UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. AGRICULTURAL , EXPERIMENT STATION. BULLETIN NO. 61. Distribution of Seeds and Plants. Owing to the lateness of the season it is deemed advisable to combine tliis year the dis- tribution of seeds and that of plants, which have for the last two years been made by sepa- rate announcements. We^have retained in the lists some growths which have done well on the University Experimental Grounds, and have been given good reports by those to whom we have sent them for trial, in order that the ex- periments might be still more widely extended to secure a wider knowledge of the adaptation of the plants to California conditions. A number of new growths are offered this year which have set up a claim to value in this State. As has been described in previous bulletins, this distri- bution is made for the purpose of ascert lining the adaptation and practical value of the several kinds, in the different climates and soils of the State; and persons receiving them are requested to report results, whether success or failure, and if the latter, from what apparent causes. Terms. — As there is no appropriation avail- able to meet the expenses of packing and postage, applicants are requested to send the amounts specified in connection with each de- scription below. If they desire seeds sent by express, applicants need not send the amounts specified for postage, but all orders for seeds by express must be accompanied by a remittance of 10 cents to pay for packing. Applications may be made for one or more kinds of seeds. In case any kind of seed becomes exhausted, the money sent will be returned unless a second choice is mentioned by the sender. Plants will be forwarded by express (unless specially otherwise requested), in lobs consist- ing of the number hereinafter mentioned for each kind, on remittance of 25 cents for earn lot of plants and 10 cents additional for each additional lot to pay expenses of packing, etc. Postal notes, payable at theBsrkeley postoffice, are requested to be sent in lieu of stamps when- ever practicable. Any surplus left after filling orders as far as possible will be returned to the senders, deducting letter postage. "Wheats Resisting the Hessian Fly. The distribution of cereals this year is re- stricted to three varieties of wheat, which proved resistant to the attack of the Hessian fly (Cecidomyia destructor) in our experiments during the past season. An outline of these experiments was given in Bulletin No. 5S of the CJuiversity Experiment Station, and a full re- port will be found in the forthcoming report of the College of Agriculture for 1886. Out of 100 varieties of wheat sown there were but six in I which no traca of the fly was found, and of {these we have sufficient seed of three varieties ,for distribution. It is desired to send these 'wheats only to the localities where the fly is known to exist, because we want the experi- ence of experimenters in other infested locali- ties to compare with our own observations. The varieties cffsred are "Volo," "Bearded Mi8Soyen"and 44 Greek Atlanti." These wheats all have solid stems, the straw being filled with pith. They all belong to the hard wheat type {Trlticum durum), having rather long pointed grains, almost translucent, and a horny con- sistency, owing to their richness in gluten, though when grown in this State they rapidly change in this respect and become starchy. These wheats are chiefly grown in the countries bordering upon the Mediterranean and the Black seas. They do not succeed in the north of Europe, nor are they of much account even in the middle of France. They are, however, quite hardy and productive in California, and with the change in their character noted above, promise to be of considerable value. Samples of the grain were submitted to experts in mill- ing and shipping wheats and pronounced good, merchantable wheat, and salable in the market at about two and one-half cents per cental less than No. 1 shipping wheat. As they are nat- urally of strong growth and productive, it is expected that they will be found valuable in those localities where other varieties are ren- dered unprofitable because of the Hessian fly. Applicants will each be furnished with one pound of each of the three varieties, or a single pound of either variety. Send 20 cents for each pound ordered, if to be sent by mail. Textile Plants. The progress which inventors seem to be mak- ing in devic s for extracting the fiber from va- rious textile plants promises to make such growths profitable in this State. While we do not, of course, guarantee the success of the ma- chines which are now becoming prominent, nor promise that a market is yet open for the sale lof crops which will yield fiber, we deem the out- look favorable enough to warrant general exper- iment with the plants to ascertain the adapta- bility of certain localities of the State to them, so that those who may in the future deem such crops worthy their attention may have full data of their growfh and probable yield. It is prob- ably generally understood that the secret of profit in these crops lies in the solution of the probkm of extracting the fiber by mechanical means so that the product may profitably com- pete with