206 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
unaccountable reason each half of the tree chose opposite years for its heavy- 
crop. In the spring it presents an odd appearance by one half being in heavy 
bloom, while the other half scarcely develops a single blossom. The next year 
the process is reversed. The tree is about twenty-five years old, and has behaved 
as described for the past five years. No certain explanation as to the original 
cause can be given. As there is some slight difference in the blossoming time 
of the two halves, it is possible that frost may have come at such a time as to 
destroy the fruit on one side, while the other escaped. These facts are interesting, 
as they show (i) that the formation of fruit buds is not wholly a question of 
nutrition ; (2) that the food supply of the tree is directed first to the needs of 
the maturing crop. — C. H. H. 
Apples, Cost of Producing, in Fiva Counties in Western New York, 1910- 
1915. By G. H. Miller (U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Bull. 851, July 1920; 16 figs.).— 
Taking into account all charges — labour, material, and fixed costs, including 
interest on capital invested — the total net cost of production on 218 farms 
averaged $1 18-78 an acre, working out to an average of $1*41 a barrel (p. 43). 
A. P. 
Apricots in New South Wales. By W. J. Allen (Agr. Gaz. N.S.W. xxxi. 
pp. 201-207 »" 1 n S-)- — The apricot does well in most parts of New South Wales. 
The best results are obtained in deep friable loam, in well-drained situations 
protected from strong winds and early morning sun. The best stock is seedling 
apricot. The land must be ploughed some time before planting. The trees 
are firmly planted in holes 12 inches deep and 18 inches in diameter. The 
soil must be kept in good tilth and free from weeds. Irrigation is necessary 
in dry districts. ' Trevatt ' is a valuable variety. — S. E. W. 
Armillaria (Agr. Gaz. N.S.W. xxxi. p. 60). — Apple trees attacked by 
Armillaria are treated with iron sulphate, 8 oz. dissolved in 1 gallon of water. 
The roots of the tree are laid bare, and the affected parts scraped. The solution 
is poured on from a watering can. — S. E. W. 
Asparagus Beetles and their Control, The. By F. H. Chittenden (U.S.A. 
Dep. Agr., Farmers' Bull. 837, August 191 7 ; 9 figs.). — This bulletin describes 
the two species of asparagus beetle introduced from Europe. These insects 
feed on the tender young shoots and render them worthless for market. Later 
broods devour the foliage and frequently kill the plants. 
The best remedy for general use is spraying with arsenate of lead. Two 
pounds of dry lead arsenate or four pounds lead arsenate paste to fifty gallons 
of water or Bordeaux mixture will make a solution of sufficient strength to 
destroy both beetles and larvae. — V. G. J. 
Bean and Pea Beetles in Kentucky, Observations and Experiments on the. 
By H. Garman (U.S.A. Agr. Exp. Stn., Kentucky, Bull. 213, Dec. 1917 ; 8 figs.). — 
Four different weevils attack stored beans and peas in Kentucky and are very 
injurious. 
The experiments made indicate that at a temperature of about 70 0 F. all stages 
of the insects will be killed by using from one to two ounces of carbon bisulphide 
in ten cubic feet of space, the exposure to last twenty-four hours. — V. G. J. 
Bean Ladybird, The. By A. C. Mallory (U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Bur. Entom., 
Bull. 843, June 1920 7 6 plates, 5 figs.). — The Bean Ladybird (Epilachna corrupta 
Muls.) is to the bean industry in the West what the Colorado beetle is to the 
potato crop in the East, and its origin is obviously the same — Mexico, where 
it is widely distributed. Leaves, flowers, and growing pods are all attacked — 
main food being the leaves. 
In the case of large areas of beans, close inspection is strongly recommended. 
Infestation usually begins in small localized areas, and if these spots are located 
and prompt measures taken to destroy the insect a general infestation can be 
prevented. 
Spraying with arsenite of zinc, 1 lb. to 40 gallons of water, or with arsenate 
of lead, 1 or 2 lb. to 50 gallons of water, and clean cultivation are the best means 
of control discovered so far. — V. G. J. 
Black Currants, Leaf Character in Reverted. By A. H. Lees (Ann. App. 
Biol, ix., April 1922, pp. 49-68 ; 46 figs.). — This paper indicates a means of 
ascertaining the reversion of Black Currant leaves, even in very slight cases, or 
where the leaves have almost regained their normality. 
The method consists of (1) counting the number of submain veins running 
- from the midrib to marginal points, and (2) observing the marginal points. 
Reversion may be produced by artificial means, but such reversion would 
be of a temporary character. 
