UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. BERKELEY, CAL. E. W. HILGARD, Director. BULLETIN No. 106. Distribution of Seeds, Plants and Scions. DECEMBER, 1894. B3 r E. J. WICKSON, Associate Professor of Agriculture. In announcing another distribution of seeds, plants and cuttings it is desired to emphasize the purpose in view and the conditions which gov- ern it: First: Material is distributed to voluntary experimenters to determine as widely as possible its value under diverse conditions of soil, climate and treatment. For this reason those who receive seeds, plants or cuttings are expected to report results to us, not only once, but from time to time until the success or failure of the growth may be considered as demon- strated. Second: We are obliged to confine our distribution each year to the material mentioned in the bulletin for that year. We are not, as a rule, able to maintain a stock of the same material year after year. Third: We offer to experimenters things which are wholly new or which in our judgment have not been sufficiently distributed to determine their value. We do not conduct a free distribution of seeds or plants which can be obtained from seed stores or nurseries. We do not desire to re- ceive applications for common garden seeds, fruit trees or ornamentals. We cannot supply them. Fourth: We desire applicants to state definitely what they wish to try, after perusal of the bulletin. We do not desire applications "for anything that will do well in this locality." The experimenter should have a definite object in view in his trial of plants, and should only apply for what com- mands his interest. Fifth: We cannot undertake distribution to citizens of other States, except where desirable exchanges are offered. Sixth: We require the applicant to pay a small amount for each thing received, partly to bear the cost of distribution, but chiefly as a guaranty that he has not merely an idle desire for what can be had for nothing, but intends to make trial for a definite end and will report results to us. Terms. — For the reasons above stated applicants are requested to send the amount specified in connection with each description below to meet the expenses of packing and postage. If they desire seeds sent by express applicants need not send the amounts specified for postage, hut all orders for seeds by express must be accompanied by a remittance of 25 cents to pay for packing. Express charges are paid by the recipient. Applications may be made for one or more kinds of seeds, but an applicant should not order more than one package of a, kind. If the supply of any kind of seed be- comes exhausted, the money will be returned, unless a second choice is mentioned by the sender. Postal notes are requested instead of stamps whenever practicable. Any surplus left after filling orders will, as far as possible, be returned to the senders, deducting letter postage. Forage Plants. Saghalin Polygonum: Polygonum Saghalinense. — The summer of 1893 in Europe was one of unusual drouth. A writer in the Paris Figaro of July 22 of that year said: " Never within the memory of living men has it been so hot and especially so dry as during this ill starred year. The dreadful African heat has left not a handful of grass for the cattle, causing them to die off like flies. " In several European countries recourse was had to the leaves of trees to save the cattle. In the midst of such disas- ter it was noticed that the Saghalin polygonum, a large leafed ornamental plant, maintained its growth during the drouth and was readily eaten by the cattle. So marked was the phenomenon that the fact was brought to the attention of the Academy of Sciences of Paris by M. Duchartre, the statement being based upon the experience of M. Doumet Adanson at Balcine. The matter was immediately taken up by the French agricul- tural societies and French journals, and before the close of 1893 the fame of the plant filled the world. The French conclusion after due investiga- tion was given in these words: "Had this plant been in general cultiva- tion we should not have suffered one-half the evils which have befallen us through the fearfully dry weather we have endured." So great was the demand for the plant from all the arid regions of the world that the price quoted to us by Parisian seedsmen in October, 1893, was $2.50 each for root pieces containing five or six eyes. The plant which thus came to fame as a drouth resisting forage plant was discovered by a Russian explorer on the island of Saghalin, which lies in the sea of Okhotsk between Japan and Russia. Its attractive appear- ance in the Javelin a" Acclimatation of Moscow in 1869 led to its distribution as an ornamental foliage plant in Europe and in this country. Its indus- trial claims were, however, unthought of until the European drouth of 1893, as described above. It already has several common names: "Si- berian persicary," " Saghalin knot weed," Saghalin polygonum." etc. It grows to a height of eight or ten feet, with many large leaves eight or ten inches