lo Feb., 1912.] Propagation of Fruit Trees. loi 



however, this covering membrane is found to consist of several layers of 

 sharply differentiated cells. These various structures serve as a protec- 

 tion for germ and endosperm, and, in the process of milling, become 

 detached from the remainder of the kernel and collectively form the bran. 

 At least five different layers may be distinguished under the microscope 

 besides several irregular, vaguely defined intermediate layers. Examina- 

 tion of a number of varieties of wheat commonly grown in, Victoria reveals 

 wide differences in their microscopic appearance, especially in regard to 

 the structure and characteristics of the layers immediately covering the 

 endospenn. and it may be that tnese microscopical characters are correlated 

 with important external characteristics of the varieties concerned. 

 An examination of Fig. 6 will reveal the following structures : — 



{a) The epidermis, which consists of a layer of longitudinal cells 

 with their long axes in the direction of the length of the 

 kernel . 

 {b) A second layer, the epicarp, very similar to the former in gene- 

 ral appearance resting on an irregular layer apparently 

 devoid of cellular structure. 

 {c) The etidocarp, placed at right angles to the cells above de- 

 scribed. In cross section the cells of the endocarp appear 

 to be very regular in character, with thick cell walls which in 

 longitudinal section display minute pits. 

 {d) The testa, consisting in the unripe kernel of two distinct layers 

 of cells closely applied to the aleurone layer. The testa is 

 very tough in character,- not readily permeable to water and 

 homogenous in structure. 

 {e) The aleurone layer, consisting of large more or less rectangular 

 cells, with thick cell walls containing oil and granular nitro- 

 genous matter. It is frequently called the gluten layer, 

 though this is a misnomer, as the gluten found in the flour 

 is derived from the starch cells of the endosperm and not 

 from the aleurone layer. 



What is known as the bran consists of the five layers described above. 

 The micro-photographs of the sections illustrated above were pre- 

 pared by Mr. C. C. Brittlebank, Acting Vegetable Pathologist of this 

 Department. 



To be Continued . 



PROPAGATION OF FRUIT TREES. 



{Continued from page 6j.) 

 C. F. Cole, Orchard Supervisor. 



Disbudding. 



Cutting off, i.e., reducing the stocks back to the inserted bud will be 

 the cause of numerous shoots pushing out around and below the bud. The 

 growth of these shoots is generally earlier and more rapid with stone than 

 with seed fruits. As such shoots are robbers they will, if neglected too 

 long, seriously affect the growth of the buds. The probable result will 



