EOETICULTUEE. 147 



Bud variation in relation to fruit markings, E. J. Kratis (Oregon Sta. 

 Bien. Crop Pest and Hort. Rpt. 1911-12, pp. 71-78, pi. 1, fig- -Z).— A review of 

 the literature, including notes on the author's observations relative to the effect 

 of foreign pollen on the color in the immediate cross. 



A studj' of the subject as a whole led to the following general conclusions: 

 " Color in the pome fruits is not influenced directly in the immediate cross. 

 New characters can not be added by the pollen, outside the seed itself, in the 

 immediate cross. The manifestation of color is dependent on many environ- 

 mental factors. Color as usually found is composed of a number of unit charac- 

 ters. Somatic segregation may occur and by this means the several factors or 

 color manifest themselves more or less independently. The several colors may 

 apiiear as bands more or less parallel, or a baud of but one color surrounded by 

 the normal color. Similar segregation may extend to any group of unit charac- 

 ters of which the plant is composed. Segregation may extend to either fruit or 

 leaf buds, if [in] the latter such variations may be propagated asexually. Red 

 in apples may consist of either a single or a complex of unit characters ; at least 

 3 reds are recognizable. Somatic segregation may be of service to plant breeders 

 as indicating the unit characters of a plant that are likely to exhibit themselves 

 when propagated sexually. Segregation generally extends to the flower bud 

 only in apples while in pears the shoot is frequently affected." 



A bibliography of consulted literature is appended. 



Seedless and malformed fruits, F. R. Brown {Oregon Sta. Bien. Crop Pcftt 

 and Hort. Rpt. 1911-12, pp. Jfl-'iS, figs. 2). — A short discussion of the author's 

 observations relative to the effect of frost injury prior or subsequent to pollina- 

 tion on the development of the fruit. 



Frost-fig'hting' investig'ations, A. A. Heixeb (Nevada Sta. Rpt. 1911, pp. 

 21-23). — Data are given on frost-fighting investigations conducted during the 

 spring of 1911. Low temperatures were successfully combated for several days, 

 even when the temperature went as low as 19° F. on one day. A continuation 

 of these low temperatures, however, finally killed the blossoms and the experi- 

 ment was terminated. 



It is concluded that the station orchard is situated in a location unfit for 

 experimental work, except to perhaps demonstrate the value of frost-fighting 

 methods in the most favorable seasons. 



[Horticultural investig-ations], P. B. Kennedy and A. A. Heller (Nevada 

 Sta. Rpt. 1012, pp. 25-29). — A resume of work in the station orchard, including 

 notes on the adaptability of various cover crops and additional data on frost- 

 fighting investigations in 1912 (see above abstract). 



The results of the frost-fighting work indicate that the number of frosts to 

 be contended with are too numerous to consider apple growing as a profitable 

 business in the lowest parts of the Truckee Valley. 



Frost investigation work of 1912, C. I. Lewis and F. R. Brown (Oregon 

 Sta. Bien. Crop Pest and Hort. Rpt. 1911-12, pp. 31-^0, figs. 4). — Continuing 

 previous work (E. S. R., 25, p. 742), tliis comprises a report on the relative 

 efficiency of various types of orchard heaters as tested in a prune orchard in 

 1912. The frosts occurring during the season were not sevei'e enough to throw 

 any light on the real value of orchard heaters. 



Variety adaptability, C. I. Lewis (Oregon Sta. Bien. Crop Pest and Hort. 

 Rpt. 1911-12, pp. 66-70). — ^A short discussion relative to the effect of tempera- 

 tures, altitudes, humidity, etc.. on the adaptation of fruit varieties to different 

 sections, including observations on the adaptation of various varieties in some 

 of the coast districts in the Willamette Valley and in portions of eastern Oregon. 



Varieties of fruit recomraended for planting in Utah, L. D. Batchelor 

 (Utah Sta. Circ. S, pp. 77-80). — This comprises a list of recommended varieties 



