538 EXPEEIMENT STATION KECOED. 



During 1910 and 1911 the Highmoor orchards received a general renovation 

 and one block of trees was divided to include spraying experiments, previously- 

 noted (E. S. R., 27, p. 440), sheep pasturage, hog pasturage, and fertilizer experi- 

 ments. A sod plat was retained as a check. 



As compared with the previous condition of the orchards, the work of reno- 

 vation was highly successful. The chief factor accountable for low production 

 per tree was found to be the lack of cultivation. Lack of vigor and vastly 

 insufficient growth were everywhere evident in the sheep, hog, and sod plats. 

 No conclusions can be drawn as yet relative to the comparative effect of inor- 

 ganic versus organic fertilizers. 



The method of emasculating blossom buds at the station consists in laying 

 back the enfolded petals and removing the anthers with a small portion of the 

 fihicient by means of a small, thin-bladed scalpel with thin cutting edge taper- 

 ing to an acute V. The fi'uit obtained in the crossing work of the past season 

 all resulted from buds emasculated in the above manner. No fruits were set on 

 blossoms in which the petals were removed before castration. 



Following the winter of 1910-11 a considerable amount of winter injury to 

 the trunks of trees was noted in a number of localities. This injury took the 

 form of a severe loosening and splitting of the bark of the trunk. In less serious 

 cases longitudinal splits occurred, extending through the living tissues to the 

 wood. Although the cause of tlie injury is not definitely known it is suggested 

 that it may be due to insufficient soil drainage and a sudden temperature drop 

 below the freezing point following a period of warm weather. 



Apple growing, M. C. Burritt (New York, 1912, pp. 177). — ^A popular work 

 dealing especially with the small apple orchard on the general farm. The suc- 

 cessive chapters discuss the outlook for the growing of apples, planning for 

 the orchard, planting and growing the orchard, pruning the trees, cultivation 

 and cover cropping, manuring and fertilizing, insects and diseases affecting the 

 apple, the principles and practice of spraying, harvesting and storing, markets 

 and marketing, some hints on renovating old orchards, and the cost of growing 

 apples. 



Apple growing in the Pacific Northwest, C. I. Lewis et al. {Portland, 

 Oreg., 1911, pp. 215, figs. 60). — ^A condensation of lectures, experiments, and dis- 

 cussions conducted by various authorities relative to different phases of ai)ple 

 growing. 



The fibro-vascular system of the apple and its functions, D. McAlpine 

 (Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales, 36 (1911), pt. .',, pp. 613-625, pis. 5).— A detailed 

 study of the structure of the mature apple with special reference to the fibro- 

 vascular system. A number of illustrations of various phases of the vascular 

 system are included. 



The fibro-vascular system of the pear, D. McAlpine (Proc. Linn. Soc. JV. S. 

 Wales, 36 (1911), pt. 4, pp. 656-663, pis. -}).— A briefer study, similar to the 

 above, of the fibro-vascular system of the pear. 



Experiments with artificial root pressure, C. Valle-jo (Bol. Min. Agr. 

 [Buenos Aires], IJf (1912), No. Ji, pp- 386-396, figs. 9).— The experiments re- 

 ported comprised the introduction of various nutrient solutions into the roots 

 of a number of young newly transplanted Kieft'er pears. The normal solution 

 consisted of calcium and potassium nitrates, potassium chlorid, sodium phos- 

 phate, magnesium sulpliate, and distilled water. In the variant solutions one 

 or the other of the above ingredients was omitted. The experiment was con- 

 ducted primarily to determine whether an excessive supply of nutrients would 

 be conducive to the formation of fruit buds. 



Negative results were secured with reference to the formation of fruit buds. 

 No difference was noted between the various solutions used as measured by the 



