MussoOuRI BOTANICAL GARDEN |/BULLETIN VOLUME V WITH 29 PLATES 1917 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: ONE DOLLAR PER YEAR SINGLE NUMBERS TEN CENTS MissouR! BOTANICAL GARDEN LIBRARY _ Missouri BOTANICA JANUARY, 1917: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS WERE DESIGNATED IN MR. SHAW’S WILL, AND THE BOARD SO CONSTITUTED, EXCLUSIVE OF THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, IS SELF-PERPETUATING. President, EDWARDS WHITAKER. 2 Vice-President, DAVID ‘S. H. SMITH. : Epwarp C. ELtor. ae ‘Leonarp Martriews. GEORGE C. Hircucock, 3 WILLIAM H._H. Pettus. P. CHouTEAU DMidretrr. : » Purp C, SCANLAN. . EDWARD Shas Luckie: Bane Joun F, Suepvey. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS EpmMunp A. ENGLER, | - HENRY W. Kuzt, President of The Academy of Science of "Mayor of the City of St. Louis. St. Louis. Freperic A. Hatt, BENJAMIN P. STROMBERG, : Chancellor of Washington University. President of the Board of Public Schools of St. Louis. £ Dantet S. Torrie, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri. %. E. F. Finney, Assistant Secretary. ai oe ; . Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin Vol. V St. Louis, Mo., January, 1917 No.1 REPORT OF THE OFFICERS OF THE BOARD To the Board of Trustees of the Missouri Botanical Garden: _ We submit for your consideration a statement of the finan- cial transactions for the year ending December 31, 1916. The income from rentals and investments exceeded that of 1915 by $7,660.94, and vacancies during the year amounted to $2,287.00. However, at the present time there is but one vacant building, the rental of which is $1,800.00 per annum. A piece of income property, known as No. 211-12 North Levee, having a frontage of 49 feet by a depth of 95 feet, was disposed of for $15,000.00, and the residence property at the northeast corner of Flad and Tower Grove Avenues —fronting 100 feet on Flad Avenue by 123 feet on Tower Grove Avenue—was sold for $6,250.00. The improvement of the tract of land at Kingshighway and Arsenal Street, known as Shaw’s Arsenal Street Addi- tion, which contains about twelve acres, has been completed, and about 200 feet has been sold. The tract of land west of Tower Grove Avenue, known as Shaw’s Vandeventer Avenue Addition, containing about 5,500 front feet, is like- wise being improved, and about 600 feet has been dis- posed of. A piece of property at the northeast corner of Grand Avenue and Soran Street, fronting 163 feet on Grand Avenue, and containing a one-sto uilding occupied by stores, cafes, etc., was bought for "$160,000.00, the follow- ing property being transferred in partial exchange: two pieces of ground on Grand Avenue—one, being 232 feet front by a depth of 266 feet on Shaw Avenue, for $50,000.00, and the other, 55 feet front by a depth of 200 feet on De Tonty Street, for $10,000.00. (1) 2 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN Sales of residence property during the year were as follows: Lafayette Avenue Addition . . 1,883 front feet . $111,090 00 Arsenal Street Addition : : 204 front feet. 8,215 00 Vandeventer Avenue Addition . 620 front feet . 20,020 00 Flora Bouleyard Subdivision : 242 front feet. 14,600 00 $153,925 00 The new range of greenhouses, begun in 1915, and on which $62,379.42 was paid that year, was completed at an additional expense of $9,429.73, making the total cost of this range $71,809.15. This is an extremely low figure for such a range of houses and is partially due to much of the work having been done by the Garden instead of through contract, and also to the major portion of the houses hav- ing been erected before the existing advance in prices of ma- terial and labor. If the houses had to be erected during the coming year, they would certainly cost from 50 to 60 per cent more. Mr. A. D. Cunningham, Secretary to the Board since its organization in 1889, died on December 25. For nearly twenty-eight years Mr. Cunningham was a faithful and con- scientious administrator of the business of the Board, and the Board wishes to formally record its appreciation of his services and a keen realization of its loss in his death. Mr. E, F. Finney has been elected Assistant Secretary. Three of the bequests provided for in Mr. Shaw’s will have been carried out: the annual flower sermon, the gardeners’ banquet, and the Trustees’ banquet. For an itemized account of the receipts and disbursements, your attention is called to the following statement: INCOME: MetnS 16) as a ee ee ee interest and dividends > 3 19,901 00 Total Wiewme ee es Se ee LESS — ADMINISTRATION AND UPKEEP EXPENSES: Commissions on bonds and leases . . . $1,225 00 Improvements Re ee Be a a Insurance Se Ree Rae ee ere ete ES interest paid 3 6 ee Legal ORNS ee 728 20 Office RO ee ee ee 1,912 17 Office patuunea tr oe a oe. RODGRE Sk 4,094 29 SO ee ee eT 64,729 91 $117,110 91 ADE AP es REN eR ES re RS MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN : 3 LESS — ANNUAL BEQUESTS: Flower sermon, gpa —— and trustees’ banquet’ mS : Cooke ee te ey 1,600 00 Income available for upkeep of Garden . $115,510 91 DISBURSED AS FOLLOWS: Garden Account — Mitel ee re es ee = ee ie 1b Labor : phot eee, waar oa Ses RE SEG BF Plants and seeds SG ag TN BIE ET 1,954 20 Publications : A ee 3,185 28 Repairs and supplies SS eee eas 4,917 00 Stable erga iS eee = 716 91 $49,343 71 Herbarium — PAD ne 4. SERCO Salaries Loy Pee ere age OT 6,477 57 Library — Ripehies 3 5 3 5 se SAE BS Salaries Spe a a ee 4,485 12 Research and Instruction — menenete = ee OT SFT Salaries, fellowships, and scholarships . . . . 11,235 16 16,907 12 Garden Office — Pie eG ee ERS Salaries pote ee ee BE 11 281-60 88,475 02 $27,035 89 Z DEDUCT — GARDEN IMPROVEMENTS: New Plant House (balance) . . .-- $9,429: 73 Wrecking and ETRE old Tange, ete. : 9,998 58 Gate Lodge, remodeling ee 1,979 23 General improvements . . . . . . 2,998 82 24,406 36 Excess of income over expenditure for year ending December 31,1916 . . $ 2,629 53 Respectfully submitted, Epwarkps WHITAKER, President. Attest: _ E. F. Fuyney, Assistant Secretary. TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR Gentlemen: I have the honor to submit herewith the twenty-eighth annual report of the Director. Although the year 1916 has seen no single large improve- ment similar to the new range of greenhouses, practically completed in 1915 and described at length in my last annual report, there have, nevertheless, been a considerable number of changes which will ultimately have quite as important an effect upon the Garden as the addition of new display houses. The first thing to be mentioned in this connection is the removal of the old range of greenhouses which has stood for so many years to the north of the water garden. Some of these houses were erected by Mr. Shaw, and up to five years ago, with the exception of the Linnean house, they provided the entire area of glass devoted to the public display of plants. The old palm house, with its adjoining wings, had become so unsafe that it was necessary to close it to the public, and it was barely possible to maintain the lants in the other old houses even with constant repairs. With the completion of the second new range of green- houses which so amply provided for the collections main- tained in these old houses, they were no longer necessary, and for every reason it seemed desirable to remove them. This was accordingly done, but a part of the houses was re-erected with concrete foundations and walls back of the north wall, where they now afford much-needed growing and propagating space and more than replace the growing houses which constituted a part of the old range. The addi- tion of these new growing houses necessitated the construc- tion of a new valve chamber and a concrete tunnel in which to convey the steam pipes from the service tunnel, as well as a large amount of grading, installation of drains, etc. The area formerly occupied by the old range is to be the site of a new rose garden, the plans for which are now pre- ared, and it is expected that this new garden will be estab- ished next spring. The removal of the greenhouses necessitated providing new uarters for the various shops, as well as additional storage sheds, which had formerly been in the court bounded by the old greenhouses. There have accordingly been built, in (4) MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 5 the vicinity of the central heating plant, adequate paint and carpenter shops, including storage sheds for glass, paint, and lumber. Two storage sheds, 125 x 25 feet, were likewise built of brick obtained from the old greenhouses, these being intended primarily for housing the larger apparatus, such as carts, spray pumps, sprinklers, etc. However, the destruc- tion by fire of the old stable and barn necessitated convert- ing one of these sheds into a new stable, for which it was admirably adapted, and the removal of this department to the new location, which had long been contemplated, has proved to be most satisfactory. While the destruction of the old stable itself was no great loss, the entire winter’s supply of hay and a considerable amount of other feed, as well as harness, two wagons, certain farm implements, and other minor apparatus, were also destroyed, so that the actual money loss, exclusive of the building, was about $1,500. In this connection it might be mentioned that during the year the Garden was visited by two of the most destructive storms since the cyclone of 1896. In June a hail-storm did ver considerable damage to the glass, and in September a wind- storm produced even greater loss, since not only were a large number of trees and shrubs injured, but there was also mate- rial damage to some of the greenhouses and other structures in the Garden. The area occupied by the old herbaceous tract has, during the past few years, gradually been converted into an eco- nomic garden where various farm crops and plants of prac- tical use have been grown. No definite plan for this region had ever been laid out, but during the past year the area has been graded, and about one-half made to conform with a landscape design admirably adapted to the purposes of such a garden. While there still remains a great amount of work to be done here, enough progress has been made to indicate what the final condition is to be, and it is hoped that during the coming year the plans may be carried to completion. This economic garden has proved to be one of the most attractive and important outdoor gardens, particu- larly for the school-children, and