338 EXPEKIMENT STATION EECOKD. 



toniiicratiircs did not destroy tlio vitality of all the seed, and a fairly high 

 temperature continued for some time appears to increase the germination 

 percentage. 



Tests which were made relative to the germination of seeds of different 

 ages showed that seed that has been preserved in the closed cones 11 and 13 

 years germinates as readily as seed of more recent production. 



Handbook of information on the conifers, L. Beissner {Handbuch der 

 NadclliolzkiduU: Berlin, 1909, 2. cd. rev. and enh, pp. XVI-\-7J,2, i)ls. 2, figs. 

 J63). — This liandltook, which first apjieared in 1891. has been completely re- 

 vised and enlarged to include the knowledge gleaned in recent years relative 

 to conifers. 



Part 1 contains a systematic classilication of all known ginkoes, conifers, 

 and Gnetaceiie. Part 2 consists of botanical descriptions of ginkoes, open-land 

 conifers, and the ephedra species. The nomenclature for each species includes 

 its various synonyms. The descriptions conclude with notes on the practical 

 and ornamental value of the species, together with its adaptation to German 

 conditions. Part 3 treats in detail of the culture of open-laud conifers, includ- 

 ing mehods of propagation, planting and growing, diseases, insects, and other 

 pests, and the acclimatization of exotic forms. 



The effect of late frosts in young' beech stands, L. A. Hauch (Forstw. 

 Centbl., n. scr.. 31 {1909), .Yo. 6, pp. 301-322, figs. 12). — The author reports 

 observations made on the annual growth of several young beech stands which 

 were more or less injured by a late spring frost in J\Iay, 1901. He liuds that 

 in the lower moist lands where frost usually does the most damage, the danger 

 from frosts is relatively small as long as the regeneration areas are small and 

 surrounded by older stands. 



Experimental plantations at Cooper's Hill, AY. R. Fisher (Quart. Jour. 

 Forestry. 3 (1909), No. 3, pp. 22S-232). — This consists of notes on the growth 

 and condition of a large number of species of hardwoods and conifers which 

 were planted in experimental plats on the grounds of the lioyal l]ngiueering 

 College, Cooper's Hill, in 1891-92. 



Plant formations and forest types, F. E. Clements (Proe. S'oc. Anier. For- 

 esters, 4 (1909), No. 1, pp. 50-63).— This is an examination of the results of 

 an ecological analysis of vegetation together with a discussion of the ecological 

 kinship of forest types. The author recommends that a thoroughly scientific 

 study of forest vegetation should accompany forestry practices more closely 

 and as soon as possible precede it. 



Three pieces of apparatus for determining' the properties of timbers 

 especially adapted for biological studies, A. J. Yan Schekmheek (Meded. 

 Rijks Hoogere Land, Tuin en Boschbouwsch., 3 (1909), Yo. /, pp. 1-3), pis. 3, 

 figs. 7). — The author describes and explains the use of 3 pieces of apparatus 

 which he employed in making mechanical tests of green timber. The tests 

 include measures of resistance against normal pressure in the direction of the 

 fiber, flexibility, hardness, resistance to splitting and compression and surface 

 wear. 



The practice of forestry, concerning also the financial aspect of afforesta- 

 tion, P. T. Maw (Brockenhurst. 1909, pp. XlX+503).—X treatise on British 

 forestry designed for landowners, laud agents, and students of the science of 

 forestry. 



The introductory chapter discusses the national economic importance of wood- 

 lands and the afforestation of laud. Succeeding chapters deal in detail with 

 forest systems, nursery and planting operations, individual requirements of 

 trees as to locality and soil, peculiarities of growth, conditions suitable to 

 growth, the tending of young high forest aud pruning, partial clearances and 



