The Canadian Horticulturist. 249 



In reporting on the work of the stations the Secretary, Mr, G. C. Brackett 

 speaks of the Stoddart plum as one of the best natives of Iowa, of recent intro- 

 duction. For that State the following list is also commended : DeSoto, Wolfe, 

 Hawkeye, Rockford, and Forest Garden. 



He speaks well of Columbus and Chautauqua gooseberries, the fruit of 

 both being large and fine ; and he condemns the North Star currant. 



The Russian pears have not proved a success in Iowa, an experience similar 

 to our own in Canada. The Wragg cherry he declares to be identical with the 

 Enghsh Morello. 



A paper on "Co-operative Fruit Handling and Selling," is suggestive. 

 Such an association must of course secure uniform packages, and honest pack- 

 ing ; a competent man must examine and brand the packages Grade i or 2 as 

 the case may be, and when once the reputation of the association is established 

 there is no difficulty in finding sale for the goods at remunerative prices. 



Packing Choice Early Peaches in one layer boxes holding 18 to 24 speci- 

 mens of fruit is practised in England, and suggests to us some better way of 

 putting up our extra selected stock than in baskets. The English Fruit Grower 

 says : The first point is to ensure that each fruit is packed so firmly that it will not 

 shift and bruise in transit. Some senders wrap each fruit first of all in tissue 

 paper large enough to cover it. The ends are twisted at the top, and this twist, 

 if kept upright will be useful as a handle to pack and unpack the fruit without 

 handling the fruit itself after it is once wrapped up. The box will hold about 

 18 or 24 fruits. The fruit, when papered, can be packed in bran or preferably 

 wadding. We say preferably wadding, because its use is very effective. One 

 layer should be spread over the inside bottom of the box. A strip should be 

 put round the sides, then a piece folded about 2 in. or 3 in. deep, according to 

 the size of the fruit, and about 6 in. or 8 in. long, can be wrapped around the 

 sides of the peach. It can then be put in its place in the box, and thus packed 

 closely together and in rows, the box when filled is fit to travel any dis- 

 tance in the United Kingdom without risk. A sheet of wadding placed over all 

 the fruit before the lid goes on is all that is needed to complete the process. 

 Any special wooden box maker will supply peach boxes. 



The Gladiolus is the gem of all summer flowers because of its richness, 

 brilliancy and variety of color. No other plant is so easy to grow, so certain to 

 bloom or so brilliant in effect. It is admirable for borders or for groups. The 

 bulbs may be planted from the earliest spring until August. The flowers are 

 extremely durable and thus valuable for decorative purposes. When frosts come, 

 the unblossomed spike may be cut and placed in vases, where many will open. 

 To get the best quality of bulbs, do not let the spikes go to seed. 



F. & N. 



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