when completed it will afford a demonstration ground where may be found various examples of vines, shrubs, and flowering plants, adapted for use in the vicinity of St. Louis. Another improvement has been the providing of an exit to the north from the Italian garden. With the construc- tion of the new range of greenhouses it became desirable to have a ready means of communication to and from this house and the Italian garden. This necessitated building concrete retaining walls and a stairway, as well as providing 6 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN the necessary connecting walks, and it is now possible to pass directly from the Italian garden to the new greenhouses without going through the palm house. The opening up of the Garden in the vicinity of the new plant house has necessitated much grading, construction of drains, replanting, etc., and a start has been made towards providing pools back of the pergola and the new range, which will ultimately afford additional space for the growing of water-lilies. ‘The walks which will connect the economic garden with the arboretum are still to be built and a con- siderable amount of clearing up and planting to be accom- _ plished. The piece of property acquired by the Board in 1914, on which stood the old Shaw School, had never been graded or planted after the destruction of the schoolhouse, and, while not in the improved part of the Garden, it presented a very unsightly appearance, particularly since it was in such a conspicuous place. During the year this area has been filled and graded, and a good start made towards the planting, so that it now presents a satisfactory appearance. In addition to the usual monthly floral displays and other attractions provided for the public, two special features were offered in the year 1916 which are worthy of mention. The celebration psd foe the country of the three-hundredth anniversary of Shakespeare’s death warranted the Garden in eee during the annual convention of the Drama League held in St. Louis in April, a Shakespearean Garden. This, because of its design and the plants shown, was — for an indoor garden —the most elaborate thing of the kind ever attempted. As it has been described in detail in the BULLETIN, it need not be referred to further, aside from the fact that it attracted much attention, not only locally but throughout the country, and numerous inquiries for infor- mation respecting the design and contents of our Shake- spearean exhibit were answered. In October there was displayed in the old museum a col- lection of plans, drawings, and photographs of some of the most recent landscape work in this country. Many of the best-known landscape architects in the United States, to- gether with the departments of landscape architecture of various schools and universities, contributed to this exhibit, and it proved both instructive and interesting, not only to landscape architects, engineers and gardeners, but to the general public as well. An unusual amount of repair work, particularly painting, has been carried on during the year, and it may be said Scans MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 7 that the various structures at the Garden are in better shape than ever before. In addition to repainting the pergola and many of the greenhouses, and extensive repairs in the museum and old residence, the most important single item was the remodeling of the lodge house located at the Cleve- land Avenue gate. Besides providing a cellar and a hot water heating system, putting in electric lights, bathroom, etc., numerous changes in the interior arrangement were made, and the entire house redecorated and made livable. pe se is now occupied by the General Manager of the arden. : Brief reference was made in my last annual report to the fact that the Garden was becoming more and more a source of information, not only to scientists and those interested in the growing of plants, but also to business concerns. The Garden has always been an institution to which people turned for what might be called botanical and horticultural information, but the European war has had such a pro- _ found effect upon manufacturing and other industries in this country that the necessity for substituting new materials and methods has created an unprecedented demand for tech- nical information not readily accessible to the business man. As a consequence the Garden has, during the past year, devoted much time and attention to furnishing information of this character. In addition to an increasing demand for the identification of plants, seeds, and woods— many of which, because of their medicinal or other value, are of great importance commercially — which the extensive herbarium and library of the Garden make possible, there have been numerous requests concerning the various aspects of mush- room growing, both by commercial concerns and private indi- viduals, and a demand for information respecting means of preventing the growth of fungi on commercial products sub- ject to mold. The impossibility of obtaining the usual dis- infectants, or their prohibitive price, has made it necessary for many concerns to turn to the scientific staff at the Garden for help. An article in the BuLuLertn, calling attention to a wood one-half the weight of cork, resulted in such a demand from manufacturers of artificial limbs, talking machines, piston rings, pith helmets, refrigerators, and from others using cork and insulating material, that the Garden took up the matter with several dealers in tropical lumber, and as a consequence the wood is now on the American market and is available for the various uses to which it is adapted. Special instruc- tions have been furnished to parks, cemeteries, and private in-_ dividuals for means of eradicating the unsightly green scums 8 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN which appear during the summer on ponds and streams, and uests too numerous to mention concerning various minor technical points involving a use of the facilities of the Gar- den have toa complied with. In addition there is a con- stantly growing demand of the citizens of St. Louis for infor- mation about the care of both indoor and outdoor plants, and trees and shrubs. ATTENDANCE The attendance for the year 1916 totaled 275,910, an increase of 35,407 over the previous year. It is hardly to be expected that this rate of increase will be maintained, although the gain for 1916 is nearly double that of 1915 and more than six times that of 1914. For the first time, since the Garden has been opened to the public on every Sunday, the number of visitors on that day exceeds those coming on week-days, and in fact the chief gain for the year is due to the increased Sunday attendance. Even in the years when the Garden was open but two Sundays, an average of 25 per cent of the total number of visitors for the year came on these two days, and on certain years nearly one-half of the yearly visitors came on the open Sundays. Consequently, the proportion of Sunday to week-day visitors is only just beginning to exceed that of the years when the Garden was open on two Sundays only. ATTENDANCE FOR THE YEAR 1916 Week-days Sundays WORGAE a eos Spee coh sok cos ae ec acd 3,272 bcd? AOE ED ey Se MUNG: Fo oi ek die 3,121 Witeh 65 ee BART oe ae seas 4,985 RTE ee) as oo es RA WOG is sees eo ees . 23,508 ts Ee ee ee er ene LTE 1S PRS Sen ore ee 14,941 WE os oh a. hi ea hee Che es PETE es er ee 11,300 MOY secs va) Sov erase oe DEERE eee ee 7,205 PONG oo eae ea BE peg ea eran Sere 5,595 BOneewaber «6 i. i i eee ce EF Pane meg sige ght 17,120 POGUE S555 Bi van Peet ees ua EO DOR re bisa oss von uk ce 13,423 UPN oso ts cs eres ek Pais cack ces hie ee yew ees 34,582 Deoenibee i os ee ae MOD Ss aia ieee. 7,738 129,120 146,790 129,120 OPN eS ie es es 275,910 ANNUAL BEQUESTS The flower sermon, provided for in Mr. Shaw’s will, was preached in Christ Church Cathedral by the Rev. George C. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 9 Dunlop, Rector of Christ Church, Springfield, Illinois, on May 21, 1916. The Twenty-seventh Gardeners’ Banquet was held on the evening of December 1, 1916, at the University Club. Pro- fessor K. A. White, of Cornell University, spoke on “What Science Has Done for Floriculture.” The Banquet of the Board of Trustees of the Garden was held on the evening of December 28, 1916, at the Bucking- ham Hotel, on the occasion of the joint meeting of the American Philological Association and the Archaeological Institute of America. Mr. Frederic A. Hall acted as toast- master, and following is the list of speakers and subjects: Mr. Edward C. Eliot, “Henry Shaw’; Mr. Paul Shorey, “The Loneliest Man’; Mr. Frederick W. Shipley, “Sermons in Stones”; Mr. James H. Breasted, “Tatters”; Mr. William H. Holmes, “The Place of Archaeology in Human History”; Mr. Henry R. Fairclough, “The Pivotal State’; Mr. Andrew F. West, “Some Old Things in Human Life.” SCHOOL FOR GARDENING The School for Gardening is at present completely housed in the old residence, where the ting rooms, lecture room, and offices of the instructing staff are located. During the last year a reading room has been installed, providing easy access to all the leading horticultural periodicals. Mr. Alexander Lurie, formerly instructor of horticulture, University of Maine, has been placed in charge of the stu- dents. e course of instruction has been remodeled and augmented during the past year to conform to the advancing requirements of the profession, and “The Hortus Club,” a student organization, has been started for the purpose of discussing various matters of horticultural interest, which are not considered in the regular courses. The morning work of the students has been arranged to embrace a complete practical training in all the departments of the Garden dur- ing the three years. Mr. C. F. Giebel and Mr. N. 8. Philippi completed the course in September and were awarded the Santen certificate. Mr. Giebel is employed st Chas. W. Fulgraff, landscape architect, as draftsman and outdoor foreman in landsca ; eam. work, and Mr. eras is in charge of the boretum at the University of Michigan. As the result of the competitive examination, Miss Margaret Corley, of St. Louis, and Mr. George Pedlow, of In apolis, were ap- pointed to the vacant scholarships. Mr. Garland Ellis, of 10 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN Fort Worth, Texas, Miss Clara Fuhr, and Mrs. Walter Good- win are enrolled in all or a part of the courses. RESEARCH AND