HORTICULTURE. 745 



laws of hybridization doduct'd in these experiments "are worthy to raniv with those 

 that laid the foundation of tlie atomic laws of ehemistry." 



Further contribution regarding the differential value of characters in 

 crossing beans and peas, K. Tschek.mak {Zlacln-. Lnndir. Verauclixir. Oexterr., 4 

 {1901), Xi>. a, jiji. (>41-731, fiijx. U). — An extended study of the characteristics of the 

 seed of peas and beans o])tained l>y crossing different varieties and species. The 

 work was carried out along lines laid down by Mendel. In all the tests it is stated 

 that Mendel's scheme lost something of its generality, but nothing of the importance 

 for theoretical and practical ])lant breeding purposes of its classical doctrine of the 

 differential value of characters in transmission. 



Onion culture, T. C. Nye [Truck Farmer, 5 {1901), No. 2, pp. 66-59).— ThQ 

 method of the author in growing Bermuda onions on a large scale in Texas is given. 

 Heavy fertilizing, transplanting, and irrigation are given as essential factors in suc- 

 cessful culture. Early planting of sets in August and Septend)er resulted in total 

 failure. Sets, in the author's experience, should not be put out l>efore November. 

 From 7 acres 147,000 lbs. of onions were secured, which sold for 2\ cts. per pound. 



The Bermuda onion, H. W. Brown {South. Farm Mag., 9 {1901), No. 7, pp. 26, 

 27). — Cultural directions are given for growing Bermuda onions in the South. The 

 use of imported seed is insisted upon. 



The chayote: A tropical vegetable, O. F. Cook ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Division of 

 Botanij Bnl. 28, pp. 31, ph. 8). — An extended account is given of the nature, culture, 

 and economic value of the chayote. This is a tropical vegetable belonging to the 

 squash family. It is now grown quite extensively in Porto Rico, Mexico, tropical 

 America, Algeria, East Indies, and Australia, and is believed to be worthy of cultivation 

 in the Gulf States, California, Hawaii, and the Philippines. The plant is a perennial 

 climbing vine, sensitive to frost, and requires a long season to come to maturity. It 

 will endure where the ground does not freeze in the winter. The vine dies back, but 

 the reserve material in the root enables it to grow again when favorable conditions 

 appear. One vine will cover about 20 sq. ft. of surface and bear from 300 to 500 

 fruits in a season. The fruit is pear-shaped and weighs from 8 oz. to 3 lbs. It con- 

 tains but one seed. This germinates readily and the fruit normally continues alive 

 for some time after separation from the plant. The fruit is cooked and eaten like 

 sununer squash, and is otherwise prepared. The flavor is considered by some more 

 delicate than squash and by others as insipid. Mixed with rosella it has the flavor 

 of apple sauce. The vines, fruit, and roots are also valuable as fodder. An analysis 

 is given of the tuberous roots, which show a starch content of 20 per cent. It is 

 believed that the chayote will prove valuable as a winter vegetable for shijiment to 

 northern city markets. 



Lessons in pomology from 1899-1900, J. H. Hale {Connecticut Bd. Agr. Rpt. 

 1900, pp. 214-237). — Popular review of the development of the fruit industry along 

 various lines, with many suggestions regarding culture, packing, shipping, etc. 



Fruit harvesting, storing, marketing, F. A. Waugh {New York: Orange Judd 

 Co., 1901, pp. VllI -224, fig>^. 61). — This book purports to be a practical guide to the 

 l)icking, grading, [jacking, storing, shipping, and marketing of fruit. Methods of 

 fruit storage are given most attention and a number of plans detailed for construct- 

 ing storage houses in which ice refrigeration or cooling by ventilation are the 

 important factors. Under the subject of harvesting, the utilization of waste fruits is 

 di.scus.sed and suggestions given regarding methods of drying, evaporating, canning, 

 etc. The appendix is an important practical part of the work. It contains data on 

 the imports and exports of fruits of the United States,' fruit-package laws indifferent 

 States, apple-shippers' rules regarding quality and grades of fruit, regulations of the 

 National League of Commission Merchants of tlie United States, including a roster 

 of the inemljers in the i)rincipal cities, commission charges on different fruit and 

 vegetables, refrigerator cars and shipmenta, etc. 



