NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 
549 
indicate that a relationship exists between the amount of precipitation and 
sunshine and the percentage of alkaloids produced. 
Plants grown from cuttings tend to show the same characteristics regarding 
alkaloid production as the plants from which they were propagated and the 
original parent of those plants. — M. L. H. 
Bibio johannis L., Larval and Pupal Stages. By Hubert M. Morris, M.Sc. 
{Ann. Appl. Biol. vol. iv. No. 3, Dec. 1917, pp. 91-114; plates). — The mor- 
phology of the larva, its habits, food, &c, and the economic significance of the 
Bibionidae. There appears to be some uncertainty about its destruction of 
roots of cultivated -plants, but various species are recorded as attacking roots 
of oats, grass, lettuces, cabbages, and flowers in the seedling stage. Bibio marci 
is reported to have attacked tomatos, potatos, hop, and certain young tree 
roots. They are considered to have been introduced in leaf-mould or manure. 
Bibio hortulanus has damaged sugar-beet, spring barley, and wheat, many fields 
of the latter needing re-sowing. Larvae of Bibio abbreviates are reported to 
have destroyed the soft tissues between the fibro -vascular bundles of celery 
stalks. The adults of B. marci are believed by one observer to have damaged 
fruit blossom, but some doubt is thrown upon it. 
The larvae seem commonly to be found in cow -dung and other organic manure. 
They live near or at the soil level among roots of pasture grasses, within £ inch 
of the surface and usually lying closely together in small colonies. Vaporite 
and injections of carbon bisulphide have proved useful against them. Domestic 
poultry, rooks, starlings, and chaffinches devour them readily. Spraying infected 
land with nitrate of soda solution in early spring, and harrowing in autumn 
or early spring after spreading quicklime, are recommended for field treatment. 
Deep ploughing and rolling at time of pupation have given satisfactory results. 
Contact poisons have not been effective, but trapping by burying old roots in 
the soil for digging up in March, and dressings of soot and lime, have proved 
useful.— R. C. 5. R. 
Blackberries, Cultivated, Native. By J. C. Varty Smith (Gard. Oct. 13, 191 7, 
p. 431). — The first and most important point is to procure canes of only those 
varieties that are most productive and with largest fruits, as well as early and 
vigorous in growth. The question is asked why we do not cultivate our native 
blackberries. They will be found to give greater satisfaction than many 
American varieties, especially in the north. A little liberal attention in 
manuring increases the production, as well as the size of the fruits ; and they 
can be left to ripen instead of being gathered when half ripe, as is often the case 
in positions where they are another's property. 
Some hundreds of varieties of wild blackberries exist in the British Isles. 
Many are too rare as well as useless for the purpose. They should be selected 
when in fruit, and marked for removal to the garden in autumn or early spring. 
Rubus Kolleri possesses all the good qualities necessary. When once a few 
canes are planted they can be extended by burying the tips of the long shoots 
in the soil, when they soon root. All the old wood should be cut out in February 
or March, the new shoots arranged where they can obtain equal light and sunshine, 
and a top dressing with manure provided. 
On p. 478 Mr. James Britten points out that the true name of the above 
variety is Rubus Koehleri. — H. R. D. 
Blackberry Culture. By George M. Darrow {U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Farm. 
Bull. 643, Jan. 29, 1915 ; figs.). — The cultivation of named varieties of the 
blackberry in America was started about 1850, and since that time at least 140 
different named varieties have been introduced. According to the reports of the 
1 910 census there were 49,004 acres devoted to the cultivation of blackberries 
and dewberries in the United States in 1909. 
A table in this bulletin shows the distribution of this acreage by States. It 
also contains information on choice of situation, soil, propagation, pollination, 
planting, fertilizing, and systems of training. A descriptive list of varieties is 
given. — M. L. H. 
Black Currant, Big-Bud Mite. By A. H. Lees {Ann, Rep. Agr. Res. Sin., 
Long Ashton, 191 7). — Reports partial success in spraying against big-bud, but 
followed by wholesale infection in the succeeding year. — F. J. C, 
Black Currants, " Reversion in. By A. H. Lees {Ann. Rep. Agr. Res. Stn. t 
Long Ashton, 1917). — The author expresses the opinion that the so-called rever- 
sion is the result of injury to the terminal bud. A further paper is promised. 
F t J, C, 
