319 



for mioroscopic examination. I placed one of these knotty specimens 

 on a glass slide, put on it a drop of gam-water, over which I next 

 placed a glass disk, pressing it down, and submitted it to a power of 

 about 75 diameters. The nature of the knots, so called, became evident. 

 The cotton fiber had, in consequence of an extreme twisting motion, 

 become so intertwined that an artificial knot was formed. JMr. Brower 

 stated, on seeing the nature of the knot under the microscope, that the 

 present system employed to separate Fiji cotton from the seeds,viz, tha 

 use of rollers, is apt to draw the knotted fibers more tightly than 

 would be the case if the cotton-gin was employed. 



A series of microscopic investigations on cotton of various growths^ 

 quick and slow^ growing, might lead to some practical and valuable 

 results. In the mean time, I would suggest, as the most effectual rein- 

 edy, the frequent renewal of the seed in the Fiji Islands. 



FACTS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. 



Remedy for grape-vine root louse. — M. Eogiers, mayor of 

 Poulx, in the Department of Gard, a prominent vine-growing district of 

 France, proposes to the Agricultural Society of Herault, as a tested 

 remedy for the depredations of the Phylloxera vastatrix, the application 

 of a pound of soot to the roots of each vine after a careful excavation 

 of the earth, which is used to cover the soot. It is claimed that this 

 application is eiiectual in destroying the insect as well as in preventing 

 attacks. 



Eamie. — It is reported that at the first of July the crop on the ramie 

 l>lantation of Mr. F. T. De Lacroix, Kew Iberia County, Louisiana, was. 

 fully matured. That planted last fall and this spring is short — not more 

 than 2 feet in height ; but the old crop is much better. 



Jute. — Mr. De Lacroix also has on his plantation several rows of the 

 jute plant, the seed of w^hich was sent to him by the Department of 

 Agriculture. The plants are very vigorous, and the indications are that 

 jute will thrive in that climate. It bears some resemblance to flax in 

 appearance, as it is said to in fiber. 



Tree culture in California. — The legislature of California has 

 passed an act the object of which is to encourage the culture of forest 

 and timber trees. It provides — 1. That the governor shall appoint 

 three forest commissioners, and that a State forester shall be appointed 

 by them at a salary of $175 per month. 2. That the State forester shall 

 collect, exchange, grow, and import seeds and seedlings of forest and 

 timber trees, and shall distribute them gratnitouly, but not more than 

 1,000 seedlings to one person the same year. For these purposes he is. 

 authorized to expend $3,000 per annum. 3. That the supervisors in 

 each county shall constitute a forest board, to aid in properly distribut- 

 ing the seeds and plants. 4. That a sum not exceeding $500 may be 

 expended in providing and distributing circulars in the interest of tree 

 culture. 5. That the State forester shall have authority to expend 

 $ 3,000 the first year, and thereafter $2,000 annually, in establishing and 

 taking care of nurseries for rearing trees and acclimatizing foreign 

 plants and trees ; and that from these, shade trees shall be furnished 

 for grounds and roads belonging to the State, counties, and cities* 

 6. That it shall be the duty of the State forester to collect and diffuse, 

 in all practicable ways, information respecting the culture of forest 



