TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. BULLETIN N00 46. Euchloena Zumurians (Teosinte). (One-fifth natural size.) GRASSES AND F ORAGE PLANTS \ POSTOFFIOE: COLLEGE STATION, BRAZOS 00., TEXAS. . AUSTIN: BEN c. JONES & 00., STATE PRINTERS 1898 [1009] TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. OFFICERS. GOVERNING BOARD. (BOARD OF DIRECTORS A. a M. COLLEGE.) HON. F. A. REICHARDT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Houston. HON. W. R. CAvITT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Bryan. HON. F. P. HOLLAND ........................ . I ................... . .Da11as. HON. CHAS. ROGAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Brownwood. HON. J EFF. J OI-INSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin. HON. MARION SANSOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A1varacI0. STATION STAFF. ' THE PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE. J. H. CONNELL, M. SC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Director. H. H. HARRINGTON, M. SC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .Chemist. M. FRANCIS, D. V. M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Veterinarian. R. H. PRICE, B. S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Horticulturist. B. C. PITTUCK. B. S. A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agriculturist. P. S. 'I‘ILSON, M. S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Chemist. H. NESS, B. S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Assistant Horticulturist. C. C. TODD, B. S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Chemist. H. C. KYLE, B. S. A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .- . . . . . . . . . . . .Foreman of Farm. J. G. HARRISON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bookkeeper. SUPERINTENDENT OF BEEVILLE STATION. S. A. MCHENRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beeville, Bee Co. NOTE.— The main station is located on the grounds o)‘ the Agricultural and Mechanical College in Brazos County. The postoflice address is COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS. Reports from this station are sent free to farmers of the State upon application to the Director. [ 1010] GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS. BY B. C. PITTUCK. Texas, up to the past few years, has sadly neglected the introduction of new species of pasture grasses and forage crops. The graziers of our great State have been very determined in their views that “the Work of nature can not be improved by the hands of’ man.” The large land holdings caused this theory to perpetuate itself for many years Without any attempt Whatever at successful contradiction. But the increase in population and the division of these large farms and ranches into smaller land holdings is changing the system of farming for the Texas agriculturist from extensive to intensive. Competition has driven him to exertion. With _ the help of man, nature’s resources have been found to be inexhaustible. As it is now, in many sections, he can not afford to pasture his stock on large pastures—land is too valuable. He must force a smaller acreage to yield as much as twice that amount did before. To do this profitably the farmer must, of necessity, study his land and crops of various sorts suited to it. He must also recognize the fact that rotation plays a very important part in his ultimate suc- cess and the condition of his land. The most successful farmers know the feeding habits of each plant grown, that they may resist or counter- act the ill effects of partial feeders. A necessary adjunct to every farm is a permanent pasture of nutritious grasses, also green fodder for winter feed. With our large number of grasses, ranging in growth from early spring to late winter, with proper care and selection our farmers should be able t‘o'increase the feeding power of their native pastures two-fold. The prairie regions of Texas are generally rich soils, and make an excellent growth of native grasses under ordinary circumstances, but in many cases these have been im- proved by seeding and light fertilizer application in the form of fine manure. A too heavy application has been found to be non-beneficial, owing to a tendency to thin the grasses, producing an uneven growth. We do not advocate changing native pastures, in every