HORTICULTURE. 651 



Study on shield grafting, 0. Clarao {Rev. Vit., 16 [1901), No. S9G, pp. 71-74, 

 jig><. S). — Tlie advaiitaiic of shield grafting over other methods and the physiology of 

 the wound and its heaHng are discussed. 



Thinning out grape bunches, P. Pacottet [Rev. Vit., 16 {1901), Nq. 397, pp. 

 99-103, figs. 5). — The method followed in thinning out and removing defective ber- 

 ries or a too heavy set of berries in the bunches, for the purpose of securing more 

 attractive and perfect bunches for table use, is outlined. Scissors are used to remove 

 the defective l)orries. 



The culture of nuts in the United States, L. Wittmack {Gartenflora, 50 {1901), 

 No 17, pp. 4'::S-470). — Brief report of the author on this subject. 



On soils suited to the chestnut tree, L. Piccioli {Staz. Sper. Agr. lial., 34 

 {1901), No. 8, pp. 745-766). — A discussion of this subject, with analyses of soils and 

 of chestnuts, and a bibliography. 



The composition of the horse chestnut (-ffisculus hippocastanum) , E. Laves 

 {Pharm. CentralhaUe, 43 {1901), p. 33; ahs. in Chem. Zlg., 25 {1901), No. 46, p. 111).— 

 The following composition is given: Albumin, 10.63 per cent; dextrin, 1.7; starch, 

 64.8; ash, 3.16; phosphoric acid, 0.32; sulphuric acid, 0.13. The ash contains about 

 f magnesia, \ lime, and a trace of iron. 



Caoutchouc in Soudan, H. Hamet {Agr. Pnd. Pays Chands, 1 {1901), No. 1, pp. 

 23-43, figs. 2) . — This article points out the growth of the world's rubber consumption 

 since 1889, enumerates different species of plants from which rubber is obtained, 

 reports a study of the latex of Landolphia heudeloiii, the most valuable of the rubber 

 plants here considered, gives a few brief notes on the culture and propagation of this 

 plant, and describes different methods of coa^^ulation employed in Soudan. 



The culture of the Castilloa rubber, F. Koschny {Beiheffe Tropenpflanzer, 2 

 {1901) , No. 3, pp. 119-172, fig. 1) .—Complete directions for the culture of Castilloa 

 elastica, with figures as to the costs and profits in the industry. 



The influence of darkness on the development of flowers, N. Beulaygue 

 {Vompt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 132 {1001), No. 11, pp. 720-722).— K review is given 

 of a number of experiments conducted along this line, and the author presents the 

 results of his own observations with a large number of flowers. In the author's 

 experiments, 2 branches of the same plant as nearly alike as possible were chosen. 

 Onebranch was then allowed to develop in a box painted black on the inside and so 

 inclosed that no light could penetrate the interior. The effects of the darkness on 

 the time of blooming, color, form, size, and weight of the flowers were determined. 

 In general, darkness prolonged slightly the blossoming period of the flowers. The 

 violet blue color of such flowers as iris was of somewhat lighter color. Similar results 

 "Were obtained with yellow and red flowers. The size of the flowers was slightly 

 diminished, as was also the weight and volume. 



Tuberous-rooted begonias as bedding plants, J. W. Withers {Amer. Gard., 

 22 {1901), No. 336, p. 393). — In exposed sunny positions begonias require an 

 abundance of water. The author has been most successful when the plants have 

 been set in a position where the sun does not shine until afternoon. Peruvian guano 

 is depended upon as a source of manure. Tlie guano is scattered in a thin coating 

 over the surface before digging, and another thin coating given over the surface 

 when raking down and leveling. Later in the season, after the plants are getting 

 well established, a scattering of guano is placed on the soil surface underneath the 

 plant leaves and watered in. For winter storage the tubers are lifted after the first 

 frost has touched the stems. About 3 in. of stem is left on each tuber and the soil is 

 not shaken off too closely. After curing 4 or 5 days under a shed they are stored in 

 the cellar like potatoes. The author's loss has been but 4 per cent by winter storage 

 in a dry eel lar. 



Carnations; topping plants in the field, A. M. Herr {Awer. Floriit, 16 {1901), 

 No. 660, p. 1610). — In place of breaking or carelessly cutting the stems, which may 



