar to amy- lose and trehalose, which is capable of reducing the pectin found in gentians. Concerning some of the less known important functions of micro-organisms, C. Wehmer (Chem. Ztg., 22 {1898), Xo. 103, pp.1079- 1082). — After briefly reviewing some of the more common forms of fer- mentation brought about by bacteria and fungi, the author enumerates a number of the less common ones, briefly describing the processes taking place. Among those mentioned are Maercker's acid method 1016 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. of starch manufacture, Volker's method of starch making, the purifica- tion of boneblack in sugar refining, tannin fermentation, the fermenta- tion of opium, the fermentation of beans when prepared somewhat like sauerkraut, the bacterial purification of -city sewage, the micro- organisms present in white-lead manufacture, and the fermentations which take place in the manufacture of various dyes and coloring stuffs. Report of the agricultural bacteriological laboratory at St. Petersburg for 1897, A. Theoktistov {Rev. in Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesor., 190 (1898), No.8,pp.325-3-',3).— The scientific activity of the laboratory was devoted to the following investigations: (1) Scientific investigations on the biology and classification of mice-killing bacteria; (2) investigation on the influence of metals on bacterial cultures; (3) investigations on sterilizing nutritive media; (i) work in pathological anatomy; (5) investigation of the conditions of the progressive decrease of the virulence of the bacterial cul- tures; (6) determination of the absolute virulence of various mice-killing microbes; (7) iuvestigation on chicken cholera, and (8) investigation on new nutritive media. — P. FIREMAN. Some little-used culture media which have proved valuable for the differen- tiation of species, E. F. Smith (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (lS98),pp. 412, 413). — The author recommends especially the following media for differentiation of various species of organisms: Uschinsky's solution; tubes of standard nutrient agar with addition of 10, 20, and 30 per cent of grape sugar; the same with 10, 20, and 30 per cent of cane sugar; nutrient starch jelly with and without various sugars, alcohols, etc.; cylinders of cocoanut flesh in distilled water; cylinders of white or yellow turnips in distilled water; cylinders of carrot in distilled water; cylinders of white sugar beet in distilled water ; potato cylinders standing in several cubic centimeters of distilled water (for prolonged growth) ; the extension of tests with fermentation tubes so as to include also, in addition to the three sugars in common use — viz, grape, cane, and milk — the following substances: Fructose, galactose, maltose, dextrin, mannite, and glycerin. The mineral constituents of the tubercle bacilli, E. A. de Sciiweinitz and M. Dorset {Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 20 {1S9S), Xo. 8, pp. 01S-620).— Analysis of the ash, with comments. Bacillus luteus sporogenes, R. F. W. Smith and J. L. Baker {Cenibl. Halt. u. Par., 2. Alt., 4 (189S), Xo.21, pp. 788, 789, figs. 2 ; abs. in Jour. Boy. Micros. Soc. [Lon- don], 1S99, Xo. l,p. 72). — This bacillus has been separated from 2 different samples of beet sugar. It is a long, endosporogenous bacillus, growing with great rapidity in all the ordinary artificial nutrient media, with the formation of a yellow pigment. On the mode of action of Bacillus subtilis in the phenomena of denitrifica- tion, A. Fichtexiiolz {Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 {1S99), No. 7, pp. 442-445).— It was found that in presence of air at a temperature of 38 to 39° Bacillus subtilis developed in an artificial solution which contained nitrogen only in the nitric form. Under these conditions ammoniacal fermentation takes place, the quantity of ammonia formed varying with the different phases of fermentation. When the maximum was reached the evolution began to decline. Vinegar bacteria, W. Hexxeberg {Ztschr. Spiritusind., 21 {1898), No. 20, pp. ISO, 181; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 {1SDS), No. 7, p. 684). The micro-organisms of spoiled wine, F. Bordas, Joulix, and Raczkowski {Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 {1898), No. 20, pp. 1443-1446).— -The authors describe a second bacillus which they have isolated from spoiled wine. It is associated with Bacillus roseus run'. It is filamentous in form and exercises a marked action on tar- taric acid. The authors have made cultures of the organism and compare its action on various culture media with the action of B. roseus vini. Concerning the ferments of wine diseases, J. Laborde {Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 126 {1898), No. 17, pp. 1223-1226). — A preliminary report is given of a study by the author of the organisms found in moldy or bitter wiue aside from the yeasts and species of Mycoderma found in new wines. METEOROLOGY CLIMATOLOGY. 1017 Biological investigations of Tibi, L. Lutz (Bid. Soc. Mycol. France, 15 (1899), No. 1, pp. 68-72). — An account is given of this substance, which is of the nature of kephir. It is said to be used in Mexico in the preparation of a beverage by the fermentation of an Opuntia. Study on ammoniacal fermentation and on the ferments of urea, P. Miquel (£tude sur la fermentation ammoniacale et sur les fermentes deVuree. Paris: Carre et Naud, 1898, pp. 325, pis. 3, figs. 7). Lactic acid in fruit and grape wines, H. MCller-Thurgau (Cental. Bali. u. Par., 2. AM., 4 (189S), Xo.23, pp.S49-S54). — The presence of lactic acid in many of these wines is pointed out, the way in which the content is increased through fermentation is shown, and directions are giveu whereby much of this undesirable fermentation may be prevented. Contributions to the biology of wine yeasts, J. A. Cordier (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 137 (1S98), No. 17. pp. 628-630).— The author claims that in France the air is the principal agent of distribution of Saccharomyces and other wine ferments, and not insects, as claimed by Berlese, Gigliolo, and others (E. S. R., 10, p. 123). On the natural dissemination of wine yeasts, L. Boctroux (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1S9S), Xo. 24, pp. 1033-1036). A contribution to the knowledge of the life history of Saccharomyces gut- tulatus, A.WlLHELMl (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. AM., 4 (1S98), Xo. 9, pp. 353-361; 10, pp. 412-417, figs. 3). — Studies are given of this parasite taken from the stomach and intestines of sheep. Some recent observations on Saccharomyces guttulatus, L. Buscaglioni and O. Casagrandi (JJalpigia, 12 (1S9S), Xo. 1-2, pp. 59-75, pi. 1). Proteolytic enzyms in the plant world, C. Fermi and Buscaglioni (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 2. AM., 5 (1S99), Xo. 1, pp. 24-27; 2, pp. 63-66; 3, pp. 91-95; 4, pp. 125-134; 5, pp. 145-158). On the chemistry of the action of enzyms and bacterial substances, N. Sacha- KOFF (Centbl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. AM., 24 (1S98), Xo. 18-19, pp. 661-665). Diastatic substances from fungus growths, J. Takamine (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1S9S), Xo. 2, pp. 118-120). Simple quantitative determination of diastatic power, J. Takamine (Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), Xo. 5, pp. 437, 438). Researches on diastase and barley malt, Seyffert (La Biere, 6, Xo. 5, pp. 68-73; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chi m. Ind., 17 (1898), Xo. 7, pp. 681, 6S2). Notes on taka diastase, W.E.Stone and H.E.Wright (Jour. Amcr. Chan. Soc, 20 (1898), Xo. 9, pp. 639-647). — This paper presents the results of some observations upon the action of taka diastase upon starch as compared with the ordinary diastase of malt. The use of taka diastase as an analytical reagent in the determination of starch was also tested, but under the conditions employed it was not found to be adapted to this purpose. Fermentation without live cells, Katherixe E. Golden and C. G. Ferris (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adr. Sci., 27 (1898), p. 417). — The authors summarize the rather extensive and contradictory literature beginning with that of Biichner in 1897, who claims to have induced active fermentation of various sugars with a sterile extract obtained from dried yeast by filtration through a Berkfeld filter. Biichner's method was fol- lowed in the preparation of the extract and although the experiments were repeated three times at temperatures of 37.5° C, as well as at room temperatures, the results were negative in every case. The experiments were then repeated with another compressed yeast, with also negative results. METEOROLOGY— CLIMATOLOGY. Monthly Weather Review (U. 8. Dept, Agr., Weather Bureau, Monthly Weather Review, 26 (1898), Xo. 10, pp. 139-492, charts 11; 11, pp. 493-525, charts 12; 12, pp. 527-591, charts 12). — In addition to the 1018 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. usual reports on forecasts and warnings and on weather and crop con- ditions, and meteorological tables and charts, No. 10 contains special contributions on A record of some kite experiments, by W. A. Eddy; The effect of proximity to the sea on thunderstorm periods, by H. D. Stearns; Removal of Weather Bureau office in New York City, by A. J. Henry; Hot summers and cold winters at Washington, D. C, by F. Gillarn; and In memory of Prof. William Ferrel, by P. Con- nor; and notes by the editor on American climatologieal publications, notes from the voyage of La Perouse, lightning on wire fences, and the utilization of fog. No. 12 contains special contributions on The thunderstorm of Sep- tember 17-18, 1895, Local atmospheric disturbances, and Are our win- ters changing? by A. J. Henry; Meteorological observations near Circle City, Alaska, by J. O. Holt; What a weather observer should know, by N. R. Taylor; The San Diego waterspout, by P. A. Carpenter; The weather and storms of Malta during October, 1898, by J. H. Grout; Aneroid barometers, by C. Chree; Civil-service examinations for observ- ers in the United States Weather Bureau, by H. H. Kimball; and Climate and crop report, season of 1898, Alaska section, by H. L. Ball ; and notes by the editor on reduction to standard gravity, the practical side of Weather Bureau work, the chemical thermoscope, kite work in Madeira, origin of tornadoes, meteorology in France, the climate of Athens, astronomy for the meteorologist, electrical districts, origin of the word "blizzard," seismic noises, mirobia and seiches, anew elemen- tary meteorology, the Royal Meteorological Society, Civil-service exami- nations for assistants, St. Elmo's fire, ball lightning, cloud phenomena at sunrise and sunset, distant thunder, a new style of aneroid, low pressures and tidal waves, floating spider webs, the barograph on ships, weights and measures in Porto Rico, the waterspout of September 29, a crude hygrometer, the Weather Bureau and the universities and col. leges, Chinook at Havre, Montana, northers in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, recent earthquakes, the moon and the weather, unequal distribution of snow, recent meteors, and optical phenomena. Meteorology of 1897, L. G. Carpenter et al. {Colorado Sta. Bui. 49, 2}P' 3-55, 66-70, figs. 17). — This bulletin gives descriptions (with illustrations) of various instruments used in meteorological observa- tions and tabulated summaries of daily observations on temperature, barometric pressure, precipitation, humidity, radiation, sunshine, direc- tion and movement of wind, etc., at Fort Collins during each month of 1897, with monthly summaries of observations (especially temperature and precipitation) at Rockyford, Cheyenne Wells, Estes Park (at base of Longs Peak, elevation 9,000 ft.), Pinkhampton (elevation 8,400 ft.), and Gleneyre (near head of Laramie River, elevation 8,000 ft.). The monthly precipitation is reported by voluntary observers from 4 addi- tional points in the watershed of the Cache a la Poudre River. " These stations have been selected in most cases for the purpose of obtaining a record of the precipitation in the mountains which form the water- shed of the adjacent rivers. As the Cache a la Poudre River has been METEOROLOGY CLIMATOLOGY. 1019 the subject of investigations for a number of years and records have been maintained of its ilow, it has been desired to study the amount and distribution of the precipitation on its watershed." The characteristics of the Colorado climate are briefly discussed as follows : "The great variation in altitude in the State, ranging from less than 4,000 ft. at the eastern horder to over 14,000 ft. at the summit of numerous peaks, causes a change in climate greater than between New Orleans and Winnipeg, and while Colo- rado east of the mountains has a mean temperature the same as New York, the tem- perature of the high peaks is lower than that of Spitzhergen. . . . Still, cultivated and irrigated Colorado is of relatively small range in elevation . . . "Among the general characteristics of Colorado are : The small rainfall — from one- half to one-third of that east of the Mississippi . . . ; greater range of tempera- ture ; a large percentage of sunshine, of great intensity, which, as well as the great range, is a consequence of the great dryness and rarity of the air. "One of the marked features is the presence of warm westerly winds known as Chinooks, a type present in mountainous countries under various names. While cold waves are not absent, the intensity is less than in the Mississippi Valley States. The conditions which result in blizzards of great intensity in these States cause westerly winds with us and some of the most pleasant weather of winter." Meteorological summary for Ohio, 1897, C. A. Patton (Ohio Sta. Bui. 95, pp. 327-342). — Notes on the weather and tabulated daily and monthly summaries of observations at the station on temperature, precipitation, cloudiness, direction of the wind, etc., are given; and for comparison similar data for previous years and for other parts of the State. The following is a summary of results: Summary of meteorological obsei'vations in Ohio. For the exper 1897. ment station. For the State. For 10 years. 1897. For 15 years. J Temperature (° F.) : 49.4 (July 4-5) 9G (Jan. 26) —18 79 21.5 (Oct. 5) 49 (Feb. 0) 0 124 123 115 128 36.16 (Nov.) 5.76 (Sept.) 0.29 48.9 (Aug. 8, 1891) 99 (Jan. 20, '92) —20 99.7 20.3 (Oct. 6, 1805) 55 (Feb. 0,1897) 0 119 124 117 125 38.94 (Julv, 1896) 8.05 (Sept., 1897) 0.29 50. 0 (JulY 4) 113 (Jan. 26) —27 v 140 50.88 (July 4, 1897) 113 (Jan* 25, '84) —34 147 Greatest ' daily (Sept. 25-26) 67 (Sept.25-26, '97)67 Leastdaily range 130 119 110 110 38.54 118.3 123.3 124.7 Days rain fell Rainfall (in.) : Total 124.7 37.98 Great est monthly Least monthly. .. 38.54 sw. 37.98 Prevailing direction NW. ssw. SW. Evaporation, L. G. Carpenter et al. ( Colorado Sta. Bui. 49, pp. 64-66, fig. 1). — A record is given of continued observations on a stand- ard evaporation tank. "Observations with the hook gage are made twice per day from April to Septem- ber, gage reading to Tn\TTr of a foot. At the same time the temperature of the water surface is observed twice per day at the maximum and minimum temperatures. During September and October the reading is made once daily. During the winter months ice forms, and the observation is made at the beginning of each month. 1020 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. " It is found that the evaporation runs from 1 to 2 in. per month during the winter. The evaporation during the night is practically as rapid as during the day. "An attempt was made to obtain a formula from the observations of 1889 and with enough success to compute the evaporation in 1890 from May to October with a difference of less than half an inch. The formula was as follows : "E=.39 (T — t) (1 + .02W). "E represents the evaporation in inches in 24 hours. " T is the vapor tension corresponding to the temperature of the surface of the water. "t is the vapor tension corresponding to the temperature of the dew-point at that time. " W represents the number of miles of wind in the 24 hours. " Observations have since been made to obtain a more perfect formula, but are not yet reduced." Elementary treatise on meteorology, A. Angot (Traits elcmentaire de metcorologie. Paris: Gauthier-Villars, 1899, pp. VI+412; rev. in Nature, 59 {1899), No. 1535, pp. 505, 50G). Instructions for voluntary observers, W. L. Moore (U. S. Dept. Agr., Weather Bureau Doe. 184, pp. 23, figs, 9). — This coutains brief instructions for the guidance of voluntary observers in taking and recording observations, more especially of tem- perature and rainfall. Meteorological record for 1897 {New York State Sta. Bpt. 1S97, pp. 619-627).— Tabulated daily and monthly summaries of observations on temperature and monthly summaries of observations on precipitation for the period from 1882 to 1897. Report of the meteorologist, A. M. Hildebrandt {Texas Sta. Bpt. 1898, pp. 1134- 1136, charts 5). — Tabulated monthly summaries of observations at the station on tem- perature (1897) and precipitation (1891-1897). Charts show graphically the daily and mean annual rainfall for 1891 to 1897. The rainfall of the globe, W. Ule (Bev. Sci. [Paris], 4. ser., 11 {1899), No. 13, p. 412). — The mean rainfall of the different grand divisions of the earth is given and discussed. Extraordinary hailstorms, G. de Rocquegny-Adanson {Per. Sci. Bourbonnais, 12 {1S99), No. 135, pp. 62-67). — Brief accounts are given of* some of the more important hailstorms from 1776 to date. Sun spots and weather, A. B. MacDowall {Nature, 59 {1899), No. 1533, p. 46?, jifjSt 2). — A comparison of the number of warm and dry months since 1841 with sun spots. Relation of meteorology to forestry in Michigan, R. C. Kedzie {Michigan Sta. Bui. 162, pp. 18-31).— After stating the relation of meteorology to forestry and forest orowth, relation of soil to moisture, etc., abstracts are given of the meteorological observations covering a period of 34 years, from 1864 to 1897. AIR— WATER— SOILS. Investigations concerning the influence of the mechanical working of the soil on its fertility, B. Wollny [Forsch. Ayr. Phys. [ Wollny], 20 (1898), Xo. 3, pp. 231-289).— Results of previous work iu this line have been published heretofore (E. S. R., 7, p. 509). In this article the purpose of the experiments is explained and the results are given in tabular form and discussed at some length. The results obtained by other investigators are cited. The subjects discussed are the mechan- ical condition of the soil as affected by stirring, the frequency and time of cultivation, the stirring of the surface soil, the use of the land roller, and bed and level culture. Various crops were grown in connection with the different tests. It was found that all crops grown gave better AIR WATER SOILS. 1021 returns on soils kept in a crumbly condition than on soils reduced to a powder-like fineness, and that the action of fertilizers was also much more evident on the former than on the latter soils. The author recom- mends fall jdowing for laud which is to be planted in the spring. It is shown that stirring or hoeing the surface is beneficial when the soil has been packed by rains and that the practice is detrimental during drought when the soil is already in a good mechanical condition. The results of tests show that rolling the land favored a uniform sprouting of the seed, but in general the yield of the rolled plats was smaller than on the plats which had not been rolled. Packing the surface soil by means of a roller was detrimental to plant growth when the soil was not sub- sequently stirred, but cultivating the soil after rolling precluded any bad effects from this source. A comparison of bed and level culture gave the following results: The yields of plants on bedded plats was greatest at the ridges aud smallest at the furrows; the south side of beds gave the best results, followed by the east, west, and north sides in the order mentioned; the south side of beds running east and west produced larger yields than the north side when moisture conditions were favorable, but during dry seasons the north sides gave the best returns. In general the results were in favor of level culture. Report on fertilization, W. Maxwell (Rpts. Hawaiian Expt. Sta., 1S98, pp. 1-14). — This article discusses the fertilizing constituents of upland and lowland Hawaiian soils soluble in hydrochloric acid, water, and aspartic acid (E. S. R., 10, p. 531); the fertilizing constituents removed from the soil by the sugar-cane crop; the absorptive power of sods for different fertilizing chemicals and the inlluence of the latter upon the lime content of the soils. Of 227 gm. of nitrate of soda applied to the soil in a lysimeter, water applied after 48 hours removed 180.3 gm. Of like amounts of potash and phosphoric acid, water removed 43.6 and 3.2 gm., respec- tively. In a second experiment, of 200 gm. nitrate of soda applied, water removed as nitrate 72.5G gm.; of 200 gm. of sulphate of ammonia applied, water removed 3.08 gm. as nitrate and 0.44 gin. as ammonia. "In connection with the lysimeter observations, tests were made in order to note the action of the different acids in applied fertilizers upon the lime in sails. The acids used were nitric acid (as nitrate of soda), hydrochloric acid (as chlorid of potash), and sulphuric acid (as sulphates of ammonia and potash). Those several salts were applied and 48 hours later the rows of cane, growing over the lysimeter drains, were irrigated, 102 gal. being applied to each row, of which 33 gal. h-ached out, this drainage being analyzed — Analyses of drainage water from soil receiving different fertilizing chemica U. Drain. Acid applied. Acid lost. Lime lost. No 1 Gm. Gm. 1.72 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 36.28 78.06 14.88 2G. 52 23. 49 5.49 2.80 2.73 1022 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. " When nitrate of soda is put into the soil, it is changed to nitrate of lime, which is highly soluble in water. The result is that if we put nitrate of soda where it will he washed out, it carries so much lime with it, so that nitric acid, despite its treat value in special cases, is a lime robber. The same is shown concerning hydro- chloric acid in the chlorid of potassium. ... On the other hand, very mnch less of the sulphuric acid is washed out, and extremely little lime. This is a further claim in favor of the use of sulphate of ammonia. The former figures showed us that the ammonia is not washed out and we now see that the sulphuric acid in the ammonia sulphate does not act in causing a loss of lime as do the other two acids." Investigations in moor culture, II. Immendorff (Landir. Jalirb., 27 (1898), Siq). 4, pp. 503-521). — The work here reported consisted of investigations on the amount of plant food taken from moor and sandy soils by the removal of the grass and sod, and of analyses of Molinia coerulea and Garex goodenonghii and various crops for green manuring grown on upland moor and light sandy soils. The composition of the different plants is given in tables. The grass and sod of moor lauds are used for litter, and investiga- tions were made to compare the amount of plant food removed from different kinds of soil by this practice. In this experiment 2,858 kg. of dried substance per hectare was removed from the sandy soil and 21,231 kg. from the moor soil. The substance taken from the sandy soil contained 179.G57 kg. nitrogen, 72.G93 kg. lime, 31 kg. magnesia, 53,394 kg. potash, and 22.41G kg. phosphoric acid, and the substance removed from the moor soil 201.482 kg. nitrogen, 89.170 kg. lime, 40.339 kg. magnesia, 33.917 kg. potash, and 19.108 phosphoric acid. Action of lime and calcium carbonate on certain natural humus substances, G.Andre (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 127 (1898), No. 13, pp. 416-448; abs. in Ann. Agron., 24 (1898), No. 12, pp. 605- 607; Rev. Sci. [Paris], 4. ser., 10 (1898), No. 15, pp. 471, 472).— In the author's experiments samples of vegetable mold, moor soil, compost, and peat were heated for 15 hours in a water bath at 100° C. with lime, calcium carbonate, and water. The ammonia volatilized was collected. The extracts obtained were filtered, neutralized with hydrochloric acid, evaporated to dryness, and the nitrogen determined in the residues. The same substances were treated with lime in the cold for 82 days, with frequent shaking to promote the action of micro-organisms. Closed flasks were used to prevent loss of ammonia, and at the end of the period the alkaline solution obtained was distilled to determine the nitrogen in form of ammonia and easily transformed amids. The amount of ammonia volatilized by lime at 100° C. was smaller than in previous experiments with potash (E. S. R, 10, p. 830), but was consid- erable. With potash 17.01 per cent of the total nitrogen originally present in peat, 15.9G per cent of that in compost, 14.93 per cent of that in moor soil, and 13.61 per cent of that in vegetable mold, was driven off as ammonia, as against 10.86, 12.10, 9.23, and 10.45 per cent respec- tively with lime. The amounts of ammonia driven off in case of calcium carbonate and water were not important except in case of peat and compost. In these 2.89 and 5.33 per cent respectively were volatilized AIR AVATER SOILS. 1023 iu case of calcium carbonate and 2.38 and 3.75 per cent respectively in case of water. The soluble nitrogen found in the lime solution was 19,50 per cent of the original nitrogen in case of vegetable mold, 21.26 per cent in case of moor soil, 40.91 per cent in case of compost, and 10.5G per cent in case of peat. These are all much lower percentages than wore found in previous experiments with potash above referred to. The solutions obtained after treatment with calcium carbonate and water also con- tained considerable amounts of soluble nitrogen — 1.82 and 1.23 per cent of the original nitrogen in case of peat, 6.4 and 5.61 per cent in case of vegetable mold, and 16.91 and 17.4 per cent in case of compost. The calcium carbonate extract of moor soil contained 6.74 per cent of the original nitrogen. By the action of lime for 82 days at ordinary temperature 6.59 per cent of the original nitrogen in vegetable mold, 5.56 per cent of that in moor soil, 6.91 per cent of that in compost, and 5.73 per cent of that in peat was obtained in the form of ammonia and easily decomposed amids. These figures afford an indication of the changes brought about in soils by liming. Contribution to the solution of the question whether the water content of the soil influences the nitrogen and ash content of the dry matter of plants, J. Wilms and C. von Seelhorst {Jour. Landic, 46 (1898), Xo. i, xyp. 413-426). — A continuation of work previ- ously reported (E. S. E., 10, p. 737). Oats were grown in pots of soil (about 17 kg., dry), which were either unfertilized or received different combinations of the 3 essential fertilizing constituents ' and were watered at 3 different rates: (1) 41.6 per cent of the water capacity of the soil (small); (2) 45.2 per cent, increasing with the growth of the plants to 47.4 and 51.7 per cent (medium); and (3) 48.8 per cent, increasing to 53.2 and 63.7 per cent with the growth of the plants (large). The crop was cut when the grain was in the milk and nitro- gen and ash determined. It was found that the more productive the soil the greater the influ- ence of its water content. The yield of straw and of grain was about equally increased by an increase in the water content of the soil. The influence of nitrogen in increasing the yield of straw was not affected by increasing the water content of the soil. However, with an excess of potash in the soil, increasing the water content increased the yield of straw and reduced the yield of grain. Increasing the water content reduced the nitrogen content of grain and straw to about the same extent. The nitrogen content of the crop varied with the amount applied in the fertilizer, and the effect of the nitrogenous fertilizers on the nitrogen content of the crop was greater the larger the amount of water present. The variations in nitrogen content due to the water ■Potash in form of carbonate, phosphoric acid iu mouocalcium phosphate, and nitrogen in nitrate of soda. 1024 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. supply were more marked in the case of the straw than in the case of the grain. The ash content of the grain varied with the amount of water in the soil, increasing rapidly up to the point of medium water supply, but more slowly beyond that point. The fertilizing which gave the lowest yield of grain produced grain with the highest percentage of ash. The variations in the ash content of the straw due to the amount of water did not in all cases run parallel with those in the grain, but the varia- tions due to fertilizing were of the same character in the straw and in the grain. The potash content of the grain iucreased with the water content, rapidly at first, but more slowly with the larger amounts of water. The potash content of the grain increased with the amount of potash applied in fertilizer, as well as with the amount of water in the soil. The phosphoric acid content of both grain and straw was influenced to a much less extent than potash. However, the phosphorie acid con- tent of the grain, as a rule, increased with the amount of water in the soil, the only exception being the cases in which combinations of phos- phoric acid with nitrogen and phosphoric acid with potash were applied. The phosphoric acid content of the straw also increased, as a rule, with the water content of the soil, the only exception in this case being the crops to which potash, nitrogen, and double doses of phosphoric acid (2 gins, per pot) and potash and phosphoric acid with double doses of nitrogen (1 gm. per pot) were applied. The fertilizing influenced the potash content of the straw in the same manner as that of the grain, the potash content being especially large in the crops grown without fertilizers and with potash and nitrogen. The fertilizing exerted but little influence upon the phosphoric acid content of the grain, the in- crease being noted only when one of the other fertilizing constituents was lacking and the yield for that reason was small. The forms of phosphoric acid in moor soils, G. Xannes {Jour. Landiv., 47 (1899), No. 1, pp. 45-48). — The ether-alcohol, hydrochloric acid (2 per cent), and ammonia (10 per cent) extracts of moor soils were studied. The ether-alcohol extract contained very little phos- phoric acid, indicating the presence of only insignificant amounts of lecithin in the soil. More than half of the phosphoric acid present was insoluble in hydrochloric acid and ammonia (0.2 per cent out of a total of 0.38). Of the phosphoric acid extracted, 0.05 per cent was free and 0.13 per cent was combined with humus. Attempts were also made to prepare and study the calcium, barium, cadmium, and lead compounds of humus, but without very definite results. On the direct transformation of ammonia into nitric acid in liquid media, E. Demotjssy (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 (1899), No. 9, pp. 566-569; Ann. Agron., 25 (1899), No. 3, pp. 97-111).— -The author calls attention to the fact that while it is recognized that both nitrous and nitric ferments are involved in the transformation of AIR WATER SOILS. 1025 ammonia into nitrates in the soil, it is rare that any nitrites are found to be present in the soil. In artificial liquid media, however, the action of the nitric ferment appears to be slower, as a rule, than that of the nitrous ferments, and nitrites thus accumulate more or less. The author succeeded, however, in preparing liquid media in which the ammonia was transformed directly into nitrates without the interme- diary of nitrites. Alkali studies, II, E. E. Slosson and B. C. Buffum ( Wyoming Sta. Bui. 39, pp. 35-50). — In this bulletin the character of Wyoming alkali, studies of the effect of alkali on the germination of seed, field experi- ments on alkali soils with different plants, and the reclamation of alkali soils are discussed in a popular manner. In Wyoming alkali the sul- phates predominate, black alkali being very rare in the State. The experiments made by the station indicate that the retarding effect of alkali on the germination of seeds is due to its hindering the seed from absorbing the water needed, and that this absorption "was influenced not by the kind of alkali or the strength of the solution, but purely by the osmotic pressure." In an experiment Avith wheat to test this point the following results were obtained : Amount of water absorbed by wheat from salt and sugar solutions. Solution of Fure water Sugar Magnesium sulphate .. Sodium sulphate Sodium chlorid Sugar Magnesium sulphate .. Sodium sulphate Sodium chlorid P.ct. 0 1.43 .34 .24 .12 14. 30 3.94 2.66 1.39 Is-i Water ahsorbed by wheat. P.ct. 33.1 33.4 31.4 32.1 34.0 26.3 31.2 29.7 31.5 P.ct. 42.6 43.2 40.1 41.6 41.9 27.9 38.4 3?. 3 39.7 P. et. 49.2 49.3 46.3 47.8 49.5 41.8 43.3 43.6 44.3 P.ct. 51.6 51.3 49.3 48.8 50.0 44.2 45.5 44.0 44.9 P.ct. 54.6 54.3 52.1 53.2 51.8 45.0 45.9 45.1 46.6 P.ct. 55.7 55.2 54.7 51.4 53.7 46.0 46.9 45.9 47.0 P.ct. 58. 3 58.2 56.7 57.7 56.9 46.7 47.9 46.3 47.2 P.ct. 60.1 59.8 57.7 58.3 57.9 47.8 48.9 47.il 47. 2 P.ct. 60.1 60.8 59.6 60.1 58. 3 48.1 48.9 48.3 47.6 P.ct 61. 1 CI. 4 60.6 61.9 59.1 48.1 48.9 48.6 47.4 P. ct. P. ct. 62.3 62.3 62.0 61.7 CO. 8 61). 2 61.7 00.7 59.3 CO. 3 48. lj 47.9 48.7 48.7 48.3 49.2 48.2 50.0 "It will be seen from the table that the wheat absorbed just about the same amount of water from each of these in the same length of time. . . . "Beans absorb the same amount of water when put into a saturated solution of common salt as they do when put into pure water. The dissolved salt apparently passes into the bean as readily as the water and destroys its power of germination. Rye is intermediate between wheat and beans in this respect. "To decide the question whether the absorption of water is physical or physio- logical, comparative tests were made between living seeds and seeds in which the power of germination had been destroyed by age, heat, or exposure to formaldehyde vapor. No difference between the living and dead seeds has been yet observed, so it appears that water is drawn into the seed purely by such physical forces as sur- face tension and osmotic pressure. It does not appear that the salts mentioned, except sodium carbonate, exert any poisonous influence on the wheat. It germi- nates readily when removed from the alkali solutions and put under favorable con- ditions." In continuation of work reported in Bulletiu 29 of the station (E. S. R., 8, p. 5G8), the following experiments were made : "Seeds of wheat and rye were germinated in pure water and in solutions of sodium carbonate (black alkali), sodium chlorid (common salt), sulphate of sodium 1026 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. (Glauber's salt), sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salt), and in sugar sirups of tbo same strengths as the salt solutions used. Each of the salts used and the sugar were applied to the seeds in strengths of 0.1 per cent, 0.4 per cent, 0.7 percent, 1, 2,3,4,5, 7, and 9 per cent solutions. The sugar was used to throw light upon a technical point.-' From the results of these experiments the following table, showing the amount of salts which may be present without retarding the germina- tion of wheat and rye seeds, bas been prepared: Amounts of different suits which may be present without retarding germination of wheat and rye. Magnesium sulphate. Sodium sulphate. Sodium chlorid. Sodium carbonate. In solution. In soil. In solution. In soil. In solution. In soil. solution. In80U- Wheat Eye Per cent. 1.0 1.0 Per cent. 0. 25 .25 Per cent. 0.7 .7 Per cent. 0.17 .17 Per cent. 0.4 .4 Per cent. 0.1 .1 Percent Percent. 0.4 0.10 .1 .02 " Thesalts arc injurious iu the order they are given inthistable. The black alkali (sodium carbonate) is much more injurious than the other salts, because it has a corroding effect due to the fact that it is not a neutral salt, and free acid is present to produce a share of the damage. Of the salts composing the common white alkali magnesium sulphate seems to be the least injurious, while common salt (sodium chlorid) is most injurious. . . . "It has been found that fewer seeds will live, and it takes longer for them to ger- minate as the strength of the solution increases, and there is a marked difference between the different salts. . . . "Eighty-eight percent of the seeds of wheat germinated in water. In 3 per cent solutions of the salts, amounting to nearly 0.75 per cent of salt in the soil, the follow- ing percentage of the wheat was germitfated : Magnesium sulphate 86 per cent, sodium sulphate 70 per cent, sodium chlorid 35 per ceut, and sodium carbonate 14 per cent. Ninety-sis per cent of the rye germinated in water. In 3 per cent solu- tions of the salts the following percentage of rye germinated: Magnesium sulphate 92 per cent, sodium sulphate 56 per ceut, sodium chlorid 38 per cent, and sodium carbonate 22 per cent. This would indicate that rye will stand stronger alkali than will wheat, which corresponds with results of previous tests. . . . " In these experiments it has been a most notable fact that small amounts of alkali salts were beneficial or at least that they accelerated instead of retarded germina- tion. No doubt small amounts present in the soil also assist iu the life of the plant, either stimulating its growth or acting directly as plant food." An extensive series of pot experiments with alkali were made. While these experiments were not conclusive as to the effect of alkali on plant growth, they gave interesting data regarding the evaporation of water from soils containing different amounts of soluble salts. " From the pots containing no alkali 17.7 cc. was evaporated each day, while the amount of water lost from those pots containing 9 per cent solutions (equivalent to 2.2 per cent alkali in soil with 24.5 per cent moisture) was approximately one half as much." Plants which have shown alkali-resisting properties are briefly dis- cussed. Those noted include saltbushes, English rape, Bokhara clover, and sugar beets. The alkali of the Yellowstone Valley, M. Whitney and T. H. Means (U. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Boils Bui. 14, pp. 39, pis. 17, figs. 3). — This is an account of a preliminary study of the rise of alkali iu AIR WATER SOILS. 1027 irrigated lands in the immediate vicinity of Billings, Montana. The Yellowstone Valley at this point is about G miles wide and bordered on either side by high bluffs — on the north the bluff is of sandstone and on the south of blue shale. The sandstone is a gray siliceous stone containing small but perceptible amounts of magnesium and sodium sulphates, which are either dissolved and carried away by the water which percolates through the rocks or accumulate in layers through- out the rocks. Where evaporation has gone on for some time these salts appear as white effloresce uces on the surface. "Underlying the sandstone and coming ont from under the sandstone bluff there is a line blue shale or slate which extends to an unknown depth. In an attempt to get artesian water at Billings a well was driven 900 ft. through this shale. No deeper record than this has ever been made at this place. The shale rises up from beneath the sandstone and forms the rough angular blue hills on the south side of the valley. "The shale is penetrated with numerous fine cracks and joints running in all directions, and these are rilled with fibrous gypsum. Many cavities also are found filled with gypsum and calcium carbonate. Everywhere throughout the shale large quantities of sodium and magnesium sulphates arc found, which appear as white efflorescence where evaporation has taken place "As the rocks weather, a portion of the soluble salts is removed in the springs and seepage waters, but the removal is not nearly so complete as is the case in the humid portions of the United States, because the small raiufall renders the escape of all of the excessive amounts of salts impossible. "The two types of rock give rise to two distinct types of soil in the valley — one a' sandy soil, derived from the disintegration of the sandstone rock, giving a soil of open texture, easily worked, in which there is less trouble from alkali on account of the more perfect drainage and less risk of the accumulation of seepage waters; the other type is a stiff clay or gumbo formed from the disintegration of the shales. These shale soils are extremely fertile when in good condition, but are quite difficult to work. They are easily puddled and are rendered almost impervious to water by the excess of the soluble salts which they usually contain, and it is upon these soils, with their poor underdraiuage, that the greatest amount of trouble has arisen from the accumulation of seepage waters and salts in the overirrigatiou of the soils in the valley. "Between these two extremes of samly soil and gumbo, in areas where the layer of sandstone has not been completely removed, the soils are blended in all possible combinations, from the pure type of the sandy soil to that of the gumbo. "The following table gives the mechanical analyses of a number of soils from Billings, which indicate the difference in the texture of the soils which has been noticed : Mechanical analyses of soils near Billings, Montana. Locality. (Miles from Billings.) Description. ■r. - P. 7 a £ in t>.S o o — a a m « S.S S in ^° .5 o X pH~ P. ct. P. ct. 3.29 0.88 34.45 4.67 14. 09 3.49 14.63 3.38 8.99 3.13 11.71 4.02 15.13 4. 40 5§ 2| X i Sandstone bluff soil 11 W Silty type, creek soil... 5£ W Sandy gumbo 5iW .do 5jW ! do 3 W '< Gumbo 5 W Heavy gumbo P. ct. 1 . 22 2.98 1.56 1.91 2.35 3.20 3.74 P. ct. 2.66 4.4H 4.06 3.30 3.72 3.30 4.22 P. ct. 0.00 .III) .00 .00 .00 .01 .04 P. ct. 0.00 .00 .00 .10 .02 .40 .03 P.ct. 0.17 .16 .20 .40 .32 1.58 .10 P.ct. P.ct. 29.39 52.34 7.96 28.79 11.72 45.0.1 15.61 39.59 21.:. 7 38.27 20. 40 27. 67 11.05 24.03 P. ct. 9.65 17.25 19.90 21.30 22. 55 27.30 35.55 20770— Xo. 11- -3 1028 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. "The first sample is a very pure type of sandstone soil taken from the top of the blnff about 2£ miles north, of Billings and was derived from the decomposition of the soft layers of line sandstone which cap the blurt's. These soils are very light and loose and have very free underdrainage. As a matter of fact, they leach readily, and, although they afford the best possible conditions for irrigation in that seepage waters are not likely to accumulate in them, it is probable that they would not last very long, as the soluble salts would easily and quickly be removed from them. Soils of this type are found in many parts of the valley, and there is little or no danger from seepage waters or from an accumulation of soluble salts at the sm lace, although they contain considerable quantities of such salts at depths below the surface. "The other samples in the table are seen to grade up through the mixed sandy gumbo to the pure form of gumbo with from 27 to 35 per cent of clay. The mixed soiJs are the most abundant in the valley." When this valley was first settled, there were no signs of alkali on the surface of the soil, hut now, after 12 to 15 years of irrigation (usually excessive) many once fertile tracts on the lower levels have become flooded, " and alkali has accumulated on them to such an extent that they are mere bogs and swamps and alkali flats.'" The alkali in this locality, as indicated above, consists mainly of magnesium and sodium sulphates, with no sodium carbonate and but a trace of sodium chlorid. Its composition, which is very constant throughout the region, is shown by the following average of 5 analyses by F. W. Traphagen: Composition of the soluble salts at Billings, Montana. Per cent. Sodium sulphate 57. 44 Magnesium sulphate 27. 59 Calcium sulphate 13. 05 Potash sulphate 1. 55 Silica ">3 99. 99 In order to determine the amount and distribution of the soluble salts in the different soils, both with and without irrigation — "Three lines of borings were run — one of 5 miles in length and the others, for more detailed study, of about 1J miles and one-fourth of a mile, respectively, in length. The longer section began above the ditch and went down toward the river; the others extended from an alkali flat and from a drainage ditch back into the higher levels. In each of these sections a number of borings were made and the salt content deter- mined at every foot in depth down to 10 or, frequently, 15 ft. In addition to this, a section or square mile of land was studied in great detail and borings were made at frequent intervals to a depth of 10 or 15 ft. A number of special borings were also made to study the relation of the different types of soil to the amount and distribution of the salts.'' The amount of soluble salts present was determined by means of the electrical apparatus devised by the Division of Soils (E. S. R., 9, p. 535; 10, p. 30). The results are given in tables and in a series of charts and maps. The latter show graphically the depth to standing water and the amount and distribution of soluble salts at different depths in the soil of the area examined. "As a result of the investigations at Billings it AIR — WATER SOILS. 1029 was found that plants could just exist with 0.45 per cent of the soluble salts present, equivalent to about lo,000 lbs. per acre-foot, and this is taken as the limit of plant production" in the preparation of these charts and maps. "The results of these investigations show tbat the ultimate source of the alkali is iu the sandstone, and particularly in the shale or slate rocks from which the soils have been derived. Before irrigation was introduced the salts were present in rather large amounts, but well distributed throughout the soil, and not in such large quantities as to he injurious to crops. The injury is due entirely to ovcrirrigation, to the translocation and local accumulation of salts by means of seepage waters, and to the imperfect drainage facilities in the compact gumbo soils and the inability of the soils to remove the excess of salts and of seepage waters. . . . The open sandy lands, having better underdrainage, are not likely to be injured by a rise of salts except from an excessive application of water or in the low places in the path of the drainage system, especially when these are underlaid, as they are liable to be, by the heavy gumbo subsoils. . . . The investigations show, further, the very disturbing fact that the injury need not be due to a local application of water, but to the injudicious application of large quantities of it in remote localities and on neighboring farms. . . . "The investigations point clearly to . . . the necessity of great care in the appli- cation of water in the methods of irrigation. This care must be exercised not only for the land which is being irrigated, but for the adjoining lands on lower levels. . . . "Where the damage has been done, or where the conditions are so imminent that ultimate ruin can be foreseen, the logical method of reclamation is in providing adequate systems of drainage to carry off the excess of water and the accumulated salts. ... It may be too soon yet to urge an extensive system of underdrainage in the valley, but some small systems should certainly be introduced, if necessary by cooperation, for an object lesson when it is considered necessary and timely to protect against trouble or to reclaim lands already abandoned. . . . " It must not be assumed, however, that a thorough system of underdrainage relieves one from exercising care and judgment in applying water to the land. There is less immediate danger of ruining the land, to be sure, but there are two things to be considered, namely, that an excessive use of water means just so much loss to irrigation and so much less land which can be brought under the ditch, and also that in the removal of these salts by the flow of the seepage waters out through the drainage system large quantities of really valuable plant food are likely to be removed from the soil. . . . By overirrigation and underdrainage we may remove in a few years the very conditions which contribute to the wealth of the country in the fertility of the soil. "In taking up new laud in the Yellowstone Valley the heavy gumbo soils should be underdrained at the time the first irrigation waters are applied to the land. . . . It is too late to wait until the damage has been done, for the accumulation of salts themselves acts on the heavy gumbo soils and makes them more impervious to water and harder subsequently to drain. Great care must be taken in the application of water. . . . "The rise in the level of water in wells must be looked upon with uneasiness and guarded against with great care." The advisability of cultivating such alkali-resisting crops as are known, or of finding or breeding others, is discussed, but it is consid- ered unfortunate "for a locality like the Yellowstone Valley, which is originally free from alkali, to accept such conditions resulting from their injudicious methods of irrigation and try to find crops which will thrive upon lands which have been unnecessarily injured." 1030 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The causes of injury to plants by alkali are explained. "Field work in the alkali soils at Billings Las shown that when the concentration of the salts in active solution in the soil moisture is as high as 1 per cent the limit of most cultivated plants is reached." The injury is due to the fact that when "the concentration of the soil solutions becomes greater than a 1 per cent solution the osmotic pressure of the solution outside of the cell is greater than the pressure of the solution inside the cell and the cell is unable to absorb water." (See also abstract of Wyoming Station Bulletin 39, p. 1025.) "It has been found that the solid grains of soil have the remarkable power of absorbing or concentrating a portion of the salts on their surface and thus with- drawing them from active solution. This is of the greatest practical importance, as otherwise the soil moisture would quickly become saturated with salts and ren- dered totally unfit for agricultural plants. As a matter of fact, in consequence of this condensing power, in no case was the concentration of the soil moisture found to exceed 3 per cent, although the salts were quite soluble and were crystallized out on the surface of the ground." Soil temperatures, L. U. Carpenter et al. (Colorado Sta. Bid. 49, pp. 55-63, Jig. 1). — The weekly averages of soil temperatures (recorded by two sets of thermometers) down to depths of 6 ft. are reported, and the effect of irrigation on the temperature of the soil is discussed. " [One set of soil thermometers was so situated in a grass plat] that the irrigation of the lawn flooded to a depth of some inches the ground where the instruments were placed, and the irrigation was continued long enough to saturate the ground underneath. " The temperature at a depth of 6 ft. had been nearly uniform at 62° for a number of weeks before the date of irrigation on August 12. "With the application of water it is noticed that the temperature immediately rises, reaching a temperature of 71° almost immediately after. The temperature fell almost immediately after the irrigation, so that during the next 3 days it had fallen to 64.5°. On August 16 the irrigation was repeated, and this time the effect of this, added to the effect of the first, was to increase the temperature to 75.5°. The tem- perature dropped rapidly to 69°, aud then dropped gradually, not again reaching 62° until October. The effect of irrigation on the plat of ground and its vicinity was felt for more than a month. "The effect on the temperature at 2 ft. and at 3 ft. in depth was much the same. At the first irrigation the temperature at 2 ft. was increased over that at the lower depths. At the second irrigation the effect on the deep thermometers was almost as great as upon the 2- ft. thermometer. "For the depths less than 2 ft. the diurnal lluctuation ls'marked. . . . The shal- lower thermometers also show the cooling effect from evaporation so much that their temperatures fell below the deeper ones." The air and the methods of hygrometry, A. and H. Wolpekt (Die Luft und die Meihoden der Hygrometrie. Berlin: W. #• S. Loewenthal, 1899, pp. XXII-\-3SS, figs. 108). The maximum amount of chlorids in sea air, A. Gactier (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 (1S99), No. 12, pp. 715, 716). — The author found in the air of the Atlan- tic Ocean 0.00462 gm. of chlorin, corresponding to 0.022 gm. of sodium chlorid per cubic meter of air. The absence of iodin in the free state or in the form of iodated gas in the air of the region of Toulouse, F. Garrigou (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 128 (1899), No. 14, pp. 8S4, 885). FERTILIZERS. 1031 Researches on moorland waters: I, Acidity, W. Ackroyd {Jour. Chem. Soc. [London], 75 {1899), No. 436, pp. 196-200, fig. 1). — An account of studies especially with reference to the fitness of such waters for drinking purposes. A new chemical process for the purification of water to be used for irriga- tion, G. Truffaut (Jour. Soc. Xat. Ifort. France, 3. ser., 21 (1899), Feb., pp. 1S4-190). — From the hardness, as determined with standard soap solution, the amount of mono- potassium phosphate required to remove the larger part of the calcium and mag- nesium and convert the harmful salts into useful forms is calculated. On methods of determining the fertilizer requirements of cultivated soils, O. Kellner (Mitt. Oekon. Gesell. Sachsen, IS 97-98, II, pp.16). — A general discussion of tli is subject. Directions forjudging the agricultural value of soils, K. Bielei: (Menzel u. von Lengerke's Landiv. Kalender, lS99,pt. 2, pp. 53-80, jigs. 2). — A popular discussion of the value of mechanical and chemical examination both of the surface and subsoil as means of determining the agricultural value of soils. Soils and fertilizers, C. M. Blackford (Pop. Sci. Mo.,54 (1S99), Xo. 3, pp. 392-401). Analyses of the arable soils of Belgium, A. Petermann (Rev. Gen. Agron., 8 (1S99), Xo. 2, pp. 49-55; 3, pp. 113-120). Soil analyses at Wollongbar, II. V. Jackson (Agr. Gaz. Xew South Wales, 10 (1S99), Xo. 2, pp. 166-168, fig. 1). — Analyses by F. B. Guthrie of samples from fertile and infertile spots of a deep, friable, well-drained red loam showed the infertile spots to be acid. The nitrogenous compounds which accompany humus acids in soils and peat, F. Sestixi (landw. Vers. Stat., 51 (1S99), Xo. 2-3, pp. 153-158).— See E. S. R., 10, p. 424. Soil temperatures (Xew York Slate Sta. lipt. 1897, pp. G2S-634).—k tabulated sum- mary of tridaily observations during 1897 at depths of from 1 to 18 in. FERTILIZERS. Analyses and valuations of fertilizers, L. A. Voorhees and J. P. Street (New Jersey Stas. Bui. 132, pp. 61). — This bulletin gives trade values of fertilizing constituents in 1898 and the results of examina- tions of the standard commercial materials supplying them, as well as of home mixtures, factory-mixed fertilizers, and miscellaneous fertiliz- ing materials. Analyses and valuations are given of 85 samples of standard raw materials, 305 brands of complete fertilizers, 28 samples of ground bone, 23 samples of home and special mixtures, and 38 sam- ples of miscellaneous products. The materials examined include, in addition to the mixed fertilizers, nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, dried blood, ground fish, tankage, ground bone, superphosphates, muri- ate of potash, sulphate of potash, kainit, double phosphate of potash and magnesia, saltpeter lime, lime from soft clam shells, shell marl, a lime fertilizer, wood ashes, crematory ashes, wool waste, bat guano from Mexico, cotton-seed meal, and pigeon manure. The consumption of fertilizers in the State in 1897 was practically the same as in 189G. The 305 brands of fertilizers examined were the prod- uct of 81 manufactories, indicating a tendency to excessive multipli- cation of brands. The fertilizers examined furnished on an average the amount of plant food guaranteed, but in only GO per cent of them was it distributed in the proportion stated. The average composition, estimated value, and selling price of all brands of complete fertilizers 1032 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. examined during the year were as follows: Total nitrogen, 2.45; total phosphoric acid, 10.G0; available phosphoric acid, 8.37; insoluble phos- phoric acid, 2.32; potash, 5.3S per cent; station valuation, 810.90; sell- ing price, $28.58; actual difference, $8.GS; percentage difference, 43. G per cent. A comparison of these figures with similar data for previous years (E. S. E., 0, p. 035) shows that the composition of the average fer- tilizer has been remarkably uniform for the past 8 years. The average cost per pound of nitrogen in the samples (12) of nitrate of soda examined was 12.33 cts. ; of sulphate of ammonia (1 sample), 14.02 cts.; dried blood (0 samples), 11.52 cts.; ground fish (0 samples), 11.54 cts.; and ground bone (15 samples), fine, 11.10, and coarse, 8.20 cts. The average cost per poui.a of available phosphoric acid in plain superphosphate (15 analyses) was 3.34 cts. The average cost per pound of potash in muriate of potash (12 samples) was 3.82 cts.; in kainit (3 samples), 4.04 cts. Virginia marls, W. B. Ellett and A. T. Eskridoe ( Virginia Six. Bid. 78, pp. 65-70). — This bulletin reports analyses of 3G samples of marl from different parts of Virginia, accompanied by a brief review of the history of the use of marls in Virginia and a discussion of their value as a fertilizer. The analyses are grouped in three classes : (1) Marls con- taining upward of 20 per cent of lime (10 samples), (2) marls containing over 1 per cent of phosphoric acid (12 samples), and (3) marls contain- ing over 1 per cent of phosphoric acid (5 samples). "The analyses make it clear that there are marls of high fertilizing value to be found in some sections of the State." Investigations on the fertilizing value of carbon bisulphid, E. Wollny (Vrtljschr. Bayer. Landw. Itiith., 1898, Xo. 3, pp. 319-312). — This is an account of experiments in pots and in the field with a variety of crops, extending over several years and designed to test not only the direct, but the after-effect of carbon bisulphid. Two series of experi- ments were made; one in which the bisulphid was applied during the growing period of the plants and the other in which the bisulphid was applied some months before the planting of the crops. The results showed that in the former case the plants were either killed or their growth checked and the yield reduced, while in the latter case the yield was considerably increased. However, the yields the second or third year, if no fertilizer was applied, were smaller on those soils which had received the carbon bisulphid the previous year than on those which had not received an application of this substance. The causes of the peculiar action of the bisulphid were not explained by these experiments. The activity of the nitrifying organisms of the soils and of the organisms of the root tubercles of leguminous plants was checked, but the organisms were not killed even by the use of consid- erable quantities of bisulphid. The crops experimented with were beans, peas, carrots, beets, potatoes, rye, maize, mixed grasses, flax, clover, alfalfa, camelina, and rape. In the pot experiments 10 cc. of carbon bisulphid was used in each- pot (containing 4.15 kg. of soil). FERTILIZERS. 1033 In the field experiments plats I square meters in area were used. In each plat 16 holes were made at regular intervals to depths of from 30 to 50 cm. and 25 cc. of carbon bisulphid applied in each hole. Experiments to determine the fertilizer requirements of soils, G. Liebscher ET AL. (Jour. Landw., 46 (1898), Xo. 4, pp. 319-412). — This is an account of a continuation by Edler, Kretschmer, von Seel- horst, and J. Wilms of experiments planned by G. Liebscher (E. S. R., 7, p. 604) to determine the fertilizer requirements of soils by means of field and pot tests, the latter accompanied by analyses of the soils and plants. The results of field experiments with fertilizers in a number of differ- ent localities in 1895 were inconclusive, it being impossible to deter- mine whether the differences observed were due to the fertilizers used or to variations in the other conditions. When, however, tests were made with the different soils in pots accompanied by a study of the composition of the soil and of the crop produced, more definite results were obtained. It was found in this case that, under like conditions of culture, heat, moisture, etc., plant analysis furnished a reliable means of judging of the fertilizer requirements of the soil. It is considered more reliable for this purpose than soil analysis, although the latter fur- nishes useful data. The conditions in pot experiments vary so widely from those which obtain in the field that, in the authors' opinion, there is a question whether the composition of the plants grown in the field would not differ materially from that of plants grown in pots. It was found in many cases that the potash content of the crop was increased by applications of phosphoric acid, although the opposite was rarely true. The results farther show that a constituent which was in relative excess in the soil was also found in excess in the crop. Barnyard manure, F. T. Shutt {Canada Cent. Espt. Farm Bui. 31, pp. 29, pi. 1). — This is a popular article on the nature, functions, composition, fermentations, preser- vation, and application of barnyard manure based to a large extent on investigations made by the author and his associates. Report of analyses of commercial fertilizers for the fall of 1898, L. L. Van Slyke (New York Slate Sta. Bui. US, pp. 199-225). — The results of analyses of 162 different brands of fertilizers are reported and the composition and quality of the different fertilizers ottered for sale in the State during the year 1898 are discussed. Of the 162 brands examined, 111 were complete fertilizers. In these the nitrogen varied from 0.46 to 4.69 per cent, averaging 1.67 per cent; the available phosphoric acid varied from 4.77 to 13.45 per cent, averaging 9.27 per cent; the potash varied from 0 36 to 10.43 per cent, averaging 4.36 per cent. The average amounts of nitro- gen, available phosphoric acid, and potash exceeded the guaranteed average by 0.16, 0.96, and 0.26 per cent, respectively. Analyses of fertilizers, C. A. Goessmann* (Massachusetts Hatch. Sta. Bui. ~>7, pp. 24).— The bulletin contains analyses of 57 samples of fertilizing materials sent to the station for examination and 127 brands of commercial fertilizers collected during 1898. The fertilizing materials analyzed include wood ashes, limekiln ashes, peach- twig ashes, potatoes, clover hay, tobacco stems, hop refuse, dried blood, peat, sul- phate of ammouia, sulphate of potash and magnesia, tankage, bone meal, barnyard manure, sewage, and complete fertilizers. A schedule of trade values for 1898 is given. 1034 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The Peruvian guano deposits from 1878 to 1898, J. II. M. Fai.i.ox (Jour. Soe. Chem. Inch, 18 (1S99), Xo. 3, pp. 213-224, figs. 4).— A. brief history of these deposits. Analyses of bat guano, F. Watts (Jour. Jamaica Agr. Soc., 3 (1S99), Xo. 3, p. 153). — Analyses of samples of medium and rich quality, representative of deposits on the island of Jamaica. The potash industry, H. Passmaxn {Die Kaliindustrie in Hirer Bedeutung und Entwickelung. 2 cd. Stassfurt, 1S99, pp. III+120). Phosphatic nodules of Trichinopoly and the use of mineral phosphates in agriculture, D. HOOPER (Agr. Ledger, 189S, Xo. 20 (Agr. ser., Xo. 23), pp. 19). — These nodules, which are found scattered over the surface or distributed through the soil in more or less abundance over a considerable area in this district, showed on analysis 53 to GO per cent of tricalcium phosphate, I to 8 per cent of oxid of iron and alumina, and 1? to 23 per cent of calcium carbonate. The value of the lime in phosphatic fertilizers, Maizikres (V Engrain, 14(1399,) Xo. 8, pp. 179-181). — A discussion, based largely upon the work of Ullmann, of the fertilizing value of the free lime of Thomas slag and the gypsum of superphosphates. Remarks on the determination of the fertilizer requirements of soils, C. von Seelhorst (Jour. Landw., 47 (1899), Xo. 1, pp. 91-94). — An explanation of some of the details of the experiments reported in the article noted above (p. 1033). Fertilizers for natural meadows (V Engrain, 13 (189S), Xo. 41, pp. 977, 978).— A. summary of the results of investigations on this subject, with conclusions. FIELD CROPS. Results obtained in 1898 from trial plats of grain, fodder corn, and roots, W. Saunders (Canada Gent. Eotypt. Farm Bui. 32, pp. 47, Jigs. 2). — These tests were in continuation of cooperative work pre- viously reported (E. S. R., 9, p. 82G). The general plan of the experi- ments remained unchanged. The results are given in tabular form. Taking the average results obtained on all the experimental farms the varieties of the different crops producing the largest yield in 1898, mentioned in their order, were as follows : Oats. — Bavarian, Banner, White Giant, Oderbruch, Columbus, American Triumph, American Beauty, California Prolific Black, Abundance, White Schonen, Mennouite, and Golden Beauty. Two-rowed barley. — Beaver, Dunham, Danish Chevalier, Newton, French Chevalier, and Prize Prolific. Six-rowed barley. — Pioneer, Stella, Odessa, Mensury, Oderbruch, and Trooper. Spring wheat. — Wellman Fife, Monarch, White Connell, Goose. White Fife, Red Fife, Preston, Progress, Percy, Rio Grande, Stanley, and Emporium. Peas. — Perth, Pride, Elephant Blue, King, Harrison Glory, Trilby, Vincent, Early Britain, Pictou, New Potter, German White, and Bruce. Corn. — Red Cob Ensilage, Giant Prolific Ensilage, Thoroughbred White Flint, Early Mastodon, Champion White Pearl, and Cloud Early Yellow. Turnips. — Purple-top Swede, Jumbo, Giant King, Sutton Champion, Hall Westbury, and Perfection. Swede. Mangel-wurzels. — Yellow Intermediate, Gate Post, Giant Yellow Globe, Canada Giant, Giant Yellow Intermediate, and Norbiton Giant. Carrots. — Mammoth White Inter- mediate, Improved Short White, Half Long White, White Belgian, Green Top White Orthe, and Giant White Vosges. Sugar beets. — Danish Red Top, Danish Improved, Red Top Sugar, and Improved Imperial. Potatoes. — American Giant, Seedling No. 7, Date Puritan, New Variety No. 1, American Wonder, Irish Daisy, Dreer Standard, Clay Rose, Green Mountain, State of Maine, Polaris, and Rural Blush. The average yields per acre in 1898 of the varieties here mentioned were approximately as follows : 09 bu. of oats, 42 bu. of two-rowed bar- FIELD CROPS. 1035 ley, 47 bu. of six-rowed barley, 30 bu. of spring wheat, 40 bu. of peas, 22 tons of silage corn, 33 tons of turnips, 33 tons of inangel-wurzels, 25 tons of carrots, 24 tons of sugar beets, and 453 bu. of potatoes. The varieties of different crops which have given the best average yields at the several experimental farms during the past 4 years, in the order of their productiveness, are as follows : Oats. — Banner, American Beauty, Columbus, Golden Beauty, Bavarian, Holsteiu Prolific, White Schonen, Early Golden Prolific, Wallis, Abundance, Golden Giant, and White Russian. Two-rowed barley. — French Chevalier, Danish Chevalier, Beaver, Canadian Thorpe, Newton, and Prize Prolific. Six-rowed barley. — Mensury, Odessa, Trooper, Common, Royal, and Oderhruch. Spring wheat. — Preston, Wellman Fife, Monarch, Percy, Red Fife, White Fife, White Connell, Rio Grande, Goose, Red Fern, Old Red River, and Advance. Potatoes. — Irish Daisy, Seedling 230, Late Puritan, American Wonder, Reading Giant, New Variety No. 1, Lee Favorite, Empire State, State of Maine, McKenzie, Clark No. 1, and Queen of the Valley. The approximate average yields of these varieties of oats, two-rowed barley, six-rowed barley, spring wheat, and potatoes was 67, 34, 40, 29, and 343 bu. per acre respectively. The varieties of peas, mangel-wurzels, and carrots giving the best average yields for 3 years at all the experimental farms were as follows : Peas. — Crown, Carleton, Pride, New Potter, Prince Albert, Arthur, Centennial, Paragon, Creeper, Trilby, Duke, and Kent. Mangel-wurzel*. — Kate Post, Giant Yellow Intermediate, Yellow Intermediate, Giant Yellow Globe, Mammoth Long Red, and Canada Giant. Carrots. — Improved Short White, Half Long White, Giant White Vosges, Mammoth White Intermediate, Iverson, Champion, and White Belgian. The approximate average yields of these varieties of peas, mangel- wurzels, and carrots were 34 bu., 30 tons, and 18 tons per acre respectively. The effect of different methods of culture on the yield of mangel- wurzels, E. Wollny (Bl. Zuckerriibenbau, 5 [1898),No. 15, pp. 225-232; K>,pp. 211-248). — Ridge and level culture were compared, and a method, which consisted in making broad and flat-topped ridges along the mid- dle of which the seed was planted and then level cultivation given, was tried. The data obtaiued show that the temperature of the ridged soil was higher and subject to greater variations than the soil which was given level cultivation; that the ridged surface had the smaller water content; and that the effect of drought is most marked on soils of a comparatively small water-holding capacity. It was found that ridges running north and south had a higher and less variable tem- perature than ridges extending east and west. The author concludes that ridge culture and growing plants on broad and flat ridges is advisable only on soils with large water-holding capacity and in moist climates. The general conclusion is that growing beets on broad and flat-topped ridges with level cultivation in a mild and moist climate and on soils of medium to large water-holding capacity is preferable to the ordinary ridge culture. 