40 EXPERTMKNT vSTATIOX RECORD. 



before it wiis tlisfovoriHl. Wild 0KKpl-ii><^ <'i't' sil^o l)einf: used as a stock on 

 which to Ki-aft tomatoes, with considerable success. A native strain of musk- 

 melon of hirge size has been found with merit enough to warrant further work. 

 With the use of fertilizers these melons have been grown to a large size and 

 retain an excellent flavor. Another type, locally known as " melon de la China," 

 has been found to rank well with the Rockyford in size and flavor and to excel 

 it in ajtpearance. This melon is to be further tested relative to its shipping 

 qualities, size, productiveness, and flavor. Spanish onions have been planted 

 and will be grown from seed with the view of determining whether they keep 

 better than those grown in the I'nited States or in the Bermudas. An excellent 

 and extra early strain of cowi)eas has been developed, and seed is being raised 

 for trial at other points in the island. The breeding crops thus far have 

 matured in from 6.3 to 68 days. 



Influence of "bottom heat" in forcing cucumbers, J. G. Moore (Wisconsin 

 l^ta. Ri>t. 1907, pp. 355-36 'i). — An account of an experiment in forcing cucum- 

 bers which has been conducted by the station for the past 3 seasons, the chief 

 object of which was to determine the soil temperature best suited to the produc- 

 tion of the crop irrespective of cost. Other factors studied were earliness, rela- 

 tive number of male and female flowers, and relative effect on growth and 

 vigor of plants. Eight benches of plants were grown, 3 each in 1905 and 1906 

 and 2 in 1907. The range of temperatures from lowest to highest during the 

 entire period was from 68.7° to 83.3° F. 



From observations made and data secured during the 3 years, it is concluded 

 that a soil temperature of approximately 74° gives a greater fruitfulness during 

 the same length of time than temperatures ranging either much higher or much 

 lower. Increase in soil temperature increases the earliness of production little 

 if any. Variation of soil temperature shows little influence on flower produc- 

 tion, the important factors in this respect being sunshine, atmospheric temper- 

 atui'e, and individuality of plants. Higher soil temperature shorteus the fruit- 

 ing period of the plants, and the author believes that the length of fruitfulness 

 in the cucumber is inversely proportional to the amount of soil temperature, 

 within the limits of temperature usually given iu producing this crop. The 

 advantages gained by higher soil temperature are not suflicient to warrant the 

 additional cost. Plant individuality is so mai'ked that better results can be ob- 

 tained by using seed from the best individuals rather than by attempting to 

 influence i)roduction by increased soil temperature. 



Cranberry investigations, A. R. Whitson aud O. G. Malde ( Wisconsin Hta. 

 Rpt. 1!)07, pp. 302-308. fig. 1). — A further report on the cranberry investigations 

 being conducted at the station and which have been reported on from year to 

 year (E. S. R., 18, p. 1047). 



The general results of the season's investigations further emphasize the 

 influence of drainage and sanding on soil temperature. The observations rela- 

 tive to soil and air temperatures at different depths and heights are to be pub- 

 lished in detail in the future. The results secured for the past 4 years relative 

 to the influence of deep, shallow, and absence of drainage on the yield of berries 

 are tabulated and indicate a considerable benefit from drainage. On tlie plat 

 where the water was held at the surface, the average number of barrels of 

 cranberries secured was 32, whereas on the plat drained to a depth of 14 in., 

 the average number of barrels secured was 39. The roots on the better drained 

 plat showed a tendency to extend deeper and were stronger than those on the 

 undrahied plat. Relative to the sanding of plats, it appears that the applica- 

 tion of 2 in. of sand at one time on vines already established is very detrimental, 

 as the runners are covered too deeply to prevent the rapid development of more 

 runners. About ^ in. of sand applied to ground already well covered is found 

 to be beneficial. 



