heavier than those from the middle West, which are richer in albuminoids; but this is not the case.  Formation of starch is attributed by Messrs. Lawes & Gilbert to the higher ripening temperature in America, but Clifford Richardson has found that there is scarcely any difference in composition or weight between wheats from Canada and Alabama, and if anything those from Canada contain more starch than those from the South, and the spring wheat from Manitoba with its colder climate more than those from Dakota and Minnesota, with its milder temperature.  In Oregon is found a striking example of the formation of starch and increase in the size of the grain, at the relative expense of the nitrogen, due to climate, but not to high ripening temperature.  The average weight per hundred grains of wheat from this State has been found to be 5.044 grains, and the relative percentage of nitrogen 1.37, equivalent to 8.60 per cent. of albuminoids.  These are the extremes for America, and are due, as has been said, to the enhanced formation of starch.  This, however, is said to be not owing to high ripening temperature, because most of the specimens examined were grown west of the Cascade Range, which has an extremely moist climate and a summer heat not exceeding 82 deg.  F. for any daily mean.  The climate in another way, however, is, of course, the cause, by producing luxuriant growth, as illustrated by all the vegetation of the country.  Numerous other analyses form illustrations of the important effect of surroundings and season upon the storing up of starch by the plant, and consequent relative changes in the composition of the grain.

As a whole, the poverty of American wheats in nitrogen, decreasing toward the less exhausted lands of the West, seems to be due more to influences of soil than of climate, while locally the influence of season is found to be greater than that of manure, confirming the conclusions of Messrs. Lawes & Gilbert.  Also from the analyses of the ash of different parts of the grain, as from the analyses of roller milling products, we learn that a large percentage of ash constituents, other things being equal, is indicative of large proportion of bran, and consequently of a low percentage of flour.—­The Miller.

* * * * *

PRECIOUS AND ORNAMENTAL STONES AND DIAMOND CUTTING.[1]

  [Footnote 1:  Abstract from Census Bulletin No. 49, April, 1891.]

By GEORGE FREDERICK KUNZ.

The statistics of this report are divided into two sections:  First, the discoveries and finds of precious stones in the United States and the mineral specimens sold for museums and private collections or for bric-a-brac purposes; second, the diamond cutting industry.

DISCOVERIES OF PRECIOUS STONES.