40 PHARMACOGNOSY [BoT. Absts., Vol. X, 



246. LaRue, Gael D. Lightning injury to He veabrasiliensis. [Abstract.] Phytopathol- 

 ogy 11: 46. 1921. 



247. Stevens, F. L. The relation of plant pathology to human welfare. Amer. Jour. Bot. 

 8: 315-322. 1921. — The author cites examples of the enormous economic loss caused by plant 

 disease. Plant pathology has aided in the prevention of disease by demonstrating the value 

 of protective applications, sprays and dusts; excision; seed steeps; general sanitation leading 

 to diminution of infective material; breeding for disease resistance; modifications of agri- 

 cultural practice; and quarantine restrictions. The bulk of our present knowledge is the 

 outcome of scientific investigation, and the future usefulness of the plant pathologist will 

 depend on his vigorous prosecution of fundamental research rather than on a mere administra- 

 tion of protective measures. The author makes a plea for the encouragement of the indi- 

 vidual worker and for the unification of all botanical activities. — E. W. Sinnott. 



248. Vayssieee, M. P. Revue de phytopathologie. [Phytopathological review.] Rev. 

 Gen. Sci. Pures et Appl. 32 : 11-22. 1921. — The writer discusses the advances made in phyto- 

 pathology and entomology since his previous review in Rev. Gen. Sci. Pures et Appl. in 1918. 

 The work of French investigators on copper fungicides and the effect of varying degrees of 

 acidity and alkalinity on their value is reviewed. The salts of arsenic (other than lead 

 arsenate) have also received considerable attention since his last review. The work along this 

 line is reviewed. The investigations of Vermokel and Dantony (see Bot. Absts. 3, Entry 

 1200: 7, Entry 1254) and of Bruttini on calcium sulphate or polysulphides of calcium as 

 insecticides and fungicides are reviewed. The utilization of products of the war for combat- 

 ing insects has also received considerable attention by French investigators. — The American 

 investigations of mosaic diseases of plants receives special treatment by the reviewer. — A 

 section of the review is given to the investigations of insect pests. — H. W. Anderson. 



PHARIVIACEUTIGAL BOTANY AND PHARJVIACOGNOSY 



Heber W. Youngken, Editor 

 E. N. Gathercoal, Assistant Editor 



(See also in this issue Entries 15, 380) 



249. FiCK, I. A. R. The value of lavender. Amer. Bee Jour. 61: 232-233. 1921.— As it 

 has been stated that 1 acre of lavender (Lavendula officinalis var. vera) will yield a ton of 

 honey, further information is well worth seeking. Light, dry soils, well supplied with lime 

 and fully exposed to the sun, are best adapted to growing lavender. From 5 to 10 tons of the 

 flowers are bought annually in the U. S. A. by druggists and distillers of perfumes. From an 

 acre, 600-1,200 pounds of fresh blooming tips are obtained; the dry weight is about | of the 

 green weight. The yield of oil varies from 12 to 15 pounds per acre. During the 1st week in 

 March ordinary lavender flowers sold in the New York wholesale market for 18 to 24 cents 

 per pound; select flowers for 21 to 25. It is desirable to test the plant in theU. S. A., both for 

 the commercial value of its flowers and as a honey producer. — /. H. Lovell. 



250. GoRis, A., et Ch. Vischniac. Sur les alcaloides de la valeriane. [On the alkaloids 

 of Valeriana.] Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris 172: 1059-1061. 1 fig. 1921.— The authors 

 confirm the work of Waliszewski and of Chevalier as to the existence of 2 alkaloids, chat- 

 mine and valerine, in the root of valerian. — C. H. Farr. 



251. MiRANDE, Marcel. Sur le lathyrisme ou intoxication provoquee par les graines de 

 Gesses. [Concerning lathyrism,or intoxication caused by seeds of chickling vetches.] Compt. 

 Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris 172 : 1142-1143. 1921. — Intoxication of men and animals is reported as 

 a consequence of eating seeds of certain chickling vetches, namely, Lathyrus sativus and 

 L. Cicera. — C H. Farr. 



