742 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.36 



Report on investigations of the botanical laboratoi*y of the Imperial 

 Nikitsky Orchard in 1912 (Zap. Imp. Nikitsk. Sada [IAlta'\, No. 6 {19U), pp. 

 183-200, pis. 5). — Experiments in crossbreeding with peaches, apples, pears, 

 and grapes are reported. 



Experiments in the production of parthenocarpic apples and pears by pre- 

 venting pollination were for the most part negative, only one apple and four 

 pears being secured. Experiments in ringing fruit branches resulted in a rapid 

 dying off of the branches and consequent loss of fruit. A study of the influence 

 of seeds of the apple on the development of the pericarp showed a close rela- 

 tion between seeds and pericap development. The greater the number of seed 

 the greater was their influence on the pericap. 



Apple grov/ing (Mass. [Bd.l Agr. Bui. 2, 5. ed., rev. (1916), pp. 258, pis. 25, 

 figs. 31). — Some of the ai'ticles in the previous edition of this bulletin (E. S. 

 R., 30, p. 739) have been superseded by new ones and a number of other new 

 articles relating to apple growing have been added. The subject matter as a 

 whole has been revised where deemed necessary. 



The apple in Canada, its cultivation and improvement, W. T. Macoun 

 (Caimda Expf. Farms Bui. 86 (1916), pp. 136. figs. 25).— This bulletin records 

 the results of experimental work with the apple at the Central Experimental 

 Farm and branch farms and stations of Canada, and gives information relative 

 to best methods of propagating apples, varieties recommended, and the planting 

 and care of orchards. The experimental data recorded deal largely with investi- 

 gations with seedling and cross-bred apples, yields of individual trees of the 

 same varieties, the closely planted Wealthy apple orchard, and other work 

 previously reported on from time to time (E. S. R.. 33, p. 236). 



Harvesting, packing, and marketing the apple crop, A. F. Mason (Penn. 

 State Col. Ext. Circ. 50 (1916). pp. U, flffS- 34).— A popular treatise on the sub- 

 ject, including illustrated descriptions of various types of grading and sizing 

 machinery. 



Sending apples by parcel post, P. Thayeb (Mo. Bui. Ohio Sta., 1 (1916), No. 

 12. pp. 377-382, figs. 6). — An account of the station's experience in marketing 

 apples by parcel post during the past three years. The styles of packages 

 used are illustrated and described and the results of shipping tests for each 

 year are given. 



The results in general show that apples when not too ripe and when well 

 packed will carry to almost any distance with little or no injury. For short 

 distances, as within the second postal zone, and for .small quantities parcel post 

 is much cheaper than express. For large quantities or greater distances express 

 rates are cheaper. To insure profit packages must be put up in quantities in 

 advance of orders. 



The native pears of North Africa, L. Trabut (Bui. Sta. Forest. Nord 

 Afrique, 1 (1916), No. 4. pp. 115-120, pis. 4, figs. 3). — Observations on the geo- 

 graphic distribution of pears native to North Africa. 



Problems and opportunities in the fig industry, J, E. Coit (Cal. Citrogr., 

 2 (1917), No. 5. pp. 6, 7. figs. 3). — An outline of some of the problems in fig 

 culture under investigation by the California Experiment Station. 



Statistics on the production of grapes in 1916 (Estadistica de la Produccidn 

 Viticola en el Ano 1916. Madrid: Govt., 1917, pp. 6). — The usual statistical re- 

 port on the production of grapes and wine in various regions and Provinces 

 of Spain (E. S. R., 35, p. 744) during the year 1916, including comparative data 

 for the five years commencing in 1912. 



Tropical pomology. — A new field for horticulturists, W. Popenoe (UtUv. 

 Cal. Jour. Agr., 3 (1916), No. 6, pp. 221-228, figs. 2). — Popular suggestions are 



