HORTICULTURE. 439 



olives, and the details of the uianufactiire of olive oils. Considerable data were 

 also collected on the fruits of the varieties under observation relative to their 

 weight, volume, specific gravity, length, thickness, and the relative proijortions 

 of skin, pulp, endocarp and seeds, and the varieties are ranked according to 

 the measurements thus secured. Physical and chemical analyses of the oils 

 are also reported. The author points out present deficiencies both in methods 

 of culture and in the processes of manufacturing the oils, with a view to strength- 

 ening the industry in Catania. 



Effects of annular decortication on peaches, F. Calzolari and A. Manaresi 

 (Staz. 8t)Ci: Agr. liuL. i-' {J 009), Aos. .',-6, pp. 233-272).— Part 1 of this article 

 consists of a general review of the present knowledge relative to the effects of 

 annular decortication or ringing as gleaned from various experiments with 

 grapes, including a bibliography of the subject. In part 2 a detailed account 

 is given of ringing experiments conducted by the authors with peaches. When 

 the operation was properly carried out the fruit on the ringed branches matured 

 about a week earlier and averaged from S to 11 gm. heavier than the fruit 

 from unriuged branches of the same tree. 



Analyses were made of the fresh pulp and dry substance of the fruit, from 

 which it appears that ringing also exerts some influence on the chemical 

 constituents of the fruit, the most important change being an increase in the 

 reduced sugar (glucose and levulose) content. Data are also given showing 

 the effect of ringing on the growth of the branches. 



Hardiness of peach buds, blossoms, and young' fruits as influenced by the 

 care of the orchard, W. H. Chandler (Missouri Sta. Circ. Inform. 31, pp. 31, 

 figs. 11). — A popular discussion based upon the author's ol)servations and 

 investigations along this line, a full account of which has been previously 

 noted (E. S. R.. 19. p. 237). 



Variety test of peaches, O. M. Morris (Oklahoma Sta. Bui. S'l, pp. 6, fig. 1). — 

 In this bulletin notes are given on the condition and character of some 37 

 varieties of peaches tested in the station orchards. All reliable information 

 that could be obtained relative to the characteristics, qualities, and success or 

 failure of each variety has been included in the notes, 



Japan plum Pathfinder, W. Strang (Rural New Yorker, 68 (1909), No. 7,008, 

 p. 752, fig. 1). — A Japan hybrid plum produced by crossing Chabot and Wickson 

 is illustrated. The fruit of this variety, which has been named Pathfinder, is 

 said to be firm, very fine grained, and sweet when fully riiie. 



Origin and importance of the Scuppernong' and other Muscadine grapes, 

 F. C. Reimer (North Carolina Sta. Bui. 201, pp. 5-21, figs. 7).— In this bulletin 

 the author presents considerable data relative to the history of the Scuppernong 

 and other important varieties of Vitis rotundifolia. The importance and char- 

 acteristics of these varieties are also discussed, and lists are given of those 

 recommended for home use, wine, unfermented grape juice, and for general 

 market. 



Certain varieties of T'. rotnndifolia appear to be self-sterile. Studies are 

 being made to determine to what extent and under what conditions this is true. 

 As tested for one season in one section of the State, the author found the 

 Scuppernong and Flowers varieties to be self-sterile. A large number of flower 

 clusters of these varieties were covered with paper bags before the flowers 

 opened and not a single fruit was set. Other flower clusters on the same 

 Scuppernong vines were similarly covered, but later when the stigmas became 

 rece))tive a flower cluster from a male vine was tied to each of the enclosed 

 flower clusters, three-fifths of which matured normal size clusters of fruit. 



9049— No. 5—09 4 



