NOTES ANl> ABSTRACTS, 



Potato-spraying Experiments in 1904. By F. C. Stewart, JJ. I. 

 Eustace, and F. A. Sirrine (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. Geneva, K.Y., Bull. 264, 

 March 1905 ; with 16 plates). — During 1904 the station made potato- 

 spraying experiments on a large scale. This bulletin gives the details of 

 fifty-eight different experiments in various parts of the State. In the 

 State ten-year experiments, the gain due to spraying was larger than 

 pver. At Geneva, five sprayings increased the yield 233 bushels per 

 acre, while three sprayings increased it 191 bushels. The gain was due 

 chiefly to the prolongation of growth through the prevention of late 

 blight. The sprayed potatoes contained one-ninth more starch and were 

 of better quality. At Riverhead the gain due to six sprayings was 96 J 

 bushels, and to three sprayings 56J bushels per acre. In fourteen 

 farmers' experiments the results were equally satisfactory ; also in 

 fourteen farmers' volunteer experiments, of which details are given. 



Soluble bordeaux, and soda bordeaux were compared with the regular 

 lime bordeaux. Soluble bordeaux increased the yield 11 bushels per acre ; 

 soda bordeaux 51 bushels per acre ; and lime bordeaux 68| bushels per 

 acre. The disease fought in this experiment was late blight. Soda 

 bordeaux is not to be recommended, at least not until further tests have 

 been made. 



The average loss from potato blight and rot in New York in 1904 

 was at least 60 bushels per acre. Most of this loss was due to late blight 

 and the rot which follows it. The practice of spraying potatoes for blight 

 is on the increase in this State. — 31. C. C. 



Primula Cockburniana. Anon. (Gard. Chron. No. 961, p. 331, 

 fig. 137, May 27, 1905). — This very charming little primrose was 

 exhibited for the first time at Vincent Square on May 23. It differs 

 from all the other specimens of this genus in having rich orange-scarlet 

 blossoms. The stem is about 4 inches high, on the top of which are borne 

 two or three whorls of blossoms ; like P. japonica, each whorl is composed 

 of from three to six blossoms. A botanical description in Latin is given. 



G. S. S. 



Primula deorum. By W. H. Stansfield (Gard. Chron. No. 947, 

 p. 98, fig. 44, Feb. 18, 1905). — This species is a native of Bulgaria, and 

 has been found growing at an altitude of 8,000 ft. It appears to resemble 

 in general appearance P. Clusiana. The flower-stalks are sometimes 8 or 

 9 inches in height and bear a number of purplish-violet flowers of a most 

 striking character ; sometimes as many as twenty flowers are produced 

 at one time. Directions are given as to its cultivation, and a description 

 of its botanical features in Latin. — G. S. S-.. 



Primula tangutica. By J. F. Duthie (Gard. Chron. No. 968, p. 42, 

 fig. 17, July 15, 1905). — "This very remarkable-looking primula was 

 originally discovered in 1880 by Przewalski, in the Kansu province of 

 Western China." But it has recently been found growing in open 

 grassy places from 11,000 to 13,000 feet above the sea, on the mountains 

 of Szechuan. by Mr. E. H. Wilson. "The flowers have a strong scent, 

 resembling that of Jasminum sambac." A botanical description is given. 



G. S. S. 



