424 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 



Investigations of the fodder value of the cactus, incmding a practical 

 feeding test, and experiments with certain fodder crops have been con- 

 tinued. Activities have been directed also toward the organization of 

 a small corps of experimenters and the perfecting of arrangements 

 whereby they can be supplied with new plant material selected 

 because of its peculiar fitness for trial in this region. 



Progress of new introductions. — The demand for seeds of the 

 Chinese wild peach for use as a stock indicates that this species is 

 to be given a wide commercial test. The bearing of the Chinese wood- 

 oil tree at several places in the South and the production of over a 

 bushel of fruits by a 7-year-old tree have given a basis for reason- 

 able calculations. These results warrant the attention of paint manu- 

 facturers and of cultivators who ow^n large areas of stiff clay land in 

 northern Florida, where the tree thrives. It is worthy of considera- 

 tion, however, that freight rates to New York via the Suez Canal 

 from 1,000 miles up the Yangtse River are 25 per cent less than from 

 Montgomery, Ala., for instance, to New York. The dasheen has been 

 so successful in the field trials in northern Florida that 7 acres of it 

 have been planted. The product will probably exceed 1,500 bushels 

 and will be largely used for the purpose o'f making the planters of 

 those estates where it can be grow^n familiar with its excellent eating 

 qualities. Chinese pistache, a tree of unusual value for shade and 

 street use in the South, has done so well in California and Florida 

 that a demand for seed has developed. The Chinese jujube has 

 fruited both in California and in Texas, and the large-fruited forms 

 serve to emphasize the prospects of this dry-land tree, w^hich is able 

 to stand so much neglect. Candied fruits of American-grown jujubes 

 rank as delicacies. The Tamopan seedless persimmon from China 

 will be ready to send out during the coming season. Mango culture 

 has reached a stage where careful botanical investigations are required 

 to ascertain why the varieties now being grown in Florida are shy 

 bearers. The setting aside of a 200-acre tract of land in Porto Rico 

 as an orchard for the experiment station has necessitated the collec- 

 tion in the Philippines of 10,000 seeds of the Carabao mango, which 

 comes reasonably true from seed. The avocado seems to be acquiring 

 a commercial footing, and a large collection of the best varieties has 

 been transferred from Florida to California for the purpose of sup- 

 plying the demand for experimental material. 



SEED-TESTING LABORATORIES. 



The work of the seed-testing laboratories has been continued along 

 the lines of previous years under the direction of Mr. Edgar Brown. 



The laboratories in Indiana, Missouri, and Oregon have been con- 

 tinued, and laboratories were opened in cooperation with the Califor- 

 nia and Louisiana agricultural experiment stations. At these labora- 

 tories information is furnished as to the quality of farm seeds which 

 are submitted for examination. The results of this work show a 

 material effect in the betterment of commercial seeds offered for sale, 

 as the opportunity for farmers to obtain information concerning the 

 quality of seed they are purchasing acts as an effective check on the 

 seed trade. 



The investigation of adulterated seeds carried on durmg the cal- 

 endar year 1911 shows a still further decrease in the adulteration of 



