688 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 
from South Carolina and other Southern States, but its production in the States has 
long ceased to be of commercial importance. 
The plant requires a moderately rich soil, the seeds being sown early in spring, 
sometimes broadcast, but preferably in shallow drills about 16 inches apart, so that 
weeds can be removed or kept down by hoeing. The plants will be ready to cutin 
about three months after sowing the seeds. They are cut just before coming into 
flower, and if conditions of growth are favorable a second crop may be cut in about 
two months afterwards. 
The coloring matter does not exist as indigo in the plant, but when the plant is 
steeped in water and subjected to certain processes the blue color is educed. 
As soon as the plants are cut they are thrown into vats of water, where they are 
allowed to remain until sufficiently macerated. The liquid is then drawn into an- 
other vat, where it is subjected to agitation by beating with rods for several hours, 
or until the water changes from a greenish to a deep purple color. It is then al- 
lowed to settle. The water gradually clears and the indigo sedimentis found on the 
bottom of the vat. 
It is then boiled, strained through bags, and otherwise treated until prepared for 
commerce. 
All the processes require careful, skilled treatment to secure the best results. 
Indigo was produced near Saint Augustine prior to the year 1760, and records 
show that it was cultivated in Virginia about 1680. 
There seems no reason to doubtits adaptability to the climate of southern Florida, 
provided the seed is sown in deep rich soil, but it is somewhat doubtful that it would 
prove to be a profitable crop. 
NAVEL ORANGES. 
FROM PUTNAM COUNTY, FLA. 
As there seems to be an uncertainty about the proper distinction regarding navel 
oranges, I would be pleased to have you inform me whether or not the Bahia, Wash- 
ington navel, Riverside navel, and Parsons navel are all one kind. Also, would 
like to know if any of these were ever sent to Florida by your Department. 
Answer.—Of the above the only variety of the navel orange sent out from this 
Department was the Bahia. This variety was imported from Bahia some years 
ago, and to designate it from other navel oranges the name of Bahia was attached 
to it. Young plants of this variety were distributed in California and Florida about 
the same time, but mostly in Florida, where there are now large trees of first dis- 
tributions. However, the conditions of climate, probably, in California seemed to 
suit the variety better than Florida. At all events, its value there soon brought it 
into notice, and as it first fruited at a place named Riverside it received that name, 
also that of Washington, thus ignoring the name on the label attached to the plant 
when received. 
As to the variety known as Parsons Navel, this Department has no knowledge of 
its origin. 
With regard to the distribution of the Bahia from here, as between California and 
Florida, many more have been sent to the latter-named State. 
NETTLE FIBER. 
‘ FROM SOUTH CAROLINA, 
I wish you would advise me of any improvements or developments that have been 
made recently in the preparation of nettle fiber. Our country is overrun with net- 
tles, and it would be a blessing if they could be put to some use. 
Answer.—The Department is not aware that nettle fiber enters into commerce to 
any extent. Ramie, one of the best fiber piants of the nettle family, has consider- 
able commercial value, but the expense of its preparation for market has, hitherto 
at least, prevented its profitable culture, although machinery for its profitabie prep- 
aration has lately been announced. 
EUCALYPTUS TREE. 
FrRoM YoRE, PA. 
T have seen it stated at various times that Eucalyptus globulus trees were being 
planted in the public grounds in Washington on account of their supposed power tu 
prevent malarial emanations from the soil. 
