NOTES AND ABSTKACT3. 



281 



article on variations in form of Pears within the same variety, and a list 

 of new varieties obtained by secondary grafting, i.e. one variety grafted upon 

 another, already grafted on a common stock, the second graft being affected 

 by the first, forming a graft cross. The writer, however, doubts the value 

 of these varieties in view of the facts he cites and illustrates of great 

 variations in form independently of such a cause. Some further remarks 

 in this connection are contributed by Charles Baltet (Bev. Hort. March 16, 

 1903, p. 122) leading to the assumption that grafting on a vigorous previous 

 graft tends decidedly to improve the fruit, at any rate in size. — C. T. D. 



Peas, Sweet (Garden, No. 1633, p. 156; 7/3/03).— In growing 

 Sweet Peas the great secret consists in the selection of varieties, deep 

 tillage of the soil, keeping the seed-pods picked off, and affording the 

 roots copious supplies of moisture during dry weather. 



A border should, if possible, be devoted entirely to them, and each 

 variety grown by itself. The old-fashioned way of growing them in a 

 mixed hedge has little to recommend it, but by isolating the various 

 colours one is able easily to determine the best and most distinct varieties, 

 and the seed of each can be saved and kept separate. — E. T. C. 



Pear Trees in Pots. By Fred. Burvenich pere (Bev. Hort. Beige, 

 xxviii. No. 2, p. 32 ; with fig. in text). — The article deals with the culture 

 of Pears in pots. — G. H. 



Pecan, Budding the. By George W. Oliver (U.S. A. Dep. Agr. 

 Bur. PI. Lid., Bull. No. 30, 9/12/1902; illustrated).— Like most other 

 domesticated fruit-trees, the Pecan nut does not always come true from seed, 

 and therefore requires to be budded when a known variety is to be propa- 

 gated. 



This operation has hitherto been difficult and uncertain, owing 

 partly to the wrong buds being chosen and partly to an improper method 

 being used. Transplanting is also attended with some difficulty and risk 

 unless certain precautions are taken. 



The best buds are those from the base of shoots a year old, the 

 current season's growth being too soft and immature, and bruising 

 readily. 



"Patch" budding is recommended, and the bud should be started 

 into growth as soon as possible after union has taken place in order that 

 it should make a good shoot before winter. 



Transplanting is not advised till the end of the third year, when 

 the bud will have made substantial growth, and a portion of the long 

 tap-root may be sacrificed without too much risk to the plant. Every 

 care should be taken to prevent drying of the roots, and with these 

 precautions it is claimed that unsuccessful results will be few. — C. H. C. 



Permeability of the Cell-wall to Air in the Sporanges of Ferns 

 and Selaginella, and in Moss-leaves. By F. Steinbrinck (Flora, 

 vol. xcii. 1903, pp. 102-131; pi. v.). — The author has succeeded in 

 proving that even the dry cell-walls of the annulus of the Fern-sporange, 

 of the valves of the Selaginella-sporange, and of the leaf of Milium are 

 permeable to air, the small amount present after desiccation being due 



