342 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The scope of dendrology in forest botany, H. de Forest (Forestry Quart., 

 12 {1914), No. 2, pp. 228-287} .—The author here presents a short critical 

 analysis of the subject of dendrology. 



The silvical and economic geographic importance of the valonia oaks, 



K. BUKK {Jahrb. Nassau. Ver. Naturk., 66 {1913), pp. 1-52, pis. 2). — An account 



of the distribution, habitat, exploitation, and economic importance of the 



valonia oaks in the Mediterranean region, with a bibliography of cited litera- 



1 ture. 



Note on tapping experiments with Funtumia elastica, conducted at Musa 

 and Kutu, Belgian Kongo, A. Gisseleibe (Bui. Agr. Congo Beige, 5 (1914), 

 No. 1, pp. 95-104, figs. 6). — In the tapping experiments conducted at Musa some 

 1,69G Funtumia trees, ranging from 7 to 9 years of age and tapped for a period 

 of about 3 weeks, yielded an average of 105 gm. of fresh rubber per tree, includ- 

 ing the scrap rubber. In the Kutu tapping experiments some 1,368 trees, rang- 

 ing in age from 6 to 9 years, yielded about 123 gm. of fresh rubber per tree, 

 including the scrap. 



Hevea in Cochin China, E. Gibard (Bui. Eoon. Indochine, n. ser., 11 (1914), 

 No. 106, pp. 46-53; Jour. Agr. Trop., 14 (1914), ^^os. 154, PP- 97-100; 155, pp. 

 129-132). — This comprises a general discussion relative to the adaptability of 

 Hevea rubber to the soils and climate of Cochin China, cultural operations, and 

 methods of exploitation. 



Exploitation of cross-ties in northern New Mexico, C. F. Korstian (For- 

 estry Quart., 12 (1914), ^0. 2, pp. 177-192). — Data on the various operations in 

 the exploitation of cross-ties, based on the methods employed by one company 

 which had been operating for the past 6 years in northern New Mexico, are 

 here given and discussed. 



DISEASES OF PLANTS. 



The biological basis of international phytopathology, W. A. Orton (Phyto- 

 pathology, 4 (1914), No. 1, pp. 11-19). — An outline is given of what the authoi 

 considers the fundamental principles upon which successful international action 

 for the control of plant diseases should be based. 



Report of the botany department, G. M. Reed (Missouri Sta. Bui. 117 

 (1914), pp. 420, 4^1)- — Brief summary reports are given of the investigations 

 carried on during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1913. 



The work of the year has conclusively shown that the loose smut of barley 

 and wheat can be completely controlled by the hot water treatment and that 

 when once eradicated from fields it will not reappear unless introduced from 

 the outside. As a result of a manuring experiment about 70 per cent smutted 

 plants were obtained affected with loose smut of oats. 



The results of the investigation on the effect of toxic substances on soil 

 oi'ganisms are summarized, showing that the detrimental or beneficial effect 

 of toluol or carbon bisulphid upon nitrate accumulation in soils depends (1) 

 upon the acting strength of the chemical in question, and (2) upon whether 

 the soil is exposed for the chemical to evaporate. Toluol in strengths approxi- 

 mating 0.1 cc. per 100 gm. of soil was found to exert no appreciable effect upon 

 nitrification. If the strength exceeds this, it may, and usually does, exert a 

 detrimental or even inhibitory effect upon the process for short periods of 

 incubation. However, if the periods of incubation are extended the harmful 

 effect is overcome with strengths up to and including 1 cc. per 100 gm. of soil. 

 In strengths of less than 1 cc. per 100 gm. of soil carbon bisulphid. even for 

 short jtoriods of incubation, did not show any appreciable effect uix>n nitrate 

 accumulation. If the strength of carbon bisulphid exceeded 1 cc. per 100 gm. 