1036 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A report of the cultural experiments at the agricultural college at Carlsburg ( Bui. Agr. [Brussels], 14 {1898), No. 6, pp. 612-619, pl.l).— The results of fertilizer and cultural experiments with oats and pota- toes carried on for 13 years are tabulated, and the results obtained during the season of 1898 are discussed in detail. The fertilizers applied were barnyard manure, a complete commercial fertilizer, a fer- tilizer which furnishes nitrogen only, and fertilizer mixtures in which either nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash, or lime was lacking. In gen- eral, barnyard manure gave the best results. Harrowing meadows proved effective in the destruction of weeds. Spraying a weedy field of oats with a solution of a mixture of copper sulphate and ferrous sulphate (7i kg. per hectoliter of water) resulted in the destruction of the weeds without a bad effect on the oats or the clover which grew under it. Distance experiments -with sugar beets and fertilizer tests with potatoes, C. von Seelhorst (Fiihling's LancLw. Ztg., 17 (1898), No. 8, pp. 300-302). — Better results were obtained when beets were planted 20 cm. apart in rows 20 cm. apart than when either of the dis- tances was 30 or 40 cm. The fertilizer experiment with pot a toes showed that kainit, carnallit, and muriate of potash, when applied late, decrease the starch content of the tubers, while sulphate of potash and carbonate of potash and magnesium increased the starch content. Muriate of potash, sulphate of potash, and carbonate of potash and magnesium were the most effective in increasing the total yield. The composition of sugar beets rich in sugar (Chem. Ztg., 22 (1898), No. 98, p. 1035). — In 1898 1,200 samples of sugar beets analyzed in the State Laboratory at Lowen, Belgium, showed an average sugar content of 1G.4 per cent. From a comparison of the composition of rich sugar beets it is concluded that the percentages of nitrogenous and mineral substances and cellulose decreases as the sugar content increases; further, that the sugar content of the beet increases as the percentage of lime in the beet increases and the percentages of potash and phosphoric acid decrease and that the content of magnesia remains relatively the same. The influence of different rates of fertilization on the yields of cultivated plants, E. Wollny (Bl. Zuclcerriibenbau, 5 (1898), No. 4, pp. 369-373). — From the results of growing sugar beets, maugel-wurzels and potatoes fertilized with different amounts of a mixture consisting of equal parts of superphosphate, chlorid of potash, and nitrate of soda, the author concludes that the yield increased with the increase of plant food up to a certain point, when the rate of increase in the yield began to diminish and finally reached a point beyond which the increase of plant food became unprofitable. Report of field experiments, 1897-98, A. Damseatjx (Bid. Agr. [Brussels], 14 (1898), No. 6, pp. 591-605).— -The results of fertilizer experiments with cereals and root and forage crops are reported. Among 13 varieties of wheat Carte*: D, Barbu jaune a epi carre, Standup, and Bivett Bearded, in the order given, were the most pro- FIELD CROPS. 1037 ductive. Two varieties of rye, Lochow and Baimet, and 1 variety of oats, La Precoce d'ete" Cbrestensen, are recommended. A dressing of 400 kg-, per hectare of superphosphate produced a larger increase in the yield of oats than a dressing of 200 kg. per hectare of nitrate of soda, and when these applications were applied together the results were not as satisfactory as when they were applied separately. The use of Alinit seemed to have no effect on the yield of oats. Eight varieties of sugar beets were grown, all of which showed a high sugar content and coefficient of purity and a good yield. The fol- lowing varieties are mentioned as producing beets of good form: Bim- pau a Schlanstedt, Keilbolz amelioree, Selection Dumont-Brabant, and Baumeier Kleinwauzleben. Nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia were applied before the sugar beets were planted. The nitrate of soda increased the yield at the expense of sugar content and purity, while the sulphate of ammonia had no detrimental effect on the sugar con- tent and purity, but produced a smaller increase in yield. Muriate of potash was found more effective than kainit. The results of testing gypsum as a fertilizer for clover showed that the application should not be made as a top-dressing. Tests were made of fertilizing and cultivating the sod of two-year- old meadows. Peruvian guano was applied at the rate of 350 kg. per hectare on February 21 and cultivation with a harrow was given to the depth of G cm. The fertilizer applied alone gave the best results, fol- lowed in their order by the use of the fertilizer together with cultiva- tion, and cultivation alone. Test of fertilizers on -wheat, D. O. Nourse ( Virginia Sta. Bui. 77, pp. 53-61). — This is in continuation of work formerly reported, and the plan of the experiment has been described in a previous abstract (E. S. B., 9, p. 747). The results for the present year and the average results for 3 years are given in tables. The financial results of the different applications are discussed. The average results for the 3 years show that when applied alone potash was practically without effect, nitrogen increased the yield, but not enough to pay for the appli- cation, and phosphoric acid more than doubled the yield of grain and straw. The following table gives the results obtained when the ferti- lizers were applied together, each in amounts sufficient to supply either all the phosphoric acid or one-half of the potash or nitrogen removed in a crop of wheat of 25 bu. per acre. Iiestilt-s of fertilizer tests with wheat. Plant food. Grain per acre. Straw per acre. 1896. 1897. 1898. Average. L896. 1897. L898. \ -, erage. Bu. 5.22 5.83 13. 00 12. OB IS. 04 Bu. 5.90 9. 01 16. 30 17.95 19.43 Bu. 7.72 11.37 19.50 23.40 27.00 Bit. o. 28 Lbs. 676 Lb$. J Jin. 590 1.041 873 1,178 1,277 1.780 1,543 2. 4. ".3 1,574 2,680 Lbs. 709 8 94 1.060 1,037 Potash and phosphoric acid Phosphoric acid and nitrogen . . Potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen L6. 29 18.(12 21.49 1,570 1,310 1,718 1,512 1,769 1,991 1038 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A contribution to the question of how kainit affects the potato when applied to the preceding crop, O. Lemmermann (Landw. Vers. Stat., 51 (1898), No. 2-3, pp. 159-184). — A number of cooperative experi- ments were made with different amounts of kainit applied to tbe cereal crop which preceded a crop of potatoes. In every case 9 plats each 5 ares in size were used. In addition to uniform green manuring: and an application of 1,000 kg. of lime per hectare, 3 received 1,000 kg. kainit per hectare, 3 received 2,000 kg., and 3 received no kainit. The fertil- izers were applied in the fall of 1891. A cereal crop was. grown the fol- lowing season, and in 189G a crop of potatoes. The results from the kainit applications on the cereal crop indicate that on soils containing 0.2351 per cent of potash a potash fertilizer for wheat and rye is recom- mendable, and that on soils containing 0.2424: per cent of potash an addition of potash is unnecessary for oats. In general the application of kainit in these experiments acted bene- ficially, but the results from different amounts on the various soils were not parallel. In all cases except one, plats receiving kainit produced better yields than plats to which no kainit had been applied. The yield from the larger applications was greater in a number of cases than the yield from the smaller applications, but the increase was not in propor- tion to the amount applied. In a fewinstauces the application of 2,000 kg. per hectare proved too heavy, and the yields were smaller than those obtained on plats which had received one-half that amount or no kainit. The action of kainit in these tests did not show any marked regularity, and the author considers further experiments necessary before definite conclusions can be drawn. Researches on the quantities of fertilizing materials necessary in the intensive culture of the potato, A. Girard (Ann. ISci. Agron., 1897, II, No. 2, pp. 261-280). — Observations were made of the amount of plant food removed from the soil by the different parts of the potato plant. Eight different varieties were studied. It is concluded that the maximum yields of tubers of these varieties removed on an average 110.80 kg. of nitrogen, 25.31 kg. of phosphoric acid, and 183.35 kg. of potash per hectare. On the consumption of water in rice fields, I. Inagaki (Imp. Univ. Col. A(jr. [Tokyo] Bui, Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 107-414, pi. 1).— This article gives a record of measurements at intervals of two or three days of transpiration from rice plants growing in pots. The experi- ments covered the period from January 18 to October 20. The pots were covered with an apparatus which maintained the water in the pot at a constant level, measuring the water so used and at the same time recording the evaporation from the surface of the pots as well as the excess of water which the plants received due to wind, rain, or dimi- nution of atmospheric pressure. From the data obtained in these experiments it is estimated that the rice crop transpires 1.539 liters of water per hectare per second. In experiments in the field it was found FIELD CROPS. 1039 tli at the amount of water so utilized by the rice plant was 1.0G8 liters of water per hectare per second. It thus appears that the water requirements of rice are much smaller in Japan than in Italy, where, according to Patriarca,1 the average amount of water required by rice is 2.637 liters per hectare per second. This difference is believed to be due to the greater humidity of the air in Japan (76 to 94 per cent, as compared with 52 to 09 per cent in Italy). Report of the agricultural exposition of Kiev and the agricultural industries of Russia, H. Sagxier (Bui. [.]/<«. Agr. France], 17 (1898), Xo. 2, pp. 488-513).— Thia report discusses the agricultural exposition held at Kiev in 1897 and the history and present condition of agricultural education in Russia, and gives descriptions of the Agronomic Institute at Moscow, the Imperial Agricultural Museum, and the Botanic Gardens at St. Petershurg. An outline is given of the systems of agricultural ex- perimeut stations aud meteorological stations and the general work of the Ministry of Agriculture is pointed out. November*crop report, C. C. James (Ontario Bureau Iud. Bui. 68, pp. 31). — This bulletin gives the estimates of the yields of crops, statistics of live stock, and the total rainfall and average temperature for the Province of Ontario for 1898. Some statistics of the world's production and consumption of cereals, L. Graxdeau (Ann. Sei. Agron., 1S9S, IT, Xo. 2, pp. 127-228). — Figures are given on the production of cereals in general, on the production of wheat for all countries, and on the cost of producing wheat in France. The culture of beets for forage, E. Mer (Frog. Agr. et Tit. (ed. Vest), 20 (1899), No. 13, pp. 399-401). — This article reviews the methods of growing heets for forage in different parts of France and gives directions for their culture. Broom corn ( Wallace's Farmer, 24 (1899), Xo. 14, p. 313). — A popular note on the culture of broom corn in central Kansas. Cost of cane culture, R. F. Rose (Florida Agr., 26(1899), Xo. 15, p. ::?).— A brief article on the cost of growing sugar cane iu Florida and Louisiana. The cultivation of pindars or ground nuts in Jamaica, F. Watts (Jour. Jamaica Agr. Soc. 1S9S, Xo. 10, pp. 409-414; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 17 (1898), Xo. 12, p. 12D0). General observations on oats, Balland (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 125 (1S97), Xo. 16, pp. 579-581). Raising peanuts by irrigation (Fla. Agr., 26 (1S99), Xo. I-',, pp. 26, 27).— A. brief article on the subject. Some good varieties of potatoes (Amer. Card., 20(1899), Xo. 226, p. 301).— Notes on 16 of the newer varieties of potatoes tested at the Ohio Station the last two seasons. The potato in France in 1781, G. Hexslow (Gard. Chron., 3. xer., 25 (1S99), Xo. 639, p. 177). — A review of a work ou the potato published in France in 1781, con- taining many points of historical interest. The influence of form, size, and starch content of seed potatoes on the yield, M. Fischer (Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 48 (1899), Xo. 5, pp. 188-193; 6, pp. 901-208).— Experiments were conducted to determine the influence of these factors on the yield of potatoes, and the results are here tabulated and discussed. Relations between the color of the grain, its composition, and the form of the heads and stems of rye, N. "Westermeier (Fiihling's Landw. Ztg., 47 (1898), No pp. 847-852).— -This article is a discussion of the results of breeding rye by different breeders. The author states that so long as it has not been proved that yellow- grained rye is the more productive, green-grained rye should receive the preference 1 Compare Markus, Landw. Meliorationsweseu, 1881, p. 59. 1040 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. on account of its higher nitrogen content. A discussion of this subject has been previously noted (E. S. R., 10, p. 349). The British millers' requirements in wheat (Agr. Gaz. New South Wales, 9{1S9S), No. 7, pp. 750-761). — The article considers the wheat berry, the endosperm, and the germ, besides discussing the milling requirements in a general way. Experiments in the improvement of fodder roots, C. V. Gakola {Ann. Sd. Agron., 1S9S, II, No. 3, pp. 423-4J9). — Results are given of cultural experiments and investi- gations on the chemical composition and digestibility of fodder roots. The chemical composition of maize and its products, II. W. Wiley {Ann. Agron., 25 {1899), No. 1, pp. 33-47). — This is a translation by E. Gain of U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Chemistry Bui. 50 (E. S. R., 10, p. 624). Legumes in their relation to crop rotations, Salfeld {Dent. Landw. P reuse, 26 {1S99), No. 24, pp. 259, 260). — A discussion on the value of various legumes in the rotation, with a statement of results obtained in practice. HORTICULTURE. The Stringfellow root-pruning theory, H. X. Starnes {Georgia St a. Bui. 40, pp. 147-179, pi. 1, pjs. 25).— The Stringfellow method of close root pruning is described and illustrated and the advantages claimed for it enumerated. They are, in short, a saving of time, labor, and consequent expense in handling, and a nearly perpendicular down- ward growth of the roots of the transplanted tree. In the first experi- ment one-year-old trees of Elberta peaches averaging 5 ft. in height were planted February 1, 189G, on red loam with a stiff red clay subsoil. There were 12 rows, each containing 21 trees, the rows being 18 ft. apart. The roots of the trees in the different rows were either un- pruned, pruned only when broken, or pruned to 1, 2, or 4 in. clubs, or 1 or 4 in. taps, the tops in all cases being pruned to 18 in.; or the roots were pruned only where broken and the tops left unpruned or pruned to 12 or 21 in. At the same time in another location there were planted several small plats of apples and cherries, either unpruned or root- rn-uned to 1 in. clubs with tops pruned to 18 in. All trees with whole roots were planted in the usual manner in standard holes and the root- less ones in a crack made by inserting a spade perpendicularly in the ground and withdrawing it. The season which followed was exceptionally dry, yet every tree lived and appeared to flourish. At first the trees having whole or nearly whole root systems appeared to make the most rapid growth, but by fall there was little difference observable except in the rows that had not been top-pruned. The trees in these rows were less symmetrical than others, and showed a distinct warp or inclination toward the north. Little difference, if any, was observable between the rows whose tops had been pruned to 12, 18, and 23 in., respectively, all branching equally low. The following winter one tree from each row was dug up aud the dirt carefully washed away, thus exposing the entire root system. All were found so uniform in size, habit of growth, and general characteristics HORTICULTURE. 1041 that a second test of one-year-old roots "was made. In this fewer trees were used, and Mcintosh was substituted for Elberta. • One tree from each row was dug up, the roots freed from dirt, and photographed. The assertion that the new root system will penetrate almost per- pendicularly downward is not supported by these experiments. It is possible, however, that in more sandy ground the roots would assume a more nearly perpendicular direction. In the second experiment the best growth, both aerial and underground, was found in the rows which had been pruned to 4-in. taps and 1-in. tap planted in dibble holes. Observations upon the roots of two years' growth in the first experi- ment are given in the following table: Roots after two years' growth. Average diameter of root system. 1 Ft. In. 1-inch club 8 0 2-inch club 7 0 4-inch tap 7 6 4-inch club 8 0 Pruned only where broken 10 1 Roots unpruned - 9 1 1-inch tap planted in dibble hole ' 10 10 1-inch tap planted in normal bole , 11 3 Weight. Pounds. 5.93 7.47 8.68 10.66 14.30 11.04 8.04 8.95 D^|S0f Diameter syTten, <"• — Inches. 19.0 20.0 18.0 15.5 17.5 15.0 20.5 19.3 Inches. In all cases the taps were pruned to 18 in. The best and finest root systems were found in the trees pruned to 1-in. tap and planted in dib- ble or normal hole. The weight and diameter of stem was less than in others, but the roots penetrated much deeper. The whole root system had more fibrous laterals. The apples and cherries were examined at the end of the second season, and the difference between the unpruned and closely pruned roots was found much more pronounced. The latter made fewer, larger, and more robust roots, penetrating to a depth of 17 £ in. The former made a mass of small laterals, penetrating to only 9A in. The author is fairly satisfied that peach, apple, and cherry trees primed by the Stringfellow method will live and flourish in his section of Georgia, even in stiff soil and under adverse meteorological conditions. Orchard notes, F. S. Earle (Alabama College Sta. Bid. 98, j>j>. 263- 277). — Notes are given on the possibilities of successful apple culture in Alabama. An orchard of about 45 varieties was planted on the station grounds in 1885. Of these 24 varieties are enumerated which have proved healthy and fairly vigorous in that locality. The following provisional list covering a range of seasons is suggested: Early Har- vest, Eed Astrachan, Carter Blue, Limbertwig, York Imperial, Shock- ley, Eed June, Horse, Ben Davis, Winesap, and Yates. " The two most serious enemies to profitable apple growing so far encountered are the various summer rots that attack the green fruit on the tree and 1042 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the green louse or aphis," the latter being very abundant, especially on young trees. It has not been found possible to rid the trees of them by kerosene emulsion. The apple scab is seldom seen. Notes are given on 20 varieties of Hungarian apples received from the Division of Pomology of this Department. "There were 3 trees of each kind, one of which had been grafted on a whole root, one on the upper half of a root, and one on the lower half of a root/' Grafts on the lower half of the root made a slightly better growth than the others, and those on whole roots slightly poorer. In a test of northern as compared with southern grown apple nursery stock, Missouri- grown trees aver- aged 10 days earlier in starting than Georgia and Alabama stock, but before the end of the season there was no difference between them. In a trial of Japanese as compared with French pear stocks for the South, Bartlett pears on the former were from the outset the more vigorous, and at the end of three seasons' growth averaged twice the size of those on French roots. In a trial of the Stringfellow root-pruning method with 8 varieties of peaches and 2 of pears, neither increase nor decrease of vigor could be detected in the root-pruned trees. Observations made on the blooming seasons of 4G varieties of plums are given. The varieties are grouped as to time of blooming in the neighborhood of Auburn, each group comprising those blooming near enough together in ordinary seasons to effect cross pollination. A test of spraying with whitewash to retard blooming (E. S. K., 9, p. 835) showed little if any effect on time of budding. Japanese persimmons, it is stated, grow readily in all parts of the State and bear well. Varietal notes are given on 9 sorts. Okame, Yeddo Ichi, Costata, and Yemon are recommended as the best market kinds. Apples in Pennsylvania, G. C. Butz (Pennsylvania Sta. Bui. 43, pp. i7)._This is a popular bulletin, giving notes on soil, tilling the soil in young orchards, cultivation in bearing orchards, fertilizers, the trees, pruning at time of planting, distance to plant, pruning bearing trees, top grafting or double working, choice of varieties, preservation of apples, spraying, insect enemies, and fungus diseases. The greatest activity in Pennsylvania in the planting of apple orchards on a large scale is displayed at present in the southern and southwestern parts of the State. The author considers the York Imperial a variety of special promise in Pennsylvania. Among the insect enemies of the apple are mentioned the codling moth (Carpocapsa pomonella), borers, oyster-shell bark-louse (Mytilaspis pomorum), cankerworm (Anisopteryx pometaria), aphis [Aphis mail), and tent caterpillar (Clisiocampa amerioana), and remedies are given. Brief notes are given on the apple scab (Fusicladium dendriticum), rust (Roestelia pirata and Gymnosporangiion macropus), and leaf spot (Thyllosticta limitata), and remedies are suggested. Tests of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and grapes, J. Troop (Indiana Sta. Bui. 73, pp. 78-92, Jigs. 3).— Notes are given upon HORTICULTURE. 1043 numerous varieties of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries,, mostly new, tested at the station the past season. Xo recommended list of strawberries is given. Among- raspberries, Miller, Cuthbert, Columbian, Golden Queen, Marlboro, Eureka, Kansas, and Nemaha are recommended; among- blackberries, Agawam, Ancient Briton, Early King or Early Harvest (with protection), Eldorado, Erie, Snyder, Tay- lor, and Western Triumph. The author especially recommends thorough subsoiling before the setting of raspberries on land with a hard compact subsoil. Cultural notes are given on the native grapes, and Brilliant, ('amp- bell, Early Ohio, Nectar, Red Bird, and Ulster are recommended among the newer varieties as worthy of consideration. Strawberry culture — notes on varieties, L. R. Taft and IT. P. Gladden (Michigan Sta. Bui. 163, pp. 43-76, figs. 6). — A general pre- sentation of the subject, discussing the soil and its preparation, plants and planting, fall planting, varieties, perfect and imperfect flowered varieties, cultivation and care, mulching, preventing injury from frost, irrigation, cleaning out the old beds, insects and diseases, the strawberry weevil, and the strawberry-leaf blight. Notes upon a large number of varieties are appended. "The most promising of the new sorts are Fountain, Hoosier, Knight, Morgan Favorite, Ridgeway, Seaford, Unnamed, and Mayflower for early and medium, and Michigan for late. "Of the varieties that have been tested for two seasons the following have the most promise : Fremont, Giant, Glen Mary, Ideal, Purdue, Plow City, Ruby, and Wm. Belt. "Notwithstanding the advent of the many newer sorts, it is doubtful if there are more profitable varieties for the market grower than Bnbach, Haverland, and War- field, with Bedor Wood, Sharpless, or Clyde as fertilizers for these pistillates. "For the grower of fancy fruit under intensive culture it is possible that the large fruiting sorts— Brandywine, Glen Mary, Marshall, and Wm. Belt — may be mure profitable than the varieties named above that are usually more productive but bear smaller berries. " Bird, Greenville, Leroy, Snowball, and Weston, among sorts not so widely known as the above, have given good results as market berries. "Aroma and Eureka bear large fruits, are late, and have a long season. They are well worthy of trial as late varieties.'' A native "white bedding plant, J. C. Arthur (Indiana Sta. Bui. 71, pp. 94-lou. pis. 6, fig. l). — The essential motive of tiiis bulletin is to call the attention of flower lovers to the ornamental possibilities of some species of our native flora. Notes are given on Gerastium arvense oblongifolium, to which the author gives the popular name starry grasswort, as a bedding plant. This plant has been under cultivation at the station for several years. It covers the ground with a close mat of foliage and is evergreen. It has merits also as a cut flower. The starry grasswort is believed to possess the necessary capacity for varia- tion that is essential when rapid cultural improvement is demanded. Botanical and cultural notes are given. 20776— No. 11 4 1044 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Horticulture in Japan, J. K. M. L. Farquiiau (Florists' Exchange, 11 {1800), Xo. It, p. 843). Evolution in the garden, F. W. BuRBRIDGE (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 25 (1890), No. 639, pp. 177, 178). — A criticism of the present confused nomenclature of garden plants, especially crossed plants, with suggestions for its simplification. Orchard cultivation, J. T. Stixson (Arkansas Sta. Bui. 55, pp. 87-100, figs. 7). — A popular presentation of the subject, treating of location, soil, time for setting trees, distances between trees, how to transplant, how to prune, tillage, cover crops, and fertilizers. Apple skin blotch {Leptothyrum pomi) is mentioned as of rare occurrence in orchards on the highlands in the northwestern part of the State, but of extensive occurrence in less elevated locatious. Experiments with the close root pruning method resulted somewhat unfavorably, but not decisively. The science of fruit tree fruitfulness simplified (Agr. Jour. Cape Good Hope, 14 (1899), No. 5, pp. 296-298). — Abstract of an article in the London Fruit Grower. It is a polemic against the commonly accepted canons of fruit-tree pruning. Removal of wood growth in such quantities as usually practiced is believed to be devitalizing. Superlluous growth should be pinched out as soon as it appears. If any is over- looked, it should be cut in the winter months of the year in which it first grew and all weak young branches should be cut back at the same time. The hardy fruit garden, C. Herein (Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 25 (1899), Xo. 639, pp. 182-183, figs. 8; Amur. Gard., 20 (1899), Xo. 224, pp. 260, 261, figs. S).— Detailed direc- tions for performing the operations of crown grafting, saddle grafting, side grafting, and whip grafting. An improved method of crown grafting is figured. Some notes on cherries in Vermont, F. A. Waugh (Amer. Gard., 20 (1899), Xo. 220, pp. 177-179). — Notes on a cooperative experiment with hardy cherries, mostly Russians, in Vermont. Reports on the cherries "were more full, complete, and favorable than those on apples, pears, or plums" distributed at the same time. Two explanations of this fact are suggested: ''First, the cherries have thrived better under the varied methods of neglect under which they have fallen and, secondly, there are more good things among the Russian cherries than in any other class of Russian fruits." Many of the varieties have made a very favorable impression throughout the .State. Descriptive notes are given of 16 varieties. 'J?he lemon and lemon growing, T. J. Ashby (California Fruit Grower, 24 1 1899), Xo. 11, p. 4). — Brief historical and cultural notes. The orange, W. J. Allen (Agr. Ga~. Xew South Wales, 10 (1899), Xo. :, pp. 154- 162. pis. 4). —Detailed cultural directions. The currant vine in South Australia (Gard. and Field, 24 (1800), Xo. 10, pp. 256- 25s, figs. 5). A fertilizer for strawberries (Belg. Hort. et Agr., 11 (1890), No. 6, p. 84). — The following fertilizer mixture is said to give very satisfactory results: 500 gin. nitrate of soda, 500 gm. sulphate of ammonia, 3 kg. superphosphate of lime, 2 kg. plaster, 2 kg. sulphate of iron. Apply the mixture in the sjning at the rate of 200 to 300 gm. per square meter. Vanilla planifolia, G. Wythes (Gard. chron., 3. ser., 25 (1809), Xo. 641, p. 213, fig. 1). — A gardener's method of procedure to secure a good crop of vanilla pods. Landscape gardening for factory homes, W. H. Tolman (Review of Reviews, 19 (1800), No. Ill, pp. 441-444, figs. 6). — An article relating how a manufacturer orna- mented his factory grounds, and the means by which interest in landscape garden- ing was aroused in the factory operatives. The result was a general ornamentation of home grounds in the vicinity and the organization of a local improvement asso- ciation. The factory people are now more contented and the value of real estate in the neighborhood has been enhanced. Roadside treatment — actual and possible, Mrs. F. H. Tucker (Xew England Florist, 5 (1899), No. 7, p. 74). — A lecture before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. I FORESTRY. 1045 Naturalizing daffodils, E. Bukkell (Gardening, 55 (1899), No. 14S9, pp. 234, 935);— Soil, not situation, is considered the important factor in the naturalization of daffo- dils. A deep sandy loam, with no suspicion of clogging or water logging, is consid- ered hest. If the soil is favorable, daffodils will thrive in any exposure, though a northwest aspect with very light soil is most desirable. What is a cactus dahlia? H. P. Burt (Amer. Gard., 20 (1899), No. 224,pp. 257, 258).— Dahlias are divided, according to the shape of the ray, into three types, one of which is the cactus dahlia. This type is distinguished from the others by three fundamental characters, which are given. Freesias, F. A. Waugh (Gardening, 7 (1899), No. 157, pp. 196, 197, fig. 1; Amer. Florist, 14 (1899), No. 569, pp. 1178, 1179, fig. 1).— -Suggestions for simplifying the con- fusing nomenclature of these flowers, and notes upon their amelioration. Walls made of ashes and cement for solid beds, E. Lonsdale (Amer. Florist, 14 {1899), No. 567, pp. 1117, 1118; Gardening, 7 (1899), No. 159, pp. 235-237).— A cheap method is described of constructing the walls of greenhouse beds. Brick may be replaced by a material composed of 6 to 7 parts of anthracite coal ashes and 1 part good Portland cement, the top being finished off with a mixture of 2 parts of sand to 1 of cement. FORESTRY. A sketch of the original distribution of white pine in the lower peninsula. 0. F. Wheeler (Michigan Sta. Bui. 162, p. 5, map 1). — In the lower peniusula of Michigan the white pine is said to have been generally distributed north of the forty-third parallel, although the actual southern limit of lumbering does not conform to this line. In 1835 it was said that the standing pine was estimated at 150,000,000,000 ft. In 1880, as reported by the census report for that year, the mer- chantable timber in the lower peninsula was estimated at 29,000,000,- €00 ft. and the total cut for that year was estimated at a little over 4,500,000,000 ft. The latest estimate of the standing white pine was made by the State Commissioner of Labor iu 1896, in which it is shown there were approximately 775,000 acres of white pine still standing iu the forests of Michigan. The present condition of Michigan forest and stump lands, with suggestions as to their care, F. C. Skeels (Michigan Sta. Bui. 162, %jp. 7-12, maj) l,fig. 1). — The present condition of the original forests of Michigan as stated shows that fully 90 per cent of all wooded lands in the State are owned by private parties who will convert the timber into merchantable forms as fast as the market will receive it. Much of the timber in these forests is said to be already past its prime, and it is thought that if the large owners could be interested in the proper cutting of the forests much good could be accomplished. In the maintenance of the present forests two things must be combated, timber thieves and forest fires. In order to accomplish this, legislation will be necessary whereby wardens will be provided for the protection of forests and stump lands.. It is also thought that some means should be adopted to influence the owners of stump lands to deed them back to the State, "which should have charge of the reforesting of these lands. 1046 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Government forests and their preservation, I!. HERMAN ( Forester, 5 (1899), Xo. 4r pp. 76-79). — A brief account of the extent of the forest reserves and the means employed to preserve them. Foreign trees for the German forests (Oeaterr. Forst. u. Jagdw. Ztg., 17 (1899), Xo. in, pp. 73, 74). — Notes are given on a number of American and .Japanese forest trees. Forestry in the State of Washington, K. Ltjdoff (Ztschr. Forst. n. Jagdw., SI (1899), Xo. 8, pp. 166-171). — Notes are given on the extent and character of the forests of the State. The relation between forestry and geology in New Jersey, A. HoLLICK (Amer. Nat., 33 (1899), No. 385, pp. 1-14, map 1). Trees for rocky soils, S. M. Meehan ( Florists' Exchange, 11 (1899), Xo. G,p. 128). — Notes on trees particularly easy of cultivation in high latitudes and on stony grounds, and the distinctive merits of each in landscape planting. Trees recommended include all the birches, especially the European birch (Betula alba) and varieties, the paper birch (B.papyrifera), the poplar birch (B. populi folia), sweet birch (B. lent a), yellow birch (B. lufea), dwarf birch (B. pumila), American and European hornbeam, catalpa (C.spcciosa and C. bignoiiioides), and pines. The larch, A. Cieslak (Cental. Gcsam. Forstw. Wien, 25 (1899), Xo. 8, pp. 99-117, figs. 6). — The value of larch as a forest tree is discussed and some of the difficulties experienced in its management are pointed out. The nitrogen requirements of forest trees, M. I. Dtjdan (Oestcrr. Forst. u. Jagdw. Ztg., 1.7 (1899), Xo. 12, pp. 89, 90). Investigations on the preservation of oak timber against worms, E. MER (Compt. Bend. Acad. Sri. Paris, 127 (1898), Xo. 26, pp. 1252-1255). — The ringing and decorticating of tree trunks in the spring of the year previous to felling them is recommended. This action brings about the resorption of starch and deposition of tannin in the wood and consequently the timber is less liable to attach. Forestry legislation, C. D. Smith (Michigan Sta. Bui. 162, pp. 32-39).— The author reviews the various forestry laws of Michigan and briefly summarizes the more recent legislation relative to forestry in the other States. Methods of reforesting pine stump lands, W. J. BEAL (Michigan Sta. /iitl. 162, pp. 13-17 , fig. 1). — Popular notes are given on the methods of replanting or reforest- ing the stump lands and suggestions given as to what species would be most desir- able to plant. SEEDS— WEEDS. Seed-testing regulations (Landic. Vers. Stat., 50 (189S), No. 3-4, pp. 317-324). — The rules governing seed testing, adopted by the Asso- ciation of Agricultural Experiment Stations in the German Empire at an extraordinary session held in Berlin, January 17, 1898, are given in full. The rules relate to the size of sample, method of sampling, size of test sample, genuineness, purity, absolute weight, volume, milling quali- ties of cereals, and germination, with special regulations relative to beet and grass seeds. The regulation relative to disputed determinations was modified as follows: In case of dispute, a sample of the seed is to be sent to the experiment station at Tharand. Here three similar samples are taken and sent without intimation as to origin to three different seed labora- tories within the association. The reports from these three stations are submitted to a special committee, which, without knowing anything about the origin of the seed or stations testing them, renders a decision which shall be final. SEEDS- — WEEDS. 1047 On the salt-water method of the selection of seeds, T. Yokoi [Imp. Univ. Col. Agr. [Tokyo] Bui., Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 421-439). — The method of selecting seed by specific gravity is said to have been prac- ticed in China and Japan for more than 250 years. The author shows by a number of experiments that there is no constant relationship between the specific gravity and absolute weight of seed, owing to a number of factors, such as the varying quantity of fat, ethereal oils, water, free air, etc. It is also shown that the specific gravity is not an index of the actual amount of nutriment for the nourishment of a plautlet from a seed. A series of experiments with barley is quoted in which seed of the same specific gravity, but of different weights, and those having the same weight but different specific gravity, were compared. It appeared that seed having the greatest absolute weight produced larger plants than those of the highest specific gravity, show- ing that the absolute weight of tbe seed has an intimate relation to productive power, but the productive power has little or no relation to specific weight. A method of selection by the use of salt solutions is described, in which different strengths of solution are employed for different kinds of seed. The results obtained by this method, though not scientific- ally accurate, are said to be much more satisfactory than the ordinary specific gravity tests, and the method is quite widely employed in Japan. On the selection of rape seed, C. Kobayashi {Imp. Univ. Col. Agr. [ Tokyo] Bui., Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 440-468). — Investigations were con- ducted to ascertain the relation between the absolute weight and specific gravity of rape seed, the relation between the absolute weight and specific gravity of the seed and their germination, and the relation between the specific gravity of rape seed and their oil content. Briefly summarized the conclusions are that seeds of medium specific gravity have a more regular shape, are large, plump, heavy, and consist mainly of the heavier seeds when compared with those having either maximum or minimum specific gravity. The relation of the specific gravity and absolute weight of rape seed to germination shows that seeds of medium specific gravity are always superior in their germinating capacity, and produce more vigorous seedlings than those having a much higher or lower specific gravity. Heavy seeds produce larger seedlings than lighter ones, and if the seed of a given variety of rape be divided into groups according to specific gravity and absolute weight, on the whole, that of medium specific gravity is best for sowing. In estimating the oil content of rape seeds, those having medium specilic gravity were found richest in oil. On the effect of soaking rice seeds, T. Yokoi {Imp. Univ. Col. Agr. [Tokyo] Bui., Vol. 3, X<>. 5, pp. 469-473). — Attention is called to the loss in the dry weight of, seeds, caused by soaking them in wider for varying periods of time. A number of experiments are quoted in which it is shown that soaking seel for 21 hours entailed losses of from 1048 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 1.05 per cent for maize to 13.22 per cent for flaxseed. It is further stated that maize and barley soaked for 30 days at 18° 0. lost 33.7 and 27.12 per cent, respectively, of their dried weight. The author states that, notwithstanding the injurious effects of soaking seeds, the Japan- ese farmers are accustomed to soak their rice seeds for a number of days, generally from 3 weeks to, in some cases, 100 or more days before planting. The effect of this soaking for a long time on the ger- mination of seed is noted, and it is said that 120 days' soaking destroys, even in favorable cases, 20 or 30 per cent of the seeds, and those sur- viving germinate with difficulty. Experiments were conducted in which rice seed was soaked in pure water for 100 days, after which the seed was dried and found to have lost 12.018 per cent of its dry matter. This loss is distributed as follows: Organic matter 11.955, composed of nitrogenous material 1.09(5 percent and nonnitrogenous 10.259 per cent, and ash 0.003 per cent. Attention is called to the fact that in the water in which the seed has been soaked for this length of time a very small number of bacteria was to be found, the water remain- ing remarkably clear and not showing any discoloration, such as is usually found after soaking seed for a much shorter period. The influence of ether upon the germination of seeds and spores, C. O. Townsend (Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 47 (1898), pp. 409, 410).— In order to determine the effect of ether upon the germination of seeds and spores, seeds soaked for 21 hours in pure water were transferred to- ft series of air-tight damp chambers holding 1 liter and containing, respectively, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 cc. of ether dissolved in 100 cc. of water. The customary checks were maintained for comparison. It was found that 1 cc. of ether hastened the processes of germination slightly, but the subsequent growth of the seedlings was somewhat retarded. In those chambers containing 2.5 and 5 cc. of ether germination was con- siderably retarded, and an atmosphere containing 10 cc. prevented seeds from germinating. If seeds were removed from this strong atmosphere of ether at the end of from 7 to 10 days and placed under favorable conditions they germinated as readily as if they had not been placed in the ether atmosphere. On the other hand, if the seeds remained in the strong atmosphere of ether 2 weeks they seemed to lose their vital- ity. Similar results were obtained by placing spores upon plates of gelatin containing 10 cc. of sugar and placing the plates in a chamber containing ether vapors. "Weeds of cornfields, L. H. Pammel (Iowa Sta. Bui. 39, pp. 25-52r pl. l,fi(js. 38). — Various classifications of weeds are given, based upon their origin and duration. The most serious weed pests in the corn- fields of Iowa are the foxtail grasses, the bindweed (Convolvulus seplum), nut grass, and, in wet soils, the purple smartweed (Polygonum muhlenbergii). Of these, the foxtail grasses are the most troublesome. Descriptions are given of the most conspicuous weeds, together with maps showing their distribution throughout the State. Notes are given on the general treatment of cornfields for the eradication of weeds and some specific directions for destroying certain species. DISEASES OF PLANTS. 1049 Seed dispersal, W. J. Beal (Xew York: Ginn $■ Co., 1898, pp. 90, figs, &?).— This handsome little book contains accounts of how various plants migrate through their adaptive arrangements for seed dispersal. Absorption of water by rice seed, H. Ando (Imp. Univ. Col. Ayr. [Tokyo] Bui., Vol. 3, Xo. 5, pp. 474-478).— In order to ascertain the amount of water necessary for germination and the length of time required for rice seeds to absorb a sufficient quan- tity for their germination, the author conducted a series of experiments, from which it appeared that on the average 22.57 per cent of water by weight is required to sat- urate rice seeds, and this quantity of water is absorbed in 240 hours at a compara- tively low temperature. This amount of water is said to be much more than sufficient for germination, and from the experiments it appears that soaking the seed for from 5 to 7 days is sufficient for them to absorb enough water to facilitate their germination. The field mustard (Sinapis arvensis) and its destruction, a. Staks ( Tijdschr. Plantenziekten, 4 (1S9S), Xo. 2, pp. 31-35). New South Wales weeds, J. H. Maidkn {Ayr. da:. Xew South Wales. 9 (1898), Xo. 12, pp. 1371-1374, pis. 2). — Notes are given on Cyperiis rotundas, or nut grass. A new weed on western ranges, L. H. Dewey (Erythea,7 (1899), No.l,pp,10, 11). — The presence of Molucella Irevis on ranges in Oregon and Arizona is noted. The plant is an annual and stock will not eat it, hence it may become a troublesome weed. Destruction of noxious 'weeds (Queensland Ayr. Jour., 4 (1899), Xo. 2, pp. 149 150). — Notes the use of iron and copper sulphates for the destruction of charlock and other weeds, aud states that extensive experiments with these fungicides are to be conducted at Newcastle-on-Tyne. DISEASES OF PLANTS. Mycological notes, B. D. IIalsted {Bui. Torrey Bot. Club, 20 (1899), No. 1, pp. 12-20, ficjH. 2). — The author gives miscellaneous uotes ou a number of fungi, their influence upon their hosts, etc. He reports the presence during the month of May of a remarkable development of Botrytis vulgaris on garden peonies. The outer leaves of the plant were in a healthy condition, while all the inner ones were brown, life- less, and overgrown with the fungus. A long-continued period of rainy weather preceding the discovery of this attack is thought to have had some influence upon the severity of the attack. A rust of Phlox subulata is reported as quite abundant in the vicinity of New Brunswick, New Jersey. This rust is specifically different from Puccinia plumbaria, which is found abundant on Phlox divaricata and other species, but it agrees closely with Puccinia gilece, a well-known western form. Attention is called to the effect of sunlight on the development of leaf blight of cherry. Figures are given in which it is shown that the part of the leaf receiving the greatest illumination was most severely affected, and it is stated that possibly the exposure of the leaf to an excess of light brought about a scalding or browning of the tissue, and this in turn might prepare the way for better entrance of the fungus. The influence of fungi on the fruitfulness of the host plant is shown in the effect produced by asparagus rust upon its host. It seems that the attacks of the fungus weaken the plant materially, reducing the 1050 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. size of tlie autumn growth. The production of berries was very small, nearly all the plants appearing as if they were stain in ate. This excep- tion to the general rale, that when the life of an individual is in danger there is an attempt to reproduce by seed, does not seem to arise so much from the rust actually blighting the flowers, but the flowers did not form, and in the great majority of plants there was no sign of reproduction. An account is given of fatal poisoning by eating Amanita phalloides. The mushrooms were collected and eaten by mistake for innocuous forms. Observations are recorded which tend to show that one fungus may develop in its host immunity from the attacks of another. Thus the common rust (Puccinia mamillata) of climbing smartweed was nearly always absent from those plants which were infested with Usti- lago anomala. The same thing was found to be true in case of smut- ted specimens of Panicum sanguinale, the leaves of which are rarely affected with Piricularia grisea, while the normal plants have the foli- age quite generally spotted with it. It is further stated that while fruiting radishes are frequently attacked by PeronoHpora parasitica, and others close at hand by Cystopus candidus, it is seldom that both fungi occur on the same individual. The author points out the effect of fungi on the autumn coloration of foliage, stating that the common maple mildew ( Uncinula circinata) causes the presence of green spots in the otherwise highly colored foliage of autumn.1 A late growth of the bean mildew (Phyioph1oro forms of excrescences aro recognized, one where the excres- cence is joined to the upper or middle part of the root by a constricted growth and 1058 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the other a more general outgrowth of the lower part of the root. The (irst is of rather general distribution, while the other occurs sporadically. These outgrowths are due to several causes, nematodes among others, which interfere with the normal development of the root. In such tissues the BUgar content is lowered very consid- erably over the rest of the root. On a possible cause of the leaf spot or mosaic disease of tobacco, M. W. Beijerinck (Centbl. BaU. u. J'ar., 3 Ait., ■', (1899), No. 1, pp. 37-33).— It is claimed that the cause of this disease, and probably that of other plants which have hitherto been unexplained, may be attributed to what the author terms a living fluid contagium. Chlorosis in plants, G. Staes (Tijdschr. Plantenziekten, 4(1898), No. 4, pp. 97-115). — The possible causes of chlorosis are discussed and means suggested for its preven- tion. Applications of iron sulphate to chlorotic plants is recommended. Effects of lightning on the grapevine, L. Ravaz and A. Bonnet (Prog. Ayr. et lit. (ed. Vest), 20 (1899), No. 13, pp. 392-399, pi. 1, fig. 1).— Notes the injury to many vineyards in the vicinity of Montpellier and states that many so-called diseases may be due to this cause, the injury preparing the way for numerous fungi and bacteria. Experiments for the prevention of potato scab, \ViLFAiiTH(L>ei//. Laiuhr. I'resxc, 35 (1898), No. 25, pp. 273, 274).— Experiments with " Sulfarin," a patented article said to be composed of keiserit with 15 per cent of free sulphuric acid, are reported. The powder was applied to the tubers and was efficient in reducing the proportion of scabby tubers, but the yield was also diminished. On the treatment of seed potatoes with Bordeaux mixture and formalin, G. STAES (Tijdsclir. Plantenziekten, 4 (1S9S), Xo. 3, pp. 65-71). ENTOMOLOGY. Proceedings of the tenth annual meeting of the Association of Economic Entomologists ( V. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Bui. 17, n. ser.,pp. 101, figs. J). — At this meeting, held in Boston, Mas- sachusetts, August 19 and 20, 1898, the following papers were read: The duty of economic entomology, H. Osborn (pp. G-12). — This is the president's address to the Association. The matter is summed up under three heads: (1) Acquisition of knowledge of life and habits and direct remedies; (2) a knowledge of distribution and methods of prevention or control; and (3) education of people to appreciation of this need and to intelligent methods of application. Two beneficial insects introduced from Europe, L. 0. Howard (pp. 13-10, figs. 2). — This gives an account of the importation by the author of Scutellisia cyanea, a Chalcidid parasite of Ceroplastes. The parasite was imported from Italy and has probably been successfully established at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The author also relates the accidental importation' near Boston of another Chalcidid parasite, Habrolepis dahnanni, which attacks the imported scale, Asterodiaspis querdcola. The scale seems to be thor- oughly established about Boston and the parasite is also present in large numbers. Notes on some of the insects of the year in the State of Net c York, E. P. Felt (pp. 16-23). — This paper gives many biological and economic details concerning a number of the more common injurious insects. ENTOMOLOGY. 1059 The brown-tail moth, G. H. Fernald (pp. 24-31).— It is stated that the moth was first discovered in this country in the spring of 1897 in Som- erville, Massachusetts. The center of infestation was in the vicinity of a florist who had imported roses and other shrubs from France and Holland. From the evidence at hand it appears that the brown-tail moth had been introduced as early as 1885. The distribution in this country is confined to a part of Somerville, Cambridge, Everett, Med- ford, and Maiden. A brief account is giveu of the life history of the moth and of the nettling effects of the hairs of the caterpillar, and the author gives a long list of food plants upon which the caterpillar has been found. Among its parasites are mentioned Phceogenes liebe, Diglochis omni- vora, Euphorocera claripennis. The Baltimore oriole, black-billed cuckoo, crow blackbird, and English sparrow are also reported as feed- ing upon the insects. Spraying experiments were tried with arsenate of lead 1 lb. to 150 gal. of water, Paris green 1 lb. to 150 gal. of water, and Scheele's green 1 lb. to 150 gal. of water. Good results were obtained from all 3 insecticides. The author states that the " rem- edies generally adopted for the brown-tail moth are to cut off and burn the webs during the winter while the young caterpillars are still within them." The Massachusetts legislature has passed a law authorizing the" Board of Agriculture to take steps for the extermination of the moth. The distribution of the San Jose or pernicious scale in New Jersey, J. V>. Smith (pp. 32-39). — A detailed account is given of the present status of the San Jose scale in New Jersey, and of the three main centers of infestation. In the older infested places the scale is said to have become much reduced in numbers. Hydrocyanic-acid gas as a remedy for the San Jose scale and other insects, W. G. Johnson (pp. 39-43). — The author gives a record of exper- iments with this gas in the laboratory and in the field and concludes "that nursery stock and young trees of 1 and 2 years old to bo replanted should be exposed to the gas for 30 minutes or longer, and that from 0.18 to 0.25 gm. of potassium cyanid should be used for every cubic foot of air space inclosed." On large bearing trees 0.20 gm. of cyanid gave the best results. Some notes on observations in West Virginia, A. I). Hopkins (pp. 44- 49). — This article contains brief notes on the following insects: The San Jose scale {Aspidiotus perniciosus), Forbes scale ( A. forbesi\ aspara- gus beetle ( Crioceris asparagi), timothy billbug (Sj)henophorus sculjrfilis), timothy-leaf miner (Odontocera dorsalis), clover-seed chaleidid {Bruco- phagus funebris), rose aphid parasite {Ephedras incomplete), spruce gall mite ( Chermes abietis), Cerambyeid and Buprestid beetles, Lymexylon sericeum,Eupsalis minuta, and the periodical cicada {CicaII). — The report treats of the San Jose scale, white grubs, chinch bug, Odynerus foraminatus, and a new disease of the army worm. In an appendix to the report, E. L. S torment gives an account of the white-pine Chermes. Concerning the San Jose scale, the author gives a list of its food plants, and an account of the nature of the injuries which are caused by the insect". The means and agents concerned in the dispersal of the insect are discussed at some length. On the authority of Professor Stedman, it is stated that many new colonies have been observed in their incipient stages on branches and twigs which support bird nests. This is interpreted as indicating the instrumentality of birds in the dispersal of the scale. The original home of the insect and its early geographical distribution in the United States are briefly discussed. The San Jose scale is said to have been first introduced into Illinois during the period from 188G to 1891. Twenty-one distinct colonies have been located in Illinois, and of these colonies all which have been definitely traced to their origin are said to have come from nur- series in New Jersey. A detailed description is given of the different infestations. In one of the worst-infested orchards a spraying experi- ment was tried. Whale-oil soap in the proportion of 2 lbs. to a gallon of water was applied hot. The first application was made in November and a second one late in March. This method proved quite effective, and it was estimated that 99 per cent of the scales were destroyed by the two applications. The appearance of the insect is briefly described and an account of its life history is given. Among the natural checks on the multiplication of the scale are mentioned certain climatic conditions, predaceous and parasitic insects, and fungus diseases. The most important insect parasites are said to be Aphelinus fuscipennis, Ghilocorus bivulnerus, and Smilia misella. Field notes are . also recorded of a remarkable outbreak of white grubs. The species concerned were Lachno sterna fusca and L. hirticula. The grubs were reported as being unusually numerous about the roots of all field crops except clover, which enjoyed a comparative immunity. Crops on high land suffered more thau those on low land, and fields in the vicinity of woodland were more infested than fields which were more distant from timbered areas. A brief life history of the white grub is given, and remedies are suggested, among which may be men- tioned the pasturing of infested fields Avith pigs and the use of clover in the rotation of crops. ENTOMOLOGY. 1065 Experiments with summer remedies against chinch bugs demon- strated the efficacy of the barrier and post-hole method. To protect a field from the advancing chinch bugs a dust furrow is made along the side of the field. The chinch bugs have great difficulty in crossing a dry dusty furrow and crawl along the furrow to find an avenue of escape. In so doing they fall into post holes, which it is recommended to dig at intervals as traps for the accumulating chinch bugs. A coal- tar line about three- fourths inch broad is said to be as effective as the dust furrow, provided the tar -line be freshened two or three times per day. Salt saturated with kerosene is said to have been quite ineffectual as a barrier. After an extended discussion of the causes of unusual outbreaks of the chinch bugs, the author observes that — "As a general result of these investigations, we certainly have no warrant for assert- ing that the. natural agencies effective in reducing an extraordinary outbreak of the chinch bug can now be definitely controlled by us for economic ends. So far as ascertained the final causes of unusual natural destruction of this insect are meteoro- logical; and until the weather of the season, or even of the year, can be foretold with approximate definiteness and certainty, we can not forecast the course of events with respect to injuries by the chinch bug." A species of solitary wasp (Odynerusforaminatus) is recorded as fre- quently building its mud nests in the opening for the escape of air from the retaining valve of automatic brakes such as are used on freight trains. As a remedy it is suggested that the passageway from the valve be made angular or slit-like. An apparently new and undetermined disease is said to have caused great destruction of the army worm. The nature of the disease was not discovered, but one of its most marked peculiarities is said to be the degeneration of the fatty bodies of the caterpillars. The account of the white-pine Chermes (Chermes pinicorticis) includes a list of its food plants, its economic importance, feeding habits, and distribution. Among the natural enemies of the Chermes are men- tioned Syrphus sp. ? Ghryropa robertsoni, Hemerobius alternans, Leu- copis simplex, Chilocorus birulnerus, and Megilla maculata. The only artificial remedy which was tried was kerosene emulsion. It was applied in May and proved very effective. Thirteenth report of the State entomologist on injurious and other insects of the State of New York, 1897, J. A. Lintner (Fifty-first An. Rpt. New York State Mm., 1897, pp. 327-390, pis. 2, figs. 2). — The red-breasted sawfly (Tenthredo rufopectus) is reported as a new currant pest. The larva of this sawfly, unlike the larva of most sawflies, is recorded as having the habit of boring in the stems of cur- rants and of being found in company with the currant-stem girdler in such situations. A brief account is given of the life history and habit of the insect so far as known and of its distribution. As to remedies, "the wilted tips should be watched for in the early spring, and as soon as seen should be cut off a little below the place of injury. If the attack should escape attention till soincs time after the dropping of the 1066 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. tips, the cutting should be made a few inches farther dowu, and beyond the burrow of tbe larva." Brief notes are given of tbe habits of the Avhite-horned Urocerus (U. albicornis). The insect was observed depositing its eggs upon the surface of some freshly sawed spruce lumber. It is stated that this species is rather rare in New York; and as it ordinarily deposits its eggs in dead rather than living timber, no great danger is expected to result from it. A systematic table is given for the separation of the various species of tlrocerus found in the State of New York. The author records some notes on the eggs, larval stages, pupal and adult form of the imperial moth. Its distribution is given for the State of New York. As to its natural enemies, it is said to be exceptionally free, no parasites having been recorded for it, though in one instance it is said to have been attacked by house ants. A popular account is. given of the tarnished plant bug (Lygus pra- tensis). It is recorded that it was unusually destructive to young peach trees in New York through its habit of sucking tbe juices from the developing buds, and thereby stunting the growth of the trees. As remedies, the author suggests tbe burning of weeds and rubbish which might serve as a shelter for the insects. When they occur in large numbers, they may perhaps be best captured by jarring into a large net. The author gives brief notes upon the following insects: Clover-hay caterpillar (Pyralis costalis), clover-seed midge (Gecidomyia legumini- cola), carpet beetle (Anthrenus scrophularice), oak primer (Elaphidion mllosum), hickory borer (Gyllene pictus), elm-leaf beetle (GaleruceUa Ivteola), chinch bug (Blissus leucopterus), Pemphigus populi-transrersus, Chaitophorus sp., Gallipterus ulmifolii, Drepanosiphum aeerifolii, Aphis mali, Myzus cerasi, M. ribis, Ehopalosiphum sp., and Thrips tabaci. The report contains a list of all tbe publications of the entomologist for the current year, together with such additions as have been made to the State collection, and rather exbaustive bibliographies of most of the insects which are treated in it. Fourteenth report of the State entomologist on injurious and other insects of the State of New York, E. P. Felt (Bui. New York State Mus., 5 (1898), No. 23, pp. 151-295, #te. 9, Jigs. 20).— The report contains notes on the following insects: Pale brown By turns (Byturus unicolor) (pp. 158-160). — The beetles are said to have been found in the opening buds of raspberries. Accord- ing to Fitch the larvre are found in the berry. The remedies suggested are spraying with arsenites, hand picking, and beating the beetles into pans containing kerosene. Gooseberry -fruit fly (Trypeta canadensis) (pp. 161-163). — Tbe author gives an account of the work of this insect in New York State, Avith notes on its distribution and life history. For controlling the insect the destruction of the fruit by chickens or artificial means is recommended. The white-marked tussock moth (Notolophus leucostigma) (pp. 163-176, ENTOMOLOGY. 1067 figs. 4). — The article contains a notice of the unusual ravages of this insect in 1898, together with notes on the life history, habits, natural enemies, and approved artificial remedies, and a synoptic table for the determination of the larvae of the species of Xotolophus. Apple-tree tent caterpillar (GUsiocampa americana) (pp. 177-190, figs. 3). — A resume is given of the food plants, habits, and distribution of the insect, and an account of the well-known remedies for controlling it. Forest tent caterpillar (Clisiocampa disstria) (pp. 191-201, figs. 2). — The insect is said to have been unusually destructive to forest and fruit trees iu Xew York State for the past 2 years. The food plants and natural enemies of the insect are given and the usual remedies recommended. Zebra caterpillar (Mamestra picta) (pp. 201-207, fig. 1). — This insect is reported as having caused great destruction to timothy hay and oats. A description of the insect is given, together with notes on the natural enemies and the remedies to be recommended. Xylina antennata (pp. 207-213, fig. 1). — The caterpillar of this insect is recorded as feeding on soft maples, upon which it was very injurious. A good description of the insect is added. The author reared from the insect a parasite tachina fly ( Winthemia 4-pustulata). As remedies he recommends spraying with the arsenites, or "many of the descending caterpillars can be killed by inclosing the trunks of the infested trees with a low, overhanging barricade and then treating the collected larvae with hot water." The author records biological and economic notes on the following insects: Lecanium tuUpiferw, Lepisma domestica, Eurypelma hentzii, Eriocampoides limacina, Silvanus surinamensis, Elaphidion rillosum, Galerucella hiteola, G. cavicollis, an elm-leaf miner, Lecanium armenia- cum, L. cerasifex, and the San Jose scale. Under the caption "Hints about insecticides," the author gives a general account of the substances used for destroying insects and the rationale of spraying. The report is supplemented with a list of the publications of the entomologist for the year and an exhaustive index. Report of the entomologist, A.D.Hopkins (West Virginia Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 42-57).— The special lines of work carried on by the author are reviewed, and attention is called to certain of the more important features. Special study was made of the scolytid family of beetles, which family contains the most destructive and dangerous enemies of forest and shade trees, as well as of fruit trees, and one of the worst enemies of the red clover. The collection of these insects made under the author's supervision is said to be one of the most com- plete in existence. The series of experiments begun in 1895 to determine the best time to fell timber have been continued and some remarkable results have been obtained, but the author states that in order to verify them and 1068 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. arrive at definite conclusions they must be continued for some time to come. A general study of forest conditions and life zones has been begun,* and a preliminary report is made of observations on the influence of altitude on the distribution of plant and animal life. Brief notes are given on investigations made to determine and estab- lish varieties of timothy and red clover and miscellaneous work in investigating the San Jose scale, inspection of nurseries, the army worm, a parasite of the rose aphis, the maple-twig borer, etc. Preliminary report upon the insect enemies of tobacco in Florida, A. L. Quaintance (Florida Sta. Bui. 48, pp. 150-188, figs. 16). — The bulletin treats of the following insects which are injurious to tobacco : The horn worm or tobacco worm (Protoparce celeus and P. Carolina). — Of these two insects the latter is said to be far more abundant than the former in Florida. The eggs are usually laid on the under surface of the leaves and hatch in about 3 days. The larva requires 3 weeks to attain its full growth. A description is given of the various stages of the insect. As to treatment the author recommends hand picking, and gives a long account of the use of Paris green in controlling this insect. With regard to the danger from the use of Paris green on tobacco he says: "It will probably be on the side of caution to use weak mixtures of Paris green, as 1 lb. to 1(30 gal. of water. If this is applied properly and at the right time, when the worms are young, it will be sufficiently strong to kill them." If properly used, there should be no bad result from the use of Paris green on tobacco. Arsenate of lead is also rec- ommended to be used in the form of a powder to be applied by an ordinary powder gun. Another remedy mentioned, which is said to be very effective, consists in pouring a small quantity of a poisonous mixture containing molasses into the flowers of the jimson weed, which are much frequented by these insects. The adult insects will thus be destroyed. Among the natural enemies of the tobacco worm the author mentions a tachina fly (Sturmia sp.), Apanteles congregatus, and a brown wasp (Polistes bellicosus). The suclc fly (Dicyphus minimus). — This insect, which was first noticed in Florida in the year 1898, is said to be perhaps the most injurious insect to tobacco in the State. The suck fly damages the tobacco by sucking the juices from the leaves. The eggs are deposited in the tissue of the leaves and hatch in about 4 days. A description is given of the nymph and adult stages of the insect. The best remedy, in the author's opinion, is a strong decoction of tobacco. Whale-oil soap was tried, without good results. Kerosene emulsion and pyrethrum were found to be rather effective. Cigarette beetle (Lasioderma sericome). — This insect is recorded as being a very serious pest of stored tobacco in Florida and is said to attack other materials, such as pepper, ginger, rhubarb, and upholstery, ENTOMOLOGY. 1069 as well as dried plants. The best remedy is said to be bisulphid of carbon in closed boxes. A brief description of the different stages of the insect is given. The tobacco-leaf miner (Gelechia picipel is). — The larva of this moth injures tobacco leaves by mining or eating out patches of the leaf sub- stance, thus rendering the leaves unfit (or wrappers. The life cycle of the insect is said to require not longer than 20 days, which makes it possible that several broods should occur in one season. The insect may be kept in check by spraying with Paris green in the manner rec- ommended for the tobacco worms. Cutworms. — Under this head brief notes are given on the cutworms in the State, with special reference to the species Agrotis ypsilon. The treatment recommended for cutworms is the use of bran poisoned with Paris green, in which the Paris green is used at the rate of 1 lb. to every 50 to 75 lbs. of bran. Grasshoppers or locusts. — Two species of grasshoppers are said to be injurious to tobacco, Tezzoteitix femur-rubrum and P. birittatus. Paris green is recommended for controlling these insects. Bud worms (Heliothis sp.). — The common bollworm of cotton (H. armigera) causes considerable damage to tobacco. The eggs are depos- ited in the buds and the larva' when hatched feed upon the young unfolding leaves. The remedy which has been found to be effective is the sprinkling of poisoned cornmeal into the bud of the tobacco plant. The chinch bug, F. M. Webster ( TJ. S. