WllVfcKSITY OF CALIFOKNU. 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 bra*:h OF THE 
 
 COLLEGE OF A6RIC 
 
 Y 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 
 
 BERKELEY, CAL. 
 E. W. HILGARD, Director. BULLETIN No. 112 
 
 DISTRIBUTION OF SEEDS AND PLANTS. 
 
 By E. .). Wickson, Associate Professor of Agriculture. 
 
 The branch of the station work which deals with the introduction and 
 acclimation of economic plants made notable advancement in public favor 
 during the year now closing. The wide recognition of the importance of 
 the demonstration, attained at our Tulare Station, of the success of the 
 Australian Salt Bush {Atriplex semibaccatum) on strongly alkaline soils 
 was highly gratifying and was likewise a considerable tax upon our time 
 and material. Similar experience was had with the tobaccos and, in a 
 less degree, with some of the other growths offered last year. When it 
 is remembered that we do not conduct a free distribution and that, be- 
 sides paying the cost of what he receives, each applicant specifically as- 
 sumes the obligation to report the results of his seed or plant trial, the 
 advance in popularity which the figures indicate is notable: 
 rear. No. Applicants. No. Postofflces. No. Counties. 
 
 1893-4 410 329 48 
 
 1894-5 925 382 53 
 
 1895-6 1,504 486 54 
 
 This increased demand clearly shows that our plan of distributing to 
 volunteer experimenters plants or seeds of those growths which seem 
 most promising after trial upon the grounds of our own stations, com- 
 mends itself more and more each year to the people of the State. 
 
 AIMS AND METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION. 
 
 To reduce as much as practicable the vast amount of correspondence 
 which is entailed upon the station by the distribution, we desire that the 
 following points should be carefully considered by all applicants: 
 
 First— Do not apply for seeds or plants unless you will report results of trial from 
 time to time, until the success or failure of each growth is demonstrated. 
 
 .Second— Do not apply for things not mentioned in this bulletin. We cannot usu- 
 ally supply things previously offered for distribution. Do not apply for common gar- 
 den seeds, fruit trees, or ornamentals, which can be purchased at seed stores or nur- 
 series. We cannot supply them. 
 
 Third— Do not make a general request "for anything which will do in this lo- 
 cality. " Apply specifically for what interests you. or may prove of value to you. 
 /*' .Fourth — We cannot undertake distribution to citizens of other States, except in 
 exchange for something which we desire for trial. 
 
 Fifth— 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, but 
 all order* for seeds by express must be accompanied by a remittance of 
 one-third of the amount specified, 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 becomes exhausted the money 
 will be returned, unless a second choice is mentioned by the sender. Pos- 
 tal 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. 
 
 SELECTED RESISTANT VINES. 
 
 It has been known for years that American wild vines are charac- 
 terized by very marked differences in degrees of resistance to phylloxera, 
 and especially in adaptability to soils. More recent investigatioo has 
 shown that not only species differ in this respect, but varieties of the 
 same species show widely different characteristics. For example, the 
 French investigators, after having determined the best species for dif- 
 ferent soils and situations, proceeded to make close observation upon 
 individual plants of the species, and in due time perceived varietal differ- 
 ences in plants of the same species, and selected those with most promis- 
 ing variations for further trial. As a result of this process of selection 
 they secured varieties which are far above the average of the species in 
 vigor of growth and development, degree of resistance and general 
 suitability for resistant root purposes. Of the few varieties which have 
 thus demonstrated particular excellence in France we have obtained 
 stock of four varieties which promise best under California condi- 
 tions, viz : 
 
 (1.) For dry soils — that is, soils likely to become somewhat dry in 
 summer — the Rupestris "St. George." 
 
 (2.) For deep, moist and tolerably rich soils, Riparia " Gloire de 
 Montpellier," " Grande Glabre " and " Martin. " 
 
 We desire applicants for these vines to consider carefully the nature 
 of their soils before making selection for trial. It should be kept in 
 mind that the Riparia will not stand dry soils ; but, if the soil is moist 
 enough, it is to be preferred to the Rupestris, which is slightly more 
 difficult to graft and suckers more freely. If there is any tendency to 
 dry out in summer the Rupestris, though harder to graft, will grow 
 finely where the Riparia will prove a loss. 
 
