316 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



was supposed, and that plants submitted to them may remain in the 

 open for, in some cases, a month before forcing, and have then responded 

 as readily to the stimulus. It is claimed that this fact is important to 

 horticulturists, as larger quantities of plants can be treated at once than 

 require immediate forcing. Chloroform requires greater care than ether 

 in its application, and should be used much more moderately, say one-fifth 

 as strong. — C. T. D. 



Felicia echinata. By T. A. Sprague {Bot. Mag. tab. 8049).-— Nat. 

 ord. Composites, tribe Asteroidece. S. Africa. A small shrub, 1-2 ft. high. 

 Leaves deflexed, f in. long. Heads, 1J in. diam., ray flowers lilac, disk 

 yellow. — G. H. 



Fertilizer Experiments. By C. A. Movers (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. 

 Tennessee, Ball. xxi. 1, January 1903).— The results of experiments with 

 fertilizers suitable for Tennes£ee soils for sweet potatoes (which may with 

 advantage be heavily manured), Irish potatoes, grass, clover and cowpeas 

 are detailed. — F. J. C. 



Fertilizers. By A. L. Knisely (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. Oregon, Bull. 79, 

 3/1901). — This bulletin gives a review of the uses of various artificial 

 manures and a plan of an experimental plot, by the use of which the 

 farmer or gardener may see what manures are likely to do the greatest 

 good in raising any particular crop. This is followed by lists of manures 

 and the quantity to be used for various crops, and by the necessary caution, 

 " Question the soil thoroughly by means of the plans suggested before 

 adopting the wholesale use of fertilizers. Much money is unwisely spent 

 in buying and using commercial fertilizers." The plan of the experiment 

 suggested is as follows : 



Divide a plot of ground into six strips. 



Strip A. Apply nitrate of soda at the rate of 300 lbs. per acre. 



Strip B. Acid phosphate, 600 lbs. per acre. 



Strip C. Muriate of potash, 300 lbs. per acre. 



Strip D. No manure. 



Strip E. Nitrate of soda, 300 lbs. per acre. 



Acid phosphate, 600 lbs. per acre. 



Muriate of potash, 300 lbs. per acre. 

 Strip F. Farmyard manure, 10 tons per acre. 



F. J. C. 



Field Crops, Root Systems of. By J. H. Shepperd [U.S.A. Exp. 

 Stn. North Dakota, Bull. 64 ; plates). — An illustrated account of exami- 

 nations into the root systems of various crops, including wheat, Indian 

 corn, and barley. The plants selected were dug round until each was left 

 standing in its own square pillar of earth ; this pillar was then tightly 

 incased in wire-netting stretched on a wooden framework ; plaster of Paris 

 was then poured into the top of the crate thus made, which hardened and 

 kept the plant firmly in position. Water was afterwards sprayed through 

 the wire until the earth was washed away and the roots left clean and 

 bare. — M. L. H, 



