338 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



One of the best of the lefiuuiinous trees appears to be the sail (Albizzia 

 stipulata). Statistics are given which show that tlie average yield of tea per 

 bush near sau trees in one instance was 1.7 lbs., while on the same plat farther 

 away from the trees the yield was but 0.8 lb. per bush. In another instance 

 the yield is shown to have been increased 50 per cent when the bushes were 

 grown near sau trees. The good effects of the sau tree are believed to be due 

 in some instances to (1) the light shade that it casts, (2) the retention of the 

 rainfall, (3) the manurial value of the flowers and fallen leaves, (4) the 

 condition of the soil brought about by the extensive and ramifying root sys- 

 tem, and (5) the ability of the trees to utilize free niti-ogen through the 

 nodules on the roots of the trees. 



The root radius of trees 5 years old in one instance was found to be 55 ft., 

 and the depth of the tap root 82 to 10 ft. Analyses of the soil near sau 

 trees showed a slightly larger percentage of organic matter and a little more 

 nitrogen than in the soil some distance away fi-om the trees. The method 

 of growing this tree on tea plantations, as well as that of the dadap (Erythrina 

 litJiospcnna) and boga-medeloa (Tcphrosia aniilMa) is given at length. 



Another valuable plant for green manuring tea is the bean Phascolns inungo. 

 The increase in yield in tea where this plant has been used has varied from 

 12 to IG per cent. The value of such other plants as Crotohtria striata, pea- 

 nuts, mustard, and i^eshaitia caiinahlna is also discussed. 



Treatment of deteriorated tea, H. H. Mann {Indian Tea Assoc. [Pamphlet] 

 4, 1906, pp. 2Ji). — It has been noted that as tea plantations inci'ease with age 

 the quantity of tea obtained is greatly lessened. The author considers the 

 various factors which cause this and gives suggestions on methods of culti- 

 vation, pruning, draining, green manuring, and the use of such fertilizers as 

 cattle manure, oil cake, etc., for rejuvenating such old plantations. 



Report on a sample of cocoanut " water " from Ceylon, W. R. Dunstan 

 {Trop. Ayr. and Mag. Ceilhm Agr. Soc., 26 {1906}, No. 5. i)p. 317, 578).— The 

 water in the cocoanut was analyzed with a view to the manufacture of sugar 

 from it should it be found in sufficient quantities. The results of the analyses 

 were as follows: Water, 9G per cent; ash, 0.5 per cent; mannitol, 1.8 per cent; 

 cane sugar, 0.1 per cent ; glucose, 0.9 per cent ; acid constituents, 0.48 per cent. 

 A sample of water from ripe cocoanuts contained 2.6 per cent of cane sugar, 0.5 

 per cent of glucose, but no mannitol. Based on these data it is concluded that 

 the manufacture of sugar from cocoanut water is not likely to be profitable, 

 even though the material were a waste product. 



Experimental studies on the mechanical effects of frost on fruit and for- 

 est trees, P. Sorauek {Landtc. Ja]irh., 35 {1906), A'o. //, pp. .'i69-.j25. pis. o). — 

 The details are given of an extensive botanical studj^ to determine the physio- 

 logical effects of early and late frosts on the mature and immature wood of a 

 large number of fruit and forest trees, including the cherry, pear, apple, rose, 

 linden, elm, beech, horse-chestnut, spruce, and oak. The effect of frost on dif- 

 ferent wood tissues is shown in numerous plates illustrating cross sections of 

 injured wood. 



Among the more important conclusions drawn are the following : The same 

 degree of cold has a different effect on trees, depending on whether the twigs are 

 still young and green or whether they are more nearly ripened and filled with 

 reserve material. In the latter case the effects are chiefly mechanical, and are 

 marked by a discoloration of the cell contents and a browning of the cell walls, 

 while in the former, if the young twigs are not killed outright, the effects are 

 primarily mechanical. 



The discolorations occur principally in the cambium and pith of the twigs, 