in length and half as broad. Though it has the appearance of a shrub its stems are herbaceous. The young shoots are sometimes eaten like aspar- agus and the young leaves are boiled like spinach. It is claimed the plant will give four cuttings of forage, each of three feet high, during a summer and would thus yield 25 tons per acre of green fodder at each cutting. We obtained roots and seeds of the plant from several sources last win- ter, and have had it growing in our garden during the last summer. The plants are still too young and weak to show their best growth, but they have done well and produced a large amount of foliage. The Saghalin polygonum is a coarse plant and is not advocated as a substitute for well- known forage plants where the latter are satisfactory. For dry lands scant of useful growth, the plant is commended for trial. It has a peren- nial root which withstands both drouth and freezing of the ground. We have imported a supply of seed from Japan. The seed should be started as is usual with tomato or cabbage seed and the plants set out (after danger of frost is over) about three feet apart each way. Thus planted, the foliage should completely cover the ground when the plants are well established. When the growth is about three feet high, it should be cut even with the ground, and another growth from the root will appear. Though the plant is liable to lose its top growth by frost, the roots will endure the hardest freezing. Seeds in packets 5c. each. Australian Salt Bush (Atriplex semibactatum). — We have had under cultivation for the last twelve years, from seed sent by Baron von Mueller, several species of atriplex, which are called " salt bushes " in Australia. We have distributed the seed and plants to a limited extent, but it is only recent observation at our branch station at Tulare which seems strongly to commend one species at least as specially adapted to certain conditions in this State. This observation, and our investigations into the food value of the plant, are described in detail in Bulletin 105, just issued, and of which copies will be mailed to all applicants. In brief, it may be said that Atriplex semibaccafum, which Baron von Mueller considers one of the two best of the salt bushes, has shown a wonderful growth on soil in Tulare county which is so strongly alkaline that it will not sustain other useful growth. Small plants set in alkali spots have attained a thick, matted growth sixteen feet in diameter in a single season. The crop, calculated on the basis of weighing the cut from a small area, should reach twenty tons of green feed, or five tons dry, from an acre, and probably two such cuts can be made each season. Three parts of this forage mixed with one part of common hay is readily eaten by horses and eattle. Sheep and hogs eat the green plant freely. As shown in detail in Bulletin 105, the nutri- tive value of the salt bush is very satisfactory, and the importance of such a plant for alkaline soils which have been hitherto sterile and unproduct- ive, can hardly be overestimated. We desire to have it tried on alkali soils everywhere, in order that its climatic and other adaptations may be definitely determined. G-row the plants at first in boxes or garden bed, covering very lightly, and plant out the seedlings several feet apart, when a few inches high, on alkali spots. This is the surest way to get the plant established, although if the seed is scattered on the surface of the alkali soil before a rain, it germinates readily when the heat is adequate. When the plant once gets a hold on the soil, it promises to set the ground very thickly from self-sown seeds which are produced in abundance. We send seeds at 5c per packet. Jesuits' Tea (Psoralen glandulosa).— ^This plant is a native of Chile, and for the seed we are indebted to Don. Nathaniel Miers-Cox of Santiago, who describes it as " a bush growing in the gullies arud other water courses which are dry in summer. It is valuable as food for cattle and horses, and as a stomachic medicine. Its flowers and leaves are an agreeable substi- tute for tea." John Smith, in his " Dictionary of Economic Plants," says it is used in Chile as tea, but it appears to be more valued for its vermi- fuge properties than as a pleasant beverage. In the Mauritius it has ac- quired some reputation as a remedy for diseases of the respiratory organs. The plant is a trifoliate, bushy shrub of the bean family. It should be planted in waste places to determine its value as a browse for stock, but should be protected from animals at first, until it gets established. One plant to each applicant by mail 25c each. The Flat Pea (Lathyrus sylvestris). — Many reports from California growers indicate that this plant may prove of much value in some parts of the State. It does not succeed in the presence of the greatest heat and drouth, but it maintains heavy growth with very little moisture. The flat pea is a perennial legume having much the style of growth of the " ever- lasting pea." It forms a dense mat of haulm or vine which completely