case, into new pastures of new grasses, but by proper selection new species can be in- troduced into these pastures, thereby greatly improvingthem. To make an experiment as to the adaptability of grasses and forage plants of general interest, the investigator finds himself contending with many variable conditions within our State. The climate, soil, and eleva- tion above the sea level have a wonderful range. Along our Gulf coast a humid, semi-tropical climate is met, but on pushing some 400 miles further north or west, we can perceive a marked change in temperature. Beginning on our southeastern border, the altitude increases to the west and north; our rainfall varies from 40 and. 50 inches on the eastern [1011] TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. border to 11 and niches 0n the west; the soil changes gradually from sandy through the different grades of loams and clays, and back again to sand, with surprising abruptness. With such conditions t0 combat, much study is necessary to properly adjust the plants most suitable to 011011 locality, and it can only be accomplished by an extensive sys- tem of experimental investigation carried on among and» by the farmers themselves. This character of experimental work with us has been de- nominated “co-operative experimental investigation,” and is as largely as possible carried on by the farmers of our State who have realized the necessity of such Work in their several communities. Although this lulrase of our experimental work is in its infancy, we feel sure that the community interests will continue the demand for such work, and of itself insure its ultimate success. So far the Work during the past year in this line has been more of an awakening nature to the farmer than anything else. His inexperience in experimental work rendered the results, generally speaking, of little value, yet the coming year prom- ises data fully worth the publishing and of considerable interest to the entire State. A large number of the grasses, including many of the common culti- vated clovers and legumes, and many rare hay plants, on our experi- mental plots during 1897, were gathered and supplied by special agents of the United States Agricultural Department (at Washington, l). (l), and furnished us for the purpose of investigating their merits in this State. The grasses and forage plants Were all planted during the months of March and April. An earlier date was preferred, but owing tothe late arrival of seeds was impossible. .During the summer, fall, and winter, seeds from many varieties were gathered for replanting during the season of 1898, all of which were destroyed in the fire of April 5, which resulted in a total loss of a barn and appurtenances. This was a severe loss to our grass and forage experiments, because many interest- ing experiments will be thwarted for the present, owing to a lack of seed to replant many promising species during the season of 1898. GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS. 1013 TRUE GRASSES. AGROPYRON. A. repeat?“ (Couch Grass; Quack ~Grass).—Germinated March 2O to poor stand an.d slow growth. This grass, by May 1, 1898 (6 to 8 inches high), has formed a dense sod by means of root stocks. Very succulent and nutritive. This grass is considered a pest in most sections of the United States, yet owing to its nutritive value and permanency, and the fact that horses and cattle are very fond of it, we can not but feel that it has an unmistakable value in meadows and pastures. Yet care must be exercised to prevent its establishing firm growth in cultivated fields or prospective fields, as it is difficult to eradicate and chokes out other plants by its dense sod.. A. tenerum’? (Slender Wheat Grass).—Germinated March 21 to good stand; said to be a variety of A. repens, but differs from it by lacking root stalks, growing in bunches. Grew to a height of 4 inches by May 9. Seeds ripened during July, after which very little feeding value can be attached. A. divergens (Wire Bunch Grass). Bul1e- A. spicatum (Western Wheat Grass). Bulle- t1n No. 5, U. S. Dept. Agr, P. H. Rydberg tin No. 5, U. S. Dept. Agr., P. H. Rydberg and and C. L. Shear. C. L. Shear. *Seed difiicult to obtain. Seed-houses do not handle them. Must be obtained ‘through special agents. 1014 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. A. jlseuclziv'jicvzs."