HORTICULTURE. 449 



Report of the horticulturist, R. A. Emerson {Nebraska Sta. Rpl. 1899, pp. 

 50-61). — Outline of the horticultural work now being carried out at the station and 

 of experiments which have been discontinued. 



Experiments conducted for 8 3'ears in the hybridizing and cross pollinating of 

 cucurbits have resulted negatively. In hybridizing different varieties of watermelons 

 with the pollen of pumpkins or squasli, no immediate effect of the pollen was dis- 

 cernible on the form, color, or flavor of the fruit or on the size, shape, or color of 

 seed. 



New experiments are being undertaken with native ornamentals, cover crops for 

 orchards, orchard cultivation, and in ])lant breeding. 



Progress of comniercial growing of plants under glass, B. T. Galloway ( V. H. 

 Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1899, pp. 575-590, pis. 3, figs. 6). — The historical development and 

 present status of commercial plant growing under glass is considered. It is estimated 

 that about 10,000 connnercial establishments in the United States are devoted to 

 growing plants under glass, 1,000 of which are engaged exclusively or nearly so in the 

 forcing of early vegetables which have a retail value of $4,500,000. The 9,000 com- 

 mercial florists' establishments are estimated to have on an average 2,.500 sq. ft. of 

 glass each, or a total of 22,500,000 ft. The estimated value of these establishments 

 is placed at 50 cts. per square foot of glass and the income to the producer at 50 cts. 

 per square foot annually, or §11,250,000; and double this amount from the standi^oint 

 of the retailer. The retail value of the cut flowers sold is estimated at $12,500,000, 

 distributed as follows: Roses, $6,000,000; carnations, $4,000,000; violets, $750,000, 

 chrysanthemums, $500,000; miscellaneous flowers, including lilies, $1,250,000. The 

 wholesale i^rice of roses, carnations, and violets in the 4 principal cut-flower markets 

 of the country for the years 1890-1899 has averaged $5.70, $1.51, and 92 cts. per hun- 

 dred, respectively. The American Beauty rose is excluded from the above average 

 on account of the high price it commands as compared with other varieties. 



The percentage decrease in wholesale prices of roses, carnations, and violets in 

 each of the cities of Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York during the past 

 5 years as conqiared with the preceding 5 years is shown in tabular form. 



The Lafleur or English herbaceous graft, E. Marre {Prog. Agr. et V'd. {Ed. 

 L'Est), 21 {1900), Nos. I4, pp. 420-427 , figs. 8; 15, pp. 44-3-452, figs. .5) .—The nature, 

 value, and technique of this graft for vines is discussed at considerable length, illus- 

 trations being given of the more salient features. 



The graft does not change the species, E. Brixguier {Mess. Agr., 5. ser., 1 

 {1900), No. 6, pp. 208-210). — A controversial article. 



Top grafting and irrigation, J. I. Graham {Fruit Growers' Assoc. Ontario Rpt. 

 1899, pjj. 20-24) • — A practical paper on the apple, read before the association. 



Winter cucumbers in pots ( Gard. Illus., 22 {1900), ^0. 1125, p. 397) . — A success- 

 ful method for growing cucumbers in pots is detailed. 



The forcing of lettuce {Amer. Gard., 21 {1900), No. 306, pp. 727, 7^5).— Concise 

 cultural directions. 



Growing rhubarb in the dark, S. S. Bailey {Rural Neiv Yorker, 59 {1900), No. 

 2644, p. 655). — The author reports the successful culture of rhubarb in a cellar. The 

 roots were dug in the fall and allowed to freeze, after which they were placed in sand 

 in the cellar and watered. Tiie rhubarb was large enough for use by February 5. 

 Brief suggestions regarding cooking rhubarb are added. Roots 3 or 4 years old are 

 considered most satisfactory for forcing, and where a cellar is not available the roots 

 may be placed in a box and covered with a barrel or other similar arrangement 

 which will keep them in the darkness. 



Experiments with tomatoes and potatoes, F. W. Rane {Neut Hampshire Sta. 

 Bui. 73, pp. 76-86, figs. 4)- — The importance of the tomato industry is noted and 

 tabulated results given of tests of 15 of 4he newer varieties of tomatoes grown at the 

 station in 1899 and 48 varieties grown in 1898 and before. The usual data as to the 



