HORTICULTURE. 1037 



on the iiiuk-lied plat ami the poorest on the slaked phit. Fruits grown on the 

 staked jilat showed the greater percentage of disease. There was very little 

 difference between the mulched and unmulched plats as to disease. On the 

 whole the vines were free from insect pests and comparatively so from disease. 



In addition to the discussion of the experimental work, descrii)tive notes are 

 given on the principal diseases and pests affecting sweet corn and tomatoes, 

 including directions for their control. 



[The selection of tomatoes for a hig'her yield], J. Troop and C. (i. Woodbury 

 (Indiana tita. Rpt. J908, pp. 27-28). — The station is studying the influence on 

 the yield of selecting seed from the heaviest yielding individual plants. The 

 previous season's results showed a variation of about 600 per cent in total 

 yield between the best and poorest plants. About 200 plants were used in this 

 season's work, and records were kept of the yield of each plant at each picking. 

 The highest yield i)er single plant was 1.5.00 lbs., and the lowest 1.68 lbs., or a 

 difference of nearly 900 per cent. The highest number of fruits per single 

 plant was 91, and the lowest, 18. No definite conclusions are drawn, but 

 from the season's results Hummer, Chalk Early Jewel, and Stone, in the order 

 named, were the most profitable varieties to grow. 



Raspberries, blackberries, and loganberries in Washing'ton, W, S. Thorn- 

 r.ER {Washington Sta. Bui. 87, pp. 3-32, figs. 17). — This bulletin contains pi-ac- 

 tical suggestions for growing, harvesting and shipping raspberries, blackberries 

 and loganberries, together with descriptive notes on the most [u-omising 

 varieties. 



Factors affecting' the keeping quality of table grapes while in transit and 

 in storage (U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant Indus. Doc. 392, pp. 3). — This circular 

 contains some of the moi-e important results secured in the cold storage experi- 

 ments with table grapes in California conducted by the Bureau of Plant In- 

 dustry in 1906-7, and was issued to call to the special attention of grape 

 growers and shippers the value of careful handling, and quick shipment and 

 cooling. The data have l)een noted from another source ( E. 8. R., 20, p. 840). 



The Rixford: A new type of Smyrna fig, W. T. Swingle (Pacific Rural 

 Press, 77 ( 1009), Xo. 9, pp. 161, 170, figs. 2). — A popular description is given of 

 a new type of drying fig recently discovered in California which it is believed 

 may prove of value in climates too moist for the successful curing of figs of 

 the ordinary Smyrna type. 



These new figs, of which two varieties have been discovered, are designated 

 as self-sealed figs, since the narrow mouth of the fruit, when it matures, is 

 found to be sealed with a droi» of jiellucid gum. As the figs dry and shrivel 

 on the tree the drop of gum hardens and hermetically seals the mouth, thus pre- 

 venting the entrance of beetles, pomace Hies, and other insects. Since the 

 fermentation germs are unable to enter the fig it does not readily sour. t)ne 

 of the varieties was found to withstand soaking rains uninjured, whereas 

 the tigs on the adjoining trees which were not sealed were ruined. 



Notes are also given on other promising varieties of figs for California. 



The first season with the peach orchard, M. A. Blake (Xriv Jersey Stas. 

 But. 219, pp. 3-27, pis. 10, dgni. I). — The stations have 2 young exiierimental 

 peach orchards which were established for the purpose of investigating various 

 problems which arise in connection with the industry and to assist in placing 

 the peach industry of the State on a firmer basis. Accurate accounts .-ire being 

 kept of the expense of the various cultural operations, some data on which 

 have been previously rejiorted ( E. S. H., 19, j). 1087). 



This bulletin discusses the details of planting and caring for young peach 

 trees, including the selection of site, soil, purchase and cost of trees, varieties, 



