FORESTRY. 377 



The hardy catalpa, W. Gill (Jour. Agr. and Tnd. South Australia, 7 (1904), No. 

 11, pp. 614-616, pi. 1). — A description is given of the hardy catalpa as a forest tree, 

 particular attention being called to a number of plantations in parts of Australia. 

 These plantings were made along email streams in rich soil, and the growth has been 

 exceptionally rapid. 



The results obtained in Australia are contrasted with those obtained in the United 

 States, as shown by the publications of the Bureau of Forestry, some of the experi- 

 ment stations, etc., and the author concludes that the growth of the trees Li South 

 Australia surfers little by comparison with the trees as grown in the United States. 

 Attention is called to one important difference, however, that is, that while the tree 

 in this country grows over a large area and in many kinds of soil, in South Australia 

 it was found to succeed only on selected sites in close proximity to a permanent 

 water supply. 



Planting red cedar ( Oklahoma Sta. I!j>t. 1904, PP- 54-56). — Directions are given 

 for the gathering of the seed of the red cedar, its preparation for planting, and sub- 

 sequent care. The best results seem to follow the storing of the seeds in moist sand, 

 and as they do not germinate until the second spring after planting, they should be 

 protected against excessive drying during the summer. Notes are also given on 

 Arbor Day as observed in Oklahoma, and a list of desirable trees for planting is given. 



White oak and other southern woods ( Tradesman, 52 (1904) , No. .'. pp. 73, 74)- — 

 Notes are given on a number of species of oak which in the lumber market are fre- 

 quently substituted for the true white oak. The species described are the basket oak 

 \Quercu# michauxii), chestnut oak (Q.prinus), and the chinquapin oak (Q.prinoides). 

 The timber characteristics of these different species are described, and their differ- 

 ences when compared with white oak are contrasted. In addition notes are given 

 upon a number of other species of oak, gum, and other timber trees. 



Cross-tie forms and rail fastenings, with special reference to treated tim- 

 bers, H. vox Schrexk ( U. S. Ikpt. Agr., Bureau of Forestry Bui. 50, pp. 70, pis. 5, 

 figs. 71). — The treatment of ties used in railroad construction to preserve them 

 against decay has made it possible to introduce new forms, a number of which are 

 described and discussed. The relative value of different forms, the value of ties cut 

 from live and dead timber, the desirability of decreasing the number of ties used per 

 mile of track, and new types of ties are all discussed. 



The author concludes that the present classification into first class, second class, 

 etc., is not justified, and suggests a grading based on a certain definite-sized tie. 

 Under the present system of management it is not deemed desirable to decrease the 

 number of ties now laid per rail length. Triangular ties, which have been exploited 

 to some extent, are not considered desirable and should not be used, as they are said 

 to yield less bearing surface on the ballast than other forms. 



Where tie plates are used on treated timbers of inferior grade, the requisition of an 

 8-inch top-bearing surface is believed to be wasteful. The half-round tie, which is 

 described, is believed to be advantageous from a mechanical standpoint, as it is said 

 to give greater bearing surface per mile and a more stable track, and at the same 

 time it is more economical of timber. Experiments are in progress to test the prac- 

 ticability of sawing ties of this form in large numbers, and their value is believed to 

 be worthy of trial. 



The author takes up the different forms of rail fastenings, discussing spikes, screw 

 spikes, etc., at considerable length. The best form is believed to be a screw spike 

 now in use on the French Eastern Railway. This screw combines the advantages of 

 ease of making, cheapness, and longer service than other types of screws, and is said 

 to wear out the thread of the wood less than closer wound screws. Tests of these are- 

 being conducted on several railroads in the United States. 



A discussion is given of the relative value of different tie plates. For use in old 

 ties, or ties which have been in use for some time until the spikes or screws become 



