470 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



tried. The grapes brought low prices, and it is not believed that fruit of this quality 

 could be made to pay. 



Keeping late grapes on the vine (Agr. Gaz. New South Wales, 15 (1904), No. 9, 

 pp. 907, 908, figs. ..'). — It was found that if the whole vine, grapes and all, was covered 

 with heavy bagging while in full leaf, the grapes could be preserved for a much longer 

 time than when the bunches were cut off with a small portion of the cane and the 

 stem inserted in a bottle of water. This method, however, was a failure in wet 

 seasons because the fruit remained damp within the bags for so long that it rotted. 

 It is believed, however, that if the upper portion of the bag is covered with rubberoid 

 so that the fruit may be kept dry this trouble may be avoided. 



Investigations on the development and composition of varieties of grapes 

 cultivated in Abraou-Durso, G. Barberon and F. Changeant (Ann. Soc Agr. 

 Sci. ii Ind. Lyon, 8. ser., 1 (1903), pp. 97-159, dgms. 6). — Abraou-Durso is a province 

 of Russia bordering the northeast coast of the Black Sea. Considerahle wine of good 

 quality has been produced there within recent years, and the authors made an exten- 

 sive study of the composition of the skins, pulp, seed, juice, etc., of a large number 

 of these varieties, all of which is presented in an extensive series of tables. 



The quantitative determination of organic phosphorus compounds in grape 

 seeds and natural wine, J. Weirich and G. Ortlieb (Arch. Pharm., 242 (1904), 

 No. 2, pp. 138-143). — The presence of lecithin, which has been found in seeds by a 

 number of investigators, led the authors to investigate its presence in grape seeds and 

 in natural wine. This was found in considerable quantities in the seeds of a variety of 

 grapes from Thyra, and also in sweet wine of high alcohol content made from these 

 grapes. 



When the seeds were extracted at a temperature much above 50° C. the organic 

 phosphorus compounds were destroyed. From the data secured in this experiment 

 the authors draw the conclusion that, in the handling of wine, heating above this 

 temperature may destroy the lecithin in it and thus decrease its value for consump- 

 tion. In wines low in alcohol content a very small amount or perhaps no organic 

 phosphorus compounds may be found. 



The presence of lecithin in wine, A. Rosenstiehl ( Arch. Pharm., 242 (1904), 

 No. 6, pp. 475-477). — The author calls attention to the insufficient data upon which 

 Weirich and Ortlieb (see above) based their work in determining the lecithin content 

 of wine, and of certain other important factors which they failed to take into account. 



Notes on rubber plants (East Africa Quart., 1 (1904), No. 3, pp. 127-129) .—East 

 Africa rubber is obtained primarily from the various Landolphia vines. These vines 

 usually grow on good soil in damp or shaded situations and are found at elevations 

 from sea level up to 8,000 ft. On account of its climbing habit, however, Landolphia 

 is not well adapted to cultivation. The rubber from a number of species has been 

 submitted to the Imperial Institute, London, and a valuation placed upon the product. 



A valuable new almond (California Cult., 23 (1904), No. 19, p. 462).— The new 

 almond described originated as a chance seedling by a Doctor Simmons, of Sacra- 

 mento. It has a hard shell and is of large size and excellent flavor. It is claimed for 

 it that it is so hardy as to withstand any ordinary frost. It has proved a certain 

 bearer for a number of years, yielding each season a very heavy crop. If these 

 claims are substantiated it will make a valuable addition to the list of almond varieties. 



Chestnut culture, J. W. Kerr (Rpt. Maryland State Hort, Soc, 5 (1902), pp. 34- 

 38). — Contrary to the general belief that chestnuts will not grow on limestone land, 

 the author states that Japanese chestnuts are successful wherever corn can be grown. 

 The Japanese variety is advised for market purposes. The trees should be set about 

 25 ft. apart, and when 7 or 8 years of age should produce about a bushel of nuts per 

 tree. The trees should be planted on ground that can be cultivated in order to better 

 control insect pests. 



