292 JOUENAL OF THE EOYAL HOKTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 



Apple Orchards : Does it pay to spray ? By R. A. Emerson 

 and F. E. Denny (U.S.A. Agr. Exp. Sta., Nebraska, Bull. 106, May 

 1908). — A series of experiments was made in the Nebraska apple orchards 

 with spraying. These proved that on the average a considerable gain 

 accrued, after cost of spraying was deducted, not only in quality but also 

 in quantity of first-size fruits. Full descriptions of the methods adopted 

 are given. — E. F. H. 



Apple Sawflies. By R. L. Webster (Jour. Econ. Entom. vol. i. 5, 

 p. 310 ; October 1908). — Certain sawfly larvas feed in apples although 

 usually feeding on other plants. Taxonus nigrisoma is reported as 

 burrowing in apple flesh, the burrow being about half the depth from the 

 skin to the core. This larva usually feeds on dock and Polygonum. 



F. J. C. 



Apple-tree Tent Caterpillar. By A. L. Quaintance (U.S.A. 



Dep. Agr., Bur. Entom., Circ. 98 ; January 1908 ; 4 figs.). — The 

 caterpillars of this insect (Malacosoma americana) make tents similar to 

 those of the lackeymoth. They feed on the foliage and often cause 

 complete defoliation. The eggs are laid in belts encircling the branches 

 in early midsummer, and are hatched out in the spring. The larvse spin 

 cocoons in sheltered places, as under loose bark, and the perfect insect 

 emerges about three weeks after pupation begins. A considerable 

 number of insects are known as parasites of this troublesome pest, and a 

 few birds feed upon them. It is recommended that useless trees be 

 removed, that the eggs be collected during the winter when the operation 

 of pruning is performed, or the nests may be completely removed or burnt 

 with a torch when the larvse are at home. — F. J. C. 



Apple trees injured by Tree Crickets. By P. J. Parrott 

 (Jour. Econ. Entom. ii. (1909), 2, p. 124). — Spots on apple bark of a 

 rather dark reddish brown colour with a purplish tinge, more or less 

 circular in outline, somewhat resembling canker spots, are described as 

 being caused by punctures of egg-laying tree crickets (Oecanthus niveus 

 de Geer), the eggs being deposited in the punctures. Trees in neglected 

 situations are the most commonly attacked. A comparison between the 

 eggs of Oe. niveus and Oe. nigricornis is made. — F. J. C. 



Apple Trees: Spraying* and Orchard Pests in Kentucky. 



By H. Garman (U.S.A. Agr. Exp. Sta., Kentucky, Bull. 133, January 

 1908 ; 27 plates). — The numerous insect and fungoid pests prevalent in 

 the Kentucky orchards are well illustrated and described. A series of ten 

 experiments was carried out in spraying to ascertain whether treatment 

 with various insecticides before or after blooming is the best. The results 

 are set forth, but do not show any conclusive differences. — E. F. H. 



Apple Trees, Tumours on. By J. Jaeger (Zeit. f. Pflanzkr. vol. 

 xviii. No. 5, 1908, p. 257 ; 1 text fig.) — Tumours or excrescences on the 

 branches of young apple trees are described which cause serious damage. 

 The outgrowths are produced by a proliferation chiefly of the tissues of 

 the medullary rays. Whether the cause lies in abnormal conditions of 

 nutrition or perhaps in animal pests (Tetranychus) is not yet clear. 



G. H. P. 



