HOETICULTURE. 637 



Careful handling, precooling', and cold storage investigations (Brit. Co- 

 lumbia Rpts. Dept. Agr., 8 {1913), pp. 31, 38). — A brief summary of a number 

 of investigations conducted during 1913, with E. Smitli in charge. 



Investigations relative to losses from decay in rhubarb shipments show that 

 the decay is due primarily to a bacterial organism, followed by attacks of some 

 parasitic fungi. Certain varieties of rhubarb are more susceptible than others. 

 Rhubarb from new and rich soil was most attacked and that from upland old 

 soil the least attacked. Cold storage tests thus far made showed that decay 

 may be completely arrested at proper temperatures. 



Precooling and shipping experiments with strawberries, raspberries, and 

 apples are also briefly noted. 



Careful handling, precooling, cold storage, and transportation investiga- 

 tions (Brit. Colutnhia Rpts. Dept. Agr., 9 (1914), pp. 84-86). — An account of 

 investigations conducted during 1914 in charge of E. Smith, succeeded by F. L. 

 Goodman, and later by H. Thornber. 



In continuation of the above-noted work with rhubarb, an experimental 

 study was made of methods of packing. The results indicate that rhubarb 

 .should not be washed before shipment and should be shipped dry. The leaves 

 should be entirely removed before shipping. 



In the work with strawberries and raspberries, previous experiments had 

 demonstrated that the berries should not be precooled- much below 60° for 

 ordinary express shipments, so the precooling work was abandoned and experi- 

 ments in di-ying the fruit with a dehydrator were carried on. Experimental 

 shipments of dry and wet fruit showed conclusively that proper fanning greatly 

 increases the shipping quality of both strawberries and raspberries. Where 

 it is necessary to pick fruit slightly wet, it can be readily dried and its shipping 

 quality made superior to the best ordinary shipments by fannng with an elec- 

 tric fan in a suitable chamber for about one hour. 



Cost records made on the department's precooling plant show that when ice 

 costs $3 per ton, the cost of precooling peaches or apricots is 1.9 cts. per box. 

 The precooling plant in use is described. 



The work already conducted in the cold storage experiments with apples, 

 which have been under way for three years, indicates that only small and 

 medium-sized apples should be used for storage. The proper stage of maturity 

 for storage varies with different varieties. Delay in getting apples into cold 

 storage is dangerous. There was little difference in the cold storage qualities 

 between fruits from various districts. The commercial season of varieties 

 such as Jonathan and Mcintosh can be extended to February, and even to 

 March, by cold storage. 



Some storage experiments with onions were started during the year. 



Maturity of fruits for precooled shipments, E. Smith (Agr. Ga;:. Canada, 

 8 (1916), No. 1, pp. 18-20, pi. 1). — A discussion of the proper degree of maturity 

 at which fruit should be picked for precooled shipments, based upon precooling 

 experiments conducted by the Canadian department of agriculture. 



New fruits originated at Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm, C. Haralson 

 (Minn. Hart., 44 (1916), No. 2, pp. 79-83, figs. 3).— In this paper the author calls 

 attention to a few of the most promising new varieties of fruits originated at 

 the state fruit farm. Attention is directed in particular to improvements in 

 strawberries, raspberries, plums, and grapes. 



Varieties of fruit for West Virginia, W. H. Aldeehan, L. F. Sutton, and 

 R. R. Jeffries (W. Vu. Univ., Agr. Ext. Dept. Circ. 46 (1915), pp. S).— This 

 comprises lists of selected varieties of orchard and small fruits recommended 

 by the West Virginia University and Station for general planting in the State. 