INSTRUCTION In spite of the impossibility of securing some much-needed apparatus from abroad, the facilities for graduate work and instruction have been augmented in important ways. Among the larger pieces of apparatus, a commodious soil sterilizer, with a steam chamber measuring 8 x 3 feet, has been in- stalled. This will prove advantageous both in the experi- mental mushroom work and in permitting pathological ex- periments on a larger scale. An fereet g form of turn- table, electrically driven, has been designed for the special purpose of studying the relation of spray mixtures to the transpiration of plants. A special tank and other apparatus required in certain studies on narcotization and respiration of bulbs and fleshy plant organs has been constructed. Instruction, Lectures, Etc. — Graduate instruction in bot- any, offered in connection with the Shaw School of Botany of Washington University, and conducted in the graduate laboratories of the Garden, has been given in accordance with the program announced,— all members of the staff participating who are at the same time members of the fac- ulty of Washington University. Since the number of grad- uate students is restricted, and most of them remain two or more years in the work, an effective policy of alternating the important courses other than those in research has been inaugurated, whereby the time of all teachers concerned is conserved most advantageously. Certain undergraduate courses are also ay to graduates, so it may be noted that the following, whether graduate or undergraduate, were offered in the Shaw School of Botany during 1915-16: gen- eral botany, biology (in coéperation with the department of zodlogy) , pathology, histology, bacteriology, morphology and taxonomy of the spermatophytes, plant geography, advanced physiology, special chapters in fermentation, and seminar ; also research in physiology, morphology, taxonomy, and applied mycology. Lectures and addresses by members of the scientific and Garden staffs during 1916 include the following: B. M. Duggar, January 3, before the St. Louis Academy. of Science, “An Economic Fungus of Wide Distribution.” — Hermann von Schrenk, January 5, before the Society of Federal Contractors, U. S. Treasury Department, “Timber Specifications.” Assistant Botanist. ee Jesse M. GREENMAN, ~~ GorGe _W. FREIBERG, Curator of the Herbarium. : Research Assistant. _ KATHERINE H. Lercn, Secretary to the Director. James GURNEY, Head Gardener, Emeritus. WILLIAM W. OHLWEILER, General Manager. : 4 JOHN NoYEs, Landscape Designer. ALEXANDER LurIE, Horticulturist. A. B. McIntyre, : W. F. ‘LANGAN, Outdoor Gardens. _ - Engineer. J. J: Coucsun,. - — G. H. Prine, Construction. Conservatories. P. Forrsrer, _M. SCHILLER, Farm and Stables. >. @ pra : Floral Displays. Mussourt BoTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN: Vol. V FEBRUARY, 1917 '~ No. 2 | Page Sz: Window: Boxes, a Type of Floral si gree Aiplicabie a «to Down-town Districts = - ! Ce ae fa “Back-Yard Gailene sh Se Oe a ke - Statistical Information - = - = - + +47 ST. LOUIS, MO. 1917 “PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE. BOARD OF TRUSTEES THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS WERE DESIGNATED IN MR. SHAW’s ‘WILL, CONSTITUTED, EXCLUSIVE OF PERPETU UATING. THE BOARD SO THE BX- OFFICIO MEMBERS, IS SELF Mo. Bor. GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE l. AN EFFECTIVE ARRANGEMENT FOR AN ENTRANCE—GERANIUMS AND ENGLISH IVY IN BOXES AND BAY TREES IN TUBS. Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin Vol. V St. Louis, Mo., February, 1917 No. 2 WINDOW BOXES, A TYPE OF FLORAL DECORATION APPLICABLE TO DOWN-TOWN DISTRICTS In working toward the beautification of a city, the oppor- tunity of making the business districts more attractive through floral features should not be neglected. Even pub- lic buildings of the noblest proportions and occupying suit- able plats of ground are graced and rendered more beautiful by the profuse use of vines and shrubbery ; and much greater is the need for touches of nature about the buildings in the crowded business section where the planting of trees and shrubs is an impossibility. Window boxes and vines break the monotony, soften the hard outlines of business structures, and refresh the eye, so that more and more the value of such floral features is appreciated and demanded. The use of window-boxes in the business districts is an extension of the spirit which encourages the floral deco- ration of the home and the public squares, and it is not an experiment in St. Louis. much improved appearance was presented on some streets last season, due to the use of floral effects by firms whose interest was inspired or intensified both through the circulars prepared and distributed by the Business Men’s League and through prizes for the best deco- ration — the latter being offered by the St. Louis Art League. Tt has taken more public spirit to coéperate in this move- ment than in the beautification of home grounds, because the good resulting in the former case is less tangible and the owner has perhaps far less opportunity than others to enjoy the effects. Nevertheless, it has been found, in cities where the movement has been carried out, that the utiliza- tion of plants in this way is an excellent advertisement, and that the effect upon those employed behind windows thus decorated is wholesome and conducive to better work. The experience of a large firm which has long used window boxes is reported as follows: “We have repeated this flower display (27) 28 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN every summer for a number of years and we find it not only a source of a great deal of pleasure to our customers and our- selves, but a practical means of advertising as well. In arranging to employ window boxes, special attention should be given to the amount of sunshine they will receive, as upon this factor will depend the kinds of plants that may be used. Although all plants require light, some will grow even on the north side of buildings, especially if not also in the shadow of east and west walls. The arrangement of the boxes should be in harmony with the plan of the building, which means, of course, that the decorations should fit into the architectural scheme. This requires both that the loca- tions of the boxes shall be suitable and that the composition shall be in scale with the building. On a large building it is often necessary, therefore, to group or mass the boxes, while on a small structure such an arrangement would be out of place. It is easy to overdo the use of certain con- spicuous plants like those of trailing habit, and many boxes are often described as “weepy,” due to the great profusion of hanging vines. The lines of most buildings are strong and upright, so that a certain sturdiness and uprightness of plants will often fit them better. Tn filling the boxes, good taste must, in general, dictate in the matter of plants employed, at least as regards color, form, and size. These features, however, may well be left to the judgment of a competent florist, who in all cases should be given information regarding the exposure and the amount of light or shade which the boxes must endure. With respect to color it should be said that too great a variety should not be employed in any mixture, because’ this will not be as effective as a few well-chosen tones. Red, purple, or scarlet, suitable against light stone or stucco, should not be used against a red brick building. In the last-mentioned situation such —— colors as blues, yellows, and whites are usually better, and as much green as possible should be used to form the background and the framework for the flowers. Flower- ing plants should possess the qualities of rapid development, and profuseness and continuity of bloom. They will thrive only in sunny locations, with the exception of pansies, which are able to endure shade. In order to keep up a succession of bloom, the boxes may be filled in the spring with pansies and English daisies; these may be followed by flowering and foliage plants lasting throughout the summer, those in the following lists being recommended: aor = wich NAL Te a sie Seam 3 Mo. BOT. GARD, BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. GERANIUMS, ENGLISH IVY AND DATE PALMS. HYDRANGEAS AND ENGLISH IVY. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN PLANTS FOR SUNNY SITUATIONS 29 Common Name | Botanical Name Habit Color FLOWERING Ageratum A geratum mexicanum Upright | Blue and white Candytuft Iberis umbellata Prostrate | White Canna Canna hybrids Upright | Yellow, red English daisy | Bellis perennis Prostrate | White, pink Geranium Pelargonium zonale Upright | Red, ee pin Hibiscus Hibiscus coccineus Upright Heliotrope Heliotropium peruvianum Upright | Lavender Lantana Lantana Camara Upright gone heer pin Lobelia Lobelia Erinus Prostrate | Blue Marigold Tagetes patula Upright | Orange, yellow Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus Prostrate | Yellow, orange Petunia Petunia hybrida Prostrate ies pink, Tr Pansy Viola tricolor Prostrate bens purple white Phlox Phlox Drummondii Upright nes pink, Pinks Dianthus sp. Upright Bi pink, r Portulaca Portulaca grandiflora Upright ae yellow, pin Salvia Salvia splendens var. : “Zurich” Upright | Red Sweet alyssum | Alyssum maritimum Prostrate | White : Verbena Verbena hybrida Upright Lavender, pink Vinca Vinca rosea Upright | Pink, white FOLIAGE Abutilon Abutilon hybridum — Upright | Variegated Coleus Coleus Blumet Upright | Variegated Croton Codiaeum variegatum Upright Variegated Dracaena Dracaena indivisa _ Upright | Green Dusty miller Centaurea candidissima Spreading | White Eranthemum | Eranthemum atropurpureum | Upright | Purple English ivy Hedera helix Trailing | Green n ivy Senecio scandens Trailing | Green Iresine Iresine Lindenit : Upright | Red Moneywort Lysimachia Nummularia Trailing Green Pandanus Pandanus Veitchit Upright | Variegated Pyrethrum Pyrethrum roseum Upright | Yellow Rubber plant | Ficus elastica Upright | Green Vinca _ Vinca major Trailing | Variegated Wandering Jew | Tradescantia zebrina Trailing | Variegated PLANTS ENDURING SHADE Common Name | Botanical Name Habit | Color FLOWERING Pansy Viola tricolor Prostrate | Yellow,purple, 30 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN Common Name| Botanical Name Habit | Color FOLIAGE Asparagus Asparagus Sprengeri Trailing | Green Dracaena Dracaena indivisa — Upright | Green Dracaena Dracaena terminalis Upright | Red English ivy Hedera helix Trailing | Green an ivy Senecio scandens Trailing Green Sword fern Nephrolepis exaltata __ | Upright | Green Whitmani fern | N. exaltata var. Whitmanii | Upright | Green Pandanus Pandanus Veitchii Upright Variegaves Vinca Vinca major Trailing bh ae Wandering Jew | Tradescantia zebrina Trailing | Variegat The great range of available plants makes it impossible to indicate exactly what the es and combinations in a case should be, but the following examples are sug- gested : SUNNY LOCATION: SHADY LOCATION: 1. Vinca major—tront. 