150 EXPERIMENT STATION EECOED. 



Methods and results of sterilization, G. E. Stone {Avier. Florist, IS {1902), 

 No. 718, pp- 194-196). — Besides the value of sterilized soils in preventing certain dis- 

 eases in the greenhouse, it has also been found of practical value in increasing the 

 growth of the crop. The paper discusses in considerable detail the present use and 

 methods of sterlizing soil in the greenhouse. 



A new spring flowering iris {Amer. Gard., 23 {1902), No. 378, pp. 104, 105). — 

 An account is given of a new race of hybrid Alpine irises, which commence blossom- 

 ing in early spring and continue until the end of April or first of May. The race was 

 originated by W. J. Caparn, of England, an amateur gardener. The range of color 

 in the new race runs from pure white selfs through the various shades of yellow and 

 blue. The race is also valuable for forcing. 



Growing water lilies from seed, G. B. Moulder {Amer. Gard., 23 {1902), No. 

 378, p. 191, fig. 1) . — INIethods observed in growing the different species of water 

 lilies from seed are given. 



The hybridization of orchids and their culture from seed, A. Hefka {Moller^s 

 Deut. Gart. Ztg., 17 {1902), N'o. 1, pp. 4-7, figs. 6). — A discussion is given of the prin- 

 ciples to be observed in the hybridization of orchids to secure desirable qualities in 

 the hybrids, and of the method of growing orchids from seed. The author was most 

 successful in growing the seed on cut moss placed in low, flat pots with large holes 

 in them so that water could be absorbed from below. The seed is never sprinkled 

 or watered from above. The seed should be sown at about the time the mother 

 plant usually starts into growth, as otherwise they are apt to remain dormant for a 

 much longer period. The first roots usually appear in from .3 to 6 months after seed- 

 ing, and as soon as 2 leaves are formed the i)lants are ready for transplanting to pots 

 or baskets. Good illustrations are given, showing the growth of seedling orchids in 

 pots. 



Winter protection for tea roses {Amer. Gard., 23 {1902), No. 381, pp. 239,240). — 

 Tea roses A\ere kept in perfect condition in cold frames or when enveloped in straw 

 or straw bundles. Twenty-five per cent of the plants died when i^rotected over win- 

 ter with dry leaves only. When protected with dry leaves and earth about 10 per 

 cent died. With no other covering than strawy manure about 50 per cent of the 

 plants died. 



Fertilizers for sweet peas {Amer. Gard., 23 {1902), No. 378, p. 188). — A com- 

 parison was made between muriate of potash combined with mineral superpiiosphate 

 of lime and with sulphate of ammonia for sweet peas. The sulphate of ammonia was 

 applied in solution at the rate of 2 oz. to 4 gal. of water. The result from the use of 

 the sulphate of ammonia was a much closer jointed and firmer growth than with 

 muriate of potash, but the plants did not bloom as freely nor were the blooms as 

 large. The color of the flowers, however, was equally good, and they lasted much 

 longer when cut and also when left on the haulm. 



FORESTRY. 



A working "plan for forest lands near Pine Bluff, Arkansas, F. E. Olmsted 

 {U. S. Dejtt. Agr., Bureau of Forestry Ihd. 32, pp. 48, pis. 9, figs. 9). — This bulletm 

 contains a detailed working plan for a forest tract made in cooperation between the 

 Bureau of Forestry of this Department and the owners of the timber land, Sawyer 

 and Austin Lumber Company. The tract of land comprises 105,000 acres, about 5 

 per cent of which is bare of merchantable timber. The forest is divided into 3 types 

 of forest growth: Pine ridge, which embraces 65 per cent; pine flat, 20 per cent; and 

 hardwood bottom lands, 15 per cent. The principal species nf trees are the short- 

 leaved pine, loblolly pine, cow oak, white oak, white ash, and several species of 

 hickory. These different species are described and sylvicultural notes given regard- 



