chiefly to parks and cemeteries. The work of the experiment stations is mentioned, and a belief is expressed in a continued improvement along horticultural lines with increasing knowledge of various limitations and means of overcoming them.

The horticulturist's rule book, L. H. BAILEY (New York: Macmillan & Co., 3d ed., pp. 302).—This, the third revised and enlarged edition of this well-known book, gives, in descriptive and tabulated shape, much information of value to horticulturists and agriculturists. Among the topics treated of are the more important injurious insects and plant diseases, concise but comprehensive notes being given on them and many insecticides and fungicides, with numerous formulas and directions for employing remedies. Injuries by small animals and birds are also mentioned. Formulas for the preparation of several grafting waxes, cements, paints, etc., and tables giving information on the seeding, planting, and maturity of different crops are given, as also a number of computation tables on subjects of interest to agriculturists. Improved methods are cited for keeping and storing fruits and vegetables for market and preserving specimens for exhibition. Chapters are included on greenhouse work and heating, and the current literature of American horticulture. Rules adopted by various pomological, horticultural, and florists' societies for the grading of horticultural products are quoted, some remarks are made on weather indications, and the foreign names, histories, statistics, and analyses of a number of fruits and vegetables are presented. A glossary of horticultural terms is appended, and the work throughout is valuable for reference to both professional and amateur horticulturists.

Lists of vegetables and fruits recommended for cultivation in North Carolina (North Carolina State Hort. Soc. Rpt. 1894, pp. 30-37).-Annotated tables of preferred varieties of garden vegetables and orchard and small fruits.

Two wild vegetables of merit, F. W. CARD (Garden and Forest, 8 (1895), No. 380, pp. 223, 224).—A discussion of the advantages of wild lettuce (Lactuca canadensis and L. ludoviciana) and ground plum or buffalo pea (Astragalus crassicarpus) as early vegetables, and advising their cultivation.

The cultivation and manufacture of arrowroots, J. R. BOVELL (Bot. Sta. Barbados Misc. Bul. 5, pp. 1–11).—Popular information on the subject, chiefly compiled from Kew bulletins.

Is parsnip poisonous? L. H. PAMMEL (Garden and Forest, 8 (1895), No. 380, p. 228). The writer believes that the various reported cases of poisoning from Pastinaca satira are not authentic, and considers it harmless.

Peach growing in Georgia, L. J. VANCE (Garden and Forest, 8 (1895), No. 382, p. 248). Some statistics as regards its extent and the varieties preferred, Elberta leading.

Shall we irrigate orchards in New York? L. H. BAILEY (Garden and Forest, 8 (1895), No. 381, pp. 236, 237).—Tillage is advised in preference to irrigation.

Why and how to grow fruits, H. E. VAN DEMAN (North Carolina State Hort. Soc. Rpt. 1894, pp. 13-15).-General remarks on the selection of soil and varieties, and cultivation, spraying, etc.

Raspberries, S. B. GREEN (Minnesota Sta. Bul. 39, pp. 226–229, fig. 1).—Comparative notes and tabulated data on 20 varieties of tip rooting and 13 varieties of sucker raspberries. Cook Seedling, Nemaba, Older, Palmer, Golden Queen, Marlboro, and Thompson Early seem to have given the best results. The culture employed is briefly mentioned.

Strawberries, S. B. GREEN (Minnesota Sta. Bul. 39, pp. 223-225).-Comparative descriptive notes on 30 varieties of strawberries fruited at the station in 1894. Warfield is recommended as the best early and Parker Earle the best late variety. The following varieties are also recommended: Haverland, Crescent, Beder Wood, and Enhance. New varieties, Swindle, Edgar Queen, and Leader.

1682-No. 2- -5

Garden herbariums, F. W. CARD (Garden and Forest, 8 (1895), No. 382, pp. 242, 243). Some general remarks advising the preservation of horticultural specimens for study. The subject was briefly discussed in E. S. R., 6, p. 489.

Roses, J. H. HART (Roy. Bot. Gard. Trinidad, Misc. Bul. 2 (1895), No. 2, pp. 45–47).— Brief notes on roses in the West Indies, well sheltered but unshaded localities and deep rich soil being stated as necessary for their best development, and the plants to be rested during the dry season by picking off all forming buds.

The origin of the cultivated cineraria, W. T. THISTLETON DYER and W. F. R. WELDON (Nature, 52 (1895), No. 1336, pp. 128, 129).

Report of horticulturist, C. S. CRANDALL (Colorado Sta. Rpt. 1894, pp. 47–51).— Brief notes on the work in the section of botany and horticulture during the past season, tests of orchard fruits and garden vegetables being the main features. In addition the flora, especially the weeds of the State, is being studied, two field trips having been made for the purpose.

