472 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Excrescences, Abnormal, on Wood, Fruit, Foliage, and Roots. 



By E. Lemee (Rev. Hort. July 16, 1912 ; pp. 336-8 ; with 16 wood- 

 cuts showing examples). — An interesting article, dealing with their 

 origin and nature. — C. T. D. 



Explosive, A Safe, Rompertit C. By P. Schmidt (Oestr. Gart. 

 Zeit. vol. vii. pt. ix. pp. 343-346). — Rompertit C has been used with 

 success for removing tree stumps and also for making holes for 

 planting trees. The ground is loosened in all directions by the ex- 

 plosion, facilitating the admission of air. — S. E. W. 



Fig, Fructification of, by Blastophaga. By G. P. Rixford 

 (J our. Econ. Entom. v. p. 349 ; Aug. 1912). — An account of the part 

 played by the gall gnat Blastophaga in fertilizing the fig. This insect 

 has been introduced into California, and the outlook for the production 

 of the Smyrna fig in that country is said to be very bright. — F. J. C. 



Forcing (Oestr. Gart. Zeit. vol. vii. pt. ix. pp. 330-331). — Ex- 

 cellent results were obtained with Lilacs, Quercus pedunculata var. 

 fastigiata, Fraxinus excelsior, Carpinus Betulus, Corylus Avellana, and 

 Magnolia Alexandrina under the following treatment : — The shrubs are 

 dried for three days at a temperature of 79 0 F., and are then placed 

 in Knop's solution. This liquid consists of a mixture of 1 part by 

 weight of magnesium sulphate, 1 part potassium phosphate, 1 part 

 potassium nitrate, and 4 parts of calcium nitrate dissolved in water 

 (quantity not given). The dormant period of plants grown in pots 

 is curtailed if they are repeatedly watered with Knop's solution. 

 A Japanese oak treated in this way came into leaf in January 

 instead of March. — S. E. W. 



Forestry in Nature Study. By Edwin R. Jackson (U.S.A. 

 Dep. Agr., Farm. Bull. 468, 12 figures). — This bulletin shows how the 

 study of trees in the forest — not study of forest trees — may be included 

 in a Nature Study Course. 



After a paragraph on " methods " of teaching and the value of 

 the subject the author gives a scheme of work for six grades or classes. 

 Each scheme is divided for three terms. These schemes are well 

 worth the notice of nature students and teachers in this country. 

 The study of trees is meant to be a part of a general scheme in Nature 

 Study and not a complete scheme in itself. 



The bulletin gives a few experiments which are simple but 

 instructive. The suggestions for field trips, a forest calendar, and a 

 museum are excellent. 



The appendix contains a list of reading books suitable for children, 

 reference books for teachers, and a key to the chief forest trees. 



The whole work is one which must give infinite pleasure to Nature 

 Study teachers and will surely help to make one's work interesting 

 and successful. — W. W. 



