Quercus cornea, Lour. Oak. Cupuliferas. (Fig. 118, Vol. I.) From Hongkong, China. Presented by Mr. S. T. Dunn, Superintendent of the Botanical and Afforestation Department, through Mr. David Fairchild. Received April 27, 1904. An evergreen oak, said to be very showy and ornamental as grown on the island of Hongkong. It bears acorns with as hard shells as those of the and kernels almost as sweet as the sweetest Spanish chestnut. These acorns are sold in the markets of Canton and Hongkong by the ton, and are keenly relished not only by the Japanese, but by Europeans. Although difficult to predict how hardy this species will be in America, it is worthy of trial in all regions where citrons fruits can be grown.
Solanum Commersonii, Dunal. Aquatic potato. Solan acem. (Fig. 103.) Introduced from Marseilles, France. Secured through Dr. E. Heckel by Mr. David Fairchild. Received January 2, 1904. The so-called "aquatic potato" of Uruguay. This species is being experimented with by Dr. Heckel, of Marseilles, who is breeding it with the ordinary potato, and finds that it gives successive crops on the same soil without the necessity of replanting. It also gives abundant foliage, which he thinks may be used for green forage. He further points out that, in his opinion, the bitter flavor of the skin will protect the potatoes against the depredations of subterranean ene mies. The special point to be emphasized in connection with this new species, however, is its possible immunity from the potato diseases. One difficulty in its culture con sists in the necessity of carefully working over the soil to a depth of 15 cm., because the tubers are deeply buried in it. It flowers abundantly, beginning in June and ending in September, the flowers having a perfume similar to that of jasmine. Their odor on a hot day is perceptible for several meters. Planting takes place in southern France by means of whole or cut tubers in April, and the harvest is in October. Hybrids of this species with Solanum tuberosum have been made by Burbank, who introduced it previous to 1904. Dr. Heckel's experiments are reported on in the Revue Horticole, No. 581, December, 1902, p. 200 ; Contribution a L'Etude Botanique de Solanum tuber iferes, par M.Edouard Heckel, a separate publication. Doubt has been expressed regarding the authenticity of the adver tised hybrids of this species. Promising for experiment.
Sporobolus Lindleyi (S. pallidus), Lindl. Gramineas. A
slender-growing perennial grass. Grows on rich soil, and is much relished by all kinds of stock. All colonies except Tasmania. Introduced by J. H. Maiden, Sydney Botanic Garden, March 1, 1904.
Trifolium Alerandrinum, Linn. Egyptian Clover, or Berseem. Leguminosm. (Fig. 91.) Berseem is the prin cipal winter fodder crop of Egypt. It is an annual, very rapidly growing clover, adapted to irrigated conditions in countries having a mild winter climate. It seems to be injured by intense summer beat, which causes it to run to seed prematurely, and it is killed by temperatures below 25° F., in winter. It requires a large quantity of water, and makes an exceedingly vigorous growth who these conditions are met. As many as five cuttings of excellent fodder are taken from a single seeding in Egypt. The trials in America have not been successful, but expe rience seems to indicate that these trials have been made without a due regard for the requirements of the plant. Successful plots have been grown and seeded in the widely separated regions of Galveston, Texas ; Phoenix, Arizona, and Mecca, California ; and it is thought that this plant will find a permanent place in the Southwest as an annual winter fodder plant for irrigated regions. It is a wonder ful soil-enricher, and may find a place in the orchards of California. The introductions of this plant are due to the efforts of Mr. Barbour Lathrop and Mr. David Fairchild.
Johnstoni. Uganda clover. Leguminosm. Introduced from Uganda, East Africa. Received through Mr. David Fairchild, from Mr. R. N. Lyne, Director of Agriculture. Zanzibar, East Africa, January 30, 1904. According to Mr. Lyne, this is the Uganda clover, a dis tinct species which may be of value for breeding experi ments of this country. It forms a part of the luxuriant pasturage of the high plateau of Uganda, which, although in the tropics, has a comparatively mild climate.
Trigonella corniculata, Linn. Small fenugreek. Leguminosm. This species, which has the same strong odor as fenugreek, from which it differs, however, in having very much smaller pods and seeds, grows very vig orously at the Experiment Station at Rouiba, where it attains a height of 3 to 5 feet. It could not be used for feeding mulch cows, as the strong odor would make the milk unsalable. It is used, however, for fattening stock and as a green-manure. It is said to resist drought very well.