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,