NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



July 5, August 20, September 5, November 20). - A valuable .series of 

 historical articles giving tho names of all varieties of pinks, picoteos, and 

 carnations, with their origin and culture in different countries. b\ A. \V. 



Cassia alata. By R. Pampanini {Bull. B. Soc. Tosc. Ort. 10, 

 1907, p. 291). — In the summer of 1905 appeared suddenly in the 

 botanic garden at Florence a plant which appeared to come from seed 

 which had in some previous year emanated from Penang. On being 

 cultivated it grew vigorously, and flowered in October of tho following 

 year ; it was then seen that it was Cassia alata, an annual from the 

 tropics of America and Asia. Some authors describe it as biennial, 

 but the specimen in question showed itself to be perennial. Its spikes 

 of large golden-yellow llowers open at a time of year when the stoves 

 are poor in flowers. Its large pinnate leaves, 15 25 inches long, with 

 broad leaflets, render tho plant ornamental. Not suspecting it to be 

 perennial the plant was allowed to grow about 10 feet high, without 

 branching at the base, and so it had to be bent for admission to the 

 stove ; only the upper part is provided with leaves, of which the lower 

 fall in October as tho new shoot-tip is formed ; hence the plant has not 

 an elegant aspect at present. 



It will probably be possible to multiply it by cuttings, not by seeds, 

 for these, apparently, are not perfected. If so, the production of a 

 good foliage plant will be possible. Cassia alata is usually neglected on 

 account of the brief duration of its life, and the consequent impossibility 

 of pruning it, and thus rendering it more compact. But this defect 

 is eliminated in the case of the present perennial plant. — W. C. W. 



Castanea pumila (Chincapin). By S. Mottet (Le Jardm, vol. nd. 

 No. 500, p. 372; December 20, 1907; 1 fig.). — A dwarf species of the 

 edible chestnut. The fruit is smaller than that of C. vesca, but the 

 tree is more decorative, and it thrives better in poor soil, where it 

 can be used for coppices. It will grow from seed, but is better grafted 

 on the stock of the common chestnut. — F. A. W. 



Chicory, Witloof. By P. Bolit (Le Jardiu, xxi. No. 496, 

 p. 297 ; No. 496, p. 31G ; Oct. 5 and 20, 1907 ; 4 figs.).— The writer- 

 gives minute directions for cultivating and forcing chicory for the 

 market, with round white heads. Sow in June or July, in good 

 rich soil. Thin out into groups of two or three, subsequently keeping 

 only the finest. Water with liquid manure, or a solution of two to 

 three grammes nitrate of soda to the litre of water. The leaves should 

 never be cut during the growing period, otherwise a rank vegetation is 

 produced. In October dig up the roots, cutting the leaves down to 

 3 or 4 cm., and the roots to 25 cm. Prepare a very rich soil, and 

 plant in trenches — along a south wall if possible. In a light soil such 

 as that of Brussels, which is the most favourable, cover with 10 cm. 

 of earth; in a damp Bail the collar should be just above the ground. 

 When ready to force, water with liquid manure, or solution of sodium 

 nitrate. Cover with earth and stable manure, if necessary with planks 

 and straw besides, to keep the temperature constant, at 15-20° C. 