that produced by the cheap labor of Asia and Europe. For ramie fiber there is a steady demand by the Eoglish manufacturers if the fiber is extracted to suit their wants. For flax fiber, we are assured by local manufactur- ere that there will be a demand here for all the properly prepared fiber, as only the lack of the material prevents a large loo xl manufacture of twines, etc. Rami'. — We have grown from imported seed a stock of plants of Boehmeria candicans which is, however, said by experts to be inferior to the Boehmeria tenacissima, although the fiber of the candicans is of value in making coarser fabrics. The tests of this species will probably serve to determine the conditions favorable or otherwise for the growth of the other. Most satisfactory results have been reported with plants sent to growers in the upper San Joaquin valley, and experience generally seems to indicate success- ful growth of the plant in a great variety of soils and climate?. Ten small plants will be sent to each applicant; 25 cents per lot. Fiber Flax. — We have gathered a good quan- tity of seed of four European varieties of flax {Linum usitatissimum) which are grown on the continent especially for their fiber. They grow about three times as tall as the variety commonly grown in this Siate for the seed. When sown in February in Berkeley, a good growth has always been attained without irri- gation, and fair results have been secured by sowing as late as April. The following varie- ties are offered in 1 lb. sacks; 20 cents each if forwarded by mail: 11 White Flowering," from France; " R^yal," from Germany; 44 Russian," from Pskoff; and " Yellow Seeded." Esparto Grass, — Stipa tenacissima, the grass so extensively used in the Mediterranean coun- tries for cordage, baskets, etc., and lately ex- ported in large quantities as a material for paper-making. It grows naturally on sandy beaches, within reach of salt water, but will doubtless be found adapted to many ealine and I alkaline lands now unreclaimed or oecupied by the common tule. It should be thoroughly tested in sandy coast lands southward of the bay, and in Smth California. Ten plants to each lot; 25e. per lot by express. New Zealand Flax, so useful to gardeners and vineyardists for the purpose of tying with the ribbons into which the leaves readily split, and which are exceedingly strong, is again of- fered for distribution. Reports received from the interior of the State point strongly to the conclusion that the plant is unadapted to the hot interior valleys. From all coast regions the reports are good. Although fond of moisture. grows vigorously, and matures an abundance of heavy seeds almost like oats. Its seed stems being two or three feet high, and leafy, it can be used for either hay or pasture. Four- ounce packages by mail, 5c. each. Milium multiftorum: A perennial millet grass, growing about two feet high with seed stems two feet higher. It is a plant of slow develop- ment, but strong. Owing to the fineness of the seed, it should be planted very carefully and covered lightly. It should not be pastured the first year, as it is easily pulled up by the roots. After being well established, if grazad down, there is an abundant growth of fine leaves, which resist winter frosts to a remarkable de- gree. We have had favorable reports from the plants from different parts of the State, al- though some experimenters have complained of its failure. This is perhaps owing to the fact that it is hard to start, and because the season was unfavorable. Two ounce packages by mail, 3e. each. Japan Clover (Lespedeza striata), a plant^which is highly commended for drouth-resisting prop- erties in some of the Southern States. We have but a small quantity of seed, which will be sent in 1-oz packages; by mail, two cents each Various Trees. Kikar. — We have grown from seed imported from Iadia a few huadred plants of the Kikar or gum-arabic [Acacia Arabica). This tree is reported by the Director of the Department oJ Agriculture, at Cawnpore, India, as 44 unable to withstand fro3t; will do well on heavy soil, and thrives even on gravelly land. The gum has commercial value and the wood is used in miking handles of tools and heavy wagons. The trees should be planted 40 feet apart, or afterward thinned out to that distance." This tree should be tried in the thermal belts and milder parts of the State. Lots of five trees will be sent to each applicant; 25 cents per lot by express. Black Wattle [Acacia decurrens). — Reports of trees sent out in previous years are very fa- vorable. The black wattle is shown to be fully adapted to the coast region of the State from Sin Francisco southward, and even in many in- terior points. It promises to be of much value for fuel, as well as the source of bark for tan- ning. The tree is a rapid grower, and the bark is usually stripped in its eighth to tenth year, it is not a marsh plant and will not succeed in a w hen the tree is 30 to 40 feet high. Does well swamp, express. Two plants to the lot; 25c. per lot by Forage Plants. on heavy as well as on light soils, provided they are deep. We send seed in two-oz. packages, five cents each by mail. A few young trees can The forthcoming report of the College of be furnished in lots of five