148 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



della Forzatura Dcgll Iniirsti ili Mli Amcricane. Rome, J908, pp. 12, figs. 20). — 

 All account is given of the work coiKlucted in tbe propagation and grafting of 

 cuttings of Anicrican grapo stoclcs at the experiment gronnds of the Royal Agri- 

 cultural Institute during the season 1!)0T. The various phases considered 

 include tlie stori-ng of sloclcs and scions, treatment of the wood previous to graft- 

 ing, storing of grafted vines jn-evious to forcing, description of the grafting 

 oiieration, methods of stratification, forcing, planting, and suhsequent treatment. 



The tropical plants of commercial importance, E. dk Wildeman (Les Planter 

 Troitk-alcH tie Grande Ciiltiin: Hjii.sscIs, IHOS, rol. /, iip. VIlI+390, pis. 22, 

 figx. 6'.J). — This is the tirst volume of a second edition of this work (E. S. R.. 14, 

 p. S70). now I'evised and enlarged to two volumes. 



In the jiresent volume consideration is given to the hotany, regions of culture, 

 statistics, preparation, and in some cases the composition of coffee, cacao, 

 vanilla, cola, and hananas. In the opening chapter a brief description is given 

 of the flora of tropical Africa, together with biographical notes on the different 

 botanists who have contributed to the knowledge of the vegetation of the Congo 

 Free State. 



Volume 2 is to deal with the rubber-producing plants of tropical Africa. 



The date sugar palm (Phoenix sylvestris), N. N. Banerjei (Dept. Agr. 

 lidigiil. (jiiart. Jour.. I {1908), Xo. .i, pp. 161-164). — A brief account is given 

 of the methods of cultivating and tapping the date sugar palm in Bengal. 

 According to the data here given, the total yield of date sugar for the ])rovince 

 is about 15.6 per cent of its total yield of cane sugar. 



Ether and the germination of seeds, J. Taubenhaus (Cornell Countryman, 

 .'} (1908), No. 6, p. 201, fig. 1). — Tabulated results are given of an experiment 

 conducted to determine the effect of ether on the germination of old and new 

 seeds. The iJi'ocess of etherization was similar to that used by the author in 

 his w-ork with bulbs (E. S. R., IS, ]». 938). The seeds tested included tomato, 

 turnii), cucumber, muskmelon, asparagus, cabbage, and wheat. 



The conclusion is» reached that the ether treatment appears to put new life 

 into old seeds, since, while about half of the old seeds sown germinated when 

 etherized, only about one-third of the check seeds of the same kind started. 

 Etherization appeared to hasten the germination of all the seeds tested. Seed- 

 lings from etherized seeds were stronger than those from untreated seeds. The 

 experiment was conducted both in a medium temiierature house and in a hot- 

 house with a temi)erature of 75° F. As no results were secured in the medium 

 house it is concluded that a hot-house temperature is necessary for this process. 



A handbook for planning and planting home grounds, W. H. Mannino 

 ( \(>rth Killerica, Mass., 1907, pp. 7//). — This handbook is issued by the Talbot 

 Mills for the use of its tenants, with a view of creating an interest in the 

 improvement of their premises. In addition to brief practical suggestions relat- 

 ing to the planning and planting of home grounds, a catalogue is given of both 

 wild and garden flowers, shrubs, vines, trees, fruits, and vegetables, including 

 Iheir commcm and botanical names, and brief notes on their characteristics. 



A classified list for ready reference is also given showing herbs, siirubs, trees, 

 and annuals adapted for varying light, soil and moisture conditions, differences 

 in height, climbing, creeping. ;ind thorny plants, and plants with edible fruits. 

 An index is also given of the conuiion names of wild jtlants. together with 

 localities in which they may be found growing in Billerica. 



Laws of Massachusetts relating to public shade trees (Woodland and Road- 

 side, 6 (1908), yo. 8, pp. 89-9')). — The text is given of all the laws relating to 

 shade and ornamental trees, and especially highway trees, which were in force 

 up to January 1, 1908. This sui)plements a pamphlet on laws relating to 

 Massachusetts forest lands jjreviously noted (E. S. R., 19, p. 545). 