1. Asparagus Sprengeri—front. Petunia—filler. Dracaena terminalis—points. Ageratum—filler. Boston fern—filler. Vinca rosea—points. 2. English ivy—front. 2. English ivy—front. Asparagus Sprengeri—front. Coleus—filler. Geranium—filler. Boston fern—filler. Lantana—filler. Pandanus Veitchii—points. Hibiseus—points, : 3. Wandering Jew—front. 3. German ivy—front. — Asparagus Sprengeri—tfront. Asparagus Sprengeri—front. Verbena—filler. Hibiscus—points. Petunia—filler, Whitmani fern—filler. Marigold—filler. Croton—filler. Croton—filler. The accompanying illustrations show the effect of some other desirable combinations. In the fall evergreens may be substituted, and with these early spring-flowering bulbs may be planted, tulips, daf- fodils, crocuses, snowdrops, ete., being used for this purpose. There are a great many evergreens a apted for winter effect. Retinospora obtusa, with its soft feathery foliage, remains green throughout the winter; the golden arbor-vitae (Thuy occidentalis var. aurea) with its bright yellow tinge, dwarf pine (Pinus montana), firs (Abies), Norway spruce (Picea A bies), Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens), and the hem- lock (Tsuga canadensis) produce ve pleasing combina- tions. They may be arranged to produce a hedge-like ap- pearance, or some points may be introduced either at the ends or in the center or both. PLATE 3. 1917 3, Mo. Bor. GARD. BULL., VOL. TUS COLE A, TUNIA, VINCA ROSI ERI, PE x ASPARAGUS SPREN( VINCA MAJOR, CRN. F E BOSTON NA TERMINALIS, PANDANUS ‘A MAJOR, DRACAE ONS, VINC HIBISCUS, CROT VEITCHII. Mo. Bor. GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 4. BOXWOOD, RUBBER PLANT, HIBISCUS, GERANIUM, KENTIA PALM, VINCA MAJOR, ANTHERICUM, BOSTON FERN. PANDANUS VEITCHU, CALADIUM, CANNA, ENGLISH IVY, VINCA MAJOR. / MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 31 In selecting the type of box to be used, cost and durability must be taken into consideration. The wooden box still pre- dominates, but it is gradually being replaced by more lasting and more ornamental receptacles. Terra-cotta, vitrified clay, and concrete are often employed in making boxes con- forming to the general architecture of the Pailding and although the initial cost is considerable, they are prac- tically indestructible and so in the end are the ‘leak expensive. The weight is the chief objection to boxes of this type, as they require strong, durable supports, eliminating any danger of collapse. However, there should be no difficulty in arranging satisfactory supports on any well-constructed building, many buildings, jin : sessing ledges especially suited for such decoration. ere are also a number of self-watering zine and iron boxes which meet with favor where daily attention may prove an objec- tionable feature. It should be emphasized, however, that a wooden box constructed of such durable material as cypress or redwood, painted inside and out, and covered with the bark of cedar, hemlock, or birch, makes a very ornamental and satisfactory receptacle lasting several seasons. Window boxes vary a great deal in size. The length of the box is a minor feature providing it is in keeping with the size of the window, but the depth and the width are of considerable importance. No box should be less than 6 inches deep, and 8-10 inches would be still better, and the width should vary from 6 to 9 inches. When boxes are placed upon long sills it is best to have them in sections, otherwise they are unwieldy to handle and require strong supports. Where the sill is wide enough, screw-eyes in the window- frame and the box, connected by a wire, will be sufficient to hold the box in place. Usually the ledges are made sloping, so that it will be necessary to place strips of wood under the front part of the box to insure a level position. Boxes in upper-story windows should have galvanized iron drip-pans to catch the drip. These should be about 2 inches wide than the box, which should rest inside the pan upon cleats to allow for free escape of water. Drainage should be thoroughly looked after. It is true that eons the outside boxes suffer more from lack of moisture than over-abundance of it; nevertheless, if no means is provided for getting rid of the surplus water, except through evaporation, the plants will suffer. It is difficult mae to grow plants satisfactorily under down-town con- ditions without imposing upon them any additional hard- ships. A number of half-inch holes should be made in the bottom of the box, and these partly covered with pieces of $2 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN crock placed curved side up. This precaution is essential to prevent the soil from sifting through the holes and occa- sionally clogging them. As the plants in the box are of necessity crowded, the soil should be rich enough to produce a stocky, healthy growth, one part of well-rotted manure and four parts of fibrous loam being a good mixture. The box should be filled with soil to within one inch of the top to allow for watering. During the season it may be desirable to sprinkle the plants with liquid manure to replenish the food in the soil, but if this is not available, concentrated sheep manure or complete commercial fertilizers may be applied. Upon the watering, or the lack of it, very often depends the success or failure of the box. The frequency of watering can only be determined by actual practice, being dependent upon atmospheric conditions, soil, sunlight, wind, etc. However, it is always best to water as late in the day as convenient, after sunset preferably, during the summer months. Washing of the ioliaws is also essential to keep the leaves clear of dust, which clogs the air-pores to the detri- ment of the plants. The chief insect enemies that may attack plants are the green aphis and the red spider. The former may be eradi- cated by spraying with a tobacco solution obtainable at any seed or flower store. Thorough syringing of the foliage on both sides with a forcible fine water spray will eliminate the red spider. _ At the entrances to theaters, hotels, and similar institu- tions, appropriate street boxes filled with plants add an air of refinement and quality. In such localities hanging baskets may also be used to advantage, these being made of rustic wood work, terra-cotta, crockery, galvanized wire, etc. The plants used are similar to those of the window boxes, and the tall kinds are generally placed in the center and flower- ing and trailing ones along the sides. Still greater care must be given to the pe when baskets are used, as the space for soil is small and the exposed location is subject to the action of drying winds. In this article the window box is the central feature of the discussion, but in a later bulletin it will be pointed out that in smaller towns where the buildings often stand farther apart there are opportunities for a more varied type of deco- ration, including a much freer use of vines, shrubbery, and other landscape possibilities. In some of the southern cities, for instance, a unique feature is utilized of placing specimen palms in tubs along the sidewalks and planting vines at their bases to cover the trunks. In other cities ornamental lam posts are decorated with baskets or boxes of plants suspend Pees Pease er Mo. Bor. GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 5. EFFECTIVE WINDOW BOXES IN DEPARTMENT STORE, BOSTON, MASS. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 33 at the top or midway, thus relieving the monotony of the bare iron structures. Old and unsightly buildings, which the circumstances prevent from being removed, may be beautified and rendered inoffensive to the eye by the use of quick-growing vines planted at the corners. BACK-YARD GARDENS Since the first article in this number of the BULLETIN is devoted to a type of floral decoration which may be used in the beautification of the down-town districts, it has seemed appropriate to include, in the same number, suggestions applicable to that part of the premises in the residential sec- tions most frequently receiving less attention, that is, the back yard. Cleaning up is the first step in the movement for back-yard improvement. A trim lawn and a painted fence, where a fence is unavoidable, inconspicuous ash-pits, and clean walks make for attractiveness. This accomplished, the development of the garden is the next step. A garden is possible in any space admitting sunlight, and of any size from the area of a window box up. Quite an effective garden can be developed in the typical back yard of approximately 30 by 60 feet. Larger spaces admit of Bigs possibilities, of course, perhaps more than one gar- en being practicable. Probably there is no better way to bring out ideas on the development and possibilities of back-yard gardens than by a description of the plans of four such gardens to be laid out this spring in the new economic garden. These four gar- dens, each of which is about 29 by 60 feet, differ in design and in the types of planting material and should suggest other designs and arrangements to the garden enthusiast. There will be a combined flower and vegetable garden, a shrubbery and perennial garden, a rose garden, and a sub- tropical garden. All of these will be separated and enclosed by a hedge of California privet and each will have one large tree, in this case an apple. A small and inexpensive pool will be included in each, and an arch for flowering vines will mark what would be the gateway to the alley. In the flower and vegetable garden the flowering plants are confined to the borders, and the vegetables to the interior square beds. A rectangular space is reserved in the center for a central pool, small lawn, and four dwarf fruit trees, and seats at either side mark the cross axis of the garden. Four additional dwarf fruits are placed near the corners of 34 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN the garden for accent. The seed—both flower and vege- table—for planting this garden