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,