144 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD, 



that florists might apply 3 lbs. of high-grade sulphate of potash to 600 sq. ft. 

 of soil, 4 in. "deep, the soil being composed of a good loam composted with 20 

 per cent of cow manure. 



In a soil study conducted with My Maryland roses, red shale or Penn loam 

 soil was collected in the form of sod in the fall of 1908 and allowed to decom- 

 pose. In the following spring portions of the soil were mixed with 10, 20, and 

 30 per cent of sand, respectively. Roses were grown in the different soil mix- 

 tures, similar fertilizer treatment being given to each bench plat. The experi- 

 ment which was conducted for a period of more than three years shows that 

 My Maryland rose apparently succeeds equally as well upon a soil containing a 

 large proportion of sand as upon a heavy clay loam. It is possible to maintain 

 rose plants in a vigorous and profitable condition upon the same soil for at 

 least three seasons without resorting to the use of animal manures. The heavy 

 or stiff soils appear to suffer first from lack of organic matter. The inference 

 is drawn that the addition of sufficient organic matter to maintain the water- 

 holding capacity of the soil may be of more importance than the heaviness or 

 lightness of the soil. 



Notes are given on the general condition of the fruit crop in the State in 

 1914, together with .some observations upon variations in form and length of 

 apple stems between varieties and within the same variety. A report based on 

 inquiries sent to fruit growers is also given showing the relative commercial 

 merits of the various varieties of fruits grown in the State. 



Attention is called to the injury to rapidly growing peach tree.s caused by 

 poultry through breaking down the tips of the branches. The experience of the 

 college farm indicates that where peaches are grown in connection with poultry, 

 some means must be taken to prevent the poultry from roosting in the trees. 



Viability tests of peach pollen similar to those made by C. Miller In the pre- 

 vious year (E. S. R., 32, p. 534) were conducted by H. F. Huber. A number of 

 solutions were tested as culture media. As a result of this test a solution con- 

 taining 1^ per cent saccharose and 1..5 per cent gelatin provofl to be the be.st and 

 was selected for the investigation. Wlien this solution was acidulated with a 

 few drops of HsSO, pollen germination was much less than when a nonacidulated 

 solution was used. Data secured from the germination test indicate a variation 

 in viability of peach pollen from different blossoms from the same tree. The 

 results indicate a variation in pollen viabilitj* between large and small flower 

 buds on the same tree. At the same time small buds growing on quite vigorous 

 twigs germinated better than normal-sized l)nds growing on weak twigs. The 

 work as a whole has shown that pollen of good vitality can be obtaine<l from 

 peach buds forced into bloom a mouth or two in advance of the normal season 

 of bloom. 



A statement is given relative to the general condition of the Vinoland experi- 

 mental peach orchards, including a discussion of the occurrence of peach leaf curl, 

 together with observations on the nature of June drop of peaches. An account, 

 including cost data and results, is given of cooperative peach sliipments from 

 the Vineland district to Boston during the season of 1914. 



Comparative data are given showing the blooming dates of tree fruits at the 

 college farm for the years 1912. 1913. and 1914, together with blooming dates of 

 ornamental trees and shrubs in 1914, and meteorological data for the year ende«l 

 October 31, 1914. 



[Report of heredity 'investigations], B. D. ITalstkd et al. (.Vcir Jersey 

 Stas. Rpt. 1914, pp. 295-317, pl'<. 9). — Inheritance studies of various crosses of 

 sweet, pop, and tlint varieties of corn and of i>eppers (E. S. R., 32. p. 530) were 

 continued In 1914, 



\ 