‘——(lerminated March 23 to poor stand and disap- peared early during the summer. A. dioergevzs’*‘ (Wire Bunch Grass).--Germinated April 2, disappear- ing early (luring the summer. A. acuiatmzfit "Germinated March 20 to fair stand; fine leaved; bunchy, grew to a height of 3-;- inches by May 28th. Matured its seed during latter part of July, after which it will not stand grazing. A. spicatum* (Western Wheat Grass).——Germinated April 2 t0 poor stand, but good growth. May 1, 1898, 8 inches high, of good grazing qualities and nutritive value. Close sod and vigorous growth. A. ricizvardsomhj.*—Germinated March‘ 23 to perfect stand and excel- lent growth. ANDROPOGON. A. cinhatusft-{irerminated March 25 to poor stand and slow growth. May 1-, 1898, 12 inches high, but only a scattering stand. A. purinciales and A. nutansfk-Germinated March 25 to poor stand, disappearing by midwinter, ~ The Andropogons are perennial grasses and are valuable under many circumstances in forming permanent meadows or pastures. They are rough, wiry, tall grasses, and when kept grazed down are well liked by stock. It fails to respond to cultivation in a profitable manner. ALOPEGURUS. A. occidentalwk (Rocky Mountain FoXtail).——This grass, which ger- minated April 5 to a poor stand, is indigenous to the region lying along mountain streams in Montana and Wyoming and produces a good hay. This grass disappeared here early in the fall. BOUTELOUA. ‘The genus Bouteloua comprises the most important grasses of our Western ranges—-Texas, Indian Territory, New Mexico, Nebraska, Mon- tana. They are perennials, growing from 10 to 15 inches high, with slender leaves of a light green color. It is the grasses of this genus that our stockmen of the West look to for winter pasturage for their cattle. These grasses are seldom cut for hay, but they are self-curing on the ground, retaining their nutritive qualities for winter pasturage. Stock are very fond of them and will pick out these grasses in preference to all other native grasses growing among them. These grasses, especially B. oligostachya, are frequently confused with the Buffalo grass (Buch- loé dactyloides), which. is one of the important grasses of the Western plains, but with a growth differing entirely from the Boutelouas. Buf- falo grass grows in small tufts, seldom more than 4 or 5 inches in *Seed difficult to obtain. Seed-houses do not handle them. Must be obtained through special agents. GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS. 1015 height, which renders it unsuited for other purposes than pasturage. It seeds itself well and will propagate itself by means of off-shoots or runners, similar to Bermuda grass. The Boutelouas promised well at this Station during the season of 1897, especially B. oligostachya, making excellent growth after a March planting, followed by a late fall, after which all growth was hindered. During the winter the grasses afforded excellent pasturage, and up to May, 1898, was in perfect condition. B. oligostaclzyai‘ (Mesquite Grass; Grama Grass.)—Planted March 3, 1897, germinated March 29 ‘to a perfect stand and rapid growth; average height, May 9, 4 inches; nineteen days later, 8 inches; average height April 1, 1898, 12 inches, with strong growth ‘and fine grazing "zunlities. B. racemosai‘ (Mesquite Grass; Tall Grama Grass.)—Planted March 3, 1897; germinated March 21. to a fair stand and slow growth; aver- age height May 9, 3 inches; nineteen days later, 6%‘ inches; color and quality poor; growth dur-' ing spring of 1898 is better. Grazing qualities good; well established turf. - . B. jmctfoliaf B. ¢0thr0ckii,* and B. aria- _p.0da.*——-Planted March 3, 1898, germinating to a poor stand and slow growth; poor color and quality. Of these three varieties, none grew over 3g; inches, the last disappearing entirely and the former reaching a height of 2%,; inches by May 28. .~.~.ii( $0.30. Total, $30.30. MEDICAGO. M. saliva. —— Commonly known in this country and Furone as Alfalfa, Lucerne, Brazilian clover, Medick, French clover. Spanish tre- foil, and Chilian clover. Al- though this plant is not a true clover, yet it belongs to the Same natural famlllfi M. sativa (Alfalfa). Bulletin No. 2, U. S. Dept. Agra, Alfalfa has been grown very Jared o. Smlth. 