HORTTCUT.TTTRE. 647 



cross-pollinated with two other varieties. In iiulli eases the fruits set uqually 

 well, although the cross-pollinated fruit averaged somewhat heavier. Tests 

 were made of varying amounts of pollen, and the flowers from one plant of 

 each variety was emasculated and pollinated on one side of the stigma only. 

 This resulted in lopsided and small fruits. When from 1 to 5 pollen grains only 

 were applied to the stigma, small solid fruits were produced having few or no 

 seeds. 



The general conclusions reached fi'om this investigation are in substance 

 as follows: It is not of primary importance to cross-pollinate any of the 

 varieties tested, although there may be a slight advantage gained in some cases. 

 A one-sided tomato always I'esults where pollen falls upon one side of the 

 stigma only. The larger the stigma the greater the irregularity. Within cer- 

 tain limits the amount of pollen applied to the stigma determines to a "great 

 extent the size and smoothness of the tomato. Small, irregular tomatoes gi-own 

 under glass are caused largely by insufficient pollination. Of the varieties 

 tested the authors prefer Lorillard and Frogmore for forcing purposes. 



The text concludes with brief suggestions to tomato growers on tlic sul).iect 

 of pollination. 



Japanese niushroom growing, H. B. Miller (DaiJii Consiihir and Tnide Riits. 

 [II. >S'.], 1907, Xo. 29-)-'f, PI). 1-S). — A brief acccmnt of the culture and com- 

 mei'cial importance of Japanese mushrooms. 



The most favored varieties, shii-take, and matsu-take are described. The 

 demand for use at home and for export is so great that artificial propagation 

 is resorted to, the shii-noki and other oaks being felled for the purpose. The 

 trees selected are about in. in diameter and cut into lengths of about (\ ft. 

 The logs are scarred with a sharp knife and allowed to lie on the ground for 

 a period of about 3 years, after which they are stacked in rows in a shady 

 place and in a short time become covered with the desired fungi. The first 

 crop is gathered in March and about August the logs are prepared for a second 

 ci'op by soaking them in water for a day, beating them well with a mallet, and 

 stacking in rows as before. Mushrooms again appear in a few days' time and 

 continue growing for a considerable period. 



In a series of experiments conducted by M. Ringakushi under the supervi- 

 sion of the forestry association, it has been found that trees cut in the autumn 

 can be made serviceable for mushroom propagation after the following summer. 

 The method by which this process is accomplished is not explained. 



The exports of dried mushrooms from Japan in 1006 are given as 2,850,429 

 lbs., valued at .$651,448. In 1000 the exports were only 376,625 lbs., valued 

 at $90,667. 



Fruits and early veg-etables in southern Tunis, M. de Mazieres (Bill. Dir. 

 Agr., Com. et Colon. [Tunis], 11 (1907), No. J,2, pp. 99-111).— An account of 

 the present condition of fruit and vegetable culture in southern Tunis, includ- 

 ing statements as to the soil, climatic conditions, and general characteristics 

 of the country, and the varieties grown, together with suggestions for the 

 develoitment of these industries for the purpose of supplying France and other 

 European markets with early fruits and vegetables. 



Field investigations in pomology, G. H. Powell (U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. 

 Plant Indus. [Circ], June 7, 1907, pp. //). — This circular contains a summary of 

 the important features of investigations on the decay of California oranges in 

 1907. including investigations of packing-house methods. ship]>ing fruit under 

 ventilation, icing, and precooling, together with the cold storage of oranges 

 and the keeping quality of the fruit on arrival in market. Considerable tabular 



