62 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 305 



maggot, treatments were made at the rate of Y2 cupful per plant on May 9 (when 

 the first cabbage maggot eggs were found), May 16, May 23, and May 30. Four- 

 teen plots were arranged so that all of the possible combinations from four applica- 

 tions were made. In the untreated plot 57 per cent of the plants were damaged 

 by the maggot. 



One application made on May 9 gave 98 per cent control and made on May 16 

 94 per cent control, but the latter plot yielded twice as many large or medium 

 sized heads and seems preferable. Two applications gave perfect control except 

 when the first application was delayed until May 23. The number of good sized 

 heads was greater when the applications were made on May 9 and May 16, and 

 these appear to be the most timely applications. Three and four applications 

 also gave perfect control, but the yield was not sufficiently greater than where two 

 applications were made, to warrant the additional labor and cost. In this plant- 

 ing, about 75 per cent of the plants yielded large or medium sized heads by June 

 26 if the maggot was satisfactorily controlled. 



Three applications of dusts containing mercury also gave 98 to 100 per cent 

 control when applied on May 9, 16, and 23. Applications from both sides of 

 the row did not increase maggot control over application from one side, but the 

 size of the heads was improved by the additional dust. Two commercial dusts 

 containing derris or rotenone did not give satisfactory control of maggot, and tar 

 paper discs were not satisfactory. 



Ornamental Display and Test Gardens. (Harold E. White.) The ornamen- 

 tal display gardens were established at the Field Station in 1931 to permit the 

 study of varietal reactions and to provide an opportunity for the public to observe 

 the plants they may desire to grow commercially or with which to beautify their 

 home environment. The response of the public to these gardens has far exceeded 

 expectations. At present, the gardens contain approximately 100 varieties of 

 iris, 80 varieties of peonies, 40 varieties of roses, 40 varieties of New England astprs, 

 500 varieties of rockery plants, 400 varieties of miscellaneous perennials, and 50 

 varieties of shrubs. All this plant material has been supplied gratis and with 

 eagerness by various nurserymen. In addition, the New England Gladiolus 

 Society maintains a display plot of some 300 varieties of gladiolus. Each \'ear, 

 fifteen to twenty seedsmen supply seeds of the new introductions in annual 

 flowers in return for which they receive a report as to the quality of these varieties. 

 Future reports will be in the nature of observations on hardiness and habits of 

 certain ornamentals. 



Horticultural Schools. (Harold E. White.) These schools originated in 1931 

 for the purpose of providing florists with the latest cultural information derived 

 particularly from research, and to offer a source of information for home gardeners 

 who, because of necessity or preference, do their own gardening, The Florists 

 Schools have been attended each year by between 200 and 300 florists. The 

 first Home Gardeners School in 1931 for one day drew 700 persons which was a 

 far greater number than could be adequately accommodated. In 1932 and 1933 

 the two-day Home Gardeners program attracted an attendance of 800. A con- 

 siderable number attending have come from outside this State. Schools of this 

 nature have now' become a part of the regular activity of the leading colleges. 



