ABSTRACTS. 



783 



Richardia hybrida * Solfatara.' By G. Bornemann (Die Gart. 

 p. 584; 6 9/1902; with coloured plate). — A new hybrid, the product 

 between B. Elliottiana and Adlami. The flowers are yellow, with a dark 

 central spot. As in most hybrids, this new form is more floriferous, more 

 robust in growth, and the flowers are of finer texture and very distinct. 



G. B. 



Ricotia Lunaria. By S. Mottet (Rev. Hort. p. 320; with wood- 

 cut; July 1, 1902). — Introduced by Vilmorin from Palestine. Bunches 

 of lilac-pink flowers ; dwarf habit. Annual. Sow early spring, but 

 can be sown later for succession. The best plan is to sow where 

 required, in April, 6 to 8 inches apart. Flowers then end of May. 



a t. d. 



Road Improvement (U.S.A. St. Bd. Agr. Missouri, vol. i., No. 10 ; 

 January 1902). — An abstract of papers read at the tenth annual meeting 

 of the Missouri Road Improvement Association. Illustrations are given 

 showing the appearance of dirt roads which are almost left to take care of 

 themselves, and the greatly improved condition where dragging is carried 

 out after rain, about once a month on an average. 



It is the object of this association to create public interest in the 

 matter of roads, as at the time of the meeting only 1 per cent, of entire 

 mileage of Missouri State roads was composed of free gravel or macadam. 



E. F. H. 



Roads Congress, Proceeding's of the International Good, 

 Buff., N.Y., September 1901 (U.S.A. Dep. Agr. Pub. Bd. Inquiries, 

 Bull. 21). — This congress was held for the purpose of stimulating the 

 efforts already being made in improving the public highways. An 

 endeavour was made to get Congress to vote a sum sufficiently large to 

 assist every State in building good hard roads. — E. F. H. 



Roads, Earth. By Maurice O. Eldridge (U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Farm. 

 Bull. No. 136 ; 1902). — A very useful work dealing with the formation of 

 earth roads, which predominate largely in some portions of the United 

 States. The principal requirements in the formation of these roads are 

 thorough drainage for the road base, and a rapid transit of water from 

 its surface. For this purpose a good crown is necessary, which conducts 

 the water quickly to the sides, and in a short time leaves the centre quite 

 dry. Occasional rolling after rain directly the surface is sufficiently dry 

 to prevent sticking, and working with the road machine, which acts like 

 a large scraper and takes off any lumps, leaving a fair surface, are the 

 principal part of attention given. The improved conditions of traffic well 

 repay the amount expended in these operations. — E. F. H. 



Rock-garden Making*. By F. W. Meyer (Garden, p. 213; 

 27/9/1902). — An introduction to a series of freely illustrated articles 

 upon this important subject. As the writer here says : " Of all the 

 numerous branches of horticulture there is perhaps none more abused 

 than the making of rock-gardens. Many are the instances in which an 

 otherwise pretty garden has been spoiled by so-called rockwork badly 

 constructed and utterly out of character with its surroundings. It must 



