NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



479 



f at all, on account of a change in the physiological reactions of the 

 host. The capability of readily varying infection powers on the part 

 of the host is of great importance in connexion with the question of 

 breeding "resistant " varieties. — F. J. C. 



I Saltbushes, The Ornamental Value of. By David Griffiths 

 (U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Bur. PI: Ind., Girc. 69,- Dec. 1910; figs.).— 

 In the regions of Western North America, where drought and the 

 alkaline nature of the soil make the cultivation of most foreign orna- 

 mental shrubs difficult, if not impossible, the native species of salt- 

 bushes, Atriplex, may be usefully employed hi the formation of hedges. 

 The colour of the foliage, a bold grey-green, is not altogether a disad- 



■ vantage, as it does not show dust, and makes a good background for 

 • other warmer-coloured plants. The Atriplex is a rapid grower, and 

 I makes an impenetrable hedge ; the different species thrive, some in 

 ; cold, some in heat, and all will withstand considerable shortness of 



■ moisture and are indifferent to alkali in the soil. Various species of 

 the family are described and figured. — M. L. H. 



SauSSUrea Veitchiana (Bot. Mag. tab. 8381). Central China, 

 i Family, Compositae ; tribe, Cynaroideae. Herb, 2-3 fe^et' high; 

 i leaves, 10 inches long; heads, ovoid, 1 inch long, dark purple petals 

 i and anthers. — G. H. 



Schizanthus, Anthracnose of. By C. N. Jensen and V. B. 

 Stewart {Phytopathology, I, 4, pp. 120-125; Aug. 1911; fig.).— The 

 disease is characterized by the appearance of water-soaked and finally 

 sunken areas on the stems which are black with the spores of the 

 fungus. The affected part dies and the portion above wilts. Brown 

 ispots are also produced on the foliage. The germination of the spores 

 is described, and the results of inoculation experiments. The fungus 

 proved to be a new one, and is described under the name of Colleto- 

 trichum schizanthi. Inoculations of other solanaceous plants proved 

 unsuccessful. — F. J . C. - . 



Slugs and Snails. By Alfred J. Ewart {Jour. Agr. Vict. Dec. 1910, 

 'pp. 807, 808), — Great damage is done by these creatures, especially on 

 '.noist, heavy ground among seedlings, specially choosing young lettuce, 

 :omatos, turnips, cabbages, cauliflowers, and even carrots, whilst 

 peas, broad beans, beet, parsnips, and . parsley are usually left un- 

 touched. Neither lime nor wood ashes ward off their attacks for more 

 :han a day or two, and a. heavy shower renders them immediately 

 iseless. The method recom.mended is to add one or two large tea-cups 

 )f phenyl to ten or twenty cups of water, and use the mixture to moisten 

 I bucket of sawdust. The sawdust is' spread round the plants to be pro- 

 ected; its effect persists after rain, and lasts a considerable time. 

 )uring wet weather a stronger solution can be employed. No injurious 

 iction is exerted on the plants nor upon the soil, as the sawdust 

 lowly works into it. The effect of depriving the animals of their food 



