EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 453 



MUSTARD. 



Southern Giant Curled. — The crimped and much curled leaves are very orna- 

 mental and well adapted for "greens." The plants did not develop until late in 

 the season. 



TOBACCO. 



Two varieties were tested, the plants being set out June 20, and partially 

 destroyed by cut worms. 



General Grant blossomed August C and the seed ripened. The leaves averaged 

 27x17 inches. 



Cofinecticut Seed Leaf blossomed August 16, the seed not ripening sufficiently. 

 The leaves averaged 30x15 inches. 



PEPrER. 



Two varieties were tested, the plants being set out June 20. The plants were 

 more or less defoliated by cutworms and several died from the damage. Those 

 least damaged of the Red Cherry variety ripened nearly all their fruit, blossom- 

 ing July 7. The peppers are very pungent, much larger than cherries and are 

 conical shaped. The plants bear profusely, and when late in the season they are 

 loaded with blossoms and peppers in all stages of ripeness, their varied and 

 brilliant coloring renders them very conspicuous and highly ornamental. 



Ruby King blossomed July 10 and produced large green peppers none of which 

 ripened. 



CASTOR OIL PLANTS. 



Two varieties were tested, viz.: Castor Oil Bean, the common green leaved 

 variety {Ricinus Communis) and Ricinus Sanguineus, with dark brownish red 

 leaves and stems. Of 50 seeds planted June 8 and all of which sprouted and 

 partially developed, there remained six plants which blossomed August 2, the 

 others being destroyed by cutworms. It seems certain that the appetite of cut- 

 worms is not restricted by taste, and though the destruction by them of castor 

 oil plants m.a.y be an occurrence without precedent, it will seem anything but 

 strange in this instance, considering the insect's previous diet of red pepper and 

 tobacco. 



CHICORY. 



Large Rooted Magdelmrg. — Planted June 8, some very large roots of even size 

 were secured. The plants are extremely hardy, hence well adapted for this lati- 

 tude. 



CHTTFAS. — (Cyperus esctilentus.) 



Sometimes called earth almonds. One of the sedges cultivated in th.e southern 

 states for the edible tubers, which somewhat resemble, but are much smaller 

 than the Jerusalem Artichoke. Planted June 8, numerous tubers developed, none 

 being larger than an ordinary hazel nut. The plants did not blossom and the 

 tops were not damaged by the September frosts. 



SCOLYMUS. 



Said to be a species of the Globe Artichoke {Cynara scolymus), the flower 

 heads of which are edible. The variety Cynara Cardunculus, known as Cardoon, 

 is cultivated tor the fleshy leaf stalks and midrib which are blanched like celery. 

 The true name of Scolymus as tested here could not be ascertained at this time; 

 the root being the edible portion of this variety. The thistle-like leaves are 

 moderately pinnatified with numerous prickles, the color being pale green with 

 white stripings. The roots grow as large as those of Salsify, have the same 

 milky sap and are of excellent flavor. Edible early In September and probably 

 earlier during a warmer season. Appears to be quite hardy and should prove 

 to be a valuable acquisition as a late summer vegetable. 



Cynara Scolymus or Globe Artichoke, was planted June 8 for the purpose of 

 testing the hardiness of the plants when left unprotected during winter. The 

 plants were green at the end of October when nearly all other vegetation had 

 either been killed or seriously damaged. 



