ABSTRACTS. 



795 



1002). — This article deals with the nursery site, beds, burrning soil, 

 sowing, &c. ; the planting and details ; the whole being " a brief outline 

 of a plan that may be modified to suit varying conditions." — G. II. 



Tobacco-growing under Shade in Connecticut. By E. H. 



Jenkins (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. Connecticut, Bull. 137; February 1902).— 

 Experiments have been carried out with a view to ascertaining whether it 

 is possible to grow the Sumatra type of Tobacco for leaf wrappers under 

 artificial shade at a profit. 



The cost of shade used at present is rather high. The means employed 

 consists of a light wooden framework, covered with cheesecloth. The 

 experimental plots in 1901 varied in area from one-twentieth of an acre to 

 eighteen acres. Providing the cost of shading can be reduced, it is almost 

 certain to turn out a financial success. — E. F. H. 



Tobacco Soils, Willis and Huntsville. By H. H. Harrington 

 and P. S. Tilson (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. Texas, Bull. 61, 1902).— The chemical 

 composition and mechanical analysis of soils taken at various districts 

 where Tobacco is grown, with an endeavour to show what type of soil is 

 most suitable to produce the finest wrappers and seed. — E. F. H. 



Tomato Culture. By Prof. E. E. Little [U.S.A. Hort. Soc. Ioiva, 

 1901, p. 89). — This is a very interesting paper, and treats the subject 

 more or less from a commercial standpoint. After commenting that the 

 Tomato is the product of the century just closed, and that not until 1836 

 'was the fruit sold in a general way for food, the author estimates that in 

 the United States the canneries alone fill annually 5,500,000 cases of 

 twenty-four cans each. The grower should not depend entirely upon 

 the seedsmen for his varieties, but should select the fruit from the plant 

 that comes nearest his ideal, and then save the seed of this variety. One 

 should keep in mind the points most essential to a good variety, such 

 as vigour of plant, habit of growth, size of fruit, form, colour, and 

 solidity. 



The plants need considerable moisture, and the houses in which they 

 are grown (if not grown outdoors) should be light and tight, and suffi- 

 ciently high to allow of the training of the plants to a height of at least 

 five feet above the surface of the soil. Where the benches are, say, three 

 feet wide, the plants should be eighteen inches apart in one row. Tem- 

 perature should be about 60° for night and 75° for day. Good venti- 

 lation and rich soil are necessary. From the sowing of the seed to the 

 beginning of the fruit is generally about five months. Pollination of the 

 house crop requires some work on bright days. — V. J. 31. 



Trees and Shrubs for English Gardens. By W. J. Bean 

 [Garden, No. 1,591, p. 323, 17/5/1902; No. 1,594, p. 380, 7/6/1902; 

 No. 1,603, p. 100; 9/8/1902).— This series of articles deals at length 

 with the various classes of trees and shrubs (many comparatively un- 

 known and little used) which are available for the beautifying of our 

 gardens. The best of the Conifers, deciduous and evergreen shrubs, 

 ornamental flowering shrubs, &c, are each described, with cultural notes. 

 Much valuable advice is given with respect to grouping. — E. T. C. 