would cost about four or five dollars, while the dwarf trees and a proportionate share of the hedge would amount to about thirty dollars. With the continuous succession of crops the vegetable garden should yield for the table material having a retail value of from twenty to twenty-five dollars. The shrubbery and perennial garden attempts more in- formality than the others, though this is difficult to attain with success in a space so small and so formal in outline. Once established, this garden would require much less main- tenance, and would be much more permanent, than any of the others. The shrubs used_are mainly low-growing types, and the few taller-growing ones could easily be kept under 8 feet in height by judicious pruning. The perennials will border and intermix with the shrubbery, the taller kinds in the background and the smaller ones at the border. As is desirable in this type of development, as much space as possible is devoted to open lawn. The 1 is in the cen- ter again and seats are placed at either side. If fairly large shrubs and plants and a large apple tree are used, the cost of planting this ae including a proportionate share of the hedge, would be about sixty dollars, hedge and apple tree being estimated at twenty dollars, the shrubs at fifteen, and the cost of perennials making up the remainder. The rose garden differs materially from the others in design. The pool in this case is at the end, on the long axis of the garden, and there is a seat against the shrubbery in addition to those on either side. A large part of the space is devoted to lawn, and the roses are confined to the border, standard varieties being used for accent, as shown on the plan. Including the purchase of a large apple tree and a proportionate share of the hedge, ninety dollars would cover the cost of planting this garden. This is considerably more than the preceding, but the roses alone would cost in the neighborhood of seventy dollars. iy for the hollies and junipers, the subtropical gar- den is devoted almost entirely to types of plants that are not — indigenous to St. Louis and yet which thrive magnificently in our summer climate. Used with native shrubbery and perennials, this material usually produces the most incon- gruous and inharmonious effects, but when grouped with others of their kind, striking and beautiful results are pos- sible. Again the plan is formal in design, with the pool in the center and seats on either side. The cost of the plants, trees, and hedge for this garden would be about one hun- MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 35 dred dollars, holly and juniper trees alone costing probably in the neighborhood of seventy dollars. There are very few practical requirements that would in- terfere with the making of similar gardens in the back yards of St. Louis. The ash-pit could be easily hidden by shrub- ak or vines in most cases, and there would be space in all of the gardens for the drying of clothes, especially if the cir- cular, removable type of clothes-pole were used. Hedges on the property line are possible almost everywhere, though an attractive fence covered with woody vines would be equally effective. Admitting the practicability and durability of the cement walk, it is believed that the more attractive walk of stepping-stones, flagging, or brick would in most cases suf- fice and probably be less expensive. For the best results first settle on the best design you can think of. Even though the beauty of living plants may make a garden of poor design attractive at times, it is quite evident that only by a combination of healthy, vigor- ous plants, excellent maintenance, and good design, will the greatest success be attained. Avoid freakish and unusual plant forms; there is usually far more beauty in the plants of normal growth. Weeping mulberries, umbrella catalpas, and similar types are hardly adapted to the small lot, and are usually in place only in the formal garden of large scale when used much the same as the standard roses shown in the plan of the rose garden. Though it is true that most plants should have sunny exposures, it has been proven in this city by actual experi- ence that most of the aries shrubs will thrive if planted on the north side, even at the base of the house. Strictly speak- ing, there is scarcely a part of the grounds of our typical house-lot that will not get the sun for a part of the day, at least, during the summer. Many home-owners are afraid to attempt goat bak gar- dens because of the poor condition of the soil — the brick- bats, stone, plaster, and tar paper inherited from the house contractor — but this obstacle is easily overcome. Replacing the soil with good loam would be best, but by no means abso- lutely necessary, and if the stones, bricks, etc., are removed from the bed in the fall, and manure, lime, and fertilizer spaded in, the soil will be in fair condition by spring. The constant spading, manuring, and proper fertilizing thereafter will gradually build up a good for garden purposes. The whole question of the home and its grounds is one of the important problems of city planning, not yet as press- ing as some others, but one which requires considerable 36 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN study. The division of the city into zones and districts will gradually result in sections exclusively for residences. Build- ing-line regulations are already well established, and the con- trol of building heights will become more absolute and rigid. Street tree planting is governed in practically all of the large cities, the species of tree on each street and their spacing being decided by the city forestry department. The engineering features of the street are consistent and in good order; con- a public safety, and sanitation demand that they so. All of these things tend toward harmony and order, and hence beauty, in the appearance of the street. The next step, that of determining the architectural character of the resi- dence and the landscape treatment of its front yard, has not been generally taken up by cities of this country, but it is surely coming. Great attention has been paid to this ques- tion, with remarkable and beautiful results, by many Euro- pean cities, especially Paris and some of the cities of Ger- many, and, too, by the so-called garden cities of Europe and this country. A street is in itself an architectural unit, and its side bounds are not the sidewalk lines, which are incon- spicuous, but the front walls of the residences. Not until this entire space from building to building is treated consistently and with attention to the best andiplos of architectural and landscape design will our streets attain the beauty of which they are possible. Each residential street or subdivision should have a consulting architect to prescribe certain limits of design in the house, and a landscape architect to plan the landscape development from building line to building line. In many of the new garden cities and residential develop- ments the back yard or a portion of it is united with the other adjoining yards to form a park or playground for the use of the occupants of the entire block. This is a wonder- ful idea and one that is increasing in popularity and de- mand. Certainly, in crowded sections where back yards are of the minimum size, and where the enclosure approaches the interior courtyard in nature, this is the only possible solution. Such developments in the older, established sec- tions of the larger type lot, however, could not be brought about except by considerable expense, and it is probable that the desire for them could not be awakened. It is likely that no matter what is done with the front yard, the back yard will generally remain a part of the home — in a sense an outdoor living-room. Unfortunately, too many fail to see the opportunities of this area, and are inclined to treat it as sey oe their basement, a place for storage of undesirable objects. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 37 The September, October, and November, 1915, BuLLETINS give a complete list of flowering trees, shrubs and perennials which thrive in St. Louis, and many of these might be sub- stituted for those used in the back-yard gardens described herein. On the house, the fence, on trellis or arch there are many vines that might be used to good advantage, and a brief list of these follows: ANNUAL VINES: Balloon-vine—Cardiospermum Halicacabum. Wild cucumber—E£chinocystis lobata. Hop-vine—Humulus japonicus. Morning-glory—Ipomoea purpurea. ~ Moon-flower—Ipomoea Bona-nox. Balsam pear—Momordica Balsamina. Scarlet runner bean—Phaseolus multiflorus. PERENNIAL VINES (Herbaceous) : Kudzu vine—Pueraria Thunbergiana. Moon-flower—Ipomoea pandurata. Everlasting pea—Lathyrus latifolius. WOODY VINES: Akebia—Akebia quinata. Virginia creeper—Ampelopsis quinquefolia. Dutchman’s-pipe—Aristolochia Sipho. Clematis—Clematis paniculata. Bittersweet—Celastrus scandens. Matrimony-vine—Lycium chinense. Honeysuckle—Lonicera japonica. Trumpet creeper—Tecoma radicans. Grape—Vitis rotundifolia. Wistaria—Wistaria chinensis. VINES FOR BRICK AND STONE: Boston ivy—Ampelopsis Veitchii, English ivy—Hedera Heliz. Evonymus radicans. Ampelopsis quinquefolia var. Engelmanni, FLOWER AND VEGETABLE GARDEN Bed No. Common Name Botanical Name Trees 2 Pe 24 3 Sparen are eo ence a Pyrus Malus Se Aster Arias san Aster novae-angliae _ SCOMNAMNA WOH 2F ROSE GARDEN Horticultural Name Color De, eee oy FS oe Pyrus Malus .......... ie PE eer reg Tk oe PE IREE EER EEE Bde BO a ore bes ec aeke Antoine Rivoire ....... Pink or yellow PRES ORO 6S oe ot ons oes Duchess of Wellington .. Yellow Sishe BONO 6 oe idee atieee Francis Scott Key...... Red Pk. BOO. cece ctues vel Gruss an Teplitz....... Red Risks SU en ees se canet Kaiserin Augusta VIE ssa ers White Esha SUOUE mip 4+, , eat SCALE URE ais > | Fig. 1. Plan of flower and vegetable garden. 42 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN > a 4 L) n =e } w uw: Door. (ee ee EGP ieee ie eee : Le; E}.. {7A nS pig D ( m0 Ser O. oll: sips “ . ¥ My EO a ae eg PS ad Cet By 6 3d InooMvoonG 3jn00 JO CITI) oomoo Pa Lee ae tn Gill oe Pace MeL SE Se woe" vi Ree es * . ee wee Se er eS SCALE Fig. 2. Plan of shrubbery and perennial garden. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN ac\T SAAN SS SA HEWN AG NG —— PAE : iy ~~ 3 < piss tat th POO Os at PRIVET : Cs rs ALIFORMIA we Wa — aS WS = WGP ScAuar Fig. 3. Plan of rose garden. 