 It must be understood that these vines do not bear edible grapes : 
 they are merely intended for roots on which to graft the desirable table 
 and wine varieties. It is expected that recipients will not graft at once 
 the vines we send, but will grow them for several years to produce cut- 
 tings of their own kinds to extend the planting of resistant vineyards as 
 rapidly as possible. It is advised that the first cuttings from these 
 vines be planted in different parts of the vineyard, to ascertain whether 
 the root is really adapted to the soil and situation. 
 
 We have two Riparia varieties as rooted vines, and they should be 
 deeply planted and the soil loosened well beneath to facilitate the deep 
 penetration of the roots. Cuttings of the three Riparia varieties for graft- 
 ing with a view to obtaining wood for next season's planting will also be 
 furnished. The Rupestris St. George will be distributed as cuttings, 
 which, like the Riparia cuttings, should be grafted into any strong old vine 
 that may be available, so as to force a. growth of the resistant wood for 
 subsequent rooting. Suckers and weak growth should be suppressed to 
 throw vigor into a few strong canes from which good cuttings can 
 be made. 
 
 We propose to divide our. supply of vines and cuttings as equally as 
 possible between applicants. Those who desire resistant roots for both dry 
 and moist situations may have a share of both Rupestris and Riparia. 
 We require from each applicant a statement of the character of the soil 
 and location of the vineyard for which resistant roots are desired. Each 
 applicant will send with his application 25 cents to pay for packing, and 
 the vines will be sent by freight or express, the charges to be paid by the 
 
applicant, if a single vine of each kind is desired for small scale experi- 
 ment, the 25 cents will pay for packing and postage. It is not expected 
 that these vines will be distributed before February, but orders should 
 be sent in at once. The vines and cuttings will be thoroughly disinfected 
 before sending out. 
 
 TABLE GRAPES FROM PERSIA. 
 Though we have propagated these varieties as rapidly as possible, 
 we have not yet been able to supply all applicants. They are grapes of 
 the table lands of Persia, which have won praise from all travelers who 
 have eaten them. The vines are of the Vitis vinifera, but the fruit has 
 quite a distinctive character when compared with the varieties chiefly 
 grown in the west of Europe. Professor H. E. Van Deman, ex-Pomolo- 
 gist of the Department of Agriculture, secured, thorough the kindly aid 
 of Hon. E. Spencer Pratt, ex-Minister to 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, some of them 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. 
 
 1. Paykaynee Razukee: Bright red, large, long, few seeds. 
 
 2. Dizmar: Light yellow, very sweet, long, tapering. 
 
 3. Kahllillee: Said to be the earliest in Persia. 
 
 4. Askaree: Widely grown in Persia and used both for table and drying; 
 
 black, resembling Cornichon, but considerably earlier. 
 
 5. 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 regions of Persia, where 
 
 it is a leading sort. 
 
 8. 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 designated only by numerals. They are probably as desirable as 
 the others. After fruiting it may be possible to name them if good Per- 
 sian descriptions can be obtained. If not, they may be given local names. 
 
 We will send one vine of each kind at the rate of 5 cents for each 
 variety ordered, by mail, postpaid. 
 
 DESIRABLE EUCALYPTS. 
 
 Although some parts of the State, notably the southern counties, 
 have made commendable progress in distribution of eucalyptus species, 
 it may be truly said that Californians generally only know a few of the 
 species which were distributed through the nursery trade many years 
 ago. At the University Forestry Station at Santa Monica a number of 
 the less known eucalypts are now bearing seed, and furnish material for 
 distribution which, we trust, will bring trees into the possession of those 
 who might not otherwise obtain them, and thus wider experimental data 
 of the desirability and adaptability of the species can be secured. The 
 following brief descriptive notes of the sorts we offer this year are pre- 
 pared by Mr. J. H. Barber, foreman at Santa Monica, from his own ob- 
 servation of the trees under his charge: 
 
 1. E. polyanthema.— Fine tree of full habit, well-branched, with heavy foliage. 
 Leaves elliptic-ovate to orbicular, gray-green to soft glaucous blue-gray in color. 
 Flowers small, white, in close terminal panicles, much resembling gigantic heads of 
 mignonette. Bark roughish, brown, persistent. Blooms in January and February, 
 very profusely. Very useful for bees at that season. Wood hard, close-grained, re- 
 sembling box ; makes excellent fuel. Fairly rapid grower. 
 
