614 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Podophyllum versipelle. By J. Hutchinson (Bot. Mag. tab. 

 8154). — Nat. ord. Berberidaceae ; tribe Berbereae ; China. Perennial 

 rhizome ; leaves two, peltate, the upper covering inflorescence ; flowers 

 deep crimson. — G. H. 



Potatos, Cultivation and Care of. By A. W. Gilman {Maine 

 Dep. Agr., Quart. Bull. ; September 1907). — A short general outline of 

 potato culture is given by two or three growers, together with directions 

 for spraying with Bordeaux mixture and Paris green (1 lb. Paris green 

 to 50 gallons Bordeaux mixture). Thorough spraying with a proper 

 mixture at the right time is insisted upon. — F. J. C. 



Potato-spraying Experiments in 1906. By F. C. Stewart, 

 H. G. Eustace, G. T. French, and F. A. Sirrine (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. 

 New York, Bull. 290 ; June 1907 ; 3 figs.). — This is a continuation of 

 the experiments started in 1902 and previously referred to in these 

 abstracts (Journ. R.H.S. xxxi. p. 343). Eighty experiments are reported. 

 At Geneva five sprayings increased the yield by 63 bushels per acre, 

 and three sprayings increased it 31*75 bushels ; while at Riverhead 

 the gain due to five sprayings was 53J bushels per acre, and to three 

 sprayings 21J bushels. In fifteen farmers' experiments, including 225J 

 acres, the average gain was 42J bushels, the cost of the spraying being 

 #5.18 per acre, and the average cost of each spraying 98.5 cents per 

 acre, yielding an average net profit of #13.89 per acre. Sixty-two 

 volunteer experiments are also reported, the average gains over 598 

 acres being 44-5 bushels per acre. The main trouble was late blight 

 (Phytophthora infestans), but the flea-beetle and early blight (Alternaria) 

 did some damage. It is recommended to commence spraying when the 

 plants are 6 to 8 inches high, and repeat at intervals of ten to fourteen 

 days, making in all five or six applications. When flea-beetles are 

 troublesome Paris green should be added to the Bordeaux mixture ; but 

 otherwise the latter may be used alone. — F. J. C. 



Preserving Native Fruits and Vegetables, Practical Direc- 

 tions for. By Mrs. L. H. Adams and E. P. Sandsten (U.S.A. Exp. 

 Stn. Wisconsin, Bull. 136 ; April 1906). — A small pamphlet, intended to 

 encourage the more general use of the wild apples and plums of the 

 State. It contains notes and directions for making preserves. — C. H. L. 



Prickly Pear and other Cacti. By D. Griffiths and R. F. Hare 



(U.S.A. Exp. Stn. New Mexico, Bull. 60; November 1906; 7 plates 

 with 13 figs.). — Very complete analyses of various Opuntias, &c, were 

 carried out with the object of ascertaining their value as food for stock, 

 and the results are given in this bulletin, which runs to 136 pages. 

 Descriptions of the species and varieties analysed accompany the analyses. 

 The use of the cacti as cattle feed is only of secondary importance in 

 Mexico, as the fruit is of great value as human food and the dry plants 

 are used for fuel. — F. J. C. 



Primula deorum. By W. B. Hemsley (Bot. Mag. tab. 8124).— 

 Nat. ord. Primulaceac ; tribe Primuleae ; Bulgaria. Perennial ; leaves 



