670 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Note on the germination of teak and other seeds, R. S. Pearson (Indian 

 Forester, 31 (1905), No. 3, pp. 168-171). — Of several different methods tested for the 

 germination of teak seeds the most successful was that in which the seed was strati- 

 fied about 1 in. thick in a pit 10 ft. square and 18 in. to 2 ft. deep, with alternate 

 layers of earth of the same thickness. 



After the pit was thus filled level with the ground it was flooded with water every 

 other day 5 times. The whole mass was then thoroughly mixed and again watered, 

 on alternate days until the seed showed signs of germination. Suggestions are given 

 for germinating the seeds of a number of other Indian trees. 



Girdling- of miscellaneous trees in sal forests, F. F. R. Channer (Indian 

 Forester, 31 (1905), No. 7, pp. 376-378). — Of 27 species of trees girdled, it was found that 

 12 do not die when girdled, 5 die when well girdled, while further information is 

 required before stating positively whether the remainder do or do not die as a result 

 of girdling. 



Some facts about g-utta-percha, A. M. B. Murdock (Indian Forester, 31 (1905); 

 No. 6, pp. 309-320, pis. 4). — An account of the species and distribution of gutta- 

 percha in the Federated Malay States, measures observed for the protection of the 

 tree, methods of extracting latex, manufacture, adulteration, and the properties of 

 gutta-percha. 



Coag , ulation of the latex of Ficus elastica, E. S. Carr (Indian Forester, 31 (1905), 

 No. 6, pp. 335-337). — The methods observed in tapping Ficus elastica and preparing 

 the rubber therefrom in the government plantations of Chard uar and Kulsi, in Assam, 

 are noted. 



In tapping, the cuts are made at nearly right angles to the line of growth of the 

 stem, aerial root, or branch at about 1.5 ft. apart around half of the portion tapped. 

 The cut is made only to the cambium layer. The overflow from the cuts is allowed 

 to fall on mats made of thin strips of bamboo woven together. This drip rubber 

 forms a kind of a skin over the mat and has a whitish appearance, whereas that 

 which remains in the cuts has a reddish-brown color. The former, after drying, brings 

 a slightly lower price in the market than that collected in the cuts. 



DISEASES OF PLANTS. 



The fourteenth annual report of the special committee for plant protec- 

 tion, 1904, P. Sorauer, L. Reh, et al. (Arb. Deut. Landw. Gesell., 1905, No. 107, 

 pp. LX-\-294). — A report is given of the observations of the different members of 

 the special committee on the investigation of plant diseases and plant protection, the 

 notes being arranged topically according to host plants. 



The principal groupings are diseases of cereals, beets, potatoes, leguminous plants, 

 vegetables, and fruit trees, and vine diseases. In addition to descriptions of the 

 fungi attacking these different plants, notes are given on insect enemies. In conclu- 

 sion, a summary is given of the more practical methods for combating these fungus 

 and insect pests. 



Disease resistance of potatoes, L. R. Jones ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant Indus. 

 Bid. 87, pp. 39). — On account of the increased interest in the possibility of disease 

 resistance on the part of varieties of potatoes, the author was commissioned to inquire 

 into the subject both in this country and in Europe. 



The bulletin aims to present in a concise form what is known about disease resistance 

 of potatoes. For the most part plant breeding with potatoes has been for resistance 

 to the late blight, and this will continue to be the principal problem for some time, 

 but there is promise of success in securing new varieties resistant to scab, dry-rot, 

 bacterial blight, and other diseases. The author states that apparently scab diseases 

 of tubers in Europe differ from those in this country, and certain varieties are known 

 to be more resistant than others. 



