NOTES AND ABSTEACTS. 



105 



the 'nineties, but the writer warns intending settlers that the good 

 results which have been obtained of late years by experiment stations 

 and farmers alike, though much boomed in the Press, have been 

 largely owing to the more than usual number of favourable seasons 

 which have occurred during the last few years (p. 22), combined 

 with the great advance in the prices of products. The hopes for better 

 results in the future than have been secured in the past lie in the 

 continuance of high prices, better methods of cultivation, and the intro- 

 duction and development of more drought-resistant varieties of crops 

 (p. 24).— A. P. 



Aleppo Pine. By Ch. Flahault (Rev. Hort. de I'Algdrie, p. 213; 

 June 1911). — The Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis) grows and flourishes 

 in most of the regions round the Mediterranean, and this article gives 

 a list of its other homes in different parts of Europe. In France it has 

 hitherto been treated rather as the Cinderella among trees, and only 

 spots unsuitable to other growth have been given up to it, though it 

 is made use of to prepare the way in hitherto barren places for more 

 favoured vegetation. Even in poor soil it has managed to grow, but 

 deeper and better soil would produce finer specimens. The tree appears 

 to be really of value, and cultivators are beginning to appreciate this 

 fact. It grows and propagates itself fast; it will stand almost any- 

 thing but damp ; its wood may be used as pit-props and as masts for 

 ships. It has been found that the value of various products produced 

 by tapping may make it a considerable source of income, and the bark 

 contains a high proportion of tannin. — M. L. H. 



Almond, Culture of. By A. de Maziere (Rev. Hort. de VAlgerie, 

 p. 6, Jan. 1911, and p. 271, Aug. 1911; plates). — Notes on the cultiva- 

 tion and uses of the various sorts of almond, giving information on 

 propagation, planting, cultivation, budding, and pruning the trees. As 

 little pruning as possible is recommended as a rule, but a method of 

 grafting old and unproductive trees is described. — M. L. PI. 



Almond, An, without Shell, *Tonton Phouse.' By Pierre 

 Passy [Rev. Hort. pp. 566-7; Dec. 16, 1911). — A description of an 

 almond which has merely a parchment-like covering, which splits 

 when ripe, exposing the kernel in an almost circular nut, which after 

 two years' keeping has remained in perfect condition and quite 

 edible. The flavour is good, equal to the best varieties for dessert. 

 The origin is peculiar, the tree having been grown as a graft from 

 a series supplied by an old vine-grower near Clermont, who was 

 regarded by his neighbours as something of a maniac, owing to his 

 attempts at what they considered impossibilities. The original tree 

 appears to have been lost sight of. The peculiar name has been 

 given by the owner of the present specimen, which was exhibited 

 by the Puy de Dome Horticultural Society, Oct. 10, 1909.— 0. T. D. 



Alpine Scree and Shingle-Plants, Growth Forms of. By G. 



Hess {Beih. Bot. Cent. Bd. 27, Abt. ii. Heft i., pp. 1-170; 37 figs.).— 



