3(>() EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



latiTiil ])iids. Tlu' scions sliDuld lie sclcH'tcd, wlu'ii possiVjIi', I'nmi liranchcs not over 

 .] in. in diainetvr. 



The experiments in propagating tea at Sumnierville, S. C, have shown tliat varie- 

 ties do not come true to seed, and hence some method of vegetative propagation is 

 desirable. It is stated that the quickest and least troublesome method of propagation 

 is by cuttings of the newly-ripened shoots. These cuttings should be taken from 

 moderate-sized branches of the current season's growth of wood and cut into lengths 

 of from 4 to 5 in. At least 2 leaves should be left on each cutting. Methods of 

 veneer grafting and herbaceous grafting of tea are also described. 



Seedlings of Manila hemp were successfully shipped to the Department from the 

 Philippines by gathering the seed as soon as ripe, mixing witli finely powdered 

 charcoal, and shipping in small cylindrical tin tubes. Upon arrival at the Depart- 

 ment the seeds were sown in garden fiats filled to within an inch of the surface with 

 clean, large-grained river sand, into which the seeds were firmly pressed and then 

 covered with i in. of sand. A sheet of glass was then placed over the box and the 

 sand kept at a night temperature of about 75°, and a day temperature of 80° F. It 

 recjuired about 14 days for the seed to germinate. 



The publication is accompanied by several plates which illustrate the different 

 methods of propagation described in the text. 



Th.e Smyrna fig at home and abroad, (1. C. RoEDiNCi (Fresno, Cal.: AutJior, 

 1903, ]>p. 87, pi. i, figs. 45). — Part I of this work discusses comprehensively the cul- 

 ture of the Smyrna fig in its native home, giving details as to methods of harvesting, 

 drying, packing, labor conditions, etc., and the extent of the industry abroad. Part 

 II gives the history of the development of the Smyrna-fig industry in California, with 

 an account of the introduction of the wild, or Capri fig, and of the fig wasp {Blasto- 

 pJiaga grossorum) . 



The cocoanut with reference to its products and cultivation in the Philip- 

 pines, W. S. Lyon {Plnlippiin' Bureau Agr. Bid. .S', pj>. 34, ph. :.',figs. 3). — This is a 

 popular bulletin dealing with the history, botany, uses, cultivation, harvesting, and 

 enemies of the cocoanut in the Philippines. It is believed that under jiroper condi- 

 tions the cocoanut is one of the most profitable crops that can be grown in the 

 Philippines. 



The manuring- of cacao, A. Couturier {Jour. Agr. Trop., 3 [1903), No. 27, pp. 

 259-263). — Analyses are given showing the composition of good cacao soils, and sug- 

 gestions made for the rational fertilizing of cacao. 



Elements of prairie horticulture, N. E. Hansen {South Dakota Sta. Bui. 81, 

 pp. 67-110). — This account contains suggestions based on work at the station for the 

 culture of orchard and small fruits, vegetables, wind-breaks, and ornamental shrubs 

 and fiowers. The State is divided into 12 districts, and varieties of fruits which it is 

 thought will succeed best in each district are indicated. 



No apple less hardy than the Duchess should be planted in the northern half of 

 the State. To prevent root killing in winter a mulch of stable manure spread several 

 feet out beyond the branches of the trees is recommended. If the fall is dry heavy 

 soaking of the soil with water before the mulch is put on is believed to be of great 

 service. 



Varieties uf the hardy northern native plums are the only sorts that can be success- 

 fully grown, and the only reliable stock is Prunus americana. In other words, the 

 onh' plums recommended for South Dakota planters are the native M'ild ones. Sug- 

 gestions are given on growing plums from seed. The author finds it advisable to 

 graft 2-year-old trees before the buds start in the spring, by inserting the graft in a 

 side cut 2 or 3 inches below the soil surface, using a wedge-shaped scion. The earth 

 is replaced and no grafting wax used except to cover over the top of the scion to pre- 

 vent drying out. 



