HOKTICULTUEE. 439 



may be reduced to corresiwnd as far as possible with the area in which the 

 lateral distribution of roots occurs. 



Cost of producing apples, B. J. Case (IV. Y. Dept. Agr. Bui. 35, 1912, pp. 

 907-912). — This comprises a detailed report for 6 seasons on the cost of pro- 

 duction and returns from a 150-acre diversified fruit farm. In addition to the 

 figures for apples data are also given for peaches, pears, plums, grapes, and 

 cherries. 



Strawberries, J. Oskamp (Indiana 8ta. Bui. 164, PP- 753-7S5, fiffs. 22). — 

 Part 1 of tliis bulletin contains practical directions for the culture and care 

 of a strawberry planting. Part 2 contains detailed descriptions of some 129 

 varieties of strawberries fruited at the station in 1911 and 1912. Selected lists 

 are given of varieties found to be superior to others in their season and of 

 varieties which were above the average of those tested. 



Strawberries, J. Oskamp (Indiana Sta. Bui. 164, popular ed., pp. 3-8, figs. 

 18). — A brief popular edition of the above bulletin. 



The function of grape foliage in relation to the grapes, A. Marescalchi 

 (Sta:;. Sper. Agr. Ital., 45 (1912), No. 12, pp. 940-944)-— A~ test, conducted for 

 one season only, in which the leaves were completely stripped from some fruiting 

 grape canes throughout the entire growing season, appears to indicate that the 

 current year's foliage exerts only a moderate influence on the development of 

 the fruit. The fruit showed a slight decrease in sugar content and a similar 

 increase in acidity. The must of the fruit from the defoliated canes, however, 

 was lacking in color. 



The author calls attention to the need of more definite information relative to 

 the physiology of the grape and suggests some lines along which investigations 

 might be conducted. 



The Valencia raisin industry (Jour. Roy. Sac. Arts, 61 (1913), No. 3160, 

 pp. 754-756). — In this article special attention is given to the methods of curing 

 raisins in the Valencia district. 



Statistics on the production of grapes and olives in 1912 (Estadistica de 

 las Producciones Viticola y Olivarera en el Arlo 1912. Madrid: Govt., 1913, pp. 

 9). — A statistical review of the production of grapes, wine, olives, and olive oil 

 In the regions and Provinces of Spain for the year 1912. 



Selection among cultivated crops with special reference to coffee, J. Kuijper 

 (Dcpt. Landl). Suriname Bill. 30, 1913, pp. 14-29, fig. 1). — The author discusses 

 selection as a means of crop improvement and outlines a method of selection for 

 the improvement of coffee. 



The cost of making copra (Trap. Life, 9 (1913), No. 6, pp. 103, 104).— A 

 discussion relative to the various cost factors entering into the production of 

 copra, based on information secured by Tropical Lif<e from various sources. 



Commercial studies with the date, A. E. Vinson and C. N. Catlin (Arizona 

 Sta. Rpt. 1912, pp. 701-706).— BuTing the date harvest of 1912 the processes 

 of artificial ripening (E. S. R., 27, p. 539) were studied under commercial con- 

 ditions ; experiments in pasteurizing dates were started ; and observations were 

 iiade relative to the adaptability of different varieties to climatic conditions 

 In the Salt River Valley. 



As far as observed the best varieties for the region reacted well to chemical 

 methods of ripening. The less reactive varieties, especially Deglet Noor, gave 

 larger yields by the heat process. Fruit was ripened with carbon dioxid as 

 successfully as with acetic acid or with nitrous ether. It is believed that the 

 carbon dioxid method may prove a little more expensive but will be free 

 from all objections so long as it is applied only to fruit that has reached a sufll- 

 cient degree of maturity. After the fruit has been stimulated by carbon dioxid, 

 8297°— No. 5—13 4 