to each applicant; 25 Agriculture for 1886 will contain a detailed ceQ t s per lot by express. account of the results attained with a number ^he seed of the black wattle is hard to start, of plants sent out for trial to different parts of an( j may \[ e dormant a long period. We insert the State. The following are offered for fur- rne method which Mr. K. McLennan, foreman of ther trial: the University Agricultural Grounds, finds to SohraderVBrome Grass [Bromus Schraderi% y- ie \ a good results with seed of the black or unioloides): Valued in Australia as resisting Wrt ttle and with other hard leguminous seeds, drought, and in Texas as giving good feed in \fe Q the various species of . accacia, the carob, winter and early spring. We have received re- i 0CU st, etc. : ports from many in this State to whom we sent Prepare the bedj or boxes and fill with nice sand seeds two years ago, declaring the grass a sue- loam Tie the seeds in a piece of cloth or a little cess. It is amonsr the first grasses to start^ Da g and put them into a can of boiling water. Ex- amine them often, and when they become soft and swollen they should be taken out and sown immedi- ately, covering the seeds up, if in boxes, one-fourth of an inch; in outside beds three-eighths of an inch. Care should be taken not to allow the seeds to be- come dry during germination. If they are exposed to the winter rains, cover lightly with straw; remove the straw when they are well sprouted. After the seedlings are furnished with the first or second set of leaves they should be thinned and transplanted at a distance of three inches apart. This gives a chance to cut them out separately and leaving a little ball of earth to each whenever it is desirable to plant them out in their permanent places. Olives. — We have a small number of olive trees of the " Nevadillo," a medium-sized olive of oval ships, rivening very early, and the Minzmillo, a rather large olive of more rounded shape, also of early maturity. These varieties were secured through Mr. Pohndorf's inportation. We can sand one tree of each variety to each applicant ; 25 cents for each pair by express. Guavas. — A limited distribution can also bd made of three guavas, Psidium pomiferum, P. Gattleyanum and P. aromaticum. The first named is the " pear-shaped guava " which we have ssn^; out before and which is reported as doing very well in sheltered places in Southern California, and a desirarble fruit. The second is the more hardy " strawberry guava," and which promises to succeed wherever the orange thrives. The third is a species from Guiana. As the adaptation of the varieties is quite well defined we will select according to location of applicant; three plants to each 25 cents per lot by express. Miscellaneous. Insect Powder Plants. — As there seems a con- tinued desire for small packets of these seeds for trial, we still offer Pyrethrum cinerarioefo- Hum and P. roseum, the Dalmatian and Persian insect powder plants. The former is the one mo3t to be recommended as an insecticide, while the latter is quite ornamental, having flowers resembling single chrysanthemums, of four or five different colors. The seed should be sown in boxes in light, porous soil, and kept shaded, but in a warm place and moist. Under favor- able circumstances the seed will germinate in two or three weeks, and the plants, when of sufficient size to be handled, should be set out like cabbage plants. We can furnish the seed in one oz. packages, two cents. Quinoa: Ghenopodium quinoz. — Of this plant we have two varieties, the seed of one from Germany and the other from Peru. The seed is a common article of food in the high plateau and mountain districts of Caile and Peru. Un- fortunately it is grievously infested by the leaf- mining larva of a fly which interferes with its prospects in this region at least. We would like to have it tried in other parts of the State to determine its growth and value. Seed will be sent in two-oz. packages, five cents each by mail. Bamboos. — A numb2r of varieties of bamboo are now attainable in quantities to suit from nurserymen and importers. We have a collec- tion of varieties which are growing well in the, Garden of Economic Piants, but we have only 1 the Arundinaria falcaia for distribution. A few can be furnished single plants of this species; 25 cents each by express. Kaffir Corn.— A variety of dhoura, or Egypt- ian corn, introduced by Dr. J. H. Watkins, of Palmetto, Georgia. It differs from the " Egypt- ian corn" grown in this State in bearing up- right heads and in somewhat different charao* teristics of growth, as will be described in the forthcoming report of the College of Agricul- ture. The grain much resembles the White variety grown in this State. The plant has ma- tured seed in Berkeley, which the Sorghum fam- ily does not usually do; the grain is, however, much inferior to that which may be expected in the interior of the State. We would like to have thi3 variety tried by those who are grow- ing Egyptian corn profitably. Seed will be sent in 2-oz. packages; 5 cents each by mail. A bulletin announcing a distribution cf cut- ting scions, etc., will be made next week. All applications should be addressed to E. W. Hilgard, Berkeley, Oil. December 23, 1386.