680 experimp:nt station record. 



niati' and altitude c-onditions but different soils. The leaves were gathered and at 

 once dried in the sun. They were then sent to the laboratory, ground, and subjected 

 to analysis for iron, nitrogen, phosphoric acid, silicic acid, caffein, and ash. The 

 various soils from each plantation were also analyzed — the surface soil to 20 cm. 

 deej), and the subsoil 20 to 50 cm. deep. Preliminary analysis of leaves of (Ufferent 

 ages, but all of proper age for gathering, showed that great care is necessary to have 

 all the leaves of the same age, since some of the substances varied greatly with the 

 age of the leaves. 



Some of the conclusions of the author are as follows: (1) The chemical composi- 

 tion of the soil, especially the quantities of those substances taken up by the i)lant, 

 has an influence clearly demonstrable by chemical analysis on the composition of 

 tea leaves produced on such soil. (2) This influence is most clearly marked in the 

 case of manganese, Ijut also for phosphoric acid, lime, and magnesia. (8) In gen- 

 eral, a soil poor in one of these plant foods produces leaves that contain less than an 

 average amount of this substance, while soils that are rich in these plant foods pro- 

 du(!e leaves containing larger amounts of these substances, up to a certain maxi- 

 mum. H. M. PIETEKS. 



Plants cultivated for tlie preparation of aromatic drinks. Tea, F. A. von 



STtJRLER {Cultura, 15 {1903), No. 177, pp. 174-188, pis. 2, figs. .^).— This is a full dis- 

 cussion of tea culture, including botanical descriptions, soil and climatic require- 

 ments, propagation, insects and diseases, harvesting, pruning, drying, fermenting, 

 and other matters connected with the preparation of tea; as well as with its testing, 

 mixing, and packing. — h. m. pieters. 



Coflfee {Der Kaffee. Berlin: Julius Springer, 1903, pp. YI-]r 174, figs. 7, map 1). — 

 This book, which is issued by the Imperial Health Office, contains information on 

 the botany and chemistry of coffee, methods of harvesting and preparing coffee for 

 the market, the adulteration of coffee, physiological effects of coffee and coffee sub- 

 stitutes, and German laws relative to coffee and coffee adulteration. In addition, 

 certain statistics are given on the production of coffee in different countries and on 

 the consumption of coffee. 



Cacao: Its culture and preparation, with, special reference to Samoa, C. 

 ETTLiNG(Z'fr A'aA'oo. Berlin: Dietrich Rehner {Ernst J'oJisen), 1903, pp. T"-f 39, pis. 3). — 

 An account of methods of cacao culture in Samoa, from the planting of the seed to 

 the fermentation and drying of the cacao beans. 



Cocoa in Trinidad and Grenada, P. Preuss {Bui. Dept. Agr. Jamaica, 1 {1903), 

 No. 4, pp. 73-76). — This is a note taken from the recent report of Dr. P. Preuss (E. 

 S. R., 14, p. 662) on the use of shade in the culture of cacao trees in these localities 

 and on the methods of cultivation and pruning observed. 



The culture of cacao and its enemies, L. Kindt {Die Kultur des Kakaobaumes 

 und seine Schddlinge. Hamburg: C. Boy sen, 1904, J^p. 157, figs. 38). — This book is 

 intended for the use of practical planters in the growing of cacao. It contains com- 

 plete cultural directions, including the use of intercultural and leguminous crops and 

 shade trees, and descriptions of the more injurious insects and fungus diseases affect- 

 ing cacao, with recommendations as to methods for their control. 



India rubber and gutta-percha, H. Falconnet, T. Seeligmann, and G. L. Tor- 

 RiLHON {London: Scott, Greenwood & Co., 1903, pp. 403, figs. 86). — About two-thirds 

 of this book is devoted to India rubber and one-third to gutta-percha. Both of these 

 subjects are considered with reference to their historical, botanical, arboricultural, 

 mechanical, chemical, and electrical aspects. Special emphasis has been laid on the 

 chemistry and commercial uses of these materials. A bibliography of 40-i sources of 

 information on these subjects is appended. This is the English edition of the work, 

 which has been translated from the French by J. G. Mcintosh. 



Rubber planting on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, H. C. Pearson {New York: 

 TJie India Rubber Pub. Co. ,1903, pp. 27, figs. 45, map 1). — This is a record of a journey 



