ABSTRACTS. 



I L99 



and will probably prove to be so in England, in which case it will be 

 a very valuable addition to our shrubs. It flowers in the spring; the 

 blossoms are at first somewhat pinkish, but they become perfectly white 

 when they are fully open, and have a most delicious scent. — (I. 8. 8. 



Vine, A new Disease. Ed. (Le Javrd. April 20, 1002, p. 115), 

 Vines introduced as proof against phylloxera from America into Sicily 

 have developed a disease called " J lancet.' ' it attacks the ends of the 

 branches ; the fruit is suppressed and replaced by a dense bunch of green 

 shoots. In the result it is fatal to the plant. — C. W. I). 



Vineyard, The Home. Bj \V. EL Ragan (U.S. I. Dep. Agr. Fa 

 Bull. 156, 1902 ; 15 hgs.). — Advice to fanners in the North to plant vines, 

 at all events for home use, followed by a complete body of instructions 

 for their cultivation. The directions start by describing the proper 

 preparation of the soil, and deal with propagation, planting, supporting 

 and training, pruning, and preserving from the attacks of enemies or 

 disease. 



Several good kinds are named, but choice; is left to the individual 

 farmer, as it is so largely a matter of local conditions which variety is 

 likely to succeed beet. 



It is noted, however, that in answer to inquiries sent out from the 

 Bureau of Plant Industry to practical fruit-growers from Maine to 

 California, the most generally recommended kinds, with the one excep- 

 tion of Delaware, which is not hardy enough lor inexperienced growers, 

 are 'Concord' and its three seedlings, 1 Worden,' ' Moore,' and 'Niagara.' 



M. L. II. 



Wall-garden Making. By F. W. Meyer (Gardm, No. 1618, \>. 

 260, 18/10/02; No. 1617, p. 844, 15/11/02).— A valuable series, giving 

 full instructions as to sites, formation, and planting, Illustrated from 

 photographs and sketches by the author.- -]&. T. C. 



Water as a Plant Food. By J. J, Willis (Gawd. Mag. No. 2586, 

 7/6/1902). — A subject of importance to cultivators. The writer deals with 

 the rainfall and the loss of water by evaporation according to the state of 

 the atmosphere, and the nature of the soil, and also the relative capacity 

 of certain soils to retain moisture. 



This is a subject that has a direct and important bearing upon tillage 

 both in gardening and farming. — \V. G. 



Watering* Plants with Hot Water (Qu, Ayr. Jowrn. xi. pt. l. 

 Oct. 1902). — In a short note it is stated that interesting experiments 

 have been made with Palms, Aspidistras, Drac&nae, Primulas, Begonias, 

 and other plants, and the writer adds : " We do not know how we can 

 sufficiently recommend this practice either as a curative or a preventive 

 method. During the winter is perhaps the best time to adopt the hot- 

 water treatment by amateurs, and those having plants in dwelling-rooms. 

 It is a matter of common knowledge that soil enclosed in a pot in which 

 a plant is growing ultimately becomes sour, and has, indee d, a certain 

 poisonous quality. This toxicity is due to the presence of organic acid in 