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Bui. 15, n. ser., pp. 82, Jigs. 19). — The chinch bug is recorded as being distributed from St. Vincent and Granada, West Indies, into Lower California, on the west coast, to Cape Breton, on the east. It covers pretty largely the whole eastern portion of the United States as far west as Colorado and New Mexico. West of this line it is found only in isolated areas in California. The author maintains that the evidence which he has collected shows that the chinch bug hibernates only in the adult stage. Pupa* and undeveloped larval forms are found in late fall, but there is no evidence that these pass the winter. A favorite place of hibernation of the chinch bug is said to be in stools of the various grasses. Along the Atlantic coast chinch bugs may be found in the spring in great numbers in the stools of sev- eral maritime grasses, and in the interior the insects hibernate prefer- ably in the matted blue grass, stools of timothy, and even under sticks and rubbish. Ordinarily about three migrations of the chinch bug may be observed annually— one in May, when the adults which have wintered over move away to new feeding grounds, one in midsummer, and one in the fall, during the so called Indian summer. These latter two hibernations, however, are said to depend upon the food supply, and if the food is abundant they are not observed to take place. The eggs of the insect are said to be deposited " either about or below the surface of the ground, among the roots of the grass or grain." Ordinarily the female deposits about 500 eggs during a period 1070 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. of from 10 days to 3 weeks. The author gives technical descriptions of the various immature stages, as well as of the adult. With regard to the young bugs it is recorded that they are found mostly upon the lower portion of the plants which they attack. They are frequently found congregated in the sheaths of grasses, and often escape observation under those circumstances. The number of annual generations for the greater part of the United States is two, but in Ohio the author thinks there is only one brood per year. Attention is called to the fact that the chinch bug is always of a gregarious habit, and the suggestion is made that this indicates an original habit of living in tufts of grass from which the colony migrated. Among the food plants are mentioned various maritime grasses, broom corn, sorghum, Bermuda grass, blue grass, wheat, rye, barley, corn, and timothy. The author has never witnessed serious attacks upon oats. A list of the various estimates of losses from the chinch bugs is compiled and explained in some detail. Among the natural checks to multiplication of the chinch bug, meteorological conditions are considered the most potent factors. The adult insects, however, withstand heavy rains and the severe cold weather of winter; but the young, during the early stages, are easily destroyed by wet weather, particularly by severe windstorms. Conse- quently, devastations caused by the chinch bug in any particular year will depend very much upon the number and character of the rain storms which occur during the time of the early development of the young chinch bugs. During the latter stages of the immature bugs, heavy rain storms are of little avail. The two best-known parasitic fungi which attack the chinch bug, Entomoplithora aphidis and Sporotrichum globuliferum, are described. It is a well-known fact that both of these fungi cause more destruction to the chinch bug during a wet season than during an exceedingly dry one. Another rather doubtful enemy of the chinch bug is Bacillus insectorum. This bacterium also vegetates more luxuriantly during moist weather. Various experiments in scattering diseased chinch bugs and cultures of the two fungus parasites of the chinch bug are described, and the results of these experiments, which the author made in Ohio, are recorded as very encouraging. Among the bird enemies of the chinch bug, the quail is said to be the most important. The other bird enemies which are mentioned are the prairie chicken, red-winged blackbird, catbird, brown thrush, meadow lark, and house wren. "Perhaps the worst insect enemies of the chinch bug are to be found among its com- paratively near relatives, the insidious flower bug, Triphleps insidiosus Say (Anthocoria pseudo-chinche of Fitch's Second Report), and Milyas ductus Fab., the latter being reported by Dr. Thomas as the most efficient of the insect enemies of this pest, while ENTOMOLOGY. 1071 Dr. Riley found that the former also attacked it. Professor Forbes ascertained by examinations of the contents of the stomach of a ground beetle, Agonoderua paJUpes Fab., that one-fifth of the total food of this species was composed of chinch bugs. Drs. Shimer and Walsh both claim that lacewing flits (Chrysopa) destroy chinch bugs, and they are doubtless correct." Amoug the artificial remedies, the author suggests the burning over of old grass lands and the burning of all rubbish under which the chinch bug might hibernate. Another remedy suggested is that of sowing protective grasses, as decoy crops for the chinch bug, and thor- oughly plowing these under when they become infested by the migra- tion of the chinch bug. The well-known coal-tar method was tried and found to be very successful. The author also tried the method of plow- ing deep furrows and digging post holes at intervals along the inner line of these furrows, into which the chinch bugs fall and are later destroyed. The use of kerosene emulsion as a spray to be applied directly upon the infested crops gave good results and proved itself very effective in destroying the chinch bug, even when used in a weak solution. The summary of the author's remedial measures is as follows: "The insects may be destroyed iu their places of hibernation by the use of fire. They can, under favorable meteorological conditions, be destroyed in the fields, if present in sufficient abundance during the breeding season, by the use of the fungus Sporotrichum globuliferum, if promptly aud carefully applied. They can be destroyed while in the act of migrating from one field to another, by tarred barriers or deep furrows supplemented by post holes, and by being buried under the surface of the ground with the plow and harrow ; or the latter method can be applied after the bugs have been massed upon plats of some kind of vegetation for which the bugs are known to have a special fondness, which decoys should be so arranged as to either attract the females and induce them to oviposit therein, or they should be arranged With the idea of intercepting an invasion from wheatfields into cornfields, and, by turning these decoys under with a plow and immediately smoothing and packing the surface by harrow and roller, thus destroying them. While in the cornfields they can be destroyed on the plants by applications of kerosene emulsion.-' The author believes, from all evidence at hand, that the original home of the chinch bug was in South or Central America, and that the United States has been infested from its original home. He gives a map showing the supposed course of migration of the chinch bug from Central America up the Pacific coast of this country, along the Gulf States, up the Atlautic coast, and directly north through the Mississippi States. The periodical cicada, C. L. Marlatt (U. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Bui. No. 14, n. ser., pp. 148).— The general habits and peculiarities of the insect are mentioned in the introduction to the bulletin. The author distinguishes between the 17-year and 13-year broods, and gives an account of the arguments for and against the idea of these two forms being distinct species. All forms, including the dwarf form, are considered as belonging to one species. The author believes that there was originally but one brood in the United States, but that in consequence of slowly changing geological 1072 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. and climatic conditions several broods of both the 17-year and 13-year forms Lave been definitely differentiated in time of appearance aud in locality. The validity of 21 broods has been established. Of this number 14 belong to the 17-year race and 7 to the 13-year race. The periodical cicada is shown to be pretty generally distributed over the country east of the Rocky Mountains. A detailed account is given of the exact distribution of each brood and of the years when it has been known to appear, and from these data predictions are made as to future appearances of the different broods. In general the 13-year race is shown to be southern and the 17-year race northern, but no arbitrary boundary line can be established, for small broods of both races extend over the dividing line. A long and careful account is given of the systematic position and anatomical structure of the cicada. Its musical apparatus and song are described, and the popular tales concerning the so-called sting of the insect are considered. The author gives an elaborate account of the occurrence, nature, and purpose of the cicada cones, of the trans- formation aud emergence of the adult, and of the length of life of the adult. In his account of the habits of the adult insect he says: "They often also appear in greatest number in rather well defined districts within the general range of the brood, or, in other words, are irregular in local distribution. This variation in abundance is due in some cases to differences in the character of the soil, and in other perhaps to vary- ing surface conditions, as of timber growth, etc." The feeding habits of the adult cicada are described and an account is given of various attempts to use the cicada for food. The author names the plants upon which the insect deposits its eggs, and says that a preference is shown for oak, hickory, aud apple. The process of ovi- position is described in great detail. "The female," says the author, "deposits the row of eggs on one side as she makes the original cutting in the bark. She then moves back, and, swinging a little to one side, inserts through the same hole the second row of eggs parallel with the first, thus leaving a small bit of undisturbed wood fiber bet ween the two rows of eggs." The normal period of incubation for the eggs is said to be from 6 to 7 weeks. As soon as the larva becomes free it "begins to run actively about with the quick motions of an ant, but soon goes to the side of the limb, loosens its hold, and deliberately falls to the ground." The experimental and other proofs of the length of the underground larval and pupal life are enumerated and discussed. Four larval stages and two pupal stages are distinguished and described. The root- feeding habit of the larva is described in some detail. The larva? are said to occur in greatest number at a depth of from 8 to IS in. in the soil. The damage caused during the underground life of the insect is considered very slight. Among the natural enemies of the cicada are mentioned reptiles, quadrupeds, birds, ground beetles, dragon flies, soldier bugs, hogs, and ENTOMOLOGY. 1073 poultry. Among birds the English sparrow is said to be especially destructive to the cicada. The following insect parasites of the cicada are recorded: A Cecidomyid egg parasite and a number of Hymenop- terous egg parasites, and several mites of the genera Oribateila, Ori- poda, Oppia, Pediculoides, Tyroglyphus, Iphis, Cheyletus, and Bdella. A few predaceous Hemiptera and the digger wasp [Megastizm speciosus) are meutioued as important enemies of the cicada. As artificial remedies the author recommends the use of nets on small trees to preventtlie insects from depositing their eggs. Pyretlirum, applied either as a powder or in water and kerosene emulsion, was found to be an effective remedy when sprayed upon the adult cicada. For destroying the cicada during its underground life, tobacco dust in the soil and bisulphid of carbon are recommended. The author reviews the more important papers on the cicada and gives an extensive bibli- ography of the subject. The grapevine flea-beetle, M. V. Slingkerland (New York Cornell JSta. Bui. 157, pp. 189-213, Jigs. 19). — The author gives a review of the literature of the subject and a description of the insect in its various stages. Among the food plants of this tiea-beetle are mentioned the wild and cultivated grapes, plum trees, the water beech, apple, aud quince. No decided preference is shown by the insect for any special variety of grape. The greatest damage is done by the adult beetle in early spring in eating the undeveloped buds and thus preventing the formation of fruit. The adult beetles work upon the young buds only a few days, but when they occur in large numbers this time is usually sufficient to cause great destruction. The eggs are laid from the middle of May to the middle of June. The time of incubation was not deter- mined. It is supposed to be about 3 weeks. The young grubs feed upon the leaves and are usually found upon the upper surface. The pupal stage is passed about an inch or two under the surface of the soil and lasts about a week. The adult beetles then attack the leaves late in the summer in about the same way that the grubs do during the earlier part of the season. The evidence seems to show that there is but one brood of the insect in New York. The insect passes the winter in the adult stage, hiding in grass and under rubbish and in the cracks of bark, and emerges from the hiding places in April and May. Among its natural enemies are recorded Podisus modest us and Met/ilia maculata. Much good may be done by removing and burning all bark, splinters, and rubbish in the vicinity of the vines in the fall, thus destroying the hibernating beetles. In the early spring, when the beetles first emerge, they may be readily jarred into a pan of kerosene or upon sheets saturated with kerosene. The most effective remedy, however, is spraying with Paris green, at the rate of 1 lb. of Paris green to 150 gal. of water for the purpose of destroying the grubs. The grubs may be readily seen as they feed upon the upper surface of the leaves. Paris green may be used as a spray against the adult beetles before the developmont of the buds, and may then be used in 1074 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the proportion of 1 lb. to 75 gal. of water with the addition of a pound of lime. An extensive bibliography is appended to the bulletin. The Hessian fly in the United States, H. Osborn ( U. 8. Dept. Agr., Division of Entomology Bui. 16, n. ser., pp. 57, pis. 2, figs. 8, map 1). — The original home of the Hessian fly is left in doubt, with the sug- gestion that it probably was the same as that of wheat. The distribu- tion of the insect is practically coextensive with the wheat-producing regions of Europe and America. The author mentions two means of distribution of the Hessian fly; the first and less important is the slight power of flight, while the chief means is transportation in straw containing puparia or flaxseeds. " The introduction into the United States near New York City has as its most probable foundation the straw used as bedding by the Hessian troops landed during 177G and 1777, and while there is lacking positive evidence that the insect existed at the point of their starting or even of embarkation, the source of straw they might have used and scattered after landing may have been in some infested locality." A careful description is given of the entomological details and of the life history of the insect, including the 3 larval forms and the pupal. As to the question of the number of broods per year, the author believes that in the northern and eastern part of the country the insect passes through 2 broods per year, but that temperature and moisture conditions have a great influence in retarding or accelerating develop- ment. "The Hessian fly presents variations not only in the number of broods, from 1 to possibly 5 or 6, depending upon latitude, but by acceler- ation or retardation, under conditions peculiar to each year, it may appear earlier or later and in a greater or less number of broods in the same local- ity. This variation naturally enhauces the difficulty of stating life his- tory details with precision and making recommendations as to particular dates on which to adopt measures of control." Certain authorities have recorded the Hessian fly as having been found upon a number of cultivated grasses. The author, however, does not accord accuracy to these observations, but states that "in any deductions relating to the control of the Hessian fly, it may be considered for all practical pur- poses that the insect lives only on wheat, rye, or barley, and will not perpetuate itself on other plants." An account is given of the different effects on the host plants depending upon whether the attack is made in the spring or fall. Under the head of the natural enemies of the Hessian fly the author lists a number of primary and secondary parasites as found in this country, and gives a list of parasites as recorded in Russia, England, and France. The primary parasites found in this country are described and figured, and an account is given of their biologioal relationship. The author gives a history of the introduction by Dr. Riley of the para- site Entedon epigonus from Russia, and of the success of its introduction. ENTOMOLOGY. 1075 Among other natural enemies of the Hessian fly are mentioned nema- tode worms and thrips. As to artificial remedies, the author recommends the burning of stub- ble as soon after the cutting of the grain as possible in case of a moist season. This remedy is not so necessary during a dry season. In cer- tain eases it may be advisable to plow under the stubble. In order that this may be effective the ground should be plowed to a depth of several inches. It is also recommended that all volunteer wheat be destroyed in order that belated individuals may not find a food supply. The author further recommends a rotation of crops such that wheat shall not come 2 years in succession on the same ground, and also that fall wheat should preferably be sowed late rather than at the begin- ning of the fall season in order to avoid attacks of the Hessian fly upon the young developing wheat. Such remedies as pasturing fall wheat with sheep, rolling the wheat with a heavy roller in the fall, and mowing the young wheat are considered by the author as being of but little avail. It is stated that certain varieties of wheat have been found to be more resistant to the attacks of the Hessian fly than others, and a selection of varieties may be made accordingly. Of the various insecticides which have been used, none have ever been effectual and none are therefore to be recommended. A rather complete bibliography of the literature on the Hessian fly is appended to the bulletin, containing 141 titles. The use of hydrocyanic-acid gas for fumigating greenhouses and cold frames, A. F. Woods and P. H. Dorsett ( lT. 8. Dept. Ayr., Division of Entomology Giro. 37, 2. ser., pp. 10, Jigs. 3). — Greenhouse plants were less injured by a short exposure to a large amount of gas than by a long exposure to a small amount of the gas, and at the same time the insects were more thoroughly destroyed by the large amount of gas for a short time. It was found that fumigation after sundown with the temperature as low as practicable gave the best results. For ferns 0.075 gm. of 98 per cent cyanid of potash was used for each cubic foot to be fumigated. The ferns were infested with Chionaspis. All the insects were destroyed. Coleus and other related plants were fumi- gated at the rate of 0.1 gm. of 98 per cent cyanid of potash per cubic foot of space. Double English violets were fumigated at the rate of 0.15 gm. of 98 per cent cyanid of potash for each cubic foot of space. Roses were found to be especially sensitive and many of them were more or less injured in all of the experiments. Carnations were found to endure 0.1 gm. of cyanid of potash per cubic foot for 15 minutes. Grapes under glass endured 0.09 gm. per cubic foot. Tomatoes with- stood 1 oz. of pure cyanid of potash for each 1,000 cu. ft. Careful direc- tions are given for obtaining the cubic space of greenhouses and for calculating the necessary amount of cyanid to be used in each case. The materials to be used are 98 per cent cyanid of potash and com- mercial sulphuric acid. Earthen jars lh or 2 gal. in capacity and of 20776— No. 11 6 1076 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. small diameter are recommended as vessels in which to produce the gas. There should be 1 jar for each 50 ft. in length of an ordinary green- house. The cyanid of potash is weighed out and inclosed in paper bags, which may be suspended by a string directly over the jars and can be lowered from the outside of the greenhouse. An amount of water should be poured into each jar equal to the amount of potassium cyanid in the bag, or about I pt. of water to each 8 oz. of cyanid. Sulphuric acid should then be added until the water steams. The house should be tightly closed. The bags are then lowered into the jars for the necessary length of time. The greenhouse should be ven- tilated for at least half an hour before entering. Report to the Royal Ministry of Agriculture concerning work of the State entomological department for the year 1898, S. Lampa {Ent. Tidskr., 20 (1S99), Xo. 1, pp. 70)- — Contains notes on a large number of economic insects and their injuries in Sweden, including ArgyrestMa conjugella, Cecidomyia destructor, and C. tritici. Insects collected on Mount Fugi, M. Matsumura (Annotationes Zool. Japonenses, 2 {1S0S), pt. 4, pp. 113-124). — Gives a considerable list of insects .which are noted as occurring in zones at different elevations on the mountain. Acclimatization of beneficial insects (Rov. Lapok, 6 (1899), Xo. 4, pp. 88). — Teda- lia cardinalia from California has been successfully introduced into the Sandwich Islands. A serviceable insectary, F. M. Webster ( Canad. Ent., 31 (1899), Xo. 4, pp. 73-76).— Describes the insectary used in the Ohio Station. The common blue tick of Cape Colony and its relationship to the red water ticks of North America and Australia, C. Fuller (Agr. Jour. Cape Good Hope, 14 (1899), Xo. 6, pp. 363-369). — Contains an analytical table of the species of Rhipi- cephalus. The American Boophilus hovis is called It. aunulatus and the local blue tick of the colony is called It. decolor atus. The latter, like the American species, carries red water from animal to animal. Codling moth, C. P. LOUNSBUBY (Ayr. Jour. Cape Good Hope. 14 (1899), No. 5, pp. 285-287). — Reminds fruit growers of the dangers from this insect in the colony. A new rival of the codling moth, E. Reuter (Ent. Tidslr., 20 (1899), Xo. 1, pp. 71-76). — Argyresthia conjugella is described, with an account of its life history and distribution and its injuries to the apple. Phylloxera, L. de Sisterxes (Bol. Agr. Min. Intl., Mexico, 8 (1898), Xo. 4, pp. 11-39). — The article contains an account of the life history, habits, and injuries resulting from the phylloxera, together with a description of the insect in its various stages. As remedies the author suggests pulling out the weak vines, flooding the vineyard, the use of insecticides, destruction of winter eggs, rearing its insect enemies, planting in sandy soil, and the use of American varieties. Some notes on the grape-cane gall maker (Ampeloglypter sesostris), F. M. Webster (Ent. Xews, 10 (1899), Xo. 3, pp. 53-55, pi. 1). — Notes on the habits of this insect in Gypsum, Ohio. Two parasites reared Catolaccus tylodermce and Myiophasia cenea. Pieris brassicae (Jour. Bd. Agr. [London'], 5 (1899), Xo. 4, pp. 459-463). — Gives the life history and remedies for controlling this insect. The cottony cushion scale, H. A. Gossard ( West Hillsboro Press, 5 (1899), Xo. 37). — A popular article. Seasonal dimorphism in Lepidoptera, Roland Trimen (Xature, 59 (1899), Xo. 1537, pp. 568-573). — The author considers this phenomenon in a large number of spe- cies, and suggests the establishment of zoological stations for studying the subject. Investigations on the accelerated development of hibernating butterfly pupae, H. Guckler (Illus. Ztsclxr. Ent., 4 (1S99), Xo. 7, pp. 103-105, pi. 1). — Relates experi- FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 1077 incuts which show the effect of increased temperature in hastening the development of butterfly chrysalids. Operations with a locust fungus ( Agr. Jour. Cape Good Hope, 14 {1890), No. J, pp. 290-296). — Reports the apparently successful use of pure cultures of a fungus for the destruction of locusts. Although not here stated, the fungus is probably Empusa grillce. FOODS— ANIMAL PRODUCTION. The constituents of the seed of Finns cembra, E. Schulze and K. Rongger (Landic. Vers. Stat., 51 (1896), JYo. 2-3, pp. 189-204).— -The authors made an extended microscopical and chemical study of the seeds of Finns cembra. These seeds are edible and are known as '*Zirbel" nuts or "Arve." Analyses of the seeds include the study of the whole seed, the shell, and kernel. Owing- to the large amount of fat present, it was found necessary to extract a considerable portion of the fat before the final grinding for analysis. The shell constitutes 62.6 per cent and the kernel 37.4 per cent of the total dry matter of the seeds. The dry matter of the shell had the following percentage composition: Protein 0.84, fat 1.18, nitrogen-free extract and crude fiber 98.18, ash 0.80. The dry matter of the kernel had the following composition: Protein 17.24, glycerids of free fatty acids 49.26, lecithin 0.99, starch 7.43, water soluble nitrogen-free sub- stances 16.84, crude fiber 1.19, ash 3.5. The authors state that the ash is said to contain much phosphoric acid, and is undoubtedly rich in alkali. More than 80 per cent of the total ash was found in an aqueous extract of the seeds. Vinegar adulteration and the extent to which it exists in the samples for sale in North Carolina, W. A. Withers and J. A. Biz- ZELL, (Xorth Carolina Sta. Bui. 153, pp. 25-32). — Twenty samples of vinegar sold in the State were examined. Thirteen compared favor- ably with cider vinegar as far as the amount of acetic acid was con- cerned and 5 were too weak in acid. The amounts of total solids and ash indicate that only one sample was pure cider vinegar. One of the samples was sold as grape vinegar; 2 samples were apparently diluted with water; 17 appeared to be spirit vinegar, with the addition of organic coloring matter. The so-called grape vinegar was spirit vine- gar with coloring matter. Xinety-five per cent of the samples analyzed were adulterated. The authors recommend "(1) that all vinegars shall contain not less than 4 per cent by weight of absolute acetic acid, and must contain no lead, copper, mineral acids, or artificial coloring mat- ter; (2) that all vinegars must be branded with the name of the fruit or substance from which they are made, together with the name and address of the manufacturer; (3) cider vinegar shall not contain less than If per cent by weight of cider- vinegar solids." The Xorth Carolina act to preveut the sale of adulterated or mis- branded foods is quoted. Concentrated feed stuffs, J.B. Lindsey et al. (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Bui. 56, pp. 21). — The authors report the examination of concen- trated feeding stuffs in accordance with the law in Massachusetts. 1078 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The feeding stuffs examined were cottonseed meal, linseed meal, gluten meals, gluten feed, wheat bran, wheat middlings, Red dog, mixed feeds, miscellaneous concentrated feeds, corn meal, oat feeds, corn and oat feeds, corn, oat, and barley feeds, hominy feeds, miscellaneous starchy feeding stuffs, and poultry foods. Among the suggestions drawn from the examination were the following : "Farmers are especially cautioned against adulterated cotton-seed meal. Samples of this substance were found in a large number of towns, especially in northeastern Massachusetts, during the spring months. Sea-island cotton seed, so called, is also very much inferior to the genuine material. . . . It is . . . only one-half as valua- ble as the prime article. It is evidently prepared by grinding the black hulls quite fine and mixing them with the yellow meal. The resulting product is as a rule of a darker yellow than the pure meal. Samples of adulterated meal have also been found that were bright yellow. This meal had either been. artificially colored or mixed with some inferior substance other than hulls. We urge purchasers to buy only the guaranteed article, and to absolutely refuse the uubrauded meal. Pure cotton-seed meal is one of the very cheapest concentrated feed stuffs. Linseed meals, branded gluten meals, and gluten feeds examined show no adulterations. Wheat bran, middlings, and, with a few exceptions, mixed feeds, have not been found to contain any foreign admixtures. Heilman's mixed feed was found to be of very poor quality. It coutained a large amount of woody material, of very little feeding value. Several unmarked mixed feeds were similarly adulterated. The Lexington mixed feed showed several per cent less protein than the average. Many unbranded oat feeds have been found to contain as high as 65 per cent of hulls and only from 5 to 7 per cent of protein. Such foods prove costly at prices asked for them. See more extended remarks under analyses of these feeds." Dried grains as a substitute for hay, J. A. Voelcker (Jour. Roy. Agr. Soc. England, 3. ser., 9 (1898), pt. 4, pp. 768-774). — A test was made with steers at the Woburn Farm to learn how far dried brewers' grains could advantageously replace hay in a time of scarcity. Sixteen Shorthorn 3-year-old steers were divided into 2 lots of 8 each. Four animals of each lot were fed in stalls, 2 in sheds, and 2 in open yards. The test began December 22, 1897, and was divided into two periods of 40 and 70 days, respectively. During the first period lot 1 was fed dried brewers' grains ad libitum, and lot 2 cut hay ad libitum. In addition each lot at the beginning of the test was fed 3 lbs. decorti- cated cotton-seed cake, 3 lbs. of maize meal, and 28 lbs. of Swedish turnips. After about 6 weeks the grains were each increased to 4 lbs. and the Swedish turnips to 35 lbs. After a time mangel- wurzels were substituted for Swedish turnips, and in the latter half of the period linseed cake was added to the ration. During the test lot 1 consumed 4,178 lbs. dried brewers' grains and the average daily gain per steer was 2.18 lbs. Lot 2 consumed 5,820 lbs. of hay, the aver- age daily gain per steer being 3.05 lbs. The cost of the gain is dis- cussed and it appeared that the more economical gains were made with hay. From this test, " as also from general observations through- out the experimental period, it was shown that in steer feeding it does not do to replace hay entirely by dried grains." The test was con- tinued with the same steers to see whether dried brewers' grains might not to advantage replace hay in part. The steers in lot 1 were fed 5 lbs. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 1079 of bay chaff daily and as much dried brewers' grains as they would eat, iu addition to the same ration as before. It was found that this method of feeding- did not materially diminish the amount of dried brewers' grains consumed. Lot 2 was fed the same ration as during the first period. As the test continued it was observed that with lot 1 there was a tendency to consume less coarse fodder, but this was also observed with the lot fed hay. In the 71 days of the second period the steers in lot 1 made an average daily gain of 2.60 lbs., those in lot 2, 2.20 lbs. The gain is discussed at some length from a financial standpoint. " It would appear that while dried grains, used along with a small quantity of hay chaff, can replace hay quite well as a food for bullocks and give a larger increase of live weight, yet at the respective prices quoted for dried grains and hay [$21.50 and $15.83 per long ton (2,240 lbs. ), respectively, including transportation and cutting or chafing] and carcass meat [7 cts. per pound], there is very little monetary differ- ence whether dried grains are used along with the small quantity of hay chaff, or whether hay chaff is used alone. Further, from the earlier part of the experiment it is clear that dried grains can not be made to replace hay entirely for bullock feed- ing, but that hay or similar food must be used along with them. Also that the same weight of fibrous food will be required whether hay be used alone «r as a supple- ment to dried grains." The maintenance ration of cattle, H. P. Armsby (Pennsylvania Sta. Bui. 42, pp. 188, ^Z*'. 18). — The author reports a series of experi- ments with steers, extending from 1892 to 1897, to learn the amount of food required for maintenance. In all cases the feeding was continued for long periods. During a portion of the period the digestibility of the ration was determined as well as the balance of income and outgo of nitrogen. Eecords were kept of the gains or losses in live weight and in many cases of the amount of water consumed, and of variations of the temperature of the stalls in which the steers were kept. In some of the tests the results were calculated in overlapping 10-day periods, since the author believed that it was thus possible to eliminate errors. In the several experiments the gain or loss of protein and fat was estimated as well as the fuel value of the ingesta and egesta (in the later experiment fuel values were determined), due allowance being- made for the estimated energy of the urine and the methan. In all the tests 3 steers were used. They were apparently grade Shorthorns and in 1892 were past two years old. They weighed at the beginning of the experiments 427.7 kg., 457.9 kg., and 407.3 kg., respectively. The first experiment began December 1, 1892, and covered 52 days. Previous to the test the steers had been* fed nothing but hay. During the test the ration consisted of 4.5G3 kg. of timothy hay containing a little clover. From January 15 to 21 the digestibility of the ration and the income and outgo of nitrogen was determined. The second test began January 22, 1898, and covered 71 days. The ration in the first test having proved insufficient, the amount of timo- thy hay was increased to 5.44 kg. The special digestion and metabo- lism experiment began Febuary 19 and covered 7 days. The third experiment began November 16, 1893, and covered 51 days. In this experiment the ration consisted of timothy hay and corn meal, 1080 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. the amount fed at the beginning being 5.444 kg. of hay and 0.455 kg. of corn meal. The amount of hay was gradually decreased and the coin meal increased to November 21 until the amounts fed were 2.918 kg. of timothy hay and 1.474 kg. of corn meal, this ration being con- tinued throughout the experiment except in the case of a few days wheu steer No. 3 was ill and received different food. The special digestion and metabolism experiment began December 10 and covered 7 days. The fourth experiment began January 0, 1894, and covered 70 days. In this test new-process linseed meal was gradually substituted for corn meal until 1.678 kg. was fed. The amount of hay was the same as in previous test. Steer No. 3 showed a tendency to decrease in weight, and his ration was therefore increased to 3.629 kg. of hay and 1.814 kg. of linseed meal. The special digestion metabolism experiment began February 21 and covered 7 days. The fifth experiment began March 17, 1894, and closed April 21. The primary object of this test was to learn the digestibility of the so-called "cotton-seed feed," which it was claimed consisted of cotton- seed meal and hulls 1 : 5. The special digestion and metabolism experi- ment began April 15 and ended April 21. This test has been reported in a previous publication (E. S. JR., 6, p. 1014). The sixth experiment was made in 1894-95. The steers had been in pasture during the spring and early summer. The latter part of July they were put on a ration of 5.44 kg. of timothy hay. August 17 this was replaced by the same quantity of long hay, consisting chiefly of timothy with some admixture of blue grass. After a few days this was replaced by the same amount of cut hay such as was used during the experiment proper. From July 22 until the beginning of the experi- ment proper the weight of the steers and the amount of water con- sumed was recorded. The experiment proper began November 28 and extended over 106 days. At the beginning of the experiment the daily ration consisted of 6.35 kg. of mixed clover and timothy hay. After December 13 this was replaced by the same amount of cut timothy hay. In this test the steers were kept in special stalls, which are described in detail. They were essentially the same as the so-called Bid well stall. The digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen was determined through- out the whole experimental period, with the exception of the interval from February 15 to March 6. The special digestion experiment began January 12 and closed January 18. The nitrogen in the urine was determined throughout the whole test. The seventh experiment, which covered 41 days, began March 14, 1895. Starch was gradually substituted for a part of the hay until the ration consisted of 5.2 kg. of hay and 0.8 kg. of starch. From March 28 until the close of the test the digestibility of the dry matter and nitrogen was determined as well as the nitrogen in the urine. The special digestion period covered 7 days, beginning April 13. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 1081 The eighth experiment began December 27, 1896, and covered 96 days. Wheat, straw, com meal, and linseed meal were gradually sub- stituted for the previous ration until on January 15, steer No. 1 was fed 2 kg. of wheat straw, 2.5 kg. of corn meal, and 0.5 kg. of linseed meal. Steers Nos. 2 and 3 were fed the same amounts of wheat straw and linseed meal and 2.75 kg. of corn meal. These rations were con- tinued throughout the test. The digestibility of the ration was determined from January 29 to February 11, and from March 12 to 28. All of these tests are discussed in detail. The digestibility of the different rations and the balance of income and outgo of nitrogen are shown in the following table: Coefficients of digestibility and income and outgo of nitrogen in experiment* with steers. Experiment 1 (timothy hay) : Steer No. 1 Steer No. 2 Steer No. 3 Experiment 2 (timothy hay) : Steer No. 1 Steer No. 2 Steer No. 3 Experiment 3 (timothy hay and corn meal) : Steer No. 1 Steer No. 2 Experiment 4 (timothy hay and linseed meal) : Steer No.] Steer No. 2 Steer No. 3 Experiment 5(eotton-seed feed) : Steer No. 1 Steer No. 2 Steer No. 3 Experiment 6 (timothy hay) : Steer No. 1 Steer No. 2. Steer No. 3 Experiment 7 (timothy hay and starch) : Steer No. 1 Steer No. 2 Steer No. 3 Experiment 8 (wheat, straw, corn meal and linseed meal) : Period I— Steer No. 1 Steer No. 2 Steer No. 3 Period II— Steer No. 1 Steer No.2 Steer No. 3 Average of all coeffi- cients : a Steer No.l Steer No. 2 Steer No. 3 Dry mat- ter. Per ct. 57.66 55.08 52.71 50.59 58.00 50.30 51.22 57.88 :;4.44 42. 11 45.35 42.19 44.98 42.72 58.52 59.31 57.51 64.02 63.96 62.01 68.57 72.84 66.00 67.81 73.38 68.54 58.48 61.08 57.11 Pro- teids. Per ct. Ether Per ct. 44. 45 51. 12 41.98 50.00 43. 63 51. 12 45.61 51.56 47.31 54.60 58.73 67.97 G8. 11 69.20 53.95 54.80 54.58 44.77 41.18 42. 09 65.85 67.92 62.70 61.80 64.25 60.88 52.74 53.62 51.87 44. 00 53.00 46.00 61.11 64.84 48.35 56.04 61.68 82.86 85.72 84.00 45.88 50.77 51.57 43.31 51.83 46. 45 84.34 84.21 84.32 80.20 82.54 83.25 61.68 65. 44 63.81 Nitro- free ex tract. Per ct. 65.68 63.38 59.25 57.97 64. 90 55.02 71.75 73.47 49.29 54.06 53.74 53.36 58.55 50.09 61.34 62.58 60.45 72.29 72.20 70. 93 77.24 80.77 75.42 77.52 81.57 78.00 66.49 69.14 64.17 Crude fiber. Perct. 51.16 51.94 46. 31 42. 02 51.25 44.82 4.97 24.47 (?) 1.31 14.04 28.30 33.19 31.92 57.95 58.52 56.38 55.06 54.82 50.56 41.83 47.84 33.86 39.46 48.68 38.35 45. 11- 49.46 43.17 En- ergy. Per ct 54.81 52.30 49.69 47.20 55. 30 46.93 47.52 55.31 32.00 38.90 44.11 40.83 44.70 42. 66 55.50 56.18 54.88 61. 25 60.84 59.16 72.61 65.97 68.06 72.61 68.70 56.64 59.22 55.43 Nitrogen. In food. Gm. 41.75 41. 75 41.75 60.92 60.92 60. 92 51.67 51.67 126. 33 126. 33 126. 33 85.63 85.63 110.09 83.47 83.47 83.47 57.80 57. 80 57.80 79.68 82.61 82.61 78.80 82.73 82.73 In urine. Gm. 22. 63 19.57 20. 83 28.43 29.37 26.63 28.95 28.32 78.18 69.04 71.26 25.96 25.79 33.05 42.33 41.21 44.86 24.48 24.40 24.69 50.09 57. 85 55.09 56.13 58.00 58.70 In feces. 21.63 22.57 22.00 30.73 27.32 29.67 22.94 20.74 38.01 37.95 40.97 55.16 57.92 64.94 36.47 35.79 35.96 27.63 29. 42 28.96 24.00 23. 60 27. 41 26.74 26. 28 28. 75 Gain(+) or loss ( — ) Gm. — 2.51 — 0.39 — 1.08 + 1.76 + 4.23 + 4.62 — 0.22 + 2.61 + 10.14 + 19.34 +29.03 + 4.51 + 1.92 +12. 10 + 4.67 + 6.47 + 2.65 + 5.68 + 3.98 -!- 4.15 + 4.59 + 1.16 + 0.11 — 4.07 — 1.55 — 4.73 a Excluding experiments 3 and 4. 1082 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. As previously stated, rations were selected which it was believed were just sufficient for maintenance, their value for this purpose being judged by variations in live weight and gain or loss of nitrogen. The author compares his results with those of other investigators, and con- cludes that the average steer weighing 500 kg. when fed a ration consist- ing only or mainly of coarse fodder requires for maintenance 13,000 calories of available energy at a stable temperature of 50 to 00° F. after making a deduction for the loss of energy in the form of methan. The amount of protein required is also discussed. "It would appear that with a nutritive ratio of about 1:11, a minimum of about 300 gm. of proteids per day and 500 kg. live weight is required for maintenance, and that any material diminution of this amount will result in a loss from the body. Furthermore, however, it would appear that if the nutritive ratio be made wider, this amount of proteids may be very materially reduced, at least for a time, with- out leading to a loss of nitrogen by the body or to any recognizable injurious consequences. "Finally, it may not be superfluous to point out that the term proteids as here employed, following the common usages, is a conventional term. Neither the varia- tions in the percentage of nitrogen in the vegetable proteids nor the presence of nitrogenous metabolic products in the feces has been taken account of. As regards the former, our knowledge of the composition of the proteids of coarse fodders is insufficient to enable us to substitute any other factor for the conventional 6.25, so that only in one experiment (No. 8) was there any approximately sufficient basis for recalculation of the analytical results. "The metabolic products in the feces can be determined with some degree of accuracy, but inasmuch as they are waste products it makes little practical differ- ence in any single experiment of this sort whether we correct the apparent digesti- bility of the proteids for them in order to obtain the true percentage digestibility and say that the ration contained, e. g., 325 gm. of digestible proteids, of which 25 gm. was required to make good the excretion of metabolic products in the feces, or whether we subtract the total proteids of the feces from those of the food and say that the ration contained the net amount of 300 gm. of proteids available to the body. "In the case of widely different rations, of course, the proportion of metabolic products rnay vary and thus distort the comparison, and undoubtedly their deter- mination is desirable, but it is not believed that the failure to take account of them in these experiments seriously affects the value of the results as regards proteids, while, as already pointed out, the results of the energy of the rations are independent of it. " The relative value of coarse fodder and grain is also spoken of at length. The article contains an extended review of the literature of the subject, and the author's results are compared with those of other investigators. Experiments on the value of meadow hay, W. von Knieriem (Landic. Jahrb., 27 (1898), No. 3-4, }?p. 521-565). — Investigations con- ducted at the Peterhof Experimental Farm are reported. These investi- gations extended over several years and represent the work of a number of individuals. Experiments with rabbits are reported on the digesti- bility of white and red clover, kidney vetch, spring vetch, timothy, perennial rye grass, orchard grass, and water avens, and with sheep and cows on the digestibility of mixed grasses, clover, and sour grass. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 1083 The relation of the different parts of orchard grass and timothy of luxuriant growth and stunted growth was studied. Measurements of the growth of yellow rocket ( Barbarea vulgaris) and studies of the com- position, including fertilizer constituents, of the stem and leaf were also made. In addition to digestion experiments with cows the comparative value of clover hay and sour grass hay for the production of milk was studied. Feeding sour grass hay diminished the milk yield, while clover hay increased it. The relative digestibility of foods by different animals is discussed. The majority of feeding stuffs are said to be about equally well digested by different ruminants. When, however, the feeding stuff contains a small amount of nutritive material it is better utilized by cows than by sheep. The results obtained with rabbits are believed to be comparable with those obtained with the larger animals. Investigations on the value of different concentrated feeding stuffs, W. von Knieriem (Landw. Jahrb., 27 (1898), No. 3-4, pp. 566- 630). — These experiments, which extend over a number of years, were conducted by different investigators at the Peterhof Experimental Farm. Experiments are reported with rabbits, sheep, and horses on the digestibility of cocoanut cake, hemp-seed cake, linseed cake, sun- flower-seed cake, rape-seed cake, meadow hay, and a number of mixed rations. In some cases the digestibility of the concentrated feeding stuff was calculated by deducting from the digestibility of the mixed ration the calculated digestibility of the other feeding stuffs, and in others it was determined by changing the ratio of the foods and calcu- lating the digestibility algebraically on the basis of the differences observed. The results obtained by the two methods of calculation are compared. In a number of the experiments the balance of income and outgo of nitrogen was also determined. Tests of the effect of cocoauut cake and linseed cake on the yield and composition of milk were also reported with 2 cows. The cocoanut cake increased the milk yield 1(3 per cent, and the linseed cake 12 per cent. Notwithstanding the fact that the fat in the two sorts of cake possessed such different properties, the butter made when these cakes were fed was not materially changed as regards meltiug point, cooling point, or content of nonvolatile acids. As regards the volatile acids, so great irregularities were observed that no deductions could be drawn. A test of the effect of palm-nut cake on the yield and composition of milk was also made. It was fed with clover hay. As compared with periods when clover hay was fed alone, palm-nut cake increased the production of milk about 17 per cent. The fat content of the milk was also increased. Butter made from milk obtained in the different periods was compared. The saponification number of the butter was increased when palm-nut cake was fed. 1084 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. In this and the preceding article, a large number of investigations by other observers are cited, often in considerable detail. The relative values of different fibrous foods for sheep, J. A. VOELCKEB {Jour. Roy. Agr. Soc. England, 3. ser., 9 (1898), 2ft J, ]>p. 77-1- 786). — A test was made at Woburn Farms to ascertain the most satis- factory coarse fodder for sheep in addition to roots. Sixty Hampshire Down lambs, showing a little Oxford blood, were divided into 4 lots of 1.") each. Lot 1 was fed cut (or chaffed) oat straw, lot 2 cut meadow hay, lot 3 cut meadow hay and cut oat straw 1 : 1, and lot 4 dried brew- ers'grains. In addition the sheep were given Swedish turnips. These feeding stuffs were supplied ad libitum. All the lots were also given the same amount of linseed cake. The test began ^November 29, 1897. The financial statement is based on linseed cake at $42.63, dried brew- ers'grains at $21.50roat straw at $7.86, meadow hay at $15.83, and Swedish turnips at $1.75 per long ton (2,240 lbs.). These values include cutting or chaffing and transportation. March 7, 6 sheep from each pen were sold and slaughtered; March 28, 5 sheep from lots 1, 3, and 4, and 4 from lot 2 (one sheep in this lot had died) were sold and slaughtered. The remainder of the sheep were disposed of April 20. Considering the test as a whole, the average daily gain per head of lot 1 was 0.405 lb.; of lot 2, 0.425 lb. ; of lot 3, 0.433 lb., and of lot 4, 0.409 lb. The percentage of live weight to carcass in the 4 lots was 51.84, 51.68, 52.49, and 52.56, respectively. The greatest profit was realized with lot 3. The tests are reported and discussed in detail: "In making these comparisons it has to he borne in mind that the money values put upon the roots, the oat-straw chaff, and the hay chaff are only estimates, and these may well be reduced in particular cases, seeing that the foods are home-produced, whereas in the case of the dried grains the actual prices put down had to be paid. "It was abundantly clear, however, that the sheep did exceedingly well on the dried grains and liked the food greatly ; also that hay could be entirely replaced by dried grains, a result different from that obtained in a similar experiment on bullocks (see p. 1078). But it cau not be said that the feeding with dried grains was more profit- able than with hay chaff, while a mixture of hay chaff and oat-straw chafi', half and half, proved to be the most economical feeding. "The question of the profitable employment of dried grains for fattening sheep must clearly depend upon whether the price of the grains greatly exceeds that of hay or not.'' The influence of manures on the production of mutton, W. Som- ERVILLE (Jour. Bd. Agr. [London], 5 (1898), No. 3, pp. 300-314). — A test was made to compare different methods of fertilizing poor pasture land as shown by the gains made by sheep pastured on the different plats fertilized, the results being compared with the yield of hay on the different plats. The tests were begun in 1897 and covered 2 years. The fertilizers were applied in 1897 only. There were 10 plats of 3 acres each and in each plat a subplat of one-twentieth of an acre was fenced off. Sheep were pastured on the large plats and the hay on the subplats was harvested. The fertilizers were so regulated that 200 lbs. per acre of phosphoric acid was applied to plat 3 ; 100 lbs. per acre to FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 1085 plats 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10; 50 lbs. per acre of potash to plat 7; and 20 lbs. of nitrogen per acre to plat 9, and 17.2 lbs to plat 10. Plat 1 received no direct manuring; the sheep grazing on it, however, were fed jf lb. per head daily of decorticated cotton-seed cake. About 6 cwt. per acre of ground cotton-seed cake was applied to subplat 1. At the end of 3 years the pastured area of plat 1 will have received about the same amount of nitrogen in the form of manorial residue as was added in the form of crushed cake to the subplat. Plat 6 was not fertilized and served as a control. Beginning June 27, 1897, 8 crossbred sheep were pastured for 1G weeks on each of the plats. In 1898 the sheep were turned into pas- ture May 10. Six sheep were placed on plat G; 8 on plats 2, 1, 5. 7, 8, 9, and 10, and 10 on plats 1 and 3. Six weeks later 1 more sheep was added to plats 1 and 7 and 2 more to plats 3, 9, and 10. The grazing season terminated October 3. The sheep pastured were slaughtered and the weight of carcass and percentage of mutton determined. The average results of the tests, which are discussed in detail, are shown in the following table, which gives the percentage of increase of hay and mutton produced on the different plats as compared with plat 6 taken as a unit. The average live weight, the average dressed weight, and percentage of mutton of the lots pastured on the different plats are also shown. Average results of different methods of manuring pasture as sltotvn by production of hay and mutton. Treatment. Cotton-seed cake Lime Full dressing of slaj; One-half dressing of slag Superphosphate Nothing Superphosphate + potash... Superphosphate + lime Superphosphate + ammonia Dissolved bones Hay in Mutton in excess of excess of amount amount produced produced by plat 6. by plat 6. Hay con- sumed per pound of gain in live weight of sheep. ' Average live weight of sheep. Average dressed weight of sheep. Percent Percent. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. 24 149 3 t 53 175 34 74 29 77 a 3 114 27 109 37 92 39 95 22. 1 43.3 24.6 34.3 32.1 44.3 20.0 27 0 31.7 31.7 103 81 108 101 101 98 104 112 98 107 a Decrease. Some experiments on the fattening value of certain foods gathered by pigs, R. L. Bennett (ArJea?i8aa 8ta. Bui. 54, pp. 83-80). — The value of Spanish peanuts, chufas, and soy beans for pigs was tested. These crops were grown on sandy loam cotton soil, producing on an average 30 bushels of corn to the acre. The pigs were confined with movable fence on small areas of each crop. For purposes of com- parison, one lot of pigs was fed corn in the ear. The test was made with 2 lots of 4 pigs, and 2 lots ot 3 pigs. At the time of feeding the soy bean 1086 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. pods were well filled out and some were changing color. As the feeding progressed and the pods dried, the pigs showed a preference for the green ones, eating them first. The test was continued for 40 days with the lots fed peanuts, chufas, and corn. With the lot fed soy beans, it was continued for only 32 days, since the soy beans were eaten sooner than was expected. The pigs fed peanuts, soy beans, and chufas gathered the crop on one-third of an acre. Those fed on corn consumed 23 bushels. The average results of the test are shown in the following table: Results of ply-feeding experiment. Lot 1 (peanuts i . Lot 2 (soy beans Lot 3 (corn) Lot 4 (chufas) .. Num- ber of pigs. Weight of lot at be- ginning. Weightof Weight of lot at endi lot at end of 32 days, of 46 days. Pounds. 466 499 417 364 Pounds. 760 590 646 482 Pounds. 884 754 562 Gain of lot in 32 days. Pounds. 294 91 229 118 ( iain per pig per day in 40 days. Pounds. 2.2 2.4 1.4 The estimated quantity of pork produced per quarter acre of peanuts was 313 lbs., chufas 138 lbs., and corn 109 lbs. "With the corn-fed pigs the ratio of gain to corn consumed is quite large, but the thrifty condition of the pigs and their size at the beginning of the test, and the short period of feeding, are doubtless the causes. The peanut fed pigs gained practically as much as the corn-fed pigs and harvested their own food." The fat of the pigs fed soy beans and chufas was of about equal firmness, but not quite as firm as that of pigs fed corn. The fat of the pigs fed peanuts was soft and oily. When cooked, no difference could be detected in the flavor of the meat of the pigs in the different lots. Feeding acorns, G. W. Carver [Alabama Tuskegee Sta. Bui. 1, j>p. 6-0). — The composition of acorns is quoted aud compared with that of corn. The successful feeding of 400 pigs on acorns and kitchen slops is reported. The acorns were also fed to milch cows in place of grain with satisfactory results, 2 qt. or 5 lbs. being fed daily. " While the milk did not materially increase as to quantity, it greatly improved in the amount of butter fat." So far as observed there were no bad effects on the butter. Horses are also said to be fond of acorns, and a state- ment concerning their successful use as a poultry food is quoted. "In feediug acorns there is this precaution necessary: Where large ([iiantities are given, plenty of laxative food should he included iu the ration, as they are rather hinding in their nature and likely to produce harmful results. . . . "In feeding them to hogs, we find that rather a soft, spongy flesh is produced with an oily-like lard that hardens with great difficulty and frequently not at all. This is readily overcome by feeding corn 2 or 3 weeks before butchering, although many hundred pounds of meat go into market without complaint that have never been topped off with corn." FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 1087 Poultry notes, F. E. Hege {North Carolina 8ta. Bui. 152, pp. 24). — The bulletin describes a portion of the work of the poultry section of the station for the year ending July 12, 1898. The houses and appli- ances are described, as well as the diseases observed among the poultry and the treatment followed. A feeding experiment with ducks and 3 tests with chickens hatched in incubators are also reported. Disease experiments (pp. G-13). — Little disease was observed among the poultry. This is attributed to the fact that the fowls were kept clean and comfortable, the houses well cared for, and continual war waged on vermin. A number of chickens were treated for diarrhea. From these cases and the experience of previous years — "It seems that, if taken in time, a cleansing of the system by the use of either sweet oil or calomel, followed by soft food containing, say, 10 per cent black pepper (or less, if the fowl will not consume as much . . . ), will almost invariably effect a cure, but if the trouble is not noticed at once cures are infrequent. What causes the occasional cases in the yard has not been determined, unless . . . the fowl in molting is naturally weaker than when in full feather. Xo severe cases have appeared except during the molting season." Several of the chickens suffered with sore head. Some of the cases were successfully treated with an application of copper sulphate. "Sore head i.- a serious drawback to poultry raisers in the South and if the disease strikes a flock during June or July, nothing could do the fowls more damage, as it is extremely contagious, apparently healthy fowls one day being covered with sores on the head the next. . . . " Sore head in winter is indeed a rare occurrence and that is another indication that stagnant blood is really the prime cause of the disease. Sulphur and salts both act on the system of the fowl, cleansiug it from almost any lingering disease germs." Feeding powdered sulphur mixed with the morning food 3 times a week (£ lb. to each h gal. of food) and adding ^ lb. Epsom salts to the gallon of drinking water is regarded as a satisfactory preventive of sore head. This was followed from March 1 to October 1. A number of cases of roup were also treated. "There is no doubt that the colds which had developed into mild cases of roup were caused by the chickens roosting where the chilly night air was continually upon them. We . . . are satisfied that if the fowls are placed in positions not exposed to draughts the disease is not necessarily contagious. Previous experi- ments made by the writer in 1891 and 1892 fully convinced him of the foregoing. There can be little doubt that if a laxative had been given the subjects when i'.rst isolated and nostrils had been cleansed daily their period of confinement would have been decreased by several days." Feeding experiments with Pekin duels (pp. 13-15). — Eighteen Fekiu ducks were fed 56 days from the time they were hatched. At the beginning of the test the total food consisted of 4.4 oz. of meal and an equal amount of bran per head daily, while at the close of the test 6 lbs. 10 oz. of meal, 4 lbs. 3 oz. of bran, and 3 lbs. 5 oz. of bone were fed daily. In addition to the grain an amount of fine grit equal to one- sixth of the weight of the grain and chopped green clover equal to 1088 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. one-fourth the bulk of the ration were also fed. All the feed was mixed with water to a crumbly mass and fed in troughs. No water was allowed except for drinking purposes. The financial statement is based on corn meal at 1 ct., wheat bran at 0.9 ct., cut bone at 1 ct., and grit at 1 ct. per pound. Account was also taken of the value of the clover fed, the eggs set, and the food of the hens carrying the ducks. The ducks weighed 2 oz. when hatched and 4 lbs. ISA oz. at the close of the test. The cost of a pound of gain was 5.05 cts. The ducks sold for 50 cts. each. Incubator tests (pp. 16-22). — In the first test reported 86 strong chickens were hatched from 250 eggs. Accidental causes are believed to account for the apparently poor hatch. The chickens were fed for 8 weeks. During this time 13 chicks died. The average weight of the chickens when 8 weeks old was 1.49 lbs. Taking into account the cost of the food and eggs set, heat for the iucubator, etc., the average cost of a pound of gain was 6.96 cts. In the second test reported, 135 chickens were hatched from 200 eggs. The chickens were fed for 8 weeks, during which time 9 chickens died. The average weight of the chickens when 8 weeks old was 1.49 lbs. The average cost of a pound of gain was 6.42 cts. In this fest a simple homemade brooder was used. It was heated with hot water. The total cost, including labor and lumber, was about $3. In the third test only 65 chickens were obtained from 200 eggs. Accidental causes were believed to account for the poor hatch. A plan is suggested for keeping a monthly record of a poultry yard. Food supply, R. Bruce (London: Charles Griffin <\- Co.', Ltd.; Philadelphia: J. L>. Lippincott Co., 1S9S, pp. 159, figs. 76). — This volume, which is described in the sub- title as "a practical handbook for the use of colonists and all intending to become farmers abroad or at home," contains chapters on climate and soil, drainage and rotation of crops, seeds and crops, vegetables and fruits, cattle and cattle breeding, sheep, pigs, poultry, horses, the dairy, the farmers' implements, and notes on the settler's home. In an appendix preserved and concentrated foods are treated of. Concerning sitos [a prepared wheat food], E. Cappelletti (Ztschr. Untersuch. Nahr. u. Gemissmtl., 1 (1898), No. G, pp. 384-389).— Sitos is a preparation of wheat made by splitting the grain lengthwise and removing the outer layer by a special process. It is made from hard Sardinian wheat (Triticum durum). Analyses of sitos, rice, and Italian paste are reported. The digestibility of each of the materials was tested with 3 men. The average coefficients of digestibility are shown in the fol- lowing table : Coefficients of digestibility of sitos, rice, and Italian paste. Kitrogen. Fat. Carbohy- drates. Ash. Per cent. 78.73 C9.29 86.93 Per cent. 92.03 92. 59 87.86 Per cent. 96.14 97.36 97.35 Per cent. 75.57 73.98 72.24 In each case the materials were cooked in a thick soup. FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 1089 Directions for sampling foods, condiments, and commercial products, G. Rurr (Anleitung zur Probeentnahme von Nahrungs- unci Genussmitteln sowie Gehrauehs- gegenstdnden. Karlsruhe: F. Gutsch, 1S99, pp. 40; rev. in Ztsehr. Unfersuch. Nahr. u. Gennussmtl, 2 (1S99), No. 2, pp. 399, 400). The adulteration of flour -with rye, buck-wheat, rice, barley, maize, beans, and potato starch, Bai.land (Jouv. Pharm. et Chim., 9 (1899), 6. ser., No. 5, pp. S89-248; 6, pp. 286-290). The adulteration of coffee and tea, W. A. Withers and G. S. Fraps (North Caro- lina Sta. Bui. 154, pp. 35-4S). — The examination of a number of samples of coffee and tea is reported. The adulteration of these articles is discussed at some length. Lessons in domestic science, Ethel R. Lush (London and New York: The Mac- millan Co., 189S.pt. l.pp. 8S,figs. 49; pt. 2, pp. 77, figs. 4S). — These books are written to meet the requirements of different grades in English schools. Food preservatives, A. Hill (Jour. Roy. Agr. Soe. England, 3. ser., 10 (1S99), pt. 1, pp. 171-1S6). — This general discussion of the subject is from the author's presidential address before Section 1 (Sanitary Science and Preventive Medicine) of the Sanitary Institute Congress at Birmingham in 1898. Maize and its uses, R. W. Dunham (Jour. Roy. Agr. Soe. England. 3. ser., 10 (1899), pt. l.pp. 116-136). — The author discusses the botanical structure and food value of maize and compares it with other feeding stuffs. The food value of fruits, W. H. Jordan (New York Agr. Soe. Rpt.,1897, pp. 577- 584). — A popular discussion of the subject. Food value and yield of Guinea grass ( Roy. Bot. Card. Trinidad Bui. Misc. Inform., 3 (1S98), No. 18, pp. 159-162). — The composition and yield of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) is reported and the composition compared with that of clover hay, vetch, Bahama grass, and Para grass. Wheat offals sold in Maine in 1898, C. D. Woods (Maine Sta. Bui. 47, pp. . 146).— In addition to routine business, the report contains a number of special articles, among others experiments on fattening animals made in France aud in foreign countries in 1897-98, the relative feeding value of hay and alfalfa, adulteration of feeding stuffs, and feeding race horses. Several articles on calf feeding are also reported and experiments with rabbits on the digestibility of different sorts of fodder beets and carrots. Experiments on pork and beef as money crops for cotton farmers, R. L. Ben- nett (Sup. Circ. to Arkansas Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 4).— Owing to the low price of cotton, attention is called to the fact that other crops may be more profitably grown if they are fed to pigs and steers. Results of tests at the station are cited in proof of this. Poultry in Belgium ( U. S. Consular Rpts., 1899, No. 223, pp. 648, 649).— A brief 1090 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. account is given of raising and marketing poultry in Belgium. When about 3 months old the chickens are confined in coops and fed ground buckwheat, mixed with milk, morning and afternoon, and at noon milk or milk and water. If the fowls refuse the food, they are not iorced to eat, but are removed from the coop and killed, as they grow thin otherwise and lose market value. The fowls are generally kept in the fattening coops from 4 to 5 weeks. DAIRY FARMING— DAIRYING. The water content of butter, B. Martiny (Landw. Jahrb.,27{1898), JVo. 6, pp. 773-963). — This is a very extensive compilation of analytical work bearing on the water content of batter in different countries. The work done at the Wisconsin, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut stations is included. Data for 20,700 analyses are brought together and classified by countries and in various other ways. A summary of the range and average water content for different kinds of butter is given as follows: Summary of water content of butter. Number of samples. Water content. Eange of water content. Lowest. Highest. Average. Fresh dairy or creamery butter (all countries) : 831 17, 332 738 841 113 819 30 2 Percent. 6.80 3. 84 3.68 4.32 5.06 16 — 10.09 14.05 Per cent. 27.51 22.12 41.60 49.02 21.30 24 + 20.68 14.73 Per cent. 14.10 13.55 14.79 14.74 10.73 23.00 15.58 14.39 Per cent. 20.71 18.28 Peasant butter (Germany) : 37. 92 44.70 Butter packed for keeping (all countries) 16.24 12 + Whey butter: 10.59 .68 20,71)6 3.68 49. 02 14. 03 45.34 For fresh dairy and creamery butter the range and average of the water content are given by countries as follows: Water content of dairy and creamery butter from different countries. TTnsalted. Salted. Number of sam- ples. Lowest. Highest. Average. Number of sam- ples. Lowest. Highest. Average. 523 38 9 53 62 4 30 93 17 2 Per cent. 9.10 8.53 6.80 8.54 9.80 13.67 11.87 12. 73 13.05 9.36 Per cent. 23. 00 19.50 15.40 19.78 18.00 14.22 16.26 19.85 27.51 11.91 Per cent. 13.96 14.51 12.70 13.67 13. 57 13.96 13. 51 15.16 17.17 10.64 1,107 Per cent. 5.90 Per cent. 22. 12 Per cent. 13.01 Austria Italy 6 225 63 334 9,847 596 62 4,423 438 207 10.02 9.68 7.70 4.91 8.98 7.11 6.00 8.87 8.10 3.84 12. 79 21.10 20.80 20. 75 19.88 20.00 16.00 20. 22 15.30 19.70 11.52 13.40 Netherlands England 13.07 12.08 13.99 United States Australia and New 11.53 11.38 13.66 11.18 8.97 DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 1091 Portions of the data are arranged to show the effect on water content, if any, of the season of the year, breed of cows, feed, methods of butter making, salting, keeping, and other factors; and based upon these con- siderations the author makes some deductions as to the limits of the allowable water content of different classes of butter. He concludes that, from the data at hand, salted or unsalted butter which contains more than 20 per cent of water has unquestionably been either very carelessly made or purposely adulterated, and accordingly should be excluded from public sale as not fulfilling the reasonable expectations of the consumer. Since the data for the better class of butter (from dairies and creameries) show that the averages for -different countries do not exceed 14 per cent of water; that at present fully four-fifths of all the butter contains less than 16 per cent of water; that butter regarded as good only occasionally exceeds 15 per cent of water, and that an unusually high water content can be corrected by proper feed- ing or methods of making, the author concludes that commercial table butter should not contain, as a rule, more than 16 per cent of water, and that all butter which contains from 16 to 20 per cent of water should be classed as more or less inferior, according to its fat content — i. e., as cooking or baking butter. Finally, a suggestion is made for the legal regulation of the sale of butter in Germany, defining butter and fixing the following limits: Butter fat, at least 80 per cent in table butter and 76 per cent in cook- ing or baking butter; nonfatty organic solids (casein, milk sugar, lactic acid, etc.), not exceeding 2 per cent; water, under 16 per cent in table butter and under 20 per cent in cooking or baking butter; salt, not over 3 per cent in table butter or over 5 per cent in cooking or baking butter. The causes of the rancidity of butter, C. Anthor (Ztschr. Analyt. Client., 38 (1899), JSTo. 1, pp. 10-20).