244 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



branch stations in the Maritime Provinces, Manitol)a, Northwest Territories, and 

 British Columbia. The reports are similar in character to those for 1899 ( E. 8. R., 

 12, p. 548). The preponderance of data given relates to comparison of varieties and 

 tests of their adaptability to the various localities in which the stations are located. 

 The better varieties of fruits and vegetables, as shown by the station tests, are given 

 in lists for the benefit of farmers. Cultural directions for strawberries are given in 

 two of the papers. 



At the Central Station common red and mammoth clovers, sown broadcast at the 

 rate of 12 lbs. per acre, have made the best cover crops for orchards. On light soils, 

 however, alfalfa, seeded at the rate of 15 lbs. per acre, has done best. Hairy vetch 

 ( Vicia villosa) has proved especially valuable in dry districts where it is difficult to 

 get a catch of clover. It has not proved hardy at Ottawa. 



W. T. Macoun includes in his report a descriptive list of good woody and annual 

 climbers which may be used for decorative purposes. 



In the Maritime Provinces no difference was found in the time string beans were 

 ready for market, whether planted in hills 2 by 3 ft. apart or in rows. Further 

 experiments in soaking sweet corn seed in warm water 12 hours before sowing showed 

 no apparent difference in the growth of the resulting plants, whether they were 

 soaked or not soaked, and it w'ould appear that there is no gain whatever in soaking 

 sweet corn for seed. 



Good results are reported from the Manitoba Station with cross-bred apples. A 

 good crop of saskatoon {Amelanchier abufoUa), a native fruit, was secured during the 

 season. 



Treatment of winter muskmelons, A. Griffin {Florists^ Exchange, 13 {1901), 

 No. 14, p. 391, fig. 1). — The seeds are sown in 3-in. flower pots, the plants repotted 

 when the first rough leaf is partly developed, one plant in each pot, and later planted 

 out in the benches 2 ft. apart in a compost of loam and cow manure made firm. The 

 plants are staked and trellised and when about 5 or 6 ft. high the growing point is 

 taken out. The main laterals, which are then thrown out, are stopped when they 

 have made 4 or 5 leaves. Fruit should not be allowed to develop on these laterals; 

 but should be grown on the sublaterals, which spring from the axile of the leaves of 

 the main laterals. The fruit is not allowed to set until 4 or 5 flowers have developed 

 on a plant. The plants should be stopped about 3 leaves above the fruit. When the 

 plants are about 2 ft. high a "collar" of lime \ in. thick and 2 or 3 in. from the stem 

 is placed around the plant to prevent canker. While the fruit is ripening only 

 enough water is given to keep the plants from wilting. The temperature of the 

 house is maintained at about 65° F. at night and runs up to 80° in the daytime. 



Melons in pots, C. Edwards {Garden, 59 {1901), No. 1534, p. 266). — The author 

 grows melons in 10-in. pots rammed two-thirds full of a rather heavy loam. On 

 this the plants are placed and soil added to just cover the ball. The pots are kept 

 in a small greenhouse having a night temperature of 65° F. and a day temperature 10° 

 higher. From 1 to 4 melons are grown on the trellised vines. 



The "Fikongo" (Brachystelma bingeri) : A new asclepiad of the French 

 Soudan with edible tubers, A. Chevalier {Rev. Cult. Coloniales, 8 {1901), No. 70, 

 pp. 65-71, fig. 1). — A botanical description is given of this plant, which is said to 

 form an important part of the diet of the natives. The roots have the appearance of 

 turnips and taste something like them. The histology of the plant is also given. 



Testing commercial varieties of vegetables, W. W. Tracy, jr. ( U. S. Dept. 

 Agr. Yearbook 1900, pp. 543-555). — The author announces the inauguration by the 

 Botanical Division of this Department of a series of thorough tests and accurate 

 descriptions of trade varieties of vegetables grown in this country. The advantages 

 of such tests and descriptions are pointed out, requisites of adequate testing given, 

 and the details of methods followed by the Division in testing varieties briefly noted. 

 Lettuce will be one of the first subjects investigated. As an example of the inaccu- 