1024 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. successfully here both fmni a spring and fall planting. Fall planting is preferred, provided the season is to be had which Will allow the plant to establish a good root system. before frost. Without season. in “this section, a fall planting amounts to a clear loss of seed and labor expended. Plant- ed in the early spring, With a thorough preparation of the soil, this plant will make a strong growth and, unless drowned by heavy rains or in- jured by excessive heat previous to its firm establishment, will give one "or two good cuttings during the first season. Alfalfa is a deep-rooted, perennial plant, often sending its feeders to a depth of 20 or 25 feet in "favorable soils. It prefers a rich sandy soil underlaid by a permeable subsoil, and demands good drainage for best results. Our land is poor and, accompanied. by a stiff blue clay subsoil, renders it, according to many authorities, totally unsuited for the growth of alfalfa. Yet we have a patch of alfalfa on the College farm which seems to grow better every year and establish. a firmer growth every season. Before seeding this ground, the land was thoroughly plowed to a depth of '7 inches with turning‘ plow. and. stirred to a total depth of 15 inches by following in. turning plow furrow with a subsoiler. The method of preparation assisted in lowering the ivater level and. added considerable warmth to the land. Seed were sown. in 18-inch drills at the rate of 20 pounds per acre. Nearly two tons cured hay per acre were cut from this land during the first season. The last cutting up to date gave 1%; tons per acre. the stubble of which put out new growth to a height of 5 inches during the succeeding six days. Alfalfa sometimes suffers from “root rot” or “blight,” as does cotton, which is caused by the same parasite. This parasitic at- tack on alfalfa has somewhat dampened the a.rdor of many alfalfa growers and has caused much comment. Experiments by Professor Pamm-el, recorded in Bulletins '7 and 22 of the Texas Station, show plainly that the two diseases are one and the same. Salt has been used with variable results. We recommend a rotation of CTOPS, following al- falfa with. corn, oats, sorghum, or other grasses. Alfalfa planted where cotton. root rot has been prevalent is liable to the disease. Alfalfa is difficult to cure prop- erly. The large number of ten- der. succulent leaves render the greatest care and best of weather ' necessary to save them. It is a verv nutritious feed, both as hay and for soiling. Much care M. dent-ieulata (Burr Glover). Bulletin No. 2, mujglt, be exermsgdi 1n Dagtumnq U-S-Depv-Asr-.-JaredG-Smirh¢ uninitiated cattle on an alfalfa GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS. 1025 patch. An over-feed or injudicious feeding is liable to result in bloat among cattle and founder among horses. Wet alfalfa is injurious, and should be avoided. Sow broadcast at rate of 80 pounds of seed per acre. Seed may be obtained from any of our southern seed houses. M. cZent/iculata (Burr Clover).—-Gcerminated March 21 to perfect stand, of rapid growth and good quality. This clover makes a Wonderful growth in this section, remaining green and succulent during Winter and up to May, when its seeds mature. In connection with Rescue grass and Bermuda it makes an almost continuous green pasturage. One objection to the Burr clover is that, although green and succulent, stock are not very fond of it, but Will pick out other grasses in prefer- ence. At this station, parts of the campus are covered With this plant, mixed With Rescue grass and Bermuda. Our cattle are very fond of it. Seed may be obtained from the Texas Seed and Floral Co, Dallas, Texas. EUCHLAEN A. E’. Zuxurians (Teosinte).—This plant, of wonderful growth in this State as well as all the Gulf coast, is a close relative of our Indian corn. Germinating at this place on March 23, it grew to a height of 30 inches by May 28, and during June reached a height of 6% feet, with from 25 to 40 suckers to each stalk, and of equal height. Being a tropical plant, there are but few localities in the United States where this plant has matured its seed. It is eaten greedily by all stock, in the green state, and would in all probability cure into good hay, as it makes an enormous amount of green forage, the growth of which is not affected by the hot sun or winds, but is easily affected by early frost. Cut