230 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
of these plants, with the exception of four mutants, were exactly alike. These 
new mutants constituted the type 0. spiralis (mutation coeff. ci per cent.). 
For the appearance of the original mutation only one sexual cell needs to be 
mutated, since in combining with a normal gamete it may give rise to 0. blandina, 
as is shown by the splitting of both the reciprocal crosses of this form with 
O. Lamarckiana. The splitting goes into nearly equal groups of specimens 
like 0. blandina and of 0. laeta. 
0. Lamarckiana mut. velutina resembles the hybrids of the type of velutina 
so much as to be considered one of them. It is slender, with long internodes 
in the spike, and with flowers as large as those of 0. Lamarckiana. It differs 
from its parent species in that it has lost the property of producing about one- 
half of empty grains, and almost all of its seeds contain healthy and well -developed 
germs and germinate easily. This new quality is dominant over that of the 
parent. 
Besides other differences, 0. mut. velutina is distinguished from 0. Lamarckiana 
in one other dominant character, the smoothness of its leaves at the time of 
flowering. 
In crosses with those species which split 0. Lamarckiana and some of its other 
derivatives into the twin hybrids laeta and velutina, the 0. velutina produces 
only hybrids of the velutina type. 
The study of this new mutant reveals at least two recessive characters in 
0. Lamarckiana, viz. the bubbles of the leaf-blade and the presence of typical 
empty seeds. (See also p. 228.) — R. J. L. 
Olearia Gunniana and its Allies. By J. Hutchinson {Gard. Chron. Jan. 6, 
13, 20, 1917, pp. 3, 13, and 33 ; 4 figs.). — Shows that Benthamin the Fl. Austr. 
included several distinct species under the name 0. stellulata. Two of these are 
described as new species, viz. canescens and flavescens. Others are lyrata, 
quercifolia, stellulata, Gunniana (with vars. brevipes, phlogopappa, microcephala, 
angustifolia, and salicifolia), rugosa, and subrepanda. — E. A. B. 
Onion Culture. By John W. Lloyd (U.S.A. Exp. Stn., Univ. of Illinois, 
Urbana, III., Circular No. 173, June 1914 ; figs.). — Onion culture is an impor- 
tant industry in the State of Illinois. This circular describes how it may be most 
successfully carried on either by field sowing, transplanting, or by the planting of 
autumn -raised sets. 
Hints are given for every stage of its cultivation, and advice in the choice of 
varieties, harvesting, and storing is added. — M. L, H, 
Onion Fly. By C. L. Walton, M.Sc. (Ann. Appl. Biol. iv. Nos. 1 and 2, 
Sept. 1917, p. 11). — The onion fly was noted on leeks. A bed 40 by 15 feet in 
extent in a farm garden near Borth was totally destroyed by the larvae, of which 
from three to seven were obtained in each plant attacked. — R. C. S. R. 
Onions, Squashes, and Cabbages, To Raise. By W. T. Guptill (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. 
Maine, Bull. 2, vol. xv. June 1916). — Directions for growing, harvesting, and 
storing onions, squashes, and cabbages in Maine. This bulletin is meant chiefly 
for raisers of crops for home consumption, but it is not forgotten that they may 
be glad to dispose of any surplus in the local market. 
The importance of good cultivation is insisted on. The writer is not afraid 
to say that it is more important than manuring. For green caterpillar in cabbages 
he recommends a heaped hoeful of dirt to be put into the centre of the cabbage. 
This, he says, is beneficial, and does not interfere with the hearting. — M. L, H. 
Ophrys, Mimicry among. By H. Correvon (Jour. Soc. Nat. Hort. Fr, vol. 
xvii. Feb. and March 1916). — A note on the fertilization of some species 
of Ophrys. Unlike the orchis, this plant does not produce nectar, and as the 
blossoms are obviously not self-fertilized it has been a matter of conjecture 
what attraction they offered to insects. A careful observer of Algerian species 
communicates the results of his investigations, which have convinced him that the 
Ophrys is fertilized by the male Colpa aurea, who hatches out some days before 
the female, and who is actually attracted by the resemblance of the flower to the 
mate for whom he is waiting. — M, L. H. 
Orange, The Navel, and other Brazilian Fruits. By P. H. Dorsett, A. D. 
Shamel, and W. Popenoe (U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Bull. 445, Feb. 10, 191 7, pp. 1-35 ; 
24 plates). — The Washington Navel Orange was introduced into the United 
States from Brazil forty-five years ago. Particulars are given as to its supposed 
origin, its histoiy, and the method of culture in Bahia. A considerable number 
of other Brazilian fruits are described in detail. — F. G. A. 
