NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



801 



alone obviate the ruthless waste of timber, that is at present going on. 

 Fire and flood, too, are important factors in the spoliation of the Texas 

 forests ; but with a definite State policy, carried out by a board or com- 

 mission, it is to be hoped that in the near future proper control of the 

 woodlands will not only remedy existing evil, but be the means of largely 

 increasing the present output of lumber. An excellent list of timber 

 trees suitable for Texas is given, which, aided by many illustrations and 

 maps, renders the work of great practical value. — A. D. W. 



Forestry : The Timber of the Edwards Plateau of Texas : 

 its Relation to Climate, Water Supply, and Soil. By W. L. Bray 

 (U.S.A. Dep. Agr. Bur. For., Bull. 49). — The transformation of prairie into 

 timber land must surely, in so far at least as conserving the water supply 

 is concerned, be a matter of public interest and fraught with great good 

 to the immediate district. In Texas especially the heavy rain and cloud- 

 bursts exert a powerful influence in carrying away large quantities of the 

 surface soil down even to the original rocky bed ; but where judicious 

 planting has been engaged in, the harm done is comparatively small, and 

 erosion of the soil is of rare occurrence. 



Rarely have we read a more interesting account of the influence of 

 woods on the climate, soil, and water supply than that recorded by Mr. 

 Bray ; while the species of trees and their affinities are well thought out 

 and clearly portrayed. 



There are numerous suitable illustrations. — A. D. W.. 



Forest Trees, Tests Of ( U.S.A. Agr. Exp. Stn. Kansas, Bull. 120). 

 This is a series of experiments that have been carried out at the above 

 college with reference to tree-planting. The notes and observations, 

 numerous carefully compiled tables, and excellently executed illustrations 

 of trees are all of the greatest value, particularly in an economic sense. 



A. D. W. 



Formalin. By E. F. Ladd (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. Dakota, Bull. 60, 

 1904). — Since formalin is coming into use as a fungicide, it is important 

 that it should be of standard strength. The recognised standard is a 

 40 per cent, solution of formaldehyde in water ; but analyses carried out 

 in Dakota showed that the strength varied from 21*60 per cent, to 

 42-41 per cent., only a few of the samples tested being up to 40 per cent. 

 In addition to this, in purchasing 1 lb. of formalin solution the buyer 

 frequently received only 10 oz. — F. J. C. 



Formicide, Aeorus Calamus as a (Rev. Hort. p. 536, Nov. 16, 

 1904). — The dried powdered roots of this plant are said to be immediately 

 fatal to ants.— C. T. D. 



Fossil Flora of the Antarctic Regions. By A. G. Nathorst 

 (Compt. Rend. June 1904, p. 1447). — Among the most important of results 

 accomplished by the Swedish Antarctic expedition, directed by M. O. 

 Nordenskjold, was the discovery of fossil plants belonging to the Jurassic 

 and Tertiary periods. Among the specimens collected are representatives 

 of Equisetacece, Filices, Cycadaccce, Coniferce. One of the most interesting 



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