240 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOED. 



same yields were obtained in 1904, whether the water was held at the surface, 

 4 to 8 in. below the surface, or 14 in. below the surface. In 1905 the heavier 

 yields were obtained on the more thoroughly drained plats. 



Data are given showing the relation of frost formation to humidity, rainfall, 

 and evaporation, and the seepage in reservoirs. Covering plats from IJ to 2 in. 

 deep with sand reduced the yield of fruit the first year, but resulted in a very 

 vigorous growth of vines. The cost of sanding, when the sand was hauled IJ 

 miles, was at the rate of 40 cts. per yard. 



To determine the effect of lime carbonate on cranberries, a plat containing 

 about 8 sq. rd. was treated with 500 lbs. of air-slaked lime. The first season 

 the vines on this plat grew as well as those on adjacent plats, but the next year 

 the vines on this plat remained red throughout the summer, showing no growth 

 whatever, and many died out entirely. It is believed these results indicate that 

 hard water would be fatal to the growth of the cranberry. 



A number of experiments were made with fertilizers, from which it appears 

 that the use of a mixture of about 250 lbs. acid phosphate, 75 lbs. nitrate of soda, 

 and 75 lbs. of sulphate of potash per acre each year might be profitable on vines 

 in heavy bearing. The application should be made soon after the winter's flood 

 is withdrawn. 



Good results were obtained in the planting of new bogs by scattering the vines 

 before the ditches were dug. The soil from the ditches was then pulverized and 

 mixed into thick nmd and poured over the vines in small ridges about 1 ft. apart. 

 While wasteful of vines, this method resulted in more rapid growth than on 

 uusanded bogs. Good results were also obtained by planting cuttings in rows 

 on sanded bogs. Also in planting on narrow ridges about 2* ft. wide and 1 ft. 

 high. 



Observations on the keeping qualities of green and ripe fruit showed that 

 when berries were picked September 8, the following April 36.5 per cent were 

 sound ; when picked on September 24, 46.9 per cent, and on October 8, 44.2 per 

 cent were sound. 



Notes are given on the cranberry fruit worm and on the value of flooding the 

 vines as a means of control. The investigations on cranberry blight indicate that 

 the amount of blight is largely controlled by the vitality of the vines. 



Tannic acid as a fertilizer for grapes, L. E. Cavazza (Italia Agr.. 43 (1906), 

 No. 16. pp. .390-392. p<j.-<. 3). — A general discussion is given of the utilization of 

 organic material by vegetables, with an account of the use of tannic acid and 

 tannate of iron as a fertilizer for grapes. The results secured are not con- 

 clusive, but indicate that tannic acid, if not in excess, is not harmful to vegeta- 

 tion, and in the form of tannate of iron resulted in considerably better growth 

 of vines than where nothing was added. 



Report of the coffee specialist, J. \Y. Van Leenhoff (TJ. 8. Dept. Agr., Office 

 Expt. >Stas. Bill. 111. pp. '/,?-'/?', pis. 2). — This report covers the work done at 

 the Porto Rico Experiment Station for the year 1905. 



A large number of varieties of coffees have been imported from different 

 sections of the world and planted, extensive plantings of Porto Rico coffee 

 made, and experiments in the improvement of an old coffee grove begun. The 

 cost of preparing and planting an acre of land for coffee was found to be about 

 $60. The yield of coffee obtained on several experimental plats, differently 

 fertilized, is given. Various diseases and insect pests which affected the crop 

 during the year are briefly noted. 



Cross pollination of almonds, J. P. Dargitz (Pacific Rural Press, 72 (1906), 

 No. 10, p. Up). — The author gives an account of the bearing of 300 acres of 

 almonds planted with different varieties. 