 2. E. Stuartiana. — Branching tree, with dense, drooping foliage. Leaves nar- 
 row, sickle-shaped, dull-green. Flowers small, white, in close clusters, plentiful but 
 much hidden by leaves. Bark gray-brown, persistent for some years, then splitting 
 off in small flakes. Blooms in March, April, May. 
 
 3. E. eugenioides. — Straight-stemmed tree, clear of branches for some distance 
 
from ground. Close crown. Leaves small, lanceolate, sickle-shaped. Flowers white, 
 in small, close clusters ; April, May, June. Bark thick, soft, stringy, persistent. 
 
 4. E. diversicolorvar. Colossea.— The " Karri.'' Straight, symmetrical tree, well- 
 branched. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, pointed, dark-green. Flowers white, in heavy 
 clusters; March, April, May, and again in November. Bark smooth, gray-brown, per- 
 sistent for some years. Profuse bloomer ; good tree for bees. 
 
 5. E. Lehmanni var. Stricta. — (E. Lehmanni stated by Von Mueller to be only a 
 variety of E. cornuta). Divides into several large branches at or near ground, making 
 a spreading crown. Leaves small, oblong, mucronate, thick in texture, dull-green. 
 Flower buds very large, resembling close clusters of horns; flowers in large globular 
 heads of yellow-green filaments; fruit in large, close spiny clusters; all very remark- 
 able. Blooms, July, August, September. Valuable as an ornamental and as a botani- 
 cal curiosity. 
 
 6. E. cornuta. — Much larger and more rapid growing than E. Lehmanni, but has 
 something of same tendency to divide at or near the ground in many cases. Leaves 
 lanceolate, blunt, dull-green. Flower buds, fiowers and fruits like E. Lehmanni, but 
 smaller, and the fruit clusters not so compact. Blooms about same time as last- 
 named. Has been used successfully as a roadside tree near Santa Monica. 
 
 7. E. citriodora. — (Stated by Von Mueller to be only a variety of E. maculata). 
 Rather slender, straight-stemmed tree, with long, slender, drooping branchlets and 
 very long, narrow, falcate, bright-green leaves. Flowers creamy-white; May, June, 
 July. Bark, outer layer deciduous, leaving inner smooth bark, beautifully colored in 
 pale-grey and" lavender tints. Leaves exquisitely lemon-scented. A beautiful and 
 very desirable ornamental species. 
 
 8. E. roJmsta. — Handsome, symmetrically-branching tree. Leaves large, ovate- 
 lanceolate, pointed, dark-green, coriaceous. Branchlets dull-crimson. Flowers large, 
 white, in January and February. Bark rough, dark-brown, persistent. Profuse 
 bloomer and especially valuable for bees. Fine avenue tree, and being planted to 
 some extent for this purpose in southern California. 
 
 9. E. amygdalina var. angustifolia. — Very graceful tree, with spreading branches, 
 drooping branchlets and very narrow almond-like leaves. Flowers small, white, in 
 dense clusters ; December. Outer layer of bark deciduous in patches, giving trunk a 
 piebald appearance. Free bloomer ; good for bees. 
 
 10. E. alpina. — Shrubby Alpine species, of spreading habit, with rather close 
 foliage. Leaves ovate, obtuse, mucronate, dull-green, thick in texture. Flowers 
 white, in small, close axillary clusters, not conspicuous. Buds dark red-brown, 
 warty; curious. 
 
 11. E. obcordata. — Small shrubby species. Leaves broadly obovate, dull-green, 
 thick in texture. Flowers dull-reddish, not conspicuous. Flower stalks broad, flat- 
 tened, recurved ; rather remarkable. 
 
