308 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



As the whole matter is one which can only be settled by actual 

 experiments with plants, some were commenced at various centres in 

 1913. The fertilizers used were two slags and a mineral phosphate. 

 Data regarding them are given. They were applied to different plots 

 in such quantities that each received the same " total phosphate," 

 though, of course, the quantities of " citric -soluble phosphate" 

 suppHed were widely different. Although it is not possible to draw 

 definite conclusions from one season's experiments, it may safely 

 be said that the results obtained in 1913 clearly indicate that the 

 percentage of " citric-soluble phosphate " in a slag is, at least, a better 

 indication of the value of the slag than the percentage of " total 

 phosphate." This, of course, does not necessarily imply that it is the 

 best test. Results obtained with the mineral phosphate suggest 

 the possibihty that even a better measure of the availability of the 

 phosphate to the plant is the amount dissolved in two or three extrac- 

 tions. Further investigations, however, are required before a definite 

 opinion can be expressed on this point. — A. S. 



Bean, A New. By G. F. Freeman {Bot. Gaz. Nov. 1913, pp. 395- 

 417; with II figs.). — The south-western part of the United States is 

 characterized by great aridity and extreme heat. Much progress 

 has been effected in acclimatizing alfalfa, barley, white Sonora wheat, 

 olives, figs, dates, citrus, &c. Even now the beans cultivated by the 

 Pima and Papago natives seem to withstand the peculiar climate 

 better than other varieties. 



Of the former, the " frijole " is a form of Phaseolus vulgaris, but 

 the " tepary " is said to be derived from a wild plant, and, according 

 to the author, is a variety of Phaseolus acutifolius Gray. This variety 

 is described and figured. The " tepary " in this district yields, on an 

 average, four times as much as kidney beans. 



It is well adapted to " dry farming " on account of rapid germina- 

 tion with but little soil moisture. If once established it withstands 

 protracted seasons of water famine. It is inured to the great extremes 

 of summer temperature in Arizona, and blooms and sets seeds in any 

 month from May to November. 



" As a dry-land crop in the south central plains and Rocky Mountain 

 region, the tepary will in the near future in all probability find a place 

 of considerable economic importance." — G. F. S. E. 



Beans, Inheritance of Blossom Colour in. By J. K. Shaw 

 {U.S.A. Exp. Stn., Mass., Ann. Rep. 1912, p. 182, Jan. 1913). — 

 No generahzations are attempted, but a long series of crosses have 

 been made, and the results obtained tabulated. The flower colours 

 recognized are white, light pink, pink, and crimson, and the author 

 considers that blossom colour is closely correlated with seed-coat 

 colour. — F. J. C. 



Beet Caterpillar, The Striped. By H. O. Marsh {U.S.A. Dep. 

 Agr., Bur. Entom., Bull. 127, part ii. May 1913 ; i pi. 2 figs.). — ■ 



