600 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Lad ii uuiformly high percentage of defective pistils, the percentage 

 rather decreases than increases northward. 



An experiment was made in protecting from cross fertilization the 

 blossoms of 14 varieties, from 25 to 300 blossoms of each variety being 

 covered by paper bags. Fruit did not set in G cases, and only ranged 

 from 4 to 10 in number in the others, although the trees bore moderate 

 or full crops. 



Work in crossing was limited to 21 experiments with 11 varieties, 

 319 pollinations being made, and the results tabulated. '^Beyond an 

 indication that the typical Western forms of Prunus americana can be 

 pollinated by the Eastern forms — var. nigra — these experiments show 

 nothing." 



The author believes that the limits of cross fertilization and the lines 

 of affinity among plum varieties follow closely the botanical boundaries 

 of the parent species, and he gives a conspectus showing the natural 

 relationships of the various groups. 



Strawberries, K. L. Watts ( Termessee Sta. BuL, Vol. IX, JSfo. 3, pp. 

 13, pis. 6). — Notes and tabulated data upon 54 varieties tested at the 

 station, a compiled table of information from 24 growers in different 

 parts of the State, and descriptions of 4 varieties of local origin which 

 received favorable comment at a strawberry show. The reports from 

 growers indicate that the most popular varieties in the State are: 

 Ea7'ly, Michel; medium early, Bubach and Crescent; late, Gaudy; the 

 most productive variety, Crescent or Haverland ; and best all-purpose 

 and shi])i)ing variety. Crescent. 



Old asparagus roots, C. Anschicks {Amer. Gard., IS {1897), No. 108, p. 40).— 

 Notes are given of the uusuccessful use of old roots iu starting a new bed. The 

 author states that good 1-year-old roots are the best to use. 



Forced culture of beans, A. Nys {Belg. Hort. et Agr., 8 {1896), No. 24, p. 372). 



Sulphate of ammonia vs. nitrate of soda for cabbages {Farming World, 15 

 {1806), Jan.l). 



Analyses of mushrooms {New York State Sta. lipt. 1804, p. 134). — Analyses of 

 several sorts of mushrooms grown at the station are given. 



Forcing rhubarb, G. Wythes {Gard. Chron., ser. 3, 21 {1897), No. ,536, p. 64). — 

 Gives varieties best adapted to forcing, and methods of culture. 



Irrigation in the garden, W. H. Jenkins {Amer. Gard., IS {1S97), No. 110, p. 71). — 

 A description is given of an irrigation plant and notes on liquid manure for the 

 garden. 



Variety test of apples, S. A. Beach and W. Paddock {New York State Sta. lipt. 

 1894, pp. 578-593). — Descriptions and notes upon 21 varieties, and table showing 

 yield in 1894, age of tree or graft, and season of fruiting of 155 varieties of apple 

 and 16 of crab-api)le. 



The choke cherry in cultivation, F. W. Cakd {Garden and Forest, 10 {1897), No. 

 467, pp. 47, 48). — Notes are given which seem to indicate that the choke cherry has 

 been under cultivation for a considerable time in northern Pennsylvania. 



The guava, G. S. Rowley {Fndtman's Guide, 2 {1897), No. 52, p. 6).— Notes are 

 given on the culture and uses of this fruit. 



Report on the olive tree and olive oil in Tuscany, Chapman {Dept. Agr. Queens- 

 land Pill. 10, n. ser., pp. 7). — An account of the practices followed in Tuscany in the 

 culture and preparation of olives and olive products for the market. 