when young, for hay or green forage, it immediately puts out new growth, growing very rapidly. The acclimating of this plant, which is being attempted, will be a valuable acquisition to the forage plants of the Gulf coast region. We extract the following from Bulletin 13, of this station: “With ithe View of determining the value of teosinte as a feed-stuff, an-d its rela- tive v-alue (luring different stages o-f growth, ‘beginning the 1st {of August, samples were collected every ‘ten day's up to October 20th. The next and last sample was taken November 10th. The whole stalk was collected and ianalyzed. The plant scarcely reached Im-aturiity (at any "time, the season being too short. Q) (I) +3 =4 _ .173 8 <3 i fl w" i?“ g g 9”»? - w‘ ‘s *5 E‘. 2 f: °’ '5! i z B s. o <1 28 4 August 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 80.2 I 2.63 29.12 5.37 52.29 I 10.59 August 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 83.45 2.93 31.92 4.93 49.00 11.22 August 2O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 81.38 2.16 33.41 5.93 47.42 11.08 August 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 80.60 2.23 32.91 6.25 48.01 10.58 Septeunber 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5 78.79 1.68 33.40 7.12 45.78 12.02 September 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 83.06 1.63 35.44 6.81 44.35 11.77 September 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7 78.65 1.20 32.11 5.18 52.00 9.51 October 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 76.89 2.51 36.92 5.37 47.12 8.07 October 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9 73.52 3.17 36.28 5.18 47.96 7.41 November 10 .' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 69.77 3.99 34.60 356* 50.03 6.92 Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78.63 2.41 33.61 5.57 48.49 9.91 *Lo'w. . 1026 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 4b * * “After September 20, the plant seemed to reach no further develop- ment. The bottom leaves began to die, and there seemed ‘to be little more growth. “While there is no great difference in the analytical work, we believe that about the last of September, in this climate, would be the best time for harvest- ing the crop.” * * * Seed may be obtained from the J. Steckler Seed Co, New Or- leans, La. ATEIPLEX. A. canascevtsi‘ Shadscale).—Perennial. Germinated April 2, to poor stand, but fair growth; 12 inches high by May 28 and 5 feet high by May 1, 1898. Small leaves and twigs are very succulent. Best results are obtained with this plant on saline or alkaline soil. - A. truncata?‘ (Utah Saltbush).—-Annual. Germinated April 2 to an imperfect stand, but rapid growth; 4c inches high by May 9, and 10 inches by May 28. Reddish color, tinged with green; succulent. En- tirely disappeared by spring of 1898. A. Zeptocarplumi‘ (Australian Salt- bush.)—Annual. Germinated April 8 to fair stand and rapid growth; 8 inches high by May 9, and 12 inches high by May 28. Matured a large number of seed, but failed to re-seed itself so far. Very succulent and nutritious. .41.hctZim0tdes*.-—lAnnual. Germi- nated March 17 to poor stand, but rapid growth; 9 inches high by May 9, and 18 inches high by May 28. Disappeared during late winter. A. semibaccatum (Australian Salt- b u s h -— Perennial. Germinated March 19 to poor stand, reaching a height of 10 inches, after which all growth ceased, ‘and plants disap- peared by mid-winter. This plant makes a better growth on alkaline soils than on our common dry soils. On such soils its growth renders it an important soil renovator, as it re- moves from the soil large quantities of injurious salts. For soiling sheep it is valuable, but shouldbefedwith A. leptocarpum (Australian Saltbush). Bul- Qthgr (303139 fQddQfS, 1t N zusnta J dG Inthissec- em o. . . . e . r., are . - - - Smith, * p g tion the cold SOll renders 1t an an- *Seed difficult to obtain. Seed-houses do not handle them. Must be obtained through special agents. GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS. 1027 nual. Seed may be obtained from J. M. Thorburn 8t Co, 15 John St., New York. ' “a ‘l=i>ili ‘i f“ . r ‘.. ’ ’ I J ‘ w‘ ~ A 7 ’ / &\ -;;¢\ Q p ' %I *‘ >> \ .1’. Z l; “ ‘./ A. semibaccatum (Australian Saltbush). Bulletin N0. 2, U. S. Dept. Agra, Jared G. Smith. DESMODIUM. D. tortuosum (Beggar Weed).