covers the ground, the stems reaching a length of four feet or more. It keeps green all summer without irrigation in this locality. After cutting, a second growth starts at once. Analysis of the plant made at this sta- tion (of which a copy will be sent on application) gives it high nutritive value. According to the latest European experience, the flat pea is most read- ily eaten by cattle and horses as hay, though they will usually acquire a taste for the green plant. Pigs and sheep eat it readily when green. It is specially commended for maintaining the milk flow in cows, and it does not bloat them. In Germany the flat pea is not recommended for wet soils. Its roots are said to penetrate like alfalfa roots, and it is not desir- able to have bottom water nearer than fifteen feet from the surface. The plant is for uplands, and preferably for sandy soils. The flat pea has not borne seed with us as yet, and we distribute it by means of root sets. A part, at least, of the root sets should be carefully The Square Pod Pea — Lotus Tetragonolobvs. planted in the garden or field corner where they can be watched and pro- tected the first year. If the growth be satisfactory, the roots can be planted here and there in waste places the following year. We will send a small package of roots postpaid for 10c. Other Forage Plants. — Through the visits of stockmen to our experi- ment grounds, and the exhibition of our collection of forage plants at the Midwinter Fair and at meetings of farmers and dairymen, there has arisen renewed demand for seeds of plants which we have commended for dry lands. We do not present any of these plants as fully satisfactory on dry lands nor for use where, by irrigation or occurrence of naturally moist Bianch of Saghalin Polygonum. land, better plants, such as alfalfa, etc. , can be grown. We have found that plants which best endure arid condi- tions are for the most part coarse plants, which are chiefly valuable be- cause they accept conditions which finer plants reject, but even they have their limits of en- durance, for heat and drouth may be so extreme and pro- tracted that they fail. We make this e x p 1 a n a t ion be- cause some of our correspondents de- sire to substitute these for better plants ' which their soil and moisture conditions favor, and others expect them to succeed in situations actually desert. For neith- er uses do we com- mend the plants we shall name below, but we can assure our correspondents that of the forage plants we have grown experiment- ally and distribut- ed, the following are the most satis- factory for dry lands: 1 — Tall Oat grass (, U'rhenathernm ave- naceum). 2 — Awnless Brome grass (Bromus iyier- lii is). 3 — S c h r a d e r s Brome grass (Br<>- unioloides). Japanese mils 4- Wheat grass (Agro pyrum japonicum). 5— Many-flowered Millet grass (Milium Multiflorum). 6— Hairy-flowered Paspalum (Paspalum dUataiitm). 7— Texas Blue grass (Poo aradmifera). Of any of the first six named we will send seed at 5c each per package 6 No. 7 grows best from the roots, of which we send a package for 10c. The grass seeds should be sown in places where their growth can be conveni- ently watched, so that each grower can determine for himself which ones should be largely sown the following year. By collecting seed from a small plot, a large area can soon be secured. A Green Manure Plant. Square Pod Pea: Lotus tetragonolobus — This station has for years grown leguminous plants (clovers, vetches, lupins, peas, beans, etc.), with a view of finding some plant, with the power of absorbing atmospheric nitrogen, which would make a good winter growth and thus be fitted for plowing under for green manure while the soil retained moisture enough to promote the rapid decay of the vegetable matter thus added to it. Sev- eral plants have seemed to answer these requirements in varying de- grees, but were for one or another reason unsatisfactory. Last winter Director Hilgard, in examining a number of foreign legumes in our Economic Garden, found one whose roots were fairly incrusted with tubercules, implying a very rapid absorption of nitrogen from the air. Continued observation shows that the plant combines the advantage of quick development, being an annual with an unusually heavy production of herbage — the latter, in two different plots, having been at the rate of 24 and 26 tons per acre, equal to about five tons of air-dry hay. While its nitrogen percentage is not as high as that of alfalfa or clover, its aggre- gate nitrogen product would nevertheless be considerably greater than in the case of alfalfa and more than twice as great as with burr clover. The plant has apparently no distinctive common name (though it has names which apply also to other species), and Director Hilgard employs the term " square pod pea " — its pod being four-sided and winged. It is a native of southern Europe, where it is grown for ornament and for salad. The seed is rather large, which is unfortunate, for it increases the cost of getting a thick cover of the plant for plowing under. Local