780 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIELY. 



In the same report (p. 120) 0. L. Ayrs concludes that wind- fertilisa- 

 tion of Apples and Pears is impossible. — F. J. C. 



Polygonum Baldschuanicum. By S. Mottet (Rev. Hort. p. 357, 

 Aug. 1, 1902 ; p. 375, Aug. 16, 1902). — Can be propagated by means of 

 suckers developed at the base, which form adventitious roots in situ. If 

 these be detached and shortened they soon root in a cold close frame. 

 Suggests cutting down strong plants to induce such growths, the plant 

 being otherwise difficult to propagate. Subsequently some lower branches 

 were layered with incisions in the same way as Carnations. Rooting 

 resulted in a few weeks. — C. T. D. 



Potato Experiments (Holmes Chapel Hort. School, Cheshire, Report , 

 1901). — It was found that fairly large sets give a greater return than small 

 ones ; that on loamy clay the most profitable yields were obtained from a 

 good dressing of farmyard manure, supplemented with a full mixture of 

 artificials, containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. Also that kainit 

 is the least profitable of the potassic manures. — J". C. E. K. 



Preservatives, (a) Formalin (Bull. Bot. Dep. Trin. No. 34, p. 457 ; 

 July 1902). — A 2 per cent, solution has been found useful in sending 

 fleshy tropical fruits to a distance for examination. Herbarium speci- 

 mens are improved if dipped in a 5 per cent, solution for two or three 

 minutes previous to being dried. 



(b) Chloretone (ib. p. 462).— A new antiseptic proved effective in pre- 

 serving vegetable substances. — E. A. B. 



Primula obconica as a Bedding 1 Plant. By W. S. (Jcum. Hort. 

 p. 34 ; July 10, 1902).— It is said that at Forde Abbey this is used very 

 successfully as a summer bedding plant, and instructions are given about 

 it.— C. W. B. 



Primulas, The Mountain. By H. Correvon (Garden, No. 1,588, 

 p. 271, 26/4/1902; No. 1,591, p. 327, 17/5/1902; No. 1,593, p. 358, 

 31/5/1902; No. 1,595, p. 396, 14/6/1902 ; No. 1,597, p. 429, 28/6/1902 ; 

 No. 1,599, p. 28, 12/7/1902; No. 1,602, p. 81, 2/8/1902; No. 1,604, 

 p. 118, 16/8/1902; No. 1,605, p. 131, 23/8/1902).— This interesting and 

 useful series of articles upon the Alpine Primulas is divided into sections, 

 the hardy ones as follows : — (1) Saxatile species, which grow naturally in 

 the fissures of rocks and natural stone-heaps. (2) Marsh-loving species, 

 liking porous, peaty soils, and cool, damp places. (3) Species that need 

 silica and special culture. (4) Species easily grown in the open in good 

 garden soil. The articles are well illustrated by drawings of the most 

 important species. — E. T. C. 



Primula violodora. By S. T. Dunn (Gard. Chron. No. 817, p. 129, 



Aug. 23, 1902). — A new Primrose discovered in Central China by Mr. Wilson, 

 and presented to Kew Gardens by Messrs. Veitch & Sons. It is allied to 

 the Himalayan P. mollis. The flowers are mauve, and have a delicate 

 scent resembling that of violets, which is particularly noticeable of an 

 evening. A full description in Latin is given. — G. S. S. 



