HOKTICULTURE. 85 



cast, but this teudeucy was overeouie to soiue extent by applyiug uioisture at 

 the same time. 



In the worl\ of eliminating nndesiralile varieties it was found that with 11 

 sorts of Wliite Burley jirowu under uniform conditions the estimated yields 

 varied from 1.470 lbs. to 2,i:!7 lbs. i)er acre, or a difference of (i.58 lbs. per acre 

 between the niininunn and niaxinunn yields. 



The regulations for the culture of tobacco in France, A. Murat (La Reyle- 

 iiieiiiotioii de hi CiiUiirr (hi Tahac en Fniiirc TouJomsc: J iiir. Toulouse, ll)0(i. 

 1)1). 151). — This thesis traces the history of tobacco culture in France from its 

 bejiinninj; to the present day. and brinj^s to.uether the different laws and regula- 

 tions witli reference to its culture which have been enforced from time to time. 

 A bibliography of the ofHcial documents and of general and special works on 

 this subject, which have been consulted in the preparation of the thesis, is 

 included. 



Modern plant-breeding methods, with especial reference to the improve- 

 ment of wheat and barley, R. H. Biffen (»S'cii. Pio(j. Ticentietli Cent.. 1 iWol), 

 \u. '/. jiiL 10^-1. i.i). — This pai)er contains an historical review of plant breeding, 

 discusses the hybridization of wheats and barleys with reference to Mendel's 

 law, and considers the subject of breeding disease-resistant plants. 



HORTICULTURE. 



[Horticultural investigations in Alaska], C. C. Georgeson et al. {Alaska 

 .Stas. Rpt. ami. in)- lO-lh .iS-SS, .',6, J,!, oU, .51 . .53^66, pis. 5).— Notes are given 

 of the results secured at the Alaska experiment stations located at Sitka, Cop- 

 per Center. Kampart. and Kenai in variety and cultural tests of various 

 vegetables, orchard and small fruits, ;\nd flowers. Large quantities of seed, 

 fruit trees, and bushes have been distributed to various parts of the territory, 

 and the I'eports are here given from several of the cooperators with regard to 

 the trial and behavior of these seeds and plants. 



It is believed that the native crab apple (Pyrus rivularls) may have a pos- 

 sible value as a stock for dwarf trees. Dw^arf trees are considered to.be superior 

 to st.indard trees in this region since they bear earlier, can be more easily 

 protected when necessary, admit of closer planting, and are less exposed to the 

 wind. A number of varieties of apples have been grafted on this species by 

 various methods. The crown grafting appears thus far to be the most successful, 

 while top-worked trees do fairly well.. 



An attempt is being made to develop varieties of strawberries and raspberries 

 adapted to the climate by cross-fertilizing cultivated varieties with wild native 

 species. Several species of currants are also found native in Alaska and are 

 lieiiig brought under cultivation. Attempts to cultivate the eastern cranberry 

 have proved unsuccessful and the experiment has been dropped. The so-called 

 Alaska cranberry (yacciiiiiiiii ritiskhra) is said to produce a small but very 

 delicious fruit, no larger than the red currant. It grows on old stumps and 

 decayed logs and on little knolls just out of the standing water. Plantings of 

 this berry have been made at the station. 



[Report of I the professor of horticulture, 11. L. Hutt (Ann. Bpt. Ontario 

 Af/r. Vol. iinil ExpT. Farm, 32 (1006), pp. iSH-UfO, figs. 5). — An outline is given 

 of work conducted for the year with orchard and small fruits, vegetables, and 

 flowers, including data on results secured from a trial of a large number of 

 plant>< as orchard cover (•roi)s. fruit variety tests, and notes on plant breeding 

 exi)eriments. 



