42 EXPERIMENT STATION BECORD. [Vol.37 



vious report (E. S. R, 35, p. 540), it was pointed out as a result of two seasons' 

 experiments tliat nitrate of soda had a decidedly beneficial effect upon the 

 vigor and production of devitalized apple trees. In the present paper the results 

 of previous experiments are summarized and additional data are given on 

 these experiments, together with the results secured from two more orchards 

 treated with the nitrate in 1916. No fertilizer was applied in 1916 to the 

 orchards receiving nitrate In 1914 and 1915. In one of the orchards a crop 

 of clover was turned under and in the other alfalfa and clover were allowed 

 to grow. 



The observations for the season Indicate that the invigorating influence of 

 nitrate of soda has continued into 1916 and gives good promise for the follow- 

 ing season. Beneficial results from nitrates were also secured on the orchards 

 treated for the first time in 1916. The results of the experiments as a whole 

 indicate that nitrate of soda is valuable as a means of rapidly renewing the 

 vigor and production of devitalized apple trees. It is pointed out, however, 

 that the beneficial effects of shade or cover crops in restoring nitrogen and 

 humus should be understood. In case of unsatisfactory growth nitrate of soda 

 In small quantities might be found useful in rotation with shade crops. 



Experimental dusting and spraying of peaches, W. W. Chase (Ga. Bd. 

 Ent. Circ. 21 (19111), pp. 14. P'«- -4)- — This circular summarizes the results of 

 throe soa.«;ons' experiments In dusting peaches with lead arsenate and sulphur 

 preparations, conducted by the Georgia State Board of Entomology. 



The use of dust mixtures has resulted in almost perfect control of peach 

 scab, brown rot, and curculio ; good coloring of fruit ; thorough and uniform 

 distribution of material ; saving of time, labor, teams, and Initial cost of equip- 

 ment as compared with liquid spraying; Independence of water; and little 

 deterioration of dusting mechanism and none of material. The dusting method 

 has a temlency to burn leaves, defoliate the trees, and crack or check the flesh 

 of the fruit when applied too heavily. This Is more marked when the appli- 

 cation is closely followetl by rain. It is .suggested that the use of improved 

 nuuhlncry, better methods of application, accurate regulation of output, and 

 modification of formulas may reiluce this type of injury to negligible quan- 

 tities. 



What the experiment station peach orchard has cost and what it has pro- 

 duced, C. A. McCuK (Del. Farmer, 4 (1916), No. 2, pp. 25-28, fig. 1).—A popular 

 summary of the subject matter In Bulletin 113 of the Delaware Station 

 (E. S. R.. 36, p. 42). 



Experimental investigations of the plum (Prunus domestica). — I. Agri- 

 cultural chemical statistics and the composition of the fruit, D. Fekuc.lio 

 (/?. Lab. Chitn. Apr. Udinr, Ric. Sper. e Attiv. Spicgata, 4 (1911-19U), pp. 

 99-110, pis. 2). — This is the first of a series of notes dealing with the plum 

 and its culture. It gives a brief review relative to the importance of the plum 

 Industry In Europe, particularly in Italy, together with analytic data .showing 

 the physical and chemical composition of the fruit, as well as the chemical 

 composition of the seed, foliage, annual shoots, and the estimated amount of 

 various plant foods annually removed by plum trees. 



Sti-awberry growing, S. W. Fletcher (Neic York: The Macmillan Co., 1911. 

 pp. XXII +325, pis. 24, figs. 25). — The aim of the present work is to reflect 

 modern commercial practice in North America. The succes.*!lve chapters dis- 

 cuss locations, sites, and soils; planting; rotations, manuring, and fertilizing; 

 tillage and irrigation; training the plant; mulching; pollination; packages; 

 picking and packing; marketing; cost of production, yields, and profits; proi>a- 

 gation and renewal; everbearing varieties, forcing and other special methods 



