HOETICULTURE. 047 



V, hifli will yield rubber more profitably, the possibility of the dis- 

 co \'ery of new sj'nthetical methods for producing rubber from tur- 

 pentine or of methods for extracting a substitute from certain rapid- 

 growing- shrubs, as '"'' Synatlievemas rnexlcanaH^'' the many failures in 

 part or wholh' that have attended attempts to build up plantations 

 outside of the natural rubber districts, and the increased cost of using 

 civilized help in the management of tropical plantations, suggests 

 caution in investing large sums of mone}^ in the rubber industry. 

 The fact that a species may grow luxurianth^ in a new district seems 

 to be no indication whatever that it will profitably produce rubber. 

 Usually the opposite results follow. From 5 to 15 j^ears is given as the 

 probable time required for the growth of rubber trees before they 

 can be tapped for rubber. 



The botanical sources of rubber are discussed, and mention made of 

 experiments, generally unsatisfactory, in cultivating Para rubljer 

 {Hevea brasUiensis), Ceara rubber {Minihot glaziovii)^ and Central 

 American Yxxhhev {CastiUoa elastica) in regions outside of the native 

 habitat of the species. Rubber culture as a feature of mixed farming 

 is thought to be the most rational method to follow in Porto Rico 

 until the possibility of its successful production is more definitely 

 established. Experimental plantings of the most promising rubber 

 trees now known and of new sorts as fast as they are discovered by 

 planters to be carried on in connection with other farming are 

 advocated. 



Other factors in rubber production, such as harvesting and coagulat- 

 ing the latex, are touched upon and concluding general notes given on 

 the future of rubber culture. 



How to store winter cabbag-e, A. G. Miller (Rural Xem Yorlrr, 59 {1900), Xo. 

 2648, p. 718, fig. 1). — Directions are given for building a cellar for storing winter cab- 

 bage. Methods of handling the cabbage before being stored are also noted. 



Lima bean, growing in Ventura County, E. P. Hall [Pacific Rural Press, 60 

 {1900), Xo. 12, pp. 181. ISJ). — A discussion of cultural methods in Ventura County, 

 Cal. 



Tomato tests on the American Gardening grounds {Amev. Gard., 21 {1900), 

 Xo. 311, pjK 805, 806). — Of 46 varieties grown during the season, Stone has again been 

 found preeminently the best all-around sort. Trucker Favorite is another good variety. 

 This has a pink skin and is preferred to Beauty, a very similar tomato, but smaller 

 and with a tendency to crack at the Ijase. Other varieties mentioned are Royal Red, 

 Trophy, Early ^lichigan, and Honor Bright. Enormous is good for exhibition pur- 

 poses. Golden Jubilee proved by far the best of the yellow varieties tested, and 

 Burpee Cluster the best of the small-fruiting or cluster kinds. 



Analyses of some edible mushrooms {Ann. Acjr. SuUse, 1 {1900), Xo. 2, pp. 73, 

 7-^).— Analyses with reference to dry matter and protein are given for 10 species of 

 edible mushrooms. 



The effect of pollination, >\ Keep {Canacl. Hort., 23 {1900), Xo. 12, pp. 515-517, 

 figs. 2). — The effect on the fruit of j^lanting Keiffer and Duchess pears in alternate 

 rows is discussed and illustrations given of the cross pollinated fruit. The quality of 

 the Duchess was impaired by cross pollination with Keiffer; but Keiffer was much 



