HORTICULTUEE. 967 



Stringfellow trees, H. W. Collingwood {Rural New Yorker, S3 {1904), No. 2824, 

 pp. S0<!, 217, Jiij-'i. 5). — The author gives an account of the planting and growth of a 

 large number of peach trees which were root pruned and set out according to the 

 Stringfellow method; that is, the tops were cut back to a stick 12 to 15 in. long and 

 all side roots cutoff so as to leave a stem below ground "as smooth as a lead jiencil." 



The field in which tliese trees were set consisted of very light and stony land that 

 had not been plowed for 30 years. Part of it was so poor that only a few coarse 

 weeds would grow on it, while another part was covered with brush and small 

 trees. Before setting out the trees the field was not cleared except for a small space 

 about each tree. In setting the trees the holes were made about 10 in. deep with a 

 crowl)ar; a little sand was then put in and then the i)each tree. More sand was \n\t 

 about the tree, water poured in, and the hole was filled up with earth, packing it 

 firmly around the stub thus planted. 



The behavior of trees so treated during the first and second years is noted in 

 detail, and illustrations given of some of the trees. Relative to the final results the 

 author states the case as follows: "From my experience I conclude that trees will 

 certainly live when planted in this way. With me they root deeper and head lower 

 than trees with long roots in large holes. I am (]uite sure of this. They make a 

 slower growth the first season, but when fully established make wood enough for 

 ]>ractical purposes. This method of planting is rapid and cheap. The chief disad- 

 vantages that occur to me are as follows: With the small crowbar hole you are likely 

 to leave an air space at the bottom of the root. This will kill or stunt the tree. 

 With a larger hole you can be sure that the soil is packed firmly around the root. 

 While I think the tree without any side roots and packed in a small hole will root 

 tleeper, it is better in our practice to leave stubs from 1 to 2 in. long at the side. 

 This anchors the tree firmly in the soil. It will not be whirled about by the wind 

 or lifted by the frost." 



Picking and packing apples, C. S. Crandall ( Trans. Illinois Hort. Soc, n. ser., 

 37 {IfiOo), pp. 575-501). — Directions are given for picking and packing apples, with 

 statistics on results obtained from an examination of 45 barrels of apples with regard 

 to uniformity in size of fruits, defects caused by decay, apple scab, codling moth, 

 and curculio. 



The apple package, J. C. Blair {Trans. Illinois Hort. Soc, n. ser., 37 {1903), 

 pp. 14.)-168). — The author collected a large number of packages of apples as put upon 

 the market from a number of different sections of the United States. The measure- 

 ments of these are given and the methods observed in packing described. In addi- 

 tion, a discussion is given of tlie relative value of boxes and barrels in marketing 

 apples, and many quotations taken from trade publications are given. 



The results are also given of experiments made at the experiment station at Urbana 

 in packing apples in boxes and selling in the Chicago market. Relative to the value 

 <jf Ijoxes for apples, the opinion appears to be quite general that only fancy grades of 

 api)les should be put up in these fancy packages. 



Growing Flat China peaches from seed, G. Monks {Queensland Agr. Jour., 14 

 {1904), No. J, p. 132). — An account is given of growing Flat China peaches from 

 seed. Many of the seeds would not germinate until after they were cracked. It is 

 especially noted that they fruited true to variety. 



Persimmons, A. Dickens {Industrialist, 30 {1904), No. 20, pp. 307-316, figs. <?).— 

 A general article on the persinnnon, with an account of experiments in growing 

 seedling persimmons at the Kansas Experiment Station. Illustrations showing the 

 seedlings at different stages of growth and the characteristics of flowers, fruit, and 

 tree are included. The average growth of the seedling has been about 18 in. the first 

 year. 



Some seedlings at the station have borne only sterile flowers. "The idea that the 

 sterile-flowered trees are necessary for the successful pollination of the others seems 



