222 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



It is said to be im))ossiljle to j^et Cinchona, sugar vnue, etc., to seed unless i)n)tected 

 from the rain, winds, and extreme beat of tbe tropics. 



The fringe tree {Garden and Forest, 7 {1S94), 2>p. 325, S2G, Jig. 7).— Illustrated 

 descrijjtion of tbe American fringe tree (Chionanthus), and notes on it as an orna- 

 mental slirub. 



Use of rose hips, P. Haugukl {Bev. JTort. Oi] {1S94), No. IS, p. .m?).— Remarks on 

 tbe value of tbe seed i)ods of llona ru<josa for pickling, and in making astringent 

 drinks for use in certain diseases. 



Electricity in horticulture, H. C. Fyfe {Sci. Gas., 1894, Aug., pp. 124, 125). — A 

 brief resume of tbe history of horticultural experiments with electricity, recounting 

 tbe results. 



The experimental laboratory of the National Horticultural School at Ver- 

 sailles, E. Andhe {Jour. Agr. Prat., 58 {1894), No. 35, pp. 311-314, jigs. 4).— k popular 

 account of buildings and methods of experiment. 



Fertilizers and their application, R. Simpsox {Amer. Florist, 10 {1894), No. 325, 

 pp. 84-80). — Relates principally to tbe use of fertilizers on ornamental plants, and 

 is of a popular character. 



FORESTRY. 



"Willows and their cultivation, E. J. Baillie {Jour. Royal Agl. 

 8oc. Etujland, 5 {lt>!rJI), Ho. is, pp. :Jod-2oO). — The classilication of wil- 

 lows, both botaiiically and agriculturally, presents great difficulty. Tbe 

 author recommends the green willow {Salix viminalis var.) and the bitter 

 osier [S. Jcirlcsii) for growing the large rods; for the smaller basket work 

 the most suitable are the varieties of S. caprea, commonly known as 

 purple willow, and yellow osier. A deep alluvial soil is the most suit- 

 able for a willow plantation. All stagnant surface water should be 

 drained oft", and the ground trenched to the depth of a foot or more. 

 Cuttings 12 or 14 in, long from 2 year-old shoots should be used, and 

 these should be inserted in the ground at least two thirds of their 

 length. The cuttings are placed not over 20 in. ai)art each way, and 

 it is most important that the "holt," as the plantation is called, 

 should be kept clean from weeds, grasses, and undergrowth. CiUting 

 may commence in late November or in December, and a sharp, short- 

 bladed sickle is the best imidement to employ, as its use diminishes the 

 amount of split rods or torn bark. The rods should be cut off close to 

 the base, leaving no spurs, so that the shoots of the succeeding season 

 may come up strong from the roots. Frequently it may be desirable to 

 let some part of the crop stand for the second year's growth to obtain 

 larger rods. 



As many as 75 species of lepidopterous larva? are known to feed ujion 

 the leaves and wood of Sallx caprea alone, and many beetles also; but 

 insect attacks in this particular field of cultivation have not yet been 

 so seriously harmful as to call for remedial measures. Spraying with 

 suitable insecticides would probably be effective. 



It is suggested that the growing of willows be carried out on sewage 

 farms, the moisture and fertilizing elements recommending themselves 

 for this purpose. 



