Life Sciences Commons^™

The Identification Of The More Important Prairie Hay Grasses Of Nebraska By Their Vegetative Characters, F. D. Keim, G. W. Beadle, A. L. Frolik

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

It is convenient and sometimes necessary to identify the grasses in their vegetative stage of growth. This is especially desirable in a study of the vegetation of native hay meadows and permanent pastures. This key is prepared as a guide in the identification of the more important prairie hay grasses of Nebraska. The meadows are often harvested before the floral parts of many of the grasses appear. If it is desired, therefore, to study the botanical composition of the native meadows, it becomes necessary to rely on identification of many of the grasses by means of vegetative characters.

Why Some Hens Lay More Eggs Than Others, H. E. Alder

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

The 1929 report of the Storrs Egg Laying Contest, which has been conducted at Storrs, Connecticut, twenty-one years, shows that the best pen of ten hens entered laid 2,802 eggs, and the poorest pen laid 829 eggs. In the best pen the average egg production per hen was 280, 2 eggs as compared with 82.9 eggs per bird in the poorest pen. Why did the one pen lay so many eggs, and the other so few? This prompts us to try to find out what factors are responsible for the number of eggs a hen lays in the course of …

The Vitamin A And The Vitamin E Content Of Field-Cured And Artificially Cured Alfalfa Hay, I. L. Hathaway, H. P. Davis, R. R. Graves

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

A comparative study of the vitamin A content of field-cured and artificially cured alfalfa was made by comparing the growth produced by 124 rats receiving alfalfa hay as their source of vitamin A. From the results of this study, in which the experiments were duplicated, it is concluded that under the conditions of these experiments the artificially cured alfalfa was twice as potent in vitamin A as was the field-cured alfalfa. The comparative study of the vitamin E content of these hays was made by comparing the number of litters produced by groups of female rats which received graded quantities …

The Nature Of Resistance In Alfalfa To Wilt (Aplanobacter Insidiosum L. Mc.), George L. Peltier, F. R. Schroeder

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Alfalfa wilt was first discovered in 1924 in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The causal organism, Aplanobacter insidiosum, was later described by McCulloch. Since that time wilt has been reported from most of the alfalfa-growing sections of the United States and in some states it has been responsible for a rapid decrease in the acreage of alfalfa. During the past three years a number of investigators have found that certain alfalfas are somewhat resistant to wilt, whereas others are very susceptible. At the Nebraska station the results to date indicate that all common and most variegated alfalfas are very …

Root System Of Quercus Macrocarpa In Relation To The Invasion Of Prairie, J. E. Weaver, Joseph Cramer

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Invasion of trees into grassland is primarily a phenomenon of plant competition. It involves the relation of the invaded and the invader to light and other atmospheric factors of the habitat, both physical and biotic. But perhaps even to a greater degree the edaphic factors, and especially water in dry climates, are concerned. Consequently to understand the reasons for plant distribution and the changes resulting from natural successions, a knowledge of the parts of the plants underground and of the interrelations of the root systems is of fundamental importance.

The great tension zone or ecotone between the deciduous forest formation …

Tuber Development In Triumph Potatoes As Influenced By Time Of Planting On Dry Land In Northwestern Nebraska, H. O. Werner

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Triumph potatoes were planted on four different dates during six years in order to determine the best planting date on dry land in northwestern Nebraska, where this variety is grown primarily for seed. Features considered in comparing the merits of these planting dates were: stand of plants; vine growth; disease prevalence; time of plant maturity; number, size, and shape of tubers; cracking at harvest time; prevalence and severity of common scab; total yields and yields of various grades of potatoes from various harvesting dates; weight loss in storage; and duration of the dormant period. The experimental aspects dealing with the …

Ecology And Relative Importance Of The Dominants Of Tall-Grass Prairie, J. E. Weaver, T. J. Fitzpatrick

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

This paper is the result of an intensive study of the vegetation of the prairie. The study extended over a period of ten years. It deals with the life histories, distribution, and relative importance of the dominant grasses in a central area of the tall-grass prairie. This area includes the grasslands of the western one-third of Iowa and those of approximately the eastern one-third of Nebraska. On the south it extends into Missouri and Kansas to the Kansas River. North- ward it includes a small portion of southwestern Minnesota and a larger one of southeastern South Dakota.

