HORTICULTURE. 41 



A table is given sliowingc the yields of cranberries sec-nred on the various fer- 

 tilizer plats during the period from 15)04 to 1SX)7, inclusive. The treatments 

 which have been most beneficial are combinations of phosphate and nitrate and 

 of potash and nitrate. Two cooperative fertilizer tests have been made with 

 growers during the past 2 seasons, the experiment consisting of an application 

 of acid iihosphate, sotlium nitrate, and potassium sulphate, each alone and in 

 a combination of 2 on areas of one-tenth acre, except that on one of the bogs 

 potash and nitrate were not used singly. The yields of berries together with 

 the tr'^atments are given, although no conclusions are drawn as yet from the 

 work. 



A number of plats planted at the station in 1904 produced fruit and gave some 

 indication of the results of different methods of planting as well as the compara- 

 tive value of a few of the standard varieties of berries. Of .3 plats set with 

 short cuttings by the use of a dislc, as described in a previous bulletin (E. S. R., 

 16, p. 975), the native varieties yielded at the rate of 10 barrels per acre, the 

 Palmeter variety 17 barrels per acre, and the Howe 12 barrels per acre. An- 

 other plat, planted with vines from the nursery in 1905 and set with a dibber in 

 rows about 5 in. apart and 1 to 2 in. between vines in the row, yielded i\t the 

 rate of 2G barrels per acre. McFarland vines planted in 1904 on unsanded peat 

 yielded about 1 barrel per acre. 



As a result of work in the moss-killing tests, the application late in May of 2 

 barrels of air-slaked lime per acre is recommended. This application may be 

 repeated the second year, but the third application should be deferred for at 

 least a year. AVhile this treatment is suitable for sphagnum moss, wood moss is 

 not killed by the lime, and experiments were made to establish some treatment for 

 killing wood moss. Dry salt was first used, but could not be applied in sufficient 

 amounts without injury to the vines. During the past year the salt was applied 

 in solution, giving excellent results. " The application of a mixture of 15 pounds 

 of common salt to 50 gal. of water at the rate of 4 barrels to the acre just before 

 the opening of the terminal buds of the cranberry vines has been found safe and 

 effective for killing the wood moss, which at that time grows rapidly." A second 

 growth of moss usually occurs in the latter part of September and should be 

 given a second application of the treatment at that time. 



The relation of weather to the setting of fruit; with blooming data for 866 

 varieties of fruit, U. P. Hedrick {Xciv York State Sta.BuJ.299, pp. 59-138).— 

 In the tirst part of this bulletin considerable data are given together with refer- 

 ences drawn relative to the behavior of fruit crops during the varying weather 

 conditions of past seasons in western New York. Killing frosts, rain, tempera- 

 ture, sunshine, and wind are all discussed in their relation to the setting of 

 fruits. The data are largely based upon a study of the printed records of the 

 fruit crop of the above region found in the Proceedings of the Western New 

 York Horticultural Society, together with an examination of crop reports, 

 weather re<"ords, and the agricultural papers for the period under discussion. 

 In connection with the discussion meteorological data, compiled from the rec- 

 ords of 90 weather stations in New York, are given for the month of May for 

 the years 1897 to 1900, inclusive. 



The author points out that although self-sterility with lack of cross-pollina- 

 lion may be an important cause of the failure to set fruit, unfavorable weather 

 conditions during the blooming i)eriod are also important factors in the loss of 

 fruit crops. The conclusions reached from this investigation ai'e that frosts, 

 rain, cold weather, and cold or high winds are the chief agencies in preventing 

 the proper setting of fruit in New York. The damage in the case of light frosts 

 may be prevented to some extent If the proper precautions are taken. Abun- 

 dance of sunshine and a low peix-entage of humidity give the most favorable con- 