-—-Germinated March 24 to a perfect stand and vigorous growth; average height May 28, 15 inches. At this place, unless cut early, its growth . becomes weedy and stalks hard and Woody. Height of plant at this place during 1897 was 4-;- feet, of coarse Weed. GLYCIENE. G. htspada. (Soy Bean, Soja Bean).——-Germinated March 28 to good stand and rapid growth and of excellent quality. Average height May 28, 15 inches, but did not ma- ture. Seed may be obtained from J. M. Thorburn & Co, New York. LATHYRUS. L. syZvestr/is (Flat Pea).-—Peren- nial. Germinated March 25 to poor stand and slow growth. Average height May 28, 3inches. Seed may be obtained from J . M. Thorburn 8t D. tortuosum (Beggar Weed). Bulletin No. 2, Co" New YOTIL U. S. Dept. Agr., Jared G. Smith. 1028 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. EUROTIA. E . Lanlata (Winter Fat or Sweet Sage.) — Perennial. Germinated March 16 to a very poor stand, only two plants remaining by May 28, which reached a height of 5 inches. Its growth is most favor- able on alkali soils, and is excel- lent feed for sheep. Has some medicinal properties. VIGA. V. Vtllosa (Hairy Vetch.)—~An- nual. Germinated March 21 to perfect stand and rapid growth, height, and extra quality. An eX- cellent soiling crop, although its extensive use by farmers is handi- capped by the high price of seed and large quantity sown per acre f necessary to a good yield. From s ihlilfffetetiofi, Zfiiléftinieiolajffii fertility of the soil, and for sum- mer crop should be sown during April in this State, and during latter part of August for winter forage. Seed may be obtained from J. M. Thorburn & Co, New York. r L. sylvestris (Flat Pea). Bulletin No. 2, U. S. Dept. Agra, Jared G. Smith. GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS. 1029 SPERGULA. S. arvensis (Spurrey).——Annual. Crerminated March 23 to fair stand and rapid growth; sometimes used for soiling cows. Yield is poor. Sun- killed during middle of May. Seed may be obtained from J. M. Thor- burn 8L Co., New York. ‘BRA SSI CA. B. repens (Rape).—Only two plants appeared, but these were vigorous and hardy, producing an enor- mous number of green, suc- culent leaves, which have an undoubted value as green feed for sheep or cows. Should be sown in early fall. Farmers should try this plant. Seed may be obtained from J. M. Thorburn 8t Co., n 15 John St., Ne-w York. ' MELILO TUS. M. aZbm-Biennial. Ger- minated March 20 to perfect stand and extra growth. Fine quality. April 15, 1898 (3 feet high), an excellent cutting of hay was obtained. Melilotus will grow on thin lands and produce a heavy V. Villosa (Hairy Vetch). Bulletin No. 2. U. S. Dept. crop, but does best on cal- Asr-.Jared G-Smivh. careous soils. It is valued as a restorative crop on poor loams and lime lands. Sometimes two cut- tings may be had from same piece of land first year, and second year’s growth will furnish sometimes three cuttings. It will thrive on lime washes and dry prairie soils where many crops fail entirely. Seed for ' sale by Texas Seed and Floral Co., Dallas Texas. MISCELLANEOUS. Spring zuheatr-L. C. Corbett, Morgantown, W. Va. Cerminated March 19 to perfect stand and rapid growth, but was completely ruined by rust. 1030 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. Hemp (Sun Hempy-Germinated March 19, making rapid growth to a height of 4 feet, of good quality. A test of fibre was thwarted by samples being burned this spring. Wisconsin Tree Bean.—L. O. Corbett, Morgantown, W. Va. ‘Germi- nated to perfect stand; growth rapid and vigorous, making an early crop; first edible beans 45 days after germination. Very few immature pods. Yield, heavy. NOTE. We receive a large number of specimens of grasses and forage plants sent us by the people of the State for name, and in many cases the corre- spondent Wishes to know its habits, value, and how it is propagated. These inquiries always receive our careful attention, and such informa- tion is given as may be at our command. Correspondents will please note the following suggestions and direc- tions, for selecting, preparing, and mailing specimens that are to be named: (1.) The plant selected should be in bloom. (2.) Paclc securely in paste-board box with damp cotton. (3.) M arlc name of sender on package, and in letter describe the soil and moisture conditions silrrounding the plant. BLANK PAGE IN ORIGINAL