FORESTRY.

The mesquite tree, its products and uses, R. H. FORBES (Arizona Sta. Bul. 13, pp. 15–26).

Synopsis.-The author gives an account of the character and distribution of the tree, the quality of its wood, analyses of its various parts and products, and uses to which they may be applied.

The mesquite tree, Prosopis juliflora, is indigenous to the Western Hemisphere, and it is said to thrive best in the dry, elevated regions of the southwestern part of the United States. Its range is roughly given as from central Texas west to California, and from northern Arizona and New Mexico southward. It varies in size from a small shrub to trees 3 ft. in diameter and 50 ft. in height. It is ordinarily a slow growing tree, but atmospheric and other conditions influence it in this regard. When once established the tree will withstand extremes of heat and dryness. In density the wood ranks with white oak, ash, or elm, while it is grouped with some forms of white pine in its strength and elasticity. Its fuel value is about equal to hickory or white oak and in some regions it is about the only fuel, even the large roots being dug up for this purpose. It makes excellent charcoal both when burned as pit coal or as open air coal. Three samples gave as their ash content 3.44, 3.57, and 5.16 per cent, one sample of the ash containing potash 3.49, soda 0.15, lime 28.98, and phosphoric acid 0.68 per cent.

Exuding from the bark are found small masses of white or ambercolored gum which resembles gum arabic in appearance and properties, but it differs in not being precipitated by basic lead acetate. This gum has various uses, being reputed as of medicinal value. A second gum, so called, exudes from cuts in the wood. It occurs in large black masses, and the author considers it probably the dried sap of the tree. It was found upon analysis to contain water 7.04, soluble matter 27.02, tanning materials 20.64 per cent, gum a trace.

Tannin seems present in considerable quantity in all parts of the tree; analyses showed the bark to contain 3.54, the wood 5.57, the black gum 22,02, and the leaves 6.02 per cent.

Probably the most important product of the tree is its fruit, or beans as they are commonly called. They are readily eaten by stock, and contain a large amount of nutrient material. Various analyses are given of the whole bean, the seeds and pods separately, and of the leaves, the average of the analyses being given in the following table: Average composition of mesquite beans and leaves.

The above analyses show that mesquite compares favorably with such common feeding stuffs as alfalfa hay, corn fodder, shelled corn, and wheat bran.

It is stated by the author that the beans themselves are very hard and that they often pass through animals undigested; hence he recommends that before being fed the pods and beans should be finely ground.

Several minor uses to which this tree and its products are adapted are given, one of which is its value as a honey plant, on account of its long flowering period, extending over about 2 months. It is also thought possible to use the tree for hedges as well as in some forestry relations where it may prove valuable. It is of slow growth and on this account will not do very well for forest planting, and the preservation of the present forested areas is strongly urged.

Forest tree plantation, J. A. BALMER (Washington Sta. Bul. 12, pp. 20). This bulletin discusses the study by the station of various forest trees native to the State and also those imported into it, with notes on the various species showing their adaptability to this portion of the State. Large plantings of very young deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs were made in the spring of 1892. The trees have grown with varying success, in some cases being retarded by frost before setting out and by the fact that a portion of the nursery was not well drained. Many of the evergreens suffered from a too moist soil, but others made a good growth. A list is given of over 80 species of deciduous trees and shrubs and 22 species of evergreens growing in the plantation, with notes indicating the increase in height since their planting, the number surviving the first year, and the hardiness. Of the maples several species were found to be not hardy at the altitude of the station, 2,400 ft., especially the large leaved or Oregon maple (Acer macrophyllum). The silver maple (A. dasycarpum) is considered one of the best for planting, being a hardy, beautiful tree of rapid

growth. The sugar maple (4. saccharinum) and English maple (A. campestre) are also recommended. Red and white flowered horse chestnuts (Esculus spp.) were planted and both are considered valuable for yard and street planting. The white birch (Betula alba), the ashes (Fraxinus spp.), the poplars (Populus spp.), the mountain ashes (Pyrus americana and P. aucuparia), and the elms (Ulmus spp.) have all done well and are highly recommended for planting purposes.

Of the evergreens, the larches (Larix spp.), spruces (Picea spp.), and pines (Pinus spp.), with the exception of the Corsican pine (P. laricio), have proved themselves well adapted to the climate and soil. The hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), the poplars, and the Norway spruce (Picea excelsa) are recommended for wind-breaks. As hedge plants are suggested the honey locust, osage orange, hawthorn, Scotch broom, arbor vitæ, hemlock, spruce, and a few other evergreens. Some walnut and hickory trees tested on a farm near the station and given little care made an excellent showing, growing well and producing a number of nuts. It is strongly recommended that groves of nut-bearing trees be planted in the State, walnuts, hickory nuts, hazel nuts, and filberts being suggested.