 12. E. ficifolia. — The well known scarlet or crimson-flowered eucalypt. Regular, 
 symmetrical habit ; rather pyramidal form. Leaves large, ovate-lanceolate, pointed, 
 dark-green, coriaceous. Flowers large, brilliant red (varying from crimson to scarlet 
 on different trees) in large terminal clusters; August, September. Seed capsules 
 large, ovoid, in heavy clusters; remarkable. Fine ornamental tree. 
 
 13. E. calophylla. — Closely related to E. ficifolia. Very similar in habit and 
 form, but somewhat faster in growth. Leaves much like last named. Flowers large, 
 white, in large clusters ; very conspicuous. Seed capsules large, urn-shaped ; re- 
 markable. Fine ornamental. 
 
 Seed in small packets, 2 cents for each variety ordered, postpaid. 
 Use the numbers in ordering. 
 
 SILK COTTON TREE (Enodendron anfructuosum). 
 
 The free use in upholstery of an imported lustrous light and elastic 
 fiber known as " silk cotton " creates interest in the tree which produces 
 it, and the possibility of its growth in California. As a native of the 
 south of India, and therefore tropical in its requirements, the tree is 
 likely to succeed only in the few practically frostless localities in Cali- 
 fornia, if at all. However, as the tree is of such wide fame, we desire to 
 demonstrate by actual trial its local status. We have received seed sev- 
 eral times by gift, but it had passed the germinating condition, except a 
 sample donated in 1896, which readily yielded strong plants under hot- 
 bed treatment. 
 
 The silk cotton trees are described as remarkable for stature and 
 splendid bloom, and for their capsules, which on bursting display a floc- 
 culent substance more silky than cotton, which from its shortness of 
 staple and elasticity cannot be spun by cotton-spinning machinery. 
 These qualities, however, adapt it finely for stuffing pillows, cushions, 
 
coverlets, etc., for which it is largely used. The flowers are large, red 
 and very showy ; the leaves digitate ; the stem is covered with prickly 
 tubercles ; the wood is light and porous ; the bark has medicinal prop- 
 erties and yields a pure gum. 
 
 We have but a few plants which have been grown in small pots, and 
 will send one to each applicant for 25 cents, postpaid. We trust that 
 only those residing in strictly thermal situations will apply for them. 
 The plants will not be mailed until after February 15th. 
 
 CAROB (Ceratonia siliqua). 
 
 This handsome and useful tree is the true " Algaroba " or St. 
 John's bread of the Mediterranean region, which has been heretofore 
 recommended for cultivation on dry or otherwise unavailable hillsides, as 
 well as in richer and moister lands, for the production of an excellent 
 feed for cows or for swine. The Carob is about as hardy as the orange, 
 but owing to its drought-resisting qualities when once established, it is 
 destined to have a much wider range than that tree. It has been grown 
 to a limited extent in this State for the last twenty years, and it de- 
 serves much wider trial. Plants grown from seed on the estate of James 
 Shinn at Niles, Alameda county, have borne fruit for several years and 
 a supply has been donated for distribution. We will send to each appli- 
 cant several pods, which are to be broken up and the seed taken out. 
 The seed should be soaked over night and planted in a box of sandy soil 
 placed in a warm place and kept moist. Cover the seed about half an 
 inch. We send several pods for 5 cents, postpaid. 
 
 PLANTS FOR GREEN-MANURING. 
 
 In the report of this station for 1894-5 quite a full discussion is given 
 of green-manuring in California. The interest in the subject is keen and 
 we are now receiving reports from those who experimented with the 
 plants of which we distributed seed last year. We desire to hear from 
 many more correspondents in this line. Reports thus far indicate that 
 in some localities the winter growth of the plants in the coast valleys is 
 quite satisfactory ; from interior situations reports are conflicting. We 
 desire further trial this winter. 
 
