664 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 



partial fusion of oil -bodies are observed and figured. Their number 

 increases where secondary meristem is formed. Of their significance the 

 author has no clue, experimental variation of the conditions of culture 

 making no obvious difference. — M . H. 



Kapok, or Silk Cotton (Eriodendron anfractuosum). (Qu. Agr. 

 Journ. xiii. p. 351, Oct. 1903). — This soft material, which is well 

 known as largely used in the upholstering trade for stuffing mattresses, 

 pillows, &c, as a substitute for feathers, is the product of a kind of cotton 

 tree, Bombax pentandrum or Eriodendron anfractuosum, much grown 

 in Java of late years for the sake of the fruits which produce the fibre, 

 which meets with a ready sale in European markets. The tree grows 

 rapidly, and begins to bear from the second year. It requires no 

 attention, and grows on very poor soils, and is not exacting as regards 

 water. In 1896 the exportation from Java rose from 1,888,639 kilos, to 

 2,777,467 kilos. In 1898 the quotations were nominally 9d. to lOd. per 

 lb. in Holland. The seeds furnish an oil as a by-product. This is one 

 of the products which has been suggested for introduction into the 

 Australasian colonies. — M. C. C. 



Kermes or Scarlet Mildew in Uruguay {Le Jard. October 20, 1903, 

 p. 318). — A patent has been taken at Montevideo for a remedy called 

 " Frutolin," said to be quite efficacious against a scarlet scale on fruit trees 

 called " kermes." It is stated that a large Government order has been given 

 from Germany. — C. W. D. 



KumquatS, The. By H. Harold Hume (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. Florida, 

 Bull. 65, December 1902 ; illustrated). — The Kumquat was not known 

 in Europe until introduced from China by Robert Fortune in 1846. 



Shortly after, it was taken to America. The correct Latin name is 

 Citrus japonica, as described by Thunberg in 1784, and its generally 

 accepted common name throughout the U.S.A. and India is Kumquat, 

 from the Chinese, meaning " Gold Orange." 



In Japan and China, where it is extensively cultivated, it is called 

 Kin Kan. 



As a budded tree it reaches a height of 8 to 12 feet, and bears on 

 one-year-old wood. 



There are two varieties : Nag ami, oblong, olive -shaped, and Maruvii, 

 round. Of the two varieties Nagami is generally considered the more 

 desirable. Both have, when eaten raw, a very pleasant flavour. The 

 juice is acid, the rind has an agreeable spicy taste, and the inner portion 

 of the rind is decidedly sweet. 



Seedling Kumquats do not bear so well as those budded upon strong 

 stocks, of which Citrus trifoliata, Sour Orange, Pomelo, and Hough 

 Lemon are recommended for different parts of Florida. 



It is hardier than most Citrus fruits, but requires protection in the 

 shape of banking in Northern Florida from December to March. 



It can be planted in hedge form 5 ft. apart, and the rows 12 ft. apart, 

 or in ordinary rows 8 ft. by 12. In pots the Kumquat surpasses all other 

 Citrus fruits as a useful ornamental plant. For this purpose it should 

 be budded on Citrus trifoliata. 