Indicator Significance Of Brush Lands For The Growth Of Western Yellow Pine, J. E. Weaver

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

A study of unusual interest and significance in the application of ecological principles to the solution of an economic problem has recently been completed. It deals with the causes for the absence of western yellow pine in brush vegetation of various types that occur throughout the mountainous portions of northern Utah, eastern Idaho, and western Wyoming, and, in fact, form a much interrupted and fragmented belt whose center extends from the Gulf of California to west-central Montana. Many of these brush sites, especially in northern Utah and southern Idaho, lie immediately below the Douglas fir type (which is continuous) and …

Studies Of Prairie Hay In North Central Nebraska, F. D. Keim, A. L. Frolik, G. W. Beadle

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

During five years, 1924-1928, Nebraska ranked first among the states in the production of prairie hay. Approximately 2,500,000 tons were grown annually during this period. In acreage utilized, wild hay ranked third among the field crops of Nebraska. As a forage crop in the state, prairie hay ranked first in acreage, but second to alfalfa in production. The purpose of this bulletin is to report studies made of the botanical structure and yields of the native hay meadows during a period of four years, 1926-1929, in the most prominent prairie hay producing section of the state. Four counties in this …

The Mandible Of Platybeldon Barnumbrowni, Erwin Hinckley Barbour

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum

Platybelodon barnumbrowni was described originally as Torynobelodon barnumbrowni.¹ The Nebraska State Museum was visited and this unique specimen studied by Dr. Henry Fairfield Osborn and Dr. Walter Granger, August seventeenth and eighteenth, nineteen hundred and thirty-two. It is the opinion of both that this specimen belongs properly to their Mongolian genus Platybelodon. With certain reservations the writer wishes to defer instantly to their judgment, which is based on unequalled experience. It is perfectly apparent that this form makes a close approach to the remarkable Platybelodons found by Granger and Andrews in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, later figured and …

A New Oreodont Slab, Erwin Hinckley Barbour, C. Bertrand Schultz

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum

A slab of pale, reddish-brown sandstone, exhibiting the articulated skeletons of two oreodonts, has been placed on display in the west corridor on the first floor of Morrill Hall. Apparently, a female and well-grown young one lay down together and perished, perhaps from disease, or from chilling winds. They must have been buried quickly, for all of the bones are present, are in perfect condition, and are in articulation, especially in the old one. In the adult the articulation is complete from the ungual phalanges of the two forefeet to the terminal caudal, even though in the figure the skeleton …

The Mounted Skeleton Of Bison Occidentalis, And Associated Dart-Points, Erwin Hinckley Barbour, C. Bertrand Schultz

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum

A composite skeleton of Bison occidentalis was mounted and installed in its case on the lower floor of Morrill Hall, on April 22, 1932. The skeleton in itself is attractive because of its size and excellent preservation, and is rendered additionally interesting by two dart-points, one found under the scapula, and the other under the ribs.

The Scottsbluff Bison Quarry And Its Artifacts, Erwin Hinckley Barbour, C. Bertrand Schultz

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum

The association of artifacts with extinct bison bones in a quarry near Grand Island, Hall County Nebraska,¹ and from one in Custer County, Nebraska, have already been reported.² In the meantime, continued search has been rewarded, and a large bed of fossil bison with associated flint implements found. The discovery, if not of actual consequence, at least adds something to the accumulating evidence that Pleistocene man in America may have been a reality.

Association Of Artifacts And Extinct Mammals In Nebraska, Bertrand Schultz

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum

During the past four years the Nebraska State Museum, under the directorship of Dr. Erwin Hinckley Barbour, has been making even more extensive palaeontological collections throughout Nebraska than heretofore. As work progresses, especially with fossil bison and mammoth, there is increasing evidence that man appeared in Nebraska much earlier than is generally believed. Two occurrences of artifacts associated with fossil bones will constitute the main theme of this paper.

The Skull And Mandible Of Mastodon Moodiei, Erwin Hinckley Barbour

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum

The mandible of the Milford mastodon, Mastodon moodiei, was figured and described in Bulletin 24, December, 1931. In the meantime, the fragments of both skull and mandible have been properly cleaned, put together, and mounted for exhibition. No essential parts of the skull or mandible are wanting or are seriously damaged.

The Articulated Skeleton Of Eubelodon Morrilli, Erwin Hinckley Barbour

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum

The mounted sketleton of Eubelodon morrilli was installed in the west wall case of Elephant Hall December 31, 1931, and has attracted the attention and favorable comments of citizens and other guests. It should be explained that the case in which it is displayed is ten feet deep, sixteen feet high, and extends the length of the hall. Altogether it is a large and impressive mount which reflects credit upon its preparators, and is an important and instructive addition to the Morrill Palaeontological Collections. The pose is spirited and interesting, and the action is all that can be expected of …

Association Of An Arrow Point With Bison Occidentals In Nebraska, F. G. Meserve, Erwin H. Barbour

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum

Of late, anthropological literature relative to the association of man and extinct mammals, especially bison and mammoth, has received many contributions from various and widely separated sources. Naturally the question has arisen whether man's advent in America is somewhat earlier than has been generally admitted, or whether certain extinct animals have persisted longer than has been realized. The issue is one of such importance and interest that even minor contributions seem desirable. It is well understood by all that the evidence, when submitted, will be properly weighed, and that conservative judges may rule out much or all of the testimony. …

Forty-Fifth Annual Report Of The Agricultural Experiment Station Of Nebraska, February 1, 1932, W.W. Burr

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

This report covers the investigations, expenditures, and publications of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station for the fiscal year June 30, 1931. During the year 68 projects have been under investigation at the main station. These have covered a wide range of subjects. At the various substations the work is planned to meet the needs of the different regions.

