804 JOUKNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAIi SOCIETY. 



of a new type of maize sent from Shanghai. The leaf blades are 

 monostichous, a striking feature; and the male flowers or silks are 

 developed in the sheath, a valuable quality in arid districts. An 

 extremely interesting account of the history of maize in China follows. 

 The facts used by de Candolle are reconsidered, and references are 

 given to old Chinese literature bearing on the subject. This section 

 is of great value to those interested in the migration of domesticated 

 plants. — E. A. Bd. 



Maize Smut. By T. Harvey Johnston (Agr. Gaz. N.S.W., 

 January 1910, pp. 43-44; 2 figs.). — Maize smut {Ustilago maydis) 

 attacks the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, producing whitish swell- 

 ings containing fungus threads. As the spores germinate in fresh dung, 

 fresh manure must be avoided. Horses and cattle should not be fed 

 on smutted heads. All seed should be pickled over night in a |- per 

 cent, solution of copper sulphate. — S. E. W. 



Maize : The Value of First-generation Hybrids in Corn. By 



G. N. Collins {U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Bull, 191; 40 pp. and index).— A 

 detailed discussion of the increased vigour shown by the genera- 

 tion, and a recommendation of these hybrid seeds in commercial culture. 



A careful rdsume of the literature on tliis subject is given, as well as 

 recent experiments with new types made by the author. An interesting 

 feature of these is the great variability shown in many cases in 

 generation, in certain cases *' exhibiting nearly the full range of both 

 parents." 



The increased yield obtained over that of parents varies from 0 to 

 90 per cent. 



The hybrids do not appear to require such delicate adjustment to 

 local conditions as pure strains. — E. A. Bd. 



Malus ang-ustifolia (coronaria) flore-pleno. By F. Morel 

 (Rev. Hort., Feb. 1, 1910, p. 60; col. plate). — A splendid double form 

 of Apple; expanded flowers over 2 inches in diameter, of a delicate pale, 

 suffused lilac shade, while the half-open buds are rich rose externally. 

 Is said to be immune from American Wight. Forms a bush or tree 

 10 to 20 feet high; flowers in bunches. — C. T. D. 



Mamillaria cordigera. By E. Heese {Gartenfiora, vol. Hx. 

 pt. XX. pp. 445, 446; 1 fig.). — This cactus has a blunt oval shape, and 

 is covered with white wool and red bristles; it is about 2^ inches in 

 height and 2 inches in diameter. The areoles are heart-shaped. 



S. E. W. 



Mang'anese in Soil and its Effect on Grass. By F. B. 



Guthrie and L. Cohen {Agr. Gaz. N.S.W. March 1910, pp. 219-222).— 

 It is suggested that the bare patches on a bowling-green are due to the 

 presence of manganese in the soil. Manganese is injurious to wheat, 

 oats, and pineapples. — S. E. W. 



