244 THE NA TURE-STUD Y RE VIE W [3 : 8-nov., 1907 



quite profitless to the class which spends its time in an aimless and cursory- 

 examination of the collections of anirnals. 



Hybrid Mints. - The Plant World for June states that a French botanist, 

 Malvinand, has made a special study of the hybrid mints found in his 

 country. The results show that these plants hybridize constantly, crosses 

 being found in great numbers. These hybrids however, are quite incapa- 

 ble of perpetuating themselves as new races, for the results of any single 

 cross survive for only a few generations. 



Bugs and Bank Panics. In a recent address, President William Dutcher 

 of the National Association of Audubon Societies made the statement that 

 "bugs cost more than a panic." Insect pests destroy $800,000,000 of the 

 nation's agricultural wealth annually. The proper protection of birds 

 which feed on such pests would save to the country an amount equal to the 

 entire capitalization of its national banks. Mr. Dutcher called attention 

 to the fact that if a million or more dollars are lost through the mismanage- 

 ment of a bank or other fiduciary institution, it creates a wave of protest 

 throughout the country; yet the enormous loss mentioned above creates 

 no comment because the public does not realize what is going on. 



The rate of decrease in the number of birds in the United States is very 

 high, not to say alarming. Statistical studies show that at the present 

 time the number of birds is forty percent, less than it was fifteen years ago. 

 The highest percentage of slaughter is recorded in Florida where the 

 decrease has been seventy percent, in fifteen years. 



Dwarf Fruit Trees. In the Garden Magazine for October is an account of a 

 recent and striking advance in horticulture in the production of fruit on 

 dwarf trees. By the use of these trees fifty may be grown in the space 

 ordinarily allotted to one. The advantages of the dwarf are (i) they 

 require much less room than standards, thus enabling one to grow all the 

 different kinds in a back yard ; (2) they come into bearing from two to five 

 years earlier than standards, often bearing a crop worth considering the 

 second or third year ; (3 ) one can care for them much more conveniently 

 and thoroughly, thus avoiding insect pests; (4) if they are not put close 

 together, they will not shade the ground too much for strawberries and 

 other vegetables. 



Dwarf apples are budded on a small-fruited, wild European apple called 

 the paradise. Dwarf pears are budded on quince stocks. There are also 

 dwarf peaches, plums, etc., the best method for producing which has not 

 as yet been fully worked out. 



A New Window Garden. "I have a new sort of window garden in my 

 office. I am experimenting with common things to see how they will do. 

 Thus far I have had good results. I have planted the following: Common 

 asparagus which is now between five and six feet high and in full 

 bloom. Tiger-lilies that are as vigorous as any I ever saw out of doors. 

 These are over a foot high, I think they will be in blossom in a month or 

 less. Blood-root which is about ready to blossom. Jacob's ladder which 

 is a mass of leaves at present. A strawberry plant and a few ferns. These 

 have been planted about a month. I dug them up late in the autumn and 



