150 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOKD. 



insect enemies, varieties, and similar topics; reports the results of fer- 

 tilizer and variety tests in 1S95 and 1897, and describes 40 varieties. 



The results of fertilizer and variety tests are given in tables. The 

 results of the fertilizer test of 1895 were not conclusive on account of 

 irregularities in the land on which the plants were grown. In 1897, 

 superphosphate, nitrate of soda, cottonseed meal, muriate of potash, 

 and kainit were used in varying amounts and in different combinations. 

 In the author's opinion, the results of this work, though much more 

 conclusive than the previous work, are not altogether satisfactory. A 

 moderate amount of fertilizers gave better results than a larger amount. 

 As a source of nitrogen, nitrate of soda gave a larger early yield, a 

 greater total yield, and somewhat larger fruit than cottonseed meal. 

 In a similar way, muriate of potash proved superior to kainit as a source 

 of potash. 



In 1895 25 varieties and in 1897 30 varieties of watermelons were 

 tested. The data obtained are recorded in tables. The results of 

 the two years were very different. For instance, the variety (Lord 

 Bacon), which in 1895 ranked first in yield and second in size, in 1897 

 dropped to twenty first in yield and sixth in size, while Augusta Sugar 

 Loaf, which in the former test ranked twenty-third in yield and twenty- 

 first in size, in the latter test ranked second in yield and seventeenth 

 in size. 



Strawberries : Cultural notes and variety tests, W. J. Green 

 (Ohio Sta. Bui. 85, pp. 21, pis. 3). — The author believes that while good 

 varieties are of the utmost importance to strawberry growers, and while 

 the highest standards have not been reached, nevertheless there is 

 danger of making the variety question too prominent. Intensive cul- 

 ture should be given more attention. To secure the finest berries where 

 sufficient water is at hand, summer planting is recommended. The 

 plants are set in triple rows in imitation of the matted row. By thin- 

 ning beds set in the spring, plants can be obtained for the summer 

 planting. 



Notes are given on 70 varieties of strawberries, summarizing- the 

 behavior of each for the whole time it has been on trial at the station. 

 The following varieties are recommended for general culture: Bubach, 

 Brandy wine, Greenville, Haverland, Lovett, and Warfield. The most 

 promisiug new varieties are: Aroma, Anna Kennedy, Beauty, Coper- 

 nicus, Clyde, Carrie, Enormous, Glen Mary, Hall Favorite, Portage, 

 Buby, Bio, Staples, Tennessee Prolific, and three unnamed seedlings. 



Practical advice on the hybridization of the grape, P. Castel 

 (Prog. Ayr. et Yit., 29 (1898), No. 15, pp. 162-468).— This is a summary 

 of a series of articles on the hybridization of grapes. 



In regard to the choice of parent plants for hybridizing the author 

 gives the following rules: 



(1) Plants should be chosen which present in the greatest degree 

 possible those characteristics desired in the resulting hybrid. (2) The 



