I'.i-'OI HORTICULTURE. 539 



devfl<>])s to an abnormal extent that it results in any appreciable interference 

 with the other; hence, it is pointed out that the Iruit on younj^ trees need not 

 be reniovtHl, but .should merely be tidnned to the proper anjount lor the trees to 

 carry. There was also a marked cornlation between cultural methods and (he 

 color and size of tlie resulting fruits. The sod fruit was regularly highest in 

 color, and the mulched fruit generally averaged largest. In general, however, 

 the chief influences affecting color are sunlight and maturity, and the principal 

 one alTecting si/.e is the amount of moisture available to each fruit. 



ExiM>riments on the inlUu>nce of selection, stock, and heredity in apples 

 have thus far shown marked individuality in tree yield. The possibility of 

 perpetuating the dilTerences observed through scion selection is now being 

 studied. 



Certain of the fertilizer experiments with peaches have shown very marked 

 effects, with nitrogen apparently most important, phosphorus next, and potash 

 last. A combination of all three materials has given the best results. 



The project in spray materials and spraying was largely completed. Gen- 

 erally speaking, the recommendations f(yr the use of lime-sulphur spray con- 

 form to those in Bulletin 115 of the station (E. S. K., 27, p. 242), except that 

 about one-third more winter is recommended, making the formula 4.'5 lbs. of 

 lime and 90 lbs. of sulphur to GO gal. of final product. This change materially 

 reduces the coarse .s<,'dinient. Itecent studies in spray injury on peaches 

 Indicate the importance of avoiding, during the growing season, any material 

 containing sodium, potash, or similar materals in combination with any kind of 

 arsenical. The new barium-sulphur compound is rather similar in its action 

 to the soda or potash compounds, although to a reduced extent. It is deemed 

 unsafe for summer use on peaches in combination with any of the present 

 arsenicals. 



Concerning the shedding of flowers and fruits and other abscission 

 phenomena in apples and pears, A. J. Heinickk (/'roc. Avier. Soc. Hart. Sci., 

 16 (1919), pp. 76-83). — A contribution from Cornell University, presenting some 

 of the results of observations and experiments conducted in connection with a 

 study of factors influencing the set of fruits. The author describes the 

 separation zone in apples and pears, some characteristics of fruit doomed 

 to fall, conditions or treatments that induce or hasten abscission, and con- 

 ditions or treatments that delay or prevent abscission. 



It is concluded that although inve.stigations thus far conducted along this 

 line do not afford an entirely satisfactory explanation of the behavior of the 

 cells in the abscission zone, undoubtedly the causes that stimulate or excite 

 the peculiar changes in this region are associated with variations in nutri- 

 tion and water supply. Effective fertilization is only one of several po.ssible 

 means of causing a set of fruit. Self-fruitful ness may- be associated with the 

 fact that the cells at the base of the pedicels of the flowers on self-fertile 

 varieties are not so easily stimulated into abscission activity as similar cells 

 of self-barren trees. 



Some characteristics of open-pollinated seedlings of the Malinda apple, 

 M. J. DoKSKY (Proc. Amcr. Soc. Jlort. Sci., 16 (1919), pp. 36-42).— A contribu- 

 tion from the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. Observations were 

 made on seedlings of Malinda open pollinated in an orchard of desirable 

 varieties. 



Briefly sunnnarized, the author found that the inferior types can be detected 



and discarded before fruiting by the appearance of leaf, thorns, and branches. 



The time of coming Into fruiting varied greatly. Some fruited at the third 



and fourth year, and about one-fifth had not fruited at the twelfth year. I.c^ss 



9S46°— 20 i 