— The author made a study of total acids, volatile acids, esters, etc., of sweet and sour cream butter when new and at different stages of rancidity. He finds that both sour- cream butter and rancid butter contain alcohol, and that all butters contain volatile bodies saponifiable by potash. Eancid butter also con- tains esters of the free volatile fatty acids, principally ethyl ester of butyric acid. The principal reason why a butter becomes rancid is said to be the intensive development of " bouquet," which soon renders the butter unfit for use, although the taste remains normal and the total acid is much below Stockmeier's maximum of 8. The rancid odor is caused principally by a mixture of small amounts of volatile fatty acids and ester. In distillation the butyric ester odor is at first very intense. As butter becomes older the development of bouquet reaches a maximum, after which it decreases nearly to zero. In this condition the butter is tallowy. Sweet cream butter becomes rancid much more slowly than sour-cream butter and does not equal it in the development of bouquet. 20776— No. 11 7 1092 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. The cause of the formation of these odors in the butter is attributed to micro-organisms which produce alcohol from the milk sugar, a cleav- age taking place simultaneously in the glyeerids, which yield acid for the formation of esters. As the glyceric! of butyric acid is the least stable, this is usually principally affected. The freed glycerin under- goes various changes, forming aldehydes and keton-like bodies, accord- ing to Schmid1 and Mayrhofer. The author coincides with the view of Schmid, that the processes of becoming rancid and of becoming sour are not identical. Rancidity of butter in the stage of development of bouquet is regarded as different from the rancidity of other fats, in which the odor is of less importance, and the fat is rendered unfit for food mainly by the irritating taste. Tubercle bacilli in market butter, Obeemuller (Syg. Rundschau, 9 (1899), No. 2, pp. 57-79). — In a preliminary communication on this sub- ject2 it was reported that 14 samples of Berlin butter, tested by injecting 5 or G guinea pigs with each sample, were found to be infected with vir- ulent tubercle bacilli. Every animal receiving injections of butter in the abdominal cavity showed signs of tuberculosis, and this was cor- roborated by numerous cultures from the affected parts, which showed tuberculosis in a high degree. The present papei* is partly controversial and discusses the earlier investigation in more detail, with a verification of the results on pre- served specimens of affected parts of the animals. It also contains the results of tests, by me.xns of guinea pigs, of 10 additional samples of first-quality butter procured from the same source as in the first inves- tigation. Four samples showed positive evidence of the presence of true tubercle bacilli. Animals injected with other samples were made very sick, and cultures made from the slaughtered animals contained tubercle bacilli in some cases. It was found, in agreement with others, that the action of only slightly pathogenic bacteria was much intensified by the presence of butter fat. For this reason, the treatment of the melted butter in a centrifuge and the use of the sediment for injection is believed to give more reliable results than injection with butter directly. The author states in conclusion that a large proportion of the butter samples examined by him contained tubercle bacilli, and the presence of these bacilli in butter in most cities is probably not infrequent. State control of dairy herds is strongly recommended. Experiments with calcium chlorid for rendering heated milk suitable for cheese making, Klein and A. Kirsten (Milch Ztg., 27 [1898), No. 50, pp. 785-787; 51, pp. 803-805). — This investigation was suggested by the practice of sterilizing milk for butter making and the resulting difficulty of using the skim milk for cheese making. Three series of experiments were made, including a large number of trials in 1 Ztschr. Analyt. Cheni., 37 (1898), p. 301. 2 Hyg. Rundschau, 7 (1897), pp. 712-714. DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 1093 each, separator skim milk being- heated to 75° C. for 15 minutes in the first series, to 85° for 10 minutes in the second, and to 100° for 2 min- utes in the third. In each experiment 20 liters of skim milk was used, varying- quantities of calcium chlorid being added in different cases, and none in some cases. Cheese was made in each case. In the first series, where the milk was heated to 75° C, it was fonnd that there was little difficulty in making cheese from the milk, either with or without the addition of calcium chlorid, but the authors recom- mend adding to such milk the equivalent of 10 gm. of calcium oxid per 100 liters of milk, to facilitate the curdling. The cheese made from milk heated to S5° 0. and treated with calcium chlorid resembled in many respects that made in the first series of experiments. The yield of cheese was in all cases greater where the calcium chlorid was used than in the control experiments. The green cheese also contained more water, but even on the basis of dry matter the yield was greater. The greatest difficulty in making cheese from this kind of milk was found to be the time required for the complete separation of the whey from the curd. The use of calcium chlorid was also found to restore the ability of milk heated to 100° C. to curdle, but to accomplish this in the same time 2i times as much calcium chlorid was required as in the first series. The separation of the whey was very slow and difficult, and the curd itself was unusually rich in water, and was changed to a grayish-white appearance and a finely granulated condition, with very little tendency to adhere together. The addition of larger quantities of calcium chlorid improved the adhesive qualities of the curd, although it did not entirely remove the difficulty. Experiments made in subsequent heating to 40° C. to hasten the separation of the whey and to make the curd more adhesive resulted favorably, and this is to be the subject of further investigation. In a later note in the same journal (No. 53, p. 810) it is stated that all difficulties in making cheese from milk heated to 85° have been overcome, and that the process is rendered as simple as ordinary cheese making. A description of the method is promised. An inquiry concerning the source of gas and taint-producing bacteria in cheese curd, V. A. Moore and A. E. Ward (New York Cornell Sta. Bui. 158, pp. 221-237, pi. 1). — A study was made of this trouble, which occurred at a cheese factory and was popularly supposed to be due to decomposed retained placentas. An examination of the gassy and tainted curd "showed that both the taint and the gas were caused by the same species of gas-producing bacteria, a micro-organism resembling very closely, if not identical with, Bacillus coli communis.'1 Cheese made from sterilized milk inoculated with this bacillus devel- oped the gassy curd and taint. A search for the source of this bacillus showed that it was not in the rennet or in the water used iu the cleaning. A bacteriological examination, was then made of the milk of the indi- vidual cows in the suspected dairy. This showed that the gas and 1094 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. taint-producing bacteria were present more or less constantly in the milk of each, animal, and that the milk of the cows which had suffered from retained placenta was, as a rule, no worse than that of the other cows. Examination of the dust and filth from the stable gave negative results, and the inference was reached that the bacteria had become colonized in the udders of certain of the cows. This, however, could not be positively determined. The examination of the teats and udders of a number of cows which were slaughtered on account of tuberculosis (not from the infected dairy, however) showed that "bacteria were there and remained there after milking, ready to infect the milk of the next succeeding milking," but no gas producing bacteria were found in any of the udders examined. Two experiments were made to test the power of bacteria to pass from the intestines to the udder, the cows being given drinking water containing 1 to 2 qt. of a bouillon culture of Bacillus prodigiosus daily for nearly 2 weeks, and the milk examined for this organism with neg- ative results. A repetition of the experiment, using cultures of the gas-producing bacillus from cheese curd, also gave negative results. A technical description is given of the gas-producing bacillus, which is believed to be "closely related to, if it does not belong in, the colon group of bacteria." Cleanliness in the stable and in the care of the cows is believed to be the best preventive of the trouble. The disinfection of the milk, ducts by washing them out with a germicide by means of a milking tube, as reported by a German experimenter, was not successful in the hands of the authors. Changes in fat during the ripening of cheese, A. Kirsten (Ztschr. Uittersuch. Nahr. u. GenussmtL, 1 (1898), No. 11, pp. 742-759). — Four sorts of cheese, Camembert, Neufchatel, Tilsiter fat, and Holland, were examined with reference to the changes in the fat. The fat was sepa- rated from the cheese with ether by triturating the ground or broken-up cheese in a mortar with ether, the free acids being neutralized with potassium hydrate. The mass was then shaken vigorously, the ether being renewed from time to time, and the shaking continued until the ether extract contained no trace of fat. The ether-fat layer was then separated by centrifugal force and the fat freed from the ether by dis- tillation and dried in hydrogen at 100°. The volatile and the insoluble fatty acids and the saponification equivalent were determined in the fat, as well as the index of refraction. The cheese was further examined as to the solids-not-fat, ash, salt, and total nitrogen; and the solids-not- fat were examined for total solids, nitrogen, ash, and salt, and were extracted with water, the extract being examined for total solids, ash, and nitrogen in different forms. The results showed that the fat separated from the different cheeses at different stages of ripening was very nearly uniform in composition. While a quantitative decomposition of the cheese fat is believed possi- ble, these results indicate that where it takes place all parts of the fat DAIRY FARMING DAIRYING. 1095 arc uniformly decomposed. The view that the glycerids of the different fatty acids are associated with the ripening- is thought to be disproved. The losses in absolute amount of fat during ripening were as follows: Camembert 0.12 per cent, ISTeufchatel 0.85, Tilsiter 0.19, and Holland 0.57; and of ether extract: Neufchatel 4.40, Tilsiter 2.9G, and Holland 0.58 per cent. These losses the author regards as small and within control in the ripening room. In discussing Weigmann and Backe's paper (E. S. K., 10, p. 789) the author states that the formation of free nonvolatile fatty acids observed by them in ripe cheese is not a proof of a decomposition of the neutral fat of the cheese, since these could just as well have originated from decomposing nonfatty constituents, especially the albuminoids. Changes in fat during the ripening of cheese, H. Weigmann (Ztschr. Untersuch. Xalir. u. Genussmtl.,2 (1899), JSTo. 1, pp. 31, 32). — The author takes exception to the above explanation of Kirsten of the free nonvolatile fatty acids found by Backe and himself in cheese. He con- tends that numerous investigations have shown that fat is not formed from the albuminoids in cheese ripening, and that Cohn has shown that in the cleavage of casein by hydrochloric acid the higher fatty acids are not formed. The formation of volatile fatty acids from casein is admitted, but no weight was placed by Weigmann and Backe on the determination of these. The author criticises Kirsten's results, claiming that the method of fat separation employed extracted only the unaltered fat of the cheese- He asserts that Kirsten's conclusions are not warranted, and that his paper does not change the status of the question. Feeding dairy cows, T. L. Haecker (Minnesota Univ., Dept. Agr., Class Bui., pp. 20). — The author discusses the principles of feeding, the composition of feeding stuffs, and the application of these data. He presents in tables the composition of various feeding stuffs and their comparative money value, based upon timothy hay and bran at different prices, and upon their digestible protein content. The com- pounding of rations to meet the feeding standards is discussed and illustrated by examples. "That generous feeding pays is clearly illustrated in our record for the 5 years ending December 30, 1897. During the years 1893, 1895, 1896, and 1897 cows were fed all they would take, while during the year 1894 they were fed light. Yield of milk and butter by herd. Tear. Yield of— Cost of 1 Lb. of butter. Milk. l'.ut tor. 1893 Pounds. 6,407 ■1, 9H9 7,418 ;. t:.i Pounds. 271 B52 349 Cents. 10.6 1804 . . 10.9 1895 8.0 189G . 6.3 G, 9(52 5.4 "These are averages of the entire herd, and show that daring the 4 years when receiving all they would eat up clean they averaged 354 lbs. of butter each, while the average yield for the year 1894, when on comparatively light feed, was only 271 lbs. The cost of production was also the greatest that year." 1096 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. A new scale of points forjudging dairy cows, C. L. Beach (Hoard's Dairyman, 30 (1899), No. 9, pp. 176, 177, fig. 1). — A description of the scale, with examples of its use on the cows of tho Storrs Agricultural College. Colostrum, E. UnGER (Arch. Path. Anat. u. Physiol. [Virchow], 151 (189S), Xo. 1, pp. 159-175, pi. 1). — A rc-suine" of the literature of colostrum and a study of the physiological process of colostrum formation on human suhjects. Researches on milk — determination of watering, A. Villieus and M. Beu- tault (Bul. Soc. CMm. Paris, 19 (1898), No. 7, pp. 305-310). A modification of the Babcock milk test, M. Siegfeld (Moll;. Zlg., 13 (1S99), No. 4, pp. 51, 52). — To avoid cloudiness of the fat column and make t he line of demarcation more distinct, it is proposed to fill the hottles, after the first -whirling, •with sulphuric acid of 1.5 sp. gr. instead of with water. It is noted also that a clear fat column can he obtained with one whirling by using amyl alcohol and filling with sulphuric acid of 1.5 sp. gr. Several comparative tests are reported. The determination of the dirt in milk, R. Eichloff (Milch Ztg., 88(1899), No. 5, pp. 65, 66). — A study was made of the Stutzer method in common use, which resulted in showing that method to give too low results. Tae sterilization of milk, MacFadyean and Hewlett (Trans. British Inst. Prevent. Med., 1897; abs. in Ryg. Pundsehau, 9 (1S99), No. 6, p. 308).— The authors discuss the pasteurization of milk and the efficiency of a temperature of 55 to 65° C. in destroying disease germs. They describe an apparatus which consists of a system of spiral tubes through Avhich the milk passes and in which it is alter- nately heated to about 70° C. and cooled. Milk can be effectively pasteurized on a commercial scale with this apparatus without any change in taste or appearance. Special experiments with pure cultures of pathogenic bacteria showed that these were killed by tho treatment. Embalming milk (Hoard's Dairyman, 30 (1S99), No. 9, p. 167). — Remarks on the use of "Freezene" as a milk preservative. The active principle of this preservative is said to bo formic aldehyde. Bacteria in lacteal secretion, II. Trinct (Abs. in Jour. Hyg., 23 (189S), No. 1157r p. 559). Biological studies of Clostridium licheniforme and Paraplectrum fcetidum, H. WElCxMANN (Ccntbl. Balct. u. Par., 2. Aht., 4 (1S9S), No. 22, pp. S20-S34,pls. 2). Denaturation of margarin, V. Mainsbrecq (Bul. Assoc. Beige CMm., 12 (1S98), No.5-6,pp.lS5,18G). A new method of butter making (Milch Ztg., 27 (1898), No. 53, p. 842).— A descrip- tion of the so-called Norstedt method. The butter is washed thoroughly with cold water as soon as it is churned, and immediately worked and. salted. Butter made by this method was found to contain less casein and slightly more water than ordi- nary butter. Tho butter is deficient in aroma, as would be expected, but has the advantage of unusual keeping qualities. Whey butter (Queensland Agr. Jour., 4 (1S99), No. 2, pp. 112, 113).— Popular direc- tions for making whey butter. " In the experience of the writer, the whey obtained from GO gal. of milk is sufficient to afford 1 lb. of finished butter." Passage of the reaction of cotton-seed and peanut oil in butter, F. Weren- skiold (Jahresber. (iffentl. Ford. Landw. Norwegen, 1897 ; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem Ind., 18 (1899), No. 2, p. 162).— Arachidic acid could not be detected in butter after feeding cows on ground peanut cake (1 kg. per day). When the same amount of cotton-seed meal was given, the butter obtaiued thereafter showed the reaction of the corre- sponding oil. The cotton-seed oil reaction was never observed except after feeding with cotton-seed meal. The systematic butter exhibitions in Denmark and Sweden, R. Eichloff (Molk. Ztg., 13 (1899), No. 1, pp. 3, 4).— A description of these exhibitions and their operation, drawn from personal observations of the author. AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STATISTICS, ETC. 1097 The preparation of Tilsiter cheese, R. Eichloff (Molk. Zlg., 13 {1S99), No. 2, ])}>■ 19, 20). — A description of the methods employed in making this kind of cheese. A new alcoholic fermentation product from skim milk and whey, A. G. Eksthaxd (Milch Ztg., 28 (1899), No. 2, pp. 21, .'.'). — A note on a new cheap alcoholic beverage. AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. Farm drainage — why and how, J. J. W. Bij.lingsley (Drainage Jour., 21 (1899), No. 4, pp. 90-94). — A popular discussion of the subjeel . Automatic division of irrigation water, W. M. Bristol (Pacific Sural Press, 57 {1899), Xo. 10, p. 145, figs. 2). — The construction and mode of operation of an adjust- able automatic weir in use in the Highland district, San Bernardino County, Cali- fornia, are described. Plows in Italy, IT. A. Johnson ( U. S. Consular Bpts., 1S09, No. 225, pp. 614-616).— An account of held trials of plows made by three German firms. Agricultural machines competing at Paris, M. Rincjelmann (Jour. Agr. Prat., 1S99, I, No. 13, pp. 464-470, figs. 0). Trials of farm machinery, 1898, U. Sverdrup et al. (Christiania. 1S9D, pp. 69, ill.). — The report gives detailed results of working trials with farm machinery con- ducted by the Royal Society for Norway's Weal, and includes trials of 7 two-horse and 9 one-horse mowers, 10 horse rakes, and 4 hay tedders. Nearly all the leading American farm-machinery firms were represented, and the machines awarded first diplomas were, without an exception, of American manufacture. The working trials were made according to a carefully prepared plan and scores given for quality of work done, for work in relation to draft, construction, and durability, and atten- tion required during operation. — v. w. woll. Agricultural electrotechnics, R. H. Thurston (Science, n. ser., 9 (1899), No. 222, pp. 4S0, 451).— A review of an article by P. Renaud on agricultural electrotechnics in Germany and its future in France and her colonies, published in Bui. Soc. Encour- agement Ind. Nat., 1SD9, Jan., p. 15. Cigar leaf-curing barn (Queensland Agr. Jour., 4 (1899), No. 2, p. 107).— Brief direc- tions for constructing a tobacco barn. STATISTICS— MISCELLANEOUS. Tenth Annual Report of Alabama College Station, 1897 (Alabama College Sta. Bpt.lS97, pp.28).— This contains brief outlines of the work of the different depart- ments and a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897. Organization and work of the Tuskegee Experiment Station, G. W. Carver (Alalama Tuskegee Sta. Bui. 1, pp. 3-5).— The station stall", the act of the Alabama legislature establishing the station, and brief notes on the proposed work of the sta- tion are given. Sixteenth Annual Report of New York State Station, 1897 (New York State Sta. Bpt.l897,pp. 661).— This contains the report of the treasurer for the year end- ing September 30, 1897, a meteorological record for the year, and reprints of Bul- letins Nos. 117-142 of the station, excepting Nos. 120 and 122, on the following sub- jects: Treatment of leaf spot in plum and cherry orchards in 1896 (E. S. R., !». p. 148); alfalfa (E. S. R., 9, p. 133) ; the downy mildew of the cucumber, what it is, aud how to prevent it (E. S. R., 9, p. 248) ; spray pumps and spraying (E. S. R., !». \>- 262 1 ; spraying potatoes on Long Island in the season of 1896 (E. S. R., 9, p. 765) ; anthracnose of the black raspberry (E. S. R., 9, p. 762) ; forcing tomatoes, comparison of methods of training and benching (E. S. R., 9, p. 1051) ; notes on a tomato disease (E. S. R., 9, p. 1058) ; feeding experiments with chicks and capons ( E. S. R., 9', p. 1076) ; strawberries 1098 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. in 1897 (E. S. R., 9, p. 1052) ; variety tests with raspberries, blackberries, and dewber- ries (E. S. R., 9, p. 1052) ; analyses of commercial fertilizers for 1897 (E. S. R., 9. p. 1042; 10, p. 36) ; a bacterial disease of sweet corn (E. S. R., 9, p. 1056) ; results with oat smut in 1897 (E. S. R., 9, p. 1060) ; the source of milk fat (E. S. R., 9, p. 1083) ; spraying iu 1897 to prevent gooseberry mildew (E. S. R*., 9, p. 1061) ; the composition and production of sugar beets ( E. S. R., 10, p. 145) ; inspection of nurseries and treatment (if infected nursery stock (E. S. R., 10, p. 168) ; commercial fertilizers for potatoes (E. S. R., 10, p. 431) ; experiments and observations on some diseases of plants (E. 8. R., 10, pp. 452, 453,454); plant lice, descriptions, enemies, and treatment (E. S. R., 10, p.467) ; wood ashes and apple scab (E. S. R., 10, pp. 437, 452) ; digestion and feeding experiments (E. S. R., 10, p. 476) ; report of the director of New York State Station (E. S. R., 10, p. 498). Seventeenth Annual Report of Ohio Station, 1898 (Ohio Sta. Ilpt. 1898, pp. XXII I. map 1). — This contains reports of the board of control, the treasurer for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898, and the director, including a brief outline of station work for the year, a subject list of Bulletins 85-95, a list of the publications received during the year, and acknowledgments of miscellaneous donations. Tenth Annual Report of Texas Station, 1898 (Texas Sta. Ept. 1S9S, pp, 1111- 1144, pis. 3). — This consists of a report by the director on the work of the college aud substations, brief reports by the heads of departments, financial statements for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1897 and 1898, and an appendix containing a bibliogra- phy of agricultural publications. Tenth Annual Report of West Virginia Station, 1897 ( West Virginia Sta. Ept. 1S97, pp. 66). — This contains a financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, and reports by the director, agriculturist and horticulturist, entomologist (p. 1067), and chemist, reviewing the different lines of station, work for the year. An effort to help the farmer, I. P. Roberts (Xew York Cornell sta. Bui. 1-59, pp. 241-2GS). — This is the fifth report of progress of the State extension work in agri- culture. Part I deals with the investigational work of the station already reported in bulletins and that under progress, correspondence work, and itinerant teaching by means of schools and lectures; Part II deals with the nature-study aud reading- course work. The previous reports are given in Bulletins 110, 122, 137, and 146 of the station (E. S. R., 8, pp. 135, 740; 9, p. 699; 10, p. 498). Beet-sugar manufacture in Sweden, 1896 to 1897 {Tidskr. Landtmiiu, 19 {189S), No. 2, pp. 30-32). — This article gives statistics on the production of beet sugar in Sweden for the year ending September 1, 1897. Nineteen factories were in opera- tion and 890,240.4 metric tons of beets were worked, being an average of 46,855 tons per factory. The total yield of sugar was 105,556.2 tons, of which 94,261 tons were first sugars, 9,649.5 seconds, and 1,645.7 tons thirds and fourths. Besides the sugar 25,615.8 tons of molasses were produced. The yield of sugar was 11.86 per cent of the beets worked; the first sugars amounted to 10.59 per cent of the beets; the seconds to 1.08 per cent, and the thirds and fourths to 0.19 per cent. The yield of molasses was 2.88 per cent of the beets. The average sugar content of the beets, as determined by means of the polariscope, was 13.56 per cent, the maximum being 14.59 and the minimum 12.26 per cent. The number of tons of beets worked was 66 per cent greater than iu 1895 aud the amount of sugar obtained was 70 per cent greater. — f. w. woll. NOTES. Georgia Station. — A depart men t of biology has recently been created in connec- tion with the department of horticulture. A laboratory lias been equipped for the study of injurious insects and fungi, and material additions to the scientific library have been made. The life histories of certain injurious insects are being studied, as well as methods for their control. Illinois University and Station. — The last general assembly of Illinois voted $150,000 to erect and equip a building for instruction and investigation in agricul- ture at the University of Illinois. It also enacted that one-half of the funds aris- ing from the land-grant act of 18G2 and from the second Morrill bill of 1890 should be devoted to instruction in technical agriculture. Nebraska Station. — At a meeting of the board of regents of the University of Nebraska, held April 1S-19, the office of assistant director of the station was created, and T. L. Lyon, agriculturist of the station, was appointed to the position. On account of lack of funds to carry into effect the purposes of the board in respect to the division of animal husbandry, the board was obliged to discontinue its temporary arrangement with Mr. C. H. Elmendorf, and ordered that the division of animal hus- bandry be placed in charge of the division of agriculture. New York Cornell University. — The State assembly recently appropriated $35,000 to the College of Agriculture of the University for extension work in agriculture. New York State Station. — As a result of civil-service examination, Frederick H. Blodgett, P.. S., has been selected as assistant botanist and entomologist at the branch station at Jamaica. Long Island, and has entered upon his work. The State legislature has passed and the Governor approved the following bills: (1) Renewing the regular annual appropriation of $50,000 for the station; (2) renewing the appro- priation of $10,000 for fertilizer analysis for the current year; (3) changing the fer- tilizer law for the next year to require licensing each brand sold in the State at a cost of $20 per brand, the tax, or so much of it as needed, to pay expenses of collec- tion of samples and analysis by the station; (4) placing sale of concentrated feeding stuffs under station control, requiring dealers to pay a tax of $25 per brand; (5) giv- ing appropriation of $3,500 for constructing addition to cattle barn and other repairs; (6) appropriating $1,000 for inspection of Paris green and other insecticides. Wisconsin University and Station.— Arthur G. Hopkins, 1>. V. M.. has l»een appointed veterinarian of the agricultural college and experiment station. "Wyoming Station.— A ven Nelson, botanist of the station, left Laramie early in June on an extended botanical survey of the Yellowstone National Park and the adjacent forestry reserves. In addition to large collections of the entire tlora a careful study of the forage plants and range conditions is contemplated. Inspection of Nurseries and Nursery Stock in Indiana.— The legislature of Indiana has passed a law for the inspection of nurseries and uursery stock. Erratum.— In the abstract of Bulletin 121 of the California Station (E. S. R., 10, p. 617) the difference in the moisture content of cultivated and uncultivated apricot orchards to a depth of 6 ft. was erroneously stated to be 2l., 189,688. Johannsen, W., 1 47, 7*">0. Johne. A., 999. Johnson. C. W., 855. Johnson, II. A., 1097. Johnson, J. F., 153. Johnson, S.W., 232. Johnson, W.D., 325. Johnson, W.F., 662. Johnson, W. G., 65, 66, 660, 662, 713.872.8C8. 1059, 1061. Jolles,A., 118. Joly, A., 411. Joni . B. K., 472, 484, 079. Jones, i'. II., 505. 62:!. Jones, L.R., 300. •Tones. W.J.,jr., 136. Jonsson, 15., 4, 0, 259. 554, 555. Jordan, A. T., 433, 440. Jordan, C. T., 246. Jordan, W.H., 115, 431, 476, 498, 707, 710, 1089. Joret,C.,418. Jorissen, A., 20. Jorissenne, 79. Joulie, H.,35. Joulin, 224, 1016. Jovitschitsch, M. Z., 20, 314. Judd, S.U.,720. Juel, H. 0..321. Julien, 95, 947. .Inline, 193. Junger,427. Jnritz, C. F.,827. Just, I,., 121. Kablenberg, L.,918. Kain, S. W., 124,325. K.iins, M. G., 47, 151,236. Kaiser, K., 183. Kalugin, J.,678. Kanienyetski, E. A., 253. Kaineriing, Z.,22. Kamritz, M., 593. Kannenberg, K., 97. Katz,J.,417. Kaufman, E. E., 388. Kawaia, J., 871. Kayser, E., 123, 195. Kean, A. L., 457. Kearney, T. H., 515. Kedzio, R. C, 110, 120, 124, 125, 136, 246, 504, 512. 734, 797, 892, 9*45, 1020. Keffer, C. A., 043, 699. Keller, C, 52. Kellgren, A.J.,72. Kellicott, D. S., 166. Kellner, O., 184,473, 587, 669, 806, 807, 1031. Kendall, W.C., 324. Kennedy, P. B., 758. Kent, F.L., 684, 686. Ken. von, F. C, 699. Kerner, A. von, 400, 900. INDEX OF NAMES. 1111 Kerr, J. W., 640. Kertesz, 660. Key, S., 555. Kienzl, X.,876. Kilani, 926. Kilgore, B. W., 36, 136, 428, 508,512,607. Kilmer, F. B., 546. Kimball, H.H.. 1018. King, Miss C. M.. 199. King, F. H., 695. 727, 728 730, 797. King, G. B., 770. Kingsbury, B. F., 321. Kinney, L. F., 956, 968. Kinzel, W., 320. Kirkland, A. H., 63, 373, 566, 569, 570. Kirscke, A., 42, 749. Kirsten, A., 1092, 1094, 1095. Kissling, R.., 547, 1004. Kitao, D..644. Kitchen, 571. Kjolstad, A., 492. Klebahn, H., 156, 455. Kleber, C, 1005. Klein, B., 825. Klein, J., 73, 74, 493, 1092. Klein, O.. 374. Klocker, A., 123. Kloepfei', E., 533, 848. Klossovski, A., 328. King, F., 81. Knieriem, W. von, 1082, 1083. Kniseley, A. L., 152. Knorr, A., 193. Knotek, J., 168. Kniulsen, H., 83. Knuth.P., 166, 320, 827. Kny, L., 121. Kobayashi, C, 1047. Kobur, J. D., 750. Kobus, 266. Koch, 91, 795. Koch, H., 43. Kohl, F. G., 121. Kohler, A., 669. Kolkwitz, K., 1013. Kolle, "W., 496. Kiinig, J., 116, 281, 411, 811, 884 Konig, O., 480. Kiinigsberger, J. C, 168, 469. Koninck, L. L. de, 920. Koorders,S. H.,044. Korne, O., 98. Kornicke, 300. Koshkin,N.N.,255. Kossel, A., 313. Kossovich, P., 320. Kozlowski, W. M., 825. Kramer, A., 389. Kramm, L.,897. Krasnov, A. ST., 398. Krat, V., 421. Kraus, C, 348, 847. Kraut, H., 259. Kravkov, S., 421. Kreis, H., 886. Krenz, 533. Kretschmer, 1033. Krag, W. H.,509, 510. Kriiger, 37::. Kriiger, F., 679. Kriiger, W., 123, 457. Krulikovski, A., 273. Kuhlgatz, 569. Kuhlmann, 513. Kuhn, E. W.. 123. Kiihn, G., 806, 808. Kiihn, J., 349. Kiihn, M., 821. Kulagin,N.,66, 170. Kiinnemann. O., 621. Kiister, E.,417. Labbe, A., 321. Labbe, H., 219. Labillois, C. H.. 146. Laborde, J., 123, 315, 515, 1016. Lacombe, 1004. LaCour, J.C.,198. Ladd, E.F.,129, 171. 181, 194. 315, 607, 008, 715, 794. Lafar, F., 520. Laftite, V. de, 43. Lagerheim, G., 1007. Lamarliere, G. deL.,971. Lamb, A. C, 821. Lamb, F. H., 321. Lambert, E., 962. Lampa, S., 571, 1076. Lamson, H. H., 395, 453. Lamson-Scribner, F., 515, 518,55 1 . 718. Landin, J., 791. Lane, C. B., 431, 482, 946, 992. Lang, W.H., 223. Langer, J., 765. Langton, W. S., 100. Lang worthy, C. F., 584, 678, 780 . Lapeyrere, P., 91. Lardier, 496. Larsen, B., 841. LaUue, B.F., 196. Laschtschenko, P., 481. Lasne, H., 35, 412, 1003. Lasseron, J. V., 83. Latta, W. C, 236, 843. Laurent, E.,417. Laurent, J., 1006. Laurie, J., 59. Lavalle, A., 388. LavallOe, H. de, 385. Lavialle, J., 151. Lavoisier, 803. Law, J., 596. Lawes, J. B., 152, 433. Lawrow, D.,1089. Laze, L., 116. Lazenby, "W. K., 50, 355. Lea, A.M., 470, 556, 569. Leather, J. W., 421, 847. Leavitt, R.G.,417. Leazar, A.. 799. Lebbin,375. Le Belle, J., 440. Leblanc, A., 322. Lei aillon, A., 372. Lecbartier, M. G., 846. Leekenbv. A. B.,244. Leclaincbe, E., 896. LeClerc, J. A., 512. Leclerc dn Sablon, 23, 1007. Lecocrj, 79. Leffmann, A., 118. Lefl'mann, H., 170, 992. Legge, T. M., 694, 998. Lehmann, C, 1089. L'l]inann,K.B., 281, 1089. Lehmann, L., 349. Lehmann, O., 636. Lehnert, H.,349. Leisewitz, W., 869. Leitenstorfer, 884. Lemmermann, O., 140, 335 620, 1038. Lemoine, A., 920. Lemos, J., 496. Lemure, J.. 79. Lengerke, A. von, 432. Leonard, N., 514. Leonardi, G., 569. Leontovich, S. G., 792. Lepierre, C.,16. Letz, R.,297. Leuschner, A. t ).. 224. Levat,D.,833. Leverett, F., 130. Levering, M., 780. Lewis, J. V., 000. Lewis, L. L., 793. Ley, A. E., 758. Lidforss, B., 1013. Liebermanu, L., 310. Liebig, 804. Liebscher, G., 750, 1033. Liecbti, P., 733. Liesse, C, 96. Liggett, W.M., 708. Lignieres, J., 495. Lindet, L., 17, 20, 413, 440, 754. Lindley-Cowen, L.,433. Lindner, P., 971. Lindsey, J. L., 17, 19, 20, 21, 117, 472, 474, 4S4, 607, 679, 1077. Linell,M.L.,769. Lin field, F. B.,986. Ling, A. E., 117. Lingren, E.,440. Linney, C.E.,419. Lintner, J. A., 1065. Linton, E. F., 418. Linton, W., 780. Lippmann, E. <>. \»n. 118,897. List, E., 110. Littman, S.,513. Livache, A., On?. Lloyd, 786. Lb.yd, E. R.,547. 1112 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Lloyd, J. W., 607. LOchoW, V. vein. 12. Loeffler, 496, 694. Loevendal. E. A., 769. Loew, O., 223, 300, 417, 613, 925. Logan, A. S., 985. Loges, 955. Lonay,A.,433, 647. Long, W.t 895. Lonsdale, E., 1045. Looinis, 522. Lopriore, G., 122. Lorenzen, A., 416. Loring, CM., 443. Loubie, H., 52. Loughridge, R. EL, 220, 225, 298. Louise, 20. Lounsbury, C. I'., 61, 1076. Lovell, J. H., 519. Loven, C, 532. Low, A., 354. Lowe, V. II. , 208, 467, 468, 470. Lubauski, F., 259. Lubbock, J., 68. Lucas, E., 757. Lucet, E., 373, 469, 872. Ludon", K.,1046. Luff, G., 348. Lugger, ()., 406. Lundberg, J. P., 546. Lurie, M., 166. Lush, E. It., 1089. Lutoslawski, J., 321, 636. Lntz.L., 235, 414, 1017. Lutz, M. L., 59. Lyebyedyev, A., 723. Lynbanski, F., 841. Lyon, It. S., 100. Lyon, T. L., 49, 152, 299, 428, 429, 1099. McAlister, C. S., 100. Mc Alpine, A. "NT., 927, 966. McAlpine, D., 156, 456, 561, 612, 861. McAvoy, J. A., 900. McBryde,J.B.,26. McCarthy, G., 469. McCrae, D., 597, 780. McCullock, C.,399. McCurdy, C. W., 630. McDonnell, H. B., 136, 508. McDonnell, M. E., 887. McDowell, R. H., 147, 631. McDowell, M. S., 300. McEadyean, J., 597, 1096. McFarland,J.,694. ■ McGill, A.,493. McGiunis, L.L., 199. McHcnry, S. A., 125. McKay, G. L., 89. McLouth,L.,2. McMurtrie, W.,716. McQuarrie, C. K., 42, 847. Mabery, C. F., 80. Macallum, A. B., 608. Maccadam, I., 182. MacCallmn, W. (i.,497. Macchiati, L., 224. MacDougal, D. T., 321, 417, 612, 929. MacDougall, R. S., 532. MacDougall, S.,570. MacDowall, A. B., 1020. Macliida, S., 101. Mackay, A., 836, 853, 881. Mackenzie, D. F., 965. MacLean, G. E., 706. Macloskie, G., 358. Macoun, "W. C, 855. Mae\ iear, S.M.,223. Maenker, M., 132, 148, 427, 533, 584,734,834,926,950. Magnien, A., 151. Magnier, L.,315. Magnus, P., 267, 455, 763, 865. Mahan, F. "W., 481. Maiden, J. H., 725, 757, 928, 1049. Maiga, 517. Mainsbrecq, Y., 1096. Maire, R., 1057. Maizieres, 43, 136, 533, 623, 735, 1034. Maldiney, 358. Malet,F.,42. Mallet, J. W., 819. Mally, C. W.,62, 1061. Mally, F. "W.,1000. Malm, O., 793. Malpeaux, L., 772, 825, 927. Manassein, M. von, 224. Manda, W. A.,440. Mandel, J. A., 820. Mangin, L., 122, 452, 650, 758, 971. Mann, C, 896. Manning, W. H., 647. Mansholt, J.H.,349. Mapes.J. J.,499. Marcet, "W., 470, 471. Marchal, E., 652. Marchal, P., 568. Marchlewski, L., 219, 313. Marenghi, G.,496. Marie, R., 725. Marlatt, C. L., 63, 168, 565, 569, 654, 655, 661, 106 i, 1062, 1063, 1071. Marre, E., 60. Marrison, E., 896. Marsh, H. F., 799. Marshall, A., 717. Marshall, C. E., 692. Marston, A., 229. Marston, T. F., 799. Martens, 496, 094. Martin, C. J., 91,597. Martin, S., 497. Martinotti. F., 219, 1003. Martins, A. R., 999. Martiny, B., 592, 1090. Marvin, C. F., 325, 327, 419, 827. Mason, S. C, 148, 351. Mason, W. P., 821. Massa, C, 192. Massie, ( i., 22, 155, 455, 561, 971. Massey, W. F., 354, 552, 639. Masson, C, 1005. Mastbaum, H.,716. Masters, Maxwell T., 53. Maswersit, J., 780. Mathey, A., 59. Mathias, F., 42. Matsunmra, M., 569, 1076. Matruchot, L., 320, 497. Matthews, C. AY., 355. Maumene, A., 153. Max-well, W., 117, 128, 499, 525, 607,721,731,929,1021. May, J. N., 470. Mayer, A., 635. Mayer, C, 640. Mayet,T.,871. Maynard, S. T., 152, 436, 457, 639, 704. Mayo, N.S., 190. Mayr, IL, 53. Mayrhofer, J., 1092. Mazanti, 190. Maze, 318, 1011. Mazza, C, 381. Mead, E., 901. Mead, I. J., 28. Meade, R.K., 514. Meader, O., 299. Means. T. H., 30, 1026. Medicus, F., 757. Meehan, J., 641, 963. Meehan, S. M., 1046. Meehan, T., 044. Meifort, 496. Meissl,E.,900. Mell, P. H., 99, 708. Mendel, L. B., 183, 376, 716. Mendez, J. ,694. Menkhaus, H , 940. Menozzi, 79. Mer, E., 1039, 1046. Merriam, C. H., 723, 724. Merrill, L. A., 175, 634. Merrill, L. II., 18, 117, 512, 819,821. Merz.M., 259. Mcsnil, F., 496. Methner, T., 820. Meunier, 1005. Meyer, 223. Meyer, A., 481. Meyer, H., 313. Meyer, V., 925. Me\ erhof, M.,597. Mez, C, 515. Michaelis, L., 282, 283, 284, 285. Miclielson, H.,856. Mickle, A. E., 152. Mikhyeyev,P.,349. Mikosch, C, 718. Millardet, 611. Miller, A., 20. Miller, A. S., 299. Miller, H.K., 512. INDEX OF NAMES. 1113 Miller, R. H., 99, 633. Miller, T. E., 708. Miller, W., 199, 438, 640. Milliau, E., 884. Millot, 35. Mills, J. W., 254. Milone, U., 582. Minor, "W. L., 855. Minssen, H., 931, 932, 935. Mintrop, W., 588. Miquel.P., 1017. Mircoli, 190. Mitchell, W. L.. 276, 285, 295. Mitscherlich, A., 423, 831. Miyoshi, M.,440. Mlodziansky, A. K., 966. Moebins, 95. Mueller, A., 496. Moffat, J. A., 167. Molir. C.,567,764. Mohr, K., 651. Mokrzhetski, S.,1063. Moliuari,D.,36. Molisch, H.,518. Moller-Holst, E., 4, 6, 9. Molliard, M., 211. Mollison,J.W.,847. Monaglian, J. C, 433. Monahan, A. C.,26,328. Mondoli'o, G.H.,714. Monfet, L., 20,81. Monroe, J., 325. Montemartini, L., 417. Moor, 20. Moor, C. G., 413. Moor, S. A., 321. Moore, C.C., 408. Moore, C. F., 799. Moore, V. A.. 322, 520, 693, 694, 1093. Moore, W. L., 125, 827, 1020. Moors, H.J. ,151. Mordwilko, A., 169,660. Morel, A., 96. Morgan, H. A., 389. Morgen, A., 993. Morgenroth, 995. Mori, A., 764. Morill, K.,152. Moiishima, K., 917. Moritz, 400, 583,763. Morpurgo, G.,80, 118. Morrill, J., 100. Morrill, J. S., 501, 502, 503, 699. Morrill, P., 125, 328, 419. Morris, D., 400. Morris, H. C, 48. Morris, O. M., 100. Morrison. A., 440, 519, 546. Morrison, N. B., 899. Morrow, G. E., 26, 340. Morse, F. W., 36, 492, 730, 923. Moser, J. F., 325. Mottareale, G., 613. Mouillefert, P., 152, 644, 963. M. R., 551. Mulder, E..545. Miiller, 82. Miiller, M". J. C., 224. Miiller, O., 620. Miiller- Thurgan, II. , 1017. Mumford, F. B., 184. Mumforcl, H.W.,799. Munson, L. S., 512. Munson, W. M.. 355, 824, 855. Munte.M ,440,641. Mnnthe-Kaas, "W., 189. Miintz, A., 118, 379, 426, 884. Murkland, C. S., 707, 708. 709. Murmann, E.,717. Murray, J. A., 848. Murray, J. R. E., 125. Murrill, P.,315. Murtfeldt, Mary E., 564. Myers, J. A., 508. Myers, U. G., 325. Nannes, G., 1024. Nash, G. V., 47, 518. Nastukotf, A.,224. Nathorst, J.,198. Nathusius, S. von, 781, 805. Xaudin, C, 1100. Nay de Mfizence, 19. Neale, A. T., 134, 396, 596. Neely, S. T., 195. Nefedov, G.,333. Negri, G.de, 821. Nelson, A., 22, 53, 518, 718, 1099. Nelson, J., 490, 494, 497. Nelson, S. B., 399, 727, 793. Xeiuee, B.,223,321. Xerking, J., 118,608. Nesom, G. E., 300. Xestler, 764. Neuhauss, R.,321. Xeunneister, R., 116. Neurath, F.,118. Nevill, R. S., 43, 750. Newins, O., 424. Newcombe, H. T.,298. Newman, C. L., 512. Newmann.J. S.,712,842. Newton, "W., 235. Nieduer, 920. Niehel, W., 584. Nielsen, A. J., 770. Nielsen, II. P., 703. Nightingale, A. F., 899. Niles, E.P.,396,794. Niles.AV. B.,296. Nilson, L.F.,32,72,487. Nilssen, L. P.,719. Xilssen, M.F.,724. Nilsson, H., 146. Nilsson, X. H., 10, 519. Nishet, J., 856. Nissen, 284. Niven,J.,896. Noack,F.,456,975. Nobbe,F.,4,15,259,498,722,725,955. Nocard, 94, 495. Noffray, E., 360, 361. Noll', P., 313. Noll, F., 300. Norcross, W. C, 800. Nordhausen, M., 764. Norgaard, V. A., 396. Norner, C, 679. Northrop, ('.,706. Nourse,D.O., 429, 1037. Novy, F. G., 322, 520. Nutter, 463. Nypels, P., 561, 612. Nyssens, P., 918. Obermiiller, 1092. O'Berry, W. C, 799. O'Callaglian, M. A., 495, II 05. Ochapovski, L, 334, 846, 847. O'Donnell, J. J., 124. Oeksnevald, A., 83. CEttinger, G., 117. Ogden, A. W., 276, 285, 295. Ohlmiiller, "W., 717. Ohly, J., 314. Ohmer, J. P., 49. Olschbauer, A., 734, 790. Ormerod, E. A., 768. Orpet, O.E.,552. Orr, A. W., 425. Osborn, H., 68, 271, 1058, 1074. Osborne, T.B., 214,218,219,917, 943 Osterwalder, A., 700. Ostrander, J. E., 26, 328, 617. Ostwald, F. L.,327. O'Sullivan.J., 122. Otis, D. H., 119, 142, 343, 382, 891. Ott, 387. Otto, A., 831. Otto, R., 49, 715. Oudemans, C. A. J. A., 155. Paddock, "W., 254,255,653.961,963. Taepe, D. de, 1005. Pagliani, 381. Pageot, G., 963. ' Pagnoul, A.. 717,829. Pague, B. L., 199. Paige, J. B., 694. PaUa,E.,1013. Palladin, W., 726, 928. Palmer, CM., 381. Palmer. J. E., 547. Palmer, T. S., 25, 198. Pammel, L. H., 22, 555, 646, 708, 1048. Panegrossi, (;., 79. Panton, J. H„ 266, 272, 27:!, 562. Panton, "W.J.,373. Parey, 492. Paris, G., 281, 620. Parker, J. G., 116, 413. Parks, X., 780. Parks, S.C., 900. Parrott, P. J ., 369, 600, 975. Parsons, C. S., 199. Parville, H.de, 396. Passerini, X.,349, 359. Passmann, H., 1034. Passon, M., 17, 1004. 1114 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Tat cm, D.N. ,182. Patrlarca, 1039. Patterson, A. J., 98. Patterson, H. J., 75, 99, 510. Patterson, J. K., 99, 705. Patterson, J. W., 611. Patterson, R. P., 98. Patton.C. A.,1019. Paturel, G.,42. Paul, B. H., 20. Payne, J. E., 319. Peacock, L. K., 49. Pearce, J. I., 899. Pearmain, T. H., 413. Pearson, L., 892, 896. Pearson, R. A., 593. Peckeux, M., 963. Peck, C.H., 518. Peebles, A. B., 510, 710. Peel, R., 100. Peele, W. J., 799. Peglion, V., 59, 865, 1057. Peiper, 497. Pellet, H., 43, 96, 117. Pelletier,P.,432. Pemy, T., 156. Pender, "W.S., 469. Pcnick, W.B.,199. Penny, C. L., 134, 345, 510, 514, 515. Pergande, T., 770, 1062. Perkins, G.H., 300,459. Perkins, W. R., 315, 512. Perraud, J., 762, 862, 1005, 1056. Persons, A. A., 226. Peryepyolkin, A. P., 298. Peter, A. M., 3?6, 337, 734. Petermann, A., 735, 820, 1031. Peters, A. T., 296, 494, 793. Peters, F., 716. Petit, C, 91. Petrini, L.,443. Petroff, M. W., 192. Pettee, C. H., 419. Pettenkofer, 804. Pettigrew.J. W., 153. Pettit, R. H., 766. Pfeiffer, O., 618. Pieiffer, T., 140, 620. Pflug, 190. Pfliiger, 80, 804. Pfuhl, E„ 731. Phedotyev, P., 235. Phelps, C. S.,616, 681, 683, 693, 884. Phillips, P. C, 515. Phillips, W. F. R., 326. Phipps, W.H.,899. Piana, G.P.,192. Picard, E., 644. Pierson,L.,481. Pietra Santa, J. de, 884. Pinchot, G., 357, 443. Piper, C. V., 727, 760, 867, 869. Piret,E.,432,764. Piron, 19. Pittuck, B. C.,342, 838. Play fair, L., 100. Plagge, 375. Plateau, P., 769. Plo-vrright,C.B.,455. Plumaudon, J. R.,616. Plumb, C. S., 176, 301, 493, 674, 723. Poda, II., 313, 375. Podwyssotzky, W., 322. Poeppel, 895. Pogibka, A. I., 365. Polenske, E., 608. Polimanti, O..80. Pollacci,G.,562. Polzeniusz, F., 830. Poncet,A.,495. Pool, II., 515. Popov. A. A., 295. Poquillon, F., 532. Porte t, G.,896. Potebnia, A.,456. Potior, 35. Potter, C.H., 299. Pottevin.H., 116. Poulseu, V. A., 121. Powell, G. H., 354, 551, 556, 571, 712,958,962,963. Powers, S., 355. Prausnitz, Y7.,375. Prescott, S. C, 123. Priauiseknikow, 928. Price, D. T., 48. Price, R.H., 355, 853. Priestly, 803. Prillieux, 649. Primrose, W.S„ 799. Prinsen-Geerligs, H. C, 313, 396. Proca, G., 193, 495. Procter, H. R., 413, Prothiere, E., 929. Prunet, A.,59. Py, 79. Quaintance, A. L., 199, 365, 658, 769, 867, 972, 1068. Queva, M. C, 321. Quinn, G., 764. Quinnell, W. C, 597. Rabinowitsch, Lydia, 189, 888. Raciborski, M., 56, 362, 365, 1057. Raczkowski, S.de,79, 96, 224, 1016. Ragan, W. H., 799. Rainford, E. H., 123, 355, 396. Rainann, E., 922. Ramm, E., 492, 588, 780. Rampon, C, 366, 871. Ramsay, A. A., 714. Randall, J., 1005. Rane, F. W., 48, 194, 350, 354, 395, 399, 429, 432, 440, 639, 945, 1060. Rankin, C. W., 641, 758. Rapiuund, 593. Rashevski, P. I., 358. Ralhbun, R.,324. Ratz, S. von, 497, 896. Ravaz, L.,1058. Ravenel, M. P., 322, 388, 888. Ravenel, "W. de C, 324, 325. Ravizza, A., 364. Ravizza, F., 364. Kay, J. ,388. Ray, J. F., 799. Ray, M. J., 613. Raymond, F., 780, 794, Raymond, I.S.,899. Redding, R. J., 138, 139, 704. Regnault, 804. Reh, L.,200. Reichenbach, 192. Reinke, J., 929. Reinsch, A., 492. Reischel, G., 432. Reiset, 80. Rekaio,B.,273. Remy, T.,955. Reuaud, P., 1097. Renner, 193. Reimie, W., 244, 282. Reuter, E., 168, 768, 974, 1076. Reveil,414. Reynolds, J. B., 228, 229. Rhodin, S.,486. Rilian, J.,1004. Richard, I'.,605. Richards, G.-W., 124. Richards, P. A. E., 315. Richmond, H. D., 189, 413, 821. Richter, A., 400. Richter, L., 1011. Ridgaway, C.B.,29. Riegler E., 117. Rielil, E. A.,899. Riley, C. V., 1071, 1074. Rimbach, A., 417, 613, 928. Rimini, E.,607. Rindell, A., 136, 147. Riner, J. A., 900. Ring, A. R.,79. Ringelmann, M., 195, 623, 731, 797, 1097. Rinne, R.,315. Ritthausen, 217, 430, 917. Ritzema-Bos, J., 156, 660, 971,1057. Rivolta, 190. Rizzi,P.,52. Robert, J. C, 390. Roberts, I. P., 198, 498, 635, 698, 711, 95i, 1098. Robertson, B. F., 300. Robertson, C, 22. Robertson, J. W., 353, 780, 791, 792. Robertson, W. G. A., 184. Robin, L., 514. Robinson, B. L., 647. Robinson, J. H., 419. Robinson, J. M., 699. Robinson, J. S., 350. Robison, C. H., 703. Rocquegny-Adanson, G. de, 1020. Rocques, X., 80, 281. Roger, M., 322. Rolfs, P. H., 273, 368, 373, 660, 962, 971, 1053. Rongger, N., 825, 1077. INDEX OF NAMES. 1115 Bonnet, L., 409. Boop, F. S.,399. Rorig, G., 400. Rosa, E. B., 664. Rose, R. E., 1039. Rosenberg, O., 23. Rosenheim, O., 314. Rosenthal, J., 885. Boss, 15. B., 505, 508, 512. Ross, M. U., 291. Rossati, G., 540. Rostovtsev, E. E., 792. Rostrup, E.,864. Rostrup, O., 4, 6, 53. Rota, A. G., 821. Botch, A. L., 325, 419. Roth, F., 51, 350, 441. Rothrock, J. T.,443. Rouche,.I.,39G. Rougier, L., 971. Roulin.Gll. Roux, 700. Rowlee, "W. W.,921. Roze, E., 59, 121, 156, 761, 963, 972. Rubner, M., 481, 815. Rudolph, 365. Rudolph, J., 040. Ruffin, A., 583. Ruggeri, R., 118,413. Riimker, von, 245, 834. Piimpler, A.,897. Banyan, E. G., 512. Rupp, G., 1089. Rupple, W.G.,794. Russell, F. L., 305, 894, 896. Russell, H. L., 155, 385, 406, 785, 787, 789, 792, 889. Russell, W.C., 641. R. V., 697. Sahanine, A. K., 229, 259. Sackaroff, N., 1017. Sachs, F., 19. Sachs, J., 112, 358. Sagnier, H., 1039. Saillard, E.,91. Saint-Martin, P. de, 118. Sajo, K., 156, 374, 470. Salfeld, A. ,636, 825, 940, 1012, 1040. Salmon, D.E., 793, 999. Salter, C.I. C, 520. Salter, J. H., 417. Saltford, "W. G., 457. Salvin, O., 100. Sammis, J. C, 821. Sane tonus, 803. Sandias, A., 68. Sandsten, E. P., 822. Sanotski, A., 184. Satterthwaite, J. M., 899. Sauer, C. T.,481. Saunders, T>. A., 460, 629. Saunders, AT., 97, 147, 826, 835, 848, 851, 882, 895, 1034. Saussine, G., 971, 975. Savastano, L., 59. Sawano, J., 101. Sawela, H.,193. Saw tchenko, 497. Sa.vh.r, C.F.,743. Scalia, G.,76l. Schacht, 349, 030. Schaet'er, K. L., 223, 012. Schaffner, J. H., 319, 519, 826. Schaper, A., 418. Scheele,803. Scheibler, C, 1100. Schellenberger, 0., 885. Schestakow, P., 412. Schidrowitz, P.,314. Schillbach, H., 140. Schiller, 522. Schimper, "W.,900. Schindler, 955. Sckionning, H., 123. Schivokich, J. ,388. Schjerning, H., 116, 007. Schlater, G., 224. Schlechtendal, von, 169. Schleichert,F.,921. Schliebs, G.,932. Schloesing, T., 929, 930. Schloesing, T., jr. ,714. Schlossmann, A., 389. Schliiter, 43. Schmaltz, R., 896. Schmerbusch, O., 040. Schmid,A.,53,1092. Schmid, B., 012. Schmidberger, .1 ., 43. Schmidt, A., 281. Schmidt, C, 804. Schmidt, H., 996,- 1089. Schmidt, J., 95. Schmidt von Kolding, 895. Schmoeger, M., 91. Schmoldt, R., 195. Schnell, 953. Schneideniiihl, G., 107, 497, 508. Schneidewind, W., 34, 132, 532, 007. Schnider, 956. Schnyder, L., 183. Scholz, E., 57. Schottelius, H., 885. Schotz, R.,795. Sehoyen, W. M., 65, 68, 768. Schraeder, A. V., 493. Schreiber, C.,972. Schrenk. H. von, 863. Schroter, C.,856. Schrott, H., 90. Schubert, J ., 930. Schukow, A.,412. Schuler, C.,797. Schultz, J., 482. SchultzLupitz, 533, 800, 956. Schulz, A. A., 327. Schulze,B.,583,835,848. Schulze, E., 115, 116, 313, 720, 825, 925, 1077. SchumbuTg, 663. Schiitte, H.,934. Schiitz, "W"., 496. Schuyten, M.C., 18. Schwarz, E. A., 409. Schweinitz, E. A. de,511, KilC. Schwendener, S., 223. Schydlowsky, A., 322. Scott, J., 272, 696. Scovell, M. A.. 99, 336, 337,3 14, 508, 510,707, 7US, 712, 734. Soudder, S. H., 374, 770. Seabra, A. dr. 181. Sebelien,J.,98, 018. Sedgewick, W.T.,690,763 Seelhorst. C. von, 629, 635, 737, 1023, 1033, 1034, 1036. Sehrwald, 281. Seidel, H., 10 Selby, A. D., 346, 361, 557. Sellman, W.,95. Semal, G., 1005. Semal, O., 322. Sempolowski, A., 148, l'-l'l, 635,847. Sequin, 803. Seraflni, A., 780, 795. Sessions, II., 094, 90s. Sestini, F., 412, 424, 831, 1031. Setchell, W. A., 361. Settegasfc, 15. Seurat, L. G.,976. Sewerin, S. A., 35. Seyffert, 1017. Sharpe, T. A., 840, 854. Shaw, A. P., 199. Shaw, G. W., 331. 375, 544, 901. Shaw, P.M., 199. Shaw, T., 575, 071. Sheldon, J. I'., 593. Shepard, J. H., 145, 629, 639. Shepperd, J. H., 340, 671. Sheviryev, I., 320. Shinier, P., 1071. Shinn,C. H., 224, 229, 235, 244, 245. 254,255,258. Shiver, F. S., 593, 800, 819. Shomaker, J., 697. Shorey, E. C, 117, 412, 919. Shutt, F. T., 828, 831, 834 8 15, 876, 1033. Sidersky, D., 21. Siebert, T., 678. Siedel, J., 792. Siegfeld, M.. 515, 1096. Siegfried, M., 314. Sietz.J., 197. Silvester, R. W\,709. Silze, E.,36. Simmers, R. M.,439. Simonsen, P., 116. Simpson, J. M.,642. Sinclair, P. J., 799. Singer, P., 413. Siunhold, II., 413. Sirrine, F. A.. 208,869,871. Sisternes, L. de, 1076. Sitensky, F., 560. Sjollema, P., 235. 1116 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Skeels.F.C., 1045. Skinuer, J. H.,899. Slater, C, 520. Slingerland, M. V., 460, 565,660, 661,1073. Slosson, E. E., 346, 1025. Smart, C, 376. Smiley, E.E., 200. Smith, A. W., 780. Smith, C. D., 136, 146, 147, 180, 182, 188, 189, 195, 196, 246, 492, 580, 1046. Smith, C. U., 80. Smith, E.D., 040. Smith, E. F., 153, 456, 611, 824, 802, 864, 970,974, 1014, 1016. Smith, F., 321. Smith, F. J., 566, 567. Smith, H.M., 324, 325. Smith, H.W., 50. Smith, J., 757. Smith, J. B., 161, 169, 457, 469, 656, 704, 713, 769, 770, 1059. Smith, J. C, 780. Smith, J. G., 42, 43, 245, 542, 928, 1005. Smith, J. P., 273, 373. Smith, E.E., 647, 1055. Smith, R. F. W., 1016. Smith, R.L., 799. Smith, T., 299, 512, 690, 691. Smith, W. G., 561. Smith wick, J. W. P., 324. Snyder, H., 508, 509, 512, 543, 920. Snyder, J. L., 708, 709. Snyder, Lillian, 865. Soave, M., 929. Sokolowa, C, 1013. Somerville, W., 1084. Sonsiedsky, A., 167. Soppitt, H.T.,561. Sorauer, P., 266, 612, 865, 971. Sorel, E., 411. Sovyetov, A., 421. Spaeth, E., 118. Spanjer, O., 122. Speir, J., 432, 486. Spence, A. G., 985. Spencer, G. L., 512. Sperling, 896. Spiegel, F., 348. Spillman, W. J.,583, 5!i3. Spinks, J. L., 600. Spitta, E. J.,520. Springer, J., 413. Staes, G., 1049, 1057, 1058. Stahl,J.M.,6!)7. Stahl-Schrodcr,M., 377. Stalker, M., 296. Stangeland, G.E.,130. Staples, S. B., 389. Starnes, H. N., 149, 160, 199, 1040. Stavenhagen, A., 123. Stearns, H. 11., 1018. Stebler, F. G., 13, 349. Stedman, J. M., 68, 564, 566, 1064. Steffeck, H.,926. Steglich, 955. Stein, V., 21, 79,779. Steinegger, B., 383, 791. Steinlin, R. L.,315. Steinmetz, II., 125. Steinriede,F.,679. Stephens, E. F., 856. Stevens, F. L., 857. Stevens, W.C., 121,123. Stevenson, J. W., 355. Stewart, F. C, 260, 452, 453, 454, 862, 1054. Stewart. J. ,077. Stewart, J. II., 136. Stieger, 624, 955. Stiles, C. W ., 393, 793, 999. Stilson.L. D..353. Stinson, J. T., 48, 1044. Stockbridge, H. E., 347, 954. Stoekhardt, E., 400. Stockhausen, E. J. von, 80. Stockman, R., 182. Stohmann, F., 491, 806. Stokes, A. W., 821. Stokes, J. B., 799. Stoklasa.J., 121,223,321, 100, 518, 613,734,929,1013,1014. Stoklasa, S., 1057. Stoll, P. H., 826. Stone, G. E., 54, 647, 1055. Stone, J. L., 143, 636,992. Stone, R., 196, 598. Stone, W. E., 1017. Stoneman, I!. M., 764. Storch, V., 286, 384. Storer, F. II., 521, 716. Storment, E. L., 1064. Story, N., 699. Stossich, M., 192, 193. Strasburger, E., 417. Street, J. P., 115, 116. 118, 122, 474, 480, 512, 1031. Stribolt, V., 784. Stritesky, J., 848. Strohmeyer, 653. Strong, G.W., 800. Stroyev, 1'., 255. Struinpfe, E.,644. Stubbs, J. E., 705, 707, 708,709,710. Stubbs, W. C.,547. Stubenrauch, A. V., 245, 254. Sturgis, W. C, 60, 261, 262, 265, 267, 321. Stuii evant, E. L., 301, 302, 303. Stutzer, A., 121, 123, 235. Sudborough, J. J., 118. Sudworth, G. B., 643. Sullivan, J. O., 19. Summers, W. L., 835. Supan, 522. Surface, H. A., 553. Sutton, A. W., 749. Suzuki, TJ., 726, 822. , Svenson, J., 596. Svenstrom, ()., 192. Sverdrup, D.,599, 1097. Swaving, A. J., 17, 784. Sweetland, A.E.,419. Sweetser, W. S., 300, 510. Swendsen, G. L., loo. Swezey,G.D.,616. Swiecicki, V. von, 929. Swift, F., 324. Swingle, W. T., 69, 154, 516. 560. Symon,522. Szekely, S.,310. Taber, W. F., 152. Tacke, B., 722, 931, 932, 934, 935, 940, 941. Taft, L. R., 47, 48, 50, 147, 151, 152, 153, 169, 470, 712, 758, 771, 1043. Takamine, J., 10)7. Tancre, 43, 731, 885, 955, 956. Tandberg, O., 198. Tangl, F.,3ii. Taramonkhine, B., 322. Taranuobin, W.,896. Tardent, H. A., 749. Targouski, V. A.,327. Tarnani, J., 562. Tate, R., 825. Taylor, X. R., 1018. Taylor, R. L., 157. Taylor, T., 20. Taylor, W. A., 549, 552, 712. Tedin.H.. 151, 432, 569. Teichert, 156, 456. Teilberg, P., 920. Telle, F., 314. Teller, G. L.. 512, 899, 943. Tendlau,B.,281. Teodoresco, E. C, 610. Tepper, J. G. O., 327. Terrap, P., 314. Thawite, F., 356. Theiler, A.,496. Theoktistov, A., 322, 1016. Thezard, A., 53. Thibaut, E ,418. Thiele, R., 560, 762. Thielemann, 69. Thiry, 496. Thomas, C, 1070. Thomas, E., 653. Thomas, M. B., 418. Thompson, F., 499. Thompson, G.F., 298. Thompson, H., 583, 694. Thompson, J., 300. Thorns, G., 36. Thome, C. E., 532, 594, 708. Thome, L. T., 117. Thorpe, T. E., 685. Thouvenin, 358. Thresh, J. C, 808. Thurston, R. H., 1097. Tiemann, H., 382, 514. Tillinghast, J. A., 832, 836, 936, 937, 938, 939, 951, 952, 953. Tilo, A.de, 930. Tilson, P. S.,194. INDEX OF NAMES. 1117 Timotheyef, S. N., 253. Tinsley, J. D., 769. Tison, 481, 582. Todd, C, 522. Todd, T., 99. Tolf, R., 645. Tollens, B., 123,412. Tolman, W.H., 1044. Tolomei, G., 122. Tolski, A.,725. Tompkins, D. A., 799. Torski, S., 373. Torssell, B., 492. Tortelli, M., 118, 413. Tourney, J. W., 199,851. Tousley, J. C.,399. Towar, J. D., 799. Townsend, C. II. T., 07, 159, 659. Townsend, C. 0., 99, 864, 1048. Trabut,59,967. Tracy, S.M., 540, 718. Tracy, W. W., 259, 352, 353. 418. Traid, J. W., 400. Trapbagen, F. W., 1028. Trelease, "W., 653,928. Trenkmann, 322. Tribondeau, 750. Tricker,W.,758. Trillat, A., 716, 821. Trillicb,80. Trinien, E., 1076. Triuci,U.,1096. Trine, D. W., 470. Tringali, E., 130. Troncet, L. J., 853, 855. Troop, J., 157, 254, 1042. True, A. C, 707, 708. True, G. H., 799. True, R. H., 417, 823, 825, 929. Truelsen, 495. Truffaut, G., 49, 353, 428, 1031. TryoD, H., 457. Tschokke, A., 562. Tubeuf,C.von,366, 373, 374, 400, 653, 700. Tucker, Mrs. F. H., 1044. Tucker, G.M., 951, 953. Tucker, M., 737. Tuniclifle, F.W.,771. Turnbull, H. A., 749. Turner, A., 299. Turner, A. J., 872. Turner, F., 416, 546. Turner, G., 496. Tuxen, A.V.,98. Tuxen, C. F. A., 425, 731. Tuxen, S. C. A., 83. Tuxen, T. A., 949. Turske, 192. Tveter,H.,198. Twitcbell,E.,115. Twitchell, G. M., 689. Twitty, T. B., 799. Tyler, A. A., 519. Udrten.J. A.,619. Ule, W., 1020. 6736— No. 12 Dlpiana, C.,619. Ullmann, M., 244, 432, 1034 riotb,358. TTlscb,K.,20. Ulzer, F., 1005. Umber, F., 313. Underwood, W. L., 123. Unger, E., 1096. Tallin, E., 73. Van Bastalaer, D. A., 821. Van Breukeleveen, M., 710. Van Deman, H. E., 440, 757. Van den Dries, R., 23. Vanderford, C. F., 26, 600. Vanderyst, H., 235. Van Duzee, E. P., 167. Van Dyke, T. S., 697. Van Helmont, 803. Van Melckebeke, E., 717. Van Slyke, L. L , 36, 145, 235, 295, 510, 833, 1033. Van Tiegbem, P., 23, 700, 725. Van Wisselingh, C, 612. Varlikh, V. K.,266. Varn, K. O., 43. Vasilyev, N. I., 718. Vassilliere, F., 398. Vaudin, L., 90. Vedrodi, V., 117. Veunerbolm, J., 488. Vereshcbagin, N. V., 295. Verbout,J.H.,1014. Vestal, G., 854. Viard, G., 411. Vibrans, 955. Vieth, P., 587, 821. Vignon, L., 315, 407,410,412,607, 1005. Vilboucbevitch, J., 1013. Ville,G.,414. Villiers, A , 16, 607, 1096. Villon, A.M., 1004. Vilmoriu-Andrieux, 440. Vilmorin, H. L. de, 42, 148, 955. Vincent, H., 613. Vivaldi, M., 896. Vocbting, H.,223. Voelcker, J. A., 749, 1078, 1084. Vogel,J.H.,412. Voges,0.,192,496. Vogl, A. E., 716. Voit,C.,804,806,808,813. Volkmann, P., 730. Voorbees, C.L.,917, 943. Voorbees, E. B., 354, 474, 480, 708, 942, 946, 977, 992. Voorbees, G. E., 699. Voorbees, L. A., 476, 1031. Vornbecke, 322. Vradi, V., 324. Vrijbnrg, B., 496. Vuillemin,P.,1013. Wachholtz, F., 885. Wager, H., 612. Wagner, F., 735, 971. Wagner, G., 155, 969. Wagner, M., 167. Wagner, P., 17,135, 235,531,613. 714, 734, 818, 835. Wait, C.E., 171. Waite, Mrs. J. H., 299. Waite, M. B., 365, 451, 863. Wakker, J. H.,56. Walden, P., 116. Waldron, C. B., 353. Walker, E., 50, 300, 644. Walker, J. H., 661. Wallace, It., 697. Wallace, R. H., 885. Waller, O. L., 708, 713. Walsh, B., 1071. Wall her, R., 608. Walz, F.J.,325. Ward, A. R., 994, 1093. Ward, H. B., 321. Ward, H. M., 415, 1052, 1055. Ward, R. de C, 124, 325, 522. Waring, G. E., 499. Waring, W. G., 731. Warington, R., 235, 689. Warren, B. H., 324. Warren, J. A., 561. Washburn, J. H., 706, 708. Waterman, G. A., 596. Waters, H. J., 35, 36, 44, 98. Watkins, L. W., 799. Walk ins, S. H., 199. Watson, E., 547. Watson, G. C, 41. Watson, W.,47. Watt, G., 169, 725. Watts, F., 933, 1034, 1039. Waugh, F. A., 50, 300, 354, 437, 440, 455, 640, 712, 753, 855, 1044, 1045. Webb, E. V., 799. Webber, H. J., 516. Weber, H. A., 510, 512, 1013. Webster, F. M., 60, 62, 273, 372. 373, 374, 771, 974, 1061, 1069, 1076. Wedin, H., 594. Weed, C. M., 361, 459, 713, 726, 1060. Weems,J.B., 27, 512. Wehmer, C, 155, 156, 266, 763, 865, 972, 1015. Wehnert, H., 848. Weibull, M., 413, 428,583. Weigmann, H., 586, 592, 780, 1095, 1096. Wein wurm, S., 281. Weiser, J., 311. Weiss, J. E., 1057. Weitz, W., 623. Weld, R.J.,589. Well.-. F.,799. Wells, L., 382. Wennerbohn, J.. 193. Went, F. A. F.C.,56. Wereuskiold, F. H., 82, 838, 846, 1096. Werner, 847. ■2 1118 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. West, G. IT., 246. Westermeier, N., 43, 44, 1039. Westgate, J.M., 600. Wetterstedt, G. af., 482. Wettstein, R. von, 900. Wheeler, C. F., 121, 1045. Wheeler, H. J., 335, 412, 505, 508, 512, 711, 734, 735, 832, 836, 919, 937, 938, 939, 967. Wheeler, W. P., 244, 279, 282, 295. Whipple, G. C, 821. Whitaker, G. M., 488, 494, 690. White, A., 900. White, B.O., 623. White, H. C, 704, 707, 708. Wkitloek, R. H., 100. Whitney, M., 26, 148, 328, 418, 523, 531, 1026. Whitten, J. C, 48, 152, 548, 854. Whyte, J. E., 641. Wiborgh, J., 32. Wickson, E. J., 245, 253, 254, 298, 963. Widtsoe, J. A., 30, 146, 179, 977. Wiedemann, G. H., 1100. Wieler, A., 417, 764. Wieler, J., 966. Wiesner, J., 121, 125,414. Wikoff, F.J.,399. Wilcox, E. M., 321. Wilcox, E. V., 391, 699. Wilcox, W. A., 324. Wild, H., 424. Wiley, H. W., 19, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 607, 624, 742, 749, 819, 820, 872, 877, 898, 1040. Wilfarth, 722, 1058. Wilhelm, E., 281. Wilhelmi, A., 1017. Wilhelmy, 423. Willard.J. T.,346. Willaume-Jantzen, V., 522. Williams, C. B., 512,821. Williams, II. M., 245. Williams, T. A., 541. Williams, W. H.,713. Williams, W. L., 998. Willis, J. J., 757. Wilms, J., 1023, 1033. Wilson, H., 323. Wilson, J., 705. Wilson, J. S., 552. Wilson, J.W.,89. Wilson, N.E., 31, 631. Wilson, P. P., 354. Wing.H.H., 591,885. Wing, J. E., 594. Winternitz, H., 389, 690. Winterstein, E., 920. Winton, A. L., 253, 276, 285, 295, 412, 504, 510, 511. Wislicenus, H., 531, 644. Withers, W. A., 636,698, 732, 1077, 1089. Withyeombe,J.,300. Wittmack, L., 971, 1013. Witzgall, J.,660. Wohl,A.,116. Wolff, E. von, 430, 805, 806. Wolff, F., 940. Woll, F. W., 4, 20, 21, 23, 34, 39, 54. 58, 72, 82, 87, 90, 91, 136, 187, 188, 192, 318, 414, 442, 487, 488, 491, 492, 493, 494, 512, 555, 560, 596, 618, 646, 720, 729, 735, 776, 779. 781, 782, 784, 785, 791, 792, 794, 797, 799, 839, 841, 846, 898, 921, 949, 954, 1097, 109S. Wollenweber, E., 223. Wollny, E., 42, 125, 128, 722, 731, 831, 832, 847, 1020, 1032, 1035, 1036. Wollny, R., 1005. Wolpert, A., 1030. Wolpert, H., 1030. Wood, E. M.,49. Wood, T. B., 773, 780. Woods, A. F., 771, 1075. Woods, C. D., 337, 381, 508, 510, 734, 835, 1089. Woodward, S. M., 199. Woodworth, C. W., 267, 709. . Worms, W., 412. Worsdell, W. C, 355," 552, 640. Worst, J. H., 97. Wright, H.E., 1017. Wr6blewski, A., 116, 412, 413, 782. Wykoff, F. J., 800. Wyman, W. E. A., 300, 396. Wythes, G., 1044. Tachevski, A. A., 365, 763. Tardley, H.B., 1005. Tocum,J.H.,219, 511. Yokoi, T., 1006, 1047. Young, W. H., 769. Yuill.J., 780. Zacharewicz, E., 151. Zaharia, A.,834. Zaleski, W., 223, 825. Zamaron, J., 731, 1005. Zavitz, C. A., 36, 237, 238, 267, 631. Zawodny, J.,417. Zega, A., 853. Zehntner, L., 457, 570, 661. Zielaskowski, 53. Zimmermann, A., 366, 653. Zinsser, O., 123, 224. Zirngiebel, D., 356. Zoehel, A.,718. Zonbareff, 167. Zschokke, A., 700, 751. Zukal, H., 400. Zuntz, N., 807. Ziirn, E. S.,963. Ziirn, F. A., 781. INDEX OF SUBJECTS. Page. A hortion, epizootic, etiology 497 in cows 893,896 treatment 95 Ind 296 N.J 495 Absorption in the small intestine 1089 Acacia arabica, planting in Australia 443 lebbeck, analyses , 678 molissima in California 856 A canthodercs quadrigibbus, notes 168 Acclimation fever. (See Texas fever.) Acer negundo, notes 725 Acetate of copper vs. Bordeaux mixture for grape Peronospora 364 Acid butyrometric method for determina- tion of fat in cream 91 phosphate, analyses, Conn. State 230 Mass. Hatch 428 vs. raw bone meal for cot- ton, Ga , 140 Aconite, notes, IT. S. D. A 516 Aconitum columbianum, notes, IT. S. D. A. . . 516 Acoptus suturalis, notes 168 Acorns, analyses, Ala. Tuskegee 1086 for pigs, Aia. Tuskegee 1086 Acridium purpuriferum, notes, IT. S. D. A . . . 61 Actinella linearifolia, notes, U. S. D. A 147 Actinometer, absolute 327 Actinomycosis, etiology 495 in horses 496 man 496 notes.Nebr 296 A dalia bipunctata, melanism, U. S. D. A 1060 Adelonycteris fuscus, notes 25 Adimonia cavicollis, notes, Mich 109 tanaceti, notes, U. S. D. A 65 Adulteration of bone superphosphates 1003 butter 821 coffee IO89 dairy products 492 fats and oils 884 Hour 1089 foods, U. S. D. A 872 preserved food 80 sumac 1005 tea 1089 vinegar, N.C 1077 wheat flour 80 .V.ciihvm aiichnsce, notes 316 berberidis, notes 316 cathartica, notes 316 frangulce, notes 310 p, notes 561 Page. iEolosomine, composition 515 JEolus pyroblaptus, notes '.175 Aerometer with temperature correction scale 920 Aeronautical conference, international, !'. S. D. A '. 323 JEscidus pavia, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 JEthyctera lineata, notes 372 Agaricus adiposus, notes 653 arvensis, notes, TJ. S. D. A 551 campestris, notes, U. S. D. A 551 melleus, affecting chestnuts 59 Age, effect on egg production, Utah 77 Agitator, electric 717 Agricultural — analysis, international agreement 19 uniformity of methods 413 and dairy instruction, apprenticeships . 98 appropriation bill 801 association in Scandinavia 198 bacteriological laboratory at St. Peters- burg, report 322, 1016 calendar, Danish 98 chemical laboratory at Helsingfors, re- port 116 work in Scandinavia 21 chemistry, progress 605 text-book 717 College and Experimental Farm for Nova Scotia 1 000 at Aas, Norway, report 98 Council of Russia, proceedings 398 counselors in Scandinavia 198 Department of Finland, report 798 Norway, report 98, 798 education in Denmark 198 Russia 500 Spain 198 reading courses 1 electro technics 1097 engineering, abstracts of articles 1 95, 390,597,095,795,897,1097 experiment station at Vyatka, Russia, report 898 in Alaska 701 of Toltava, report. 798 stations in Japan 101 exposition of Kiev, report 10 !9 holdings in Germany 198 implements, tests 599, 1097 improvements in Russia 198 industries of Russia, report 1039 institutions in Denmark 98, 198 1119 1120 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Agricultural— Continued. instruction in Russia 197 investigations near Siberian railway. . . 397 meteorological observations, importance 225 monograph of the Department of— Drome 398 Gironde 398 possibilities of western Australia 433 production and prices, U. S. D. A 599 school at Spalato, Dalmatia 98 science, promotion 198 teaching, Cal 298 technical industries of Sweden, develop- ment 599 text-books, development 898 value of soils, determination 1031 Agriculture — and forestry division of health oilier of Berlin 400 as related to bacteriology 123 soil analysis 831 bacteria, Del 335 bibliography, V. S. D. A 599 Egyptian school 202 enemies 366, 871 examination in England 398 extension work, N. T. Cornell 498, 1098 in Finland 198,298 Hawaiian Islands 898 Japan 698 New Brunswick 146 Russia 298,749 the Philippines 399 Yukon district 97 National Society in Eg5rpt 303 progress iu Ontario, Canada 197 scientific, foundations 398 use of potash salts 136 Agriculturist, report, Del 546 Fla 954 Idaho 749 Ind 236 Mass. Hatch 626 N.Dak 340 Nebr 297 N.T.Cornell 697 Agrilux anxius, remedies, TJ. S. D. A 1062 bilineatas, notes 168 ihterruptvs, notes 168 Agriotes obscurus, notes, IT. S. D. A 65 Uneatus, notes, TJ. S. D. A 65 Agromyzidse, habits, V. S D. A 570 Agropyron brevifolium, notes, TJ. S. D. A... 51C elmcri, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 japonicum, notes, Cal 244, 245 spicatum, notes, TJ. S. D. A 147,343 Agrogtemma githago, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 Agrostis alba, notes, Cal 244 pahtdosa, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 vulgaris, notes, Cal 244 Agrostology, Division, TJ. S. D. A 42, 43, 245, 342, 515, 518, 541, 718, 928, 1005 Agrotis ypsilon, notes, Fla 3(>:i, 1069 Air, abstracts of articles 420,523,727,1020 and methods of hygrometry 1030 Page. Air, carbureted, for heating laboratory apparatus 1 005 determination of carbon monoxid 118 exploration by kites 125 inspired, carbon dioxid content 1089 of Tharand forests, sulphurous acid content 531 Toulouse, absence of iodin 1030 temperature and moisture in fields and woods 930 thermometer, new form 125 Alabama Canebrake Station- bulletins 846, 854, 896 financial statement OttT notes 799 report 628,693,697 Alabama College Station- bulletins 37, 425, 431, 469. 552, 577, 738. 837. 892. 1041 1051 financial statement 1098 notes v 99 report 1097 Alabama fungi, new species 725 Alabama Tuskegee Station — bulletins 1086, 1097 organization and work 11)97 Alaska Agricultural Experiment Station.. 701 meteorological work. U. S DA 325 Albumen, active, studies 223 cleavage products 116 effect of heating in water under pressure 116 formation iu onion bulbs 825 of hens' eggs as affected by ortho phosphoric acid 412 Albuminoid of wheat gluten 917 Albuminoids, cleavage by pepsin digestion 313 constitution 313 formation by reduction of ni trates 925 of uourof legumes and cereals 116 .studies 313 .1 Ids lallala. notes 372 mcestosa, notes 372 Alcohol, effect on digestion 183 Conn Storrs . . 664 muscular work 81 use in drying feces for analysis. . . 313 Aldehyde content of leaves as affected by light 929 Alebra bifaseiata, notes 770 curvilinea, notes 770 do malis, notes 770 fumida, notes 770 robuata, notes 770 trimacutata, notes 770 Alectra brasiliensis, notes 971 Aleurodes, notes, Mich 168 Alcurodes mori, notes 769 ruborutn, notes, Fla 973 Alfalfa, analyses, Utah 983 as a feeding stuff 146 forage crop 1 17 chemical study, Utah 977 culture, U.S.D.A 5^2 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1121 Haifa, culture experiments, La 90 Mid .... .- 140 Okla 340 in France . . 146 curing .. 539 digestibility 379 Utah 982 dodder infesting, U. S. D. A 54 fertilizer experiment 539 for milch cows, Can 295 hay, digestibility, Utah 180 leaf spot, cause, Iowa 58 treatment, Iowa 203 or lucern, U. S. D. A 42 root rot 805 vs. stubblefield pasture for pigs, Mont 177 yield of dry matter as affected by time of cutting, Utah 983 Alfilaria, notes, U.S.D.A 343 Algae, assimilation of free nitrogen 320 unicellular, studies 121 Alinit, biological studies 120, 121,223, 636, 929 effect ou oats 1037 experiments 23, 722, 825. 1012, 1013 for cereals 825, ! 127 Alkali, analyses. Cal 229 corrective, Cal 235 effect on sugar beets, Colo 74:i investigations, Wyo 1025 of Yellowstone Valley, U. S. D. A . . 1026 saccaton, notes, U. S. D. A 343 salts, analysis, U. S. D. A 1U28 tolerance of plants, Cal 226 soils, analyses, Cal 226 native vegetation, Cal 220 plants for 222 treatment, Oreg 333 Alkaloids, vegetable, studies 116 AUantospora radicicola as a cause of root rot of sugar cane 57 Allionia incarnata, notes, U. S. D. A :i43 Allorhinus mutabilis, notes, U. S. D. A 61 nitida, notes, 1ST. J 458 U. S. D. A 62, 569 Allspice, analyses, Conn. State 281 Almond oil, effect on butter 686 Almonds, California, analyses, Cal 255 notes, Cal 254 La 547 Mich 49 varieties 355 Cal 254 Aloe stalks, analyses 678 Alsike clover, notes, Miss 547 Alternaria sp., notes, Ohio 362 Alum, analyses, Wash 710 Amanita fly, notes, U.S. D. A 516 Amanita muscaria, notes. U. S. D. A 516 phalloides, notes, U. S. D. A 516, 551 poisonous effect 105U Amentiferse, seeds and seedlings 921 AmaranUis blitoides, notes, U. S. D. A 343 American frit fly 164 grasses, U. S. D. A 518 I 'age. American products, world's markets, I . S. D. A 337 Amid of sugar cane 117 Ammannia cocdnea, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Ammonia, transformation into nitric acid on liquid media 1C24 Ammoniacal fermentation due to molds 322 nitrogen, assimilation byhigh- er plants 1011 Ammonium citrate, preparation of neutral solution 410 magnesium phosphate, ignition with filter paper 716 salts vs. sodium nitrate as a fer- tilizer 135 sulphate, analyses, Conn. State. 