HORTTCTTLTURE. 143 



Downing and Houghton gooseberries have been fairly successful at the Sitka 

 Station, but the Whitesiuith. a large English variety, excels theiu all. Crosses 

 of cultivated varieties of rasi)berries and strawberries with native varieties are 

 being tested. A native black gooseberry and several native currants have been 

 brought under cultivation. 



Trees and plants suffered considerable damage from upheaval during the 

 winter of 1906-7. 



Report of the horticulturist, J. E. Higgins (Hawaii Sta. Rpt. 1907, pp. 52-60. 

 /,/v. .?». — The chief work of the year consisted in experiments in the shipping 

 of troi»lcal fruits, already noted (E. S. R., 19, p. 338). 



The orchard area has been increased by about 4 or 5 acres. In addition to 

 avocados and mangoes, the newer orchard plantings include oranges, pomelos, 

 lemons, papaias, sweet sop (Anona squamosa), sour sop (A. muricata), cheri- 

 moya (A. cherimolia), Kafir plum (Harpephyllum caffnnn), Spondius lutea, 

 guaA'a (Psidium guajava), and the star apple (ChrysophyUum cainito). About 

 1 acre has been planted to mulberries for experiments in the production of food 

 for silkworms. 



Brief descriptive notes are given of the star apple, the fruit of the Anona 

 group, the carambola (Averrhoa carambola), which is a Chinese fruit furnishing 

 a drink similar to lemonade, and Carica qucrcifolia, which species of Carica is 

 said to be much richer in papaine, or "vegetable pepsin," than the papaia. 



The cultivation of roselle was continued and experiments conducted in the 

 manufacture of jam and jelly. The receipts used are here given. There appears 

 to be nothing gained in planting roselle seed earlier than February in the region 

 of Honolulu. Seed planted before this date produced plants which bore pre- 

 maturely Init did not produce the main crop earlier than plants which were 

 started later. Although the roselle does not require the richest soil, correspond- 

 ingly l»etter results are secured on good soils. In the experiments conducted 

 at the station the yield averaged from 6,000 to 7,000 lbs. per acre. 



The Natal i)ineapple being tested at the station fruited during the year and 

 is believed to l>e identical with the Queen. This variety, while not adapted for 

 canning, is of fine quality and may prove of A'alue in marliets where a small 

 fruit is demanded. 



Report of the South Haven Substation for 1906, L. R. Taft and F. A. 

 WiLKKN { MiiJiif/an ^ta. .Spec. Bui. J/O, pp. 3-.i7). — This is the regular annual 

 report of the South Haven Substation, consisting chiefly of brief cultural and 

 descriptive notes on the varieties of strawberries, gooseberries, currants, rasp- 

 berries, blackberries, cherries, peaches, plums, grapes, pears, apples, crab apples, 

 quinces, and nuts being tested, in connection with which lists are given of 

 cherries, plums, grapes, pears, and apples recommended for planting. 



The attempt to grow the English walnut has met with failure thus far. The 

 pecan has made a vigorous growth, but has not yet fruited. The Japanese 

 walnut (Juf/Ians sieboldiana) bore a small crop containing many undersized 

 nuts. The trees appear to be failing. Both the Kentish Cob and the Cosford 

 Thin Shell filV)erts are thrifty growers, but are not productive enough for com- 

 mercial ])urposes, although desirable for home use. The chestnuts, of which 

 I'aragon is considered the best variety, are the most promising, although the 

 Japanese varieties have failed to fruit. 



A test was made between paper and wooden boxes as carriers of strawberries, 

 gooseberries, and currants. The wooden box was found to be superior in pick- 

 ing and packing the fruit and was the one desired by the trade, as the paper 

 boxes were not considered firm enough to stand rough handling. There is little 

 difference in the cost, but the ])aper box is more attractive. It is suggested 