 Snail Clover (Medicago turbinata). — This plant is a native of south- 
 western Spain and has shown its value as a winter forage plant in this 
 State. It is closely related to the " burr clover," but it has a larger 
 seed-pod, which is smooth and more abundantly produced, and therefore 
 the plant is superior as a dry forage plant for stock. The green growth 
 of the snail clover resembles that of burr clover, but with us it is much 
 ranker. It starts from the seed as soon as the earth is moistened by the 
 fall rains, and makes a strong growth during the winter and spring, 
 drying up as soon as its vast crop of seed-pods ripens early in the sum- 
 mer. By sowing upon orchard ground and plowed as early as practicable 
 in the fall, it should make a dense mat of foliage by the time of the spring 
 plowing. It seeds so freely that, by allowing a small area to go unplowed 
 in the spring, seed enough can be secured for covering a considerable 
 area of orchard. Soak the pods and sow rather thinly broadcast as 
 early as the ground can be put into shape, and cover by raking or har- 
 rowing. Seed in 12-ounce parcels, 10 cents each by mail. 
 
 Square Pod Pea (TetragonoJobus). — From our observation of the 
 growth of the plant another season, we are less confident of its value for 
 the purpose contemplated. Its roots, by their thick incrustation of 
 tubercles, show that the plant is very active in its assimilation of atmos- 
 pheric nitrogen, but more observation is needed on its winter growth to 
 determine its availability for green-manuring in different portions of the 
 State. It is noticeably less hardy than snail clover and more sensitive 
 to drought. 
 
 We have two species of tei/ragonolobus : one is red-flowered with 
 
6 
 
 erect stems (purpureas), the other is yellow-flowered with prostrate 
 stems {siliquosus). With us in Berkeley the purpureus shows the more 
 uniform and desirable growth, but we desire to have observation made 
 upon the two species side by side in other parts of the State. The seed 
 should be sown thinly broadcast as early as possible on newly turned 
 ground and lightly raked in. The experiment should be made in an en- 
 closed place, so that the plants will be safe from intrusion and handy for 
 observation. We send seed at 5 cents per packet of -each variety, by 
 mail, postpaid. 
 
 DRY LAND GRASSES. 
 
 The grasses which years of trial have shown to be best for moder- 
 ately dry lands in California, especially the uplands of the coast region, 
 are " Australian Rye Grass " (Lolium perenne), " Orchard Grass " (Dac- 
 tylis glomvrata), "Red Top" (Agrostis vulgaris), and "Meadow Soft 
 Grass," locally called " Mesquite " (Holcus lanatus). All these can be 
 purchased at the seed stores, and for this reason we do not distribute 
 them. In addition to the foregoing we offer the following list, including 
 grasses of our own introduction, which are proving valuable where the 
 heat and aridity are not too great. The seeds should be sown in places 
 where their growth can be conveniently watched, so that each grower 
 can determine for himself which ones should be largely sown the follow- 
 ing year. By collecting seed from a small plot a large area can soon 
 be secured : 
 
 1. Tall Oat grass (Arrhenatherum avenaeeum). 
 
 2. Awnless Brome grass (Bromus in&rmis). 
 
 3. Schrader's Brome grass (Bromus unioloides). 
 
 4. Japanese Wheat grass (Agropyrum japonieurn). 
 
 5. Many-flowered Millet grass (Milium rnuUijlonim). 
 
 6. Hairy-flowered Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatuin). 
 
 7. Texas Blue grass (Poa a/mchnifera). 
 
 Of any of the first six named, we will send seed at 5 cents each 
 per package. 
 
 No. 7 grows best from the roots, of which we send a package for 
 10 cents. 
 
 FORAGE PLANTS FOR ALKALI SOILS. 
 
 Australian Salt Bush (Atriplex semibaccatum). — The value of this 
 plant has been demonstrated beyond question for lands too alkaline for 
 the growth of ordinary forage plants. Our publications concerning it, 
 which will be sent free to any applicant, afford full information as to its 
 culture and growth. The seed is now in the market and can be supplied 
 by any California seeduman. We still, however, have an overwhelming 
 demand for small trial packages and therefore continue the distribution 
 for another year. Plants may be grown by sowing the seed in boxes or 
 garden bed, covering very lightly, and planting 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 be 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 covers 
 the ground very thickly from self-sown seeds, which are produced in 
 abundance. We send seed at 5 cents per packet, postpaid. 
 
