FORESTRY. 665 



similar plats of Scotch pine were planted, the first was retained as a check plat, the 

 second received 700 lbs. of slag and 4 cwt. of kainit, while the thii'd plat received 

 12 cwt. each of slag and kainit. The trees at the age of 8 years were from 30 to 40 

 in. in height on the nnmannred soil, 50 to (59 in. in height on the plat receiving the 

 smaller amonnt of fertilizer, and from 58 to 88 in. in height on the one receiving the 

 larger application. 



The use of nitrate of soda in sylviculture, J. Huberty (BuI. Soe. Cent. Forest. 

 Belg., 9 {1902), No. 7, pp. 411-421, pis. 2). — The results of experiments with nitrate 

 of soda upon the growth of forest trees in nurseries are given. The experiments 

 were conducted in a number of regions with almost xmiform results. The applica- 

 tion of from 300 to 400 kg. of nitrate of soda per hectare had a marked effect upon 

 the young trees, causing a greatly increased growth of spruces, white pine, oaks, 

 maples, etc. The increase in growth was considered mu(;h in ex(!ess of the cost of 

 the fertilizer an<l its application. 



Tree growing- in Nebraska, C Y^. Bessey {Forestry and Irrig., 8 {1902), No. 

 11, pp. 4,'J.!-4o'j, fiijs. ,.•'). — A brief popular description is given of the recent under- 

 taking of this I)ei)artment in tree planting in western Nebraska. For this purpose 

 2 forest reserves have been proclaimed which embrace 212,000 acres. The tree 

 l)lanting which was undertaken in the Sand Hills of Holt County about 1890 by 

 this Department is briefly described, and the trees are now said to be from 1(5 to 18 

 ft. high and growing vigorously. The predominating species are pines, and the 

 results obtained seem to indicate the possiV)ility of foresting this area. 



Recent forest fires in Oregon and Washington, W. T. Cox {Forestrii ond 

 Irr'uj., 8 {1902), No. 11, pp. 462-470, pi. 1, timps 2). — An account is given of the 

 severe forest fires which occurred during Septeml)er in Washington and Oregon. In 

 all more than (300,000 acres were swept by fire. In some regions not a single living 

 tree remains to seed the burned areas. In a few places the Douglas spruce remains 

 in sufiicient abundance to secure the reproduction of the forest, but cedar, arbor- 

 vit;e, and hemlock, being less resistant to fire, were invarial)ly killed. The money 

 loss in both States is estimated at more than $12,750,000. 



A plantation of European larch., A. F. Hawes {Forestry and Irrig., 8 {1902), 

 No. 11, pp). 472-474, fig- I)- — An account is given of a small plantation of European 

 larch near New Haven, Coini., which was planted about 23 years ago, the trees 

 being imported from Europe. "When planted the trees averaged 2i ft. in height and 

 were set in rows 4 ft. aj^ai't in each direction. A study was made of the stand of 

 trees and the value estimated. The present value of the plantation is estimated to 

 be about $80 per acre. A large proportion of trees has been suppressed owing to close 

 ])lanting. Through ignorance of the intolerance of larch to shade this experiment 

 lias proved a failure, where had more open planting been adopted the results might 

 have T)een ])rofitable. 



A contribution to the knowledge of the timber of the yew tree, G. Thoms 

 {Kurhl. Natnrforsch. Ver. Riga, 45 {1902), pp. 28-33). — The yew tree {Taxus baccata) 

 is said to live to a great age and attain a diameter of a meter or more. Its distribu- 

 tion is briefly indicated, and analyses of the ash of the wood are given. The specific 

 weight, as comijared with that of oak, beech, ash, birch, etc., is shown to be greater 

 than all those woods. 



The mesquite, S. J. Holsinger {Forestry and Irrig., 8 {190^), No. 11, pp. 447-453, 

 Jigs. 5). — A description of the habits and uses of the mesquite {Prosopis jidiflora) is 

 given. While as a rule this plant over the greatest extent of its range does not attain 

 tree-like proportions, yet in parts of Colorado and Arizona it is met with growing to a 

 height of 35 to 65 ft., with a diameter of 18 to 30 in. or more. As an economic plant 

 it is one of the most valuable of the southwestern region. Its wood is close, hard 

 grained, and adapted to various uses; while as an ornamental and shade tree it is 

 superior to many otiier si)ecies. On aci-ount of the great extent of the root develop- 



