NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



Apples, Variation in. By F. K. Shaw {Agr. Exp. Stn., Mass., 

 Bull. 149, 1914). — A careful record was kept of the number and size 

 of fruits of certain apples from 1908 to 1913, with a comparison of the 

 fruits from the different parts of the tree. The most interesting 

 points elicited are the fact that the average size of the fruit is only 

 adversely affected when an unusually large crop is borne. A 

 moderately large crop has no effect upon the average size. A relation- 

 ship is found to exist between the form of the apple, if more or less 

 elongated or flat, and the temperature for a short period following 

 the bloom. The cooler this period, the more elongated will the fruit 

 be. The most important dates in this respect are the sixth to the 

 sixteenth days following full bloom. — E. A. Bd. 



Arbor Vitae, The Chinese. By C. A. Scott {U.S.A. Exp. Stn., 

 Kansas, Dep. For., Circ. 33). — ^This tree, which has recently been 

 introduced to the United States, makes a capital wind screen and 

 produces a fair quantity of valuable timber. In general appearance 

 the tree resembles the better known American arbor vitae, but from 

 a timber point of view is perhaps to be preferred. Both species do 

 well in this country. — A. D. W. 



Aristolochia gigantea (Bot. Mag. tab. 8542). — Brazil. Nat. 

 Ord. Aristolochiaceae. Shrub, twining, woody. Leaves, wide, ovate- 

 cordate, 3-4 inches long, lisi inch broad. Flowers soHtary. 

 Perianth inflated at the base, 2 J inches long, green tinged with violet, 

 middle portion constricted ; throat yellowish within, velvety ; limb 

 elHptic, 9 inches long, 6-6|- inches wide, purphsh brown, with pale 

 yellow reticulations. — G. H. 



Arseniate of Lead as an Insecticide against the Tobacco 

 Hornworms. By A. C. Morgan, and J. C. Parman {U.S.A. Dep. Agr., 

 Bur. Entom., Circ, 173, May 1913 ; 3 tables). — ^Arseniate of lead used 

 dry, from 3J to 5 lb. per acre, mixed with dry ashes in equal bulk, 

 appHed with a " dust gun " having a fan diameter of 8 inches, is a safe 

 and effective application, since it does not cause injury by burning the 

 leaves in the manner of Paris green. It must be used when there is no 

 wind, and when the dew is on the plants. — V. G. J. 



Asparagus Miner and the Twelve - spotted Asparagus Beetle, 

 The. By D. E. Fink {U.S.A. Agr. Exp. Stn., Cornell, Entom. Bull. 

 331, April 1913 ; 20 figs.). — The asparagus miner {Agromyza simplex 

 Loew) is a native American species which is responsible for much of 

 the damage usually attributed to centipedes and wireworms. 



The twelve-spotted asparagus beetle {Crioceris duodecimpunctata 

 L.) is of European origin and feeds on the stalks, branches, and berries 

 of the asparagus. Arseniate of lead destroys both of these pests. 



V-G.J. 