 Modiola (Modiola decumbens). — This plant, which is a native of Chile, 
 has been observed growing freely on alkali lands in Kern county; sheep 
 and cows eat it in preference to alfalfa, and improve in flow of milk. It is 
 almost as rich in flesh-forming ingredients as alfalfa ; in this respect it 
 is superior to the salt bushes. The plant may be valuable on dry and 
 waste places, even when very alkaline ; but it must be introduced with cau- 
 tion, because it has a habit of rooting from its prostrate stems, and 
 therefore will be very difficult to eradicate. In this respect it is very 
 different from the salt bushes. To those who desire to try the modiola 
 
in places which are waste and remote from cultivated lands we will send 
 small packets of seed at 2 cents each. 
 
 CANAIGRE {Rume:r hymenosepalus). 
 
 Although large plantations of this tannin-yielding root have been 
 made, and the seed and roots are handled by the trade for those who 
 want them in considerable quantities, we receive so many requests from 
 those who desire to test the plant on a small scale in different localities 
 that we continue the distribution another year. Bulletin 105 and Report 
 1894-5 of this Station treat of this plant and its culture in detail, and 
 copies will be mailed to all applicants. The plant is commonly grown 
 from cuttings of the small roots, but grows readily from seed which is 
 scattered when the ground is moist, and slightly covered. We send seed 
 for 5 cents per packet, or roots for 25 cents per package, postpaid. 
 
 GREEN FEED FOR POULTRY AND STOCK. 
 Jersey Kale. — Reports from those who have grown this plant from 
 our seed are so emphatic in praise of it as a summer and fall green feed 
 for poultry, that we desire to bring it to the attention of all. It requires 
 moist land, but where even a small area of ground can be irrigated from 
 a well or other small water supply, the weight of green growth is proba 
 bly greater than cau be secured with any other plant with the same 
 amount of water. It withstands both cold and heat better than any 
 other cultivated member of the cabbage family, and the old stems bear 
 good crops of leaves for several years where the ground does not freeze 
 in winter. The leaves are often 28 inches in length and 18 inches in 
 breadth, and when plucked from the stem are quickly replaced. By 
 saving seed the grower can soon secure a very large area, if found suited 
 to his uses. Plants should be grown and set out like cabbages. Seed, 3 
 cents per packet, postpaid. 
 
 Jerusalem Artichokes (ffelianthus tuberosus). — This old plant is stillin 
 such request by California growers that we offer tubers from our garden 
 to others who may desire to experiment with it. Planting and 
 cultivation should be the same as with potatoes, except that a single 
 tuber is enough to a hill. We have two varieties— White French and Red 
 Brazilian. The former is highly esteemed by some as a table vegetable, 
 either boiled or used in soups or salads. The red variety is perhaps 
 superior for stock purposes. We can furnish both sorts if desired at 10 
 cents per package of each, by mail. 
 
 ALGERIAN WHEATS. 
 We have grown during the last year an interesting collection of 
 Algerian wheats from seed received from Jardin Botanique, 'Mustafa, 
 Algiers. These wheats are all of the Mediterranean type — very tall and 
 strong, bearded wheats with a large, hard, glutinous, and therefore 
 dark-colored, kernel. They will not yield acceptable milling wheat of 
 the California type, but for feeding uses and for resistance to Hessian 
 fly and rust they are worthy of local trial. We offer the following: 
 
 1.-- Bellionni. 9. — Hamra. 
 
 2.— Kahla. 10.— Guemgormer Rakhma. 
 
 3.— Bli pelissia Hemeey. 11.— Bidi. 
 
 4.— Aieha Abudda. 12.--B. Mohamed de Bochia. 
 
 5.— Mawe. 13.— Neb-el-Bel. ;■-/""• 
 
 6.— Boyhar. 14.— Ouchda mawe. 
 
 7.— B. Zedormi. 15.— Hedeba. 
 
 8.— Zag-Ghorab. 16.— Ci Adjini. 
 
 We will send seed of as many kinds as the applicant may desire at 
 15 cents for 1 pound of each kind selected, postpaid. 
 
