NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



139 



in combating the ravages of the weevil is fully discussed. In its larval stage it 

 attacks both larvae and pupae of the weevil. From 1270 apple buds infested 

 by the pests at Chatteris (Cambs.) 27 per cent, were found to be effectively 

 cleared by the parasite. It is suggested that measures involving the preserva- 

 tion and increase of the latter should be given adequate trial, as it is in France. 

 It appears to be a valuable accessory means of controlling the weevil. 



R. C. S. R. 



Apple Identification by Means of Flowers, Leaves and Wood. By J. Farrell 

 (Jour. Agr. Vict. Aug. 1917,-pp. 457-469). — Each variety has the above distinct 

 characteristics, as well as tree growth and fruiting habit in addition to the size, 

 shape, colour, quality, and quantity of its fruit. 



In 'sports,' the wood usually retains the characteristics of the original 

 variety, although the fruit may differ. To show the difference in wood, year- 

 ling growths of twelve different varieties of apple are illustrated, showing 

 relative strengths, habits of growth, and bud formation ; varying from the 

 straight wood of the ' London Pippin,' with its small and closely set leaf buds, 

 through the various types to the long and partly spiral bending internodes of 

 the ' King David ' wood. Leaves of the same twelve varieties are also illustrated. 

 Typical specimens are usually produced on the young wood, and irregular types 

 are mostly found on the older growths ; consequently the leaves do not 

 form such a good means of identification as the fruit buds and bark. The 

 flowers of a variety like its fruit, wood growth, leaves, &c, may vary somewhat, 

 and in some this is more apparent than in others ; nevertheless, when typical 

 specimens are produced they afford an accurate means to correct identifica- 

 tion. Photographic illustrations of the blooms of 216 varieties of apple growing 

 in Victoria are given. No two varieties produce blooms alike, the main differences 

 in their botanical construction being the relative lengths of the united styles 

 above the nectary, the relative lengths of the free parts of the styles and of the 

 stamens to their own pistil. Typical minor varietal differences may also be 

 observed in the stigmas, anthers, sepals and petals. — C.H.H. 



Apple Orchard Cultivation. By J. Farrell (Jour. Agr. Vict. Feb. 1918, 

 pp. 80-88). — The cultivation usually consists of two ploughings a year, plus 

 cultivators and harrows. The first ploughing is six to eight inches deep, done 

 soon after the first autumn rains have fallen. The soil is drawn towards 

 the trees on both sides, the furrows running with the fall of the land to carry 

 away the surface water. In spring, after weathering, it is again ploughed and 

 cultivated, but if rough and hard, it is worked with disc cultivators or 

 harrows before the spring ploughing. In spring ploughing, the soil is drawn 

 away from the trees and a level surface again obtained. Single and double- 

 furrow ploughs are used with shifting handles and adjustable head-rack, 

 making it possible to plough right up to the butts of the trees. (Illustrations 

 are given of single and double-furrow orchard ploughs, one-horse spring cultivator, 

 one-way extension disc harrow and orchard harness to avoid damage to trees.) 

 A fine earth mulch which prevents the escape of soil moisture is obtained by 

 the one-horse nine-tooth spring cultivator or the disc cultivator according to 

 the nature of the soil. 



For hard tenacious soil not amenable to the spring-tooth harrow, the disc 

 cultivator is employed, so fixed as to cultivate up to the butts of the trees, both 

 the horse and driver being out of the way of the limbs of the trees. The horse's 

 harness is comparatively light and the steel tube forming the bow is held up by 

 the hip straps, the traces being of leather, consequently no rough surface comes 

 in contact with the trees. If the land is lumpy a heavy roller is used after the 

 spring cultivator to reduce the soil to a fine condition. Better results are 

 obtained by planting fruit trees on virgin soil and clean cultivation than by 

 growing crops such as oats among the trees. If well manured and well cultivated, 

 peas, beans, strawberries, &c, may be grown between the rows to bring in 

 money before the trees come into bearing. — C. H. H. 



Apple Orchards, Green Manuring for. By J. Farrell (Jour. Agr. Vict. March 

 1918, pp. 129-133). — Field peas (Pisum arvense) are recommended, sown 

 broadcast and lightly manured with bone dust and superphosphate as soon as 

 the late maturing apples have been gathered, or they may be sown in drills 

 during the growth of the apples ; the pea plants will be fit to plough in about 

 the time the early flowering apples are in full bloom. Green manure should be 

 buried to a depth of six or eight inches ; this is best done by a two-furrow orchard 

 plough with circular revolving coulters . These ploughs may if necessary be fitted 

 with weed-burying attachments. — C. H. H. 