230 Mass. Hatch 428, 1033 X. H 36 N.J 426,1031 R. I 919 as a fertilizer 735 effect 235,533 for sugar cane 41 in coke ovens, device for recovering 717 production and con- sumption 427 vs. sodium nitrate for wheat 848 Ampetoglypter sesustris, notes 1U76 Ampelomyces quisqualis parasitic on pow- dery mildews 1057 .1 mphicerus bicaudatus, notes. Mich 766 Anaemia, pernicious and epizootic in sheep. 95 Anaerobism of tetanus bacilli 597 Analyses — of feeding stuffs, Cal €76 Conn. State 276 Conn. Storrs 678 Mass. Hatch 474 Me 1089 X.J 946 X. Dak 171,315 feri ilizers 136, 337, 835 Cal 235 Conn. State 229, 337 Ky 336,337,734 Mass. Hatch 428,023,1033 Md 136 Me 734 Mich 7:u Miss 30,136,428 X.C 7::2 X. II 36 X.J 426, 1031 N.Y Stat,- 36,235,833,1033 Pa 428 E.I 734, 919 S.C 624 Tex 194 Tt 623 Wash 710 Wis 136,735 W. Va 136 1122 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Analyses — Continued. of foods 1077, 1U88 Conn. State 281 Conn.Storrs 678 soils 333, 421, 731, 827, 933, 1031 Ariz 420 Can • 828 N.Dak 315 Oreg f 332 TT.S.D.A 330,525, 1027 Wis 729 water, Can 83 Miss 315 Analysis by electrolysis, treatise 1004 Analysis methods — ■ for carbohydrates 311 carbonic acid 717 cellulose 606 cheese 18 chlorin 1004 citrate-soluble phosphoric acid • 17 coloring matters 821 commercial products 413 condiments 413 copper 51 4 cream 715 crude fiber 411 dairy products 510 fat 118, 310, 311, 920 review 920 fatty acids 115,515 feeding stuffs 509 in Belgium and Hol- land 304 reform in 115 fertilizers 504 in Belgium and Holland.. 304 • report 313 flour and meal 19 foods 413,509 hemicellulose 606 lignin 606 malt extract 19 manganese 605 metaphosphoric acid 19 milk and butter 413 nitrates 19 nitric acid 20, 513 nitrites 117,514 nitrogen 20. 408, 504, 605 organic materials 19 pentoses 1003 perchlorates 410, 716, 918 phosphates 714 phosphoric acid 16, 19, 117, 310, 314, 410, 506, 513, 714, 818, 1004 phosphorus 1004 potash 310, 408, 409, 505, 605, 819 Bel 134 proteids, TJ. S. D. A 820 protein 917 pyrophosphoric acid 19 salt and crude potashes 19 soils and ash 508 starch 17, 20 Page. Analysis methods — Continued. for starch in flour 314 sugar 117, 511 sulphur 1004 sulphuric acid 314 superphosphates 1003 tannin 511 urine 117 water 16, 514, 608, 920 .1 narsia lineatella, notes, U. S. D. A 64, 65, 565 A nasa armigera, uotes 767 tristis, notes 165 Anatomy and physiology of plants 121 of assimilatory tissues of plants . 417 beet leaf 418 the horse 194 Anchylosis of horses 896 And/rent bicolor, notes 469 ricina, notes 469 Andropogon bombydnus, notes 416 nutans, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 saccharoides torreyanus, notes, U.S.B.A 343 Anemometer, safety fuse for lightning, U. S. D. A 326 Aneroid barometers, U. S. L). A 419, 827, 1018 Animal and vegetable tissues, detection of phosphorus 608 diseases transmissible to man 896 fat, determination 20 Industry Bureau, TJ. S. D. A 98, 393, 396, 488, 593, 791, 793, 992, 998, 999 meal vs. cut bone for egg produc- tion, Mass. Hatch U7G parasites, symptomology 407 production, abstracts of articles. . . 70, 170, 274, 375, 470, 571, 662, 771, 872, 976, 1077 methods 82 Animal Industry Bureau — list of publications, TJ. S. 1). A 999 report, TJ. S. D. A 999 rules and regulations, TJ. S. D. A 999 Animals as affected by copper 81 determination and regulation of sex 522 of manganese 605 disposal of carcasses 96 Anisopteryx pometaria, notes, Mich 766 Pa 1042 vernata, notes, TJ. S. D. A 62 Ankylostomiasis of horses 407 Annual poa, culture experiments, Cal 244 Annuals, showy, notes 356 Ant, pavement, TJ. S. D. A 654 red, TT.S.D.A 654 Anthistiria avenacea, notes 416 ciliata, notes 416 membranacea, notes 415 A 11 thomyia brassicce, notes, TJ. S. D. A 65 Anthononvus grandis, notes, T7. S. D. A 159 nigrinus, notes, TJ. S. D. A 61 porno rum, notes, TJ. S. D. A 65 quadrigibbus, notes 165, 871 Conn. State 273 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1123 Page. Anthonomus signatus, notes, U. S. 1>. A GO Antltophilax attenuatus, notes 168 Anthostomella sphcerotheca, notes 725 Anthracnose of beans 45 1 treatment, Can 8C1 blackberries, Colo 260 cucumbers, N. J 446 Ohio 362 grapes 156 peaches, treatment, Ohio. . - 558 raspberries, Colo 266 rubber plants, treatment . . "JOG tomatoes, treatment, N. J . . 445 violets, X. J 449 Anthracnoses, comparative study 764 Anthrax, bacteriology 496 epidemic, IT. S. D. A 998 infection 893 inoculation, Ark : 595 legislation. Del 396 notes. Xebr 296 TT.S.D.A 397 of the lungs 192 vaccine, preparation 694 Del 596 Anthrenvs scrophnlarice, notes 1066 Anthyllis vulneraria, analyses 72 Antiseptics, effect on digestion of blood librin by pepsin 80 Ants' nests, studies 68 notes, Mich 1G8 TT.S.D.A 654 Aonidia aurantii, notes, Ga 160 A la utiles congregatus parasitic on Proto- pit ire Carolina, U. S. D. A 1060 Apatite, solubility in water 218 Aphelinus fuscipennis parasitic on San Jose scale 1064 Aphides, biology and morphology 169 remedies, Can 871 Utah 661 Aphids, notes, X. T. State 268 Vt 459 Aphis, apple, Mich 766 Nev 164 black, of peach 165 cherry, Mich 766 currant, Wash 869 grain 164 S. Dak 460 orange 709 peach. Md 660 Mich 169,766 pine 165 plum, Mich 766 remedies 470 Pa 1042 woolly, of apple, Mich 766 Mo 68 Nev 164 U. S. D. A 1060 Utah 061 A jih Is brassicoB, notes, Nev 164 U.S.D. A 66 forbesi, notes, Del 571 1'age. Aphis gossypii, notes, U. S. D. A 66 malt, notes 1066 Mich 766 Nev 164 Pa 1042 I.S.D.A 65 persicce-niger, notes 165 Mich 766 U.S.D.A 66 prunicola, notes, Md 660 Mich 766 prunifolii, notes, Nev 164 ribis, notes, Nev 164 rosce, notes, U. S. D. A 65 sp., notes, Xev 164 Aphodius granarius, notes, Mich 169 Aphtha in horses 497 Apiarist, report, Mich 157 Apiculture, elements 768 history 660 methods 660 modern 871 Apiculturist, report, Can 267 Apoderus coryli, notes, U. S. D. A 65 Apogamy , studies 223 Apparatus, chemical 717, 820, 821 constant temperature 118 dairy 784 distillation 315 electric signal, U. S. D. A 419 extraction 20. 21, 717 filter 315 for application of electric cur- rent to microscopic ob- jects 418 crushing olives, Cal 255 determination of fatinmilk. 20 evaporation in vacuo and under pressure 1005 extraction of candied honey, Mich 157 fixing and hardening mate- rial 123 grinding superphosphates. 136 purifying milk 388 saponification of fats 821 sterilizing soils, Conn. State 265 gasometric 118 laboratory 20, 322, 920 heating by carbu- reted air 1005 measuring, regulations for con- struction 21 microscopic 321 pasteurizing 493, 784 root pressure 417 spra3Ting, Conn. State 60 Va 771 sterilizing 792, 1005 Apple aphis, woolly, Mich 706 ilo 68 Kev 164 U. S. D. A 1060 black rot, study 865 blight, notes, Mass. Hatch 648 1124 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. A]>;>lc borer, remedies, Pa 1042 bud moth, fringed wing, Mo 564 canker, notes 653 curculio, notes 165 Conn. State 273 dry rot, notes, Can 860 Fameuse 639 fire blight, Colo 266 fruit borer, U.S.D.A 569 miner, Can 866 fungus disease, Conn. State 261 Gano, history 757 leaf crumpler, Mo 68 folder, Mo 68 louse, Kev 104 spot 763 N.H 453 N.Y.State 260 Pa 1042 tier, Mich 766 louse, woolly, N. Y. State 269 maggot 165 Can 866 mildew in the Tyrol 763 moth -170 orchards, management, N. J 434 woodashesfor, N. Y State. 437 rust, treatment, Pa 1042 scab, treatment 1057 N. Y. State 452 Pa 1042 scale, oyster-shell, Vt 459 tent caterpillar 1067 Me 871 tree borer, flat-headed, Nev 164 U.S.D.A.... 655 round headed, N. J 458 U. S. D.A.. 655 Vt 459 spotted, U. S. D. A 655 roots, Wis 721 trees, grafting 151 U.S.D.A 397 Yellow Newton, history 639 York Imperial, history 639 Apples, American in Belgium 48 analyses 754 Arkansas seedlings, Ark 48 cracking 561 culture, Ala. College 1041 Del 354 Mich 151 N.C 639 Pa 1042 near London 354 hardy varieties, Vt 437 injury by loaf miner, U. S. D. A 571 keeping qualities, Mass. Hatch 437 notes, La 547 pruning experiments, Nebr 45 Russian, nomenclature 960 storing, Can 849 use of low-grade, TJ. S. D. A 197 varieties, Cal 254 Mich --- 49 Page. Apples, varieties, N. Y. State 254 Apricots, analyses 754 notes, La 547 Mich 49 varieties, Cal 254 N.Y.State 254 Aragallue lambertii, notes, U. S. D. A 516 .1 ram igus/ulleri, notes, Mich 168 Arboriculture, practical 853 A rchegoniates, organography 23 Arctic grass, notes, U. S. D. A 343 A rdcce novce hollandice, notes 93 Argyresthia conjugella, notes 974. 1076 Can 866 Aristi&a fasciculata, notes, U.S.D.A 147,343 oligantha, notes, Cal 223 Arizona millet, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Arizona Station, bulletins ... 124, 420, 851 notes 199,699 Arkansas Station, bulletins 48,542, 595, 673, 943, 1044, 1085, 1089 notes 899 University, notes 899 Army ration, emergency 376 worm 164,167 black 165 new disease 1065 notes, Mich 766 N.J 457 N. Y. State 270 Vt 459 "W.Va 1068 parasite, Mass. Hatch 661 Aroidere, notes 640 Arrhenatheriim elatius, notes, Cal 244,245 Arrowroot, analyses 678 Arsenate of lead as an insecticide 470 a substitute for Paris green, N. J 458 danger from use 567 manufacture and composi- tion 567 preparation and use, U. S. D.A 63 Arsenic, effect on vegetable organisms 321 white, as an insecticide, Mich 169 Artemisia ludoviciana, notes, U. S. D. A 343 mexicana, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Art ichoke as a medium for bacteria 322 notes, U. S. D. A 343 Artichokes for pigs, Oreg 675 Jerusalem, analyses 846 culture 846 culture e x p e r i - ments, Cal 244 U.S.D.A 197 Artocarpus integrifolia, analyses 678 Arts and manufactures, utilization of micro- organisms 520 Arundo donax, fungus disease 365 Asclepias cornnti, division of pollen cells. . . 121 Ascoehyta graminicola on young rye 155 juylandis, notes 970 pisi, notes, Del 958 violce, notes, N. J 447 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1125 Page. Ash constituents of liquor from sugar roan ufacture 118 gray pinion, Nev 164 of barley, analyses, F. S. D. A 873 beef, analyses 572 buckwheat, analyses, F. S. D. A 873 butternut wood, analyses, Can 232 canary seed, analyses 20 cardamom seeds, analyses. 1005 cherry wood, analyses, Can 232 chestnut bark, analyses 219 corn, analyses, 111 845 edible fungi, analyses 378 epiphytes, analyses 120 garbage, analyses, Can 232 grapevine cuttings, analyses, Can . . . 232 hard coal, analyses, Can 232 hemlock bark, analyses 219 hickory, analyses, Can 232 maize, analyses, F. S. D. A 873 manioc, analyses 678 mutton, analyses 572 oak bark extract, analyses 219 oats, analyses, F. S. D. A 873 peach wood, analyses, Can 232 pear wood, analyses, Can 232 plants as affected by water content of soil 1023 plum wood, analyses, Can 232 quebracho wood, analyses 219 quince wood, analyses, Can 232 red oak, analyses, Can 232 rice, analyses, F. S. D. A 873 rock elm, analyses, Cau 232 rye, analyses, F. S. 1). A 873 stinking wattle, analyses 20 tanning materials, analyses 219 tubercle bacilli, analyses 1016 walnut wood, analyses, Can 232 wheat, analyses, F. S. D. A 873 yellow rocket, composition 1083 Asparagus beetle, notes, Mich 766 N.Y.State 268 F. S. D. A . . . 62, 570, 1059 cultivated species 47 culture 439 experiments, Kans 148 effect of salt as a fertilizer 350 forcing 354 in the field, Mo 548 F. S. D. A . . . 698 insects aff cting, F. S. D. A 570 notes, Fla 962 La 547 Mich 49 planting at different depths 350 rust, fungus enemies, N. J 650 notes 455 N.T.State 260 R.I 968 treatment 864 Mass. Hatch.... 648 N.J 449,650 varieties, Kans 148 Asphalt analyses, Cal 229 Page. Asphalt analyses, Tex 194 Asphaltum bricks, behavior at different temperatures, Cal 229 Asphondylia riibsaameni, n.sp., notes 660 Aspidiotus, black 569 monograph 569 Aspidiotus ancylus, notes, Mich 766 X. V. State 268 F. S.D.A 1060 aurantii, notes 569,769 F.S.D.A 62 camellia:, notes, Ga 160 femaldi, notes, F. S. D. A 1060 ficus, notes, Ga 100 forbesi, notes, F. S. D. A . . 66, 1059, 1060 juglans-regice, notes, Ga 160 Nev 164 perniciosus, notes 569 Can 273 Conn. State ... 273 Kans 369 Mich 766 Nev 164 F. S. D. A. 62, 66, 1059 rapax, notes 569 i-ossi, notes 569 tenebricosus, notes, Ga 160 iivce, notes, Tenn 768 Aspila virescens, notes 107 Asses' milk as a substitute for human milk. 389 Assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen, Me . 824 isolated chloroplastids 416 nitrogen by plants 414 plants, proposed term 720 Association — ■ of Agricultural Experiment Stations in Germany, constitution 798 American Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations, convention.. 704 Economic Entomologists.F. S.D.A. 60, 1058 Experiment Station Veterinarians, constitution and by-laws, F. S. D.A 793 Experiment Station Veterinarians, convention, F. S. D. A 793 German Agricultural Experiment Stations, convention 817 German Naturalists and Physicians 192 Official Agricultural Chemists 504, 606 Asterias forbesii, notes, It. I 935 Asterocystis radicis, notes 652 A sterolecanium p ustulans, notes, Fla 972 Astragalus cicer, analyses 72 crassicarpus, notes, U. S. D. A . . 147, 343, 542 falcatUS, analyses 72 glycyphyllus, analyses 72 mullissimus, notes, F. S. D. A . . 516 Astrebla pccty)iata, notes 416 Astronomy for meteorologists, F. S. D. A . . 1018 Atalapha cinerea, notes 25 noveboracensis, notes 25 Athysanus ornatus, notes, Colo 372 Atlas gluten meal, analyses, N.J 474 112G EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Atmosphere ;ii lun'1 altitudes, investiga- tions 730 carbonic acid content 424 direction of movement, TJ. S. D. A 325 occurrence of unknown sub- stance 424 oscillation, as affected by moon 125 Atmospheric disturbances, local, U. S. D. A . 1018 electricity, origin, IT. S. D. A . . 326 precipitation, effect ou plants and soils 125 A triplex cinerea, notes 548 halimoides, notes 546 semibaccata, notes 546, 1013 Cal 244 stipitata, notes 546 vesicaria, notes 546 Augoehlora humeralis, notes 469 Aulographum confluens, notes 725 Aurora and the moon, TJ. S. D. A 124 Auroras, anomalous and sporadic, U. S. D. A. 326 Australian saltbusb, culture experiments, Cal 245 Aviculture, handbook 83 Awnless brome grass, analyses, Can 876 culture experiments, N.Dak 340 notes, Can 846, 866 Awns of Gramineit, role 718 Azalea, culture 440 Azaleas, forcing 152 Babcock test, correction, Wash 593 for dairy products, Me 892 modification 1096 Bacillus, new, in butter and milk 388 Biicillus amylovorus, notes, 1ST. T. Cornell ... 451 anthracis, transmission to foetus. . . 192 similis, n otes 694 baccarinii as a cause of bacterial gummosis of grapes 224 ellenbachensis alpha, notes 121,223 gallicus, parasitism 166 insectorum, notes, IT. S. D. A 1070 luteus fiporogenes, notes 1016 olece as a cause of olive knot, Cal 55 proteus, notes 597 ruber ovatus, notes 562 solanacearum, notes, Fla 1053 subtilis, action in denitriflcation. . . 1016 tuberculosis, biology 495 studies 193 typhi abdominalis in milk and but- ter 995 Bacon, curing 992 Bacteria, acetic 132, 224 anssrobic, growth 322 as affected by culture medium 123 light 1013 biology 224 • conveyance by underground water 731 denitrifying 929 effect ou cheese flavor, Can 294 Page. Bacteria fen- soil inoculation 532 In n«t ions 1015 in air passages 794 Alinit 121 barnyard manure decomposing nil rates 533 I hi tier 995 cheese ripening 592 lacteal secretion 1096 milk, Can 290 N..T 490 ducts of cow's adder 994 duets of cow's ad der, N.Dak 390 vinegar 1016 water, method of examining, Del 520 intestinal, as related to nutrition . 885 new methods of investigation 224 of milk as affected by ether, Wis - 785 plasmolysis 322 pure cultures for cheese making. . 996 role in decomposition of manure. . 35 root-tubercle, in living yjlant tis- sues 123,224 tainting cheese curd, N. Y. Cor- nell 1093 use in butter making 591, 593 Bacterial blight of sorghum 456 disease of grapes 59 grasshoppers, Nebr 273 mulberries 456 olives 59 diseases of plants, TJ. S. D. A 397 sugar beets, Ind 264 sweet corn 862 gummosis of grapes 224 life in soil 532 wilt of cucumbers, N. T. State . . . 454 Bacteriological analysis, practical guide . . . 520 Bacteriologist, report, Can 264 Bacteriology, abstracts of articles 123, 224,322,519,1014 atlas 520 in the dairy 389 introduction to study 224 of actinomycosis in man 496 anthrax 496 cheese making 91 relation to agriculture 123 Bacterium, classification, Del 519 Bacterium oncidii, notes 1057 Bagworms, notes, N. J 458 U.S.D.A 02 Bakery experiments, U. S. D. A 174 Baking powders, analyses, N. Dak 315 Balance, new hydrostatic 118 Balaninus caryatrypes, notes, Del 902 rectus, notes, Del 962 Bald cypress as a timber tree, TJ. S. D. A 441 Ball lightning, TJ. S. D. A 1018 Balloon ascensions, international, TJ.S.D.A. 326 Bamboo ashes, analyses 716 Bamboos, economic use 552 Banana stalks, analyses 678 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1127 Page. Sarbarea vulgaris, notes 1083 Barberry as a disseminator of grain rust. . . 58 rust 1057 Bark beetle, fruit-tree, TJ. S. D. A 469 inj uries, TJ. S. D. A 570 beetles of Austria 168 Bosnia and Herzegovina .. . 168 Denmark 76!) louse, elm, imported 569 Nev 104 oyster-shell, Ga 16i) Mich 7«6 Nev 164 N.H 459 N.Y. State 268 Pa 1042 Tenn 768 U.S.D.A 62 scurfy, Tenn 708 of trees, investigations 644 Barley, analyses 678 N.J 940 and malt, carbohydrates 79 peas, analyses, N. J 474 as affected by phosphoric acid 245 ash analyses, TJ. S. D. A 873 assimilation of organic nitrogen 723 cul ture experiments 43 for brewing 348 hay.Cal 245 diastase 314 drilling vs. broadcasting, Can 238 ferment 1015 fertilizer experiments 348, 535 Can 835 R. I 830 fish guano vs. sodium nitrate for. . . 954 food value 74 formation of starch and sugar 223, 417 germination 417 hybridization 140 injuries by hail 847 irrigation experiments, Wis 746 malt investigations 1017 malting 348 Nepaul, culture experiments, Cal. . . 245 new fungus parasite 456 of Tunis and Russia 432 pentosans 412 seed selection, Can 240 seeding at different dates, Can ... 836,846 silage, analyses, Cal 276 smut, prevention 156 Md 633 N.H 453 superphosphate for 244 variation and improvement 147 varieties 348, 535, 537 Can 238,836,840,1034 N.Dak 340 Utah 634 vs. bran and shorts for steers, N. Dak 671 mixtures of barley, wheat, and peas for pigs, Mont 177 Page. Barley, winter, culture 348, 349 Barn for cows 697 owl, notes 521 Barnyard grass, beardless, notes, TJ. S. D. A. 343 culture experiments, Cal . . 244 notes, S. Dak 629 U.S.D.A 343 manure, analyses, Mass. Hatch- 428, 623, 1033 conservation 135 loss of nitrogen 731 preservation 133,734 production 426 studies, Can 734, 1033 vs. commercial fertili- zers, Tenn 27 seaweed 934 millet, analyses, N. J 940 Barographs on ships, U.S.D.A 1018 Barometers, aneroid, U.S.D.A 419,827, 1018 Barometric readings, conversion, U. S. D. A. 419 Basidiomy cetes, nuclear division 321 Bat, brown, distribution and use 25 Carolina, distribution and use 25 guano, analyses 1034 Conn. State 337 N.J 1031 hoary, distribution and use 25 red, distribution and use 25 silvery, distribution and use 25 Bean and pea tubercles, studies 21 anthracnose, studies 451 treatment, Can 861 canker, notes 155 leaf beetle, remedies, U. S. D. A 64 roller, notes 660 remedies, "Fla 058 mildew, notes 1050 Beans, bacterial blight, N.J 446 black Mauritius, notes 348 bush, varieties, Can 849 Mich 47 French, food value 582 food value 74 kidney, fermentation 155 Lima, mildew, Conn. State 261 N.J 445 varieties, Can 849 mesquite, notes, U. S. D. A 34.3 Metcalfe, U. S. D. A 542 notes. La 547 perennial, notes, Cal 254 pod spot, N.J 446 pole, varieties, Can 849 soy, culture experiments, Nebr 430 varieties, Can 240 velvet, culture 749 experiments, La 96 wild, U.S.D.A 147 Beardless barnyard grass, notes, U. S. D. A. 343 Beards on cereal grasses, structure and function 012 Bed vs. level culture 1021 Bee keeping, regulations 107 plants, list, Can 867 1128 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Pa ;e Bee space in supers, Can 268 Beech-bud insect, Me 871 red, fungus and insect enemies 651$ in coppice anil forests 644 Beef, analyses 571 ash, analyses 572 cooked in different ways, food value.. 662 digestibility 662 production, U. S. D. A 179 for cotton fanners, Ark .. 1089 range, analyses, U. S. D. A 573 Beer yeasts, variation 322 Bees, brood rearing as affected by winter- ing, Can 267 burrowing, notes 469 comb foundation, Can 267, 268 Mich 157 cutting combs in brood chamber, Can 267 determination of New Mexican 660 feeding for profit, Mich 158 food plants, Cal 222 foul brood, Can 267 transmission by queens, Mich 157 treatment, Mich 159 influence on fruit crop 353 moving to fall pasture, Can 268 natural vs. artificial swarms, Mich... 159 preservation of combs, Mich 158 swarming, Can 866 Mich 159 weight of bodies and loads carried. . . 366 wintering, Can 268, 866 Mich 159 Beeswax, rendering, Mich 158 Beet culture, bibliography 847 leaf, anatomy 418 spot, remedies 156 treatment, X.J 447 leaves for testing fungicides 1051 seed, germination as affected by — alkali salts, Colo 743 varying amounts of water, Wis. . 759 seed, harvesting 955 large vs. small, S. Car 644 production 546, 955 as affected by divid- ing mother beets . . 259 sickness as affected by potassium carbonate 266 treatment 653 soaking, S. C 645 testing 259 stems, structure 612 sugar, cost of making, Colo 246 factories, description, Colo 246 industry in California 147 Germany 43 United States, U. S. D.A 741 manufacture 897 in Belgium 43 Sweden 1098 yellows in France 649 Page. Beetle, asparagus, X. V. State 268 U.S. I). A 62, 1059 bark, U. S. D. A 570 blister, U. S. D. A 571 buprestid, U. S. D. A 1059 carpet 1066 cerambycid, U. S. D. A 1059 cigarette, Fla 1069 Colorado potato, N. V. State 270 U. S. D. A 62 flea, TJ. S. D. A 571 fruit-bark, Ala. College 469 tree 165 Fuller's rose, Mich 168 grain, Conn. State 273 gray blister 164 locust-leaf 68 orchid 165 potato, N. J 458 ptinid, U. S.D. A 62 red cherry, Mich 169 rice grub, at electric lights, TJ. S. D.A 570 Bcolytid, W. Va 1067 spruce-bark, U. S. D. A 1060 striped, cucumber, X. T. State 270 tortoise, X. J 458 twelve-spotted, La 548 Beetles, bark, of Austria 168 Bosnia and Herzegovina . . 168 predaceous 570 Beets, analyses 19, 937 as affected by weed growth, X'. J 447 budding and cutting 42 culture 749, 955 for forage 1039 fertilizer experiments, Mass. Hatch . . 637 fertilizers 848 forage, culture and breeding 42 varieties 42 for dairy cows 184 forcing, notes 354 notes, La 547 swollen 560 Beggar weed, Florida, U. S. D. A 542 Begonias, culture 758 Benzal for determination of iodiu number of fats and fatty acids 608 Benzin and carbon bisulphid tor soil treat- ment of insects 660 Benzolin, effect on potato plants 560 for phylloxera 567 Beri-beri, repression 192 Bermuda grass, culture experiments, Cal . . . 244 notes. Miss 547 U.S. D.A 147,343 lily disease 456, 457 Bessarabia Experiment Station for Wine Making, report 396 Bibliography of American economic ento- mology, U. S. D. A 470 fungus diseases, Conn. State 267 plant culture 846 potato culture 847 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1129 Page. Billbug, timothy, U. S. D. A 1059 Bindweed, notes, Iowa 1048 Biographical sketch of Dr. B. L. St uitevant . 301 George E.Waring, jr. 499 Biological and dairy building, X. T. State . . 401 annual, 1895 98 laboratory at Point Judith pond, E.I '.'29 Survey, Division, TJ. S. D. A 23, •25, 198, 723, 724, 720 Biologist, report, Fla 971 Biology of Bacillus baccarinii 224 tuberculosis 495 bacteria 224 flowers 320 parasitic fungi 764 pollens 410. 1013 Bird day in the schools, U. S. D. A 198 Birds, grain -eating, F. S. D. A 521 Haematozoan infection 497 of Colorado, notes, Colo 521 Nebraska 324 North Carolina, list, X. C 324 tuberculosis 495 Bittersweet, notes, U. S.D. A 516 Black army worm 165 aspidiotus, notes 569 cherry, notes, U. S. D. A 516 leaf spot, Mass. Hatch 649 currants, varieties, Can 848 grama, notes, IT. S. D. A 343 knot of cherries, N. H 453 plunis.N.H 453 treatment, Utah 661 medic, culture experiments, Cal 244 nightshade, notes, I". S. D. A 516 peach aphis 165 Mich 766 remedies, Md 660 pepper, analyses, Conn. State 281 rot of apples 865 cabbage 456 Wis 155 grapes as related to tempera- ture and growth of vine 456 treatment 762, 862, 971 tomatoes, treatment, Fla 1053 rust of grain 316 scale, notes 569 speck of roses 59 spot of tomatoes, treatment, Fla 1053 water fever 694 Blackberries, notes, La 547 varieties, 1 nd 1043 Mass. Hatch 436 Mich 48,49 Miss 48 N.Y.Cornell 962 N.T. State 255 Blackberry anthracnose, Colo 266 Blackleg, notes, Nebr 296 Va 794 remedies, Kans 191 treatment, N. Dak 395 Page. Blackleg, treatment, U. S. D. A 396 vaccination for 893 Bladder ferns, culture 641 ketniia, Mich 121 Blarina brevicauda, notes 25 Blastophaga pseneg, introduction into Cali- fornia - 768 Bleachery refuse, analyses. Mass. Hatch. .. 428 Blight and smut of cereals 653 bacterial, of beans, N. J 446 sorghum 456 early, of potatoes, N. II 453 fire, of apples, Colo 266 pears, Colo 266 fungus, of tomatoes 600 late, of potatoes, N. H 453 leaf, id' butternut, Mass. Hatch 649 celery. Conn. State 265 Fla 971 N.J 447 cherry 1049 corn, N. T. State 2C0 lettuce, N.J 446 maples, Me 824 melons, N. J 445 Ohio 362 palms 456 pears, X. Y. Cornell 450 plums, ("tali 661 roses 59 strawberries, Me 824 sycamore, Mass. Hatch 649 tomatoes, Md 350 of apples, Mass. Hatch 648 carrots, X". J 447 pears 305, 863, 865 Fla *. 971 Mass. Hatch 618 X.J 449 X. Y. Cornell 451 peas, X. J 447 potatoes, Me 824 quinces, Mass. Hatch 648 tea plant 971 tomatoes, Fla 971 as affected by fertili- zers, Fla 1053 prevention 660 potato-stem, X. Y. State 452 Blighting of wheat, X. Dak 361 Blissus leucopterus, notes 1066 N.V State 268 IT. S. D.A 62 Blister beetle, gray 164 spotted, S. Dak 460 beetles, notes. Can 806 Wash 867 remedies, U. S. D. A 571 mite, pear, N. J 458 Blizzard, origin of word, U. S. D. A 1018 Blood and bone, analyses, Mass. Hatch ... 428 dried, analyses, Conn. State 230 Mass. Hatch 1033 \.J 426, 1031 K.I 919 1130 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Blood, dried, analyses, Wash 716 louse, notes. TJ. S. D. A 1063 molasses, effect on milk production . 588 serum for combating rinderpest 496 Blue grama, notes, U.S.D. A 343 grass, Texas, culture experiments, Cal. 245 Hill Observatory, U.S.D. A 325 tick, relation to red water ticks 1076 weed, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Bluestone solution for wheat smut, Can 836 Boehmeria nivea, notes 725 Bog rushes, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Bokhara clover 147 culture experiments, Cal . . . 214 Boletus subluteus, notes, U. S. D. A 551 Boll worm, notes, U.S. D. A 62 Bomb calorimeter, improved form, Conn. Storrs 678 Bombyx pini, injuries in Russian Poland. . . 872 rati, notes, U.S. D. A 65 Bone, analyses, Mass. Hatch 428 N.H 36 Wash 717 and potiish. analyses, Conn. State 230 wood-ash fertilizer, analyses, Conn. State 230 dissolved, analyses, R.I 919 ground, analyses, Mass. Hatch 428 N.J 426,1031 R.I 919 manures, analyses, Conn. State 230 meal, analyses, Mass. Hatch 1033 as a fertilizer 835 degelatinized. for meadows and clover fields 432 determination of phosphoric •acid 310 raw, vs. acid phosphate for cot- ton, Ga 140 phosphate, method for distinguishing from mineral phosphate 219 superphosphate 532 superphosphates, adulteration 1003 vs. animal meal for egg production, Mass. Hatch 676 Boneblack, dissolved, analyses, Conn. State. 230 » . H 36 N.J 426 R.I 919 Boracic acid, toxic effects 896 Bordeaux mixture — albuminous 457 and formalin for seed potatoes 1058 potash Bordeaux for antbracnose and mildew of cucumbers, N.J. . 446 resin-lime mixture for cabbage pin- sia.N.T. State 270 as a fungicide, Can 266 an insecticide, Can 273 effect on foliage, Can 264 for antbracnose of tomatoes, N. J 445 apple scab 1 1)57 beet-leaf spot 156 Colorado potato beetle, N. Y. State . 270 cracking of pears and apples 561 Pa so. Bordeaux mixture— Continued. for disease of iris, Can 860 downy mildew of cucumbers, Ohio. 362 fungus disease of apples. Conn. State 262 Fusidadium eriobotryce 764 leaf blight of tomatoes, N. T 445 spot of beets, N. J 447 hollyhocks, N. J 418 pears, N.Y.Cornell 450 mildew of Lima bean, Conn. State. 261 peach diseases, Ohio 559 leaf curl 156 pear scab 1057 plum-leaf spot, N.Y. State 265 potato diseases 865 tomato diseases, Fla 1053 leaf bligh t, Md 351 preparation and use, Conn. State 60 tumeric paper as a test for 157 vs. acetate of copper for grape Perono- spora 364 Borer, apple, Pa 1042 U.S.D. A 569 tree.U.S.D.A 655 clover-root 164 currant-stem, Nev 161 Wash 869 flat-beaded apple-tree, Xev 164 U.S.D. A 655 Vt 459 grape-cane, Mich 766 hickory, notes 1066 lily-stalk, Conn. State 273 locust-tree 68 maple-twig, W. Va 1068 orange 769 peach-tree, Ala. College 469 Kans 369 N.J 656 N.Y.State 269 Utah 601 twig, U.S. D. A 65,565.569 pear-fruit, U. S.D. A 569 tree, in Mississippi, U. S. D. A. . . 570 potato-stalk, Me 871 round-headed apple-tree, Kans 369 N.J 458 U. S. D. A . . . 655 Yt 459 shot, Can 866 sinuate pear, N.J 457 squash, N. Y. State 270 sugar-maple 569 sugar cane, of Java, U. S. D. A 570 Bos europceus, studies 584 Botanical microtechnique, methods 826 Botanist, report, Can 866 Idaho 763 Ind 263 Mass. Hatch 617 Mich 121 Nebr 297 N.Dak 320 N.J 443 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1131 Page. Botanist, report, N. Y.Cornell G97 Wash 7G0 of Nebraska State Board of Agri- culture, report 928 Botany, abstracts of articles 21, 119. 220, 316, 414, 515, 608, 718, 822. 920, 1005 and forestry, report 121 at American Association for Ad- vancement of Science 611 compendium 223 Division, U.S.D.A. 47,54,151,236,516,1012 laboratory manual 23 manual of agricultural 611 scientific 121 text-book 611 Bottly of cattle 568 Botryomykosis in man and animals 497 Botryosphceria arundinarite, notes 725 Botrytis cinerea, notes 763 on Primus cerasus 155 pceonice, notes 971 sp., notes, .Mass. Hatch 648 vulgaris on peonies 1049 Botrytis disease of Chinese primulas 155 /. ' louacurtipendvla, notes, U.S. D. A.. 147, 34-J hirstUa, notes, D.S. D. A 343 oligostachya, notes, U. S. D. A . . 147, 343 Box-eider plant bug, Idaho 766 TT.S.D. A 169 Brabant clover, notes 348 Brachyrhynchusgranulatus, notes.U.S.DA. 62 Br achy x cerosa, notes 168 a ruginosa, notes 168 Braehyspora pisi, n. sp., on young peas 155 Brain and spinal cord, micro-organisms and bacteria] poisons 497 Bran and shorts, digestibility, Utah 180 vs. barley for steers, N.Dak 671 wheat, analyses, X. J 474 Branch ivy, notes, IT. S. D. A 516 Bread, analyses, TT.S.D. A 875 "antispire " system 582 brown, digestibility 772 from old-process and roller-process flour, food value 79 handling 481 integral wholewheat, analyses 381 digestibility.. 381 loss of nutrients in baking, X.J 476 of Italian peasants, composition 78 Portugese, composition 181 digestibility 181 rye, digestibility 375 variation in cost and composition, U. S.U. A 174 wheat 481,582 white, digestibility 375, 772 Breakfast foods, analyses, N.J 475 U. S. D. A 875 Breed, effect on butter production 493 egg product ion, Utah 77 fecundity of pigs, Ind 280 tests of pigs, Can 278 poultry. Can 280 Breeding forage beets 42 Page. Breeding oats 749 poultry 232 rye 340, 955, 1039 Brerna lactucce, notes 155 Brewing and distilling industries, enzyms used in 122 Broccoli, notes, Fla 962 Brome grass, a wnlcss. Can 846, 866, 876 culture experiments, Cal 244 Hungarian, culture experi- ments. Cal 244.245 Seh rader, culture experiments, Cal 244.245 Bromin in saline waters, determination .... 315 1! mm us creclus, notes 121 inermis, analyses. Can 876 notes, Cal 244,245 Can 846 N.Dak 340 sterUis, note-. Cal 223 unioloides, notes, Cal 244, 245 (J.S.D.A 343 Broncho- pneumonia of cattle 833 Bronze orange bug, notes 769 Broom corn, culture 1039 millet, analyses, N. J 946 notes, S. Dak C29 seed, analyses, Mass. Hatch ... 428 Broussonetia papyri/era, notes, Cal 254 Brown olive scale, notes 769 rot of stone fruits, Mass. Hatch 648 rust of grain 316 tail moth, notes, Me 871 remedies. U. S. D. A 1059 top grass, notes. U. S. D. A 343 Brueh us pisi. notes, Can 866 Brucophagus /unebris, notes, TJ. S. D. A 1059 Brulure of flax 652 Brussels sprouts, notes, Fla 962 La 547 Bryobia 2>ratensis, notes. Utah 661 Buckeye, red, notes. U. S. D. A 516 Buckwheat, ash analyses, TJ. S. D. A 873 attacked by Fusicladium /ago- pyri, n. sp 155 bran, analyses, Can 876 experiments with Alinit 1012 flour, analyses, X.J 475 prepared, analyses, X. J . . 475 middlings, analyses. Ind 275 for milch cows, Pa . . 589 varieties. Can 240 Bud formation on leaves -' 418 moth, notes, Mich 766 remedies, AVash 867 variation, effect on plant forms 613 worms, remedies. Fla 1009 Buds, growth during winter 417 Buflalo gnat, TJ. S. D. A 563 grass, notes, U. S. I >. A 117. 34:: tree hopper, Xev 161 Bulb culture 640 growing in America 552 principles and practice 552 1132 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. BulWlis dactyloides, notes, U.S.D.A 147,343 Burbophyllum, cultivated species 640 I in II is, carbohydrate reserve material 1007 I !n lis, development 83 Bupalus piniarius, notes, U. S. D. A 65 Buprestid beetle, notes, U. S. D. A 1059 Bur clover, analyses, Cal 276 notes, U. S. D. A 343 grass, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Burette, description 21 Burettes, automatic 821 Burnet, culture experiments, Nebr 430 Bush beans, susceptibility to blight 1051 varieties, Can 849 Mich 47 fruits 756 hot any 6^0 Bushy bluestem, notes, F. S. D. A 343 knot weed, notes, U. S. I). A 343 Butter, adulteration 791, 821 and cheese associations of Ontario. reports 189 fat, analysis 118 margarin, determination of water 514 milk, now bacillus 388 analyses 790,891 Cal 285 Conn. State 281,295 as affected by feeding — cocoanut and almond oils 680 cotton-seed and sesame-oil cake . 685 sesame cake 586, 587 turnips, Can 287 as affected by pasteurizing cream. . 996 boiled 891 determination of fat content 90 volatile fatty acids 919 water 413 effect of washing, Can 289 exhibitions, Swedish 491, 593, 1090 Danish 109G examination 492, 886 exports, Danish 91 flavor as affected by germs from machine-drawn milk, Can 291 fresh vs. stripper, Oreg 686 from pasteurized milk, Wis 889 hardness 687 in margarin, determination 118 imitation, analyses, Conn. State 281 making 792 from pasteurized cream. Can 288 new method ] 096 moisture content, Can 289 production as affected by breed 493 food 486 cost 690 quality as affected by — centrifugal drying, Can 289 machine vs. hand milking, Can. 288 period of lactation, Can 288 Iowa 89 rancidity 784, 1091 Page Butter, reaction of col ton-seed and peanut oil 1096 refractometer test 17 relation between specific gravity and insoluble fatty acids 514 standard, necessity 890, lO'.H stripper, U.S.D.A 698 supply of large cities 91 taste as affected by salt "... 49:; testing us, 1005 tubercle bacilli content . 189, 888, 995, 1092 typhoid bacteria in 995 variation 887 water content 1090 Butterflies of Canada 168 Butterfly and moth, life history, Ohio 374 hollyhock, Nev 164 hopvine, Xev 1154 imported cabbage, Nev 164 mourning-cloak, Xev 164 orange 769 pea, notes, U. S. D. A 343 pupa?, development 1076 Buttermilk, analyses 187 utilization 91 Butternut, leaf blight, Mass. Hatch 649 wood, ash analyses, Can 232 By-products of the dairy, U. S. D. A G98 Byturus unicolor, notes 1066 Cabbage black rot 456 Wis 155 bug, harlequin, N.J 457 U.S.D.A 571 butterfly, imported. Nev 164 club root 456 N.J 444 looper, remedies, N. T. State 869 louse, Nev 164 plusia, notes, Nev 1G4 remedies, N. T. State 270 worms, notes, X. J 458 Vt 459 remedies. N. Y. State 869 U.S.D.A 570 vs. clover rowen for egg produc- tion, Mass. Hatch 676 Cabbages, fertilizer experiments 433 La 548 forcing, Kans 148 notes. La 547 varieties, Mich 48 S. Dak 639 Cacmcia rcsponsana, notes 470 Cacti, scale insects affecting 569 Cactus dahlia, characterization 1045 Oaffein content of teas 80 determination, comparison of meth- ods 607 free coffee surrogates, studies 281 Cajanus, analyses 678 Cake, analyses, U. S. D. A 876 Cakes for steers, analyses 780 Calamagrostis, revision of North American species, C. S. I). A 515 Calamagrustis alaskana, notes, U. S. D. A . . 515 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1133 /age. Oalarnagrostia angtuta, notes, U. S. D. A 515 calif omica, notes, U. S. D. A . 515 fasciculata, notes, U. S. D. A. 515 foliosa, notes, U. S. D. A 515 labradorica, notes, U. S. D. A. 515 laxijtora, notes, U. S. D. A . . . 515 lemmoni, notes, U. S. D. A. .. 515 in ierantha, notes, U. S. D. A . 515 neuioralis, notes, IT. S. D. A. . 515 subflexuoea, notes, TJ. S. D. A. 515 Calcium carbonate, effect on humus sub- stances 1022 chlorid, use in cheese making 1002 oxalate crystals, occurrence in le- guminous plants 321 sails, effect on plants 613 sulphite as a preservative tor cider 381 California clover, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 red scale, Ga 100 Station, bulletins 55,361,617,963 reports 220,222, 223, 224, 225, 228, 229, 235, 244, 245, 246, 250, 253, 254, 255, 258, 262, 267, 274, 276, 285, 297, 298 University, work at 298 Oallipterus ulmifolii, notes 1066 Calves, feeding experiments, Utah 988 starch and skim milk for 780 susceptibility to human tuberculo- sis 95 Calves' rennet, curdling power of ferment . 91 Camel hot, notes 568 Camellia, species 356 Camnula p>ellucida, notes, Idaho 765 Campanulaeefe, fecundation 417 Canada field peas, culture experiments, Nebr 430 varieties, N. J 483 stations, publications 147,189,228, 229, 232, 237, 238, 244, 246, 252, 264, 266, 267, 272, 273, 274, 277, 278, 280, 282, 286, 289, 290, 291, 294, 295, 297, 373, 631, 689, 734, 794, 826, 828, 831, 834, 835, 836, 842, 845, 846, 848, 851, 853, 854, 855, 860, 866, 870, 876, 881,882, 883, 895, 896, 1033. 1034 thistle, notes, Idabo 760 Canaigre, analyses, Cal 244 culture and value 42 experiments, Cal 244 notes 749 Canary seed ash, analyses 20 •Candy grass, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Cane sugar, detection in plant tissues 417 determination 117 formation from dextrose 219 manufacture in Java 396 raw, deterioration 412 Canker of beans 155 poplars 59 white fir, prevention 652 Canker worms, notes 763 Can 866 Mich 760 N.H 459 6730— Ko. 12 3 Tage. Cankerwornis. notes, N. T. State 268 I'.S.l). A 62 remedies, Kans 309 Mass, Hatch 661 Pa 1042 Canna-leaf roller, notes 060 Fla 659 Cannas, gum production 59 new Italian 552 notes 356 N.J 448 varieties 552 Canning fruit 354, 963 in tins 758 Cantaloupes, fertilizer experiments, La.... 548 notes, La 547 Cantharellus cibarius, notes, U. S. D. A 551 Caper spurge, jaotes.TT. S.D. A 516 Capons, winter feeding, Mich 582 Capparis spinosa, exploitation on the Trans- caucasus 253 ( 'apriola dactylon, notes, Cal 244 Carabid, malodorous, in Oregon, U. S. D. A . 570 Carbohydrate reserve material in bulbs and tubers 1 007 Carbohydrates, absorption by roots 1006 as food for denitrifying or- ganisms 1014 in foods and condiments, determination 311 of barley and malt 79, 412 Carbolic soap for rose aphis 661 Carbon bisulphid — as an insecticide, Nebr 273 effect on soil fertility 831 fertilizing value 1032 for barley smut 156 cigarette beetle, Fla 1069 phylloxera 373 root rot of coffee 456 Carbon compounds in humus 920 dioxid, effect on plant structure. . . . 610 excretion as affected by con- sumption of water 481 in inspired air 1089 monoxid inair, determination 118 animal body 885 blood, determination ... 118 Carbonate of lime for blight and mildew of peas, N.J 147 Carbonic acid in minerals, determination... 717 of the atmosphere 424 Carcasses of dead animals, disposal 96 Cardamom seeds, ash analyses of 1005 Carex goodenoughii, analyses 1022 sp., notes, I'.S.l). A 343 vulpinoidea, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Carnation disease, Conn. State 262 diseases in Germany 865 fairy-ring fungus, treatment 267 rust, N. Y. State 260 treatment, N. V. State 453 stem rot 561, 794,1054 Carnations, culture 855 fertilizer experiments. Conn. State 24g 1134 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. I'age. Carnations, fertilizing constituents removed from soil by, Conn. State 248 production of now varieties f n mi seed 003 recent introductions 855 Oarneades messoria, notes, Mass. Hatch — 6(il ochrogaster, notes 165 Carolina sphinx, notes 167 Carpenter moth, locust-tree, Nev 164 worm 68 Carpel beetle, notes 1066 grass, notes, Miss 547 Garpocapsa pomonella, notes 470 Kans 369 Nev 164 Pa 1042 U.S. D. X.... 65 Carrion heetle, spinach, Can , 866 Carrot blight, N. J 447 rust fly, notes, Can 866 Carrots, analyses 678, 839 and radishes, simultaneous forcing. 962 culture 42 forcing 354 grafting with wild carrot 549 notes, La 547 planting at different depths, Can . . 238 thinning, Can 238 varieties, Can 836, 846, 1034 Cars, stock, as disseminators of plants 418 Caryophyllaceous hybrids 519 Casein preparation from skim milk 592 products in pancreatic digestion . . . 970 peptic digestion 514 utilization 89 Case-making clothes moth, U. S. D. A 655 Case maker, pretty little 168 Cassava, analyses 678 culture 42 scale, notes, Fla 973 Castor beans, culture experiments, Okla 340 oil, active constituents 313 manufacture 195 plant, culture 749 fertilizing constituents, Okla 341 poniace, analyses, Conn. State 230 Catarrh, gastro-intestinal, of animals, Ala. Canehrake 693 Catasetum, new species 440 Cat and dog flea, notes, Mich 766 Caterpillar, clover-hay 1066 tent, (Jan 866 Kans 309 Me 871 N.H 459 "Ja 1042 P.S.D.A 1060 zebra 165,1067 Me 871 Nev 164 Catoeala lacrymosa in Mississippi, U. S. D.A 570 Cats, metabolism experiments 80 respiration experiments ..... ,,.,...,, 80 Page, Catsup, analyses, Conn. Stale 281 Cattle, abnormal appetite 893 and horses, cornstalk disease, Nebr. . 494 broncho-pneumonia 893 dehorning, Me 394 N.H 395 diseases, Kans 190 domestic, origin 679 fattening 780 feeding experiments 984 f Is, Danish concentrated, analyses. 79 foot rot 890 gadfly larva; 1G7 gastro-enteritis 597 German breeds 492 growth, Kans 382 history 584 native, of Gotland 482 new infectious disease 190 plague in young pigs 496 poisoning by saltpeter 794 zamia 497 Zygadenus panic via- tits, Nev 297 polled, origin 184 raising in Argentina 282 ranges of the Southwest, exhaustion and renewal, U. S. D. A 147 red Danish 83 spaj ed, tuberculosis 597 tick and Texas lever, La 389 notes, Va 794 tuberculosis 495, 094 control, N. Y. Cornell . . . 596 weight of organs 584 white, origin 885 Cattleya fly, notes 769 Cattloyas, white varieties 640 Cauliflowers, culture experiments, Kans ... 148 forcing 354 notes, Fla 962 La 547 Cayenne pepper, analyses, Conn. State 281 Oecidomyia brachijn tera, notes, U. S. D. A . . . 65 cerealis, notes 568 culmicola, notes 568 destructor, notes 104, 1076 Mich 169 U. S. D. A 05 frumentaria, notes 568 leguminieola, notes 165,1066 tritici, notes 569, 1070 Cecidomyids of cereals, parasites 568 Cedar, red, notes 905 Celery blight, Fla 971 N.J 447 book, Livingston's 48 culture 439 hotbed vs. cold frames, Can 849 leaf blight, prevention, Conn. State. . 205 spot, Can 861 prevention, Conn. State ... 265 notes, Fla - 902 La 547 varieties, Can 849 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1135 Pag© Celery, varieties, S. Dak 639 Cell division, abnormal 223 struct ure, studies 417 walls of fungi 417 plants 417 Celloidin and paraffin methods of embed- ding, combination 321 embedding 418 Cellulose and wood spirits 110 determination 606 f urf urol 407 in peach stones, determination . . . 716 nitration 412 Genchrus tribuloides, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Centaurea americana, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Centrodera decolorara, notes 168 Centrosomes of the animal cell 321 Gephalomyia maculata, notes 568 Cephus grtenicheri, notes 374 Cerambycid beetle, notes, Y. S. I). A 1059 Cerastium arvense oblongifolittm, notes, Ind . 1043 Ceratitis capitata, notes, U. S. D. A 62 Cercospora althceina, notes 455 apii, notes, Conn. State 265 Fla 971 beticola, notes 156 N. J 447 k'opkei, notes 57 microsora, notes, N. T. State 260 ribis, notes 725 sacchari, notes 57 vayince, notes 57, 362 violce, notes 456 1ST. J 449 Cereal blights, liming and sulphuring as a preventive 764 foods, analyses, TJ. S. D. A 875 Cerealine for milch cows, Pa 589 Cereals and catch crops in rotations 955 peas, crossing 826 determination of starch 314 geographical distribution in North America, TJ. S. D. A 723 gluten content 79 heats of combustion, TJ. S. D. A 874 insects affecting 164 lodging 929 rusts 455 statistics 298, 1039 water requirements 635 Cerebro-spinal disease of horses 896 meningitis in horses, treat- ment, Md 394 Ceres pul ver for barley smut 156 N.H 453 mangolds 432 oat smut, Kans 344 N. Dak 361 N.H 453 Wis 762 Geresa bubalus, notes, Nev 164 Cerococcus quercus, notes, IT. S. D. A 62 Ceroplastis ceri/erus, notes 769 Cerotoma trifurcata, notes, U. S. D. A 64, 66 Geruchus piceus, notes 168 Getonia metallica, notes, U. S. D. A 05 Ghcetochloa italica, notes, I". S. D. A 343 lati folia, notes, 1'. S. D. A 516 macrostachya, notes, U.S. D. .V. 343 Ohcetocnema confinis, notes. U. S. I). A 61 dcnticulata, notes, I'. S. 1). A . 61, 1061 parcepunctata, notes, 1*. S. D. A 61 jndicaria, notes, TJ. S. D. A 61, 66, 1061 Chafer, false rose, TJ. S. D. A 61 Chaff, analyses, Conn. State 276 nitrogen, content 515 Ghaitophorus sp., notes 1066 Chalcidid, clover seed, TJ. S. D. A 1059 Chaparral nillet, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Charbon, epidemic 496 Charcoal for indigestion in horses 794 Ohatinella scissipara, notes 156 Cheese as affected by fat content of milk. Can 291 bacteria 792 branding 189 Brie, fungus flora 388 cause of ripening 687 colored spots, TJ. S. D. A 593 curd, source of gas, N. T. Cornell. . 1093 curds, stirring, Can 292 curing, rapid vs. slow, Can 292 determination of fat content 90 examination, Ind 275 factories, Wis 792 fat content 188 filled, examination 18 flavor as affected by bacteria in water used in making, Can 294 food value 689,993 formation of holes 687, 793 from heated milk, experiments 1092 pasteurized milk 493 sheep's milk 792 Grana, manufacture . 493 industry in Wisconsin 790 making, aeration of milk, Can 292 as affected by different quantities of rennet, Can. 293 bacteriology 91 curd test, U. S. D. A 698 effect of dipping at differ- ent stages of acid, Can . . 293 experiments. Can 291 from machine-diawn milk, Can 295 milling the curd, Can 293 pasteurizing milk, Can ... 293 ripening milk before add- ing rennet, Can 293 salting the curds, (.'mii 291 temperature of curds at time of putting to press, Can 294 use of pure cultures 996 methods of adulteration 791 poison 892 ripening 388 1130 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Cheese ripening as affected by- lactic acid bacteria 789 temperature, Wis 787 unorganized ferments, Wis 787 ripening, biology 792 changes in fat 1094, 1095 decomposition of milk fat 789 use of pure cultures 688 testing 118 Thyboe, manufacture 189 Tilsiter, manufacture 892, 1097 tubercle bacilli 996 United States vs. Canadian 190 value of milk, Wis 385 yeasts 189 yield as related to fat content of milk, X. T. State 295 Ohetymorpha argus, notes, V. S. I). A 61 Chemical and seed control station at Aabo, Finland, report 198 apparatus, standardizing 717 balance of an intensive farm 1005 control station at Christiania, re- port 838 laboratory of city of Altona, ex- tracts lrom report 492 stations, Swedish, report 414 Chemist, report, Fla 999 Ind 275 Mass. Hatch 607,623 Mich 116 Miss 315 Xebr 297 N.Dak 315 X.T.Cornell 697 R.I 919 Wash 716 Chemistry, abstracts of articles 16,115, 214, 310, 407, 513, 605, 714, 817, 917, 1003 agricultural, text-book 715 and physiology applied to agri- cult ure 820 applied, progress 716 dictionary of industrial 1004 Division, U. S. D. A 606, 624, 749, 819, 832, 872, 877 of chlorophyll 219, 313 enzyms and bacteria 1017 galactose 116 protein precipitation 116 sassafras 1005 tubercle bacilli 794 wheat.Ark 943 physiological, text-book 820 Ohenopodium album, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Chermes alrietis, notes, U. S. D. A 1059 pinicorticis, notes 1065 Chernozem soils, analyses 229 Cherries, analyses 754 Oreg 961 and plums, botany 640 culture, Del 551 grafting 355 in Vermont, notes 1044 Cherries, notes. Cal 254 La 547 Wis 757 varieties, Cal 254 Mass. Hatch 436 Mich 49 N.T.State 254 ( 'berry aphis, notes, Mich 766 beetle, red, Mich 169 black, notes, U. S. D. A 516 knot, notes, N. H 453 flower buds as affected by cold, Wis. 755 fruit rot, treatment, N. T. State 265 leaf beetle, notes, Mich 766 blight as affected by sunlight . 1049 spot, treatment, X. T. State 265 slug, Nev 164 wild, poisonous properties of leaves, KH 923 wood, ash analyses, Can 232 Chervil in the sixteenth century 963 Chestnut-leaf spot, Mass. Hatch 649 oak bark, ash analyses 219 trees, body blight, Del 962 weevil, notes, Del 962 Chestnuts as affected by Agaricus melleus.. 59 California, analyses, Cal 255 culture.Del 962 diseases 59, 1057 in France 59 varieties, Mich 49 Chickadee, winter food, X. H 726 Chickens and ducks, relative gains, Mich .. 581 development, Can 280 disease similar to beriberi 497 feeding experiments, Can 883 Ind 677 Mass. Hatch. 675 X.T. State.. 282 Utah 77 gapes, U. S.D. A 698 immunity to tetanus 497 incubator tests, X. C 1088 Chick-pea, notes, U. S. D. A 928 Chicks, ground grain for, U. S. D. A 698 skim milk for, U. S. D. A 698 Chicory, adulteration 583 culture and uses, U. S. D. A 236 forcing, notes 354 manufacture 583 seed, germination, F. S. D. A 236 variations in composition 439 varieties, II. S. D. A 236 Chile sauce, analyses, Conn. State 281 Chilocorus b ivulnerus on white-pineChermes 1065 parasitic on San Jose scale 1064 Ohilo in/uscateltus, notes, U. S. D. A 570 China asters, rust, N.J 447 grass, notes 725 Chinch bug, bibliography, Ky 372 enemies, Ky 372 false,Mich 169 notes 1066 Fla 973 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1137 I'aiii'. ( liincli 1 mg, notes, N. Y. State 268 TJ. S. D. A 62, 1069 Vt 459 remedies 1065 Ky 372 TJ.S.D.A 1071 Chinese cabbage, notes, La 547 conifers 53 Chinook at Havre, Montana, TJ. S. D. A 1018 Chinooks vs. the Kuri Siro, TJ. S. D. A 124 Ohionaspis citri, notes 769 furfurus, notes, Ga 160 Mich 766 Tenn 768 madiunensis, notes 661 minor, notes, Fla 972 pinifolii, notes, Mich 766 tagalensis, notes 661 Chlatn ydornonadinese, memoir 825 Chlamys arizonensis, notes 769 Chlorin content of sea air 1030 in plants, determination 1004 saline waters, determination 315 wine, occurrence 194 Chloris, revision of genera 518 Chloris alba, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 cucullata, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Chloropal, analyses, "Wash 716 Chlorophyll and its derivatives 121 assimilation i n 1 ittoral plants . . 517 chemistry 219, 313 role in sugar production 726 studies 23, 223 Chloroplastids, assimilation of isolated 416 Chlorops ansimilis, notes, TJ. S. D. A 1061 pumilionis (tceniopus), notes, U.S. D.A 65 Chlorosis, prevention 764 treatment 1058 Cholesterins of the lower plants 23 Chrysanthemum net wings, Mich 168 rust, notes 455,971 Mass. Hatch ... 648 treatment 653 Chrysanthemums, bush-grown 641 certified varieties of 1898. 641 control of color, N. T. Cornell 438 culture 153 N.Y.Cornell.... 438 history 49 injury by Corythuca irro- cata, U. S. D. A 570 report of American Soci- ety 640 seedling 855 single 153 synonyms 963 varieties, X. Y. Cornell . . 439 Chrysobothris femorata, notes 168 Kans 369 Nev 104 C.S.D.A.... 655 sexsignata, notes 168 Chrysonielidse, development of embryo 372 I'age. Chrysomeliihi', ovular envelopes 372 Chrysopa, natural history 166 Chrysopa fraterna, notes 166 robertsoni parasitic on white-pine Chermes 1065 sabidosa, notes 166 Chufa, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Clmfas for pigs, Ark 1086 Church, relation to State colleges 709 Churning experiments 493 Cicada, periodical, distribution of broods. TJ.S.D.A 1063 natural enemiesAV.Ya. 163 new nomenclature for broods, TJ. S. D. A . . . . 1062 notes, Ohio 372 TJ.S.D.A 62, 469, 1059, 1071 W.Va 162 remedies, TJ. S. D. A 1073 Cicada leptendecim, notes, Ohio 372 U.S. D.A 62,1059 diner writ tinum, notes, TJ. S. D. A 928 Cicuta maculata, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 vayans, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 Cider, preservation 381 TJ.S.D.A 397 Cigar case-bearer 165 leaf-curing barn 1097 Cigarette beetle, remedies, Fla 1068 Cigars, nicotin content 413 Cineraria, culture, Ind 264 Cinnamon, analyses, Conn. State 281 Cisthene unifascia, notes 107 Citric acid in tobacco 1004 Citrus fruits, notes, La 547 trees, acidity of root sap. Cal 223 insects affecting 769 Civil service examinations, TJ. S. D. A . . . 124. 1018 Oladochytriu m alfalfa;, notes 1057 gram in is on oats 155 Cladosporium javanicum as a cause of root rot of sugar cane 57 Clams as food 678 Clays, analyses, Cal 235 Tex 194 Wash 716 Cleigastra (armillata .'), notes, T*. S. D. A 65 Clematis disease 764 species 153 Clematis drummondii, notes, I'. S. I). A 343 Clematises, descriptions and classification. 440 Cleora pediccllata, notes 372 subaust ralis, notes 372 Clerget's method for cane sugar 117 sugar, modification. .. 117 Climate, amelioration 125 and crop sections, reports, TJ. S. I) A 325,326,1018 rainfall as influenced by veg- etation 327 of Texas 126 effect on composition of soils, Ore- gon 333 plant growth 720 1138 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Climateof Athens, U.S.D. A 1018 Colorado, Colo 1019 Cuba, U.S.D. A 326 Klondike 930 Liberia, U. S. D. A 325 Tunis 827 Washington, D. C., U. S. D. A. . . 1018 Climates of geological ages, U. S. D. A 419 Climatological publications, American, U.S.D.A 1018 Climatology, abstracts of articles 325, 613, 826, 930, 1017 in Belgium 827 notes, U. S. D. A 325 polar vs. equatorial, U. S. D. A. 419 vs. meteorology, U. S. D. A 418 Glisiocampa americana, notes 1067 Kans 369 Pa 1042 disstria, notes 1007 frayilis, notes 871 Clitoria mariana, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Clostridium licheniforme, biological studies . 1096 Clothes moths, remedies, U. S. D. A 655 Cloud phenomena at sunrise and sunset, U.S.D.A 1018 photography 615 Clouds, cumulus, over a fire, U. S. D. A 124 upper, and weather changes, U.S. D.A 124 whirling altocumulus, U. S. D. A. . 124 Clover, alsike. (See Alsike clover.) analyses, Cal 276 and grass mixtures for meadows. . . 847 oats, fertilizer experiments . . 750 Bokhara, culture experiments, Cal. 244 bur, notes, U.S.D.A 343 California, notes, U. S. D. A 343 continuous cropping, Ind 236 crimson. (See Crimson clover.) culture, Can 835 experiments, N. H 429 in Michigan 147 curing 539 cutworm 165 digestibility 1082 dodder 259 U.S.D.A 54 fertilizer experiments 432, 750, 1037 Ohio 950 for green manuring, Mo 35 fungus 652 hay, analyses, Mass. Hatch 1033 K.J 474 caterpillar 1066 spontaneous combustion 880 introduction into Europe 432 irrigation experiments, Wis 747 mammoth red, as a cover crop for orchards, N. Y. State 252 mite, remedies, Utah 661 red. (See Bed clover.) root borer 164 rowen vs. cabbage for egg produc- tion, Mass. Hatch 676 Page. Clover, rust, N. Y. State 260 sapling, culture experiments, Cal. . . 214 scarlet. (See Scarlet clover.) seed, American, U. S. D. A 397 dodder 259 exclusion from Aus- tria-Hungary 259 chalcidid, notes, U. S. D. A 1059 midge, notes 165, 1066 seeding at different rates, Can 835 snail, culture experiments, Cal 245 varieties, Can 238, 836 Mass. Hatch 628 vs. sour grass for milk production. 1083 white. (See White clover.) Clovers as green manures, Can 845 common names, Mich 147 culture experiments, Okla 340 production of new types 927 Cloves, analyses, Conn. State 281 Club root of cabbage 456 treatment 155, lu50 N. J 444 swedes and turnips 155 turnips, treatment, N. J 443 Coal, analyses, Tex 194 Wash 716 hard, ash analyses, Can 232 Coccidae, investigations 975 of Kansas, new species 771 parasites 170 Coccotorus Scutellaria, notes, Kans 369 Cocoa, culture in Samoa 151 molasses, effect on milk production. 588 shells, utilization 281 Cocoanut cake, digestibility 1083 effect on yield and composi- tionofmilk 1083 oil, effect on butter 686 cake, analyses, Cal 276 Cochylis a mbiguella, notes 763 remedies 872 Cochylis, remedies 67 Cockroaches, notes, Minn 466 Cock spur grass, notes, S. Dak 629 Codfish, analyses, Conn. State 281 Codlingmoth 1076 enemies, N. Mex 563 N.T.Cornell 461 food plants, N. Y. Cornell .... 400 life history, Nebr 463 notes 470 Kans 369 Nev 164 N.H P 459 N.J 458 N. Mex 562 remedies, Nebr 464 N. Mex 563 N. Y. Cornell 462 Pa 1042 Utah 661 spraying experiments, Nebr. 464 Coefficient of oxidation of nitrogenous ma- terial 81 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1139 Page. Coffee, adulteration 1089 analyses, Conn. State 281 and coffee adulterants 80 culture in Mexico 749 date stone, analyses, Conn State 281 detection of artificially colored 80 determination of tannic acid 80 disease in Central America, U. S. D. A 560 new leaf disease 59 pea, Idaho, analyses, Ind 275 pests 653 plant, parasites 864 roots, nematodes 366 root rot treatment 456 tree, Kentucky, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Coffeon and caffein-free coffee surrogates, studies 281 Colaspis brunnea, notes, U. S. D. A 61 Colaspis, grapevine, F. S. D. A 61 Cold storage 599, 639 cellar 194 Coleophora jleteherella, notes 165 sp., notes 871 Coleoptera, Australian, new genera and species 769, 872 species affecting useful plants, TJ.S.D.A 61 Coleosporium affecting pines 969 Coleosporium sp., on China asters, N. J 447 Coleothrips tri/asciala, notes, Mich 168 Colic in animals. Ala. Canebrake 693 Colletes com pact a, notes 469 Colletofrichuvi althcece, notes 455 falcatum, notes 57.971 lagenarium, notes, Ohio ... . 362 lindemuthianum, notes 451 sp., as a cause of palm-leaf blight 456 Color of flowers, changes 440 Colorado grass, notes, V. S. D. A 147, 343 potato beetle, remedies, N.Y. State. 270 Station, bulletins 240, 246, 266,372,374,521,597,743, 770, 795, 1018, 1019, 1030 notes 299 Coloring material of fungi 23 matter in confections 181 matters, analysis 821 Colostrum, analyses 382 of goats, composition 383 studies 1096 Colza, culture experiments 433 Commerce of Spain, statistics, TJ. S. D. A . . . 98, 99 Composite, fecundation 417 Concentrated feeding stuffs, Mass. Hatch . . 1077 Concho grass, notes, TJ. S. D. A 341! Condenser for extraction 820 reflux 118 Condiments, analyses. Conn. State 281 Oondylura cristata, notes 25, 323 Confectionery, analyses, Conn. State 281 Confections, coloring matter ■ 181 Conglomerates, analyses, Wash 716 Congress of Applied Chemistry, Second In- ternational 18 Page. Conifer seed proteids, cleavage products . . . 313 ( '"infers, disease L057 of China 53, 358 Japan 53 Conium mac illation, notes, U.S. D. A 516 Connecticut State Station — bulletins 60, 337, 374 reports 214, 218, 229, 232, 242, 246, 253, 258, 261, 202, 265, 267. 273,276, 280, 285, 295, 297 Connecticut Storrs Station — bulletins 884 financial statement 697 reports 616, 663, 604. 078, 681, 683, 693, 697 Oonotrachelus cratcegi, notes, N.Y. I loniell. . 565 nenuphar, notes. Cans 369 I'.S. I). A .. 62,66 posticatus, notes, U.S. D. A.. 63 Convallaria majalis, notes, [". S.D. A 516 Convicts, employment in road building, (J. S.D. A 196 Convolvulus sepium, notes. Iowa 1048 Cooking experiments with meat 73 Cooperative creameries in Germany 792 dairying in Canada 189 dairy associations, organiza- tion. N. Dak 97 Cooperative experiments in liming soils, It. I 938 with corn, Ohio 350 fertilizers 136. 848, 956 in Germany 750 field crops in Canada 1034 Ontario 36 millet, S. Dak 629 potatoes in Germany 955 small fruits. Miss 48 sugar beets 841 Cal 246 Colo 241 Kans 346 Xebr 246 Ohio 346 Oreg 544 Pa 40 Wis 39 Copper, absorption and excretion by ani- mals 81 • carbonate, ammoniaeal, preparation and use, Conn. State 60 detection by formaldoxin 821 determination 514 effect on animals 81 higher plants 611 fungicide, new 156 for black rot of grapes 762 fungicides, adhesiveness 651 for pot atoes 762 use in forest protection. 366 in canned peas, detection 20 plants 825 vegetable sulistances.de term ina- tion 20 ore, analyses. Tex 194 sulphate For asparagus rust 865 destroying weeds .... 1049 1140 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Copper sulphate, for wheat smut, Can 633 Idaho... 559 solution, preparation and use, Conn. Slate 60 Ooprinut atramentarius, notes, U. S. D. A. . 551 eomalus, notes, U. S. D. A 551 micaceous, notes, U. S. D. A 551 Coptocycla clavata, notes, N. J 458 Cordy cops, re vision of genus 22 Oordyceps militaris on a heetle 662 Corimelama pulicaria, notes, Fla 369 Coriseus ferns, notes, TJ. S. D. A 62 Cork oak, production 53 Corn, analyses 678 Cal 276 111 844 N.J 946 and coh meal, analyses, Conn. Storrs. . 678 grass feeding Clnetocuemas, TJ. S. D.A 61 oats, analyses, Conn. State 276 wheat for pigs, Ind 176 as affected hy lime, Md 633 blossoms, analyses 678 botanical studies, Iowa 22 bran, effect on milk production 588 check rowing vs. listing, Nebr 429 cockle, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 composition, TJ. S. D. A 624 cooperative experiments, Ohio 350 cost of production, 111 540 culture experiments, Ala. Canebrake. 628 Okla 340,945 iu the South, U.S. I). A 540 cultivation to different depths, Ind.. . 236 Nobr . 429 deep vs. shallow plowing, Nebr 429 delphax, notes, Fla 658 detasseling, Mich 147 ear worm, Nev 164 effect of previous manuring, Ind 236 Egyptian, analyses, Cal 276 fall vs. spring plowing, Nebr 429 fertilizer experiments. Can 836 Ga 139 Mass. Hatch.. 626 Ohio 950 Tex 342 Wis 729 fodder, analyses, N. Dak 315 N.J 474 composition as affected by planting at different dis- tances, N. Dak 171 digestibility, Utah 180 methods of preservation, Ya. . . 429 frequency of cultivation, Mich 137 irrigation experiments, Wis 747 Jerusalem, culture experiments, Nebr 430 .juice, analyses, "Wash 716 Kafir, U. S. D. A 197 culture experiments, Nebr 430 in Florida 847 kernel, analyses, N. J 474 kernels, water content 636 Page. Corn, leaf blight, N. Y. State 260 loss in silo, Mich 138 meal, analyses, Conn. State 276 Conn. Storrs 678 and shorts for pigs, Ind 674 digestibility, Md 880 Me 76 germ, analyses, Conn. State 276 vs. corn for pigs, Wis 776 sweet potatoes for pigs, Ala. College 579 miscellaneous experiments, Ala. Cane brake 846 nutritive value as affected by time of harvesting, Mich 138 oil, analyses 817 pith, analyses, U.S. D.A 625 planting at different — dates, Okla 945 distances, Ga 139 Mich 137 rates, Okla 945 product, new, analyses, N. Y. State . . 477 digestibility, Md 70 relative value of leaves, stalks, and ears, Mich 138 root pinning, Okla 945 selection of seed, Mich 137 shelled, analyses, N.J 474 digestibility, Md 76 silage. (See Silage.) smut, Ind 264 soil test, Mass. Hatch 626 sprouts, analyses, N. J 474 stalks, analyses, P.S.D.A 624 stovei', analyses, Conn. Storrs 678 N.J 474 as a feeding stuff', U. S. D. A . . 698 digestibility, N. Y. State 477 preservation, Ya 429 silage, analyses, Ind 275 subsoiling, Ga 139 Mich 146 Nebr 428 subsurface packing, Nebr 429 sugar content of green stalks 117 sweet, varieties, N. H 354 vs. dent for milch cows, Can. . . 290 uses in America 546 varieties, Ala. Canebrake 628 Can 836,846, 1034 Ga 139 Mass. Hatch 627 N.Dak 340 Okla 945 Wash 736 vs. corn meal for pigs, Wis 776 yield per acre of green fodder, dry matter, and nutrients, Mich 138 Corncobs, analyses, N. J 474 U.S.D.A 626 Cornstalk disease, Iowa 296 Nebr 296,494 Cornstalks, analyses, N.J 474 utilization 897 INDEX OP SUBJECTS. 1141 Page. Corrosive sublimate — for blight and mildew of peas, N. J 447 prevention of grape disease 60 potato diseases 762 scab, Ohio 350 fungicide, fraudulent 60 preparation and use, Conn. State CO vs. flowers of sulphur for potato scab, Ky 364 Corymbites cmciatus, notes 168 Corythuca ciliata, notes, Mich 168 yossy2}i, notes, Mich 168 irrorata, injury to chrysanthe- mums, "U. S. D. A 570 Cotton and cotton goods in Japan 432 boll weevil, Mexican, TJ. S. D. A. . . 159, 659 by-products 955 culture experiments, Cal 244 Okla 340 deep vs. shallow cultivation of land, Ali. Canebrake 628 fertilizer experiments- Ala. Canebrake 628 Ala. College 38, 431 Ga 140 Tex 342 held, insects, TJ. S. D. A 1063 growing, relation between fertilizers applied and profit, TJ. S. D. A 131 hull ashes, analyses, Conn. State 230 miscellaneous experiments, Ala. Canebrake 846 planting at different distances — Ala. College 38 Ga 139 Tex 342 purslane, notes, IT. S. D. A 343 rust, prevention, Ala. College 1051 seed feed vs. hay for milch cows, Mass. Hatch G80 for cows, effect on butter 685 meal, analyses, Conn. State 230 Iud 275 Mass. Hatch. 428,623 N.J 1031 Tex 194 eifect on germination of wheat.N. C 349 for cotton, Ala. College. . 38 oil, characteristic reaction 315 detection 118 drying properties of crude and refined, Tex 194 in lard, detection 608 olive oil, detection 413 use in paints, Tex 194 tests, Ala. College 37 vs. cotton - seed products for steers, Ark 673 stainer, food plants, TJ. S. D. A 571 statistics, TJ. S. D. A 846 top grass, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 topping, Ala. College 38 varieties, Ala. Canebrake 628 Ala. College 37 Cotton varieties, Ga 139 N.C 348 Tex 342 Cottonwood leaf beetle, remedies, N. T. State 269, 467 louse, Ne v 164 Cottony cushion scale 1076 maple scale, notes, Tenu 7G8 Couch grass, notes 432 Cover crops for orchards, N. Y. State 251 Cow herb, notes, Idaho 760 Cowpeas, analyses 678 N. J 474,946 as a cover crop for orchards, X". Y. State 251 culture, TJ. S. D. A 542 experiments, Nebr 430 Okla 340 disease, notes 362 ensiling 847 for green manuring, Mo 35 pigs, Ala. College 578 value, TJ. S. D. A 42 varieties, N. C 348 Cows, abortion 893, 896 treatment 95 Ind 296 N.J 495 digestion experiments 1082 garget, N. J 494 milch, age as affecting milk 892 effect of work on composition of milk 993 feeding 492, 790, 1095 and care, Kans 891 experiments 486,487, 584, 587, 5S8, 589, 685,772, 790, 1083 feeding experiments — Can 290 Conn. Storrs 681 Mass. Hatch 485, 679 N.J 992 N.Y.State 480 Oreg 684 feeding greou rye and alfalfa, Can 295 judging 1096 metabolism 803, 903 oats and peas for, Can 295 peas and tares for, Can 295 reindeer moss for 492 skim milk for 487 soiling crops for, N. J 483 structure as related to pro- duction 689 testing for milk and batter production 708 utilization of food 83 milk fever, N.J 494 selection for experiments, N. Dak. . . 395 spaying 488 Crab apples, varieties, Mich 49 N.Y.State 254 grass hay, digestibility, N. C 668 1142 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Crab grass, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Crackers, analyses, U. S. D. A 87G Crambus caliginosellus, notes, IT. S. D. A ... CO Cranberries, culture in Nova Scotia 758 insects affecting 569 Cranberry span worm, notes 569 Cream, acidity, Wash 593 analyses 715 Conn. State 281 churnability as affected by size of fat globules 88 determination of fat by Gerber' s acid butyrometric method 91 determination of — fat content 90 proteids 715 pasteurized vs. nonpasteurized, for butter making, Can 289 ripening 690 percentage of starter, Can. 289 temperature, Can 289 separators, tests, N. Y. Cornell 591 S.C 593 tests, comparison 593 Creameries, cooperative, in Germany 792 separator, Wis 792 Swedish, use of pasteurization and pure cultures 792 Creamery system in Indiana 493 Creatin, separation 608 Crematory ashes, analyses, Mass. Hatch 623 X.J 1031 Crepidodera carinata, notes 769 Cress, notes, La 547 Cribbing, treatment 794 Crickets, Fla 369 Crimson clover, analyses, N.J 946 as a cover crop for orchards, N. Y. State 252 cooperative experime n t s, X.C 348 crown disease, N. J 446 culture 42 Mich 147 IJ. S. I). A 542 digestion experiments, X.C . 348 inoculation experiments, Ala. College 837 Crinum fimbriatulum, notes 855 Crioceris asparagi, notes, Mich 766 X. Y. State 268 U. S. D. A . . 62, 570, 1059 12-piinctata, notes, X. Y. State 268 U.S.D.A 570 Crocus, bulb disease 59 Crop and live-stock statistics — lor Manitoba 197,697,846 Ontario 197,1039 Crop circulars, TJ. S. D. A 397 reports, TJ. S. D. A 97, 197, 697 zones and life zones of United States, TJ. S. D. A 724 Crops, drilled, effect of direction of rows on yield 42 effect on nitrogen content of soils. . . 420 Page. Crops, rotation 148 ( Yoss breeding wheat 750 fertilization by bees, X. Mex 871 experiments, Can 851 of oats 750 salices 418 willows 23 Crosses between zebra and horse 679 Crossing and hybridizing fruits, Iowa 252 ornamental plants. Iowa 252 cereals and peas, Can 826 forage plants 927 grapes 640 hellebores 153 spelt 826 wheat 826, 1013 Grotalaria lagitialis, notes, TJ. S. D. A 510 Croton sp., notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Crowfoot, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Texas, notes, IT. S. D. A 343 Crown borer, strawberry, Fla 369 disease of crimson clover, X. J 446 gall, remedies, Utah 661 moth, strawberry, "Wash 867 rust of grain 316 Crucible, new 717 Crude liber in foods and feeding stuff's, de- termination 411 Crustaceans, composition 481 Cryptocephalus pubicollis, notes 769 Cryptogamic material, preparation and use. 121 Oryptorhynchus bisignatus, notes 168 Oryptosporium epiphylhim, notes, Del 962 Cuba, climate, U. S. D. A 326 Cuckoos, food, U. S. D. A 726 Cucumber anthracnose, notes, Ohio 362 treatment, X.J 446 lire tie, striped 165 La 548 X.Y.State 270 U. S. D. A 570, 658 twelve-spotted, U.S. D. A. 570 downy mildew, X. Y. State 454 Ohio 362 flea -beetle, effect on potatoes, X. Y. State 261 mildew, N. J 446 Cucumbers, notes, Cal 254 Fla 962 La 547 spraying experiments, X. Y. State 454 varieties, Can 849 Mich 47 S.Dak 639 Cultivation, effect on fertility of tho soil. . . 1020 moisture of the soil, S. Dak 424 of tobacco in Sumatra, U. S. D. A 545 Culture media, effect on growth of bacteria . 123 for differentiation of species. 1016 preservation 322 Curculio, apple 105 INDEX OP SUBJECTS. 1143 Page. Curculio, apple, Conn. State 273 plum, Kans 369 X.J 458 quince, X.Y.Cornell 565 Curculios, notes 872 Curd test in cheese making, U. S. D. A 698 Curly mescinite grass, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Currant apliis, Wash 869 borer, Wash 869 bushes, failure to bear fruit 355 fly, dark, Wash 869 yellow, Wash 869 leaf louse, Xev 164 maggot, Can 866 moth, pepper-and-salt, Wash 869 red rust, treatmeut 559 rust 969 sawfly, native, Can 866 Wash 869 scale, notes, Mich 766 stem borer, Xev 1 64 vine in South Australia 1044 worms, notes, Vt 459 Currants, analyses 754 notes, Wis 757 plant lice attacking, X. T. State. . 