109 



about 3 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 2 

 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 allowed 

 to settle. The water gradually clears and the indigo sediment is 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 St. Augustine prior to the year 1700, and records 

 show that it was cultivated in Virginia about 1680. 



There seems no reason to doubt its adaptability to the climate of southern Florida, 

 provided the seed is sown in deep rich soil, but it is somewhat doubtful that it wouh 

 prove to be a profitable crop. 



NAVEL ORANGES. 



From Putnam County, Florida. 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, Washington 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 De- 

 partment 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 distribu- 

 tions. 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 no- 

 tice, 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 develop- 

 ments that have been made recently in the preparation of nettle fiber. Our country 

 is overrun with nettles, 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 plants of the nettle family, has considerable 

 commercial value, but the expense of its preparation for market has, hitherto at 

 least, prevented its profitable culture, although machinery for its profitable prepara- 

 tion has lately been announced. 



EUCALYPTUS TREE. 



From York, Pennsylvania. I 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 to preyept malarial emanations from the soil. 



