NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



277 



The peduncles bear one to three blossoms. A technical description in 

 Latin is given of the plant, and the genus generally is reviewed. 



G. S. S. 



Manuring* in Spring-. Anon. (Gard. Citron. No. 1113, p. 264 ; 

 April 25, 1908). — " Now that the use of artificial manures has become 

 so common, and their action both on the plant and on the soil so well 

 known, there is no longer any necessity for the gardener to hesitate in 

 employing them." Their advantages are then set forth. " Of the five 

 substances which act as manures — nitrogen compounds, phosphates, 

 potash compounds, lime, and organic compounds — the first three benefit 

 the plant alone, the other two also improve the texture of the soil." 

 The action of each of these manures is then detailed, and directions 

 for their use are given. In conclusion the writer says : " But without 

 doubt the great advantage of artificial manures is that the gardener who 

 has made himself acquainted with their effects can use the particular 

 manure, or manures, necessary to obtain just those results he wants." 



G. S. S. 



Mint-growing 5 for the Essential Oil. By G. H. Grellier, P. A. S.I. 

 (Jour. Bd. Ayr. xv. p. 348; August 1908). — The "black" mint is more 

 generally grown than the " white," as it yields double the quantity of oil. 

 It grows best on a deep rich loam on gravel, but will also succeed on a 

 chalk subsoil, liking a moist spring and a dry summer. Directions are 

 given for making the plantation, which will last only four or five years, 

 and an account of the process of distillation. The cost of growing mint 

 is considerable. — F. J. C. 



Mistletoe. The attention of readers is drawn to a number of papers 

 on the biology of this plant which have appeared in the Natunuiss. 

 Zeitschrift f. Land- u. Forstwirthschaft, vols. v. and vi. The series 

 give a very complete account of the genera and species included under 

 the term 'Mistletoe,' and bring out that the common Viscum album is 

 really an aggregate name for several distinct varieties limited to definite 

 host-plants. Experiments on feeding birds with the berries have also 

 thrown considerable light on the process of distribution and germination. 



W. G. S. 



Moles. By G. Liebach (Die Gartenw. 41, p. 485, July 11, 1908).— 

 To prevent moles from doing damage to plants in frames, beds, &e., 

 the writer recommends pushing pieces of glass, thorns, &c. into their 

 runs, and considers this better than exterminating by trapping or 

 poisoning. — G. B. 



Mountain Laurel: A Poisonous Plant. By A. C. Crawford 

 (U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Bar. Fl. Ind,, Bull. 121, pt. ii. ; plates).— An account 

 of investigations into the poisonous properties of the so-called American 

 mountain laurels, Kalmia latifolia and K. angiLstifolia. These plants 

 are said to be nearly always fatal to stock, though being hard and 

 unpalatable they are avoided by animals unless other green food is 

 scarce. The poison also acts upon man, in whom even honey made 



