76 THE PLANT WORLD 



The Botanic Garden as an Aid to Agriculture, was the subject of a 

 lecture by Prof. William Trelease before the Society for Promotion of 

 Agricultural Science. He shows very clearly that quite aside from the 

 aesthetic study of plants, the botanical garden has or should have a 

 positive bearing in furthering the science of agriculture. 



For many years the Governmont has been engaged in reclaiming 

 land in the Potomac river opposite Washington. Twenty-five acres of 

 this reclaimed land has been granted to the Department of Agriculture 

 for use as a trial ground for seeds and plants obtained in all parts of the 

 world which are likely to prove of value in this country. Tests have 

 also been made of the seed annually distributed by Congress. 



Some very beautiful specimens of pressed California wild flowers 

 and sea mosses, together with some striking floral paintings, have been 

 submitted to Secretary Filcher of the California State Board of Trade 

 by Miss Elinor McCord, of Monterey, who desires to send a large and 

 important exhibit along these lines to the Pan-American Exposition at 

 Buffalo, The Secretary has cordially accepted Miss McCord's offer, 

 and this dainty display will be a novel feature of the California exhibit, 

 which will be an important one. 



It is of common knowledge that mahogany is very valuable, but the 

 full extent of this value is perhaps realized by but few. According to 

 the American Lumberman, two logs of the African mahogany {Khaya 

 Senegalensis), sold in Liverpool last summer at the rate of $1,771.58 and 

 $2,501.56 respectively a thousand feet B. M' Shortly prexdous to this 

 three logs were sold for $5,500. These logs averaged 22 feet long and 

 32 inches in diameter at the base. This African mahogany, also known 

 as Senegal mahogany, is really inferior to our West Indian mahogany. 



According to Dr. B. E. Fernow {Recreation, April, 1901), the Singa- 

 pore cedar {Cedrela toona) can undoubtedly be introduced successfully 

 into the West Indies and Florida. It is a native of Asia and Australia, 

 and has light, fragrant, soft, shiny wood, brick red in color, which does 

 not warp or crack in seasoning. It ii easily propagated and grows rap- 

 idly, a tree in Australia reaching a diameter of 10 inches and a height 

 of 50 feet in 12 years. The wood is used in making tea boxes, boats, 

 carvings, shingles, furniture, etc. In Australia, where it is known as 

 red cedar, it is being extensively used in replanting reserves. 