production of the seed may, however, cheapen it sufficiently. • We desire this winter to have the plant grown by many orchardists with a view to determining its winter growth in different regions and its general suitability for a green manure crop; also by dairymen and others to determine its value for winter feed. The seed should be thinly broadcast on newly turned soil and raked in. Sown in January it should be ready to be plowed under in May. In some places earlier sowing and plowing under might be better. We hope to determine these points by the aid of our correspondents this winter. We have ordered a supply of seed from Europe which we hope to receive in time. Seed in packets, 5c each. Table Grapes from Persia. We made our first distribution last year of these grapes, but our supply was exhausted before half the applicants were reached. We hope this year to satisfy at least those who were disappointed last year and as many more as possible. The grapes of the table lands of Persia have won praise from all travelers w;ho have eaten them. These vines are of the vitis vinifera, but the fruit has quite a distinctive character when com- pared with the varieties chiefly grown in the west of Europe. Prof. H. E. Van Deman, ex-Pomologist of the Department of Agriculture, secured, through the kindly aid of Hon. E. Spencer Pratt, ex-Minister at Teheran, an importation of the best Persian varieties. These vines were in part entrusted to this station. Those varieties which we have fruited ripen very early, about with the Sweetwater, and as they are much firmer fleshed and tougher skinned than that variety they may prove of high value for early shipping. The berries of the varieties we have fruited thus far are of large size, long-oval form and good quality. We offer the follow- ing varieties; the descriptions are imperfect, as some have not yet fruited: 1 — Paykaynee Bazukee: Bright red, large, long, few seeds. 2 — Dizmar: Light yellow, very sweet, long tapering. 3 — Khali nice: Said to be the earliest in Persia. 4— Askaree: Widely grown in Persia and used both for table and drying; black, re- sembling Cornichon but considerably calicr. o—Rish Baba: Also a leading variety in the Orient for table and drying and said to keep until spring. 6—Hutab: A large, sweet grape. 7—Shiraz : Named for one of the most important grape rigions of Persia, where it is a leading sort. S—Alhakahee : Red, said to be suited for long keeping. 9 — Chavooshee : Green, a rare variety in Persia. 10— White Shahanee: Large, oblong, light color. 11— Black Shahanee : Presumably like the preceding except in color. 12 — Unnamed Varieties: We have eight varieties which in the importation were de- signated only by numerals. It is impossible to ascertain their names. They ar# pre- sumably as desirable as the others. We desire to have them as widely tried. After fruiting it may be possible to name them if good Persian descriptions can be obtained. If not they may be given local names. We will send one vine of each kind at the rate of five cents for each variety ordered, by mail, postpaid. Italian Wine Grapes. We have propagated for distribution an important collection of upward of 40 valuable Italian grape varieties imported in 1891 by this station through the kindness of Count G. di Rovasenda of Turin, the well known Italian ampelographer. We will send on application a named list of the varieties we offer. The rooted vines will be sent hy mail at the rate of 5c per vine, or by express at 25c per dozen; express charges to be paid by receiver. Olive Cuttings or Scions. To oblige many correspondents who ask for small specimen lots of cut- tings for experimental purposes we offer the olive varieties named below We cannot furnish large quantities: they must be had from the nursery- man. We merely offer a few scions of each kind to those who wish to graft for study of varieties. Ordinary top grafting with a good waxed band drawn very tight and all exposed wood or split bark carefully covered, usually succeeds well. Grafting should be done when the spring growth is starting on the stock. l—Hervaza: Large, black; a trifle larger than the Manzanillo, equally well adapted for oil or pickles. 2—Macrocarpa : Very large, pink; used only for green pickles. 3 — Pleureur de Grasse : Large, black ; fine for ripe pickles or high grade oil. 4— Manzanillo : Large, black ; well adapted for both oil and pickles. 5 — Regalis : Medium to large ; for pickling. 6 — Lucques: Large* crescent-shaped, black ; good quality oil but especially adapted for pickles on, account of fine flavor. 7 — Polymorphs : Very large, pinkish; used only for green pickles. 8 — Mission : Above medium size ; equally well adapted for ripe pickles or fine oil. 9— Razzo : Small, black ; very rich in oil of highest quality. 10 — Rubra: Medium size, black; equally suitable for ripe pickles and oil. 11 — Columbella : Above medium size, pinkish-yellow ; equally suited for pickles or oil. Pickles readily. 