Many of the trees and shrubs showed a tendency toward bushiness, branching very near the ground and growing strongly. This was especially noticeable in the lindens, maples, and elms.

Brief directions are given for setting out and caring for young trees, especially for evergreens, and directions are also given for the planting of wind-breaks, in which it is advised that evergreens be set in 3 alternating rows 15 ft. apart and the same distance between the trees.

Results of experiments in tree planting on the Northwest plains, W. SAUNDERS (Trans. Roy. Soc. Canada 1894, pp. 143, 144).— Experiments were begun in 1888 in testing trees and shrubs suitable for planting on the Northwest plains. In 1889, 12,000 trees and shrubs were sent from the central experimental farm at Ottawa to each of the branch farms in the West. These consisted of 118 varieties, of which about 60 per cent died before the following spring. In 1890 another consignment of about 21,000 each was sent, a considerable number of which proved tender. A very large number of native trees has been grown at the branch and central farms from seed, especially the box elder, white elm, green ash, and bur oak. These are succeeding admirably. Several varieties of Russian poplars and willows have done well, particularly Populus bereolensis, P. certinensis, and the Voronesh willow. As the result of the 6 years' experiment there are now growing at the branch farm at Indian Head 120,000 trees and shrubs, and at Brandon, 75,000.

A statement is given by the author of the distribution of trees and tree seed by the central farm in the past 4 years.

Close planting of hardy young trees for shelter hedges has been found advantageous, forming an excellent protection for the growing of small fruits, vegetables, and other tender crops. These hedges have

been chiefly made by the Russian poplars, box elder, elm, ash, and willow, planted in double rows at distances of 1 by 2 ft. to 4 by 4 ft. The Russian poplars have thus far made the most rapid growth. A variety of Artemisia (A. abrotanum tobolskianum) is said to be valuable for hedges on account of its ready growth from cuttings. The Siberian pea tree (Caragana arborescens), which grows readily from seed, is also recommended for hedges. The tests which have been made on the western experimental farms show that there are about 100 varieties of trees and shrubs sufficiently hardy to endure the climate of that region, and further tests are adding to this number from year to year.

Swiss market for American woods, E. GERMAIN (U. S. Consular Rpt. 1895, April, pp. 509-515).-This article states the demand in Switzerland for timber and lumber, which has to be supplied mostly from outside. In 1893, $36,608 worth of lumber was imported from the United States, and it is stated that a much greater amount of American material could find market in Switzerland, being employed for shipbuilding, carriage making, staves, house finishings, cabinets, etc. Letters are quoted from various Swiss manufacturers showing that American oak, beech, hickory, elm, walnut, and pine lumber are extensively in demand.

The beech, J. T. ROTHROCK (Forest Leaves, 5 (1895), No. 3, pp. 40, 41, pls. 2).—A popular paper on Fagus ferruginea, with illustrations from photographs showing the open ground and forest forms of the tree.

Hybrid birches, J. G. JACK (Garden and Forest, 8 (1895), No. 382, pp. 243, 244, fig. 1). Street trees (Garden and Forest, 8 (1895), No. 380, pp. 221, 222).-Recommends greater care in the selection of trees, and better methods of planting. Norway maples, elms, tulip trees, and pin oaks are suggested among others.

Are forest fires a necessary evil? B. E. FERNOW (Garden and Forest, 8 (1895), No. 382, p. 242).-The writer believes that most forest fires are due to neglect, often on the part of railroads, and can be obviated by proper precautions.

The practical influence of forestry on the surface of our country, M. F. WEBER (Forest Leaves, 5 (1895), No. 6, pp. 41-44).—A popular paper.

SEEDS WEEDS.

Weeds, and how to kill them, L. H. DEWEY (U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bul. 28, pp. 31, figs. 11).—Popular information is given on weed propagation and methods for eradication. Illustrated descriptive notes together with suggestions for their destruction are given of the following 10 weeds, concerning which there were numerous inquiries during the past year: Prickly lettuce (Lactuca scariola), bracted plantain (Plantago aristata), horse nettle (Solanum carolinense), buffalo bur (S. rostratum), spiny amaranth (Amarantus spinosus), dagger cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum), chondrilla (Chondrilla juncea), wild carrot (Daucus carota), wild oat (Avena fatua), and false flax (Camelina sativa). The list is given in order of importance, the Russian thistle, on which there has been issued a separate bulletin,' exceeding the others.

1 Farmers' Bul. 10; U. S. Dept. Agr., Div. Bot. Bul. 15 (E. S. R., 6, p. 144).