156 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Cross fertilization (Jardin, 18 (1904), No. 41,.', p. 114)- — It is stated that in some 

 experiments recently reported by M. Leclerc, melons were cross-pollinated with the 

 pollen from melons and from cucumbers. In the latter case there was a marked 

 diminution in the sugar content of the melons, held to be due to the effect of cross- 

 pollinating with cucumber pollen. Melons pollinated with pumpkin and vegetable 

 marrow pollen were also similarly affected. Jt is pointed out, therefore, that melons 

 should not be planted near these vegetables. 



Department of horticulture, C. B. Waldron (North Dakota Sin. Rpt. 1903, pp. 

 120-128). — Brief notes are given on the culture of plums, apples, strawberries, cur- 

 rants, gooseberries, raspberries, and asparagus at the station. Asparagus rust was 

 very destructive in 1902. Covering the beds heavily with straw in August of that 

 year apparently checked the development of the rust in 1903. It is noted that 2 new- 

 varieties showed no sign of rusting during the first season grown. 



Experiment station work with apples, 0. B. Smith ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Office of 

 Experiment Stations Rpt. 1903, pp. 537-570). — A summary is here given of the cultural 

 experimental work reported by the experiment stations in the United States since 

 1888 with apples. Foreign experimental work along the same lines, so far as avail- 

 able, has been included. 



The summary covers the work done on period of growth of the tree; the charac- 

 teristics of apple buds and pollen; self-sterility in apples; crossing; root-grafting; 

 planting and pruning trees; root-pruning; hardy stocks; orchard cultivation and 

 cover crops; fertilizing orchards; girdling to produce fruitfulness; thinning the fruit; 

 harvesting and storing apples; cold storage; composition of fruit, trees, nursery stock, 

 etc.; and the utilization of waste apples for evaporation, jelly, cider, vinegar, mar- 

 malade, etc. The article has also appeared as a separate. 



Notes on apple culture, C. F. Austin ( Maryland Sta. Bid. 92, pp. 55-94, figs. 34). — 

 The author in this bulletin calls the attention of Maryland orchard ists to some of 

 the principles and methods that are considered absolutely essential to successful 

 apple growing. Very complete directions are given for the care and management of 

 orchards, including budding, grafting, and pruning. 



Relation of cold storage to commercial apple culture, G. H. Powell ( U. S. 

 Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1903, pp. 125-238, pis. 6). — The author discusses the present 

 status of the apple industry as regards markets, marketing, cold-storage development, 

 and the proper harvesting and handling of apples to secure the best results in cold 

 storage. The essential points in the article have been brought out in an earlier pub- 

 lication of the Department (E. S. R., 15, p. 581). 



An apple for the Tropics (Gard. Chron., 8. ser., 35 (1904), No. 905, p. 280).— It 

 is stated that M. d' Andre has found a new species of Pyrus at the summit of Lang- 

 Bian, at Annam at an altitude of 2,000 meters. The tree is without spines. The 

 flowers have not yet been seen, but the fruit is 4 to 5 cm. across, greenish yellow, 

 and of a rough flavor like that of a crab apple. The climate of Lang-Bian is similar 

 to that of southern Europe. "The importance of the discovery of this new Pyrus 

 rests in the circumstance that it may be used as a stock whereupon European varieties 

 may be grafted," and grown in tropical and subtropical countries. 



The lemon industry of Sicily ( West Indian Bui., ■'< (1904), No. 1, pp. 63-75). — 

 Considerable information, obtained largely through the English consul at Palermo 

 and from diplomatic and consular reports, is here given on the citrus industry of 

 Sicily. Cultural methods and the prevailing custom of packing, shipping, gathering, 

 etc., are noted. Some notes on the pickling of lemon and orange peel, and the manu- 

 facture of essence are included. 



Promising new fruits, W. A. Taylor ( U. S. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1903, pp. 267- 

 278, ph. 7). — Descriptions, with colored illustrations of the fruit, are given for the 

 Akin apple, a variety well adapted to the fancy fruit trade in the larger cities; the 

 Terry apple, a variety considered very promising for the South; the Hiley peach, a 



