1917] HORTICULTUEE. 447 



needs of a grass are known it is not always advisable to maintain these needs 

 because the growth of certain undesirable plants may be promoted by the same 

 conditions. For example, alkaline fertilizers suitable for promoting the best 

 growth of blue grass are also favorable for the growth of dandelions and 

 plantains. These weeds, as well as certain grasses like blue grass and also 

 clover, are apparently checked by a degree of acidity which is not especially 

 detrimental to the growth of bent and red fescue, which condition may be 

 brought about by Introducing sulphate of ammonia into the top-dressing in 

 place of nitrate of soda. 



The small vegetable garden (U. S. Dcpt. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 818 {1911), 

 pp. 44^ figs. 22). — A popular treatise on vegetable gardening, discussing essen- 

 tials of gardening, planning the small garden, choosing crops, aids to earliness 

 (hotbed, seed box, and cold frame), tools, preparing tlie soil, planting vegetables 

 in the open, gardener's planting table, cultivation, irrigation, protecting plants 

 from diseases and pests, cultural suggestions for the commoner vegetables, 

 vegetables for winter use, and fruits in the small garden. 



Small fruit culture in California, A. H. Hendkickson {California Sta. Circ. 

 164 {1917), pp. 24, figs. 13). — A popular treatise on the culture of bush fruits 

 and strawberries, including a discussion of soils, methods of propagation, 

 planting, cultivation, pruning, renewing the plantation, berries as intercrops, 

 fertilizers, insects and diseases, harvesting, and varieties. 



Spraying' experiments in Nebraska, J. R. Cooper {Nebraska Sta. Research 

 Bui. 10 {1917), pp. 5-98, figs. 26). — In continuation of previous work (E. S. R., 

 24, p. 758) this bulletin reports spraying experiments conducted on a large 

 scale during the period 1913 to 1915 by the station in cooperation with the 

 extension service of the university and growers in different parts of the 

 State. The work was carried on to demonstrate known methods and evolve 

 new methods of practice from a commercial as well as an experimental stand- 

 point. The data secured each year In spraying for the codling moth, plum 

 curculio, apple scab, and apple blotch are presented in detail and fully discussed. 

 Tests of Bordeaux v. lime-sulphur and newer spray materials, together with 

 data on the cost and efBciency of different methods of spraying, are also 

 reported. 



The results of the experiments as a whole show that the codling moth, 

 plum curculio, apple scab, and apple blotch, together with incidental diseases 

 such as rust and sooty blotch, may all be controlled by combining fungicides 

 and insecticides and applying the first spray before the flowers open. The 

 second spray should be given immediately after two-thirds to three-fourths of 

 the petals have fallen, and the third spray immediately after the eggs from 

 which the second brood of codling moth larvjB hatch are laid. A fourth spray- 

 ing for the codling moth and apple scab may be necessary in certain seasons. 



Practically no difference was found in the efficiency of Bordeaux and lime- 

 sulphur in controlling fungus diseases, except in cases of apple blotch, where 

 Bordeaux was more efficient but also more liable to injure the fruit when 

 used early in the season. No way of eliminating Bordeaux injury has been 

 found. The application of milk of lime following rains to trees which have 

 been sprayed with Bordeaux does not lessen the Injury to any appreciable 

 extent. Bordeaux and lime-sulphur sprays may be interchanged in a schedule 

 so as to form a maximum amount of control with a minimum amount of Injury. 

 Home-boiled lime-sulphur has been found as efficient a fungicide as the ordinary 

 commercial product, but to avoid russeting the fruit care should be taken to 

 screen out the coarse particles in the sludge, using only the clear liquid. 



None of the new fungicides was found to be in any way superior to the two 

 standard fungicides now in use. Bordeaux arsenate, Pyrox, and tuber tonic 



