NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



277 



separated than in the case of 0. Gunniana. The foliage of the two, 

 however, is identical. This species flowers considerably earlier than 

 O. Haastii, and is generally at its best in the south-west in May. 



It succeeds best in a sunny position, and is not particular as regards 

 soil. Large specimens, 6 feet or so in height, make charming pictures 

 when white with countless blossoms ; and although 0. Gunniana cannot 

 excel 0. Haastii in the number of its flowers, it has a far more graceful 

 habit, which renders it more ornamental as a garden shrub. — E. T. C. 



Onion Fly, The. By J. Bracken (Gard. Mag. n. 2574, p. 139 ; 

 28/2/03). — This insect pest is described and illustrated in a clear way, 

 together with details of its life-history and the best means of treating a 

 crop attacked by it, and the measures to be taken to prevent its appearance. 

 The Onion Fly named Phorbia cepctorum in one place is meant, no doubt, 

 to be the Anthomya ceparum in another part of the article. — W. G. 



Orchard Conditions. By Prof. Alwood (U.S.A. Hort. Soc. Virginia, 

 Report 1902, pp. 86-109). — An Apple tree with well-formed abundant 

 head is at 12 years old capable of bearing 10 to 15 bushels of fruit. 

 Thirty-inch stem recommended (i.e. from surface cf ground to com- 

 mencement of branching). 



Details as to growth and crop of Apples from trees of different 

 varieties 12 years old. 



Estimated annual cost per tree, 50 trees to the acre, Is. Scl. per tree 

 (10c/. manual labour, 5d. horse and wear and tear of tools). — C. H. H. 



Orchards, Grass. By G. H. Hollingworth (Gard. Mag. n. 2576, 

 p. 176 ; 14/3/03). — The writer argues in favour of grass under orchards, 

 instead of keeping the soil open and cropping it. 



From a picturesque and sentimental standpoint, without doubt there is 

 much to be said in favour of grass orchards ; but from a profitable point of 

 view, whether in the production of the finest fruit or the utilisation of 

 land, the system may be open to question. 



It is purely a question of circumstances whether the beauty of a grass 

 orchard can be enjoyed, or whether for some years at least the land should 

 be cropped. 



A grass orchard does not entirely do away with the labour of main- 

 tenance, as the grass must either be cut or fed off occasionally. — W. G. 



Orchard Studies (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. Virginia, Bull. n. 130, 

 November 1901 ; 12 figs.). — A "catalogue raisonne " of several varieties 

 of Apple grown at the Experiment Orchard of the Blacksburg Agricultural 

 Station in Montgomery County. The trees were purposely tested under 

 conditions of culture easily available to the average grower, and the soil 

 and climate of the station are below the average in adaptability to 

 Apple-growing, so that it would be quite reasonable to expect the results 

 here set forth to be surpassed under private management in more favoured 

 districts. 



The bulletin incidentally restates the maxim that the commercial 

 orchard must be kept clear of experiments, but adds that both for pleasure 



