Abstract: An almond .times. peach hybrid rootstock tree which is large, vigorous, upright to vase-shaped with medium trunk and branches, and peach-like in appearance; densely foliated with large, thin, smooth, medium green leaves on vigorous shoots and medium size on spurs; the leaves having a crenate-serrate margin, medium length petiole, and usually reniform glands; blooms from half-hardy, medium size, plump, pubescent flower buds; the flowers being large and conspicuous with large, ovate petals slightly pink in bud but becoming white when open; and is a productive bearer of ovate, white-fleshed fruit (not useful to the clone) having a peach-like, reddish-brown, very hard stone with large ridges; the tree root system being adventitious and deep rooting with uniformly emerging roots which are large, straight, and outwardly and downwardly inclined.

Abstract: A nectarine tree bearing yellow-fleshed clingstone fruit of large size which ripens a minimum of four days before the fruit of the Flamekist (an unpatented variety developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture) and which has skin having an extensive red skin coloration, typically 60 to 90 percent, and having a very waxy and bright finish.

Abstract: A new and distinct selection of Raphiolepis indica (L.) Lindl. shrub (known popularly as Indian Hawthorn) which shall be referred to hereinafter as Raphiolepis indica cultivar Monruce. Raphiolepis indica cultivar Monruce differs distinctively from its parent, Raphiolepis indica cultivar Enchantress by my new selection having a more dense growth habit, a compact inflorescence, and double flowers with large spreading light pink petals.

Abstract: A harnessing device formed by a locking head and an attached webbed strap. The head contains oppositely positioned locking tangs in a guide channel that receives the strap after encirclement of items to be harnessed. The tangs engage abutments of the webbed strap for adjustable retention of the harnessed items. The strap is advantageously molded of a stretch reorientable material. Stretching produces a relatively thin and strengthened web which resists penetration by the locking tangs and reduces the possibility of failure by fracture or reverse rotation. The inclusion of the relatively thin web also promotes homogeneity during molding and avoids imperfections that can cause failure in other types of straps.

Abstract: A safety attachment is provided for use with a rotary lawn mower to prevent substantial injury to anyone whose extremity may accidentally strike the cutter. The attachment includes a relatively large annular disc mounted to the drive shaft of the motor for rotation about a vertical axis and at least one cutter bar mounted diametrically across the disc on the underside thereof. The disc diameter is substantially equal to the length of the cutter bar. In one embodiment slots are provided adjacent to the leading edges of the cutter bar and impellers are provided on the upper side of the disc adjacent the slot for discharging cut grass through the side of the machine. The combination of the disc and the cutter bar provides good grass cutting action and at the same time greatly reduces the risk of serious injury in the event that one's foot, for example, accidentally slips in under the mower.