838 EXPEEIMENT STATION BECOED. IVol. 35 



rooted tree or a shallow-rooted one. Properly spreading the recta at planting 

 time may assist in developing a more symmetrical root system. In applying 

 irrigation water the amount of water should be sufficient to keep the surface 

 moist without adding to the supply below. 



Recent developments in spraying practices, P. J. Pabbott {Moat. Fruit 

 Growers' Assoc. Rpt., 22 (1916), pp. 79-120). — A paper, with a discussion fol- 

 lowing, in which the author considers the spraying problems confronting the 

 fruit gi'owers of New York State and methods that have been employed by 

 the New York State Experiment Station to meet these problems. The subject 

 matter is discussed under the general headings of the plant lice injurious to 

 apple foliage and fruit, insects that factor in the grading of apples, the insec- 

 ticidal properties of various sulphids and polysulphids, compatibilities of com- 

 mon insecticides, and the cost of spraying in the upkeep of an apple orchard. 



A study of variation in apples during the g^rowing season, W. E. White- 

 house (Oregon Sta. Bui. 134 (1916), pp. 3-13). — This bulletin gives a summar- 

 ized account of an investigation conducted to determine whether there are 

 more or less definite periods when apples under Oregon conditions make their 

 main increase in bulk and other periods when their characteristic color mark- 

 ings are developed. 



Summing up the detailed data secured by measurements of apples represent- 

 ing four distinct pomological groups, the author finds that apples tend to make 

 a gradual increase in diameter from the commencement of growth with a 

 correspondingly greater increase in volume as the diameter increases, and 

 consequently actually greater increases in volume occur during the latter part 

 01 the growing season than in the early stages. 



In the case of color development there is a time during the middle of the 

 growing season when color is less developed than in the early stages of growth. 

 A large part of the coloring matter of apples is deposited shortly before picking 

 time. From the viewpoint of securing higher color it is suggested that picking 

 could often be delayed several days to advantage. 



In view of the steady gradual increase in size the ideal cultural conditions 

 are those which provide a constant supply of moisture. The author also found 

 that the relative size and the general shape as between individual apples In 

 the early stages of growth is maintained to the picking time. Consequently, 

 in thinning apples undesirable shapes and the smaller fruits should be removed. 



The packing of apples in barrels and boxes, W. H. Wolff (N. H. Col. Ext. 

 Bui. 7 (1916), pp. 32, figs. 43). — In addition to a technical account of methods 

 of packing apples in barrels and boxes, the author reviews the legal measures 

 which have been taken in this country to regulate the gi-ading and packing of 

 apples. The text of the United States apple grading law and the Massachusetts 

 apple packing and grading law is appended. 



Cranberry improvement, F. P. Schlatteb (Proc. Amer. Cranberry Growers' 

 Assoc., 47 (1916), pp. 12-16). — In this paper the author discusses methods of 

 improving the cranberry through plant selection and propagation, seed selec- 

 tion and propagation, and crossbreeding, and outlines investigations to be 

 conducted along this line under the direction of the New Jersey Experiment 

 Stations. 



The direct bearers of the National School of Agriculture, Montpellier, 

 G. Verge (Ann. Ecole Nat. Agr. Montpellier, n. ser., H (1914), ^os. 1, pp. 25-80; 

 2, pp. 81-168, figs. IS). — A summary of observations made during the past 

 fifteen years on direct-producing hybrid grapes growing In the Montpellier 

 experimental vineyard, previously noted from another source (E. S. R., 31, 

 p. 238). 