The funds for carrying on the work of the stations are derived from federal and state sources. The work is carried on in definite projects according to the supporting fund.

Satisfactory progress was made on the research program. During the year eight …

The Composition Of Soil Colloids In Relation To Soil Classification, Horace Byers, M. S. Anderson

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

For a period of approximately fifteen years investigators in the Bureau of Chemistry and Soils have been engaged in the accumulation of scientific data concerned with colloid material of the soil. During this period a large volume of accurate information has been secured which has been published in the form of bulletins and journal articles. So far as the Bureau publications are concerned, but little has appeared concerning theoretical aspects of the composition of the colloid. They have concerned themselves, for the most part, with methods of isolation and estimation, and determination of general physical and chemical characteristics.

Ec32-134 Sweet Clover Management, P.H. Stewart, D.L. Gross

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sweet clover has made a phenomenal growth in popularity and acreage during recent years. In Nebraska, the production increased from 30,000 acres in 1920 to 1,126,000 acres in 1930, an expansion of over one million acres in a 10-year period. Just a few years ago, when sweet clover was classified as a weed, it was the subject of proposed state legislation to prevent its production and spread. Today sweet clover has a recognized place among standard crops and in rotation systems. The acreage of sweet clover in Nebraska is now practically equal to that of alfalfa and is more than …

Rb32-270 A Seven Year Study Of A Milk Supply, P.A. Downs

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The amount of butter produced by the grain-belt states is evidence that a great many cows are milked by the midwestern farmer. Most of this milk is separated on the farm, the cream is sold, and the skimmilk is fed to hogs and other livestock. As the market for fluid milk has developed, many farmers near the cities have turned to the sale of milk, because it affords a better return for the butterfat sold. Much of the milk produced for sale as fluid milk is produced under practically the same conditions as milk which is produced primarily for the …

Rb32-266 Cooling Milk On Nebraska Farms, P.A. Downs, E.B. Lewis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The desire of Nebraska people to continue the improvement of living conditions and to secure more healthful foods has been responsible for many changes in methods of caring for milk. One of the important factors in keeping milk sweet and of good quality is the process of cooling and keeping it cool until used. Three of these processes are as follows: placing containers of warm milk in any quantity of still water or still air at temperatures ranging from freezing to within a few degrees of the temperature of the milk, placing the containers in such positions that air or …

The Articulated Skeleton Of Titanotherium, Erwin H. Barbour

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum

The skeleton of a titanotherium, stored since 1894, was installed in the west corridor of Morrill Hall, April 28, 1931. In the meantime the specimen has been visited by many citizens, women's clubs, and especially by delegations of school children, boy scouts, and like organizations, from various parts of the State and elsewhere. Repeated requests for a popular report on this particular specimen actuates the writing of this leaflet. Titanotheres were by far the largest creatures of Oligocene time in Nebraska. In point of size they are called gigantic, elephantine, and titanic. The titans of Greek mythology were giants, and …

Ec32-713 The Trench Silo In Nebraska, Ivan D. Wood, E.B. Lewis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The original idea of using a trench for the storing of ensilage seems to have been the outgrowth of the practice long used in several European countries of storing clover and beet tops in pits. Shortly after the World War, western Canada followed by Montana and North Dakota began to use the trench silo. In Nebraska the true trench silo made its appearance about 1925 or 1926.

The trench silo as described in this circular, unless lined with some permanent material such as brick, concrete or stone, must be considered a temporary structure which will serve for a few years …

Microfossils In An Arkansas Peat And Their Significance, Paul B. Sears, Glenn Couch

Papers in Ecology

This is an extension of a series of studies by one of the authors and his associates (1) on fossil pollen in peats of the North Central States. The purpose of such studies has been to secure information concerning the general trend of climate in postglacial time, as an aid in interpreting present vegetation.

These previous studies have indicated that postglacial climate has been largely of continental type, cool at first and later warm. Separating the cool dry from the warm dry period there appears to have been a definite although brief period of greater humidity, relative if not absolute. …

Ec32-44 Why Some Hens Lay More Eggs Than Others, H.E. Alder

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The 1929 report of the Storrs Egg Laying Contest, which has been conducted at Storrs, Connecticut, twenty-one years, shows that the best pen of ten hens entered laid 2,802 eggs, and the poorest pen laid 829 eggs. In the best pen the average egg production per hen was 280.2 eggs as compared with 82.9 eggs per bird in the poorest pen. Why did the one pen lay so many eggs, and the other so few? This prompts us to try to find out what factors are responsible for the number of eggs a hen lays in the course of 365 …

The A Series Of Allelomorphs In Relation To Pigmentation In Maize, R. A. Emerson, E. G. Anderson

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Introduction ... 503

The allelomorph A^b ... 504

The allelomorph a^p ... 505

Dominance ... 508

Summary ... 508

Literature Cited ... 509