714 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



ether in one receptacle at the end of the extraction without disconnei-tinji the appa- 

 ratus; the niaintenan(,'e of the ether in a dry condition; and the loss of the least pos- 

 sible amount of ether. 



A continuous hydrogen sulphid apparatus, H. Koch {Chem. Ztg.,25 {1901), 

 No. 81, pp. 87 S, 874, fig- !)■ 



An automatic filter washer, J. M. Pickel {.Tour. Amcr. Chem. Soc, 23 {1901), 

 No. S, pp. .'iS.9-593, fig. 1). — A specially devised apparatus for use in washing water- 

 soluble nitrogen out of mixed commercial fertilizers. The writer also believes it 

 adapted for removing the water-soluble phosphoric acid. 



On the measurements of high temperatures, H. Wannkr {Clicm. Ztg., 25 {1901), 

 No. 93, pp. 1039-1031). 



BOTANY. 



Report on a botanical survey of the Dismal Swamp region, T. H. Kearney 



{V. S.Dept. Agr., Divmon of Bolang, Contributions from the U. S. National Herbarium, 

 vol. 5, No. 6, pp. X+32 1-585, ph. 13, figs. 40, maps 2). — A report is given of the 

 botanical surv ey made during the summer of 1898 of the Dismal Swamp region in 

 southeastern Virginia and adjacent parts of Virginia and North Carolina. The objects 

 of the investigation were twofold: In the first place, it was sought to ascertain in 

 what degree the character of the native vegetation of the region may serve as an 

 indication of the quality and value of soil; and secondly, to make a study of the 

 ecological distribution of the vegetation. The report discusses at considerable length 

 the climate, geography and physiography, geology, soils, plant covering of the region, 

 the affinities of the plants of this region to others, and the relation of the native plant 

 growth to the character of the soil. Anatomical notes are also given of a numl)er of 

 species, showing their particular adaptations to their surroundings. The agricultural 

 crops of the region are mentioned and their production described at some length. 

 The influence of drainage, types of" soil, native vegetation, etc., on plant growth is 

 shown, and an attempt is made to outline the regions adapted to different forms of 

 cultivation. 



The origin and distribution of the cocoa palm, O. F. Cook {V. S. Dept. Agr., 

 Division of Botany, Contributions from the U. S. National Herbarium, vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 

 257-293). — The author traces the distribution of the cocoa palm throughout the 

 world, quoting the current opinions relating to the origin and distribution of that 

 economic plant. Contrary to the general opinion, the author states that the cocoa 

 palm is not confined to the seashore or sea level, but is known to thrive in elevated 

 inland regions where the soil and temperature conditions are favorable. He believes 

 the original habitat of the cocoa palm is in all probability to be found in the alkaline 

 regions of the Andes of Colombia. 



The Cupresseae, P. Mouillefert {Rev. HorL, 73 {1901), No. 10, pp. 231-234, figs. 

 14). — Under this name the author has grouped a number of the genera which are 

 commonly referred to the order Cupressineie. The genera which he proposes to be 

 included in this new groupingare Cupressus, Biota, Champecyparis, Thuya, Thuyopsis, 

 and Libocedrus. The different genera are characterized, their differences and affin- 

 ities being shown. 



Brazilian stink grass, F. M. Bailey {Queensland Agr. Jour., 9 {1901), No. 2, 

 p. 215, pi. 1). — A brief report is given of specimens of grass ol)tained under this name 

 which is highly recommended as a drought-resisting species. A small quantity of 

 the seed was sown and proved of a vigorous habit of growth, very leafy, and likely 

 to prove a good fodder grass. The grass was identified as Melinis minutiflora. It 

 possesses a somewhat peculiar odor, but not of the disagreeable character suggested 

 by its vernacular name. Its drought-resisting qualities are still to be proved. 



