University of California Agricultural Experiment Station. BULLETIN' NO. 2. In order to render the results of investigations and experiments conducted by the Agricultural De- partment of the University of California more quick- ly and more generally available than has heretofore been done through the annual or biennial reports, it is proposed to embody hereafter, in the form of "Bulletins," to be issued as often as may seem de- sirable, report of results, as well as such other discus- sions, information or answers to questions as may be of general interest. It is intended to make these bulletins, as a rule, short enough for insertion in the daily or weekly papers of the State, and proof-slips of the same will be regularly mailed to papers apply- ing therefor. The substance ot these bulletins will ultimately be embodied in a more complete and con- nected form, in the annual reports of the College of Agriculture.] The following plants will be ready for dis tribution frorri the University on February 1st. They will be forwarded by express to persons applying, in lots consisting of the number of plants hereinafter mentioned in connection with each kind, on remittance of twenty-five ceuts for any one lot ordered, and five cents addi- tional for each additional lot, to pay expenses of packing, etc. This distribution is made for the purpose of ascertaining the adaptation to climate and practical value of the several kinds in the differ- ent 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. First — Camphor Tree of Japan (Camphora Officinarum)— An evergreen tree with bright green, glossy leaves; of rapid growth, and probably hardy in the coast counties, from Sonoma south, as well as in the warmer belts in the interior where frosts are light. Valuable for its wood and the camphor made from its leaves; a handsome foliage tree. Lots of two trees. Catalpa— ( Catalpa Specioxa). This is the kind so highly recommended as a timber tree in the Western States. Its large and somewhat tender leaves are rather liable to injury from strong winds, especially early in the season. Lots of two- yearling trees. Black Wattle of Australia— {Acacia De Cur- tens). A rapid -growing, beautiful acacia, with feathery leaves, and valuable for its bark, "mi- mosa bark," which is highly prized as a tanning material. See report of the College of Agricul- ture for 1882, p. 109. Lots of ten plants. Pistachio Nut — (Pistacia Vera.) A number of seedlings of this tree which is as yet compar aiiively rare in California, though manifestly adapted to a large part of the State, have been grown from seed imported last year. The plants are small as yet and somewhat delicate, ard will need some nursing and a sheltered p >- sition. Probably adapted to the southern half of the State. Caper plant- -(GappaHx Spiuosa variety Inermis). Thethornless caper seems to succie I well even at Berkeley, and would doubtless do much better in warm locations where it would not be cut down by frosts. It b ;ars abundantly, and as a small industry, to be carried on by children, its cultivation would doubtless pay. A few plants only are on hand. Pear shaped Guava — (Psidium Pyriferum). A small number of this fine fruit tree is on hand. It should be understood that this spe- cies is much less hardy than the strawberry guava (P. Cattlcyanum), and will be valueless for any but the most sheltered locations, where only slight frosts of short duration occur. The supply of Sicilian (Sumach Rhw Cori aria) which it was expected to distribute ex- tensively this season, is as yet too small for genera 1 distribution, but is coming on for next season. Bamboos — (see report of the Collage of Agri- culture for 1882, page 114). Of this interesting and promising group of plants, one species from the mountains of India ( Thamnocalamus Spa'hiflorm), is on hand in sufficient quantity for distribution; two plants to each lot. Of a number of other kinds a limited supply is on hand, and plants will be sent to persons taking special interest in the subject. The above plants being quite small, as yet, will require frequent watering until well established, but should not be planted in sour or water sodden soils. For trials in vineyards infested with the phylloxera, some two-year-old vines, grafted on the native wild vine of California, will be sent in lots of two each. For the same purpose, for trial by careful vine-growers, a smill supply of the hardy Chi- nese grapevines, -VUin Romanet and Spinovitis Davidii, will be distributed. Of herbaceous plants, the following are of- fered: Pyrethram Boxeum, the Persian, and P. Cinerarice folium, the Dalmatian insect powder plant. Six plants to each. New Zsaland Flax — [Phormium Tenax). Very useful in furnishing convenient tying material for gardens by simply splitting the leaves; also a good honey plant in the southern part of the Sr,ate. Lots of six. A large supply on hand. Rimie plants of the three varieties, viz: Boekmcria Nivca, Boehmeria Candid 'in »i ma and Boehmeria Tenacissima The last named is said to be the most valuable, yielding the true ramie fiber of commerce. Six plants each lot. Angola Panic — [Panicum Sp^ctabile, or as it has unfortunately been called in California, "evergreen millet"). R >ots in one-pound packages. New Zealand Salt Bush, Atripler nummularia, a forage plant a lapted to sally and alkali soils. See rep. for 18S2, p 117, belonging t> La nb's quarter yroup of plants, is much liktd by cows. Ten plants to each lot. Of the seeds offered for distribution in a previous announcement, the following are still on hand, and will be sent on remittance of postage as noted below: Paine's Defiance and Odessa wheats; Scotch two-rowed and imperial two-rowed barleys; Chinese buck- wheat. The above in one pound packages, postage, 16 cents. Schra ler's bromas, two cts. postage; Dalmatian and Persian insect powder plants, acorns of European or English oak, sent free on application. E. W. Hiloard. Berkeley, January 15, 1884,