206 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 
NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 
Absorption in its Relation to Soils, The Phenomena of. A Resume* of the Subject. 
By J. A. Prescott (Jour. Agr. Set. vol. viii. Part i ; Sept. 1916). — Included among 
absorption phenomena are the removal by soil of salts and colouring matters 
from solution ; the deodorizing of liquid manure by sand ; the replacement of 
NH 3 by Ca and Mg when a solution of sulphate of ammonia is shaken up with 
soil ; the absorption of phosphate and bases by precipitated hydroxides of iron 
and of aluminium ; the precipitation of a solution of humus in ammonia by salts 
of copper, lead, magnesium, and calcium ; the absorption of potassium from its 
salts by a sphagnum moor soil with substitution of calcium and magnesium ; 
the absorption by such a soil of water from a decinormal solution of potassic 
chloride, the concentration of the latter being therefore increased (negative 
absorption). The work of Way, Warington, Liebig, Graham, Konig, Ramann, 
van Bemmelin and others is reviewed, and a clear account of the most recent 
work on sols and gels is given . The conclusion drawn by the author is that there 
is a tendency to reject entirely the chemical explanation of Way and to associate 
all soil absorptions with the general phenomena of adsorption. A very interest- 
ing and helpful summary of the present state of knowledge of the subject. 
/. E. W. E. H. 
Alaska, Agricultural Experiment Stations, Report of 1914. By C. C. George- 
son (U.S.A. Exp. Stn., Alaska, July 22, 1915 ; figs.). — The grower in Alaska is 
very much at the mercy of the seasons. The climate is severe and unsuitable to 
many crops, and in interior Alaska it seems impossible to predict what the weather 
conditions will be." No two corresponding seasons seem ever to be alike within 
any reasonable period of years. All over the State the growing season is short 
at its best, and when it is still further shortened by early autumn frosts or much 
cloudy and wet weather during the ripening period the results are sure to be 
unsatisfactory. 
Experiments have repeatedly proved that hardiness and earliness cannot be 
bred into cultivated crops by mere selection, at least during the average active 
life of a man. With some exceptions all the varieties of fruit trees and bushes 
imported from the States have proved unsuitable to "^Alaskan conditions. Alaska 
experiment stations are therefore called upon to create, by hybridization, acclima- 
tized strains of all the economic plants. This bulletin gives an account of the 
experimental breeding work of the various stations, much of it showing most 
satisfactory results. Strawberries, currants, raspberries, gooseberries, and 
blueberries have been found to do well ; cranberries not so well. Apple-growing 
is still in the experimental stage, cherries and plums have so far not proved a 
success. Potatos, cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohl- 
rabi, peas, broad beans, turnips, carrots, onions, chives, lettuce, celery, parsley, 
cress, corn salad, endive, and rhubarb all gave good results. — M. L. H, 
Alyssum, Sweet. By S. Mottet (Rev. Hort. vol. Ixxxviii. pp. 160, 161 ; 1 fig.) 
— Alyssum maritimum comp actum lilacinum forms low-growing compact tufts, 
which are covered with lilac flowers for a period of two months. It is one of 
the most valuable of annuals. — S. E. W w 
Anemone nemorosa, Variations in. By E. J. Salisbury (Ann. Bot. Oct. 
1916, vol. xxx. no. cxx. ; figs.). — Two varieties distinct from the common 
form are mentioned as being fairly numerous in some of the Hertfordshire 
woodlands, and for which the author has proposed the names A. nemorosa var. 
robusta and A . nemorosa var. apetala. The former differs from the normal type 
in the lighter green colour and larger size of the vegetative organs and in the 
perianth segments, which are broadest above the middle and rounded towards 
the apex. The latter bears inconspicuous flowers, which are small purplish- 
green structures, and it is noted that these plants are usually associated with the 
more deeply shaded situations, but as this character is maintained when the 
coppice in which the variety grows is felled, it is not considered a mere effect 
of inadequate illumination. — G. D. L, 