12— Corriggiolo : Small, black; very rich in the highest quality oil. 13 — Atroviolacea : Medium size, black; suited for oil, ripe pickles, but especially adapted for. ripe dry olives. 14 — Atrorubens : Medium size, black. 15 — Prcecox : Small or medium size, black. 16 — Nevadillo Blanco : Medium size, black ; well suited for either oil or ripe pickles; Susceptible to frost injury. 17 — Obliza : Large, black ; well suited for oil or ripe pickles. 16—Piangente : Medium size, black ; good bearer, for oil. 19— Leccino : Small, black, hardy ; for oil. We will mail the above at the rate of six scions of a kind for 15c; we can- not furnish more than six scions of a single kind to one applicant. Two scions of each kind will be mailed for 35c per doz. An Ornamental Fruiting Shrub. Tree Tomato of Jamaica: Solatium betacewn. — This plant is a native of Central America and is grown in semi-tropical South America and in the Mediterranean region. Mr. D. Morris, of Kew Gardens, London, de- scribes the plant as of shrubby habit, growing 5 or 6 feet high, with large, shining leaves, often a foot long. The flowers are fragrant, of a pale flesh color, with yellow stamens, and are followed by fruit the shape and size of a duck's egg; at first of a purple tint but gradually assuming a — 8 — warm reddish color as it ripens. When ripe the fruit may be used raw as a tomato is: if the skin is removed and the fruit stewed with sugar it has a slight sub-acid flavor which is very refreshing. We are indebted to Mr. I. H. Cammack, of Whittier, Los Angeles county, for a supply of fruit from which we take the seed for distribution. A photograph shows that Mr. Cammack trims up his plants to tree form and with their large glossy leaves and showy fruit they must be very handsome. The plants bear the second year from the seed and the fruit ripems continuous^ for several months. It is not expected that the fruit will be of any commercial importance, but may be popular for home use, and the plant will be acceptable to all who enjoy striking semi-tropical vegetation. The seeds should be started just as are those of the common tomato and the plants set out eight or ten feet apart. We send small packets of seed, 2c each. Canaigre or Tanner's Dock. Interest is constantly increasing in this plant, which we have grown at Berkeley for the last ten years or more. Bulletin 105 of this Station, just issued, treats of this plant and its culture in detail, and copies will be mailed to all applicants. During the present year the planting of canaigre has been strongly advocated in southern California and enter- prises for growing and manufacture of extract are now projected. The plant is commonly grown from cuttings of the small roots, but grows readily from seed which is scattered on moist ground and slightly covered. We send seed for 5c per packet. Rice and Sugar Cane. During the last year there has been increased interest in the growth of these plants on the moist lands in the interior of the State. We offer them again as follows : Rice. — Rice has been grown this year on moist land without flooding. Where the soil is kept wet by irrigation or by seepage the plant has been found to make satisfactory growth. In growing rice without the use of standing water, weeds must be destroyed by cultivation and hand pulling from the rows. Sow the rice as early as can be done without risk of frost, in drills three or four feet apart if for horse cultivation or two feet apart if to be worked by hand. Keep the soil clear of weeds and as moist as may be feasible. Seed in one- pound sacks, 15c each. Sugar Cane. — Sugar cane planted last March by the U. S. Department of Agriculture at its station on Union Island, has made a first year's growth which experts pronounce satisfactory. To those who desire to try the plant on a small scale we can send cuttings, which should be laid hori- zontally and wholly covered with about three inches of soil. As cane is heavy the charge will be 25c per package by mail. Miscellaneous. Melde's Perennial Bean. — A handsome, large, white bean, with a perennial root, from which climbing runners start each year. Seed 3c per package. Irvine* Hybrid Perennial Bean. — Originated on the Station grounds and believed to be a cross between the Painted Lady and the Lima. It is larger than Melde's bean, plump, pure white. Seed 3c per package. New Zealand SpinacJi {Tetragonia expansa). — A good culinary herb, and as useful for restraining drifting sands; growing even during severest heat and drouth. Seed 3c per package. Zig-Zag Sweet Com. — A variety received from the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Very promising. Seed 3c per package. Hackett's Australian Wheat. — A fine variety sent us by E. W. Hackett, of Adelaide, South Australia. • It proves with us a very strong growing and prolific sort. Seed in one-pound sacks, 15c each by mail. Amplication for seeds and plants should be made as soon as this announcement is received. We expect to send our seeds about January 1, and plants about February 1. Address E. J. Wicks'on, Berkeley, Cal. December 10, 189 % j. F. hau.ouax. 230 Market St.. san Francisco. Cal.