43 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 44 Feta ~s its ARR: eon 2s XX Sea bh ee Sif" 9 Ac: ie ne eed ‘G aE J. ot 1h! SEAS WR Lid Roe } On a ee RGN I os tear reed eed eg ae Neb a ST is AF Pepe tet AL yt A. “| & - # Valo SZ MARCH, 1917 | No. 3° CONTENTS © § came from the President of the Alumni Association Floricultural Education - = - | 50 ~ Commercial Floriculture in England vs. ‘he United States 54 Retail Florists’ Stores’ - = Aa Some Practical Observations on Ends and Walls ie 5 a _, Notes from the Secretary's Desk ete) Aare Cr Oe Notes _ Ais hae 5 Bete 2 o7 iol ft: ae Statistical Information AG ahr AN Ras Gee eae ae : sere Fae PUBLISHED MONTHLY basin THE BOARD OF pustEEs ‘ BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS WERE DESIGNATED IN MR. SHAW’S WILL, AND THE BOARD SO CONSTITUTED, EXCLUSIVE OF THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, IS SELF-PERPETUATING. President, EDWARDS WHITAKER. Vice: Presidstit, ; DAVID S. H. SMITH. Bow ain C.Euor, Lronarp MATTHEWS. | Georce C. HitcHcock. Ro Wisin H. H, Petrus. P. CHoureau Maret, ~~ Patti C, Scantan. EDWARD biaiierious. joni F. SHEPLEY. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Epmunp A. ENGLER, _ a Henry W. Kiet, President of The Academy of Science of St. Louis. Freperic A. HALL, Chancellor of Washington University. Mayor of the City of St. Louis. BENJAMIN P. STROMBERG, President of the Board of Public Schools of St. Louis. % Daniet S. Tuttie,” Bishop of the-Diocese of Missouri. R. W. swirzer, Secretary. ee as PLATE 6. Mo. Bot. GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PERENNIAL GARDEN AT MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, PLANTED BY STUDENTS. STUDENTS STUDYING VARIETIES AT MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin ALUMNI NUMBER Vol. V St. Louis, Mo., March, 1917 No. 3 GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Again it becomes my privilege as president of the Garden Alumni Association to contribute a few lines to the annual publication of our organization, and to extend to all members my sincere greetings and the wish that the year 1917 may bring them much joy and success in their various fields of endeavor. Our organization has passed the critical stage of its exist- ence and has demonstrated clearly that it can be of great benefit to the alumni of the Garden. However, in order to do still greater things we need the continued coéperation of all members, and I beg them to respond when called upon by the officers for assistance. The secretary has already issued a call for the next meeting. There is some important work to be done at this meeting, and every member must articipate in the discussions if he is to share in the resulting nefits. This is a day of specialization and organization, oe very little can be accomplished through individual effort. The profession of horticulture, with all its branches, has never been in a more flourishing state than now. With the great demand by the public for cut flowers and the ahah custom of establishing private estates with greenhouses an gardens, there is an ever-increasing call for men educated along practical and scientific lines. Here in New England we have always depended somewhat on the man trained in Europe, but since the beginning of the war none have come to fill the many vacancies which have occurred. At the close of the war the few trained men who will be left will be needed in their own countries, but by that time the American horticulturists, if they have taken advantage of their opportunities, will have developed their own ideas and methods and will not be dependent upon help from abroad. ARNO H. NEHRLING, President, Missouri Botanical Garden Alumni Association, (49) 50 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN FLORICULTURAL EDUCATION _ We are living in an age of intense specialization. This specialization is very apparent in all phases of agricultural work, but in horticulture it has been most marked. So rapidly has this branch developed that in the last twenty- five years it became necessary to divide it into the separate or special departments, such as pomology, landscape garden- ing, olericulture, forestry, and floriculture. Of these highly developed departments, none has progressed as rapidly as floriculture, and this has to some extent been due to the ae who have been trained along practical and scientific nes. In order to appreciate fully the subject of floricultural education and the methods that are being followed by our American agricultural colleges, it is necessary to have a con- ception of the nature and scope of the institutions carrying on this work. An agitation for agricultural schools was brought about by the agricultural societies which came into life late in the eighteenth century, immediately following the American Revolution, and a number of such institutions were established, one in Maine in 1821 and one in Connecti- cut in 1824. The natural conditions, however, did not seem to justify this movement on an extensive scale, and it was not until the great West began to develop, in the late forties — and fifties, that the demand for agricultural schools became apparent. At this time higher education was primarily the business of the church, and colleges existed on private sub- scription. Pennsylvania and New York had agricultural colleges, but as both were supported by private donations, their existence was a struggle and came to an abrupt end at the beginning of the Civil War. Only one state, namely, Michigan, fared a little better. Here, in 1850, about the time the agitation was at its height, some far-sighted man introduced a clause in the constitutional convention making it obligatory upon the state to establish and maintain a col- lege or school of agriculture, and in 1857 the college was opened for students. Many of our pioneer agriculturists, among them L. H. Bailey, Eugene Davenport, and President Butterfield of Massachusetts Agricultural College, received their education at this institution. Further development occurred in 1837 when Justin. P- Morrill, then a member from Vermont serving in the lower house, introduced into Congress a bill providing a grant of land to each state for the purpose of establishing agricul- tural and industrial institutions. The bill had the usual experience of new projects. Once it passed both houses, but i AES ARR TI a et A ee gg 7 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 51 was promptly vetoed by President Buchanan. It passed again, however, and was approved by President Lincoln, July 22, 1862. Thus did the United States in the early days of the Civil War lay the foundation for a national system of agricultural and industrial education, and thus originated the so-called land-grant college. Each state accepted the lands and proceeded to establish its college according to local conditions and its peculiar inter- pretation of the Morrill Act. In the East the land t was turned over to existing institutions, whose faculties Fie little and cared less about what the law intended to accom- plish. In the West the funds were generally used to start universities that too often devoted their energies to the inter- est of general education rather than to the peculiar educa- tional ideals which the Morrill Act was supposed to establish. ie or gear yf sir ee course i pursued. ichigan and Pennsylvania already possessed each an agri- cultural college, and in both cases the proceeds of the land grant were turned over to these institutions, and all energies were devoted to agriculture, ignoring for many years the mechanical interests provided for in the act. These new institutions simply did the best they were able, as they were without teachers, without matter, methods, or ideals, and, above all, without an enthusiastic clientele, for farmers at that time generally ridiculed book-farming. That this is not the case to-day, however, is clearly illustrated by the large attendance at the various colleges of agriculture. At the Massachusetts Agricultural College, courses in bot- any and horticulture were offered by Prof. Clark, then presi- dent of the college, as early as 1878. In 1896 all the so-called horticultural work was turned over to Prof. Maynard, this including pomology, floriculture, market gardening, for- estry, plant breeding, etc. In 1902 Prof. Waugh came to the college to take charge of these courses, and the actual ad- vancement dates from that period. The time soon came when he could not handle all this work, and in 1904 the floricultural department was turned over to Mr. Francis Canning. On account of the popular demand for this branch of horticulture, and realizing the value of men trained along this line, in the fall of 1 the college began offering a specialized course in floriculture under the direction of Prof. E. A. White. In 1908 the courses became still more special- ized, and from the meager beginning in 1878 has developed the present department of floriculture. About this time a number of other state institutions began to divide up the horticultural work. Illinois, in 1908, estab- 52 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN lished a division of floriculture, and Cornell, although more or less complete courses in floriculture had been given under Prof. Bailey’s direction, has since developed a strong depart- ment. Other institutions are offering work along floricul- tural lines, but the work is not as highly specialized as in these three colleges. Before this, however, that man of broad vision, Henry Shaw, to whom we Garden students are directly responsible for our training, realized the fact that there would be a demand for men educated along prac- tical and scientific lines. He made this fact known when, in his will, dated January 26, 1885, he inserted this para- graph: “J declare my intentions that instruction to garden pupils shall, be attended to, both in practical and scientific horticulture, agriculture and arboriculture. I leave the details of instruction to those who may have to administer the establishment, and to shape the particular course of things to the condition of the times.” The Board of Trustees, on assuming control of the Gar- den, gave this feature of Mr. Shaw’s will their very early consideration. In December, 1889, the first announcement concerning Garden pupils was issued. In this we find the following: ‘In accordance with the intentions of its Founder, the Trustees of the Garden propose to provide adequate theo- retical and practical instruction for young men desirous of becoming gardeners.” The system followed in the work