NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



855 



April 1904, pp. 321-822).— An abstract reprinted from the " Proceedings " of 

 the Royal Society. The seed is borne on a short pedicel and inclosed in a 

 cupule ; both pedicel and cupule are studded with capitate glands. The 

 anatomy of this fossil seed agrees closely with that of Lyginodendron, to 

 which fossil genus it is probably related. 



A new group is formed and named Pteridospermce, into which the 

 families Lyginodcndrece and Medullosece have been placed. — A. D. C. 



Paeonies, Planting: herbaceous. By E. H. Jenkins (Garden, No. 

 1719, p. 288; 29/10/1904).— For planting the herbaceous Pteony early 

 autumn is the best time, and the earlier the better ; and it is the more 

 desirable that the planting should be done at the right moment, because 

 these Pfeonies do not require to be planted or replanted each year. Far 

 better, indeed, that the plants should be left alone for years, provided 

 that the work of first planting was properly carried out. The chief reason 

 why the P?eony should always be planted in early autumn is the production 

 of the main roots at this season, and, as one set of these is produced each 

 year, it is desirable that the planting should precede the period of the issue 

 of these roots. — E. T. C. 



Pea-nuts (Arachis hypogcea). By W. G. Freeman (Qu. Agr. Joum. 

 xiii. p. 519, Dec. 1903 ; with fig.). — This communication is suggestive of 

 the introduction of Ground-nuts for cultivation in Queensland, and after 

 describing the plant proceeds to give information as to the cultivation, 

 soil, harvesting, yield, cost, and uses of Pea-nuts ; ending with details as 

 to their value commercially and their prospects as an article of export. 



M. C. C. 



Pea-nutS. By C. L. Newman (Agr. Exp. Stn. Arkansas, Bull. 84, 

 1904). — The Pea-nut, especially the Spanish variety, is a useful crop for 

 stock food, as it will succeed on worn and infertile sandy soils, and pro- 

 duce a heavier yield of both grain and forage than Corn in a shorter time. 



Like Alfalfa and other legumes, it leaves the soil richer in nitrogen, 

 and is decidedly drought-resisting, producing profitable crops when Corn 

 would fail. 



Cattle, horses, poultry, and especially hogs do well on Pea-nuts. They 

 require a certain amount of lime in the soil, which can either be present 

 naturally or applied artificially ; but the Spanish variety requires less than 

 those Pea-nuts used for confectionery and parching purposes. 



As with many other crops, seed-testing is recommended to avoid dis 

 appointment and loss of time, as the Pea-nut often loses its vitality 

 through heating or moulding while on the vine or in bulk. 



Planting must only be done when warm weather has set in, as even 

 a slight frost damages or destroys the plant. Cultivation such as is given 

 to Corn, Cotton, &c. is suitable, and harvesting varies according to 

 whether the Pea- nuts are to be marketed as such, or used as stock food. 



The principal use of the Pea-nut is for roasting. It is used in candy 

 and chocolates. In Europe, oil, of which Pea-nuts contain 40 to 50 per 

 cent., is extracted from them, and is a good substitute for olive oil. Meal 

 made from them has been tried in Germany as an army ration. It is said 

 that parched Pea-nuts make an excellent substitute for coffee, and are far 



