662 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



size measurements of the Ijoxes used are given in each case and brief suggestions 

 given regarding picking, packing, and handling the fruit. Kumquats, it is stated, 

 should be packed in quart baskets and shipped in strawberry carriers. 



Smyrna figs, G. E. Colby {California Sta. Rpt. 1899-1901, pt. 2, pp. 242, 243).— 

 Analyses are given of dried packed commercial Smyrna figs grown at Fresno in 1900 

 and of other dried but unpacked figs of the same crop. An analysis of imported 

 packed Smyrna figs is given for comparison. The California packed Smyrna figs 

 were very large, averaging f oz. in w'eight, anil had apparently not gone through the 

 sweating process. The skin appeared thicker than on ordinary Smyrna figs and 

 tougher. This fruit contained 33.48 per cent of water as compared with 21.06 per 

 cent in the imported Smyrna figs. Recalculating the data on the basis of the same 

 water content for both the comparative composition is as follows: 



Cornposition of California and imported Smyrna Jigs. 



California 

 grown. 



Imported. 



Water 



Ash 



Proteids 



Crude fiber 



Fat 



Sugar (grape and fruit) 



Per cent. 



21.06 



1.72 



4.37 



8.02 



.91 



63.92 



Per cent. 

 21. 06 

 1.80 

 1.06 



\ 10.58 



62.50 



This shows 1\ per cent more sugar and nearly ^ per cent more proteid for the Cali- 

 fornia fruit than for the imported figs. Three varieties of unpacked figs ranged in 

 water content from 23.02 per cent to 24.25 per cent; jirotein, from 3.94 per cent to 

 4.42 percent; and sugar, from 62.5 percent to 64.10 per cent. An analysis of the 

 seed of the dried California-grown Smyrna fig Black Bulletin gave the following data: 

 AVater, 6 jier cent; protein, 14 percent; carbohydrates (showing a few starch grains), 

 13.5 i)er cent; fat, 34.4 per cent; fiber, 30.4 ^ler cent; and ash, 1.7 per cent. 



Culture and preparation of cacao in Trinidad, A. Elot (Cnltnre et p)rcp>aration 

 du cacao a la Trinidad. Paris: Augustin Challarnel, 1900, jrp. 31, pis. 2, Jigs. 3). — 

 The climate and soilof Trinidad are discussed, together with the methods observed 

 in that island in cacao culture and preparation for market. 



The tea plant, F. Coulombier {Uarbre a the. Paris: Augustin Challamel, 1900, 

 pp. X^164, pl><- 12, Jigs. 26). — An elementary work on tea culture, beginning with the 

 soil, climate, and planting of the seed, and including all tlie cultural ojjerations to 

 tlie fermentation, drying, jjacking, and disposal of the product. It is designed as a 

 cateciiism in tea culture for planters. 



Tests of potash fertilizers on vines, E. Markk {Prog. Agr. ct Vit. {Ed. L'Est), 

 24 {1903), No. 1, pp. 13, 14). — By the use of sulphate of potash the average yield of 

 grapes per hectare in 3 different experiments was increased 8, 11, and 20 per cent, 

 respectively, over the yields obtained when only superphosphate and nitrate of soda 

 were used. 



The preparation of Malaga raisins, \'. Sebastian {Queensland Agr. Jour., 11 

 {1902), No. 5, pp. 343-346). — Tlie methods of prei^aring Malaga grapes, botli in 

 Spain and in California, are described in considerable detail. 



Expedition to Central and South America, P. Pkeuss {Expedition nach Central- 

 nnd Sii'laiiwrika. Berlin: Koloni<d-Wirtsrh(ftlicJies Komitee, 1901, pp. 452, ph. 20, 

 Jigs. 78, plan i).— Under the direction of the Kolonial-Wirtschaftliches Komitee the 

 author made an agricultural expedition into Central and South America. Following 

 a description of several of the countries of South America and Mexico and of the 

 characteristics of the agriculture and people in the different countries, the methods 

 followed in the various districts in the culture, curing, and preparation for market 



