23 



Eucalyptus leaves. 



From the Report of the Saharunpur Botanic Gardens for 

 1897, 1 note the following : " The demand for leaves of the Euca- 

 lyptus for cleansing the boilers of locomotives still continues ; 

 84| maunds Avere supplied to various railways ior this purpose." 

 I am not aware whether the leaves of these trees are used for 

 this purpose in Natal ; if not it is worth the notice of the 

 authorities. 



A large demand has been made during the year for grafted 

 plants of the Citrus family, and numbers of trees are being 

 planted out ; it will I think therefore be of interest if I add to 

 this Report, a copy of an article on the manuring of the Orange 

 family, and another shorter one on their propagation, especially 

 as an idea seems to be industriously circulated that Lemon stocks 

 are not the best for grafting, or that seedlings are preferable to 

 grafted plants, the latter is however too absurd to need fui-ther 

 comment. We have tried stocks of the common Orange, 

 Seville or Sour Orange, and Shaddock, but have found that 

 Lemon stocks give by far the best results. -We are always, 

 however, w^illing to supply plants grafted upon other stocks to 

 order, if sufficient notice is given, but for Natal we strongly 

 recommend the Lemon stocks. 



">S<- 



MANURES AND ORANGES. 



By H. C. Webber, Assistant in Division of Vegetable Pa- 

 thology, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 



Probably the most important question which concerns the 

 orange grower is how to fertilise his trees. In Florida, where 

 the orange soils are mostly very sandy and sterile, and require 

 to be fertilized regularly, it is highly important to understnad 

 what elements should be used In fertilisation, and in what forms 

 it is best to use them. No plant will long withstand improper 

 treatment. In case of sIoav groAving plants like the orange, 

 wdiere proper treatment prolongs growth and productiveness 

 for centuries, it becomes particularly necessary that correct 

 methods of manuring be used.. The condition of the tree re- 

 flects largely the cumulative treatment of years ; in crops that 

 are replanted each year, however, the effect of improper fertili- 

 sation is probably less noticeable, especially so far as the 

 development of disease is concerned. 



In groAving annual plants one can early notice results and 

 may profit by experience. A fcAv seasons Avill suffice to de- 

 termine about the kind and quantity of fertiliser necessary for 



