ABSTKACTS. 



247 



Washed Soils and How to Prevent and Reclaim them 



(Bull. Bot. Dep. Jam. May 1901) (^7.»S'. Dept. of Arjri., Farmers* BulL, 

 No. 20). — Four methods of arresting erosion are given : (1) Chemical 

 means (as manures, &c., which change the texture of the soil) ; 

 (2) cultivation and underdraining ; (3) reforestation ; (4) grass and 

 similar vegetation. Each of these is considered in detail. — G. H. 



Water, Conservation of Soil-Moisture and Economy in the 



Use of Irrigation. By E. W. Hilgard and E. H. Loughbridge (Bull. 

 Bot. Dep. Jam. April 1901) {Bull. 121, Agr. Exp. Stat. Univers. of 

 California). — The authors observe that from 300 to 500 tons of water 

 are on the average required to produce 1 ton of dry vegetable matter. 

 They describe the difference in the root systems of crops in the arid 

 regions having a penetrable soil, allowing roots to descend to great depths, 

 and the converse of the Eastern United States. They point out the 

 importance of storing winter rains by " fall-ploughing," so rendering the 

 superficial soil easily penetrated by rain. Hence the knowledge of the 

 sub-soil to 4 or even to 6 or 8 feet is most important. To prevent 

 subsequent evaporation, the surface should be mulched. The difference 

 between this treatment and none, on " a loose, generous soil of Alameda 

 Creek " gave as averages in tons of water per acre, from 1 to 6 ft. deep, 

 6'3 p.c. against 4*2, and 756 tons against 512. — G. H. 



Water Lilies, Hybrid. By A. (Garden, p. 281 ; 20/4/1901).— 

 Useful hints for the "planting season," dealing generally with cultural 

 requirements. — H. J. C. 



Watsonia, (Iridece). With photograph (Rev. Hort. Beige, February 

 1901). — M. Ch. Pynaert describes this genus. — G. H. 



Weeping Cherries. By B. (Garden, p. 267 ; 13/4/1901).— Fig. 

 of Prunus avium pendula. A list of the most suitable varieties, with 

 short descriptions. — H. J. C, 



Willows, Four New Species of, from Japan. By Otto v. Seemen 

 (Engl. Bot. Jahrb. xxx. Beibl. 67, pp. 39-41 ; 12/3/1901).— The plants 

 are from the collections of the Abbe Faurie. — ^4. B. B. 



Wood Leopard Moth. By A. T). Webster [Gard. Chron. p. 185 ; 

 figs. 72 and 73 ; 23/3/1901).— Fully described, with figures and methods 

 of destruction. — G. S. S. 



Wood Leopard Moth (Zeuzera ^scidi). By A. D. Webster 

 (Gard. Mag. 2472, p. 164; 16/3/1901).— The writer describes the life 

 history of this moth, the caterpillar of which is so destructive to various 

 kinds of trees. Illustrations of the moth and its larva are given, and 

 also of a branch showing the injury done by the caterpillar. — W. G. 



Wood Leopard Moth (Zeuzera ^sculi). By A. D. Webster 

 (Garden, p. 189 ; 16/3/1901).— The different kinds of trees subject to 