at the Garden in the early ses bs was modeled after that in use at the Kew Gardens, England, and floriculture was from the very beginning one of the most important phases. This system has been giving excellent results, and has actually been the foundation for the courses offered by our agricultural colleges to-day. The important factor in the instruction at the Garden is the emphasis that is placed on the practical work, as this gives the student the assurance and confidence that he understands tasks set before him and the best way to acomplish them. The courses offered to-day by the progressive institutions include work in greenhouse management, commercial flori- culture, greenhouse construction, garden flowers and_bed- ding plants, conservatory work, floral decorations, and retail store management. Great emphasis is placed on the com- mercial side of floriculture; nevertheless, the courses will serve as a foundation for the student who wishes to go into private garden, park, or cemetery work.. In addition to the collegiate work, the department at the Massachusetts Agri- cultural College offers a special ten-weeks’ course in commer- MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 53 cial floriculture, which has become so well patronized that it has been necessary to limit the number of students. Two short courses, one in amateur floriculture and one in garden flowers, are also given during the summer months for the benefit of those who cannot attend the regular courses. Another line of educational work which has become ex- tremely popular in New England is that of carrying infor- mation directly to the people, in the form of lectures and demonstrations. This is known technically as extension work, and the department of floriculture at the Massachu- setts Agricultural College has more requests from garden clubs, ete., for this type of work than it can conveniently handle. However, it is of utmost value in educating the people along all lines of floriculture. At this point I cannot refrain from mentioning some of the handicaps that the average state institution encounters in teaching courses in floriculture. The most serious is the lack of equipment, as it is impossible to give practical instruction to 40 or 50 stu- dents in a few arcall greenhouses. Another difficulty is the fact that the school year ends at the time when some of the most important details in the culture of plants must be attended to in order to carry on the work another season. There are many other handicaps, but these two, to my mind, are the most serious. In summing up the entire subject we find that floricul- tural work, as outlined in this discussion, is a comparatively new venture, and only approaches the apprentice system, under which our successful gardeners and florists received their training. The man in demand at the present time is the man proficient in theory and practice, and we Garden students have had the good fortune of being trained under a system which is a combination of both, namely, the college and the practical work. The college graduate must obtain this practice after graduation, while the Garden student, if he Saco advantage of the wonderful opportunities placed at his disposal, is ready to forge ahead from the outset. After eight years of agricultural college work, let me say that if I were to start over again and had my choice between the agricultural college and the course offered to a limited number of students at the Missouri Botanical Garden, I would choose the latter. ARNO H. NEHRLING, ’09. 54 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN COMMERCIAL FLORICULTURE IN ENGLAND VS. THE UNITED STATES Although it is more than a decade since my visit to England and doubtless many of my impressions are out of date, nevertheless a comparison between commercial flori- culture in England and the United States at that time might be of interest. The retail florist here plies a more extensive trade than in England, and his equipment is the best and most elab- orate that money can buy. I saw only a few flower shops in London, and their furnishings were always meager and in a dilapidated condition. Much of the retail business was done by the street peddler, but whereas in this country his stock in trade is mostly cut flowers, in London he sells potted plants — generally ferns, palms, cypress, etc. — obtained at Covent Gardens Market. The peddling is done from house to house in small hand barrows or donkey carts. In England the small retail grower often leads a hand- to-mouth existence. If he lives in the city he is usually very much cramped for room, and his efforts must be con- fined primarily to the common run of bedding plants, gera- niums, lobelias, etc.. He caters to the poorer ale of work- ing people, and is obliged to sell at a ridiculously low Sa Sometimes, though, as in this country, the florist conducts a ee seed business in connection with his greenhouse trade, and there are many extensive suburban establishments which turn out vast quantities of the best quality stock. I have never seen finer cyclamen, cinerarias, hegoetas tuber- ous), pelargoniums, fuchsias, baronias, ericas, and calceola- rias than in England. As transportation facilities are excel- lent, trains being run every few minutes and country ro being always dependable, much of this product finds its way to London at the Covent Gardens Market, a scene of inde- seribable activity in the early morning hours. The big firms with which most florists are familiar, on account of their wide-spread advertising, generally specialize in, or devote much time to, the testing and introduction of novelties. Their market is the world and their business is very re- munerative. The growing of cut flowers under glass is conducted on a very different basis in England than in the United States; they have no such enormous establishments devoted to roses, carnations, etc. Their pot roses are large, and they have wonderful Malmaison carnations with very large flowers of many colors, but with the serious defect of bursting their calyx. However, they are now growing many varieties of scaciuiites ioaiiaianimaaidias MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 55 American origin. Bench culture of cut flowers — a feature in which we have unquestionably achieved a high degree of perfection — has not proven very satisfactory in England because of the weather conditions. Bulb-forcing on a large scale is common, at least in the immediate vicinity of Lon- don, and has become a highly successful and specialized industry. Outdoor formal bedding of tulips and hyacinths is very general, and the results obtained by planting narcissi, scillas, snowdrops, crocuses, etc., informally in lawns, are very wonderful, far surpassing anything that we have here. On account of the ideal weather conditions the cultivation of hardy perennials comprises no small portion of the florist’s business, and it is indeed a very poor garden that does not possess a good and varied collection of such plants, while in this country our knowledge of them is almost en- tirely confined to paeonies, phlox, iris, and hollyhocks. ‘Alpine and rock plants, of which we know practically noth- ing, are especially featured by some of the leading rms. To sum up: In America, floriculture is practised on a larger scale, but in England the people have a wider and more intimate knowledge of plants and their requirements and the profession as a whole is on a much higher plane. OTTO BOGULA, ’97. RETAIL FLORISTS’ STORES The retail flower business of to-day is quite different from what it was in the past. A few years ago it was considered outside the florist’s trade to carry anything beside flowers or material directly connected with them; but now the up-to- date florist will supply the sun-parlor not only with plants but also with bird-cages, chairs, tables, fountain pga Idfish, and artificial flowers, while for the en he wi urnish cement benches, sun-dials, gazing glo , and many other novelties. Moreover, such a diversified stock does not in any way interfere with the sale of fresh flowers, but rather encourages it, as it attracts a wider class of people into the store. A retail flower shop should at all times be a place of beauty. The plants in the store should be fresh, the pots covered, the cut flowers neatly arranged in vases or baskets, and the workroom separated from the salesroom by at least a screen. Buying. — A good buyer is of the utmost importance in conducting a retail business. The proprietor should do his 56 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN own buying, as he is in the best position to know just what the trade demands, but if this is not possible, the buyer should be a conscientious employe, one who has the store’s interest at heart and is a good judge of values and qualities. Salesmanship. — Salesmanship is no small item in estab- lishing the success of a retail flower store. No matter how good the stock or how fine the location, one must have a good salesman in order to draw the trade. He should at all times be courteous and ready and willing to show the stock; he should be able to arrange the plants in an attractive man- ner, be a good judge of their appropriateness for special occa- sions, and he should know enough about them to be able to give advice and suggestions concerning their care. More- over, he should never sell or promise anything not in stock or that there is the slightest doubt about securing in time, for misrepresentation and unreliability do more injury to a business than anything else. Special Days. — Certain days have become very important in the florist’s business, and by special displays in the win- dow they can be brought more forcibly to the attention of the people. This is especially true of St. Valentine’s Day, and an exhibit consisting of heart-shaped boxes and baskets, hearts and arrows attached to basket handles, etc., is a good method of advertising, and can be made very decorative. One florist conceived the idea of using the red frieze left from Christmas in his Valentine display. A heart-shaped wire covered with the frieze, with a ring at the bottom to hold a plant or vase of cut flowers, made quite an addition to his window and gave him “something different.” Millions of shamrocks are grown especially for the florist’s trade at St. Patrick’s Day, and some very clever novelties are introduced every year, among which are the castle and harp, pottery in the shape of shamrocks, and boxes with verses from the Emerald Isle on the