467 varieties, Can 253 Mass. Hatch 436 Mich 49 X. T. State 254 Cuscuta, destruction 360 Ciificutii arvenais, notes, U.S. D. A 54 epilinum, notes, tJ. S. D. A 54 epithymum, notes 556 U.S.D.A 54 indecora, notes, F. S. D. A 54 raeemosachiliana, notes, U. S. D. A. 54 trifolii, notes 556 Cut flowers, culture 640 Cuttings, distribution, Cal 253 Cutworm, clover 165 red-backed 165 Cutworms in tobacco, remedies, Md 660 notes, Can 866 Fla 369 Mich 168 Xev 164 X.J 457 remedies, Fla 1069 X. Y. State 271 Cyanid of potassium as an insecticide 470 Cyboeodes incerta, notes 273 Cyeat revoluta, sex organs 825 Cyclamen, culture 552 Cyclolonui platyphylla, notes, Mich 121 Cyclone at Swabia, causes 827 Oyllene pictug, notes 1066 Cynodon dactylon, notes, F. S. D. A 147, 343 Cyperacea1, studies 825 Oyperus eryth i <>rli izos, notes, F. S. D. A 343 esculent us, notes, U. S. D. A 343 rotund us. notes 1049 sp., notes, F. S. D. A 343 Cypress, bald, F. S. I). A 441 Oypripediwm hirswtwm, notes, TJ. S. D. A ... 516 Page. Oypripedium paroi/lorwm, notes, TJ. S. L). A. 516 regir.ce, notes, F. S. D. A 516 Cyrtophorus verrucosus, notes 168 Cystopus candidus, notes 155 Cytisus proliferus albus, notes, Cal 245 Cytology, experimental 321 Cytosporella eerei, notes 562 Dactylis glumerata, analyses 72 notes, Cal 244 Dactylopius adonidum, notes, F. S. T). A 62 azalea?, notes 769 8pp., notes 569 Daffodils, naturalization 1045 Dahlia, cactus 1045 mildew, treatment, X. J 448 Dahlias, history and cultivation 49 Dairies in Indiana, municipal control 492 Dairy and food commission — of Michigan, bulletin 780 Ohio, report 584 Pennsylvania, report 382 Dairy agency of Manchester, report 594 apparatus, tests 784 S.C 590 associations, cooperative, X. Dak 97 in Fnited States and Canada, F. S. D. A... 98 bacteriology 389, 593, 792 building at Kiel, description 498 bulletin, Can 189 bureau of Massachusetts, report 494 by-products, utilization, F. S. D. A . 582, 698 cattle, llussian 295 cow, care 492 development 492 cows, feeding value of forage beets. . 184 dangers surrounding 189 department, report, X. Dak 388 experiments at Mustiala Experiment Station 493 farming, abstracts of articles 83, 185, 282, 382, 482, 584, 679, 885. 992, 1090 herd, feeding, X. Y. State 295 record, Can 295 Me 892 Mich 188 X.H 492 X.J 484 Xorwegian 492 inspection, Ala. College 892 institute at Hameln, report 388 legislation in Canada 791 markets of Pennsylvania 892 methods, test, S. C 590 micro-organisms 388 notes.Can 294 products, ad nl tera tic m 492 examination 514 Stale standards. F.S. D.A. 791 testing by Babcock test, Me 892 school in Switzerland, report 790 Dairying, abstracts of articles 83, 185, 282. 382, 482. 584, 679, 78!, 885, 992, 1090 at farmers' institutes 892 cooperative, in Canada 189 1144 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Dairying, importance of pasteurization 493 in Canada 689 Denmark 594 United States 594 Dairymen's and Creameries' Associations of Ontario, reports 189 Dakota vetch, culture, T7. S. D. A 542 Dakruma convolutella, notes, Wash 869 Damping oU', treatment, Fla 4054 Danthonia scmiannularis, notes 416 Dark currant fly, "Wash 869 Darluca ftlum, notes, K.J 651 Datana angusii, injuring pecans, U. S. D. A. 570 Date palm culture, climatic data, U. S. D. A . :'.'_'5 investigations, Ariz 851 palms, varieties, Cal 254 Datura stramonium, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 tatula, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 Davidson ia pru riens, notes 355 Death cup, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Deep stalls vs. ordinary stalls for steers 573 Dehorning cattle, Me 395 N.H 395 Delaphax maidis, notes, Fla 658 Delaware Station, bulletins 134, 334, 345, 354, 396, 958, 962 report.... 514,515,519,520,522, 546, 051, 556, 562, 571, 596, 599 Delphacida, Xorth American, review 107 Delphax, corn, Fla 658 Delphinium geyeri, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 menziesii, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 recurvatum, notes, TJ. S. D. A. . . 516 tricorne, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 trolliifoliurn, notes, TJ. S. D. A. . 516 Deltoceplialus atropuncta, notes, Colo 372 blandus, notes, Colo 372 cookci, notes, Colo 372 labiata, notes, Colo 372 parvulus, notes, Colo 372 Dematophora necatrix, notes 156, 763, 865, 971 Denaturation of margarin 1096 Dendroctonus rufipennis, notes, Me 871 U.S.D.A-. 570 Dendrolene, effect on young fruit trees, N. Y. State 269 injury to peach trees, Kans 352 Dendroneura sacchari, notes 570, 769 Denitriflcation and farm manure 235 studies 619,620 Denitrifying organisms 620, 621, 929 Dent corn vs. sweet corn for milch cows, Can. 290 Deposits, creek, analyses, Can 835 marsh, analyses, Can 835 tidal, analyses, Can 835 Dewberries, notes, La 547 Mich 49 varieties, N. T. State 255 Dextrose, cane sugar from 219 identification 920 Diabrotica 18-punctata, notes, La 548 TJ. S. D.A. 570,1061 nitida, notes 769 vittata, notes 165 La 548 TJ.S.D.A 66,570 Page. Diamond-back moth, Xev 164 Diaspis amygdali, notes, TJ. S. D. A 1060 lanatus, notes, Ga 160 rosce, notes, Tenn 768 Diastase formation by fungi 417 in barley 314 investigations 1017 Diastatic power, quantitative determination 1017 substances from fungus growths. 1017 Diastictis benigna, notes 372 sericeata, notes 372 IMatrcea saecharalis, notes 975 striatalis, notes 107 CT.S.D.A 570 Dicerca divaricata, notes 168 Dichclonycha elongata, notes 168 Dicraneura communis, notes 770 cruentata, notes 770 maeulata, notes 770 quadrivittata, notes 770 unipuncta, notes 770 Dictionary of industrial chemistry 1004 Dicyphus minimus, notes, Fla 1068 Diet in Italian hospitals 884 Dietaries of students in India 780 Dietary studies, Conn. Storrs 663 in Chicago, TJ. S. D. A 976- New Mexico, TJ. S. I). A . . 573 Pennsylvania, TJ. S. D.A. 173 Russia 678 Tennessee, U. S. D. A. . .. 171 Diffusion residue vs. sugar beets for milk production 587 Digestibility of— alfalfa 379 Utah 982 hay, Utah 180 beef 662 bran and shorts, Utah 180 brown bread 772 clover 1082 cocoanut cake 1083 corn fodder, Utah 180 meal.Md 880 Me 76 silage, Me 880 stover, N. Y. State 477 crab-grass hay, N. C 668 distillery refuse 474 eggs and egg albumen 79 fats 877 feeding stuffs by different animals 1083 grasses 1082 ground oats, Md 76 hay, Me 880 hemp-seed cake 1083 integral whole-wheat bread 381 Italian paste 180 Kafir corn,Okla 983 kidney vetch 1082 linseed cake 1083 macaroni 1088 maize 79 meadow hay 1083 mixed diet, Conn. Storrs 664 silage, Me 879 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1145 Page. Digestibility of— Continued. mushrooms 377. 378 new corn product, Md 76 orchard grass 1082 perennial rye grass 1082 polenta 180 rape-seed cake 1083 rations, calculated and actual, X. T. Srate 478 for cattle, Pa 1081 red clover 1082 rice 1088 rye bread 372 salt-marsh hays, Mass. Hatch 473 shelled corn. Md 76 sitos 1088 skim milk, Me 880 sour grass 1082 spring vetch 1082 starch 184 sunflower-seed cake 1083 timothy 1082 hay.Md 76 X.C 668 Utah 180 water avens 1082 white bread 375,772 clover 1082 whole oats, Md 76 Digestion, artificial, criticism of methods . . 184 as affected by alcohol 183 Digestion experiments — artificial 772 with cows 1082 dogs 183,877 goats, X. C 348 horses 379, 1083 Md 75 man 79, 184, 375, 381, 662, 876 Conn. Storrs 663 TT.S.D.A 172 rabbits 1082,1083 sheep 71, 473, 1082, 1083 Mass. Hatch 473 Me 879 X.C 348,667 N. Y.State 477 steers 669 Okla 983 Pa 1081 Utah 179, 982 Digestion in larvae of gypsy moth 566 of blood fibrin by pepsin as affected by antiseptics 80 pancreatic, formation of gas 81 Digitaria sanguinalis, notes, Cal -44 Diglochis omnivora parasitic on brown-tail moth, U. S. D. A 1059 Dimorphism in Australian cruciferous plants 825 Beasonal in Lepidoptera 1076 Diphtheria in poultry 496 Diplosis cerealis. notes 568 equestris, notes 568 fiava, notes 568 Page. Diplosis marginata, notes 568 mosellana, notes 568 pyrivora, notes, U. S. D. A 66 sorghicola, notes, TJ. S. D. A 1063 trifici, notes 164, 568 Dipt era. mining 766 of New Mexico 67 Director, report, Ala. Canebrake 628 Cal 297 Fla 999 Ind 297 Iowa 297 Miss 397 Mo 96 N.C 698 X. Dak 397 Xebr 297 Nev 297 X.J 498 X. T. Cornell 697 X.T.State 298,498 Ohio 96 R.I 999 Wyo 999 Dirt in milk, determination 607 Diseases of animals as result of insufficient water supply, Ind... 693 in Africa, investigation 795 Europe 998 transmissible to man . . 896 carnations in Germany 865 cultivated plants 562 in Cyprus . . . 971 domestic animals, infectious. . . 297 grapes 865 live stock, occurrence and dis- tribution, Ind 296 plants, abstracts of articles 55, 153,260,361, 443,556, 647,761,857,967,1047 as affected by rotation of crops 1051 in Denmark 864 Holland 155 Italy 864 prc\ ention 1057 studies, S.C. 763 poultry, treatment, X. C 1087 Disonycha earoliniana, notes, I". S. D. A — 1063 Distillation apparatus 315 Distillery refuse, digestibility 474 Dodder, eradication 556 infesting clover and alfalfa, TJ. S. DA 54 notes, Idaho 760 Dog-town grass, notes, TJ. S. 1). A 343 Dogs, digest ion experiments 183, 877 respiration experiments 70 Dolichos biflorus, analysis 678 I a hi nb, analysis 678 mvltiflorttt, culture experiments, La 96 Domestic-science lessons 1089 "Dongkellan " disease of sugar cane 1057 Dorylaimus sp., notes 562 1146 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Doryphora 10-lineata, notes, U. S. D. A 62 Dothidea pourigena, notes, Conn. State 202 Double manure salts, analyses, "Wash 716 phosphate of potash and magnesia, analyses. N.J 1031 sulphate of potassium anil mag- nesium, analj ses, < onn. State 230 superphosphate, analyses, K. I 919 Downy mildew of cucumbers, N. T. State . . . 454 Ohio 302 on wintercrook-necksquash, N.Y. State 454 Draft of wagons as affected by width of tiro, Mo 98 Drainage by fascines 1 95 farm 1097 soil 731 water, analyses 1021 from moor soils, composi- tion 931 Draining and irrigating land 397 Drepanosiphum acerifolii, notes 1066 Dried brewers' grains, analyses, N. J 474 as a substitute for hay 1078 for milch cows, Pa... 589 blood, analyses. Mass. Hatch 1033 N.J 1031 i;.i 919 Wash 716 fruits, analyses, Cal 255 Drop of lettuce, treatment, Mass. Hatch . . . 648 seed grass, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Drought, effect on garden crops, N. J 449 milk production, N. T. State 295 ornamental plants, N. J . 449 Droughts in United States, U. S. D. A 326 Dryobius se.rfasciata, notes 168 Ducks and chickens, relative gains, Mich . . 581 feeding experiments, N. C 1087 Dumas method for nitrogen 408 Dust from sheep fleeces, analyses, Cal 235 Dwarf broom weed, notes, U. S. D. A 343 rust of grain 316 Dynamometer tests on wagons, Mich 195 Ear cockle in wheat 457 worm, corn, Nev 104 Earthquakes in Central and South America, U.S.D.A 419 New Brunswick, TJ. S. D. A . 326 recent, TJ. S. D. A 325, 326, 1018 Earthworms as a source of gapes in poultry, Ky 393 Eccentric scale, notes, Midi 706 Echinocoecus multilocularis in sheep 95 Edible agarics, culture in Paris 551 and poisonous fungi, U. S. D. A 551 fats and oils 412 Editorial notes 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801. 901, 1001 Education, agricultural, in Denmark 98, 198 Germany 98 Russia 500 Spain 198 reading courses 1 Pago. Education, of horticulturists 151 technical, in Austria 98 Eel worm, wheat stem 165 worms, Mich 168 in grape roots, remedies 765 Egg parasite, new 170 production as affected by- age, breed, and exercise, Utah 77 condition powder, Mass. Hatch 675 production, clover rowen vs. cabbage for, Mass. Hatch 676 comparison of breeds of chickens, Mich 582 cut bone vs. animal meal for, Mass. Hatch 676 trade in Denmark 83 Eggplants, analyses 853 fertilizer experiments, La 548 leaf spot, N.J 446 nematodes, N. J 446 notes 853 Cal 254 La 547 parasitic fungus 456 Eg gs, analyses, Cal 275 and egg albumen, digestibility 79 poultry 584 composition as affected by food, Mich 582 fertility, Utah 78 food value, U. S. D. A 999 of white-shelled and brown-shelled, Cal 274 keeping quality. Can 280 preservation 583 Egyptian clay and salt 834 corn, analyses, Cal 276 Elaphidion cine renin, notes, U. S. D. A 1062 iinbelle, notes, U. S. D. A 1062 inermc, notes, U. S. D A 1062 irroratum, notes, TJ. S. D. A 1062 mucronatum, notes, U. S. D. A . . 1002 subpulieseens, notes, U. S. D. A . . 1062 tectum, notes, IT. S. D. A 1062 unicolor, notes, U. S. D. A 1062 villosum, notes 569, 1066, 1067 U.S.D.A 1062 Electric signal apparatus, U. S. D. A 410 Electrical districts, U. S. D. A 1018 methods for determination of sugar 117 soils, U.S. D. A... 30 storms in Kansas, U. S. D. A 325 Electricity, effect on plants 122, 825 Electrolysis for determination of nitric acid 20 Elm bark louse, imported 569 Nev 164 leaf beetle, in New York 660 notes 1066 louse, Nev 164 miner, notes 1067 twig girdler, notes, Kans 369 l'.b v sine barevnonensis, notes, Cal 244 coracana, notes, Cal 214 Elymus canadensis, notes, U. S. D. A 343 capitatus, notes, U. S. D. A 516 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1147 Page. Elymus ciliatus, notes, F. S. D. A 516 hanseni, notes. U. S. D. A 516 saxicolns, notes, F. S. D. A 516 simplex, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 Ematurga/axonii, notes 509 Einmenthaler cheese, cause of lioles 687 ripening 687 E in poasca albolinea, notes 770 alboneura, notes 770 atmlabes, notes 770 denticula, notes . . T — . 77o incisa, notes 770 livingstonii, notes 770 mexicana, notes 770 pallida, notes 770 pergandci, notes 770 radiata, notes 770 robusta, notes 770 snowi, notes 770 splendida, notes 770 trifasciata, notes 770 tumida, notes 770 v ii icolor, notes 770 Empusa grylU, notes, Nebr 278 phahi ngicida, notes 1057 Emulsin in lichens and fungi 929 Enchytrceus sp., notes 562 Endive, notes, La 547 Endomyces albicans, notes 1013 Energy, conservation 281 Conn. Storrs 667 in man, measurement ,678 Engineer of Utah, report 897 Wyoming, report 897 Engineering courses, preparatory work. . . . 708 standards and land-grant col- leges 713 English-walnut scale, Ga 160 Nev 164 Ensiling potatoes, F. S. D. A 397 Enteric fever, Croonian lectures 497 Enteritis, gastro, in cattle 597 Entomological Institute of Sweden, report- 571 Entomologist of California, report 375 Illinois, report 1064 New York, report 1065, 1066 Norway, report 68, 768 Sweden, report 1076 report, Can 866 Del 571 Pla 999 Idaho 765 Mass. Hatch 661 Mich 169 Nebr 297 N.J 457 N. Y Cornell 697 N.Y.State 268 Wash 760 W.Ya 1067 Entomologists, Association of Economic, U.S.D.A 60 Entomology, abstracts of articles 60, 157, 267, 366, 457, 562, 654, 765, 866, 972, 1058 applied, in America, U. S. D. A. 60 I'ago. Entomology, Division, I'.S.D. A 60,66, L59, 169, 370, 375,469,470,565,568, 569, 570, 571,654,655,658,659, L058.1061, 1069, 1071, 1074, 1075 economic, American. (T.S.DA 470 duty, U. S.D.A .... 1058 ethics, (J.S.D.A 1061 of the oak 167 Entomophthora aphidis, notes, U. S. I). A.. . 1070 Enzootic cerebrospinal meningitis in horses, I*. S. I). A 998 Enzym in liver secretion of Helix pnmatice. 583 Enzyms and bacteria, chemistry 1017 proteolytic in plants lol7 used in brewing and distilling in- dustries 122 Ephedra nevadensis, notes, U. S. I). A 343 Ephedras incompletus, notes, U. S. I). A 1059 Ephestia elutella in compressed \ egetables. 769 Epieauta maculata, notes, S. Dak 460 t rich nm, notes, F. S. D. A 61 Epidosis eerealis, notes 568 Epiphytes, ash analyses 120 Epitrix earn merit;, notes, TJ. S. D. A 66 parvula, notes, F. S. D. A 66.569 Epochra canadensis, notes, Can 866 Wash 869 Equisetum palustre, eradication 556 Eragrostis brovmii as a forage plant 725 major, notes, F. S. D. A 343 pilosa, notes, FS. D. A 343 secundiflora, notes. F. S. D. A 343 viscosa, notes, F. S. D. A 516 Erebus odora, notes 167 Ergot in wheat Hour, determination 20 Erigone albescens, notes 273 Eriocampa cerasi, notes, Mich 766 Eriocampoides limacina, notes 1067 Eriocliloa punctata, notes, F. S. D. A 343 Eriosphm ia sacehari, notes 57 Erodium cicutarium , analyses, Can 876 notes, F. S.D. A 343 Erotia lanata, notes, F. S. D. A 343 Errat ic army worm, notes, Mich 766 Erythroneura vitis, notes 165 Esparcet, culture experiments, Cal 244 Ether, effect of quality on fat determination 820 on milk bacteria, Wis 785 Ethereal oils, effect on fungi 929 "Etherion," a new gas, discovery 412 Etiology of actinomycosis 495 epizootic abortion 497 Eubyia cognitaria, notes, Wash 869 EucMcena lax a rians, notes, Cal 244 Eucleidse, North American 470 Eucrada humeralis, notes 168 Eudam us proteus, notes, Fla 658 Eugenia eucalyptoid.es, notes 355 Ea in,, lupus vitis, notes 763 Euphorbia lathyris, notes, IT. S. D. A 516 marginata, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 phosphorea, phosphoresceni sap. 23 Euphorocera clavipennis, notes, U.S. D. A .62, L059 Euproctis chryssorrhosa, notes. Me 871 Evpsalis niin i.'ta, notes. F. S. D. A 1059 1148 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Rage. Eupteryx Jlavoscuta, notes 770 vanduzei, notes 770 Eurypelma hentzii, notes 1067 Eustachys, revision of genera 518 Eutolype grandis, notes 770 Euvanessa antiopa, notes, Nev 164 Evaporation and plant transpiration 721 temperature, U. S. D. A . . . 325 from fruit trees 152 in river basins of Russia 327 observations, Colo 1019 of fruit 354 Evening, character, TJ. S. D. A 419 Evergreen and periodically deciduous trees of Java." 644 Everlasting grass, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Exercise, effect on eg£ production, Utah ... 77 excretion of water vapor through the lungs 481 milk production 85 Exoascus cerasi, notes, N. Y.Staic 260 deformans, notes 155 Oreg 352 Exobasidium peckii, notes, N. T. State 260 symploci, notes 121 vexans, notes 971 vitis, notes 59, 456 Exosporium palmivorum, notes 653 Experiment station movement in Russia. . . 601 notes 99, 199, 299, 399, 499, 600, 699, 799, 899, 1000, 1099 work, V. S. D. A . 397, 698, 999 stations, agricultural, in Japan 101 in Russia 603 Office, TJ. S. D. A 171, 173,281,573,599,780,976 Extraction apparatus 20, 21, 717 Eye spot of sugar cane 57 Fall redtop, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 False chinch bug, Mich 169 flax, notes, Idaho 760 hellebore, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 jessamine, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 Farcy in horses, Iowa 296 Farm animals, feeding 583 preparation of rations 480 productivity, as affected by temperature of stable 184 buildings, protection against light- ning, Mich 797 sanitation 696 crops, fertilizing experiments 42 drainage 1097 manure and denitrification 235 economic value, Mo 35 superintendent, report Can 244 Farmers' bulletins, TJ. S. D. A 42, 147, 148, 154, 168, 179, 181, 197, 335, 354, 397, 531, 540, 547, 569, 661, 678, 698, 928, 999 institutes in California 298 organizations, constitutions and by-laws 599 Farms, water supply, "Wis 730 Fat and casein in infant feces, determina- tion . . . , 515 Page. Fat, animal, determination 20 changes in cheese ripening .'. . 1094, 1095 content of butter, determination . . 90 cheese, determination 90 cream, centrifugal methods. 90, 91 determination 90 milk as affected by food 86 ind ivid- nality of cows ... 91 related to cheese yield, N.Y. State. 295 comparison of tests . . . 784 effect on cheese, Can - . 291 superphosphates 532 decomposition in cheese ripening 789 determination 920 in feeding stuffs as af- fected by quality of ether 820 Polimanti's method 118 saponification method .. 311 extract ion apparatus 20 formation from protein 80 in body in phosphorus poi- soning 80 free meat, preparation 81 globules of cream, effect of size on el in inability - 88 in feces, determination 310, 311 feeding stuffs, determination 310 meat, determination 310,311,608 milk, determination 413, 821 source 689 methods of analysis 118 resorption 877 transformation with glycogen 583 vegetable, determination 20 vs. sugar, food value 70 Fats, analysis 412 and oils, adulteration 884 apparatus for saponification 821 determination of iodin number 60S digestibility 877 Fatty acids, determination 515 volatile, in butter 919 Feather blue stem, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 crowfoot, notes, U. S. B. A 343 grass, Abyssinian, culture experi- ments, Cal 244 sedge, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Feces, determination of fat 310,311 method for drying 313 Fecundation and embryology of Ginkgo biloba 825 of Lobeliacea;, Campauula- cese, and Compositse 417 Fecundity of swine, Ind 280, 296 Feed, mixed, analyses, Mass. Hatch 428 Feeding calves and pigs, cost of labor, Utah . 989 Feeding experiments — with calves, Utah 988 cattle 984 chickens, Can 883 Ind..-- 667 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1149 Page. Feeding experiments — Continued. with chickens, N. Y. State 282 Utah 77 ducks, N. C 1087 hens, Mass. Hatch 075 horses 772 778 lambs 380 Minn r>75 Wis 773.774 77."> milch cows 486, 487, 584, 587, 588, 589, 685 772. 790, 1083 Can 290 Conn. Storrs 681 Mass. Hatch 485, 679 N.J 992 NY. State 480 Oreg 684 pigs 73, 74,184,380,772,781 Ala. College 577 Ala. Tuskegee 1086 Ark 1085 Can 277,882 Ind 176,674 Mont 177 N.Y. State 279 Oreg 674,675 Utah 986 Wis 776,778 poultry, Mich 580 sheep 281, 772, 776, 780, 985, 1084 steers 573, 574, 772, 773, 1078 Ark 673 Can 277,881,882 Minn 672 N. Dak 671 Pa 1079 swine 482 turkeys, Can 883 Feeding of animals 678 farm animals, U. S. D. A 583 milch cows 492, 1095 Kans 891 standards as related to metabolism of energy 1089 Feeding stuffs — analyses, Cal 276 Conn. State 276 Me 1089 N.Dak 171 N.J 474,946 comparative value of nutrients, N. Y. State 479 comparison, Utah 175 concentrated, Mass. Hatch... 1077 analyses, Mass Hatch. . . 474 for sheep 281 condimental. U. S. D. A... 197 control, U. S D. A 582 detection of formic aldehyde 20 determination of fat 310 inspection, Me 381, 835, 1089 market prices, N.J 480 methods of analysis in Belgium and Holland 304 nitrogenous. Conn. Storrs 884 6736— No. 12- — 4 Page. Feeding stuffs— Continued. pentosans 79 prevention of fraud 36 protein content, N. J 977 reform in method.* of analysis 115 relative value 481 value and use 4&0 Feeds and feeding value, manual 82 Fehling's solution 20, 314, 412 Fcijoa sellowana, notes 757 Fences for pig pastures, Mont 196 Ferment in barley 1015 soluble proteo-hydrolytic, in mush rooms ., . . 929 Fermentation, abstracts of articles 122, 224, 322, 519, 1014 alcoholic 124 without living yeast cells 224 ammoniacal, studies 1017 of kidney beans 155 must 123 tobacco 1014 Conn. State 243 studies 123 without live cells 1017 yeast 1 24 andalcoholic 25 Fermentative action of intestinal fluid 679 Ferments, alcoholic, transmission by insects 123 of urea 1017 wine 1017 diseases 123, 1016 experiments 1015 unorganized, in milk, Wis 785 Fern prothallia, development of sporangia. 223 Ferns, bladder 041 propagation 758 Ferric chlorid, evaporation from acid solu- tion 920 Ferrous sulphate for destroying micro- organisms 620 Fertilizer analysis- explanation of terms, Conn. State 229 Mich 754 Miss 428 N.Y. State 833 Wis 136 Fertilizer control- in Baltic Provinces 36 Connecticut 229 Missouri 36 North Carolina 732 of 1897 428 Fertilizer experiments — on carnations, Conn. State 248 clay soils, Ind 275 clover 432,750,1037 Ohio 950 corn, Can 836 Ga 139 Mass. Hatch 626 Ohio 950 Tex 342 Wis 729 1150 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 628 38 IK) 342 42 636 848 838 830 236 950 250 959 49 33 Page. Fertilizer experiments —Continued. on cotton, Ala. < lanebrake Ala. College (ia Tex farm crops garden crops, Mass. Hatel grass hairy vetch, Ala. < 'ollcge Hawaiian soils 1021 hay '. 339 legumes, Muss. Hatch 027 mangel-wurzels . . 848 Can 836 meadows 42, 43, 432, 539, 845 oats 3:;, 136, 538, 7:::i, 750, 846, 1036, 1037 Ala. College 739 Can Ind Ohio oranges, Cal orchards, N. V. Cornell ornamental plants peas potatoes 339, 349, 433, 848, 1030, 1038 Can 836 Ky 344 Mich 147 X. Y. State 240, 43 1 Ohio 950 R.I 953 potted plants 49 radishes, Conn. State 249 root crops 433 rye 337 strawberries, N.J 434 sugar beets 34, 534, 750, 839, 841, 1037 N.T.Cornell 143 S.C 631 "Wis 40 cane 41, 547, 750 Swedish turnips 848 timothy. Ohio 950 t obacco 349, 955 Ala. College 431 Can.... 842 OonmState 242 tomatoes, Conn. State 246 turnips 848 Can vegetables, La watermelons, Ga wheat Can Ind Ky Mo Ohio Ya Fertilizer law of South Australia . laws Conn. State Ky Md Me 836 548 150 148 835 843 842 44 950 1037 835 337 229 336 136 7,734 I 'age. srtilizer laws, Mich 734 Miss 428 X.II 30 N. V Slate 235 Pa 428 II. I 735 W. Va 136 legislation, uniformity 506 requirements of soils 623, 1031; 1033, L034 Cal 235 trade in Connecticut 229 Indiana 136 New Hampshire 36 New Jersey 126, 1031 North Carolina 732 ■l tili/.crs, abstracts of articles 32, 130, 229, 335, 425, 532, 620. 731 832, 934, 1031 analyses 136, 337, 835 Cal 235 Conn.State 229,337 K\ 336,337,734 Mass. Hatch ... 428,623,1033 Md 136 Me 734 Mich 734 Miss 36,136,428 N.C 732 N. II 36 N.J 426,1031 N. Y. State . . 36, 235, 833, 1033 R.I 734,919 S.C 624 Tex 194 Yt 623 Wash .- 716 Wis 136,735 W. Va 136 application at different rates, Ind 236 applying by diffusion 428 availability, U. S. D. A 197 of organic nitrogen, Conn.State 232 cost of plant food, Conn. State. . 337 effect of quantity on yield of crops 1036 on diseases and injuries of grapes 59, 457 seed germination 645 soil and crop 245 I omato blight, Fla 1053 for beets 848 garden and orchard 353 natural meadows 1034 pastures, value as deter- mined by production of hay and mutton 1085 strawberries 1044 U.S.D.A 397 fraud 36 home mixing, Conn. State 230 Mass. Hatch 623 N.J 426,1031 Ohio 532 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1151 Page. Fertilizers, Lome mixing, V. S. D. A 698 W.Va 136 inspection, Mass. Hatch 623 Mr 337, 734,835 Mich 136 N.C 7:;_- N.H 36 R.I 7:u.!>1!) S.C 6-24 W.Va 136 methods of analysis in Belgium and Holland 304 persistency of effect, Ind 236 phosphatic 35 rotation on grass lands, Mass. Hatch ti27 solubility in pepsin solution, Conn. State 337 statistics of consumption in United States, H. S. D. A 13J treatise 942 use 235 in horticulture 353 valuation 136, 235, 337 Conn. State 229, 337 Ky 336,337 Mass. Hatch 428, 1033 Mich 734 Miss 36, 136, 428 N.C 732 N. J 426, 1031 N. T. State 833 Pa 428 S.C 624 Vt 623 Wis 136,735 W.Va 136 Fescue, small, culture experiments, Cal .... 244 Vestuca t latior, analyses 72 pratensis, notes, Cal 244 ovina, notes, Cal 244 Fever, enteric, Croonian lectures -. . 497 splenic, immunity 496 Fiber Investigations, Office, U. S. D. A 541, 737 plants, culture 433 Fibrin, digestion products 992 Fibrovascular bundles in petiole, character, determining species ".. .. 519 Ficaria ranunculoides, reserve matter 23 Fidia viticida, notes, U. S. D. A 63 Fidorcia piniqria, notes 570 Field crops, abstracts of articles 36, 136, 236, 337, 428. 533, 624, 735, 835, 943, 1034 chemistry, Okla 348 cooperative experiments in On- tario 36 enemies 1 70 treatment of diseases, N. Dak . . 97 experiments, methods 955 mice, destruction by bacteria 322 peas, culture, U. S. D. A 542 tests for determining fertilizer re- quirements - 623 Fields and lawns, irrigation 697 woods, temperature and mois- ture of air 930 Page Fig eater, notes, X.J 4,r,8 CT.S. 1>. A 569 Indian, rot 59 scale, notes, Phi 972 Figs, analyses 754 notes, Cal j:,4 La, 547 Filter apparatus 315 flask, new 608 paper, reaction 315 Fiorin grass, culture experiments, Cal 244 Fir tree, root louse :;74 trees, resistance to smok e 644 Fire blight of apples, Colo 266 pears, Colo 266 Fish and Fisheries Commission report .. 324,325 as food, TJ. S. D. A 678 composition 481 culture, manual -325 dried, analyses, Conn. State 230 and ground, analyses, M". .1 426 ground, analyses. Mass. Hatch 428 N.J 1031 guano vs. sodium nitrate for barley and sugar beets 954 Fistulina hepatica, notes, U. S. D. A 531 Flat-headed apple-tree borer, remedies, V. S. D. A 655 borer, remedies, Kans 370 notes, Vt 459 pea as a green manure for barley, R. 1 . 836 culture experiments, Cal 245 hay, analyses, Conn. State 276 Flax, brulure 652 culture, Oreg 635 Wash 736 in Europe and America, U. S. D.A 541 Holland and Belgium 43 Russia and Germany 955 status in the United States, U.S.D.A 541 experiments with Alinif 1012 false, Idaho 760 fiber 725 preparation 396 retting experiments, Wash 736 seeding at different dates, Can 836 rates, Can 836 varieties, Wash 736 Flaxseed analyses 678 Wash 716 production in Russia 244 studies 760 Flea beetle, cucumber, effecfon potatoes, N . Y.Stato 26] grapevine, Conn. State 273 N. Y. Cornell 1073 horse-radish, U. S. D. A u'l injuries, U. S. D. A 571 on purslane, U. S. D. A 1063 potato, N. T. State 270 strawberry, Fla 369 tobacco, U. S. D. A 569 be. ties, notes, U.S. D.A 1061 1152 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. I'age. Fleas, notes, Mich 776 Flies, destruction by house crab spider, U.S. D.A 570 Final s, analyses, R. I '■" '-1 Floods, protection against by forests 44:! Flora of Kansas 22 Florida beggar weed, culture, U. S D. A 542 red scale, Ga 160 Station, bulletins 226, 347, 367, 658, 867, 1053, 1068 financial statement 999 notes 199 report 954, 962, 971, 972, 999 Flour, adulteration 80, 1089 analyses, U. S. D. A 874 analytical studies 821 beetle, rust-red, Fla 973 determination of ergot 20 fineness 117 method of analysis 19 of legumes and cereals, albuminoids. 116 old, as affected hy fresh gluten 884 potato 481 used in Belgium, composition 79 value for bread as affected by gluten content 79 Flower buds of fruit trees and shrubs, de- velopment of structure 417 Flowers and insects 22 attracting insects Oil, 166 biology 320 culture for market 640 fertilization by insects, Kans 647 flowering and change of color 440 improvement in varieties 356 insect visitors 519 of sulphur for potato scab, Ohio. . . 350 Fluted scale, notes 769 Fly amanita, notes, U. S. I). A 516 fruit 469.470 Hessian 164 N.J 457 Fodder beets, analyses ■« . . . 839 crops, culture experiments 433 insects affecting 164 plants, culture 433 notes 546 Norwegian, analyses 82 Swedish, analyses 72 Fodders, analyses, N. J 474 for sheep 1084 green, change in composition 430 Fog, utilization, TJ. S. D. A 1018 Foliage as affected by Bordeaux mixture, Can 264 Food adulteration 510 and feeding 583 nutrition of man, list of publica- tions, V. S. D. A 281 water supply of French troops in Madagascar 79 effect on butter production 486 fat content of milk 86 milk, Conn. Storrs 683 production 91, 486 I'age. Food investigations, practical application. Conn. Storrs 678 of man, present and future 992 plants, studies, Ind 264 plants of bees, Cal 222 preservatives 170, 1089 preserved, adulteration 80 products, importation intoGrea! Brit am 599 standards 510 supply 1088 of Paris, sanitary condition .. 80 utilization by milch cows 83 value of white vs. brown shelled eggs, Cal 274 Foods, abstract of articles 70, 170, 274, 375, 470, 571, 662, 771. 872, 976, 1077 adulteration, U. S. D. A 872 analyses 1077,1088 Conn. State 281 and commercial products, directions forsampling 1089 condiments, determination of carbohydrates. 311 mi croscopieal analysis 716 feeding stuffs, determination of crude fiber 411 composition 281 detection of formic aldehyde 607 development of poisons in fermenta tion 1 84 Foot and mouth disease, combating 4("i duration of immu- nity 193,496 in goats and sheep. 694 investigations 496 susceptibility of herbivora 496 disease, malignant, in sheep 694 rot in cattle 896 Forage beets, culture and breeding 42 varieties.. 42 crops, cost of production, N. J 946 culture experiments, Ala. Canebrake 846 N.H 945 for pigs, U. S. D. A 698 leguminous, U. S. D. A 542 varieties, Can 846 green, for milch cows, N.J 992 plants, culture 433 experiments. Cal .... 244 Wash 736 forseed 348 for California, Cal 223 notes 546 of Australia 928 Central Texas, U.S. D.A. 342 Eastern Kocky Mountain region, U. S. D. A 541 Gulf States, U. S. D. A. . . 718 James River Valley, S. Dak 629 Red Desert of "Wyoming, U.S.D.A 718 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. n:>3 Forage plants, root development, Kans .... 319 v Forbes scale, notes, U. S. D. A 1059 Forcing asparagus, U. S. D. A 698 azaleas 152 cabbage, Kans 148 lettuce, Ind 264 Kans 149 X.Y.State 957 potatoes, Kans 149 roses 356 tomatoes, Kans 149 vegetables 853 Forecasts, seasonal, in India and America, U. S.D. A 326 Foreign Markets, Section, F. S. D. A 96, 97. 197, 397 Forest and stump lands, care, Mich 1045 communal, history 644 conservation 53 crop, measurement, U. S. D. A 966 culture 443 fires, TJ. S. D. A 397 growing 964 growth as affected by sheep graz- ing, U. S. D. A 52 protection, use of copper fungicides. 366 reservations, preservation 1046 San Gabriel 856 stand, studies 53 technology and use of wood 52 tent caterpillar, Me 871 N. H 459 Vt 459 notes 1067 trees, annual growth 50 care, "Wyo 905 culture experiments in Ba- varia 53 growth 53 life history 443 nitrogen requirement 1046 of Nebraska, nomenclature . . . 644 Russia, parasitic fungi . . . 266. 365 United States, check-list U.S.D.A 643 resinous 52 size in Nebraska 964 zoological guide 52 Forestal meteorological studies 26 Foresters, German, convention 856 Forestry, abstracts of articles 50, 255, 356, 441, 641 855, 964, 1045 and geology, relation 1 046 horticulture in Europe 757 wood pulp supplies 52 application to spruce lands 52 as affected by forests 53 commission of Pennsylvania, re- port 443 conditions in Wisconsin, U. S. D. A 51 Division, U.S.D.A 51, 52, 195, 441, 442, U3, 642, 643, 927. 966 experiments at Mustiala Experi- ment Station 442 iJage. Forestry, home nursery 965 in Canada 855 Minnesota 856 Russia 258 Washington 1040 Institute at St. Petersburg, me- moirs 725 legislation, Mich 1046 meteorological studies 125 plantations, Iowa 257 publications in U.S.Department of Agriculture Library, U. S. D. A . 643 relation to meteorology, Mich.. . . 1020 selection 856 State, development in Saxony 52 studies 443 substations report, Cal 255 Forests and subterranean waters in level regions 130 as a means of protection against tidal waves or floods 443 effect on temperature of the soil . . 442 fertilization 5'! handling, U. S. D. A 443 influence on hail in Russia 327 of Bavaria, statistics 357 Russia, insect enemies 373 relation to irrigation 856 thinning 856 Formaldoxin as a reagent for copper 821 Formalin for potato scab, Ind 264 preparation and use, Conn. State . GO Formic aldehyde, effect on germination 320 in feeding stuffs, detec tion 20 foods, detection 607 use in analyses of gelatin 716 Foul brood legislation, U. S. D. A 375 of bees, Can 267 Mich 159 transmission by queens. Mich 157 Fox sedge, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Foxtail grass, notes, Iowa 1048 Fraud, prevention in fertilizers and feeding stuffs 36 Freesias, improvement lo4."> Freezene as a milk preservative Hi9fi Fresh-water lakes, increase and decrease, U.S.D.A 419 Fringed-wing apple-bud moth, remedies, Mo 564 Frit fly. American 164 Frost and moonshine, U. S. D. A 124 effect on cultivated soils 832 formation and ice columns, U. S. D. A. 325 Frosts, effect on forestry 53 forecasting, Mich 125 smudging as a means of prevention, Cal 254 Fru i t bark beetle, Ala. College 469 blossoms as affected by cold rains — 58 buds, development as affected by root pruning, Okla 40 of tomato, dropping, Fla ln.">4 1154 EXPERIMENT STATION RKCORD. Fruit canning 963 crop as affected by bees 353 culture and marketing 152 European, injuries of A.meri can scale insects 569 evaporation 354 flavor as affected by graft 551! fly, gooseberry 1066 host plants 469 notes 47o. 709 fumigation with hydrocyanic acid . . . 771 growing, JT. T. Cornell 059 home canning 354 industry in the United States, U. S. D.A .-,411,552 list for planting in Colorado 152 marketing, Oreg 353 medicinal value as food 481 packing, Oreg 353 picking, Oreg 353 protection against parasitic, fungi. . . . 56:! pulping '. 75S rot of cherries, N. Y. State 265 scoring 355 setting, conditions affecting 757 tender, export 353 thinning 46, 152, 354 N. T. State 254 TJ.S.D.A 107 tree liark beetle 165 remedies. U.S. I). A.. 469 culture, handbook 152 manual 48 principles 757 t rees, comparison of eastern and west ern grown, Wyo 44 d iseases as affected by weather 365 evaporation of water from twigs ■ 1 52 grafting 1044 injurious effect of dendrolene, N. T. State 26!) injury by freeze, "Wash 551 1 during winter of 1895- 1896, N. Y. State 251 insect and fungus diseases 871 leaf diseases 1057 manurial requirements 757 pinning, Ark 1044 root pruning, Ga 1040 water content 757 worm, notes 560 Fruits, Ala. Canebrake 854 American, exclusion from Germany. 169 bush 756 dried, analyses, Cal 255 food value 1089 for planting in Wyoming 44 growth on hardpan, Cal 254 in British Columbia, Can ... 854 .Michigan 152 indigenous to Queensland 355 native 48 evolution 853 of tbe Tropics 152 Fruits, orchard. {See Orchard fruits.) packing and shipping 758, 849 pomaceous, keeping qualities 751 preservation by lime 758 small. (See Small fruits.) splitting, cause 519 stone, gumming 457 substitution of d sstic For foreign, U. S. D. A 549, 552 Fuchsias, notes 855 Fuller s rose beetle, Mich 168 Fungi, Alabama,, new species 518 and phanerogams, relation between evolution of organs 920 appearance of sex 23 as affected by ethereal oils 929 light 1013 cell walls 417 conception of species 418 edible, analyses 376,378 ash analyses 378 digestibility 377,378 effect onautumn coloration of foliage 105 i fruitfulness of host 1049 starch distribution 923 formation of diastase 417 heteroecious, culture experiments. . L56 immunizing host plants 1050 injurious, Can 238 in Russia 2fl'i nature and treatment,) !al . 2 !7 new species 57, 725 Can 272 nitrogenous coloring material 23 on wheat 561 parasitic 1057 as affected by weather .... 858 of cultivated plants 266 Russian forest trees 266 trees - 260 rust 455 utilization of rubidium salts 417 variation due to medium 613 Fungicides — adherence 1056 experiments, Can 870 new copper 156 preparation 373, 562, 1051 Kans 370 NT.J 448 and use 169, 267, 366 Cal 267 Can 273 Conn. State 60 Ind 157 Mass. Hatch 457 Mich ]69, 470 K. T. Cornell 455 Utah 661 Fungus attacks of variegated plants 59 cultures for destroying locusts 1077 disease of apples, treatment, Conn. State 261 Arundo donctx 365 grapevines 971 IXI>K\ OP SUBJECTS. 1155 Page. Fungus disease of hollyhocks 455 maize in Java 50 Snn Jose scale, Ma 971 scarlet clover, N". J 446 white pine 57 diseases, bibliography, Conn. Slate 267 of economic plants of India 266 flora of Brie cheese 388 turs of the farmer 457 parasite, new, of barley 156 spores, germination as affected by aqueous solutions 857 wood-destroying 4 15 Furfural, formation from cellulose.. 4n7. 412 starch and deriva- tives 412 Fusarium disease of potatoes 266 Fusarium niveum, notes, Conn. State 262 Fuiicladium dendriUcum, notes 1057 X. ST. Cornell 451 Pa 1042 eriobotryce, notes 764 fagopyri,n. sp., attacking buck- wheat 155 pyrinum, notes 1057 Gadfly larvae of cattle, development 167 i Galactose, chemical structure 116 determination by Fehling's solu- tion 117 OaleruceUa cavieoUis, notes 1067 Mich 766 luteola, notes 660, 1066, 1067 ( lalium, revision of species 416 < rail, immunizing power in rinderpest 91 louse, poplar-leaf, Nev 164 spruce 169 making insects 08 mite spruce, U. S. D. A 1059 Galleta, notes, T'.S. D. A 343 Galls, underground, of beets and crucifers. 072 Game, determination of age 584 Gano apple, history 757 Gapes in chickens, U.S. D.A 698 poultry, cause, Ky 393 Garbage, ash analyses, Can 232 crematory ashes, analyses, Mass. Hatch 428 fertilizers, analyses 834 Conn. State.. 230 N.J 426 ( Sarden and orchard, chemical fertilizers . . . 353 crops as affected by drought and shade, N.J. 435, 449 insects affecting, Iowa 271 making, suggestions for utilizing home grounds 50 shrubs, notes, Cal 254 vegetables, culture 439 Gardening, market 151 vegetable, rotations 151 Gardens, ornamental 855 systems and types in ornamen- tation 153 Garget in milch cows, nature and treatment, N.J 494 Page, Gas, formation in pancreatic digestion 81 new , in the atmosphere 412 U.S. I». A :;25 pressure, regulator 315 Gases and vapors, effect on plants 822 effect on transpiration of plant.') 825 Gastric digestion products, analyses 281 Gastroenteritis in cattle 597 intestinal catarrh of animals, Ala. Canebrako B93 Geese, breeding, It. 1 902 crossing, R. I 990 growth of different breeds, It. 1 991 loss of weight in dressing, B. I 991 septicaemia 497 weight of eggs from different breeds, !;. I 990 Gelatin analysis, use of formic aldehyde . . . 716 in gums and food materials, deter- mination 821 i,, 'lifln, i piscipellis, notes, Fla 1069 Qelst mium s&mpervirens, notes, IT. S. D. A . 516 Geologist, report. Nebr 297 Geometrina, new genera and species of North A merica 372 i reorgia ( lollege notes 199 Station, bulletins... 138,139,149,160,1040 notes 99,199,1099 Geotropic movements of plants 321 Geranium disease, Mass. Hatch 648 Geraniums, varieties, Can 253 Gerher method for determination of fat in cream, butter, and cheese 90 estimation of fat in oon densed milk 492 German Meteorological Society, meeting, U.S.D.A 325 millet, notes, S. Dak 629 Germination and fertilization, winter 23 as affected by depth of plant- ing, Mich 146 in c in i c alde- hyde 320 decomposition of protein dur- ing 9-'s influence of X-rays 358 of aecidial spores 612 barley 417 beans as affected by nitrate of soda. Can 849 beet seed as affected by alkali salts, ' !olo 745 beet seed as affected by varying amounts of wa- ter, WIS... 759 fungus spores as affected by aqueous solutions — 857 grain as affected by immer- sion in water 259 hard seeds as affected by sulphuric acid 54 old and fresh seed 967 olive seeds as affected bj temperature of water. 359 1156 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Germination of peas as affected by nitrate of soda, Can 849 rice seed as affected by dif- ferent amounts of water. 1006 seeds as affected by different salts, Wyo 1026 as affected by ether. . 1018 production of beat... 358 summer, of spores of truffles . . 23 Germs from machine-drawn milk, effect on butter, Can 291 Getianose, decomposition by soluble fer- ments 123 Gidgea acacia, ash analyses 20 < Minitowers, notes 440 Ginger, culture in Jamaica 546 Ginkgo biloba, fecundation and embryology. 825 Ginseng, American, U. S. D. A 47 analyses, Ky 958 culture in Kentucky 958 Pennsylvania 440 Gladding method for phosphoric acid 314 Gladiolus, improvement 153 Glanders in horses, Iowa 296 mallein for diagnosing 893 notes,Nebr 296 prevention 893 symptoms and treatment 596 Oloeosporium elasticce, notes 266 juglandis, notes, Mass. Hatch . 649 Iceticolor, treatment 562 lindemuthianum, notes 155 nervisequum, notes, Mass. Hatch 649 notes, X. Y. State 260 phomoides, notes, N. J 445 violce, notes, N. J 449 Glover scale, Ga 160 Glucose as affected by neutral salts 313 determination by Fehling's solu- tion 117 manufacture, statistics 898 Glucoses, commercial analysis 96 Glutamin, occurrence in plants 116 Gluten, content of cereals, constitution 79 feed, analyses, Conn. State 276 Conn. Storrs 678 Mass. Hatch 474 fresh, effect on old flour 884 in wheat, distribution 779 meal, analyses, Conn. Storrs 678 Mass. Hatch 474 Glycerin in wax, determination 315 Glycollic acid in sugar cane 919 Gnephopsis eriocarpa, injury to horses 725 Gnornia sabalicola, notes 725 Goats, digestion experiments, N. C 348 foot and mouth disease 694 milk an d colostrum 383 parasites, TJ. S. D. A 570 Goes pulverulentus, notes 1 68 Golden may berry, notes, "Wis 757 Gooseberries attacked by Hendersonia gros- iularice,n.ap 155 Page. Gooseberries, hybrid, culture experiments, Iowa 47 notes, Wis 757 varieties, Can 253, 848 Mass. Hatch 436 Mich 49 N. T. State 255 Gooseberry-fruit Hy, notes 1006 worm, Wash 869 fungus 531 mildew, Can 860 treatment, I' tali 061 Gortyna nitela, notes, Me 871 Gossyparia vlmi, notes 569 Nev 164 Goumi, notes, La 547 Graft, effect on flavor of fruit 552 Grafting apple trees 151 U. S. D. A 397 cherries 355 fruit trees 1044 grapevines 758 plums 355 potatoes 432 stocks for peaches, Kans 352 plums, Kans 351 tea roses 855 Grain aphis 164 S. Dak 460 cracked vs. ground, for chickens, Mich 580 cultivation of drilled 148 eating birds, U. S. D. A 521 elevator, experimental 697 fertilizer requirements 750 for lambs before and after weaning, Wis 774,775 germination as affected by immersion in water 259 lodging 340, 947 mixtures, tests, Can 240 plant louse, Can 866 rust, investigations 316,455,653 symbiotic mycoplasmic theory . 864 seeding at different rates 843 8muts,causeandprevention,U.S.D.A. 154 sorting 245 sport varieties 750 stooling, Wyo 947 storing in different countries 349 vs. oil cake for sheep 985 Grains, winter, as afl'ected by low tempera- ture 635 Grallina australis, notes 93 picata, notes 93 Grama, black, U. S. D. A 147, 343 blue, U. S. D. A 147, 343 side oats, TT. S. D. A 147,343 Graminese, structure of fruit 725 use of awns 718 Grana cheese, manufacture 493 Grandpa's beard grass, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Grape anthracnose, treatment 156 cane borer, notes, Mich 766 gall maker, notes 1076 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1157 Tage. Grape disease, Can 860 at Sorrento 59 i n Baden 59 Germany 8G5 prevention Go diseases and injuries as affected by fertilizers 457 juice, preservation, Can 89G U. S.D.A 397 mildew, treatment 364,365 Utah 661 oidium 59 treatment 150 root worm, U. S. D. A 63 roots, Wis 720 rot, treatment 7G2 scale, Tenn 768 stocks for grafting 355 thrip 165 Grapes, analyses 754 as affected by Exobasidium vitis. . . 59 fertilizers 59 bacterial disease 59 gummosis 224 black rot 59, 456, 862, 971 in France GO scientific name 59 treatment 60 botany G40 copper poisoning 562 crossing 355,640 culture, Ind 1043 in the Caucasus 355 Russia 255 Vermont 440 hybrid, notes, Kans 351 hybridizing 150 injuries in Germany 763 insects affecting, U. S. D. A 168 irrigation 152 notes, La 547 production of hybrids 355 pruning 355, 440 self-fertility 355 sterility 152 summer irrigation 854 tuberculosis 858 varieties, Cal 255 Ind 1043 Mass. Hatch 436 Mich 48 Miss 48,49 N.Y.State 254 Okla 46 Vt 440 Grapevine colaspis, U. S. D. A 61 cuttings, ash analyses, Can 232 diseases 97 1 flea-beetle, Conn. State 273 N.T.Cornell 1073 insect enemies 373 mesquite. notes, U. S. D. A 343 Grapevines as affected by lightning 1058 grafting 758 green manuring 963 Page. < Grapevines, injection of fungicide and ferti- 1 izer 758 necrosis 859 root disease 156 training 903 Grapholitha schistacana, notes 570, 769 U.S. D. A .. 570 Grajihops mareassitus, notes, U. S.D.A 66 Orapta satyrus, notes, Nev 104 Crass and clover mixtures for meadows . . . 847 culture for seed :: 18 fertilizer experiments 848 land, seeding 348, !32 U. S. D. A 379 mixtures for meadows )'!, 4:!2 seeding at different rates, Can 836 without a nurse crop, N. J . . 431 Grasses, American 518 and forage plants, Tex 838 clovers, and forage crops, Ind 236 culture experiments, Okla 340 Wash 736 on ranges, U. S.D.A.... 1006 in Iceland 920 digestibility 1082 economic, U. S. D. A 718 new, U. S.D.A 515 of Central Texas, U. S. D. A 342 Eastern Rocky Mountain re- gion, U. S.D.A 541 West Australia 416 on moor soils in Prussia, experi- ments 1013 production of new types 927 relation of different parts 1083 varieties, Can 238.836 Mass.Hatch 627 ( '. rasshbppers, bacterial disease, Nebr 273 collecting in New Hamp- shire, TJ. S. D. A 571 in delta of the Danube 273 notes, Can 866 Fla 369 Mich 169,766 parasites 1 64 poisoning in Natal, U. S.D.A . 571 remedies, Idaho 765 Gravel and sand in digestive tract of fowls. 677 Gray blister beetle 164 Great Lakes, periodic fluctuation, U.S. D. A. 326 rainfall and outflow, IT. S. D. A . 325 G reedy scale, note? 569 Gieen arsenite for cottonwood-leaf beetle, N.T. State 467 fodders, change in composition at different periods of vegetation 430 Gage group of plums 753 June beetle, U. S. D. A 569 manuring 533, 834, 956 and fallowing on heavy soils 956 crops, analyses 1022 for 348 Can 845 115M EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. ( rreen m an n ring, crops tor, R.I 836 grapevines 963 orange bug, notes 769 plant bug, U. S. D. A ",71 ( ireenhouse walls, construction 1045 Greenhouses, construction 758 heating 641 management 50 subwatering 354 Ind 264 I'.S. D. A 397 Greenwich noon, U. S. IX A 124 Grindelia squamosa, notes, U. S. D. A ..... 34:; Ground bone, analyses, Mass. Hatch 428 N.J H'31 fish, analyses, Mass. Hatch 428 N.J 1031 grain for chicks, U. S. D. A 698 nuts, culture in Jamaica 1039 plum, culture, I'.S. D. A 542 notes, U. S. D. A 343 squirrel, investigations, Wash 727 tobacco stems, analyses. Mass. Hatch 428 ( Srowth rings, annual, of trees 417 drubs, white 165 Fla 369 remedies 1 064 Grynoeharis 4-lineata, notes 168 ( 1 uano, analyses, Cal 235 Conn. State 230 Mass. Hatch 623 bat, analyses 1034 N.J 1031 Peruvian, deposits 1034 trade in Peru 136 Guavas, notes, Cal 254 Guernsey cow, test, Wis 782 Guinea grass, analyses -- - 1089 (linn disease of peaches, treatment. Mich... 154 flow of sereh disease of sugar cine . 761 production on canuas 59 weed, notes, IT. S. D. A 343 ( ; mnniing of stone fruits 355, 457- (iummosis of medlars 59 sugar cane 56 Gums and food materials, determination of gelatin 821 Gunaninpil, notes, U. S. D, A 343 Gutierrezia sarothrce microcephala notes. U. S. D. A 343 Gymnoclad/us dioica, notes. l\ S. 1». A 51C Gymnonychus appendicutatus,jioteB SC9 Can 866 Gymnospenns, androecium 418 origin and seed habit 418 Qymnosporangvwm clavipes, notes, Mass. Hatch 048 maeropus, experiments. 865 notes, Pa.... 1042 Gypsum, analyses, Cal 235 as a corrective of alkali, Cal 235 fertilizer for clover 1037 effect on alkali soils. ( !al 225 (Syps\ moth, digestion 566 Page. Gypsy moth, extermination, U. S. D. A 1061 in America. I'. S. I). A 370 Massachusei ts, extermina- tion 570 Habrolepis dalmanni, notes, I'.S. 1). A 1058 I In:!,-, hi itrctica. notes 167 Hadenella Icevigata, notes 77n subjuneta, notes 770 Hseniatozoan infection of birds 497 Halm's handbook of climatology, U. S. D. A . 419 Hail, injury to wheat anil barley 847 Hailstorm in Missouri, U. S. D. A 419 Hailstorms, extraordinary 1020 Hair worm, Ohio 594 Hairy-flowered panic grass, notes. U. S. D.A. :!43 vetch, culture experiments, Cal 244 Nebr 430 inoculation experiments, Ala. College 837 notes, Miss 547 Hall grass, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Halophytes, metabolism and structure 321 transpiration 23 Haltica (Graptodera) chalybea, notes, Conn. State 273 itfti ita, notes, I la 369 nigritula, notes 769 punctipennis, notes, IT. S. D. A 65 TTamamelis virginiana, notes. 1". S. D. A 63 Handbook for apprentices on large estates. 98 of aviculture 83 fruit-tree cult ure 152 oil analysis 821 Harlequin cabbage bug, note-. X. J (57 U.S. D.A... 571 Harrowing ami plowing tor squash borer. N. V. State 27(1 " Hartsalz," agricultural value 427 Hawk moth, poplar, Nev 164 Hay. analyses 678 Conn. Storrs 678 X.J 474 as affected by lime, Md 633 clover, analyses, Mass. Hatch 1033 composition as affected by maturity, Can 274 crop of Great Britain 98 digestibility, Me 880 effect of oats as a cover crop 340 fertilizer experiments 339 from barley, Cal 245 guinea grass, preparation 245 salt marsh, U.S. D.A 098 spontaneous combustion 880 Haymaking, Scandinavian method 432 Haze, in Russia, cause 327 Hazlenuts, cult ure 355 notes. Mich 49 Head cheese, analyses, Conn. State 281 Heat, artificial, in wintering bees, Can 26s effect on flavoi and color of honey, Mich 157 evolved by soils when moistened as a means of .judging their physical properties 423 [NDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1159 Page. Heating greenhouse*) 041 laboratory apparatus by carbur etedair 1005 '■ Heavy feed," analyses, Can 876 Wedysarum eoronarium, notes 4:j organs from roots. 613 //, !i nium autuinnale, notes, U. S. D. A 510 Helianthu annuus, insect injury 273 notes, U.S. I) A 343 till,,, nans, notes, I'.S. 1). A 343 ffelit obasidium sp., notes 865 //, liothis a i- ml [in a. notes, Fla 1069 Xev 164 I'.S. D. A 62 Hellebore, American false, notes, U.S. D. A. 51* Hellebores, crossing 153 Helmvnthosporium on winter rye 155 iberidis, notes 562 ,il, notes. X. Y. State 260 lunat i"\ notes 562 Hematite, analyses, Wash 716 bins nit, rutins, parasitic on white- pine Cherines 1065 Hemicellulose, determination 606 //. mill in vastatrix, notes, U. S.D. A 560 woodii as a cause of leaf disease of coffee 59 Hemlock bark, ash analyses 219 Oregon water, notes. U. S. D.A--. 516 poison, notes, U. S. 1). A 516 water, notes. U. S. I). A 516 Hemp culture, Oreg 63.3 in Europe. U. S. 1). A 7:;7 seed cake, digestibility 1083 production in Russia 244 Hendersonia grossularice, n. sp., attacking gooseberries 155 Herbivora, susceptibility to foot and mouth disease 196 Heron, white frorited - 93 Herpes in horses 497 Hessian fly 164 in Sweden 509 notes, Md Mich 169 X.J 457 U.S. D.A 1074 on t imotli y 709 remedies, U. S. D. A 1075 Heterocampa manteo on oak, I'.S. 1). A 57o Heterodera radicieola, notes 562 Fla 1054 Mass. Hatch.. 1055 Mich 168 on grape roots 765 roots of < 'nriil us avellana 156 grim chili, notes 165, 562 Heterosporium eehinulatum, notes 267 gracile, affecting iris. Can . . 800 Hibei nia (iliaria, notes 167 Hibiscus tiionnin, notes, Mich 121 Hickory. ash analyses. Can 232 Page. Hickory borer, notes 1066 Hicoria ovata, notes 416 in, i ,i,l n a, prcealtum, notes, Me 826 Hilaria cenchroides, Dotes, I . S. D. A U7, 343 m n ilea, notes, U.S. D.A 117, 313 Hipprdamia glacialis, notes, TJ. S. D. A .. 570 Hispella wakkeri, notes 661 H.O. Cecil, analyses, X.J 474 //' ■■■ manseggia stricta, notes, (J. S.D. A 343 Hog cholera, Ind 296 Iowa 296 Mich 59C S.C 396 bacillus, identification 496 in Idaho, l". S.D. A 998 inoculation 496 notes. Nebr 296 prevention 893 serum, preparation and effect - 4'.i0 nut. notes, 1". S.D. A 313 Hogs, Strongylus paradoxus in 95 swill-fed as affected by powdered sua] i, N.T. Cornell 094 wandering trichina in 95 JIolcus lanatus, notes, Cal 244 Hollow stem of tomatoes, Fla 1054 Hollyhock hug. Mich 108 butterfly, Nov 164 fungus disease, notes 455 leaf spot, treatment, X. J 448 rust, notes, X.J 448 Home grounds, improvement 855 mixed fertilizers, U. S.D. A 698 mixing of fertilizers. Conn. State 320 Mass.Hatch . 623 X.J 1031 Ohio 532 W. Va 136 Homology of members of the plant body 519 Honey, analyses, Conn. State 281 as affected by removal of s torts in brood chamber, Can 207 candied, apparatus for extraction, Mich 157 comb production, Can 207 flavor and color as affected by heat. Mich 157 production 469 Honeybee, history 768 Honeybees, poison 705 Hoof, analyses, Conn. State 230 and mouth disease, investigation ... 694 Hop refuse, analyses. Mass. Hat li 1033 Hoplosia a "i,li a , notes 168 Hops, culture 955 Xev 147 drying by fire heat 955 essential oil 413 mildew 971 Hop vine butterfly, Xev 104 //,,, ,u urn jubatum, notes, < !al 244 Horehound, notes, Idaho 760 Horn, analyses, Conn. State 230 flies, notes. Vt 45!) worm, remedies, Fla 1008 11G0 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. I'auc. Jlorntails, classification 374 host plants 869 Horse, anatomical preparation 896 and zebra, crossing 679 bean, proteids, Conn. State 214, 219 breeding, in Austria-Hungary 83 chestnut disease caused by Phyllos- ticta gphceropsoidea, N. Y. State. . . 260 hygiene 83 radish, culture, U. S. D. A 151 flea-beetle, U. S. D. A 61 leaf disease, N. Y. State 260 raising in Argentina 282 Denmark 781 topographical anatomy 194 Horses, actinomycosis 496 anchylosis 896 ankylostomiasis 497 aphtha 497 cerebro-spinal disease 896 meningitis, Md 394 charcoal for indigestion 794 development 83 digestion experiments 379, 1083 Md 75 duration of life and usefulness 781 feeding experiments 772, 778 and watering 184 food value of kola 181 herpes 497 metabolism experiments 496, 1083 Md 76 pulmonary tuberculosis 694 systematic feeding as a preventive of disease 094 tuberculosis 495 typhoid affections 192 Horticultural department, report, N. Dak . . 353 directory and yearbook for 1898 49 nomenclature, notes 354 work at New Jersey Stations. 433 Southern California Substation, Cal 254 Horticulture, abstracts of articles 44, 148,246,350,547,636, 751, 848, 956, 1040 and forestry in Sweden, Den- mark, Germany, and Aus- tria • 757 as related to selection 153, 354 in Europe 853 Japan 1044 Manitoba, Can 853 Northwest Territories, Can 853 use of fertilizers 353 Horticulturist, report, Can 252, 848, 853 Fla 962 Idaho 749 Did 254 Mass. Hatch 639 Mich 151 Nebr 297 N.T.Cornell 697 N. Y. State 254 Page. Horticulturists, education 151 Hotbeds and cold frames, construction and use, Kans 148 Hot- water treatment — for barley smut l ;>o Md 633 oat smut, Ala. College 740 wheat smut, Can 267, 633 Idaho 559 House-crab spiderdestroying flies, U.S.D.A . 570 flies, U.S.D.A 654 fly, notes, U. S. D. A 568 Humic acid in peat, nitrogenous products accompanying 424 Humidity, comparison of different locali- ties, F. S. D. A 524 Humus acids, effect on germination of ce- reals 645 as affected by lime 1022 composition 830 in soils, U. S. D. A 397 soils, experiments, Wis 728 Hungarian brome grass, culture experi- ments, Cal 244, 245 millet, notes, S. Dak 629 II urrah grass, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Hurricanes of the West Indies 327 Hyalopterus pruni, notes, N. Y. State 467 U.S.D.A 65 Hybridization for prevention of plant dis- ease 457 Hybridizing grapes 150 Hybrids, caryophyllaceous 519 new, from Ji'o*a wichuraiana 153 utilization in plant breeding. U.S. D.A 516 Hydnum imbricatum, notes, U. S. D. A 551 repandum, notes, U. S. D. A 551 Hydrcecia marginidens, notes, U. S. D. A 66 Hydraulic cement for peach borers, K.J ... 057 Hydrocampa cannalis, notes, Fla 658 Hydrocyanic acid — as an insecticide 470 function in plants 929 for fumigating fruit 771 greenhouses 771 U.S.D.A.. 1075 gas as an insecticide, U. S. D. A 64 for San Jose scale, Ga 1 60 Md 868 U.S.D.A 1059 in plants 223 Hydrogen generator 21 peroxid for testing pasteurized milk 384 Hydrotechnical works near Siberian rail- way 397 Hygiene and sanitation, manual 584 of the horse 83 Hygrometer, crude, U. S. D. A 1018 Hygromotry, methods 1030 Hylesinus henscheli, n. sp., notes 168 trifolii, notes 164 Hylurgus piniperda, notes, l>. S. D. A 65 H ymenoptera, head formation 976 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. IKil Page. Hymenoptera, of Italy 167 parasitic, new species 170 Hyperi lis nystaria, notes 168 Hypericum, notes 552 Uyphantria cvuea, notes 167 Ilypholoma appendicvlatum, notes, U. S. D. A 551 Hypocrea sacchari, notes 57 Hypoderma bovis, notes 508 lineata, notes 568 HypomyceBthiryanus, parasitic on Lactarius torminosus 1057 vuiUeminianus parasitic ou Lac- tarius delciosus 1057 Hyponomeuta padi, notes, U. S. D. A 65 variabilis, notes, U. S. D. A . . 65 Iceland, progress in 98 Icerya purchasi, notes 374, 569, 769 l.S.I). A 571 remedies, U. S. 1). A 1062 Ichneumon flies, notes 768 Ichthyological work of Russian Society of Acclimatization of Animals and Plants .- 321 Icones fungorum, notes 416 Idaho coffee pea, analyses, Ind 275 College, notes 299 Station, bulletins 559, 617, 630, 749, 760, 763, 765, 797 financial statement 797 notes 299, 499, 899 report 797 University, notes 499,899 Illinois Station, bulletius 142,540,752,781,844 notes 99, 299, 899, 1099 University, notes 899, 1099 Imbedding seeds 418 Immunity, contributions to study 497 Imperial Moscow Society of Agriculture. . . 298 Imported elm-bark louse, Nev 164 Incubator tests, N. C 1088 Incurvaria acerifoliella, notes 168 Index to authors and publications of U. S. Department of Agriculture, 1841-1897 298 India rubber plant, history 825 Indian soils, composition 421 white wax scale, notes 769 Indiana Station, bulletins 143, 157, 176, 674, 677, 693, 843, 1042, 1043 notes 199, 299, 899 report 236, 254, 263, 275, 280, 296, 297 Indigo carmin for testing fresh milk 90 Infection, threefold 193 Injector for benzin and carbon bisulphid. . . 156 Inoculation for hog cholera 496 leguminous plants 825 plant disease 457 root tubercles 119 tuberculosis 94 of the soil 135,731 protective 192 Insect and fungus diseases of fruit trees 871 attraction to flowers 68, 166 boring into lead, U. S. D. A 571 enemies of forests of Russia 373 Page. Insect fertilization cit muskmelcms. U. S. IX A 1060 larva-, si adies 167 pests 374 importation, U. S. IX A 570 trap, description, U. S. I). A 65 visitors of flowers 519 Insectary, description 1076 Insecticides — analyses, N. Y. Cornell 568 effect 571 experiments 567 Can 870 notes, U.S. D. A 1061 preparation 373, 562 Kans 370 and use 169, 366, 470, 770 Cal 267 Can 273 Conn. State 374 Ind 157 Mass. Hatch 457 Mich 169,470 N. Y.Cornell 455 U.S.D. A 63,661 Utah 661 use 1067 Insectivorous mammals of Canada 25 Insects affecting asparagus, U. S. D. A 570 cereals 164 citrus trees 769 cranberries 569 fodder crops 164 garden crops, Iowa 271 grapes, U. S. D. A 168 grapevines 373 meadows and lawns 168 mushrooms, Mich 169 nurserystock, N. Y. State. 269, 440 orchard trees, Iowa 272 orchards, Kans 369 Utah 661 roi it crops 165 roses 373,469 shade trees, Iowa 272 strawberries, Ala. College 552 Fla 367 sugarcane 975 tobacco, Fla 1068 vegetables 165 and plant diseases, law for suppres- sion, Md 662 beneficial 768 acclimatization 1076 fertilization of flowers, Kans 647 flying mechanism 976 gall-making 68 injurious and useful of Java 168. 469 hibernation as affected by temperature, U . S. D. A . 61 in Colorado 770 U.S.D. A... 65 England 165 Finland 168,768 nn-2 EXPERIMENT STATION KECORD. Page. insects injurious, in Florida 972 Cowa 271 Maine 871 Maryland, U.S.D.A . 65, 1061 Michigan 168 Nevada New Hampshire - l">9 New Jersey 157 New York . . 208 U.S. D.A.. L058 Norway, U. S. I>. A .... 65 Ohio, U. S. Ji. A 62, 1061 Ontario 164, 167,272 South Africa, U.S. D.A 61 Sweden, U.S.D.A Go Vermont ■. . . 459 legislation, IT.S. D.A 375 nature and treatment, < 'al 207 remedies 165 to fruits, handbook 7G8 lantern trap 661 list of common names, 1 J. S. D.A... 1061 s sit; culture 346 experiments, Cal 244 CT.S. D. A l :»T corn, culture experiments, Nebr. 430 Okhi 340 Jessamine, false, notes, tJ. S. D. A 510 J imson weed, notes, U.S. D. A 516 .Joint worm, notes, Can 866 Jubarella danbyi, uotes. - 372 n. g., notes 372 J uncus, eradication 760 sp., notes, CT.S. D.A 343 June beetle, green, V. S. D. A 569 Junipers of Wyoming 53 Juniperus knightii, n. sp., notes 53 ■phcenicea, bacterial disease 972 virginiana, notes 965 Kafir corn, U. S. D. A 197 culture experiments, Nebr 430 Okla 340 in Florida 847 digestibility. Okla 983 poisoning 694 Kainit. analyses, Conn. State 230 N.J 426, 1031 Wash 716 effect on potatoes 1038 for barley ." 536 cotton, Ala. College 38 potato diseases 762 potatoes 848 Kale, Jersey, culture experiments, Cal 215 varieties, Cal 245 Can 238 Kalmia angustifolia, notes, U. S. D. A 516 latifolia, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 Kansas College, notes 600,799, 899 Station, bulletins. . . . 142. 148, 190, 319, 343. 346, 351, 359, 369, 382, 395, 646. 891 financial statement 196 notes 299, 600. 799, 899 report 196 Karyokinesis, demonstration 321 Kentucky coffee tree, notes. U. S. D. A 516 Station, bulletins 336, 337, 344, 355, 359, 363, 372. 382, 393, 734, 842, 864, 958 notes 99 Keratitis, notes, Nebr 296 Kermes en no inn ulus, notes 372 pubeseens, notes 372 Kerosene emulsion for black peach aphis . . 600 onion thrips, N. Y. State 270 red spider, N. Y. State 270 white-pine Chermes. 1H05 preparation, N. J 458 tor mosquitoes, Idaho 766 San Jose scale, N.Y. Cornell. 468, 975 Va 771 Page. Kidnej vetch, digestibility King-devil treed, notes, Me 826 Kit.- ami telephone, U.S. l>. A 419 experiments, TJ.S.D: A nii8 at Blue Hill Observatory, Mass., r. s. i). A no work in .Madeira. I'. S. I). A 1018 K iics for exploration of the air 125 in a thunder cloud, V . s. I>. a 325 temperature observations, U.S. D. A. 325 Kjeldahl method for analysis of malt ex- tract 19 nitrogen modifica- tions 605 Kleinhof-Tapian Experiment Station ami School, report 384 Knotgrass culture experiments, Cal 244 notes, T. S. 1). A 343 Knotweed, bushy, notes, IT. S. D. A 343 Kochia plan if olid, notes r>46 villosa, notes 546 Kolil-ralii. analyses 839 notes, La 547 Kola nut for horses 181 Kuhnislera sp., notes, U. S. D. A 343 Kuro Siro vs. chinooks, U. S. D. A 124 Laboratories, lighting 1005 Laboratory apparatus 20,920 directions for beginners in bac- teriology 520 methods in teaching horticul- t tire 712 records for veterinarians, T\ S. D.A 793 Lacewings, notes 70s Lachnosterna fusca, notes 1064 hirtieula, notes 1004 sp., notes 165 U.S. D.A 1061 spp., notes, Fla 369 Lachnus pini, notes 165 sp., notes, Nev 164 Lactarius deliciosun, notes, I'. S. D. A 551 Lactation, effect on creaming of milk < an. 288 milk production, Iowa- 89 quality of butter, Can. 288 Iowa 89 Lactic-acid bacteria, effect on cheese ripen- ing 789 determination 1005 ferments, medium 189 in wines 1017 1. ariose solutions as affected by lead 117 Lactuca morssii, notes 047 Ladybirds, notes Lady's slipper, notes, U. S. 1'. A 516 Lake water, temperature, U. S. D. A 325 Lakes, fresh water, increase and decrease, U.S.D.A 419 LamanskyXobel viscometer 413 Lambs, fattening, Mich 184 feeding experiments 379 Minn 575 Wis .... 773.771,775 for early market, Wis 775 11G4 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Lamb's quarters, notes, U. S. I). A 313 Lam in it is, studies 51)7 Land-grant colleges and thenational defense 706 relation to experiment stations 71 J Landscape gardening for factory homes . .. 1044 Me 355 Lantern trap for insects 061 Larches, value 1046 Lard, analysis 118 detection of cotton-seed oil 008 Large horntail 108 Lark, magpie 93 mud 93 Larkspur, notes, U. S. D. A 516 poisoning sheep, Mont 391 Lasioderma terieorne, notes, Fla 1068 Lasionycteris noctivagans, notes 25 Lasioptera ceralis, notes 568 Lasius americanus, relation to peach-root louse 974 Latlwsea uraina, notes 770 Lathyrus heterophyllus, analyses 72 latifolius, analyses 72 maritimus, analyses 72 platyphyllus, analyses 72 gylvestris for green manuring bar- ley, K. I 830 hay, analyses, Gonn. State 276 notes, Cal 245 Laurel, broad-leaf, notes, U. S. D. A 516 great, notes, U. S. D. A 516 narrow- leaf, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Lavas of Hawaiian Islands, analyses 527 Laverna herellera, notes 569 Lawn making 153, 553 U.S.D. A 551 Lead, effect on solutions of lastose 117 Leaf beetle, bean, U. S. D. A 64 cottonwood, N. Y. State 209, 467 elm 660, 1066 locust 68 blight of butternut, Mass. Hatch 649 celery, Conn. State 265 cherry as affected by sunlight 1049 corn, N. T. State 260 lettuce, N. J 440 melons, Ohio 362 palms 456 pears, N. T. Cornell 450 plums, Utah 661 roses 59 sycamore, Mass. Hatch 619 tomatoes, Fla 1054 Md 350 N.J 445 Ohio 362 borers, sugar-cane, in Java 661 crumpler, apple, Mo 68 curl of peaches 156 Can 871 Ohio 558 Oreg 352 disease of coffee 59 Page. Leaf, disease of horse-radish, N. Y. State. . . 260 turnips, N. Y. State 260 diseases of fruit trees 1037 folder, apple, Mo 68 footed plant bug, notes, Fla 309 hopper, rose, Nev 104 water lily, Mich 108 hoppers, American 770 louse, apple, Nev 1^4 currant, Nev 104 cottonwood, Nev 1G4 elm, Nev 104 maple, U. S. D. A 1060 plum, Nev 161 miner, elm 1007 locust, TJ. S. D. A 61 on apples, IT. S. I). A 571 timothy, notes, V. S. D. A 1059 tobacco 469 Fla 1009 sugar cane 661 roller, bean 060 canna GOO strawberry 105 Fla 369 rollers, notes, N. J 457 rust of oranges, Colo 266 strawberries, Colo 266 spot of alfalfa 58, 263 apples 703 N.H 453 N.Y.State 200 treatment, Pa 1042 beets, N.J 447 remedies 156 celer y , Can 801 Conn. State 2G5 cherries, N. Y. State 265 chestnuts, Mass. Hatch 649 eggplants, N.J 446 hollyhocks, N. J 448 linden, N. Y. State 260 peaches, treatment, Ohio 558 pears, N. Y. Cornell 450 plums, N. Y. State 265 spinach, N. J 445 sugar cane 57 tobacco, cause 1058 tomatoes 456 violets, N. J 447 walnuts 970 wild black cherry, Mass. Hatch. 649 tier, notes, U.S. D. A 1063 Leaves, anatomy of floating and submerged. 223 bud formation 418 size as affected by shade 012 translocation of nutrient materials. 23 Lecanium armeniacum, notes 1007 cerasifeXy notes 1007 Mich 76i hesperidum, notes 569 nigrofasciatam, notes, Tenn 768 U. S.D. A. 1062 olecc, notes 509, 769 ribesii, notes, Mich 766 INDKX OF SUBJECTS. 1165 Page Lccanium ribis, notes, Nev 164 tulipiferce, notes 1067 N.J 458 Lecaniuni peach, Tenn 768 Lecithin, effect on biology of splenic fever bacteria 896 in plants, origin 61 3 of sugarcane 117 Leeks, notes, La 547 Legislation on contagious diseases of ani- mals, U. S. D. A 999 dairy products, U. S. D. A . . 999 Legumes as affected by Nitragin 926 catcb crops on clay soils 539 culture experiments, Cal 244 fertilization 722 fertilizer experiments, Mass. Hatch 627 in crop rotations 1040 root tubercles 726 Leguminous forage crops, U. S. D. A 542 plants, assimilation of nitrogen 321 occurrence of calcium oxalate crystals 321 Lema coloradensis, notes 769 jacobina, notes 769 lebioides, notes 769 hmgipennis, notes 769 Lemons, analyses, Cal 255 culture 1044 spoiling 59 Lenticels, origin and structure 320,519 Lentil, proteids, Conn. State 214,219 Lentils, analyses 678 notes, Cal 254 Lepidoptera at light and sugar 661 Australian, notes 872 Danish 770 of Colorado, Colo 374 seasonal dimorphism 1076 Lepiotaprocera, notes, U. S. D. A 551 Lepisma domegtica, notes 1067 Leptochloa dubia, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Leptocoris trivittatus, notes, IT. S. D. A 169 Leptoglossvs phyllopus, notes, Fla 369 Leptosphceria sacchari, notes 57 Leptoxtylux macula, notes 168 Leptothyrium parasiticum, notes 562 Le2>tura subhamata, notes 168 Lery throcephala, notes 374 Lespedeza, notes, Miss 547 Lettuce, classification of varieties, It. I 957 culture, R. I 950 in Florida 354 drop, Mass. Hatch 648 forcing 354 Ind 264 Kans 149 N.Y.State 957 leaf blight, N.J 446 notes, La 547 prickly, Idaho 760 varieties, Kans 149 Mich 48 N.C .">54 6730— No. 12 5 Page. Lettuce, wild, from New England 647 winter culture, N. C 354 Leuccena glauca, analyses 678 Leueania unipunctata, notes 164, 167 Mich 766 Leucoch rysa americana, notes 1 66 Leueopis simplex, parasitic on white-pine Chermes 1065 Leucothoe catcsbcei, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Level vs. bed culture 1021 Levuloso, identification 920 Library accessions, TJ. S. D. A 198, 397, 643 Licorice, culture experiments, Cal 244 Life zones, and crop zones of United States, U.S.D.A 724 in New Mexico, N. Mex.. 324 Light, colored, effect on plant growth 614 effect on aldehyde content of green leaves 929 form and structure of plants 517 fungi 1013 milk production 85 molds and bacteria 10i:i plantgrowth 414,612 sugar content of plants. . . 