106 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



upland of rather sandy soil, the grass seed often fails to come. Now, what 

 course can we take to be sure of success in stocking' down lands (1); how 

 deep should the seed be covered (2); and whether harrowed, brushed or 

 rolled in (3); and how can we best stock down after taking off the oats or 

 other grains, and finding no grass starting up (4); is it a good way to sow 

 a new suppl}^ of seed before the fall rains, and harrow in (5j; or first plow 

 again, then sow and harrow — or wouldn't it be as likely to success to wait 

 till spring and sow on the last snow (6)?" 



Mr. Solon Robinson. — (I.) The only sure way to success is by irrigation, 

 and this is an important secret that American farmers will some day learn, 

 that irrigation is one of the most valuable improvements that can be made, 

 wherever it is practicable. 



(2.) The proper depth to cover any seed is but very little more than the 

 diameter of the seed. The imperfection of covering makes it necessary to 

 cover some much deepei:, while others are left entirely exposed. If we 

 could be sure of a heavy shower immediately after sowing grass seed, that 

 would cover it sufficiently. 



(3.) We prefer to plow in oats lightly. The best implement for this is 

 Share's cultivator. Then harrow smooth, and sow the grass seed, and 

 brush lightly by a fine limbed bush drawn by one horse. 



(4.) If the land is spotted with grass, it is best first to harrow and then 

 sow tlie vacant spots as soon as the oats are cut. 



(5.) Yes; but it is not necessary to wait for the fall rains before you 

 sow, because, if the seed is on the ground, it will be ready to grow when 

 the rains commence. 



(6.) If the ground is all bare, we should recommend you to wait for the 

 next spring crop. 



The Rosin Weed of the Western Prairies. 



Mr. J. Makinson, Monticello, 111., sends a specimen of the rosin or wax, 

 as he calls it, of a plant that grows very abundantly upon all the western 

 prairies, commonly known as " rosin weed." It is also known to some as 

 the "Polar plant," its leaves indicating north and south. Mr. M. says it 

 may be obtained in large quantities from the juice of the pressed weeds. 



Mr. Solon Kobinson. — I believe it is one of the helianthxi^ family of plants. 

 I have frequently gathered the rosin from the broken stalks, but that is a 

 ver}' slow process. The specimen sent us, obtained in tliat way, is of a 

 very light yellow color, quite transparent, so much so that a sheet of the 

 thickness of common paper glass does not afford any obstruction to the 

 reading of fine print. The gum is very pleasantly aromatic, and is slightly 

 stimulating. AVhether otherwise medicinal or not we cannot say. Unless 

 it is so, it would hardly compete with other gams more easily obtained. 



A Currant Bush Pest Described. 



Mr. L. A. Willington, Glens Falls, Warren county, N. Y., gives the fol- 

 lowing lucid description of a worm which he thinks diflerent from tlie one 

 described by Mr. Barlow. He says: 



"The worm makes its appearance here before the currant leaves are fully 

 grown. It is at first a minute thread about thrce-eigliths of an inch long. 



