236 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The experimental plants were dug early in October, stored in well-protected 

 frames, and treated at different intervals as follows: October 30 to November 1, 

 November -1—6, December 4-6, January -!—(>. January 20-22, and February 13-15. 

 In the first 2 trials 8 clumps were selected and divided into 2 eciual lots, one 

 of which was etherized, but with no effect. In the remaining trials the same 

 number of clumps was used, these being divided into 4 equal lots, two of which 

 were frozen and one lot each of the frozen and unfrozen clumps etherized. The 

 data obtained from these trials are tabulated and show in all cases a larger total 

 yield from the etherized plants. As in the preceding trials in 1903-4, there was 

 a decided increase in weight of stalks pulled the first 2 pickings. In regard to 

 the effect of freezing it is cpncluded that freezing rhubarb clumps, at least early 

 in the season, is a necessary process. Etherization does not seem to perform the 

 same function as freezing. Where the temperature is sufficiently low to pre- 

 vent active growth, however, actual freezing for late forcing may not be 

 necessary. 



The writer has also investigated the action of ether on asparagus, potato 

 tubers, apples, and palm seeds, but thus far no definite results have been 

 secured. 



An extensive bibliography is given of the literature on the use of anesthetics 

 for forcing purposes. 



Promising' new fruits, W. A. Taylor ( i'. *S'. Dcpt. A[/r. Yeurhook 190G, lU). 

 35.'j-370, pis. s). — Historical notes are given with descriptions and colored illus- 

 trations of several promising fruits and nuts, including the Magnate, Oliver, and 

 Rabun apples, the Early Wheeler peach, the Banner grape, the Josephine per- 

 simmon, the Chappelow avocado, and the Alley, Teche, Curtis=, Georgia, and 

 Delmas pecans. 



An orchard study of the Bitter Root Valley, U. W. Fisher {Moiitoiia Sta. 

 Bui. GG, pp. G)-9G, pi. 1, fiffs. IS). — An orchard survey was made in order to 

 determine the most successful varieties and methods of orchard management in 

 the Bitter Root Valley. This bulletin contains data with regard to the apple 

 industry in Montana, with special reference to the Bitter Root Valley, the 

 varieties grown, yields, and methods of cultivation, together with suggestions in 

 regard to grafting, pruning, fertilizing, irrigating, harvesting, and marketing. 

 For the benefit of the apple growers of this region, who have recently organized, 

 the text is given of the rules adopted and used by the Hood River apple growers' 

 union of Oregon. 



A table is given showing the yields from 1903 to 1906, inclusive, produced 

 from the 3,090 acres of apple trees now in bearing. In 1905 this production 

 amounted to 116,763 boxes, valued at $81,734. Although the 4-year average 

 value per acre was only $20.56, figuret are given to show that orchards properly 

 cared for are pi'oducing profitable crops. The average yield per acre of all 

 orchards under clean cultivation on elevated land was 121 boxes per year and on 

 bottom land 123 boxes per year. The orchards on elevated land grown in sod 

 produced a yearly average of 54 boxes per acre, and on bottom land 101 boxes 

 per acre, from which there appears a difference in favor of clean cultivation on 

 elevated land of 67 boxes per acre and on bottom land of 22 boxes per acre. 

 Throughout the valley the orchards given clean cultivation, with an occasional 

 cover crop plowed imder, are producing the largest crops, although some of the 

 bottom lands produce profitable crops when grown in sod when attention is given 

 to irrigation, pruning, and protection from injury by mice. 



Cover crops of clover should not be left more than two seasons, and the best 

 results are obtained when they are plowed under in the si»ring of the year after 

 they are planted. Where the cover crof) is left longer than this the foliage 

 appears to be much lighter in color and the wood growth much less than with 

 trees on land which is plowed every year. 