1013 synthetic processes in green plants 928 filter for microscopic work 418 Lighting laboratories 1005 Lightning, attraction of trees, U. S.D. A. .. 326 ball, U.S.D.A 419,1018 destruction in State of New York, U.S.D.A 419 distant, U. S. D. A 326 effect on grapevines 1058 kite wires, U. S. D. A . 325, 326 plants 560 wire fences, U. S.D. A. 1018 ribbon, U. S. D. A 419 rods for farm buildings, Mich. . . 797 Liguic acids in peach stones, determination . 716 Lignin, determination 606 Lily, Bermuda, disease 456, 457 disease, cause 653 produced by overwatering. . . 59 treatment 451 of the valley disease 971 notes, U. S. D. A 516 stalk borer, notes, Conn. State 273 Lima beans, mildew, N. J 445 prevention of mildew, Conn. State 261 varieties, Can 849 Lime, analyses, Conn. State 230 R.I 919 and marl for sandy soils 940 as a fertilizer 735 for oats 846 R.I 735,832 preservative for fruits 758 effect on 1 1 uni us substances 1022 nitrification 830 soils, Can 228 U.S.D.A 335 1166 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. P. A 245, 542 tetragonolobus, notes, Cal 244,245 Louisiana Station, bulletins 38, 389, 547 financial statement 90 report 96 special report 330 Louse, strawberry-root, N.J 457 tomato, N. J 457 Love grass, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Low pressures and tidal waves, U. S. D. A. . 1018 Loxostcge/ni stalls, notes, U. S. D. A 62 Lubricants for glass stopcocks 515 Lucern. (See Alfalfa.) Lupines as green manure, permanency of effect 533 for hogs 181 harvesting 349 inoculation experiments 1012 I'estalozzia disease 971 studies 147 varieties 050 Lycoperdon cyathi/orme, notes, IT. S. D. A . . 551 giganteum, notes, TJ. S. I). A 551 Lyda xtellata, notes 374 Lye, concentrated, analyses, Cal 229 Lygus lineolaris, notes, Fla 368 pratensis, notes 1066 Mich 168,169 TJ.S.D.A 62 Lymexylon sericeuni, notes, TJ. S. D. A 1059 Lymph, animal, investigations 8.16 Lysimeter experiments 9;:o Ly sol for bean anthracnose, Can 801 Macaroni, analyses 1088 digestibility 180. 1088 Machine for calculating milk solids 413 Macrobasis unicolor, notes 164 Macrodactylus angustatus, notes, 1\ S. 1). A . 61 Macrolepidoptera of early spring 770 Macrosila Carolina, notes 167 Macrosporium herculeum, notes, NY. State. 260 parasiticum on shallots 155 solan i. notes. Fla 1053 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 11G7 Page. Metcrosporium violce, notes 562 Maggot, appli 105 peach, U. S. D. A 62 wheat-stem I(i4 Magnesium carbonate, analyses, R.I 919 sulphate, analyses, E. 1 919 Magnetism, solar and terrestrial, as related to meteorology, U. S. D. A 26 Magpie lark 93 Maine Station, bulletins 337, 355, 381, 395, 734, 855, 1089 notes 99, 299 report 824, 826, 835, 871, 879, 885, 892, 894, 896, 898 Maintenance ration of cattle, Pa 1079 Maize. (See also Corn.) and its products, composition 1040 ash. analyses, TJ. S. D. A 873 assimilation of ammonia 101 1 culture 749 for meal and fodder in Ger- many 432 digestibility 79 flour, detection in wheat flour 3 1 4 foods, analyses, X. J 475 new fungus disease 56 uses 1089 Malic acid in raisins, determination 413 tobacco 1 004 Mallein, experiments, N. Dak 395 for diagnosing glanders 893 " Malsania " of Oorylus avellana 59 Malt, formation of starch and sugar 223 pentosans 412 sprouts, analyses, Cal 276 Ind 275 sugar and starch formation 417 Maltose, identification 920 Ma mestra jdcta, notes 165, 1067 Me 871 Mich 766 Nev 164 trifolii, notes 165 Mammals, insectivorous, of Canada 25 Man, actinomycosis 496 as affected by volatile extract of tea . . 281 digestion experiments 79. 375, 876 TI.S.D. A 172 metabolism experiments, IT. S. D. A . . . 173 respiration experiments 471, 481 Manganese, determination by potassium permanganate 820 in animals, determination 605 minerals, determination. . . . 605 plants, determination 605 Mangel-wurzels — fertilizer experiments 848 Can 836 planting at different depths, Can 238 distances, Can 237 ridge vs. level culture 1035 thinning, Can 238 varieties, Can 237, 836, 846, 1034 Mangoes, culture •140 Mangolds, artificial fertilizers vs. Ceres treatment 482 Page. Manila weather, U. S. D. A 326 Manioc, analyses 678 ash analyses 678 flour, analyses 678 Manual for "Weather Bureau observers, r. S.D. A 327 of feeds and feeding 82 fruit-tree culture 48 practical botany 23 Manure, effect on nitrogen content of soils 426 loss of nitrogen 132 physiological role of bacteria 35 pit vs. platform 797 pits 623 platforms 797 preservation 133 yards 797 Manures and composts 734 farm, economic value, Mo 35 Manuring, green, crops, Mo 35 intensive 835 Maple-leaf blight, notes, Me 824 louse, TJ. S. D. A 1060 pseudococcus, N. J 457 scale, cottony, Nev 164 sirup, analyses, Conn. State 281 twig borer, W. Va 1068 Maples, Norway, injury to foliage, Is'. Y. St ate 260 Marasmius oreades, notes, Y. S. D. A . 551 sacchari, notes 57, 266 Margarin, denaturatiou 1096 determination of butter 118 examination 492 testing 118 Marl, analyses, Ind 275 N.J 426 Marls, Virginia, analyses, Va 1031 M armots, destruction by bacteria 322 Marsh soils, analyses 136 Wis 729 examination 130 TJ. S.D. A 397 Marsonia ochrolcuca, notes, Del 962 secalis, n. sp., on leaves of rye 155 violce, notes, N. J 449 Ma rumba modesta, notes, Nev 164 Maryland College, notes 99 Station, bulletins 7:.. 136, 350, 394, 633, 660, 662, 864, 868, 872 notes 99,399 Massachusetts Hatch Station — bulletins 20, 328,419, 428, 436,457, 472,474,484, 826, 1033, 1055, 1077 financial statement 697 notes 399 report 007,017, 622, 623. 624, 626, 636, §39, 647, 661, 67.".. 679, 697 Mathematics and meteorology, CT. S. 1». A 326 Matricariad iscoidea, notes 647 Mauritius beans, notos 318 Mayberry, golden, notes. Wis 757 Mayetiola avence, notes 588 destructor, ootes 568 Mazoon, studies *93 1168 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Meadow grass, rough, culture experiments, Cid 244 bay, digestibility 1083 plants of central Franconia 725 soft grass, culture experiments, Ual 244 Meadows and lawns, insects affecting 168 pastures, poisonous plants. . . 301 clover and grass mixtures . . 43, 432, 847 fertilizer experiments 42, 432,539,845, 1037 natural 1034 potasli and phosphoric acid for . . 147 Meal, methods of analysis 19 snout moth, notes, Conn. State 273 Mealy bug, notes 569 Mich 108 TJ.S.D.A 02 Measurements and weights showing the development of horses and bulls 83 Meat, cooking experiments 73 determination of fat 310, 311, 6,8 sugar 0>;8 fat-free, method of preparation 81 inspection 481 for animal parasites, U. S. D.A 393 juice, analyses 573 meal, analyses, Mass. Hatch 428 use 885 peptones, composition 79, 481 tuberculous 890 Meats, fresh and refrigerated 57 1 Medic, black, culture experiments, (Jul 244 Medicago denticulata for fodder and green manuring 348 lupvlina, notes, Cal 244 maculata for fodder and green manuring 348 notes, U. S. I). A 343 tiirbiaata, notes, Cal 2.5 Medicinal plants, N. O 012 Medlars, notes, La 547 rot and gummosis 59 Megamelus davisi, notes, Micb 108 Megascelis texana, notes 7(i9 Mcgilla maculata, parasitic on white-pine Chorines 1065 Mi lain] isone, Japanese 410 Melanoplus, revision 770 Melanoplus atlanis, notes, Mich 760 N.Y. State 268 Hvittatus, notes, Minn 400 femoratux, notes, X. Y. State. . . 2G8 femw-nibrwm,notea,M.ieh 766 N.Y. State 208 spretus, notes, S. Dak 400 Meiia «z>derach, analyses 078 notes? Fla 972 Meligethes (eneus, notes, U. S. D. A 65 Melilotus alba, analyses 72 notes, Cal 244 altissimus, notes 147 macrorhiza, analyses 72 Melilotus, notes, Miss 517 Page. Melolontha vulgaris, notes 7i;:s Melon leaf blight, notes, Ohio 362 Melons, culture, X. II 350 varieties, X. II 350 Memorial to Prof. William Fcrrel, V. S. D.A 1018 Mephitis mephitica, notes 25 Mercuric ehlorid for preserving samples of juice for analysis 19 Mercury in grapes and wines, determina- tion 1005 1/. mill yz a ami ricana, notes ,. 104 Mi rulius lacrymans, notes 155 Mesquite bean, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 grass, curly, notes, U.S. D.A .. 147,343 Metabolism and structure of halopbytes. .- 321 as affected by exercise 182, 183 massage 182 sweating 132 Metabolism experiments — digest, I'. S. I). A 780 with cats 80 burses 496,1083 Md 70 man 182.183 Conn. Storrs 066 U.S.D. A 173 rabbits LU83 sheep 1083 steers 669 Pa 1081 Metabolism of energy as related to feeding standards 1089 milch cows 803, 903 Metachroma viticola, notes 769 Metals in plants 613 Metaphosphoric acid in superphosphates, determination.. 19 Metasphceria nigromaculans, notes 725 Metcalfe bean, culture, U. S.D. A 542 Meteoric story, sensational, U. S. D. A 419 Meteorological and crop reporting stations, voluntary, IT. S. D. A 325 extremes at Northfield, Mass., TJ.S.D.A 325 Meteorological observations — iit University of Odessa 328 in Alaska, U.S. D.A 1018 Austria 017 Central Asia 930 Denmark 26,522 France, U.S. D.A 1018 Island of Mauritius 617 the Klondike, U. S. D. A 325, 326 Porto Rico, U. S. D. A 419 Scotland 617, 930 Meteorological service of southwest Russia . 328 Society, German, meeting, U.S. D.A 325 st ation, highest, U. S. D. A . . 325 superstitions, U. S. D. A 325 symbols, international, U. S. D.A 419 work in Alaska, U. S. D. A . . 325 Meteorologist report, Del 522 INDKX OF SUBJECTS. 11611 Page. Meteorologist report, Xebr • 297 Meteorology, Ariz 124 Cal 224 Can 826 Colo 1018 Conn. Storrs 616 Idaho 617 Mass. Hatch 26, 328, 419, 617, 826 Me 826 Mich 124 N.Dak 315 N.H 419 N.Y. State 225,1020 Ohio 1019 Okla ,... 26 E.I 930 Tex 1020 abstracts of articles 26, 124, 224, 325, 418,' 522, 613, 826, 930, 1017 and ocean temperatures, D. S. D.A 419 at Johns Hopkins University, U.S.D.A 419 by correspondence, U. S. D. A . 326 elementary treatise 1020 new elementary, U. S. D. A .. . 1018 of the second Welhnan expedi- tion, U. S. D. A 325 relation to forestry, Mich 1020 solar and terrestrial magnetism, U. S. D.A 26 vs. climatology, U. S. D. A . . . . 418 M eteors, bright, U. S. D. A 124, 419 recent, U. S. D. A KH8 Mexican cotton-boll weevil, remedies, U. S. D.A 659 Mice, injury to crops 323 Michigan College, notes 799 Station, bulletins 47, 48, 49, 125, 136,151, 168, 169, 196, 246, 470, 580, 596, 692, 734, 766, 771, 797, 1020, 1043, 1045, 104G financial statement 196 notes 499, 799 report 116, 121, 124, 130, 136, 146, 147, 148, 151, 152, 153, 157, 168, 169, 180, 182, 184, 188, 189, 193, 195, 196 Micrococcus amylovorus 865 notes, Mass. Hatch. 648 aurantiacus sorghi, notes 562 Microlepidoptera, new 872 Micro organisms and bacterial poisons in brain and spinal cord . . 497 in canning industry 123 the dairy 388 of root tubercles 318 spoiled wine 1016 wine 224 saprophytic pathogenesis 613 utilization in arts a n d manufactures 520 which produceamild form of tuberculosis in ani- mals 496 Pa ere. Micropenis alabamensis, notes 725 Microphotography, text-book 321 Microscopic apparatus 321 technique 321 Microscopy of drinking water 821 Microsphcerafriesii, notes 267 Microtechnique of animal morphology 522 Myctis symbolica, notes 769 Middlings, analyses, Cal 276 Mass. Hatch 474 Midge, clover-seed 1066 pear, X. J 457 Mildew of apples 763 beans, late growth 1050 cucumbers, treatment, X.J 410 dahlias, X. J 448 gooseberries, treatment, Can .... 860 Utah... 661 grapes 364 treatment 365 Utah 661 hops 971 Lima beans, prevention. Conn. State 261 peaches. Ohio 558 peas, N.J 447 roses 764 violets, X. J 449 downy, of cucumbers, Ohio 362 Milk, abnormal 690 adulterated, determination of water.. 413 aeration in cheese making, Can 292 analyses 384, 790 Conn. State 281,285 comparison of methods 413 analysis, Fleisclimann's formula 607 analyzing, Del 515 and butter, new bacillus 388 dairy products 491 milk products, analysis 413 apparatus for purifying 388 as affected by age of cow 892 fat in food 690 food, Conn. Storrs 683 tuberculosis 888 turnips, Can 287 as a source of typhoid fever 593 food, U. S. D.A 181 asses', as a substitute for human milk 389 bacteria, X. J 490 as affected by ether, Wis 785 in machine-drawn vs. band- drawn, Can 290 boiled, method of distinguishing from unboiled 118 butter-producing capacity as affected by breed 493 centrifugal, analysis 791 changes due to cow being in heat 85 chemical studies 185 composition as affected by- fat in food 585 frequency of milking 85 working cows 99 : condensed 49:: 1170 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Milk, condensed, determination of saccha- rose 117 est Lmationof fal by ( lerber method 492 (control stations in Norway, reports. . !)0. 791 creaming, as affected by period of lac- tation, Can 288 curdled, analysis 90 curdling as affected by rennet 387 detection of tubercle bacilli 280 determination of dirt 607,1096 fat 821,920 water 113, 1093 fat, apparatus for determination 20 content as affected by — food 86 individuality of cows 91 linseed-oil emulsion 487 content, as related to cbeese yield, N. Y. State 295 effect on cheese, Can 291 source 689 fever, treatment 794 N.J 494 from tuberculous cows, Can 794 feeding to calves, Conn. Storrs 603 frozen, shipment 493 germ content, before and after band- ling 87 goats', composition 383 handling in Swedish creameries 187 human, analyses 189, 689 ice 690 inspection, Ala. College 892 machine-drawn, loss of fat iu cbeese making. Can 295 new proteid 782 normal, bacterial content, X. Dale 390 obtaining under aseptic conditions ... 87 pasteurization, Mich 189 N.C 690 pasteurized, for cheese making 493 method lor testing 384 pasteurizing for butter making. Can . . 288 cheese making, Can . . 293 preparations, examination 492 preservation for analysis 90, 118 new method 385 preservatives 690, 1096 preserving, l>cl 515 production as affected by — automatic watering trough 84 drought, N. Y. State 295 exercise 85 fat in food 584 food 91 , 486, 588 frequency of feeding 84 milking 85 light . . 85 nutrients from different sources, N. Y. State 480 period of lactation, Iowa 89 tuberculin, N. Dak 395 Milk production, conditions affecting 389 cost 492 N.J 483 of cows, indication r>19 variation, 111 781 with salt-marsh hays, Mass. Hatch 485 sanitary preparation 492 secretion, studies 282 N. Y. Cornell 885 variation 83 solids, machine for calculating 413 souring 690 sows', analysis, Wis 783 sterilization 792, 1096 and pasteurization 91 sterilized, preservation in flasks 91 straining through broken ice before sitting, Can 288 supplies of Pennsylvania 887 supply, contamination 690 from bacteriological si a ml point 388 of Boston and other New Eng- land cities, U. S. D. A 488 Geneva, supervision 492 large cities 91 Padua 791 Swedish, for infants, analyses • 791 tablets 592 I est for tubercle bacilli 387 of cheese value, Wis 385 testing, acidimetric method 90 Gerber method 492 Xahm method 892 trade in European cities 189 tuberculous 896 typhoid bacteria 995 unorganized ferments, Wis ' 785 variation, 111 781 yield as affected by clover hay 1083 sour grass 1083 Milking machines, tests 592,994 vs. hand, effect on qual- ity of butter, Can 288 Millet, Arizona, notes, U.S. D. A 343 barnyard, analyses, N.J 916 broom corn, analyses, N.J 946 chaparral, notes, U. S. D. A 343 cooperative experiments, S. Dak 629 food value 583 grass, many-flowered, culture exper- iments, Cal 245 hay, active jirinciple 794 insect injuries, U. S. D. A 10G1 Italian, analyses, N. J 946 Japanese, analyses, N. J 474 pearl, culture experiments, Cal 244 varieties, Can 238,836,846 Mass. Hatch 628 S.Dak 629 wild, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Millo maize, culture experiments, Nebr 430 Okla .... 340 Mince-meat, analyses, Conn. State 281 INIM.X OF SUBJECTS. 1171 Page. Mini ola vaccinii, notes ~> t > i » Mineral humatea, importance in plant nutri- tion 3::3 matter in water, determination.... 16 salts, effect on form and structure of plants 1008 water, analyses, Tex 194 "Wash 716 Minerals, determination of carbonic acid . . . 717 manganese 605 Mining diptera 766 .Minnesota Station, bulletins 466, 543, 575, 671 Mirobia and seiches, U. S. D. A 1018 Mississippi Station, bulletins 36, 48, 136, 390, 428, 547 report 315,397 Missouri Station, bulletins 548,564,566 financial statement 96 report. 35, 36, 44, 48, (is, 95. 96, 98 Mite, orange rust 769 Mites, injurious to plants 169 in linseed meal 769 Mixed feed, analyses, Cal 276 Conn. State 276 Mass. Hatch 428,474 vs. corn silage for butter pro- duction, Can 286 fertilizer, analyses, Conn. State 337 Mass. Hatch.... 428 Modiola as a forage plant 147 culture experiments, Cal 244 Mn, Hi, la decumbens, notes 1-17 Cal 244 Moisture content — of butter, Can 289 invert sugar, determination 117 soil at different depths, Iowa 28 Wyoming soils, Wyn. . 29 Moisture of the soil — as affected by cultivation, S. Dak 424 different crops 539 determination by electrical method, I*. S. I). A 30 observations 620 variation, Can 229 Moisture requirements of plants 417 retention in the soil, U. S.D. A . . . 523 tables, U. S. IX A 325, 419 Molasses, analyses, Conn. State 281 analysis 96 and sugar-beet residue for milk cows 790 as a feeding stuff 281, 772 fertilizer 533 distillery waste, effect on milk pro- duction 588 feed, analyses 583 fertilizing constituents 533 for fattening lambs 379 pigs 781 from beets and sugar cane, analysis 96 peat vs. molasses bran for steers . . 573 poisoning s wine 794 Molds as affected by light 1013 Mole, brewer's, distribution and use 25 hairy-tailed, distribution and use 25 Page. Mole, shrew, distribiil ion and use 25 star-nosed, distribution and tlSfl 25 Mobs, economic relation.to agriculture 323 food habits 324 Midi u ia coerulca, analyses 1022 Mollusks, composition 481 Molucella lievis, notes 1049 Monarthrum fateiatwm, notes 168 Monilia disease of fruit trees 763 Mini ilia fructigena, notes 703, ln57 Mass. Hatch 648 variabilis, notes 971 Monobarium phosphates, decomposition 411 Monocalcium phosphate, decomposition 411 Monocotyledons, origin of vascular tissues in root tip 223 secondary growth of flbro- vascular bundles 321 M onocrepidius bellus, notes, C S. D. A 1061 Monograph of Phymatidae 272 Monohammus titillator, notes, N". J 458 Monolepta route, notes 700 Monomorium pharaonis, notes, U. S. D. A . . . 654 Monostegia roxce, notes, Mich 168 Montana College, notes 699 Station, bulletins 177, 196, 391 notes 699 Moon and the aurora, U. S. D. A 124 Dr. Waltermath's, U. S. D. A 124 effect on oscillations of atmosphere . . 125 relation to weather, U. S. I). A ]i)18 Moonshine and frost, V. S. D. A 124, 326 Moor culture, literature 229 soils as affected by culture and ma- nuring 932 sand 940 drainage 941 experiments 1022 with phosphates 935 ferrous carbonate content 934 fertilizer experiments 940, 941 field experiments 934 phosphoric acid content 1024 studies 931, 932 water content 942 waters, studies 1031 Morchella escidenta, notes, d.S.D.A 551 Morphology and biology of unicellular algae 121 of pollens 416 yeasts 322 Morrill, Senator, services in establishing land-grant colleges 501 Mosaic disease of tobacco, cause loss Mosquitoes, remedies, Idaho 700 Moss litter, analyses, Can 835 Moth, apple 470 brown-tail, U. S.D. A 1059 clothes, U. S. D. A 655 lime-tree winter 167 rosebud, Mich 168 white ermine, Conn. Stale 273 wood-leopard, N. .7 457 Mountain stations in Australia, I'. S. HA 325 storms, U. S. I >. A 124 Mountains, reforestation 53 Mourning cloak butterfly, Nev 164 1172 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. I'age. M tick, analyses, Can 834 Mass. Hatch 428 soils, T.S. J). A 397 Ma run a atropurpurea, analysis 678 Mucus in human feces 281 Mud lark, common 93 Muhlenbergia arenicola, notes, TJ. S. D. A . . . 343 palustris, notes, U. S. D. A ... 516 racemosa, notes, U. S. D. A . . . 343 tenuijlora, notes, IT. S. D. A . . . 343 Mulberries, notes, Mich 49 Mulberry disease 456, 865 paper, notes, Cal 254 trees in Japan, disease 365 necrosis 859 root disease 763 Mullein, woolly, notes, Ky 359 Murgantia li istrionica, notes, IT. S. D. A 66 Muriate of potash. (See Potassium chlorid.) Muscular energy, source 183 work as affected by alcohol 81 Mushroom poisoning 417 U. S. D. A 47 Mushrooms, X. Y. Cornell 639 TJ.S.D.A 551 analyses 376, 378 as food, U. S. D. A 397 culture 354 iu Paris 551 digestibility 377, 378 food value 583 insects affecting, Mich 169 nitrogenous compounds 920 preservation 929 soluble proteo-hydrolytic fer- ment 929 Muskmelons, fertilization by insects, U. S. D.A... 1060 notes, Cal 254 varieties 639 Mussel scale, notes 569 Mussels, analyses, X. J 426 Must, fermentation 123 Mustard, eradication 760, 1049 notes, La 547 seed, determination of starch 607 tumbling, Idaho 760 Mich 121 white, culture and use 349 Mutinus brevis, notes, Me 824 Mutton, analyses 571 ash analyses 572 Mya arenaria, food value 678 Mycocecidia of Boestelia 971 Mycoderma cerevisice, notes 124 vini, notes 124 Mycologist, report, X. Y. State 260 Mycorrhizas, structure 122 M yriapods, notes, Mich 168 Mytilaspis alba, notes, Fla 973 citricola, notes 569, 759 Ga 160 gloveri, notes 769 Ga 160 pomorvm, notes 569 Can 866 Page. Mytilaspis pomorum, mites, Ga lti" Mi. Ii 706 Nev lGt X. V. State 268 I'm 1042 Tenn 768 U.S.D.A 62 Myxomycete, new, in Xew South Wales 612 Myzus cerasi, notes 1066 Mich 766 U. S. D. A 66 ribis, notes 1066 N.Y.State 268,467 "Wash 869 Xahm method of milk testing 892 Xational Society of Agriculture iu Egypt.. 303 Xatural plant food, value, X. V. State 235 Xature studies in schools 713 Nasticus cavicola, notes 273 Xebraska Station, bulletins 45, 428, 420, 403, 494, 637, 638 notes 109,299, 1099 report 246, 273, 296, 297 University, notes 199 Xecrology 600, 699, 800, 1100 Necrosis of grapevine 859 mulberry trees 859 Nectaries, extra floral 121 Nectarines, notes, Cal 254 La 547 Mich 49 varieties, Cal 254 Nectarophora tabaci, notes 770 Nectria melice, notes 725 Xeedle grass, notes, U. S. D. A 147, 343 Negro bug, notes, Fla 369 Nematodes, notes, X. J 449 of coffee 366, 653 on agricultural crops 562 eggplants, X.J 446 peach, Ohio 558 remedies 972 Mass. Hatch 1055 Nematus ribesii (ventricosus), notes, U. S. D. A 65 Nephopteryx rubrizonnella, notes 569 Neuroptera of Italy 167 Nevada Station, bulletins 31, 147, 163, 631 financial statement 297 report 297 New Hampshire College, notes 299 New Hampshire Station — bulletins 36, 48, 350, 354, 395, 419, 429, 432, 440, 453, 459, 492, 498, 726, 730, 923, 945 financial statement 498 notes 299, 399 report 498 Xew Jersey Stations- bulletins 161, 198, 440, 497. 650, 656, 946, 977, 992, 1031 financial statement 498 report 426,431, 433, 435, 443, 457, 474, 476, 480, 482, 490, 494, 498 Xew Mexico Station — bulletins 246, 324, 562, 745, 854, 871 notes 99, 699 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1173 Page. New Yurk Cornel] Station — bulletins 143, 438, 450,455, 400, 168, 498, 565, 568, 591, 596, 885, 950, 959, 975, 992, 1073, 1093, L098 notes 199 report 635, 036, 639, 640, 65::. 660, 66] . 99 New York State Station — bulletins 36, 145,431,437,452, 453, 454. 467, 408. 476, 498, 833, 8G9. 957. 961, 1033 notes 499, Hl99 reports 225, 229, 235, 244, 240, 251, 254. 255, 260, 265, 208, 279, 282, 295. 298, 1020, 1031, 1097 Nicotin contentof cigars and smoking to- bacco 413 Nightshade, black, notes, U. S. D. A 510 spreading, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Nitragin, effect on legumes 926 experiments 547, 722. 1012, 1013 Ala. College 837 Can 845 Mass. Hatch 027 Me 824 use 01 3 Nitrate deposits of Chile 235 of soda. (See Sodium nitrate.) Nitrates, assimilation by phanerogams in darkness 720. 822 plants 34 determination by titration 19 in arable soil, reduction 531 use in agriculture 735 Nitric acid, determination 513 ferment of Stntzer and Hartleh 123 nitrogen, assimilation by higher plants c 1 ill 1 oxid , reduction by copper 408 Nitrification as affected by lime 830 Nitrites, decomposition 533 determination 117 in -water, determination 514, 1005 Nitrogen, assimilability in sterilized media. 723 assimilation by alga- 320 leguminous plants 321 plants 34,414 peas 018 atmospheric, assimilation, Me ... 824 assimilation by al- ders and the Eleag- nacea- 825 availability in fertilizers. Conn. State 232 compounds in fungi 920 content of soil as affected by cropping 949 wine 515 determination 605 Dumas method 408 errors 819 TJlsch method 819 excretion in the metabolism of a horse and the production of diphtheria serum 496 feeding of phanerogamous plants . 235 Page. Nitrogen f ir acid soils, It. I 735 in rain as affected by u inds 827 rainfall, determination, Miss... 315 soils, investigations 829 straw and chad' 515 urine, determination 20 wine, study 315 loss in barnyard manure 133,731 manure 132 nonproteid, in straw and chaff of various sorts 480 nutrition of plants 1011 of fresh and old barnyard ma- nure, value 834 plants as affected by water content of soil 1023 requirement of forest trees 1046 Nitrogenous compounds in soils and peat. .. 1031 of wheat. Ark 943 fertilizers for beets 936 M a s s . Hatch . . 636 peas. Mass. Hatch 636 on acid soils, com- parison, R. 1 937 Noctuafennica, notes ]05 Mich 706 Nodes, elongation 725 Nomenclature of garden plants, simplifica- tion 1044 nitrogenous compounds. . 712 Xtimius pygmceits, notes, U. S. D. A 63,570 Nonne moth, cost of liming against 69 Nonsugars. relation to sugar manufacture . 897 Nort h Carolina College, notes 299, 799 North Carolina Station — bulletins 324, 348, 349. 354, 612, 636, 639,667, 690, 698. 732, 1077, 1087. 1089 exhibit 698 financial statement 698 notes 99, 299, 399, 799 reports 698 North Dakota College, notes 99 North Dakota Station- bulletins 97, 129, 171. 181, 194, 671 notes 99 report . . . 315, 320, 340, 353, 361, 388, 390, 395, 397 Xorthers in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, IT. S. D. A 1018 Norway Agricultural Department, report.. 798 maples, injury to foliage, N. Y. State 260 Xosioc punctiforme , growth in darkness 725 Xothris maligemmella, notes. Mo 504 Xotolopltus leucostigma, notes 1066 Xovius cardinal!* parasitic on Icerya pur chasi, V. S. D. A 1062 Nuclear division in Basidiomycetes 321 circulating protoplasm. 321 structure 417 Nuclei of yeasts, studies 123 Nuclein, studies 313 Nurseries, inspection, I nd li>99 Mich 470 1174 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Nurseries, inspection, N.Y. State 269 W.Va 1068 in Connecticut 712 Nursery stock, infested, treatment, N. V. State 468 injects affecting, N. 1". State 269, WO treatment tor injuries by rabbits 963 Nut grass, notes 1049 Iowa 1048 Nutrient starch jelly as a culture medium. . 1014 Nutrition as affected by intestinal bacteria 885 influence on evolution of plants. . 23 of man and animals 481 plants 1013 >.' uts as food in foreign countries 779 bleaching by (lipping, Cal 255 native 48 notes, La 547 Nyctrotropic movements, studies 121 Nyssius augustatus, notes, Mich 169 Oak bark extract, ash analyses 219 cork, production 53 poison, notes, U S. I). A 516 primer, notes 560, 1066 timber, preservation against worms .. 1046 Oaks, American 53 Oat feed, analyses, Conn. State 276 foods, analyses, N. J 475 grass, tall, culture experiments, Cal .. 244,245 smut, prevention, Ala. College 740 N. H 453 treatment, Eans 344 N.Dak 361 Wis 782 straw, analyses, Conn. Storrs 678 " Oatena," analyses, Conn. State 27G Oats, analyses 678 and peas, analyses, N. J 474 for milch cows, Can 295 as a cover crop for hay 340 ash analyses, U. S. D. A 873 breeding " 749 composition 181 cost of production ,111 540 culture, experiments 43,433, 1036 Wash 736 development as affected by soil mois- t ure and fertility 737 drilling vs. broadcasting, Can 240 Kans 344 feeding of new 83 fertilizer experiments 33,136,338,733, 750, 846, 1036, 1037 Ala. College . . . 739 Can 836 Ind 236 Ohio 950 ground, analyses, Conn. Storrs 678 digestibility, Md 76 Heine's variety, tests 43 natural cross fertilization 750 packing soil, Kans 343 plowing, Kans 343 Page. Oats, rotations, Ala. College 739 seed selection, ( Ian 240 seeding at different dales, Ala. I College. 739 Can . 2111.836,846 Kans 344 rates, Okla 3i0 different sized grains, Kans 344 subsoiling vs. surface plowing, Kans 343 supply of United Kingdom 117 turf, Miss 547 varieties 538 Ala. College 738 Can 240, 836, 846, 1034 Ind 236 Kans 344 Md 633 N.Dak 340 Okla 340 Pa 41 Utah 634 Wash 736 w hole, digestibility, Md 76 wild, Idaho 760 notes, U.S. D. A 343 winter, culture 636 experiments .... 349 Oberea bimaeulata, notes, U. S. D. A 03 Ocean temperatures and meteorology U.S. 1). A 410 Oceanic and seismic noises, U. S. D A 325 Ocneria dispar in Kussia 66 Odonata of Ohio, catalogue 166 Odontoeera dorsalis, notes, U. S. D. A 1039 Odontota donsalis, notes, V. S. 1) A 01 Odynerusforaminatus, notes 1065 (Enanthe croc&ta, botany 360 (Ecanthut uiveus, notes, Nev 164 Ohio Agricultural Students' Union, coopera- tive experiments '. 350 Station, bulletins 96,150,346,350, 361 , 372, 374, 532, 557, 594, 949, 1019 notes 100 899 reports 96, 1098 Oidiuin of grapes 59 I reatment 156 Oidiuin, t uckeri, notes 763 Oil analyses, handbook 821 cake vs. grain for sheep 985 cakes of France, statistics 623 cottonseed, detection in mixtures 118 essential, of hops 412 yielding crops, cult lire 349 oils and fats, saponification 118 used for food, determination of peanut oil 118 vegetable, detection in lard and suet . . 118 Oklahoma College, notes 80(1 Station, bulletins 20, 46, 340, 341, 348, 373, 945, 983 financial statement 498 notes 100,399,800 report 498 Okra, notes, Cal 254 La 547 Old witch grass, notes, U.S. D. A 343 JNDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1175 Page. Oleic acid for de terminal ion of mineral mat- ter in water 10 Oligotrophies alopecuri, notes, U.S. D. A..... 65 Olive cake, fertilizing constituents - 835 diseases, Cal 262 industry, Cal 255 knot, Cal 55 oil, analyses, Conn. State 281 detection of adulteration 413 determination of peanut oil 118 scale, brown 769 seeds, germination as affected by tern- peratare of water 359 Olives, apparatus for crushing, Cal '255 bacterial disease 59 California, analyses, Cal : 255 culture 851 notes, Cal 254 tuberculosis, Cal 207 Oncideres cingulatus, notes, Kans 369 OneoBeelsis suldventris, notes 709 Onectra dislincta, notes, TJ. S. D. A 02 Onion bulbs, formation of albumen 825 smut, experiments 1050 fungus, N.J 445 thrips, remedies, N. T. State 270 treatment, Fla 808 ( taions, culture as a field crop 43 forcing, notes 354 notes, La 547 subsoiling vs. irrigating, Kans 149 transplanting, Can 849 varieties, Can 849 Kans 149 Onobrychis sativa, analyses 72 Oospora tcabies, notes, N. Y. State 453 Optical phenomena, TJ. S. D. A 1018 Opuntia engelmanni, notes, U. S. D. A 343 vulgaris, polyembrony 23 Orange aphis, notes 769 borer, notes 769 1 ii ig, bronze 769 green 769 butterfly, notes 769 culture 1044 groves, protection against col el 48 frost 754 insect and fungus enemies 000 leaf rust, Colo 266 peel, sugar content 219 rust mite, notes 709 of quinces, Can 871 Mass. Hatch 648 Me 824 N. H 443 < ) ranges, analyses 754 Cal 250,255 fertilizer experiments, Cal 250 ( >rchard cover crops, 1ST. T. State 251 fruits.N.H 440 crossing and hybridizing, Iowa 252 varieties, Can 253 N. IT 440 grass, culture 948 t'ae:e. ( (rchard grass, culture experiments, Cal 244 digestibility 1082 trees, insects affecting, iowa 272 Orchards, apple, wood ashes for, X. Y. State. 437 cover crops 152 Can 849 C.S.D.A 999 cultivating vs.cropping, IT. S. DA 999 cultivation 354 Ark 1044 111 752 K.T. Cornell 960 English, improvement 152 fertilizer experiments, N. Y. Cor- nell 959 insects affecting, Kans :;09 Utah 001 smudging to prevent injury from frost, Cal 254 Orchid beetle 1 05 Orchids, decline of popularity 963 propagation 49 Oregon Station, bulletins 331, 352, 353, 355, 375, 544, 635, 074, 675, 684, 686, 961 notes 199, 300 water hemlock, notes, TJ. S. IX A 516 Organic compounds, micro-chemical analy- ses 315 materials, method of analysis 19 substances iu water, determination 717 Organography of Archegoniates and Sperma- tophy tes 23 plants 612 Orgyia antigua, notes, TJ. S. D. A 65 leucosligma, parasites 69 U.S.D.A.... 60 Ornamental plants as affected by drought, N..T 449 crossing and hybridiz- ing, Iowa 252 diseases, treatment, X..J 447 fertilizer experiments . . 49 Ornithology of North Carolina, N. C 324 Orobauche on clover, dest ruction 647 Orubanclie minor, notes 556 speciosa, notes 556 Orobus tuberoms, analyses 72 vermis, analyses 72 Orris root, cultivation in It ah 546 Ortho-phosphoric acid, effeel oil the albu- men Of hep's eggs 412 Orthoptera of Italy 167 Minnesota 166 Orthotylun delieatus, notes. Mich 16* Oryzopsis miliacea, notes, Cal 245 Oscinidse, habits, C.S.D.A 570 Oscinis frit, notes, I' . S. 1 ). A 65 Oscinis variabilis, notes 164 Osiers, culture 53 U.S.D.A 042 Osmoderma scabra, notes 168 Osometer and root pressure apparatus 417 Otiorhynohus ligustici, notes 763 Oven, drying, description 18 Overwatering as a cause of lily diseasi 59 1176 EXPERIMENT STATION KKCOHD. Page. Owl, bam, notes 521 Oxalic acid in tobacco 1004 Oxalis cornieulata, notes, IT. S. 1). A 343 Oxalis pulvini 223 Oxydase and the guaiac reaction 322 ( >xygen, consumption by mammals 885 separation by chlorophyll grains in light 121 Oyster-shell bark-louse, Can 866 Ga 160 Mich 768 Nev 104 N.H 459 N.Y. State 268 Pa 1042 Tenn 708 TJ.S.D.A 02 scale, notes, Vt 450 Oysters, analyses, Conn. State 281 occurrence of green lencocytosis.. 522 Paints, analyses, Tex 194 Paleacrita vernata, notes, Kans 309 Mich 706 Pale-brown Bytnrus, notes 1060 Palm disease 59 leaf blight 450 nut cake, effect on yield and composi- tion of milk 1083 Palms, propagation from seed G41 Pamera, strawberry 000 Pamera vincta, notes, Fla 368 Pandeletius hilarw, notes 168 Panic grass, prolific, culture experiments, Cal 244 Panicum dichotomous group 825 Paniewm bulbosum, notes, U. S. D. A 343 eapillaris, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 ciliatissimum, notes, V. S. 1). A ... 343 crut-galli, notes, Cal 244 S. Dak .' 629 U.S.D.A 343 muticum, notes, II. S. D. A 343 decompositum, notes 410 equilaterale, V. S. D. A 516 gracile, notes 416 hatti, notes, U. S. D. A 343 implicatum, notes, IT. S. D. A 510 lachnanthum, notes, IT. S. D. A 343 linearifolium, notes, TT. S. D. A 516 maximum, notes 1089 miliaccum, notes, S. Dak 629 obtwum, notes, TJ. S. D. A. 343 proliferum, notes, Cal 244 retieulatum, notes, IT. S. D. A 343 reverchoni, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 sanguinale, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 texanum, notes, TJ. S. D. A 147, 343 virgatum, notes, TT. S. D. A — 343 wrightianum, notes, UJ3. D. A 516 Papaw, notes 440 Paper pulp, woods for manufacture 356 Papilio cresphontes, notes 167 ereethus, notes 709 marcellus, notes 167 Page. Papilio pit ilf nor, notes 107 triolus, notes, U. S. D. A 02 Paraffin and celloidin methods of embed- ding, combination 321 as a preservative 519 embedding table 321 technique 321 for section cutting, improvement.. 321 I'arandra brunnea, notes 168 Paraplectrum foetirium, biological studies . . 1096 Parasites, animal 193 symptomology 497 as affected by acid juices of host plants 864 hosts 192 of cecidomy ids 568 Ceroplastes, II. S. 1). A 1058 chinch bugs, U. S. 1). A 1070 Coccida? 170 coileo plant 864 goats, IT. S. D. A 570 grasshoppers 164 Hessian fly, TT. S. 1). A 1074 imported scale, TT. S. D. A 1058 Orgyia leuco stigma, TT . S. D.A 60 periodical cicada, TT. S. I). A . . . 1073 plum sphinx, Wash 807 Protoparce, TT. S. D.A 1000 rose aphid, IT. S. D. A 1 059 aphis.W.Va 1008 San Jos6 scale 1064 sheep, Ohio 594 sugar cane 570 tent caterpillars, IT. S. D. A . . . 1061 weevils, IT. S. D. A 571 Swedish, of eggs 170 Parasitic diseases of sugar beets 764 fungi 1057 biology 764 of cultivated plants 266 Russian forest trees 365 trees 266 Parasitism and symbiosis 410 of Bacillus gallicits 106 Taris Exposition, arboricultural and porno- logical conference 900 exhibit of experiment station veterinarians, TT. S. D. A 793 green, adulteration, Oreg 375 analyses, N. J 458 Oreg 375 Wash 716 and resin -lime mixture for cut- worms, N. T. State 271 for cankerworm, Mass. Hatch . 661 cutworms, Pla 1069 fringed-wing apple-bud moth, Mo 565 locusts.Fla 1069 potato beetles, Ark 54:s sweet-potato prodenia, Fla. 972 tobacco-leaf miner, Fla 1009 injurious effect on peach trees, TJ. S. D. A 61 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1177 rage. Paris green, preparation and use, Conn. State CO vs. Sheele's green as an insec- ticide, X. Y. State 268 Park woodlands and plantations 153 Parsley, notes, La 547 Parturient apoplexy, treatment 81)5 Patpalum dilatatum, notes 2 ;">. 4l(i, 432 distichum, notes 4 1<>, 4:ii: Cal 244 U. S. D. A 343 longijlorum, notes 79, 1S4 pubi/lorum glabrum, notes, 1'. S. D. A 343 Pasteurization apparatus 493 in butter mak ing, "Wis 889 dairying 493 Swedish creameries 792 of milk 91 Mich 189 X. C 690 Pasteurized milk, method of testing 384 Pasteurizing apparatus 784 milk in cheese making, Can . . 293 Pasture grasses, notes, Miss 547 winter and summer, Miss 547 Pastures, artificial and natural 432 Pathogenesis of saprophytic micro-organ isms 613 Pathogenic organisms in manure, disappeai- ance 795 Pavement ant, notes, U. S. D. A 654 Pea and bean tubercle, studies 21 blight, Del 958 treatment, X.J 447 Ceylon, notes, Cal 254 meal for sheep 780 mildew, treatment, X. -J 447 moth, Can 866 proteids, Conn. State 214,219 square-pod, culture experiments, Cal . . 245 weevil. Can 866 Peach anthracuose, Ohio 558 aphis, black 165 Md 660 Mich 169,766 borer, remedies, X. J 656 buds, dropping 640 d isease, Can 860 notes 970 galls, notes, Ohio 558 growing in United States 152 leaf curl, treatment 156 Can 871 Ohio 558 Oreg 352 spot, Ohio 558 lecanium, notes, Tenn 768 U.S.D. A 1062 maggot, U. S. D. A 62 mildew, treatment, Ohio 558 nematodes, Ohio 558 root borer, Ohio 558 galls, Mich 154 louse, Ohio 558 rosette, notes, Ohio 558 Page. Peach rot, treatment, Can . 871 Ohio 558 scab, treatment, Ohio 558 scale, new, Ga i go spot, treatment, Ohio 558 tree borer, notes, X. Y. St ate 269 remedies, Ala. College 469 Kans 370 Utah 661 trees as affected by Paris green, U. s. UA 61 from double pits, Kans 352 winter production, U. S. 1). A . . 397 twig ashes, analyses, Mass. Hatch 1033 borer, U. S. D. A 569 remedies, U. S. D. A 565 disease, notes 558 wood, ash analyses, Can 232 yellows in nursery stock, Del 556 treatment, Mich 153 Ohio 557 Peaches, analyses 754 classification of varieties :::,."> culture and management, Mo 48 grafting stocks, Kans 352 gum disease, Mich 154 hardiness of buds 1 52 notes, Cal 254 Fla 962 La 547 pruning 152 thinning 150 Can 848 varieties, Cal 254 Mich 49 Oreg 352 winter protection, Mo 48 Peanut disease, notes 363 oil in olive oil, detection 413 ' determination 118 Peanuts, culture in Jamaica 1039 for pigs, Ala. College. 577 Ark 1086 irrigating 1039 Pear blight, Fla 971 germ, characteristics 803 notes 8G5 Mass. Hatch 0:8 X.Y.Cornell 151 treatment 365 X.J 449 blister mite, N. J 458 borer, sinuate, X. J 457 fire blight, Colo 266 fruit borer, U. S. D. A 569 leaf blight, notes, X. Y. Cornell :50 blister, remedies, I'tah 661 spot, X. Y. Cornell 450 midge, notes, X. J 457 prickly, notes, U.S. D. A 343 psylla, notes, Mich 766 scab, treatment 1 057 X. V. Cornell 451 slug 165 Mich 766 1178 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Pear slug, Nev 164 N.J 458 remedies, Utah 061 stocks, Japanese vs. French, Ala. Col- lege 1042 tree borer in Mississippi. 1*. S. D. A . . 570 wood, ash analyses, Can 232 Fearl millet, culture experiments, Cal -44 Pears, analyses "54 cracking 561 notes, La 547 tuberculosis 850 varieties, Cal 254 Mich 49 N. T. State 254 Oreg 352 Peas, analyses, N. J 946 and buckwheat as a cover crop for orchards, N. Y. State 252 cereals, crossing 826 tares for milch cows, Can 295 Canada field, varieties, X. .1 481! canned, detection of copper 20 canning, Del 958 drilling vs. broadcasting, Can 239 fertilizer experiments 33 Mass. Hatch . . - 636 field, culture 432 TJ. S.D.A 542 food value 74 improvement 151 notes, La 547 production of nitric nitrogen 618 seed, selection, Can 240 seeding at different dates, Can 2:s9, 836 sweet.N.J 448 culture 40 varieties, Can 230, 836, 846. 1034 young, attacked by Brachyspora pisi, n. sp 155 Peat, analyses, Mass. Hatch 1033 Wash 716 molasses, analysis 779 for horses 778 nitrogenous products 424 Pecans, culture 355 injury by Datana angusii, U. S. D. A ---- 570 notes, Mich 49 Pelargonium, history 964 Pelecotoma Jlavipes, notes 168 Pemphigus aeerifolii, notes, Conn. State 273 popxilitransversns, notes 1066 sp., notes, Nev 164 Penicillium destroying wood 415,1055 PenicilUum glaitcum, biology 725, 929 Pennisetum longistylum, notes, Cal 244 typhoideum, notes, Cal 244 Pennsylvania College, notes 699 Station, bulletins 40, 41,589,1012. 1(170 notes 300,699 Pentosans in feeding stuffs 79 Pentoses, determination. --. - 1003 Peonies, notes, N.J 448 Page. Peony disease 561,971 Pepper-and-salt currant moth, Wash 869 black, analyses, Conn. State 281 cayenne, analyses, Conn. State 281 white, analyses, Conn. State 281 Peppers, notes, Cal 254 La 547 N.J 444 Pepsin digestion, cleavage of albuminoids . 313 Pepsin boguei, notes 1 66 circularis, notes 166 inermis, notes 166 lucasii, notes 160 Peptones, meat, composition 79 Perchlorate in nitrates, determination. 410, 716,918 injurious effect 834 of potash, effect on rye 235 Perennial ryegrass, digestibility 1082 Perfumes, manufacture at Grasse 306 Peridermium pini affecting pines 59 strobi, notes 363 Pernicious scale, notes, Can 273 Peronospora may (lis, notes 56 violce, notes, N.J 449 viticola, notes 763 Peronosporacete, notes 416, 562 Persimmons, culture 854 injury by psyllid, TJ. S. D. A . . 570 Japanese, Ala. College 1042 La 547 notes, Cal 254 Peruvian guano deposits, history 1034 Pestalozzia funerea, notes 1 057 fuscescens sacchari, notes 57 guepini, notes 971 hartigii, notes. - 1057 lupinii, notes 971 tumefaciens, n. sp 155 Petroleum as an insecticide 470 Pe Tsai, notes. La 547 Pezzotettix bivittatus, notes, Fla 1069 femw-rubrum, notes, Fla 1069 Phacelias, notes 758 Phceogenes hebe parasitic on brown-tail mot li, TJ. S.D.A 1059 Phalacrocera replicata, notes 167 Phalaris canariensis, notes, Cal 214 media, notes, Cal 244 Phallus dcemomum, notes, Me 824 impudicus, notes, Me 824 Phanerogams and fungi, relation between evolution of organs 929 assimilation of nitrates in darkness 726 formation of proteidsin dark- ness 822 Phaseolus helvolus, notes, TJ. S. D. A 147 inamcenus, analysis 678 pulvini, notes 223 retusus, notes, TJ. S. D. A 542 Phemphigus poschingeri, notes 374 Phenacoccus aolenopsis, notes 769 Phonological investigations in Schleswig- Holstein 8'J7 Phenols, poisonous effect on plants 929 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1179 Page. Phenyl for eel worms 765 Philodromus padficus, notes 273 I'li!ircjiliii:iiis apionoides, notes 168 minor, notes 108 Phlegethonttus eeleus, notes. Xcv 104 I'hloroiinus bicolor, notes 168 Phlox disease 561 rust 1049 Phlyotcenia tertialis, notes, "U.S. 1). A 1063 Phoma persicce, notes, Ohio 558 Phosphate, analyses, Cal 235 deposits of Arkansas 337 nodules of Triehinopoly 1034 Wiborgh, manufacture and ag- ricultural value 32 Phosphates, comparison 7:; :: Mass. Hatch 022 on grass, R. 1 930 determination by Reynoso's method 714 of phosphoric acid 818 mineral, analyses, N..J 420 monobarium and monocalcium, decomposition 411 natural, studies :i.j vs. acid. Mass. Hatch. 624 of Algeria 35, 427 the Pyrenees 833 pot experiments 130 quantitative analysis 19 silica content 219 Pliosnbatic rock, dissolved, analyses, P. I. *.) 10 slag, analyses, Mass. Hatch 428 slags, bases of valuation 7 :"> Phosphoric acid — citrate-soluble, determination 17, 310, 741 determination 16, 19, 117, 314, 412 effect on wheat and barley 24." importance in plant physiology 223 in magnesium pyrophosphate, calcula- tion 607 moor soils 1(124 phosphates, determination 818 soil, availability 32 water, utilization 929,936 soils, determination 714 superphosphates, determination . .. 410,513 Thomas slag, citrate solubility 1 904 of plants as affected by water content of soil 1 i)L'4 role in vegetation 1 22 solubility 935 Phosphorus compounds of moor soils 932 in animal and vegetable tis- sues, detection 008 plants, determination 1004 steel, iron, and iron ores, de- termination 314 poisoning, formation of fat in body SO Photographs of meteorological phenomena, TT.S.D.A 124 Photomicrographical camera 321 Phoxopteris comptana, notes 165 Phoxopteris comptana, notes, Fla 369 Phycusflavidus, notes 661 Phyllactinia berberidis, n.sp., notes 1013 Phyllobvus pyri, notes, ('. S. 1>. A 65 Phyllobrotica nigritarsit, notes 7o;i Phyllopertha horticola, notes. t'.S. I>. A -65 Vhyllosticta althceina, notes 4">5 a rida, notes 725 dammarce, notes 562 hnrf'ini in, in itcs 4."i6 X..1 440 limitata , miles, X. V. Stale 260 Pa 1042 macroguttata, notes 72."> jiirini, notes, N. H 453 xphceropsoidea, notes, X. V. State 2G0 rinlir, mites 456 X.-l 449 I'hyllotreta armoracice, notes. 1. s. 1>. A .... 61 pusilla, notes, U. S. D. A 571 Phylloxera in Ontario 165 Russia 255 treatment 373. 507, 1076 Phylloxera vastatrix, notes 165 l.S. I). A 62 Phylogeuy of Basidiomyectes 321 PhymatidsB, monograph 272 Physarum cinereum, notes 612 Physical and meteorological researches in France 1 03, 203 Physiology of assimilatory tissues ofplants. 417 plants 321 plasmolyzing agents 825 roots 928 Pbyto-bezoar, unusual 928 Phytonomus punctata.?, notes, U. S. D. A. ... 66 Phytophaga, classification 374, 770 Phytophthora infestans, notes 156, 266 X. -T 444 phaseoli, notes 1050 Con n. State ... 201 Phytoptus calcladophora, notes, Fla 1054 oleivorus, notes 769 pini, notes 374 jigri, notes, U. S. D. A 65 vitis, notes 763 Picea, red coloration of stomata 012 V hi a excelsa, forms 856 seeds, constituents 825 Pie melon. (See Stock melon.) Tied gralliui 93 Pieris brassiece, notes 1076 r.s.n.A 05 mariana, notes, U. S. D. A 516 protodiee, notes, l'. S. D. A 570 rapes, notes, Nev 164 Pigeon manure, analyses. X . ■! 1031 Pigs. (See also Swine.) breed tests, Can 278 carcasses, analyses, I' . S. I >. A 878 comparison of meat of different breeds, U.S.D.A 878 cost of feeding, Wis 778 crossbred, growth, X. V. State 279 1180 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page Pigs — Coil tinned. fattening 885 fecundity as affected by breed, Ind 280 feeding experiments ... 73, 74, 184, 380, 772, 781 Ala. College 577 Ala. Tuskegee . . . 1086 Ark 1085 Can 277,882 Ind 170,674 Mont 177 N.Y. State 279 Oreg 1174,075 TJtab 986 Wis 776,778 forage crops, U. S. D. A 098 in stubble fields, U. S. D. A 397 poisoning by molasses 794 weights at farrowing time, Wis 777 I veiling, cattle plague 496 Pigweed, winged, Mich 121 1 J'iloboluts crygtalinux affecting roses 59 : Pim/pla comjuisitor parasitic on tent eater pillars, U. S. D. A 1061 Pine aphis 165 geometer moth, notes 570 histology 644 lands of Minnesota, reforesting 066 leaf rust 969 scale, white, Mich 766 stump lands, reforesting, Mich 1040 twig galls 374,053 white, distribution, Mich 1045 new fungus disease 57 | Pines, distribution in Cevennes 53 Southern, diseases 863 Pinuscembra seed, constituents 825, 1077 monticola&s affected by Peridermium jiini 59 rvjida, notes 52 gdpioniformis, notes 53 Pipette, automatic 920 new 21 Pirostomafarnetianuiii, notes 562 Pistacia vera, culture on the Trans-Caucasus 253 Pistol case bearer, X. Y. State 209 Pit vs. platform for man tire 797 Placeas, notes 641 Plariiodera purpurea, notes 769 Plagiuiiotut speciosus, notes 569 Plane tree, notes 443 Plankto.ogy, methods, R.I 929 Plant analysis as a means of determining tin notash requirements of the soil. 335 breeding, utilization of hybrids, U. S. D. A 516 bug, box-elder, U.S. D. A 169 green, U. S. D. A 571 leaf- footed, Fla 369 tarnished 1006 Pla 368 Mich 108 U. S.D.A 62 Uhler's green, remedies, S. Dak . 400 yellow-lined, Mich 108 cell as affected by X-rays 122 Page. Plant ei.It iirc ami diseases iii Scandinavia - 721 bibliography 84ft in Denmark 547 under glass, early history.--. 641 development as affected by mutilation ofseed ' 517 diseases and insects, law for suppi e si. hi, Mil 002 as affected by shade, N.J... 435 infections 562 in Holland 155 notes, S. C 763 prevention 457,763,1057 treatment, Del 502 fund, availability in worn soils, Ind.. 275 cost in various fertilizers. Conn. State 337 loss by drainage water 930 movement before fall of leaves. 922 studies, Ind 264 Plant growth as affected by — acidity of soil 117, 128 gases and vapors 822 light 125, 414, 012, 014 physical properties of the suil 128 removal to different latitude or altitude. 100 temperature 608 Plant growth, r61e of water 121 improvement, investigations in Swe- den 519 introduction, U. S. D. A 927 lice 509, 600. 975 Can 866 Conn. State 273 Mass. Hatch 601 Mich 108 Nev 104 natural enemies, N. Y. State 407 of conifers ;;74 on tomatoes, U. S. D A 5 70 reme'dies, X. Y. State 407 H.S.D.A 05 Utah O'.l life, form and functions 410 louse, grain, Can 800 new, on tobacco 770 rose, Xev 104 nodes, elongation 23 nuclei, reduction phenomena 23 organs, anatomy and physiology of water-secreting 1013 parasites 155 physiological and agricultural-chemi- cal researches 519 physiology, importance of phosphoric acid 223 protection against animals 121 station in Germany 200 h-oil tests 711 sprouts as affected by low tempera- ture 223 structure as affected l>y carbon dioxid. 610 substances, key 417 tissues, anatomy and physiology 417 detection of cane sugar 417 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1181 Page. Plant tissues, root-tubercle bacteria 123, 22 1 transpiration, studies 122 Plantago gnaphalioides, notes, U. S. I). A . 343 Plantain, woolly, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Plantanus orientalis, notes 441! Plants, absorption of potash salts 1013 activity of contractile roots 417 agricultural, improvement 146 anatomy anil physiology 121, 321 asafi'ected by atmospheric precipita- tion 125 bud variation 613 calcium salts 613 copper Gil electricity 122,825 light 928 phenols 029 assimilation of ammoniacal nitro- gen 1011 chlorophyll 517 nitrates 34 nitric nitrogen 1011 blossoming periods 418 cell -walls 417 contact irritability 1013 cruciferous, dimorphism 825 cultivated, diseases 971 parasitic fungi 266 worms 170 determination of chlorin 1004 manganese 605 phosphorus 1004 sulphur 1004 direct fertilization 415 dissemination by stock cars 418 distribution, Cal 253, 963 economic, fungus diseases 266 evolution as influenced by nutrition . 23 fertilizer requirements, Cal 235 for litter 349 form and structure as affected by- light ... 517 mineral salts 1008 formation of asparagin 720 from Wyoming, new 518 function of hydrocyanic acid 929 geotropic movements 321 improvement 151 in ancient and modern times 418 1 he greenhouse as affected by sulphur a nli yd rid 417 leguminous, assimilation of nitrogen 321 inoculation 825 means of defense 23 medicinal, X. C 612 melliferous, studies 167 moisture requirements 417 nitrogen assimilation 414 nutrition 1011 nutrition 1013 occurrence of copper 825 glutamin 116 hydrocyanic acid 223 organography 612 origin of lecithin 613 Page. Plants, ornamental, an affected by drought, X. J 449 crossing and hybridiz- ing, Iowa 252 fertilizer experiments . 49 for Maine 855 Nebraska, Nebr 638 pruning 356 phanerogamous, nitrogen feeding.. 235 physiological function of iron 518 poisonous, feeding to sheep, U. S. D.A 793 notes 725 of Australia 519 meadows and pas- tures 361 the United States, TJ. S.D. A 516,928 to stock 54 potted, fertilizer experiment s 49 production of alpine characters.... 608 propagation by cuttings 353 proteid formation 223, 825, 925 proteolytic enzyms 1017 sensitive, grown in water 122 sexuality 519 sugar content as affected by sun- light 1013 temperature 921 tolerance for alkali salts, Cal 226 transpiration 822 variegated, fungus attacks 59 vegetative period in different cli- mates 720 waterin g 553 Plasmodiophora brassicce, infection experi- ments 560 notes 456 Plasmolysis and plasmotic membranes 417 of bacteria 322 Plasmopara cubensis, notes, Ohio 362 on squash, N.Y. State. 455 viticola, notes 155 Platycerus depressus, notes 168 quercus, notes 168 Platygaster, development 170 Pleroma bonuseula, notes 770 PUurotus ostreatus, notes, U. S. D. A 551 Plowing and harrowing 847 deep vs. shallow for corn, Nebr — 429 fall vs. spring for corn. Nebr 429 Plows, tests 898, 1097 Plum aphis, notes, Mich 766 black knot, notes, X. II 433 eurcuiio, notes, N.J 458 remedies, Cans 370 flower buds as affected by cold. Wi>.. 755 gouger, notes, Kaus 369 ground, notes. U.S. D.A 147,343,542 leaf louse, Xev 164 spot, treatment, X. Y. State 265 rot, treatment. Can 871 scale, Mich "66 sphinx, remedies, Wash 867 stoneless 440 6736— Xo. 12- -i; 1182 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Plum trees, pruning, Mass. Hatch 437 wood, ash analyses, Can 232 Plums, analyses 754 Cal 255 and cherries, hotany 640 hlooming season, Ala. College 1042 cross fertilization hy hees, X. Mex. . 871 culture 040 N.Mex 854 European, varieties, Mass. Hatch . . . 436 grafting 355 Kans 351 Green Gage 753 hardiness of huds 152 Japanese, N. T. Cornell 640 varieties, Mass. Hatch . . . 436 native, culture in Northwest, Wis . . 45 notes, Fla 062 La 547 plant lice attacking, 1ST. T. State 467 thinning, Can 848 varieties, Cal 254 Mich 49 N.Y.State 254 Plusia cemula, early phases 770 brassicce, notes, N ev 164 N. Y. State 270 Plutella cruciferarum, notes, Nov 164 Pneumonia, infectious, of sheep 497 Poa, annual, culture experiments, Cal 244 Poa annua, notes, Cal 244 arachnifera, notes, Cal 245 atropurpurea, notes, U. S. D. A 516 capillaris, notes, U. S. D. A ""16 hanscni, notes, U. S. D. A 516 juncifolia, notes, U. S. D. A 516 longipedunculata, notes, U. S. D. A 516 trivialit, notes, Cal 244 Pod spot of heans, N. J 446 Podisus, species in United States 570 Pa-ciloeapms lineatus, notes, Midi 168 Pa'cilochroa minuta, notes 273 Poison hemlock, notes, U. S. D. A 516 ivy, notes, U. S. D. A 510 oak, notes, U. S. D. A 516 of honeybees 765 sumac, notes, TJ. S. D. A 510 Poisoning by Kafir corn 094 mushrooms 417 TJ.S.D.A 47 Polar expeditions, Wellman, TJ. S. D. A. . . 325, 419 Polarimetric method for starch in flour 314 Pole beans, varieties, Can 849 Polenta, digestibility 180 Polimanti method for determination of fat. . 118 Pollen, effect on ripening season of straw- berries, Wis 755 Pollens, biology and morphology 416, 1013 Pollination, studies 152 Polliniafulva, notes 416 Polyembryony in Opuntia vulgaris 23 Polygonum muhlcnbcrgii, notes, Iowa 1048 ramosissimum, notes, U.S. D.A. 343 sachalincnse, notes, Cal 245 Pohjporus hartigii, notes 653 Page. Potythrinciurn trifolii, notes, N. J 4.46 Pomaceae, structure of wood 644 Pomegranates, notes, La 547 Pomelos, analyses, Cal 255 Pomology, Division, U. S. D. A 552 Poplar hawk moth, Nov 164 leaf- gall louse, Nev 104 Poplars, canker 59 Pork from different breeds, comparison, U. , S. D. A 878 production for cotton farmers, Ark. . . 1089 in Kansas 584 Porto Rico, trade, U. S. D. A 197 Portulaca oleracea, analyses, Ind 275 notes, Cal 244 U.S. D.A 343 pilosa, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Potash and phosphoric acid for meadows. . . 147 as perchlorate, determination 819 bulb, new form 1005 crude, method of analysis 19 determination 310, 412. 005, 1004 without removal of iron, calcium, etc. . . 408 fertilizers, effect on beet sickness . . 653 for beets, Mass. Hatch. . . 636 peas, Mass. Hatch . . . 636 industry 1034 in potassic fei tilizers, determination 409 soils, conservation, Del 134 determination, Del 134, 514 of volcanic origin 620 of plants as affected by water con- tent of soil 1024 production from ashes of trees and grasses 235 requirements of soil, experiments. . . 335 salts, absorption by plants 1013 effect on composition and yield of potatoes 140 for wheat 623 production and distribution.. 136 use in agriculture 136 Potassium carbonate, analyses, R.I 919 as affecting beet sick- ness 266 in salt, determination 20 chlorid, analyses, Conn. State.. . 230 Mass. Hatch . 428 N.H 36 N.J 420, 1031 R. I 919 Wash 716 for potatoes 141 vs. sulphate of potash, difference in action.. 136 nitrate, analyses, R. I 919 determination of per- chlorate 410 perchlorate experiments 427 permanganate for determination of potash 820 sulphate, analyses, Conn. State. 230 Mass. Hatch 428 N. J 426, 1031 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1183 Tago. Potassium sulphate, analyses, R. I 919 Wash 716 and magnesia, analy- ses, Mass. Hatch 1033 N. J 426 tankage for cotton, Ala. Cauebrakc. 628 vs. muriate of potash, difference in action . 136 sulphid for fairy-ring fungus of carnation 267 wheat smut, Can ... 633 preparation and use, Conn. State 66 Potato as a culture medium 1011 beetle, Colorado, TJ. S. D. A 62 beetles, notes, N.J 458 blight. (See also Potato rot.) notes, Me 824 N.H 453 bud weevil, U. S. D. A 61 crop as affected by weather, Mass. Hatch 647 of Great Britain 98 culture, bibliography 847 disease, new 266 diseases in Germany 653 notes, N. Y. State 260 studies 156 treatment 761, 762, 865 flea-beetle, N. T. State 270 flour 481 and skim milk for calves 482 introduction into Europe 432 rot 156, 266, 865 N.J 444 scab 561 N.H 453 N.J 448 prevention 156 N.J 444 Ohio 350 treatment 456, 1051, 1058 Can 860 Ind 264 Ky 363 N.Y.State 453 R.I 967 seed, treatment 339,1058 stalk borer, Me 871 stem blight, communicability, N. Y. State 452 t ubers above ground 560 wet rot 761, 972 Potatoes, analyses, Conn. Storrs 678 Mass. Hatch 1033 "Wash 710 as affected by cucumber flea-bee- tle, N. Y. State 261 food for man, U. S. I). A 608 composition and yield as affected by potash salts 140 cooperative experiments 955 culture 43, 339, 749 N.Y.Cornell 635,950 Potatoes, culture, R. 1 951 deep vs. shallow, N. C 349 experiments 43,136,433,955 Ohio 350 level vs. ridge, Ark 543 in Russia 245 dry rot 761 ensiling, IT. S. D. A 397 feeding value 182 fertilizer experiments 339, 349, 433, 848, 1036, 1038 Can 836 Ky 344 La 548 Mich 147 N.Y.State. 246, 431 Ohio 950 K.I 953 food value 74 for swine 83 forcing, Kans 149 fusarium disease 266 grafting 432 in France in 1781 1039 rotations, R. 1 953 irrigation experiments, Wis 747 new variety 749 notes, La 547 planting at different — dates, N. C. 349 depths, "Wis 740 distances 630 rates, N. C 349 planting different sized tubers. 629,630 potassium chlorid for 141 quantities of plant food utilized. . 1038 second-crop seed vs. Northern- grown seed, Ark 542 seed from different localities, R. I. 952 selection 43, 1039 solaniu content 953, 1005 starch content 43, 847 starch content, as affected by- culture 339 seed treatment 339 spraying 339 studies 749 varieties 43, 538, 635, 847, 955, 1039 Ala. Canebrake G29 Ark 543 Can 836,840,1034 Ind 254 Mass. Hatch 627 Mich 4S, 147 N.H 432 Ohio 350 Pa 42 R.I 951 Poultry and eggs 584 animal parasites, Can 280 breeding 282 breed tests, Can 280 culture 184 modern methods 679 1184 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Poultry, determination of age 584 diphtheria 49G diseases, Can 280 treatment, N. C 1087 drawn vs. undrawn 482 feeding experiments, Mich 580 gapes, Ky 393 house, description, Me 885 in Belgium 1089 management, Can 885 manager, report, Can 280 marketing in England 482 notes, Mich 180 raising in Denmark 83 Pourridie, treatment 971 Pourriture grise, treatment 60 Prairie clover, notes, U. S. D. A 343 sage brush, notes, IT. S. D. A 343 skies, TJ. S. D. A 325 Preservation of timber 965 Prickly lettuce, notes, Idaho 700 pear in New South "Wales 757 notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Primulas, Chinese, Botrytis disease 155 Prionoxystus robinice, notes, K ev 164 Procris americana, notes, N. J 458 Procyon lotor, notes 25 Prodenia commelince, notes, Fla 972 Prodenia, sweet-potato, remedies 972 Proenzyme review of literature 322 Promotion for merit, TJ. S. D. A . . , 124 Protopis juli flora, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Proteid derivatives, study 716 formation in plants 223, 825, 925 new, of milk 782 synthesis by plants 726 Proteids, classification 116, 412 formation in darkness by phseno- gams 822 from conifer seeds, cleavage prod- ucts 313 in animal products, determination, IT. S. D. A 820 solution, determination 607 of colostrum, investigation 382 cream, determination 715 horse bean, Conn. State 214,219 lentil, Conn. State 214, 219 pea, Conn. State 214,219 seeds, composition *. 607 reformation from meta- bolism products 928 soy bean, Conn. State 218, 219 vetch, Conn. State 214,219 Protein compounds for pigs 380 decomposition during germination . 928 digestion, chemism 1089 formation of fat from 80 in feeding stuffs, X. J 977 precipitation, chemistry 116 preparation from solutions 716 Protoparce Carolina, notes 770 Fla 1068 U.S.D.A 1090 celeus, notes, Fla 1068 Page. Protoplasm and active albumen, studies . . . 223 reaction to thermal irritation. . (512 stimuli 223 Primer, oak 1066 Prunes, analyses, Cal 255 bloating, Cal 255 frogging, Cal 255 sulphured, Cal 255 varieties, Cal 254 Pruning apples, Nebr 45 fruit trees, Ark 1044 grapes 355, 440 notes 552 ornamental plants 356 peaches 152 plum trees, Mass. Hatch 437 principles and practice 355 root, effect on fruit buds, Okla 46 roses 641 , 758 Primus domestica, early botanical views .. . 640 serotina, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 Pseudalius ovis, notes, Ohio 594 Pseudococcus accris, notes, U. S. D. A 1060 Pseudococcus, maple, N. J 457 Pseudocommis, investigations 972 Pseudocommis vitis, distribution 59, 259 in bulb disease of cro- cus 59 diseases of chestnut and palm 59 Pseudomonas campestris, notes 456 stewarti, notes 862 on sweet corn 1051 Pseudoneuroptera of Italy 167 Pseudopeziza medicaginis, as a cause of alfalfa leaf spot, Iowa ... 58 notes, Iowa .... 263 Pseudorabies, Iowa 296 Pseudotuberculosis of sheep 192 Psila rosce, notes, Can 866 U.S.D.A 65 Psoroptes communis, notes 895 Psychrometer applicable to study of trans- piration 417 Psylla mali, notes, U. S. D. A 65 pyricola, notes, Mich 766 Psyllid, injury to persimmons, TJ. S. I). A . . 570 Psylliodes punctulata, notes, TJ. S. D. A 61 Pteris aquilina, notes 121 Pterophorida?. of North America 366 Ptilinus ruflcornis, notes 168 Ptinid beetle, U.S.D.A 62 Publications, Division, TJ. S. D. A . . . . 196, 298, 397 of TJ. S. Department of Agri- culture, 1841-1897 298 Puccinia arrhenatheri, notes 1057 asparagi, notes 455, 865 R.I 968 coronata, notes 316 coronifera, notes 316 dispersa, notes 316 glumarum, notes 316 graminis, notes 316 harioti, notes - 865 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1185 Page. Puccmia helianthi, notes. N. Y. Stato 260 hieracii, notes 45f>, 971 lycii, notes 454 malvacearum, notes 455 N..I .....>.... 448 phleipratennis, notes 316 ribis, notes 969 simplex, notes :il6 tanaceti, notes, Mass. Hatch 648 vossii, notes 865 windsorice, variation of teleuto spores 561 Pulex serraticeps, notes, Mich 766 Pulvinaria acrricola, notes, TJ. S. D. A 1060 innumerabilis, notes, Nev 164 Tenu 768 U.S. D. A. 1060 occiden talis, notes, Wash... 869 Pulvinaria, western, Wash 869 Pumpkins for pigs, Oreg 674 notes, Cal 254 La 547 Purple scale, notes 769 smart weed, notes, Iowa 1048 Purslane analyses, Can 835 Irid 275 cotton, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 notes, U. S. D. A 343 sheep, culture experiments, Cal .. 244 water, notes, U.S.D.A 343 Putnam scale, notes , N. Y. State 268 vs. San Jose scale, Idaho 766 Pyocyanic bacillus, production of various pigments 322 Pyialis costalis, notes 1066 farinalis, notes, Conn. State 273 Pyrameis cardui, notes, Fla 974 Pyrausta ferrugalis, notes, U. S. D. A 66 theseusalis, notes, Fla 973 Pyrethrum, culture experiments, Cal 244 Pyrophosphoric acid in superphosphates, determination 19 Quarantine officer of California, report 375 Quehracho wood, ash analyses 219 Quickens grass, notes 432 Quince blight, notes, Mass. Hatch 648 curculio, notes, N. Y. Cornell 565 orange rust, Mass. Hatch 648 Me 824 N.H 453 treatment, Can 871 wood, ash analyses, Can 232 Quinces, varieties, Cal 254 Mich 49 N.Y. State 254 Rabbits, digestion experiments 1082, 1083 injuries to young trees 963 jack, breeding habits, U. S. D. A. . . 24 description of species, U. S. D. A 23 natural enemies, TJ. S.D. A.. 25 protection against, U. S. D. A. 24 remedies, U. S. D. A 24 statistics of drives and hunts, U.S.D.A 25 I'age. Rabbits, jack, value,!'. S. I). A 25 metabolism experiments 1083 Babies, inoculation experiments with wolves 597 investigations, U. S. D. A 999 notes, Nebr 296 prevention 893 Raccoon, distribution and use 25 Radish, history 151 Radishes, analyses, Conn. State 250 and carrots, simultaneous forcing. 962 fertilizer experiments, Conn. State 249 fertilizing constituents removed from soil by, Conn. State 250 forcing, notes 354 notes, La 547 subirrigation, Conn. State 249 varieties, Conn. State 249 Raffinose, determination in molasses from beets and sugar cane 96 Ragi, culture experiments, Cal 244 Railroad worms, notes, Vt 459 Rain, causes 616 during hurricane at Port Royal, S. C, U.S.D.A " 419 effect on sugar cane 929 gushes and thunderstorms, U. S. D. A . 326 in Hawaiian Islands, U. S. D. A 124 Rainbow, high, U. S. D. A 326 lunar, U. S. D. A 124,419 Rainfall and outflow of Great Lakes, U.S. D. A 325 annual, of the globe 522,1020 determination of nitrogen, Miss. . . 315 in British Islands 121 Cuba, U.S. D. A 325 Great Britain 124 Nicaragua, l". S. D. A 325 river basins of Russia 327 measurements on ships, TJ. S. D. A. 419 observations at Paris 616 of the crop season, U. S. D. A 522 quantity corresponding to given depths, U.S.D.A 419 Rains, cold, effect on fruit blossoms 58 sulphur, U. S. D. A 124 Raisin grapes 440 Raisins, analyses, Cal 255 determination of malic acid 413 sulphured, Cal 255 Ramie, culture in foreign countries 636 leaf roller, Fla 973 Bamulariacylindriopsis, notes. X. V. State . 260 Ranges of Southwest, experiment*, I'. S. D. A 1005 Rape as a cover crop for orchards, N.T. State. 225 soiling crop, Wis 741 culture experiments 433 catting at different dates. Wis 741 for lambs, Wis 773 pigs, Wis 781 methods of cutting, Wis 741 notes, U. S. D. A. 397 seed, selection 1047 cake 884 digestibility 1083 meal, analyses, Conn. State 337 1186 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Rape, varieties, Can 238 Raspberries, analyses 754 black, varieties, Can 253 N. Y. State... 962 notes, La 547 reil, varieties, Can 253 N. T. State 062 varieties, Ind 1043 Mass. Hatcb 436 Mich 48,49 Miss 48 N.Y. State 255 Raspberry anthracnose, Colo 266 roots, Wis 720 Ration, emergency, for army 376 Rations, calculation on basis of beat of com- bustion 884 digestibility, calculated and actual, N. Y. State 478 for cattle, digestibility, Pa 1081 farm animals, computation, N. Y.Cornell.... 992 preparation 480 milch cows, Conn. Storrs 681, 684 Oreg 684 light vs. heavy for steers, Can 277 Rattlebox, notes, U. S. D. A 51C Reading courses in agricultural education.. 1 Red ant, notes, U. S. D. A 654 Astrachan apple, immunity to Gymno- sporangium macropus 865 backed cutworm 165 beech fungus and insect enemies 653 breasted sawfly, notes 1065 buckeye, notes, U. S. D. A 516 cedar, American 965 clover, American 147 culture, U. S. D. A 542 experiments, Cal 244 experiments, W. Ya 1068 digestibility 1082 mammoth, as a cover crop for orchards, N. Y. |State 252 parasites 556 seed, experiments 906 Desert of Wyoming, description, IT. S. D.A 718 root sedge, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 rust of wheat, Ky 864 scale, California, Ga 160 Florida, Ga 160 notes 569, 769 spider .^ 165,373 Mich 168 Nev 164 N.Y. State 268 remedies, N. Y. State 270 treatment, Utah 661 threadworm, Ohio 594 winged locust, U. S. D. A 61 Redtop, culture experiments, Cal 244 fall, notes, U. S. D. A 343 notes, Miss j 547 Reforestation of Loiro basin 53 mountains 53 Page. Reforestation of pine-stamp lands, Mich. . . 1016 white-pine lands 966 Refraetomcter in butter examination 17 Reichert-Meissl method for fatty acids 515 Reindeer moss for milch cows 492 Relbunium, revision of species 416 Rennet, artificial 791 curdling 387 effect of different quantities in cheese making, Can 293 ferment, action 689 Rescue grass, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Resin for rendering fungicides adherent . . . 1056 lime mixture and Bordeaux mixture for cabbage plusia, N.Y. State 270 for cabbage worms, N.Y.State 869 Respiration calorimeter — description 470, 584 Conn. Storrs 664 Respiration experiments — with animals 885 cats 80 dogs 70 man 183,471,481 Conn. Storrs 666 Reynoso method for phosphates 714 Rhagodia MUardieri, notes 546 nutans, notes 546 Rhagoletis ribieola, notes, Wash 869 Rhea grass, notes 725 Rhingotaof Italy 167 llhizococcus multispinosus, notes 569 Rhizoctonia strobi, a new fungus disease of white pine 57 violacea, notes 865 Rhizomes, growth 613 Rhode Island Station — bulletins 734, 735, 832, 836 financial statement 999 report 919, 929, 930, 935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 951 952, 953, 956, 967, 968, 990, 992, 999 Rhododendron maximum, notes, U. S. D. A . 516 Rhogas fumipennis, parasitic on plum sphinx, Wash 867 Rhopalosiplmm ribis, notes, N. Y. State 268 sp., notes 1066 Rhopobota vacciniana, notes 569 Rhubarb, forcing, notes 354 notes, Fla 962 Mich 49 Rhuediversiloba, notes, U. S.D. A 516 radicans, notes 516 vernix, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Rhynchites bacclius, notes 871 coeruleus conicus, notes 871 Rhynchocorus sp., notes 769 Rice, analyses 678, 1088 ash analyses, U. S. D. A 873 bran, analyses, Cal 276 calculation of number of shoots from grains 824 crop of India 98 culture without water 147 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1187 Page. Rice, digestibility 1088 foods, analyses, N.J 475 grubbeetleatelectriclights, V. S. 1). A. 570 meal, molasses feed, and ground grain for swine 482 plant, water requirements 1038 red description, La 38 seed, absorption of water 1049 germination as affected by differ- ent amounts of water 100G specific gravity 907 seeds as affected by soaking 1047 Ricinus poison 890 Ridge vs. level culture for mangel wurzels. 