776 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



manure accomplishes the same results as subirrigation. It is more beneficial, how- 

 ever, with surface than with subwatering." 



Two experiments are recorded in testing different distances and methods of training 

 tomatoes in the greenhouse. In the first experiment some of the plants were set a 

 foot apart each way and trained to 1 stem. Others were planted 1£ ft. apart each 

 way and trained, some to 1 and some to 2 stems. Other plants were set 2 ft. apart 

 each, way, and some trained to 1 and some to 2 stems. The largest yield per square 

 foot of space was obtained by setting plants 1 ft. apart each way and training to 1 

 stem. The fruit thus grown, however, was about an ounce lighter, on the average, 

 than where the plants were set at a greater distance. The plants set 1J ft. apart and 

 trained to 2 stems stood second in yield. The lowest yield and the largest amount 

 of rot occurred where the plants were set 2 feet apart each way and trained to 2 

 stems. 



The experiment was repeated, using a much greater amount of space, and the two 

 varieties of tomatoes, Stone and Beauty, were grown. The yield of fruit on different 

 dates and the total yield are tabulated. The results were not quite uniform with the 

 2 varieties. "The thick planting gave the best yield with the Stone, but the result 

 was less marked with Beauty. Each variety, however, showed a marked advantage 

 for the thick planting over the thin, so far as early maturing is concerned." 



This is a point of considerable importance, since the best prices were secured with 

 the fruit early in the season. Considering the matter from this standpoint, the close 

 planting was a decided advantage with both varieties. With the Stone variety par- 

 ticularly, the early ripening was not only marked, but the total yield was much in 

 favor of thick planting. Further experiments along the same line will be made. 



A test of 32 varieties of tomatoes was made during the season, and the data as to 

 early and total yield and average size are recorded for each variety. Brief descrip- 

 tions are also given for all but 5 of the varieties. The fruit of 12 varieties is 

 illustrated. 



The bulletin contains directions, based upon the experiments at the station, for the 

 care of tomatoes in the greenhouse, on the insects and diseases affecting them, on 

 methods of marketing, and on varieties. It has been found desirable to sow the 

 seeds in flats about the first of December. Where the time is limited, the plants 

 are transplanted from the flats into 2£-in. pots, and later into 4-in. pots, where they 

 remain until ready to be planted in the beds. With proper care they should be 

 ready for bedding by the middle of March. 



Coarse wool twine has been found most satisfactory as a support on which to 

 train the vines, and ratfia the most satisfactory tying material. The severe pruning 

 which it is necessary to give tomatoes in the greenhouse sometimes causes the fruit 

 spurs to send out suckers. These should be removed. The white fly has been the 

 most serious insect pest with which the authors have to contend in this work, and 

 the leaf blight (Cladosporium fulvum) the most serious disease. This disease has 

 been controlled when Bordeaux was used early in the work. In marketing, the 

 fruit is carefully graded and sold in 5-lb. baskets. 



Culture of fruit trees in pots, J. Brace (London: John Murray, 1904, pp. XII-j- 

 110, ph. 9, figs. 22).— Popular directions for the construction and furnishing of fruit 

 houses and for the culture of peaches and nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries, 

 apples, pears, figs, grapes, and mulberries in pots. Chapters are also given on fun- 

 gus diseases and insect pests of these fruits, a calendar of operations in the unhealed 

 house in each month of the year, etc.' 



Evaporation of water from apple trees during- the winters of 1902-3 and 

 1903-4, E. P. Sandsten {Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 1904, PP- 258-260).— -In order to 

 determine the amount of evaporation which takes place from fruit trees in winter, 

 the author sawed off 4 8-year-old apple trees close to the ground and placed them 

 in an upright position in the orchard. The trees were weighed immediately after 



