294. REPORT OF THE HorTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT OF THE 
Effect on the stems.—At the time of the first ringing, on October 
18, all plants were measured as to height. The average height of 
group I was 35.54 inches, group 2 was 34.65 inches, and group 3 
was 33.71 inches. These measurements showed that the plants 
were very uniform in height at the beginning of the experiment. 
At the close of the experiment, on January 12, the heights of the 
plants were again taken but it could not be discovered that the 
differences in the heights in the three groups had changed in 
the least. 
As can be seen in the accompanying illustration, Plate XXI, - 
there was a most marked effect upon the stem and especially on 
the part just above the ring. Irregular, bunchy swellings, of 
greater or less size, were to be found above all of the rings. 
There was some tendency toward a general thickening of the 
whole stem above the wound and with some plants a decided in- 
clination toward fasciation. It is to be supposed that the swell- . 
ing came from stored food, though most unfortunately no 
analyses were made of the stored material. 
Effect on the maturity of the frut.— Record was kept of the 
date of opening of the first blossom of each plant. The average 
date of coming into bloom was very uniform for the three groups, 
being September 29 for Groups I and 2 and September 30 for 
Group 3. The first fruit picked in any quantity was on November 
10, at which time a small and nearly uniform yield was obtained 
from all of the groups. During the progress of the experiment, the 
ripe fruits were picked twice each week, counted and weighed. 
The average dates of the first pickings were for first ringing, No- 
vember 18; second ringing, the 16th; and for the check plants, the 
18th. Thus it is seen that the ringing had no apparent effect on the 
time of maturity of the fruit. The general character of the plants 
at early and late stages is shown in Plates XXII and XXIII. 
Yields.— The data in regard to number and weight of fruits 
for the first half of the experiment are given in the first sec- 
tion of Table I which includes the yield up to December 14 
inclusive. 
