AUSTRALIAN SALTBUSH {Atriplex semihaccata) 
ITS COMPOSITION AND DIGESTIBILITY 
NOTES ON RUSSIAN THISTLE 
By \VM. P. HEADDEN 
The California Experiment Station received the seed of this 
saltbush from Baron Von Mueller in 1888. In 1899, Charles H. 
Shinn, in Bulletin 125, states as the result of eighteen years’ experi¬ 
mentation with saltbushes at that station, “that the A triplex semi- 
baccata, is the most generally useful species of all that have been 
planted, although others are worthy of cultivation.” 
Very favorable reports concerning the value of this plant gained 
currency, and it seemed that it might be of value to Colorado, as it 
would furnish a desirable fodder for the stock in the eastern part of 
the State, where the rainfall is sometimes insufficient for the produc¬ 
tion of good corps of other forage plants. This view was enter¬ 
tained by the writer previous to the appearance of the bulletin above 
referred to and seemed to be confirmed by the facts set forth therein. 
A small quantity of seed was procured in the spring of 1900 and 
planted on land previously used for experiments with sugar beets. 
The seeds were drilled in very shallow, but still too deep according 
to subsequent experience and a very poor stand was obtained—ex¬ 
cept in spots, where the plants were too thick. 
The growth of the plants was entirely satisfactory, some of 
them attaining a diameter of seven feet and they bore an abundance 
of seed. I left the plot till the next spring, hoping to learn whether 
the seed would germinate and furnish me plants enough for the 
work of the ensuing year. In the meantime, however, a change had 
been made in the chair of agriculture and the new incumbent, know¬ 
ing nothing about my work, plowed up my plot. This will explain 
why some of the statements in this account of the plant in Colorado 
are based on a garden experiment. 
So far as the general culture of the plant is concerned the only 
question that presents any trouble is in getting it established; when 
once established it will seed itself abundantly. The best way to ob¬ 
tain a stand of this plant, in the beginning at least, is by transplant¬ 
ing; one can, of course, drill the seed. If this is done, the drills 
should be at least eight feet apart. The young plants, if well 
hardened and stocky, will need a little water when first set out to 
start them well, but when once established they will stand neglect, 
drought, and more abuse than most plants. 
The seed, if they are plump, and fairly fresh, will germinate 
freely, but will rot if covered deeply. If they are sown in boxes, it 
is best to firm them and scarcely cover them at all. Good results 
