NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



133 



article will probably possess an interest which it would not otherwise 

 have had. We are introduced to a knowledge of camphor monopolies, 

 camphor cultivation in Ceylon, general propagation and cultivation, 

 distillation, with suggestions as to improvement. — M. C. C. 



Canker of Fruit Trees. By T. W. Kirk, F.L.S., and A. H. 

 Cockayne (Dep. Agr. N.Z., No. 10 ; with 7 plates ; December 1905).— This 

 bulletin includes reports of two cankers of fruit trees — (1) apple and 

 pear canker, Xcctria ditissima ; (2) apricot coral spot, Nectria sp. The 

 first of these diseases is but too well known, and the other is very similar, 

 if not caused by the same fungus. The apricot coral spot has caused 

 considerable losses in the last few years to Nelson fruit growers owing to 

 the large number of apricot trees that have died through the attacks of 

 the apricot canker or apricot coral spot. This disease is a true wound 

 parasite, and can only infect healthy trees through cuts or wounds. Once 

 having gained a foothold it grows rapidly, and soon the fructification 

 bursts through the bark. All trees which show signs of this disease 

 should be heavily cut back, and all the cut surfaces coated with tar and 

 the prunings removed and burnt. — M. C. C. 



Carduus Keneri (Le Jardin, vol. xx. No. 467, p. 227 ; August 5, 

 1906). — Introduced from Bulgaria by Leichtlin, 60-70 cm. (2-3 feet) in 

 height. Its large heads, borne on long peduncles, are striking before 

 their full development, on account of the reddish-purple bracts. The 

 florets are pinker, resembling C. cernuus. — F. A. W. 



Carnation * Colosse Mantais ' (Le Jardin, vol. xx. No. 472, p. 310).— 



Derived from Flemish strain of Cameiliaeflora. Remarkably vigorous, 

 resembling but superior to ' Malmaison,' since the calyx never bursts. 

 Flowers rose-colour flecked with white, and as large as camellias —15-20 

 on each plant. Invaluable for pot culture. — F. A. W. 



Carnations, American. By L. Maillard (Le Jardin, vol. xx. 

 No. 464, p. 185 ; with 5 figs. ; June 20, 1907).— Gives minute description 

 of soil an! sterilisation methods, frames employed (with subterranean 

 irrigation), technique of taking cuttings and striking them, diseases to 

 which these are especially liable, and appropriate remedies, with a list of 

 the finest varieties.— F. A. W. 



Carnations, Manuring of, in the Riviera. By M. Calvin (Bull. B. 

 Soc. Tosc. Ort. 2, February 1906). — Among the plants most extensively 

 cultivated in the Riviera besides the rose is the carnation. In addition 

 to dung, dried blood, and other manures, an excess of ammoniacal 

 manures is employed. If rational manuring is used the above organic 

 manures are not employed, but after improving the ground with large 

 quantities of dung, nitrogenous compounds and phosphoric anhydride 

 and potash are used. One cultivator tried with success the following 

 mixture to each square metre : 



Triple hyperphosphate with 45 per cent, of 



phosphoric anhydride ..... 100 parts 

 Potassic sulphate . . . . . , 100 „ 



