PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

Otago Witness, Issue 4069, 8 March 1932, Page 65

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

P. G. Wodehouse, that inimitable humorist, contributes a new’ complete story in the Strand Magazine, whete other writers of fiction include Robert Hiehens, F. E. Baily, Denis Mackail, H. de Vere Stacpoole, and John Russell. “Taken Unawares” is an interesting article describing how “ Cyclops ” snapshots celebrities at public functions, and “ Good Companions ” an equally interesting description of certain dogs. The letters of Charles Dickens to his oldest friend comes, to a conclusion in this issue.

A comprehensive review of the Australian fruit industry is contained in the Fruit World Annual, a copy of which is just to hand from the publishers. Cultural and statistical matters are dealt with in detail; all phases of the industry are included—deciduous and citrus fruits, dried fruits, and jam and fruit canning industry. A special section is devoted to control of insect pests and fungus diseases, 54 of the major pests or diseases being depicted in natural colours, and methods of control being set out. Apple packing is dealt with in detail and illustrated, also the manuring of orchards. On the subject of fruit tree planting lists of varieties are given, suitable for local, interstate, and export trade. In the cold storagr section it is noted that Victoria has provision for storing over 1,600,000 cases of fruit, Tasmania 664,000. Details are given of the cold storage facilities in ail the Australian States and New Zealand. On the subject of export a detailed and penetrating article is included, showing a full quantity of fruit imported into Great Britain from all parts of the world, fruit crops if England and Wales and importations Irom the British dominions, together with a detailed review of the Australian N'-w Zealand fruit export for 1931 season. The marketing of fruit in Australia is capably dealt with: a calendar is included showing the times ol the arrival of the various fruits on the market. The figures show 1 that there are nearly 393,000 acres under fruit and vines in Australia, the annual crop being valued at £13,000,000. Details are given regarding the fruits grown in each State. The reports of the Canned Fruits Control Board, and the Dried Fruits Control Board, make interesting reading. Two special articles are included: (1) A review’ of the year’s activities in the apple export industry, there having been some remarkable developments in organisation; (2) the effects of the tariff and reciprocity. Lists are given of all the fruit growing associations in Australia and New Zealand, together with a complete list of the registered dried fruit packing sheds. Regarding 1932 export the Fruit World Annual estimates that 5,300,000 cases of apples and pears will be exported overseas from Australia and New Zealand. The Fruit World Annual is a very valuable publication. It should be in the hands of every grower, shipper, manufacturer, and ail connected with the fruit industry—presenting as it does such a bird’s-eye review of this important primary industry, at the same time containing accurate statistics, which make it invaluable as a work of constant reference.