1035 Rinderpest, immunity 49G immunizing power of gall 91 in Basntoland 490 South Africa 496 Ripening of seeds 760 River and Flood Service, bulletins, TJ. S. D.A 328,827 reports, U. S. D.A 125 Road building by convicts, IT. S. D A 19C in Minnesota, State aid, U. S. D.A 396 Inquiry, Office, V. S. D. A 196, 396 making, report of iustructor, Can 397 Roadside treatment, actual and possible 1044 Roads, object-lessons, U. S. D. A 598 Robinia pseudacacia, notes 53 Rock elm, ash analyses, Can 232 Rockall as a meteorological station, U.S. D.A 419 Rocky Mountain locust. S. Dak 460 Iict'steliapirata. notes, Pa 1042 Polling crops 847 Rolls, analyses, TJ. S. D. A 876 Root borer, clover 164 peach, Ohio 558 crops, culture, X. H 945 fertilizer experiments 433 insects affecting 165 development of forage plants, Kans . . 319 disease of grapevines 156 m ulberr y t rees 865 wheat ' 650 galls of peach, Mich 154 hairs andrhizoids, growth 1013 knot of tomatoes, notes, Fla 1054 louse, fir-tree 374 peach, Ohio 558 strawberry. Del 571 N.J 457 pressure apparatus 417 artificial, for transplanted trees, Wis 751 pruning, effect on development of fruit buds.Okla 46 experiments Ala College ... 104'.; Stringfellow method, Ga . . . . 1040 rot of alfalfa 865 coffee 456 sugar beets 865 prevention. Ind 275 swellings of sugar beets 1057 Page. Ken it, tubercle bacteria in living plant tissues 123 Of alders and t he Kicagnacca- 825 legumes 726 production 119 webworms, notes, X. J 458 worm, grape, TJ. S. D. A 63 Roots, absorption of carbohydrates 1006 activity 417,013 for fodder, experiments 1040 milch cows, Oreg 684 of perennial plants, investigation, Wis 720 physiology 928 liosa wickuraiana, hybrids 440 Rose aphid parasite, TJ. S. D.A 1059 aphis parasite, W. Va 1008 treatment 661 beetle, Fuller's, Mich 168 black speck, prevention 59 chafer, false, U. S. D. A 01 notes, X. J 458 leaf blight 59 hopper, Xev 104 mildew, treatment 761 plant louse, Xev 164 rust, treatment 051 scale, notes, Tenn 708 slugs, Mich 168 Rosebud moth, Mich 108 " Roseleaf " for smut of grains, X. Dak 3G1 Roses, culture, Ind 2G4 disease 561 forcing 356 grafted 758 grafting 855 hybrid 440 culture experiments, Iowa... 47 injury by mucor, Can 861 insect enemies 373 insects affecting 4G9 pruning 641, 758 Rosin weed, notes, I" . S. 1 1. A 343 Rot, black, of apples 865 cabbage 456 Wis 155 grapes 59, 450, 762 in France 60 scientific name 59 treatment 60,862,971 sugar cane 57 tomatoes, Fla 1053 brown, of stone fruits, Mass. Hatch . . . 648 dry, of apples, Can 860 potatoes 701 sugar beets 156 fruit, of cherries, N. V. Stale 265 tomatoes 456 of Indian fig 59 medlars 59 peaches, Ohio 558 treatment. Can 871 plums, Can 871 potatoes 266 X.J Ill red, of sugar cane 57 1188 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Tage. Rot, root , I ml 275 of alfalfa 865 coffee 456 sugar beets 865 cane 57 sour, of sugar cane 57 stem, of carnations 561, 764 top, of sugar cane 57 wet, of potatoes 761,865,972 sugar beets 156 1 total ion experiments, 1><1 546 N.T 947 N.Dak 341 R.1 953 at Woburn Experi- mental Farm 749 of crops 148 as a preventive of plant diseases 1051 relation to fertilization . . 956 Rotations in vegetable gardening 151 Rough-meadow grass, culture experiments, Cal 244 Round beaded apple-tree borer- notes, Kans 369 N.J 458 Vt 459 remedies, U. S. T>. A 655 Roup, antitoxin 597 Rovven, analyses, N. J 474 Royal Danish Agricultural Society, report. 98 Meteorological Society, U. S. D. A 1018 Rubber plant antbracnose 266 Rubidium salts, utilization by fungi 417 Rubus white fly , Fla 973 Russian Apple Nomenclature Commission, report 960 farms, description 198 fruits, notes, Kans 352 soils, studies 421 thistle, Idaho 760 Iowa 046 Wash 760 Rust, black, of grain 316 brown, of grain 316 crown, of grain 316 dwarf, of grain 316 fungi, investigations 365,455,763 viability of winter spores 57 hexenbesen, of barberry 1057 leaf, of oranges, Colo 266 pines 969 strawberries, Colo 266 of apples, treatment, Pa 1042 asparagus 455 Mass. Hatch 648 N.J 449,650 N.Y. State 260 R.I 968 treatment 864 carnations, N. Y. State 260,453 cereals 653 China asters, N. J 447 chrysanthemums 455, 653, 971 Mass. Hatch 648 Page. Kusi of clover, N. Y. State 260 cotton, pre\ cut ion 1051 currants 969 grain, dissemination by barberry bush 58 Idaho 559 symbiotic in y coplasmic theory 864 hollyhocks, N.J 448 phlox 1(49 roses, treatment t;.">l sugar cane 57 timothy 316 t omatoes, Fla 971 treatment, Fla 1053 of wheat 861 }Id 864 orange, of quinces, Can 871 Mass. Hatch 648 Me 824 N. H 453 red flour beetle, Fla 973 of wheat, Ky 864 spores, germinative power 561 yellow of grain 316 Busts of cereals 455 grain, studies 58, 455 Rutabagas, culture 955 Rye, analyses, N.J 946 as affected by sodium nitrate and per- chlorate of potash 235 ash analyses, U. S. D. A 873 bread, digestibility 375 breeding 349, 955, 1039 by-products , 583 fertilizer experiments 337 grass, digestibility 1082 Italian, culture experiments, Cal. 214 green, for milch cows, Can 295 growing after potatoes 740 leaves as affected by Marsonia secalis, n. sp 155 meal, analyses, Conn. Storrs 678 middlings, analyses, Ind 275 or sorghum, amount required to sus- tain a cow at pasture, Nebr 430 plowing under to prevent potato scab, N. Y. State 453 seed, germination as affected by differ- ent salts, Wyo 1026 spring, varieties, Can 240 varieties 1037 wild, notes, U. S. D. A 343 winter,, as a cover crop for orchards, N.Y. State 252 varieties 537 Bynchites bebuleti, notes 763 Saccharimeter, weights, normal 21 Saccharimeters, graduation 21 Saccharimetric scales, unification 21 Saecharomyees cerevisice, notes 123 ellipsoideus, notes 123 gutlulatus, study 1017 ludivigii, notes 123 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1189 Pagi . Sacchartmycea membrancefaciens, notes 123 pastorianus, notes 123 subcutani ous t u m e/aeiens, notes 124 Saccharomycetes, origin 12:! SaecTlarose identification 920 in condensed milks, deteroiina tion 117 molasses from beets and sugar cane, determination 96 presence of lactose and glucose, determination 117 Sachaline, culture experiments, ( 'al 245 Sagebrush, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 prairie, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Sage, white, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 wild, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Sainfoin as a cover crop for orchards, X. Y. State 251 culture 433 Salices, cross fertilization 418 Salicylic acid as a preservative for cider . . . 381 Salpichora rhomboidea, notes 854 Salsola kali tragus, notes, Wash 760 Salt. (See also Sodium chlorid.) content of soil, determination by elec- trical method, TJ. S. D. A 30 determination of potassium carbonate. 20 effect on asparagus 350 tasteof butter 493 marsli hay, TJ. S. D. A G98 analyses. Mass. Hatch 472 hays, digestibility, ilass. Hatch . 473 for milk production, Mass. Hatch 485 plants of northern Kansas 319 River Valley soils, Ariz 420 solutions for potted plants 49 Saltbush, analyses 678 Australian, culture experiments, Cal 244, 245 culture experiments, Cal 244. 245 notes 546, 1013 of West Australia 546 Saltpeter lime, analyses, K.J 1031 poisoning cattle 794 San Jose scale 273, 373, 569, 1067 Can 373,866 Conn. State 273 Iowa 68 Kans 309 Mich 169, 771, 776 Kev 164 K.J 457,459 U. S. D. A 62, 66, 1059 Vt 459 Wash 867 allied species in Europe 373 bibliography, U.S.D.A 371 comparison with European scale insects 872 distribution, TJ. S. D. A 371 enemies, Ga 160 K.J 162 U.S.D.A 371 I 'age. San Jose scale, food plants. U.S.D.A 371 fungus disease, Fla 971 parasite 660 importation from Japan 373 in Connecticut, U. S. D. A 1061 Georgia 100 Iowa 373 Massachusetts 373 Mass. Hatch 661 Michigan 61 New Jersey 161 U.S.D.A.... 1059 investigations, W. Ya 1068 legislation, U.S.D.A 371 Ya 771 odor 771 on dried fruit. 1". S. 1 >. A 1061 parasite, Can 861 remedies 1064 Ga 160 Mil 868 Mo 566 K..T 162 N.Y.Cornell 468,975 Okla 373 'I'emi 767 U.S.D.A 371,1059 Ctah 661 Va 771 vs. Putnam scale, Idaho 766 Sanitary condition of food supply of Paris 80 Sanitation of farm buildings 696 Sa mi ina exitiosa, notes, Kans 369 K.J 656 K. Y. State 269 Saperda Candida, notes. Kans 369 U.S.D.A 655 cretata, notes, U. S. D. A 655 Saponification method for determination of fat 311 Saprophy tism, symbiotic 929 Sassafras, chemistry 1005 Satin grass, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Satol. analyses, Tex 194 Sausage, analyses, Conn. State 281 Sawfly. currant, Can .. 866 Wash' 869 larva1, notes 374 red-breasted, notes 1065 white-pine, Mich 766 Saw tlies, classification 374 notes, K.J 458 Saw-tooth grain beetle, Conn. State 273 Scab of apples 1057 K.Y.State 452 Pa 1042 peaches, Ohio 558 pears 1057 N.Y.Cornell 451 potatoes 156, 456, 561, 1051, 1058 Can 860 Ind 264 K\ 363 X. II 453 N.J 444 1190 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Scab of potatoes, N.Y. State 453 K.I 967 sheep, U. S. D. A 793 investigations, U. S. D. A ... 998 Scale, black 569 brown olive 769 cottony-cushion 1076 maple, Nev 164 Tenn 768 currant, Mich 766 eccentric, Mich 760 English-walnut, Nev 164 fluted 769 gloomy, Ga 100 Glover, Ga 100 grape, Tenn 768 greedy 569 Ga 100 Indian white- wax 769 insects 975 Ga 100 Mich 168 American, as a menace to Eu- ropean fruit culture 569 natural enemies, Tenn 768 of sugar cane 661 on cacti 569 useful, U. S. D. A 62 long 769 mussel 569 new peach, Ga 160 plum, Mich 766 purple 769 Ga 160 Putnam, N. Y. State 268 red 569,769 TJ.S.D.A 62 rose, Tenn 768 San Jose. (See San Jose scale.) scurfy, Ga 160 Mich 766 soft 569 Sealops aquaticus, notes 25, 323 breweri, notes • 323 Scapanus americanus, notes 25 Scarabids, notes 872 Scarlet clover, fungus disease, N. J 446 fever in animals 192 Schizouiycetes, new generic typo 121, 156 Schizoneura americana, notes, U. S. I). A 65 lanigera, notes 768 Mich 766 Nev 164 N. Y. State 269 U.S.D.A 1063 Schools, agricultural, of Denmark 98 Sciaria vulgaris, notes, M ieh 169 Scion and stock, reciprocal action 552 effect 637,640 Scirpophaga intacta, notes, U. S. D. A 570 Sclerodermavulgare, notes, U. S. D. A 551 Sclerotinia trifoliorum, notes 652 N.J 446 Selerotium, sp., notes 57 Scoletotrichum melophthorum on fruits and melons 155 Page. Scolytid beetles, W. Va 1067 Seolytus acerit, n. sp., notes 168 Icevis, notes 168 rugulosus, notes 165 Screenings, analyses, N.J 426 Scurfy bark louse, Tenn 768 scale, notes, Mich 766 Scutch grass, notes 432 Scutellista cyanea, notes, TJ. S. D. A 1058 Sea air, chlorin content 1030 Searchlight for weather signals, D S. D. A. 124 Seaweed, analyses 833 vs. barnyard manure 934 Sedge, feather, notes, U. S. D. A 343 fox, notes, U. S. D. A 343 red-root, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Sedges, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Seed and Plant Introduction, Section, U. S. D.A 1012 breeding 259 adherence to type 353, 418 clover, testing 966 Company, Danish, reports 259 control, Danish report 53 Iowa 259 stations, Scandinavian 4 Swedish, reports 259, 414, 554 effect of mutilating on development of plants 517 size on production, Ind 204 weight on yield of cereals . . . 967 exchange list, Cal 361 field selection. U. S. D. A 698 germination, influence of X rays 358 grain and methods of cultivation, jST.Dak 97 of cereals, germination as affected by artificial drying 259 oaks and pines, destruction by Gas tropacha quercus 856 Pinus cembra, analysis 1077 rice, specific gravity 967 tobacco, selection 907 ripening 700 selection, U. S. D. A 197 and plant introduction, U. S. D.A 1012 by specific weight 555 of potatoes 1039 salt-water method 1047 testing, Iowa 54, 259 notes, U. S. D. A 555 regulations 1046 Seeding grass lands 432 Seeds, abstracts of articles 53, 258, 358, 553, 644, 759, 966, 1046 analyses 259 composition of proteids 607 dispersal 361,1049 distribution, Cal 253,963 by winds 553 Seeds, germination as affected by- age 9G7 ether 1048 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1191 Page. Seeds, germination as affected l>,v— cont'd. fertilizers 645 hi mnis acids 645 nitrate of soda. Can 849 ■water 760 Seeds, germination media ' 554 hard, germination ">4 heat of imbibition in germination . . . 358 maturity 555 sectioning 418 vegetable, homegrown vs. northern, La 547 viability 555 vitality as affected by water 75'.) tests, Conn. State 258 Seepage water from canals, Colo 795 Seismic and oceanic noises, U. S. D. A. . . 325, 1018 Selandria caryce, notes, N. J 458 Xev 164 cerasi, notes 165 Selection in its relation to horticulture.. . 153, 354 Selidotema configurata, notes 372 lach rymosa, notes 372 Semaquir, notes, F. S. D. A 124 Semasia nigricana, notes, Can 866 Separator slime, investigations 186 Sepiolite, analyses, Cal 229 Septicaemia in geese 497 Septoglceum aracliidis, notes 363 Septoria cerasina, notes, Mass. Hatch 649 curvata on Eobinia 764 glumarium, notes, Md 864 graminum, parasitic, on winter wheat 452 helianthi, notes, X. T. State 260 lycopersici, notes, X . J 445 Ohio 362 oehroleuea, notes, Mass. Hatch 649 parasitica, notes 365 petroselini apii, notes, Conn. State. 265 piricola, notes, X. T. Cornell 450 '•Sereh" disease of sugar cane 57,457 Serum, antitoxic, for hog cholera 496 Serums, experiments 896 Service berries, notes, Mich 49 Sesame cake, effect on butter 586, 587 notes 884 oil cake, effect on butter 685, 686 detection in olive oil 413 Srun nia nonagrioides, notes 167 8esia rutilans, notes, Wash 867 tipuUformis, notes, Xev 164 Wash 869 Setaria, culture 349 Selaria italica, notes, S. Dak 629 germaniea, notes, S.Dak... 629 Sewage, absorption by soils 618 analyses 413 Mass.Hatch 1033 disposal 19*5 farms of Freiburg, Baden 98 Sex, appearance in fungi 23 determination and regulation in animals 522 in plants 519 Shade, effect on garden crops, X.J 435 growth of leaves 612 Page. Shade, effect on plant diseases, X..I 435 vegetal ion 610 trees, care, Wyo 965 insects, affecting, Iowa 272 notes, Cal 252,258 She< le's green vs. Paris green as an insecti- cide, X. Y. State 268 Sheep, digestion experiments ... 71, 47;;, 1082, 1083 Mass.Hatch. 473 Me 879 N.V. Stale... 477 NIC 348,667 dips, experiments, Ind 296 Echinococcus multilocularis in 95 feeding experiments 281, 772,776,780,985, 1084 poisonous plants. U. S. 1). A . 793 fescue, culture experiments, Cal 244 tluko, preventive remedies 93 foot and mouth disease 094 grazing, effect on forest growth. U. S. D. A 52 infectious pneumonia 4'.i7 malignant foot disease 694 metabolism experiments 1083 of different breeds, weight of fleece, Can 282 parasites, Ohio 594 pastures, fertilizing 1085 pernicious and epizootic anaemia .... 95 poisoning by larkspur, Mont 391 pseudotuberculosis 192 purslane, culture experiments, <'al.. 244 raising for mutton, Wis 776 in Argentina 282 scab, investigations, U.S I). A 998 mite, notes 895 treatment, F S. I >. A 793 staggers 694 Shell marl, analyses, X. J 1031 rock, analyses, Cal 229, 235 Shells, analyses, Tex 194 Ships, rainfall measurements, U. S. D. A 419 Shorts, analyses, Cal 276 and bran, digestibility, Utah 180 corn meal for pigs. Ind 674 Shot borer, Can 866 hole fungus, treatment, Utah 661 Shrew, broad-nosed, distribution and use.. 25 Cooper's, distribution and use 25 short-tailed, distribution and use .. 25 Shrikes, food, TJ. S. D. A 726 Shrubby St. John's worts 552 Shrubs and trees, winter protection 963 for the seaside 440 garden, notes, Cal 254 nat ive 48 ornamental, cultivated for their flowers 153 propagation 153 Side-oats grama, notes, U. S. D. A '■'■i''- Silage, Mich 182 analyses, Conn, Storrs 678 End 278 N.J 474 1192 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Silage, and silos, K. Y. State 244 barley, analyses, Cal 276 cowpea 847 digestibility, Me 830 making and feeding 43 mixed, digestibility, Me 879 sugar-beet pulp, analyses, Cal 276 vs. mixed feed for butter production, Can 286 Silicic acid in water, determination 118 relation to lodging of cereals - . . 929 Silkworm cocoons, properties 871 Silos and silage 43 construction, Mich 196 Silpha bit ulicrosa, notes, Can 866 opaca, notes, U. S. D. A 65 Silvanus surinamensis, notes 1067 Conn. State ... 273 Silver-pine tortricid injury to Douglas spruce, U.S.D.A 570 Simbiosis and parasitism 416 Sinapis alba, notes 349 a rvensis, notes 1049 Sinuate pear borer, notes, N.J 457 Siphonophora avenas, notes 164 Can 866 S.Dak 460 citrifolii, notes 769 Sirup, analyses, Conn. State 281 manufacture from cane, Fla 347 Sisal, culture in Mexico 246 Sisymbrium altissimum, notes, Mich 121 Sites, residential, and environments 153 Sitoclrepa panicea, notes, TT. S. D. A 62 Sitos, analyses 1088 digestibility 1088 Skim milk, addition to whole milk 90 and starch for calves 780 whey, fermentation product 1097 digestibility, Me 880 food value 74 for chickens, Ind 677 chicks, TT. S. D. A 698 milch cows 487 pigs, Utah 986 utilization 91 vs. whole milk for calves, Utah. 989 Skunk, distribution and use 25 Sky in path of eclipse of sun, probable state, U.S.D.A 827 Slag, phosphatic, solubility 35 Slug, pear 1 65 Utah 661 Slugs and snails, Mich 168 rose, Mich 168 Smallfruits, cooperative experiments, Miss. 48 cultivation, N. Dak 97 culture 152 notes, Cal 254 N. Y. State 48 varieties, N. H 440 Smartweed, purple, notes, Iowa 1048 Smilia misella, parasitic on San Jos6 scale. 1064 Smodieum cucujiforme, notes 168 Smoke, effect on tuberculosis bacilli in meat 597 Page. Smut and blight of cereals 653 fungus, of onions, N. J 445 of barley, Md 633 N.H 453 prevention 156 corn, Ind 264 grain, prevention, Idaho 559 grains, treatment, N. Dak 361 oats, N.H 453 prevention, Ala. College 740 treatment, Kans 344 Wis 762 onions, experiments 1050 sugar cane 57 wheat, Can 633 Md 864 treatment 267, 836 spores, germinati ve power 561 Smuts of grain, cause and prevention, U. S. D.A 154 Snail clover, culture experiments, Cal 245 Sneezeweed, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Snow, distribution, U. S. D. A 1018 in river basins of Russia 327 on-the-mountain, notes, U. S. D. A. . . 516 rollers, U. S. D. A 124 Snowfall and sunshine, U. S. D. A 124 normal, U. S. D. A 327 Snowy tree cricket, Nev 164 Soap as a disinfectant 795 boilers' "potash," analyses, Conn. State 230 for embedding plant tissues 321 powdered, as a cause of death among swill-fed hogs, N. Y. Cornell 694 Society for Plant Morphology and Physi- ology, convention 824 Rational Feeding of Farm Ani- mals, convention 1089 Soda vs. potash as a fertilizer, R. I 738, 938 Sodium bisulphate for preservation of ma- nure 133 carbonato, analyses, R. 1 919 chlorid for carnation rust, N. Y. State 453 determination 117 nitrate 732 analyses, Conn. State 230 Mass. Hatch 428 N.J 426,1031 and soil exhaustion 623 crisis in Chile and guano trade in Peru 136 detection of perchlorate 918 determination of perchlo- rates 410,716 effect 235,533 on rye 235 for vegetables 639 industry 623 injurious effect 235 statistics 427, 735 vs. ammonium salts as a fer- tilizer 135 sulphate for wheat '848 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1193 Sodium nitrate vs. fish guano for barley and .sugar beets 054 Soft scale, notes 569 Soil acidity, effect on plant growth 117, 128 analysis as a means of determining the potash requirements of the soil 335 development and relation to agriculture 831 objects and methods 129 value 933 and crop as affected by fertilizers 245 availability of phosphoric acid 32 bacteria as affected by atmospheric agents 934 liberating nitrogen 620 relation to agriculture, Del. . 334 bacterial life 532 cultivation 731 drainage 731 exhaustion and sodium nitrate 623 fertility, as affected by — carbon bisulphid 831 cultivation 1020 loss, U. S. D. A 197 maintenance, X. Dak 97 fertilizing 235 from Indian burial ground, analyses. Cal 235 humus, X. Dak 129 infection for prevention of potato scab. 456 inoculation 135 experiments on lupines 1012 with bacteria 532 moisture, TJ. S. D. A 999 and fertility, effect on devel- opment of oats 737 as affected by — cultivation, S. Dak 424 different crops 539 tillage 730 at different depths, Iowa 28 conservation, Cal 617 determination by electrical method, U. S. D. A 30 observations 620 retention, U. S. D. A 523 variations, ( Ian 229 nitrate-bearing, analyses 731 preparation for sugar beets 147 pulverization 731 temperature as affected by forests 442 inltaly 130 temperatures 616 Colo 1030 Mich 130 X.Y.State 229,1031 as affected by coverings. 424 in Norway 618 Sweden 424 tests with beets, clover, and grasses, E.I- 938 corn, Mass. Hatch 626 fertilizers, K.I 937 Tenn 27 plants. R.I 937 Soil treatment 731 water, utilization of phosphoric arid . . 929 Soiling crops fur milch cows, X.J 483 Soils, abstract of articles 26, 125, 225, 328, 420, 523, 017, 727, 827, 930, 1020 acid, as affected by lime, I:. I 939 liming, Ala. College 425 alkali, analyses, Cal 226 plants for, Cal 222 alluvial, La 330 analyses 421 Ariz 420 Cal 229 Can 828 X.Dak 315 U.S.D.A 525 Wis 729 and crops, chemistry, Okla*. 348 fertilizers 1031 peat, nitrogenous compounds 1031 as affected by atmospheric precipita- tion 125 frost 832 lime, Can " 228 U.S.D.A 335 bluff, La 330 calcareous efflorescence 831 capillary rise of water, Can 228 chernozem, of Russia, analysis 333 clay, fertilizer experiments, Ind 275 determination of agricultural value . . 1031 phosphoric acid 714 potash, Del 134, 514 salt content by elec- trical method, U. S. D. A 30 Division, U. S. D. A 30, 328, 1026 effect of physical properties on plant growth 128 exhibited by Geological Survey of Japan, analyses 229 experiments with humates 333 fertility. U.S.D.A 999 fertilizer requirements 1031,1033. 1034 humus, U. S. D. A 397 inoculation experiments 731 liming 427 marsh, U. S. D. A 397 analyses 136 examination 130 mechanical analyses. U. S. D. A 1027 movement of water 727 muck, U.S. D.A 397 nitrogen content 829 as affected by crops and manures 426 notes, Miss 316 of Belgium, analyses 1031 Carmargue, composition 531 Crau, analyses 130 Florida, analyses. Fla 227 [J.S. D.A 330 chemical study, Fla 226 description, I'.s. I). A 328 moisture determination, U. S.D.A 330 1194 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Soils of Hawaiian Islands- analyses 526 availability and loss of plant food 527 fertilizer experiments 1021 origin and nature 525 India, analyses 422 composition 421 Iowa, analyses 28 Jamaica, analyses 933 Lake Temiscaming, analyses, Can . 229 Oregon, analyses, Oreg 332 fertility, Oreg 331 Eussia, analyses 229, 333 catalogue 229 studies 421 San Joaquin Valley Substation, de- scription and analyses, Cal 229 South Africa, analyses 827 Tennessee, analyses 26 survey, Teun 26 Texas, analyses 126 Utah, analyses, Utah 31 Wisconsin pine barrens, pot experi- ments, Wis 730 Wyoming, moisture content, Wyo. 29 physical properties 423, 831 recent works 229 relation between physical constitu- tion and chemical composition 31 review of literature 334 sandy, as affected by lime and marl. . 940 steam sterilizer, Jonn. State 265 swamp, U. S. D. A 397 tobacco, U. S. D. A 531 worn, availability of plant food, Ind 275 Solanin in potatoes 1005 external indication 953 Solarium dulcamara, notes, U. S. D. A 516 melongena, notes 853 nigrum, notes, U. S. D. A 516 triflorum, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Solar light, diffused, effect on plant growth . 125 radiation 616 Solvayhall ' ' hartsalz, ' ' agricultural value . 427 Song birds, as affected by approaching storms, U. S. D. A 419 Sooty mold, treatment 861 Sophora japonica, notes 53 Sorex cooper i, notes 25 platyrhinun, notes 25 Sorghum, analyses, Del 345, 515 as a forage crop 147 blight, bacteria 562 notes 456 culture, Tex 838 experiments, Cal 244 Del 345 Nebr 430 Okla 340 seed, insect injuries, U. S. D. A. . . 1063 sugar content, Del 345 varieties, Cal 245 Sorghum saccharatum, notes 417 Sorrel, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Page. Soudanese grass, analyses 184 Sour grass, digestibility 1082 vs. clover ha}- for milk produc- tion 1083 South Carolina College, notes 300, 600, 899 rock, dissolved, analyses, N.J 426 Station, bulletins 396, 590, 593, 624, 631, 644, 763, 842 notes .... 300, 600, 699, 899 South Dakota Station, bulletins 145, 424, 460, 629, 639 financial statement.. 797 report 797 Sow's milk, analyses, Wis 783 Soy bean, proteids, Conn. State 218, 219 vines, analyses, N. J 474 beans, analyses, N. J 946 culture 43 U.S.D.A 542 experiments, Nebr 430 Okla 340 for pigs 1086 Spanwurm, cranberry 569 Sparrows, feeding habits, N. H 726 Spaying cows 488 Spelt and wheat, crossing 826 Spermatophy tes, organography 23 Spermophiles, investigations, Wash 727 Sphaceloma ampelinum, notes 763 Sphcerococcus sylvestris in Massachusetts . . . 77U Sphcerophila coccophila parasitic on San Jose scale, Can 861 Sphmropsis malorum, notes 653, 865 Sphcerotheca castagnei, notes 971 mali, notes 763 pannosa on peach trees 764 Sphenophorus saechari, notes 975 sculptiliss, notes, U. S. D. A . . . 1059 Sphinx albescent, notes, Wash 867 (Protoparce) Carolina, notes, U. S. D. A 66 Spider, red 105, 373 Mich 168 Nev 164 N. T. State 268, 270 Utah 661 webs, floating, U. S. D. A 1018 Spiders, new 273 Spilosoma virginica, notes, Conn. State 273 Spinach carrion beetle, Can 866 leafspot,N.J 445 New Zealand, Cal 254 notes, La 547 undetermined disease, N. J 445 Spirits from cellulose and wood 116 Spirogyra, nucleolus 612 Spizella socialis, notes, N. H 726 Splenic fever bacilli, effect of water 596 Splitting of fruits and tubers 519 Spodoptera kunzei, notes 372 Sporangia, development upon fern protballia 223 Spore formation iu Russian yeasts 224 Spores, germination as affected by ether 1048 Sporidia of Ustilago maydis, structure 725 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1195 Page. Sporobolus cryptandrus, notes, U. S. T). A. . . 343 ilnnnmondii. notes, U. S. D. A.. 343 palm eri, notes, U. S. D. A 516 simplex, notes, U. S. D. A 516 thurberi, notes, U. S. D. A 510 Sporotrichum globuliferum, notes 59 Nebr 273 TJ.S.D.A. 1070 Spot, black, of tomatoes, Fla 1053 eye, of sugar cane 57 leaf, of alfalfa, Iowa 58, 263 apples 763 N. H 453 N.Y. State 260 Pa 1042 beets, N.J 447 celery, Can 861 Conn. State 265 cherries, 1ST. Y. State 265 chestnut, Mass. Hatch 649 eggplants, N. J 446 hollyhocks, N. J 448 linden, N. Y. State 260 pears, N. Y. Cornell 450 plums, N. Y. State 265 spinach, N. J 445 sugar cane 57 tobacco 1058 tomatoes 456 violets, N. J 449 wild black cherry, Mass. Hatch 649 red, of sugar cane 57 ring, of sugar cane 57 yellow, of sugar cane 57 Spotted apple-tree borer.remedies.U.S.D. A. 655 blister beetle, S. Dak 460 Spray calendar, Ind 157 Kans 370 Mass. Hatch 457 Mich 470 W.Va 374 Spraying apparatus — description and use, Conn. State 60 Fla 369 Mich 169 Va 771 tests, N.J 458 Spraying experiments on cucumbers, N. Y. State 454 for codling moth, Nebr 464 N. Y. Cornell . . . 462 cottonwood-leaf beetle, N. Y. State 407 San Jose scale, N . Y. Cornell . . 408 instructions 502 orchards, Can 870 peach trees, Ohio 558 Spreading nightshade, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Spring vetch, digestibility 1082 water, analyses, Cal 228 wheat, broadcasting vs. drilling, Can. 239 seed, selection, Can 240 seeding at different dates, Can 239 varieties, Can 239 Spruce-bark beetle, U. S. D. A 1060 gall louse 769 mite, U.S.D. A 1059 trees, growth 357 Square-pod pea, culture experiments, Cal . . 245 Squash borer, remedies, N. Y. State 270 bug 165, 767 N.H 459 Squashes, notes, Cal 254 La 547 varieties, S. Dak 639 Squirrel tail grass, culture experiments, Cal. 244 notes, Idaho 760 Staggerbnsh, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Staggers in sheep 694 Standard gravity, international, U. S. D. A . 1018 Staphylococcus pyogenes aureus, immuniza- tion 192 Star t histle, notes, U. S. 1 ). A 343 Starch and skim milk for calves 780 content of potatoes 847 digestibility 18 1 distribution as affected by fungi 923 formation in barley and malt 223, 417 from sweet potatoes, TJ. S. D. A 999 grain, studies 417 in cereals, determination 314 flour, determination 311 grains, determination 17, 20 mustard seed, determination 607 manufacture from maize in Russia. . 897 permanent stain 519 saccharification by amylase of malt. 110 Starches, commercial analysis 116 Starfish, analyses, R. 1 935 ash analyses Wash 716 Starry grasswort, notes, Ind 1043 Statistics, abstracts of articles 96, 196, 297, 397, 498, 599, 697, 797, 898, 999, 1097 agricultural, of Ontario 999 Russia 298 Division, U. S. D. A 97, 130,197,298,397,097,846 of agricultural institutions in Russia 298 land-grant colleges and agri- cultural experiment sta- tions 1001 world's production of cereals. 298 value to farmers, U. S. D. A 197 Steam sterilization of soil for destroying nematode worms, Mass. Hatch 1056 Steel, determination of phosphorus 314 Steer and heifer beef, ('. S. I). A 197 Steers, digestion experiments 669 Okla 983 Pa 1081 Utah 179,982 feeding experiments . 573, 574, 772, 773, 1078 Ark 673 Can 277,881,882 Minn 672 N. Dak 671 Pa 1079 metabolism experiments 669 1196 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Steers, metabolism experiments, Pa 1081 St. Elmo's lire, TJ.S.D. A ' 1018 Stem blight of potatoes, N. T. State 452 louse, willow, Nov 104 rot of carnations 561, 764, 1054 St iin less loco weed, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Stems, replacement by branches 223 Stenoscelis brevis, notes 168 Sterilization apparatus for laboratory 1005 by heat and high pressure 12.'? of milk 91, 792, 1096 in ust s and yeasts 322 Sterilized milk, preservation 91 Sterilizer, steam 520 for soils, Conn. State 265 Stink grass, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Stinking wattle, ash analyses 20 StUbum flavidum, notes, U. S. D. A 560 nanum, notes 971 Stipa minor, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 nelsoni, notes, TJ. S. D. A 516 williamsii, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Stipules, nature and origin 519 Stock and scion, reciprocal effect 637 feeding experiments 433 significance 711 principles, Wash 583 melons, culture experiments, Okla . . 340 food value, Okla 984 Stocks for grafting grapes 355 Stolley vetch, culture, TJ. S. D. A 542 Stomach worm, remedies, Ohio 595 Stomata, studies 121 Stone fruits, gumming 355, 457 Storksbill, analyses, Can 876 Storms, effect on song birds, U. S. D. A 419 mountain, TJ. S. D. A 124 Straw industry in Germany 433 nitrogen content 515 Strawberries, analyses 754 botany 640 culture 49, 439 Ala. College 552 Ky 355 Mich 1043 Ohio 150 Okla 46 W.Va 152 fertilizer experiments, N. J. . 434 hill vs. matted row culture, N.J 434 hybrid, culture experiments, Iowa 47 insects affecting, Ala. College. 552 Fla 367 irrigation 355 N.J 434 notes, La 547 Wis 757 varieties, Ala. College 552 Can 253 Ky 355 Mass. Hatch 436 Mich 49,1043 Miss 48 Page. Strawberries, varieties, N. H 49 N.J 434 N.T. State 255,962 Ohio 150 Okla 46 W.Va 152 Strawberry crown borer, Can 866 Fla 369 moth, Wasli 867 flea-beetle, Fla 369 leaf blight, Me 824 roller 165 Fla 309 rust, Colo 266 paniera 660 Fla 368 raspberry 758 Wis 757 root louse, Del 571 N. J 457 roots, Wis 720 tbrips , treat men t, Fla 867 weevil, Fla 369 N.J... 457 TJ. S. D. A 569 Strawboard waste, analyses, Ind 275 Street sweepings, analyses 832 Conn. State 337 TJ.S.D.A 832 as a fertilizer 832 TJ. S.D. A.. 832 Streptococcus equi, inoculation experiments 896 Striped cucumber beetle 165 TJ.S.D.A 570 remedies, La 548 N. T. State . 270 TJ.S.D.A 658 Stripper butter, U.S. D. A 698 Strix aluco, notes 521 Strongylus filet via, notes, Ohio 594 paradoxus in hogs 95 rufescens, Ohio 594 Stubble-field pasture vs. alfalfa for pigs, Mont 177 fields for pigs, TJ. S.D. A 397 turning under 623 Sturtovant, E. L., biographical sketch 301 Subsistence stores for F. S. Army 181 Subsoiling corn, Mich 146 Nobr 428 sugar beets, Wis 40 Subsurface packing corn, Nebr 429 Subwatering in greenhouses 855 Ind 264 TJ. S.D. A 397 Suck fly, remedies, Fla 1068 Suet, detection of vegetable oils 118 Sugar analysis, international commission for uniform methods 413 as a feeding stuff , 281 source of muscular energy 663 beet factories, analysis of waste water, Cal. 235 industry, Colo 246 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 1197 Sugar-beet industry, U. S. D. A 307 in United Kingdom .. 433 pulp, analyses, Cal 276 feeding value, Colo 240 silage, analyses, Cal 276 residue and molasses for milch cows 790 seed, production in Germany ... 847 beets after alfalfa 538 amount of juice 43 analyses 838, 840 Cal 246,276 Can 246 111 143 Ind 143 Kans 346 Minn 543 N.Mex 746 N.T.Cornell 144 N.Y.State 145 Ohio 346 Oreg 544 S.Dak 146 U.S.D.A 742 Utah 146 by digestion in water. 1005 as affected by alkali, Colo 743 drying, N. Mex.. 746- bacterial disease, Ind 264 cooperative experiments — Cal 246 Colo 240 Iowa 241,246 Kans 346 Xebr 246 Ohio 346 < >reg 544 Pa 40 Wis.. 39 in Norway 841 cost of growing. MT. Y. State . . . 145 Wis 39 culture experiments 43. (33 in Belgium 43 California -'45 Idaho 630 Illinois 143 Indiana 143,275 Iowa 241 Italy 842 Michigan 246 Nevada 631 New Mexico 246 New York 143, 145 North Carolina 636 Norway 43 Oklahoma 340 South Dakota 145 United Kingdom .. . 433 Utah 146 Wisconsin 39 Wyoming -546 diseases in Saxony 266 dry rot '•'', effect of drying, Colo 241 6736— No. 12 7 p >ge Sugar beets, effect of freezing, Colo I'll size on sngar content and purity, X. V. Cornell 14-1 feeding value, Colo 246 fertilizer experiments. .. 34, 534, 750, 839, - . N.T.Cor- nell ... 143 S.C .... 631 Wis 40 fish guano as a fertilizer 954 food value, V. S.D.A frequency of cultivation, N. V. Cornell 144 harvesting at different dates, X. Mex 7i". irrigation, Wash 545 notes, N.Dak 315 parasitic diseases 764 planting at different- dates, Minn 514 depths, Can 238 distance, 847, 1036 111 143 .Minn 544 preparation of soil 1 17 rich in sngar, composition .. 1036 root rot 865 swellings 1057 sampling, X. Mex 246 snbsoiling, 111 143 Wis 40 sugar content. Ill 143 Xebr 246 Pa 40 Wis 40 varieties 537,1037 Can 238,836,846, 1034 Iowa 241.246 S.C 631 S.Dak II.; !\ S.D.A 743 Wis 40 vs. diffusion residue for milk production 587 wet rot 156 cane amid 117 analyses 546 Ha 347 as affected by rain 929 black iot 57 borers of Java, U. S.D.A 570 cost of production 1038 culture. I'la 347 in India 847 determination of density 715 diseases 1057 in Antilles '.171,975 Java 57, 457 studies 266 " Dongkellan " disease 866 i \ c spcit 57 fertilizer experiments 41,547, 750 from seeds ;!",:' 1198 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Sugar i anc gumraosis 56 injurious animals 761 insects affecting 975 leaf 1 Mirers 661 miners 661 spot 57 leaves, analyses 678 lecithin 117 Lepidoptera injuring 167 parasites 570. 769 red rot 57 spoi 57 ring spot 57 root rot 57 rust 57 scale insects 661 selection of cuttings 546 "sereh " disease 57. 457, 764 smut 57 sour rot 57 sprouts, analyses 673 studies 433 top rot 57 varieties 41 yellow spiit 57 content of beets as affected by size ul' seed, N. Y. Cornell. . 144 green stalks of corn 116 plants as affected by light 1013 sorghum, Del 515 < ri ip and weather, U. S. D. A 419 determination 117 by electrical methods. 117 formation in barley and malt 223, 417 in army rations 884 meat and urine, determination 608 orange i>ecl 219 industry in British Guiana 98 inversion 313,918 invert, determination in molasses from beets aud sugar cane . . 96 of moisture . . . 117 manufacture from cane, Fla 347 maple borer 569 solutions prepared from wood, incom- plete fermentation 123 purification 716 vs. fat, food value 70 Sugars, commercial, analysis 96 Sulfurin, effect on potato plants 560 for potato scab 1058 Sulla, description and history 43 Sulphate of potash. (See Potassium sul- phate.) Sulphur and granulated tobacco, analyses, N. J 426 anhydrid effect on plants in the greenhouse 417 effect on root tubercles 22 for celery-leaf blight. Conn. State. . 265 spot, Conn. State 265 potato diseases 1051 scab, N.J 444 R.I 967 Sulphur for rose mildew ,nt tomato disease, Fla ln.~,4 in plants, determination rains, U. S.T>. A 124 ps. corrosive sublimate for potato scab.Ky 364 Sulphured fruits, examination, Cal 255 Sulphuric acid as a reagent in the analysis of fatty acids !15 effect on germination of hard seeds 54 for anthracnose of grapes... 156 in wine and vinegar, deter- mination 412 volumetric ill-termination. . . 314 Sumac, adulteration 1005 poison, notes, U. S. D. A 5i6 Sumacs, hardy, culture 641 Sun, observations in France relation to nature 613 spots and weather 1020 total eclipse, May 28, 1900, 1'. S. I). A . . . 419 Sunflower disease caused by Puccinia heli- cal thi, X. Y. State 260 disease caused by Septoria hiii- antki, N. Y. State 260 seed cake, digestibility 10o3 for sheep Sunlluwers, cultivation aud utilization 147 culture experiments, Cal 244 notes, Idaho 760 U.S.D. A 343,397 varieties. Can 238 Sunrise and sunset cloud phenomena, I". S. 1). A 1018 Sunshine and cloudiness in Nebraska 616 snowfall, U. S. D. A 124, 327 Superphosphate for barley 244 production and consump- tion 533 Superphosphates — analyses, N. J 1031 determination of metaphosphoric and pyroph.ospb.oric acids 19 phosphoric acid. . . 410, 513 drying 735 grinding apparatus 136 methods of detecting adulteration 10nJ; nitrogenous, analyses, Conn. State 230 Swamp soils, U.S.D. A 397 Wis 728 Swedes and turnips, club root 155 Swedish seed-control stations, reports 259. lit, 554 turnips, culture experiments, Can 237,238 fertilizer experiments . 848 thinning. Can 238 varieties, Can 237 Sweet corn, bacterial disease 862 notes, La 547 souring 123 varieties, N. H 354 vs. dent corn for milch cows. Can 290 IM»K\ OP SUBJECTS. 1199 Sweet peas, cull ure 4y improvement 352 notes. X.J 44g potato prodenia, remedies, Fla 972 potatoes, culture fertilizer experim< nts, I uotes, La 547 storing 47 vs. corn meal for pigs, Ala. College 579 Swim-, fecundity, Ind TT.S.D.A 999 feeding experiments plague antitoxin experiments 693 in Portugal 999 notes, Iowa 290 S. C 396 potatoes for 83 statist ies, Can 88.3 Switch grass, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Sycamore disease caused by Glaeosporium nervisequum, X. Y. State leaf blight, Mass. Hatch G49 Synthesis of proteids by plants 7^0 1a vulgaris, mildew 207 Syringe for bacteriological purposes 12:! Syroma ' ■■ marginatum, notes, I". S. 1). A . . 05 Syrphus flies, notes 768 sp. parasitic ou white-pine Cher- mes Tachinidae of America north ofMexico, revi- sion. U. S.D. A G6 Tagasaste, culture experiments. Cal 245 Taka diastase, notes 1017 Tall-oat grass, culture experiments, Cal.. 244, 215 Tallow weed, notes. U. S. D. A 147 Tank:.. State 230 . Hatch , X.H 36 N.J 420, 1031 R.I 919 Tannic acid in coffee, detenu i nation - Tannin, determination 20, 1 16, extracts, commercial value 96 optical properties 1 1 * • preparation 90 Tanning materials, ash anal-, ses 219 :• d bj temperature 116, 4h! sampling and analysis 110.413 Tapestry moth. note.-. V. S. D. A 655 Tarnished plant hug 1066 Fla 308 Mich 168 TJ.SD.A 62 Taxodium dittiehum, notes, 1*. S. I). A 441 Tea adulteration 1089 blights 971 cult ur.- on Blai k Si a coast of the Trans Caucasus 253 districts of Subtropical regions of Asia effect of volatile extract on man 281 plant, diseases 168 insect pests 169 Teaching agriculture, Cal l eas. n lation andcaffein content Technical instruction for farm women L08 Technology, abstracts of articles.. 96, 194, aph service in West 1 1 D-A 41'J Telephone and kite, U.S I'.A . : Telfei ,7. otes Temperature and growth of \ ine as related to black 1 ■ Dome- measurements ..it action of sulphur on grapes 156 pening, Wis direction of plant its extraction of tan- ning tnatei , ■ 1 nation of inju- rious i !>. A 01 plant grow tfa 008 mi cream ripening, Can 1 nal, of trees 041 rations by kites, r. s. 1>. A of cattle, variations. Mich . . . laki - 1). A plants 921 soil as affected by—. coverings (24 442 soils. Colo 1030 Mich 130 X. X*. State i ible, effect on produc- tivity of farm animals . Temperatures for physiolog imen tation 613 ile. D. S. I> .V Teneb) ■ in w heat I ssee Station, bulletins - notes report ' I Tent caterpillar, Can Kans X. II IS. D. A Vt apple 1067 forest 1067 remedies, Pa Tenthi I " Sber, au Hat. h . . . Teosinte, culture experiments Cal 211 Tephrids tryoni, notes H Teranti M ioh ■ Ide Termites, constitution and development.. 1200 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Tetanus antitoxin immunity of chickens 407 onia expansa, notes, Cal -54 Tetramoi ium ccetpitum, Dotes, TJ. S. D. A... 654 Tetranychux sp., notes 1C5 r.S.D.A 65 tela Hits, notes Mich 108 Nev 164 N. Y. State 268 r.S.D.A 65 Vetraopi s ft moratus, method of egg deposi- tion, TJ. S. D. A 65 Texas blue grass, culture experiments, Cal . -45 ( '. ,1 Lege, notes 100, 199, 800, 1000 crowfoot, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 fever and the cattle tick, La 389 cont rol, Ark 595 inoculation experiments, La . . . 389 Miss. 390 notes, Iowa 296 Kans 190 Mo 95 itch, remedies. Kans :.. ISO Station, bulletins 125, 194,342,838 notes 199,800 report 1020,1098 Text-book of botany 611 microphotography 321 physiological chemistry 820 Thanoclerus sanguineus, notes 168 Theridium subterraneum, notes 273 Thermo regulator, new 322 Thermometer, air, new form 125 Thermopsis arenosa, notes 22 divaricate/, notes 22 Thermoscope, chemical, U. S. 1). A 1018 Thermostat for gas pressure 608 Tkielaviopsis ethaceticus, notes 57 Thinning fruits 152, 354 Can.... 848 N. Y.State 254 peaches 152 Thistle, Canada, Idaho 760 Russian, Idaho 760 Iowa 64G Wash 70o Thomas slag, agricultural value 35 analyses, 11. 1 919 determination of citrate-solu- ble phosphoric acid 17,714 determination of phosphoric acid 19, 1004 insoluble residue Iuu4 production and consumption. 533 vs. Wiborgh phosphate as a fertilizer 33. 34 Threadworm, red, Ohio 594 white, Ohio 594 Thrips. grape 165 notes, Fla 367 Mich 168 onion, Fla 868 N. Y. Stale 27(1 st rawberry, Fla 867 Page. Thrips tabaei, notes loGO Fla 868 tritici, notes, Fla 807 Thunder, distant, l". S. D. A 1018 Thunderstorm of September 17, 1895, U. S. D.A 1018 periods as affected by prox- imity to the sea, V. S. It. A. 1018 Thunderstorms in ( California, U. S. D. A 124 New Brunswick, Canada, r.S.D.A 124 Thyboe cheese, manufacture- 189 Thyridopteryx ephemeraformis, notes, TJ. S. D. A 62 Tibi, biological investigations 1017 Tickle grass, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Tidal waves, protection against by forests. . 443 TUia cor data, notes 358 Tillage, effect on productivity 711 soil moisture 730 Tilsiter cheese, manufacture 892, 1097 Timber beetle, lie 871 durability, r.S.D.A 142 method of determining when to cut. 358 physics, r . S. D. A 195 preservation 965 standing, estimation of quantity . . . 644 time of cutting, W. Va 1007 trees, uotes, Cal -.. . 254, 258 Timothy and Jamaica hay, food value 245 billbug, notes, TJ. S. D. A 1059 digestibility 1082 fertilizer experiments, Ohio 950 hay, analyses, N.J 474 digestibility, Md 76 X.C 668 Utah 180 leaf miner, uotes, TJ . S. D. A 1 '59 rust 316 wild, notes, r.S.D.A 343 Tin roots as lightning conductors, TJ. S. D.A 325,326 Tint a pellionella, notes, TJ. S. D. A 655 Tineid moth, notes, r.S.D.A 571 I mi i. hi biselliella, notes. U. S.D. A 655 Tipula oleracea, notes, TJ. S. D. A 65 Tires on farm wagons 697 Titration for determination of phosphoric acid 117 method, new. for glucose, galac- tose, and other reducing bodies. 117 Tmetocera i '/•■liana, notes, Mich 766 Wash 867 Toads, economic value, LT. S. D. A 999 Tobacco as a perennial 148 Cuban, in Florida 4:j culture 43, 547. 955 Can 147 Mass. Hatch 636 U.S.D.A 547 experiments, Can 842 in Sumatra, TJ. S. D. A 545 curing 43, 750 Conn.Stato 242 U.S.D.A 148 INDEX OF SUBJEC I S. 1201 I'aga Tobacco c utworras, Mass. Hatch Md decoction for suck fly, Flu 1068 determination of nonvolatile 01 acids 1004 fermentation 1014 Conn. State 243 fertilizer experiments Can 842 Conn.State 242 flea-beetl< . notes, D S. D. A for aphis 470 granulated and sulphur, anal X..T 420 industry in Pennsylvania 240 insects affecting Ha 1068 leaf miiicr. notes. 460 remedies, Fla 1069 9pot, eau si' 1o",8 new plant louse 770 preparation of seed bed 246,955 refuse, analyses, Mass Hatch 428 seed, selection 967 smoking, nicotin content 413 soils, C.S.D. A stems, analyses, Conn, state 230 Mass. Hatch .. 428. 1033 N.J 426 topping, Can 842 varieties 340 A la. Canebrake 029 Cal 245 Can 148 worm, natural enemies, Fla loos remedies. Fla 1068 Tomato am hracnost . N.J 445 black no. treatment, Fla spot treatment, Fla 1053 blight, Fla 971 bacterial 000 fnngns 600 fruit rot, notes 456 leal blight, Ohio treatment, Md N.J 44.'. spot 450 louse X.J 457 rust, Fla !»71 treatment, Fla 1053 remedies, Fla worm. Nei 164 Wash 807 Tomatoes, i nit ore. U. S.D. A fertilizer experiments Conn. State. 240 Fa 548 fertilizing constituents removed from soil bj , Conn State 247 forcing, Fans 149 injury by plant le e, U. S. D. A .. -''70 notes.Cal 254 La 547 varieties Cans 1-19 Md :-i Mich 48 Tomatoes, \ an. lies, S. Dak Wis 751 Tornado at Hampton Beach, N. II., July 4. 1898 419 of January 12. 1898, at Fori Smith, Ark., TJ. S. D. A 124 Tornadoes, origin, TJ. S. D. A 1018 Tortoisi beetle, notes, N. J 458 Tortrix resinella, notes 770 Toxins and antitoxins, antagonism 597 Toxotus schaumii, notes 108 Tin hi > tespini, notes purilla on sugar cam- 365 Transpiration as affected by gases effect of surface tension and cohesion 22 of Halophytes 23 plants dependence cm , cl condil ion- study 117 Transportation rates for agricultural prod nets. F.S. II. A 298 Treasurer, report, Cal 297 Iowa. 297 N.Dak N. 5 . Cornell 697 X. V. State Ohio 96 Tenn 190 Wyo 999 1 ree cricket, snowy, Nev 164 diseases 374 growth as affected by local conditions 258 hopper, buffalo, Nev 104 planting in desert places 443 Nebraska 856 public streets 443 the plains, IT. S. I>. A 043 Trees and si i runs ornamental N. Dak 97 winter proic c ion annual-growth rings 417 ficial root pressure, Wis 751 equilibrium between top and root 223 experiments with uniform tempera- ture 616 for rocky soils 1046 street planting around San Fran- Ray, Cal 223 foreign, for German forests 1046 forest cnlture experiments in Bava- ria 53 growth life history 143 of Nebraska 644 resinous ,r,2 si/e in Nebraska 964 impregnating with coloring solution internal temperature! 643 movement ofwater 618 ornamental, cultivated for their flow- ers. ' ■'» ornamental, for Maine 1202 EXI'KRIMKNT STATION RECORD. Page. Trees, parasitic fungi 260 periodicitj ingrowth 966 planting, Nebr 637 relation lift ween growth rings and annual rings — 642 shade and forest, care. "Wyo 965 notes, Cal 2:>2. 23* shrubs, and climbers, selection and disposition 49 timber, notes, Cal 252,258 transplanting, V. S. D. A 999 variation in elevation of branches . . . 612 7V* mex columba, notes 168 Triboliumferrugineum, notes, Fla 973 madens, notes, U. S. D. A 66 Tricalcium phosphate, solubility in water. 218 Trichina, identification 999 life history • 193 wandering, in hogs 95 Trichina-, German inspection 497 Trii kina spiralis, studies 93 Trichoba/ris trinotata, notes, TJ. S. D. A . . . . 66 Trichogram/ma pretiosa, notes 165 Tricholoma nudum, culture experiments... 320 Trichophaga tapetzella, notes. V. S. D. A 655 Trichophyta, new, which produces herpes in horses 497 Triehosphceria sacchari, notes 971 undervioodii, notes 725 Trifolium medium, culture experimenls, Cal 244 notes 725 pannonicum, analyses 72 pratense, analyses 72 perenne, note? 725 ..analyses 72 notes, Cal 244 skioldii, analyses. Cal 27C Triodia albescens, not 68, U.S. I >. A 343 seslerioides, notes, TJ. S. D. A 343 Triozrt diospyri, notes, U. S. D. A 570 Trisetum argenteum. notes, TJ. K.D. A 516 Trogosita corticalis, notes 168 Truck farming, Fla 853 Truffles, germination of spores 23 Trypeta canadensis, notes 1066 pomonella, notes 165 Can 866 Trystorp method of feeding skim milk 487 Tubercle bacilli and preventive serums, studies 495 ash analysis 1016 chemistry 794 comparison of human and bovine 690,691 for 1 ubereulin, U. S. D. A . 793 in butter 189, 888. 99.3, 1092 cheese 996 milk 286 Tubercles, root, as affected by sulphur 22 micro-organisms 318 Tubercularia persicina, notes, 1ST. J 651 Tuberculin, effect on milk production, N. Dak 395 experiments 192, 893, 894 Can 298,794 Page Tuberculin experiments, Mich ii'n,U.S.D. A seeds, \ itality t< si. Conn. State .. 258 Vegetables, cooking, r. s It. A 197 culture forcing grow in . I. Ma insects a Heeling 165 originating '■< swells in canned, I'. S. 1) A 197 tests, Mich 15] \ i _< tation as affected by shade 610 influenceon climate and rainfall role of phosphoric acid 122 Velvet bean 182,749 U.S. I> A botanical relationship 749 cull ure experiments, I. a 96 Ventilation, effeel on wintering bees, Can - Venturi meter Veratrum viride, notes. 1*. s. It A 516 1 erba c '• », note-. Ky 356 Verbena, wild, notes, CT.S.D. A Vermont College, notes Station, bulletin,.... 1,7 uutis Vespertilio gryphus, notes 25 otea Vetch, bird, U.S. I'. A 245 culture 432 Dakota, U.S. D. A - hairy, culture experiments ''a! 211 Nebr ... 430 1204 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Tage. Vetch, hairy, inoculation experiments, Ala. College 837 notes, Miss 547 kidney, digestibility 1082 proteids, Conn. State 214, 219 spring, digestibility 1082 stolley, notes, U. S. D. A 1 47, 5 12 winter, as a cover crop for orchards, N. Y. State 252 Vetches, cultivation, U. S. D. A 43, 245 Veterinarian of Pennsylvania, report 892 Virginia, report 396 report, Ala. Canebrake 896 Ind 290 Iowa 296 N. Y. Cornell 097 Veterinarians' exhibit at Paris Exposition, U.S.D.A 793 station and local, coopera- tion, U. S. D. A ... 793 on State boards of health, U. S. D. A . 793 Veterinary cooperative experiments, value, U.S.D.A 793 department of India, report. . . . 794 medicine, literature 755 medicines 896 science and practice, abstracts of articles 91, 190, 290, 389, 494, 594, 690, 793, 892, 998 Viability of winter spores of rust f uugi ... 57 Ticia altissima, analyses 72 cracca, notes, U. S. D. A 245 leavenviorthii, notes, TJ. S. D. A 147 villosa, notes, Cal 244 Vine worm, notes 509 Vinegar adulteration, N. C 1077 analyses, Conn. State 281 analysis 413 artificial, studies 79 bacteria 1016 determination of sulphuric acid.. . 412 from alcohol 79 percentages of reducing substances 79 "pure cider." N. Dak 181 Vineyards, management 355 Vinification in the province of Salta 152 Violet anthracuose, N. J 449 diseases, X.J 449 treatment 456, 457 leaf spot, N.J 449 mildew, N.J . 449 Violets, analyses, Conn. State 253 culture 356.855 experiments, N.J 449 Virginia Station, bulletins . 429, 771, 794, 1032, 1037 notes 399 Viscosimeter, Lamansky-Nobel 413 Yiticultural station of Neauphle-le-Chateau, observations at 152 Viticulture in Beaujolais 440 the province of Salta 152 modern 854 studies 49 Volta. memorial to, U. S. D. A 419 Page. Volumetric determination of copper 514 sodium 117 s u 1 phur i c acid 314 Voyage of La Perouse, notes, U. S. D. A .... 1018 Wagon tires, effect on draft, Mo 98 Wagons, dynamometer tests, Mich 195 Walnut-leaf spot 970 scale, English, Ca 100 Nev 164 wood, ash analyses, Can 232 Walnuts, California, analyses, Cal 255 culture 644 notes, Cal 254 Mich 49 Waring, George E.,,jr., biographical sketch. 499 "Wash bottle for microscopists 321 Washington College, notes 100? Station, bulletins 545, 550, 58 !, 59:: 736, 760, 867, 869 financial statement. . 798 notes... 399, 1000 report . . 716, 727, 735. 700, 798 Wasp parasite, V. S. D. A 570 solitary, notes 1065 Water, abstracts of articles 26, 125, 225, 328, 420, 523, 617, 727, 827, 930, 1020 aualyses 920 Cal 228,229,235 Miss 315 Nev 31 IS. Dak 129 E. 1 919 Wash 716 analysis methods 608 practical guide 716 artesian, of the Dakotas 130 avens, digestibility 1082 bacteriological examination, Del 520 baths for bacteriological laboratory . 322 chemical and bacteriological exami- nation 82 1, 920 cold vs. warm, for greenhouse plants, Wis 753 composition, effect on splenic fever bacilli 596 consumption by rice plants 1038 effect on excretion through the lungs.. 481 content of butter 1090 fruit trees 757 content of soil, effect on — ash in plants 1023 nitrogen in plants 1023 phosphoric acid in plants 1024 potash in plants 1024 courses as industrial aids 697 cress, notes, Fla 962 determination of hardness 16 nitrites 514,1004 organic substances 717 phosphoric acid... 16 silicic acid 118 drinking, microscopy 821 effect on germination of rice seed. . . 1006 INDKX OF SUB.Tl.i TS. 1205 Page. Wain-. effect mi germination of seeds 760 vitality of seeds 739 examination, X. Dak 315 for chemical puriticat ion, an.ih sia . 1005 greenhouse plants 758 temperature 75G irrigation, purification 1031 garden 758 grass, notes,*U. S.D. A 343 hemlock, notes', U". S. D. A 516 in butter and margarin, determina- tion 514 capillary tubes, surface tension .. 730 milk, determination 413,607 reservoirs, loss bj seepage and evaporation, Colo 597 soils, capillary rise, Can 228 movement 727 trees, movement 613 irrigation, required per ton of dry matter. Wis 748 lily leal' hopper, Mich L68 microscopic examination 515 of moor soils, studies 1031 wells, temperature 616 percolation in long columns of sand, Wis 7117 plant at Iowa State College 229 potable, purification 124 pure. U.S. D. A 197 purslane, notes, U. S. D. A 343 required in crop production, Wis. 740,748 requirements of cereals >i 35 resoun-es of Illinois . 130 role iii plant growth. 121 >!' plants, anatomy and physiology 1013 seepage from canals, Colo 795 supply, agricultural, /..-s 126 of farms, X. IT 730 Queensland, report 897 Russia, preservation .... 897 relation to animal diseasi - Ind 693 underground, in eastern Colorado 129 vapor, excretion through the lungs as affected by exercise 181 Watering plants 553 641 Watermelons, enii rue, ( ,a 14!» fertilizer experiments, Ga ... 150 La . . - 548 notes. Cal La 547 varieties, (la 150 S Dak 639 Waterspout at San Diego, U S.D. A o( S( ptember29 U.S. D. A ... L01€ Waterspouts, U. S. D. A 124 326 on the lakes, U.S. I'. A 410 Wax, determination of glycerin 315 Waxes, determination of value 920 Weather and storms of Malta I'.S.D.A 1018 ti crop, U.S. 1>. A 419 pots 1020 as related to moon U.S.D. A Mis Page Weather Bureau, tJ. s. D. A ..26, 124, 125, 32 327, 3 ob iiui. u.s. I). A 327 offi< e in X' Voi k Citj , re al. (J.S D.A .... 1618 officials, mil' enl ion a I Omaha, I .S.D. A.... 325, tin relation to universit and colleges, r. S. I>. A 1 1. A 328, 827 service in A la'ska, U. S. D.A 326 work, pract ical, I'.S.D.A 1018 Qgi 858 i in ( iregon, U.S.D. A ... freaks of the West Indies 327 guide, Australian, U. S. T). A 419 ofManila, U.S. D. A 326 observers, qualifications, U. S.D. A 1018 predictions, Smithsonian, U. S. D.A Review, Vol. XXVI U.S. D.A .. L24, U8 L017 • i rvice of Jamaica, U. S.D A ... signals, searchlighl for, U.S. D. A 124 Webbing clothes moth, U.S. D.A 655 Webworm, root, N. J 458 \'< eeds, abstracts of articles •". ;. 258, 6 1046 as food plants for noxious in -< distribution^ Cans 646 notes 360 Me 824 noxious, eradication 556, 1049 number of seed produced, Kans — 047 of California, Cal 223 cornfields, Iowa 1048 Idaho 700 Massachusetts. 54,647 perennial, vegetative propagation, Ivans 159 Weevil, cotton boll, U.S D. \ 659 pea, ( an 866 potato-bud, U.S. D. \ 01 strawberry, Fla 369 X.-I U.S.D.A 569 Weevils, parasites, U. S. D. A 571 Weights: mi measures in Porto Rico D. A Well water, analyses, Cal Can 831 Welluian polar expeditions U. S. D.A — West Indian weather service, 1 .S D.A 119 West \ irginia College, notes Station, bulletins 136, 152, 162,374 report L067, 1098 Westei n v. lo. it grass i i, 1 .S.D. \ Wei rot of potatoes 865,972 .!■ .-. Hatch >-S Whale-oil soap for plant lice, X. V. Slate. I S. D. \ .... 65 120<; EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Whale-oil soap for red spider, \. f.State .. 270 San Jose scale, Ga 160 X.J 162 N.T.Cor- nell.... 4158 Wheat, analyses, Ark '.Ml Ind 275 and corn for pigs, Ind 170 oats, ground, analyses, Can 876 spelt, crossing 826 as affected by lime, M<1 633 and row peas, Md 633 phosphoric acid 245 ash analyses, U. S. D. A 873 blighting, N. Dak 361 bran, analyses, Cal 276 Conn. Storrs 678 Mass. Hatch 474 Me 1089 N.J ■ 474 bread 582 chemistry, At k 94:! classification 847 continuous culture, Kans 142 crop of India. 98 cross breeding 750, 1013 culture 750 Can 830 Okla 945 Wash 735 experiments 43, 433 in New Brunswick 246 cutting at different stages, Can 633 distribution of gluten 779 drilling vs. broadcasting, Can 632 S.C 842 Utah 634 ear cockle, treatment 457 experiments, Ala. Canebrake 846 feed, analyses, Conn. Storrs 078 fertilizer experiments 148, 848 Can 835 Ind 843 Ky 842 Mo 44 Ohio 950 Va 1037 flour, analyses, N.J 475 detection of adulteration 80 maize flour 314 in rye flour, determination ... 281 prepared, analyses, X. J 475 food, analyses, N. J 475 for milling, requirements 1040 germination as affected by fertili- zers, N. C 349 gluten, albuminoid 917 grass, Japanese, culture experi- ments, Cal 245 western, notes. V. S. 1). A . 147. 34:: growing capacity of United States. 750 in Ohio 710 harvesting at successive stages ol ripeness, Mich its Wheat, Heine bearded square head "349 injuries by hail .* 847 insoluble oarhohydrates, U. S. D. A. 872 irrigation experiments 44 Utah 634 Medea 1: , history 44 middlings, analyses, Me 1089 midge 164 new hybrid 749 insect enemy 975 oil, st udies 821 potash sails for 023 preparation of land, Can 032 red rust, Ky 864 root disease 650 rotation experiments, Kans 142 rust 801 Md 804 seed, absorption of water, Wyo 1025 germination as affected by dif- ferent salts, Wyo 1026 selection, Can 632 seeding at different — dates, Can 032,830,840 Kans 142 Okla 045 Utah 034 depths. Can 836 rates, Can 032 ( )kla 945 "Wash 736 sum t, Md 864 prevention, Idaho 559 treatment, Can 207, 633, 836 soluble carbohydrates, U. S. 1>. A... 873 spring, broadcasting vs. drilling, Cau 239 Heine's variety, tests 44 seed, selection, Can 240 seeding at different dates. Can 239 varieties 537 Can 239 stem eel worm 105 maggot 164 studies 418 snbsoiling vs. surface plowing, Kans 142 testing milling qualities 349 varieties 148, 246, 530, 537, 547, 050. 103G Cal 244 Can 239 632, 836, 846, 1034 Ind 236 Kans 142 Ky 842 Md 033 X. Dak 340 Okla 045 Pa 41 S.C 842 Utah 032 Wash 735 winter, drilling vs. broadcas t i n g, Can 230 green manuring, Can 239 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. L207 Page Wheat, winter, harvesting ;it different dates, < ";i ii 240 parasites t.vj seed selection, ( !an 239 sen! ing at different- dates, Can 239 rates, Can 239 varieties 1 18, 536 Can 239 Whey but lev, analyses 7!)o manufacture 1096 food value 74 sweet vs. sour for pigs. Can '277 utilization 91 While bread, digestibility 375 clover, culture experiments, Cal 244 digestibility 1082 ermine moth, notes, Conn. Stale 273 fronted heron 93 grubs 165 Fla 369 Mich 168 X.J 457 of Allorkina nitida, U. S. D. A. 571 remedies 1064 horned Procerus, notes 1066 louse, notes 769 marked tussock moth 1066 mustard, culture and use 349 owl, notes 521 pepper, analyses, Conn. State 281 pine Chermes, remedies 1065 disease, note 363 distribution, Mich 1045 sawfly, Mich 766 sage, notes, U.S. D.A 343 scale. ]>ine. Mich 7(16 threadworm, Ohio 504 top grass, notes, U. S.D.A 343 Wild carrots, improvement by grafting .... 549 cherrj Leaves, poisonous properties, N. il 923' millet, notes, U. S. D. A 343 oats, notes, Idaho 760 U S.D.A 343 plant s. feeding to sheep, U. S. T». A . . . 793 rye, notes. U.S. D.A 343 notes, U. S. I>. A 343 timothy, notes, U.S. D.A 343 verbena, notes, 1". S. D. A 343 Willow . parasites (i53 stem louse, Nev 164 Willows, cross fertilization 23 for basket making, U. S.D.A 643 Wind deposits, composition <'>1'.> distribution of seeds 553 measurement, U. S.D.A 410 Windmill, calculation of work done. Wis .. 695 Windmills, studies 195 Winds and currents, Broun a law, U. S. I>. A 326 effect on nitrogen content of rain .. 827 Wine.analy sis 413 determination of sulphuric acid 412 diseases, ferments 123,1016 ferments 1015,1017 making in Russia 255 196 252 239 239 735 Wine making in tin Cauca as pure yeasts 96 report of Bessarabia E p. i i mem Station :t90 maladies, treatment :!9G micro-organisms -224 oitrogen content 315,515 spoiled, micro-organisms 1016 Wines, analyses bad, study [95 lactic-acid content 1017 sweet, polarimetric examination Winter fat, note,. I'.S. 1). A grain, varieties rye as a eo\ er crop for orchards, X. V. Slate vetch as a cover crop tor orchards, N. V. State wheat, drilling vs. broadcasting, Can green manuring. Can 239 harvesting al different date: Can 240 parasite 452 seed, selection, Can 239 seeding ;it different — dates, Can rates, < Ian \ arieties, Can Wash Wintering bees, Can 268 Mich 159 Winters, change, I'.S. D.A 1018 Wire, woven, for fences, Mont 196 Wireworms, notes, Mich 168 U.S.D.A Wisconsin Station, bulletins 39, 15, L36, 15! financial statement 798 notes 1099 report 720,727, : 730,735,740,741,746,751, 755. 757. 750. 762.77::. 771. 775,776,777,778,781,782, 785, 787, 790, 70:'. 707, 70s University, notes L099 Wolmrn Experimental Farm, experiments . 749 W I ashes, analyses, Conn. State Mass Hatch 428,623,1033 N..T 426, 1031 Wash 710 for apple orchards N. V. state 4:17 scab. N.v. State 152 gum in conifers, extraction 710 peach stones, determination . 7io the straw berry 716 of birch, determination 718 leopard moth, notes, N. J 457 pulp supplies and forestry 52 shrinkage ,;t 1 Mich 105 Woodchucks, destruction 5'2l Wood lands, ( 'town, of (ileal Britain II 3 Woods tor manufacture of paper pulp — of < !anada, ash anal] bos Wool combings, analyses, X.J 426 1208 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. Page. Wool scouring, N. Dak 194 washings, analyses, Mass. Hatch 623 waste, analyses. M. ass. Hatch 428 X..T 103] Woolly aphis, apple, Mich 766 Mo 68 Nev 164 TT.S.D.A 1060 remedies, Utah 661 loco weed, notes, IT. S. D. A 516 louse, apple, notes, N. Y. State 269 mullein, notes, Ky 359 plantain, notes, U. S. D. A 343 Wrecks and casualties on the Great Lakes, 1895-1*97. U.S.D.A 1 2f. Wyoming Station, bulletins 29, 44, 346, 947, 965, 1025 notes 100, 200, 300, 399, 800, 900, 1099 report 999 TTniversi ty , notes 200, 800, 900 Xiphidium, species 374 Xyelidse, notes 374 Xylan in covering of starch grain . 716 peach stones, determination 716 Xyleborut dispar, notes, Can 866 obesus, notes 168 perforans, notes 165, 975 Xylina antennata, notes 1067 Xylgcoccus betulce. notes, U. S. D. A „ 1062 Xiilotreelms quadrimaculatus, notes 168 X-rays, effect on germination of seed 358 living plant cell 122 Yearbook of the Department of Agricul- ture 51 6, 521 , 522, 52:'., 541, 542, 549, 551, 555, 570, 582, 598. 599 Page. Yeast, cytological studies 322 fermentation 25, 124, 322 form of apple, black rot 865 plant, nucleus 612 Yeasts and musts, sterilization 322 beer, variation 322 morphology 322 nuclear studies 123 pure, in wine making 96 red, studies 122 Russian, spore formation 224 use of selected 123 Yellow cross ling, notes 769 currant fly, Wash 869 lined plant bug, Mich 168 Newton apple, history 851 rocket, composition 1083 rust of grain 316 Yukon district, agricultural possibilities... 97 Zamia poisoning of cattle 497 Zebra and horse, crossing 679 caterpillar 165, 1067 Me 871 Mich 766 Xev 164 Zeugites pringlei, notes, U. S. D. A 516 Zinc in water 315 Zones. Watson's climatic 223 Zoologist of Pennsylvania, report 324 Zoology, abstracts of articles 23. 521. 726 Zophodia enn voluteUa, notes, U. S. D. A . '. . . . 65 Zweiback, analyses. X.J 175 Zygadenus paniculatus, poisoning cattle, \e v 297 Zygodesmus albidus, notes, N.J 449 275 U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF EXPERIMENT STATIONS Vol. X No. 5 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD WASH IXdTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1S«J9 U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Scientific Bureaus and Division*, Weather Bureau — Willis L. Moore, Chief. Bureau of Animax Industry — D. E. Salmon, Chief. Division op Statistics — J. Hyde, Statistician. Division of Entomology — L. O. Howard, Entomologist. Division of Chemistry — H. W. Wiley, Chemist. Division of Botany — E. V. Coville, Botanist. Division of Forestry — G. Pinchot, Chief. Division of Biological Survey — C. Hart Merriam, Biologist. Division of Pomology — G. B. Brackett, Pomologist. Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology — B. TV Galloway, Chief. Division of Soils— M. Whitney, Chief. Division of Agrostology — F. Lainson-Scribner, Chief. Office of Experiment Stations — A. C. True, Director. THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. Alabama — Auburn: College Station-, P. H. Mill.* Zfniontown : Canebralce Station; H. Benton. t Arizona — Tucson: C. S. Parsons.* Arkansas- Fayetteville : R. L. Bennett.* California — 'Berkeley. : E. W. Hilgard.* Colorado— Fort Collins : Alston Ellis.* Connecticut — New Iluven: State Station; S. W. Johnson.* Storm : Storrs Station; W. O. At- water.* Dllaware— Newark: A. T. Neale.* FLORIDA.— Lake City: W. F. Tocum.* ( ',:.< iRGIA— Eovperitnenji : E. J. Redding.* Idaho — Moscow: J. P. Blanton.* IiiLlSrois— Urbamd: E. Davenport.* Indiana— Lafdyette ,■ C. S. Plumb.* Iowa— Ames: C. F. Curtiss.* Kansas — Manhattan t Thos. E. Will.§ Kentucky — Lexington • M. A. Scovell.* LOUISIANA — Audiibuu l'ark, Xi'io Orleans: Sugar Station. Baton Rouge: State Station Calhuun: North Louisiana Station. W. C. Stubbs.* Maine— Orono .■ C. D. Woods.* Maryland — College Park : H. J. Patterson.* Massachusetts— Amherst: H. H. Goodell.* MICHIGAN — Agricultural College: C. D. Smith.* Minnesota— St. Anthony Park, St. Paul: W. M. Liggett.* Mississdppi — Agricultural College: W. L. Hutch- Missouri— Columbia: H. J. "Waters.* Montana — Bozeman : S. M. Emery.* Nebraska — Lincoln : G. E. MacLean.* Nevada— Reno : J. E. Stubbs.* New Hampshire— Durham : C. S. Mnrkland.J New Jersey — Xeiv Brunswick : E. B. Voorhees." New Mexico— Metilla Park: C. T. Jordan.* New York— Geneva: State Station, "W. H. Jor- dan.* Ithaca: Cornell University Station ; LP. Roberts.* North Carolina— Raleigh .- W. A. Withers.; North Dakota— Agricultural College: J. H. "Worst,* Ohio— Woo. iter : C. E. Thorne.* Oklahoma— Stillwater: G. E. Morrow.* Oregon— Corvallis : T. M. Gatch.* Pennsylvania— State Colle0e :■ H. P. Arinsby.* Rhode Island— Kingston .- A. A. Brigham. ' South Carolina— Clemson College: 11. S. Hart- zog.* South Dakota— Brookings .- J. H. Shepard.* Tennessee — KnoxviUe : Texas — College Station: J. H. Connell.* Utah— Logan : L. Foster.* Vermont — Burlington: J. L. Hills.* Virginia -Blacksburg : J. M. HcBryde.* Washington— Pullman: E. A. Bryan.* West Virginia— Morgantown : J. H. Stewart.* Wisconsin— Madison : W. A. Henry.* Wyoming— Laramie: E. E. Smiley.* * Director. t Assistant director in charge. § Chairman of council. I Acting director. PUBLICATIONS OF THE OFFICE OF EXPERIMENT STATIONS. Experiment Station Record, Volsrl-iX, with indexes; Vol. X. Nos. 1-4. Bulletins.— No, 1, Organization and HiStorj of the Stations ; No. 2, Digest of Annual Reports of the Stations for 1888, in two parts; No. :;, Report of Meeting of Horti- culturists, 1889; No. 4, List of Station Horticulturists and Outline of their Work; No. 6, List of Station Botanists and Outline of their Wort ; No 8, Lectures on Investi- gations at Rothamsted Experimental station; No. 9, The Fermentations of Milk; No. 10, Meteorological Work far Agricultural Institutions; No; 11, A I onipilation of Analyses of American Feeding Stuffs; No. 11. Proceedings of Convention of National League for Good Roads, 1893; No. 15, Handbook of Experiment station Work; No. 17, Suggestions for the Establishment of Food Laboratories; No. 18, Assimilation of Free Atmospheric Nitrogen by White and Black .Mustard; No. 21, Methods and Results of Investigations on the Chemistry and Economy of Pood ; No. 22, Agricul- tural Investigations at Rothamsted, England; No. 25, Dairy Bacteriology; No. 26, Agricultural Experiment Stations: Their Objects and Work; No. 28, The Chemical Composition of American Food Materials; No. 29, Dietary studies at the University of Tennessee in 1895; No. 31, Dietary Studies at the University of Missouri in 1895; No. 32, Dietary Studies at Purdue University in 1895; No. 33, The Cotton I'lant ; No. 34, The Carbohydrates of Wheat, Maize, Flour, and Bread; No. 35, Food and Nutri tion Investigations in New Jersey in 1895 and 1896; No. 36, Notes on Irrigation in Connecticut and New Jersey; No. 37. Dietary Studies at the Maine State College in 1895; No. 38. Dietary Studies of the Negro in Alabama, 1895 and 1896; No. 10, Dietarj Studies in New Mexico in 1895: No. 42. Cotton Culture in Egypt; No. 43, Loss.-, in Boiling Vegetables, and the Composition and Digestibility 6t Potatoes and Eggs; No. 44, Investigations on the Metabolism of Nitrogen and Carbon in the Human Organism; No. 45, A Digest of Metabolism Experiments; No. 40, Dietary Studies in New York City in 1895 and 1896; No, 48, A Report to Congress on Agriculture in Alaska ; No. 50, A Report on the Work and Expenditures of I he Agricultural Experi- ment Stations, 1897; No. 51, Statistics of the Colleges and Stations, 1897^ No. 52, Nutrition Investigations in Pittsburg, Pa., 1894-:1896; No. 53, Nutrition Investiga- tions at the University of Tennessee in 189(5 and 1897; No. 54, Nutrition Investigations in New Mexico in 1897; No. 55, Dietary Studies in Chicago in 1895 and 1896} Nos. 5, 12, 13, 19. 23. 27. 39. and 47. Organization Lists of Stations and Colleges, 1890, 1892, 1893,1894. 1805, 1896, 1897, and 1898; Nos. 7, 16. 20. 24, 30. 41. and 49, Proceedings of Association of Colleges and Stations, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, and 1897. Farmers' Bulletins. — No. l,The What and Why of Agricultural Experiment Stations] No. 2, Illustrations of the Work of the Stations; No. 9, Milk Fermentations and their Relation to Dairying; No. 11, The Rape Plant; No. 11. Fertilizers for Cotton; No. 16, Leguminous Plants for Green Manuring and for feeding; No. 18, Forage Plants lor the South; No. 21. Barnyard Manure: No. 22. The Feeding of Farni Animals; No. 23, Foods: Nutritive Value and Cost : No. 25. I'eanuts : Culture and 1'ses ; No. 28, Sweet Potatoes: Culture and Uses: No. 29. Souring of Milk and Other Changes ID Milk Products; No. 32, Silos and Silage ; No. 31. Meats: Composition and Cooking; No. 35, Potato Culture: No. 30, Cotton Seed and its Pqpdticts; No. '■•!. KalirCorn: Characteristics. Culture, and Uses; No. 39, Onion Culture; No. II, Fowls: Care and Feedings No. 41. Commercial Fertilizers: Composition anil Fse; No. 40, Irrigation in Humid (Miniates; No. 48, The Manuringof Cotton ; No. 49, Sheep Feeding; No. 50. Experiment station Work — I; No. 65, Experiment Station Work— II: No. 69, Experi- ment Station Work— III: No. 73, Experiment Station Work— IV; No. 74. Milk as Food; No. 70, Tomato Crowing; No. 77, The Liming of Soils; No. 78, Experiment Station Work— V ; No. 79, Experiment Station Work— VI; No. 81, Corn Culture in the South; No. 84, Experiment Station Work— VII ■ No. 85, Fish as Food. I 3te3B '« %v. |Af,*dflp3B 5 V j ii VK? : r> •-