HORTICULTURE. 639 



dififerent farms average profits of fl lis. and fl 6s. lid. respectively followed 

 applications of 200 lbs. of superphosphate and 200 lbs. of basic slag. The 

 greatest loss followed an application of 100 lbs. of nitrate of soda. 



How to grow more and better wheat {Indiana Sta. Circ. 23, pp. J,0, figs. 

 iS).— This circular gives full directions for wheat production in Indiana. The 

 preparation of the soil, see<ling, fertilizing, and harvesting the crop are outlined 

 and directions given for combating diseases and insect pests. 



Four noxious weeds, J. Burtt-Davy (Transvaal Dcpt. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 

 S-i, pp. 13, figs. 4). — Burweed, cockle-bur, Mexican poppy, and dodder are 

 described and methods for their control or eradication outlined. The text of 

 the Transvaal law with regard to burweed {Xanthium spinosum) is given. 



HORTICULTURE. 



[Horticultural investigations in Alaska], C. C. Georgeson et al. (Alaska 

 Stas. Rpt. 1909, pp. 8-11,, 32-39, J,0-.',2, >,9-51, 65-72, pis. 3).— This consists of 

 notes on the condition of the varieties of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals 

 being tested at the Sitka Station, and of vegetables at the Rampart and Fair- 

 banks Stations. Letters are also included from a number of settlers in different 

 parts of Alaska, reporting the results obtained with various seeds distributed 

 for trial. 



The winter season of 1908-9 was unusually severe and all of the growth made 

 by the fruit trees in 1908 was more or less winterkilled. At the Sitka Station 

 where most of the fruit investigations are being conducted, results of the 

 experiments with fruit trees have thus far not been very encouraging. Although 

 a number of varieties of apples have been grown to the blooming period they 

 have failed to set fruit. It would appear that if apples are ever to succeed 

 in Alaska they must be developed from hybrids between the native Alaska crab- 

 apples (Pyrus rivularis) and other varieties containing crab blood. These latter 

 varieties are proving hardier and more promising than varieties with no crab 

 in them. Such bush fruits as currants, gooseberries, and raspberries are prov- 

 ing fairly successful in the coast region and efforts are being made to produce 

 hardier varieties for the interior. Blackberries and dewberries can not be 

 successfully grown in any part of Alaska. 



The hybridization of strawberries (E. S. R., 19, p. 35) has been continued 

 with considerable success. After discarding a number of crosses between cul- 

 tivated varieties and the wild strawberry of Alaska (Fragaria chiloensis) 

 crosses were finally made of the native variety as the pollen-bearing parent 

 with an unnamed cultivated sort obtained from Hollis, Alaska. This variety, 

 which has been named the Hollis, proved hardier at the Sitka Station than other 

 varieties tried. Among more than 2,000 plants obtained from the resulting 

 seed, 1,288 were found that would bloom. These hybrid seedlings, which are 

 being further tested, are much more vigorous than either of the parents. 

 Many of the plants produced fruit as large as or larger than that of the mother 

 variety and in addition they nearly all inherited the very desirable qualities 

 of fine flavor, high aroma, and firmness of berry which characterizes the 

 wild plant. 



Illustrations are given of a number of the hybrid types secured. 



Horticulture, ,T. E. Coit (Arizona Sta. Rpt. 1909. pp. .5G.5-.569).—\ summary 

 of horticultural investigations conducted during the year, including the ollve- 

 oil work which has been previously re|)orted (E. S. R.. 22. i». 7:^'>), cultural and 

 variety tests with dates, orchard work, a test of ornamental plants for screens, 

 and inspection of nursery stock. 

 63100°— No. 7—10 i 



