NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



625 



Bark-beetles of the Lower Elbe. By Max Hagedorn (Nat. Zeit. 



Land-Forst. i. pp. 170-176 ; 1903). — A list, with notes on host-plants 

 and localities, of species of Scolytus, Hylesinus, &c, found in the basin of 

 the Lower Elbe.— W. G. S. 



Batatas {Convolvulus Batatas or Ipomoza Batatas). — By L. 

 Graebener (Die Gart. p. 121, December 12, 1903). — In the south of 

 Russia this useful vegetable is much cultivated, although elsewhere it is 

 almost unknown. The cultivation is identical with that of the Potato as 

 well as the methods of cooking. — G. B. 



Bean Mildew. By B. D. Halstead ( U.S.A. Exp. Stn. New Jersey, Bep. 

 1902, pp. 399-403 ; 3 figs.)— The fungus (Phytophthora phaseoli Thaxt.), 

 causing mildew on Lima Beans, proved one of the most destructive in 

 the State during 1902. The young fruits and flowers were completely 

 destroyed when attacked. The avoidance of wet, low-lying land, less close 

 planting, and a more erect position for the plants are recommended, while it 

 is stated that thorough spraying with Bordeaux mixture will insure a crop. 



F. J. C. 



Beans, French Varieties of. By Georges Bellair (Bev. Hort. 

 •July 16, 1903, pp. 330-2 ; 6 woodcuts). — Description of several good 

 varieties, with suggestions as to culture and collection of crops. — C. T. V. 



Begonias. Anon. (Gard. Chron. No. 883, p. 372, figs. 149, 150 ; Nov. 

 28, 1903). — " Perhaps no changes in plant form are more remarkable than 

 those that have been effected by gardeners in the case of Begonias." It is 

 a very large and widely-dispersed genus, and contains many species which 

 differ very considerably from one another. The flowers of the commonly 

 cultivated tuberous species have been so altered by the florists that if 

 seen alone (without foliage &c.) they look as much like Camellias, Balsams, 

 or Carnations, as Begonias. A short account of the prominent species in 

 this genus is given, and of various hybrids. A figure is given of B. laciniata 

 and of two handsome hybrids which have been derived from it. — G. S. S. 



Begonias, On the Culture by Forcing of Tuberous. By A. 



Ragionieri (Bull. Soc. B. Tosc. Ort. 11, p. 326 ; November 1903).— The 

 tubers were placed, during the first ten days of January, side by side in 

 well-drained pans and covered with leaf-mould mixed with plenty of sand. 

 They were kept moist by daily waterings of tepid water, and the surround- 

 ing temperature was kept at 14°-18° C. The atmosphere of the stove was 

 always very moist, owing to the abundant evaporation from the frameful 

 of Lilies of the Valley. As soon as the tubers began to sprout they were 

 placed in pots of 8-12 centimetres diameter. All the forced tubers were 

 1-2 years old. The soil was composed of ^ leaf-mould, ^ chestnut-mould 

 [?], ^ old, rotten dung, sand, and strong loam. The potted plants were 

 kept at the same temperature and the leaves wetted in order to keep off 

 Thrips. Twice a week the stove was fumigated with tobacco-smoke for 

 the same purpose. When the heat and light became too great the plants 

 were shaded. In the last ten days of February the plants, having 

 developed leaves and roots in plenty, were transferred to pots of 12-15 



