1156 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Flower biology and productiveness of fruit trees, Ewert (Landw. Jahrb., 35 



(1906), iVo. 1-2, pp. 259-287, pis. 2). — Results of extensive experiments are given in 

 which the productiveness of apples and pears, as related to the biology of flowers, 

 was investigated. The special point studied was whether there is anything to fear 

 from the standpoint of self-sterility in making large plantings of a single variety. 

 The following conclusions from the author's work, which extended over a period of 

 3 years, will show the problems on which data were secured: 



Numerous seeds and increased size of fruit accompany each other. Seedless fruits 

 occur not only on such seedless varieties as Vaterapfel and Rihas Seedless, but fre- 

 quently on trees that usually produce fruit with seeds. Seedless fruits grown on the 

 same tree in competition with seeded fruits are smaller than the latter and frequently 

 misshapen. If foreign pollen is withheld from a tree and only seedless fruits pro- 

 duced, these fruits reach the same size as fruits with seeds. In plantings of a single 

 variety the number of seedless fruits and fruits with but few seeds is relatively high. 

 More fruits with than without seeds are found, however, which indicates that even 

 under such difficult conditions, foreign pollen is carried to the blooms in consider- 

 able quantities. Waite's division of fruits into self-fertile and self-sterile sorts requires 

 revision, since fruits may be formed in the absence of pollen. 



The experiments which have been made to determine the effect of self-pollination 

 on individual branches of a tree are often of negative value because the enclosing 

 of the blooms results in an unfavorable physiological condition and seedless fruits 

 formed on such branches must compete for nourishment with the seeded fruits on 

 other branches. 



There is no basis for the fear that large plantings of a single variety in Germany 

 will result in a decreased yield. The ability of pollen to germinate is variable, but 

 may endure for more than 3 weeks. 



Fruits and other food products of Jamaica, E. J. Wortley [Jamaica: Gleaner 

 Co., Ltd., 1906, pp. 73, pis. 2). — Brief descriptions and notes are given on the more 

 usual fruits and vegetables grown in Jamaica, as well as such subjects as cloves, cof- 

 fee, kola, vanilla, sugar cane, etc. The plates show the fruits of all the different 

 plants described. 



Influence of colored light on the preservation of ripe fruit [Mark Lane 

 Express, 94 (1906), No. 3889, p. 399). — In an article abstracted from the Bulletin oj 

 Agricultural Information, the results of some experiments are given in which it is 

 shown that ripe fruit can be kept for a longer time under blue glass than under 

 ordinary circumstances. In the experiments cited strawberry plants were grown in 

 pots, and when ripe, part of the pots were placed under red glass and part under 

 blue glass. After a couple of days the fruit under the influence of red light was 

 completely spoiled, while those under blue light kept in good condition for 7 days. 



Orchard notes, W. M. Munson (Maine Sta. Bui. 128, pp. 65-80, pis. 4). — Under 

 the above heading notes are given on spraying, insects and diseases affecting apples, 

 winter injuries to apple trees, mice injuries, and suggestions given as to pruning 

 trees and handling fruit. 



The injuries to apples following the severe winters of 1903-4 and 1904-5 were 

 thought to be due to the overbearing of the trees following a dry season and the 

 very cold winter. Trees which were well cultivated and fertilized started a vigorous 

 growth near the base of the main limbs from which it will be possible to build a new 

 top. In neglected orchards or where the thrifty trees were left in sod, the injured 

 trees continued to deteriorate and many have died. In order to prevent future 

 winter injury it is suggested that the trees be not allowed to overbear. 



If tar paper is used to protect trees from mice injuries, it is considered important 

 that the paper be removed in the spring; otherwise there is danger of the tree scald- 

 ing. The cost of sufficient wire screen to protect 400 young trees was $7.50. The 

 tar paper for an equal number cost 84 cts. Strips of wood veneer, which cost 



