NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



789 



run for a few hours for exercise are apt to nibble at the bushes, 

 especially if they are growing as hedges between the garden and 

 ' werf ' or yard, or, as is often seen, as isolated bushes around the 

 homestead." 



The plant is poisonous to human beings, and there is danger of 

 young children gathering the flowers and putting the stems into 

 their mouths, with serious results. — A. A. K. 



Oleoresins of some Western Pines, An Examination of the. 



By A. W. Schorger (U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Forest Service, Bull. 119, 

 January 11, 1913). — Oleoresin, or turpentine, as we know it, is different 

 in composition in different species of trees. This is really a scientific 

 report on these liquid solutions. Altogether the researches carried out 

 must be of the utmost value to those who are interested in what may 

 be termed the secondary products of the forest. — A. D. W. 



Oncidium crispum in the House. By A. Braecklein (Orchis, 

 vol. vii. pt. v. pp. 73-75; 1 fig.)- — Oncidium crispum flourishes 

 in a mixture of Sphagnum and Osmunda fibre in the east window of 

 a dwelling-room. The brown flowers with yellow markings are 

 sweet-scented. During the period of growth plenty of water and 

 frequent syringings are necessary, but the latter must cease when the 

 buds appear. In winter, the rest period, do not water and do not 

 expose the plants to cold. — S. E. W. 



Onions, Insects injurious to (U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Year Book 1912, 

 pp. 319-334; many figs.). — A lengthy and detailed account of various 

 insect pests affecting the onion, their identification and treatment. 



E.A.Bd. 



Orange * Thomson ■ (U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Year Book 1911, p. 436 ; 

 col. plate). — One of the navel varieties of exceptional attractiveness. 



E. A. Bd. 



Orange Trees. By O. Brooks (Agr. Gaz. N.S.W. vol. xxiv 

 pt. v. p. 444). — Unfruitful orange trees bore good crops after a spiral 

 incision was made, removing a strip of bark J- inch wide. — 5. E. W. 



Orchid Pots. By G. Ratz (Orchis, vol. vii. pt. vi. pp. 89-92 ; 

 2 figs.). — A very porous earthenware cylinder, 6 J inches long and 

 2 inches internal diameter, closed at one end, is provided with 15 round 

 holes \ inch in diameter, starting 1 h inch from the bottom. One side 

 of the pot is covered for § of its length with moss fastened by nickel- 

 plated copper wire. The orchid is placed on the moss, with its roots 

 spreading round the cylinder ; it is covered with a layer of moss tied 

 in position with raffia. The cylinder is filled with charcoal and sus- 

 pended by a wire from a suitable rod. The bottom of the pot is filled 

 with water every day and the orchid is syringed twice daily. A pinch 

 of pigeon dung is scattered on the charcoal every two or three months. 



S. E. W. 