 FOR THE GARDEN. 
 Roselle (Hibiscus subdariffa). — This interesting plant, resembling in 
 its growth okra or gumbo, is a native of tropical Asia and Africa, and 
 has been widely distributed through, semi-tropical countries, where ].t 
 
8 
 
 has been found to possess considerable resistance to drought and to yield 
 very acceptable food products. The stems also contain a silky fiber of 
 which some use is made in India. For the seed we are indebted to Mr. 
 A. Neustadt of San Francisco, who imported it from Queensland. The 
 plant made very satisfactory growth at our southern California Station, 
 near Pomona, and Mr. J. W. Mills, foreman, furnishes the following note 
 of its local growth and uses : 
 
 The plant is very ornamental, the dark red stems and pods showing through the 
 rather scant dark green foliage. The flowers are of a yellowish white with a dark 
 red center, two inches across and lasting only an hour or "so during fair weather. The 
 juice extracted from the fleshy calyces or husks is used with water to make an acidu- 
 lous cooling drink, but is of most value in jelly-making. The mucilaginous properties 
 of the juice render the "setting" of the jelly certain with a reasonable amount of 
 cooking. The dark cherry color of the jelly and the sprightly acid make it nearly if 
 not equal to currant jelly. The color of the husk is very much more vivid when the 
 pod is green, and in this condition the pod and all can be cooked and the juice strained. 
 If, however, it is desired to save the seed, the pod must be allowed to ripen and the 
 husks can then be used for jelly-making. The jelly thus made has become very popu- 
 lar in the neighborhood of the Station this year. People have helped us to gather the 
 seed-pods for the chance of getting the husks, and those who took a sample for trial 
 came afterward to get a supply. If the husk is dried it does not lose its acidity or 
 color. This allows it to be shipped in a condensed form and it Can afterward be made 
 into jelly. Irrigated plants produce a more highly colored fruit, but come into bear- 
 ing later. Unirrigated plants put their strength into fruit, but the irrigated plants 
 start lateral branches which ultimately produce several pods, while the unirrigated 
 plants have but one pod. The above is found to be the case at this Station, where the 
 soil is light and sandy and water is 40 feet from the surface. 
 
 As the plant will endure quite heated and arid situations it promises 
 to be of much value for jelly-making where currants do not thrive. The 
 plant should be given ordinary garden culture, sowing the seed when 
 danger of frost is over. Enough of the pods should be allowed to ripen 
 to yield seed for the following year. Seed in packets 3 cents, postpaid. 
 
 Edible Pod Pea. — For this excellent pea we are indebted to Mr. 
 Edward Lester of Pasadena, who introduced it from England, where he 
 had learned its value. It is a delicious vegetable cooked in the pod, 
 which is entirely stringless. The plant is sturdy and grows about five 
 feet in height, bearing a purple bloom. The pod is about four inches in 
 length, much curled and semi-transparent. From seed sown in Berkeley 
 February 25th the pods were ready for table use on May 14th. 3 cents 
 per packet, postpaid. 
 
 Washington Market Corn. — Seed of this variety was sent us by the 
 United States Department of Agriculture. In vigor of growth, number 
 of ears to the stalk, length and shapliness of the ears, size and tender- 
 ness of the kernel, it is the best we have ever grown under Berkeley 
 conditions. We desire to have it tried by all growers of sweet corn, to 
 determine quality and season as compared with present popular varie- 
 ties. 5 cents per packet, postpaid. 
 
 CIGAR TOBACCO VARIETIES. 
 The interest in local tobacco experiments continues active. We 
 offer the following cigar varieties : 
 1. Sumatra. 6. Comstock Spanish. 10. Persian. 
 
 3. Zummer's Spanish. 7. Little Dutch. 11. San Juan de los Remedios. 
 8. Connecticut Seed Leaf. 8. Vuelta de Abajo. 13. Partidas. a 
 
 4. Harby (Turkish). 0. Persian- Rose. 13. Pennsylvania Seed LJJucm' 
 
 5. Imported Havana. 
 
 The seed will be furnished in small packets at 2 cents for each vari- 
 ety ordered. Use the numbers in ordering. 
 
 Application for seeds and plants should be made as soon as this an- 
 nouncement is received. We are unable to continue distribution through- 
 out the year. Address, E. J. WICKSON, 
 
 Berkeley, November, 1896. Berkeley, Cal. 
 
 J, F. Ham,oha\, 220 Market St., San Francisco, Cal,