cover. The popularity of flowers at Easter is well known, and Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May) is fast becoming one of the big flower days. The latter needs some advertising, but window decorations suitable to the occasion will always bring a large number of orders. Decoration Day, like Easter, needs no introduction to flower buyers, but it 1s a good plan to arrange the window display early. During the summer, when business is dull and there are no special days, the florist’s attention may be turned to wed- dings and graduations. For the wedding display a figure dressed in bride’s costume, which may be rented at a small cost from a department store, may be used, and other figures MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 57 to represent the wedding party make it still more attractive. At a recent exhibition held by the retail florists of Chi this idea was effectively carried out in miniature as a table decoration, dolls and small arches of Cecile Brunner roses and lily-of-the-valley being used. There are no special days in September, but some stores have a large trade by catering to the parties of the debutante, and it is a much better month than formerly. Christmas is always a busy time. Florists’ Telegraph Delivery Association. —One of the best organizations in recent years and which grows more important every year is the Florists’ Telegraph Delivery Association. This is composed of retail florists of Canada and the United States, who are members in good standin in the Society of American Florists and Ornamental Horti- culturists. The dues depend upon the population of the city or town, the minimum being twenty po and the maxi- mum thirty dollars, and when admitted to the association each member must place on deposit a guarantee fee to insure the payment of accounts contracted between members. Advertising. — In this day of competition among retail stores, advertising is a great consideration, whether it be a small neighborhood florist or a large concern that caters to a city and suburban trade. If direct advertising is used — and it is a very good method — a neat and attractive circu- lar or card will suffice. This could be sent before a ee or at a time when a special bargain is to be obtained. card index could be kept of all to whom circulars or cards have been sent, and if they have not purchased after sending a certain number their names might be pees from the list. Window decoration as a means of advertising has already been discussed under “Special Days,” but its im- portance should not be overlooked. The manner of packing and delivering an order could also be classed as advertising, and part of the appropriation for such purpose should be spent in attractive boxes and tags. Indirect ee offers a wide ae = ie omprees such as ers, signboards, programs, and notices in street-cars or Lee Newspaper advertising is probably the best, the choice of paper depending upon its circulation, class of people reading it, and the localities reached. A large space is, of course, more desirable, as more details can be given and the principal selling points brought out, but a neat and attractive advertisement, whether large or small, is sure to sche = RUDOLPH J. MOHR, ’02. 58 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN SOME PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS ON ENDS AND WALLS It is quite evident to those of you who have been employed in greenhouses what is meant by ends and walls, but their importance is often overlooked. It has been the experience of the writer to pass through an unusually severe winter which offered the chance of seeing the benefits of things done and the unpleasant results of things undone in this regard —in other words, to see the advantages of pre- paredness. Greenhouse ends, as they are usually found on the aver- age commercial establishment, are the weakest part of the structure, especially on the older places. It seems as though they had been the last and least-considered part of the house during its erection. Even on newer structures an extremely well-braced end is seldom found, unless it is a specially de- signed house, and less often do we find them with double glass gables. It has been an opportunity to observe during the season just past the ends on six greenhouses, all having a western exposure. Four of these houses were fitted with single glass, as is the common thing, and two with double glass. On very cold days, when it was 25° below zero or there- abouts, the single glass was coated with a heavy layer of frost and the only means of looking outside was through the ends which had the double glass. The two types showed a great variation in temperature, the double glass ends being much warmer and showing a greater tendency towards uniformity and freeness from draughts. The exact records of the different temperatures were not kept because the facts were so obvious that our course on greenhouse end for the future was immediately decided upon. However, it would be interesting to work out the differences in tempera- tures and also the effect upon the strength of the wall in houses with and without the double glass ends. As was the case with the ends, our observations showed that the greenhouse walls were too thin for severe spells of cold weather. They are usually either built of single thick- ness with a building paper or a cement coat, or of double boards with ig between, but seldom with an air space. The neglect here is perhaps due to the fact that the early greenhouses were glass-covered dug-outs and required no material for walls; and as they were gradually built more out of, and finally on top of, the ground, the tendency was to think that the walls were still of mnales consideration. In our greenhouse frost has killed chrysanthemum plants MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 59 that had been placed on a solid bench from 4 to 8 feet inside of a single wall of the type just mentioned. At that time the temperature in the house at 3 feet above the ground was 10° below freezing, while outside it was 30° below zero with a strong wind blowing. The wall was not old and was built of a good grade of lumber, was covered with tar paper with a stucco finish outside, and, we were confident, was as tight as a wall of this kind can be made. We were not decided whether the frost had penetrated the wall or the foundation or whether it had come through the ground under the shal- low foundation that is usually found in greenhouses. We were sure, however, that if we had had a properly air-spaced wall we should have known under a like condition that the frost came through the ground. Naturally, the remaining item in the discussion of a green- house end or wall is the foundation. Commercial green- house men either neglect the importance of a deep founda- tion or else consider it too expensive for most establishments, for it is seldom included in greenhouse equipment. It seems quite evident to the writer that if plants will freeze in ex- treme weather in a greenhouse with such an end as has been described, that no small part of the frost must have come through the ground under the wall; and as there must also be a considerable amount of heat escaping during milder weather, it would be advisable and economical to give more consideration to a foundation. Very often a cement base which is placed under the door-sill is raised by the frost to such an extent that the end of the house becomes warped and the glass falls out of one or more runs, making an un- sightly and loose end. This, too, could be overcome by a deep foundation. Our observations have been drawn from the experience of an unusually severe winter, the like of which we may not see for a great many years, but the lessons which it taught will be of profit for a long time to come. A thing that will not stand a severe test is very apt to be inefficient during the ordinary test, so we advise building greenhouses with deep solid foundations, with double with an air space be- tween, and with double glass ends to keep out the cold. It will be found economy under the ordinary test and great satisfaction under the severe test. Every good grower knows the advantages of uniform and even heating, and although the temperature cannot be entirely regulated with the steam pipes, it can be materially helped by cg, Byatt walls and ends. If the ends of the houses can be maintained at the same temperature as the center, equally good stock can be grown there, and in this great age of efficiency and best 60 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN efforts it would seem that greenhouses and their managers are not doing their best when operating under the handicap of poor walls and ends. ARTHUR H. SMITH, ’11. NOTES FROM THE SECRETARY’S DESK Word has just been received that Profesor Arno H. Nehrling, our president, has resigned his position as head of the department of floriculture at the Massachusetts Agri- cultural College to become president and general manager of the McDonald Floral Company, at Crawfordsville, Indi- ana. In addition to conducting a general wholesale and retail florist business Mr. Nehrling will open a landscape service bureau. All the members of the Alumni Association no doubt feel as I do, that with his usual aggressiveness, forethought, and the determination to succeed, he will keep on climbing as in the past, and will join me in wishing him success. Since the last alumni number of the BuLterin two of our associate members have completed the Garden course— Carl F. Giebel and Nestor S. Philippi. Mr. Giebel is now associated with Charles W. Fullgraff, 04, landscape archi- tect, 1104 Chemical Building, St. Louis, and Mr. Philipp has taken charge of the greenhouse and campus of the Uni- versity of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Fred G. Grossart, 715, until recently head gardener, Val- halla Cemetery, St. Louis, is now engaged as a landscape gardener at the University of Nebraska. ; _ On September 1, 1916, your secretary resigned his post- tion as superintendent of Mt. Greenwood Cemetery, Mor- gan Park, Chicago, and opened his own office at 848 Penob- scot Building, Detroit, for the practice of landscape garden- ing. He is, however, still retained as consulting landscape gardener of Mt. Greenwood Cemetery. To all those who have not had the announcement of the next meeting framed and hung where it will attract atten- tion, we will repeat that our next meeting is to be held at the Garden on November 16 and 17, 1917. This meeting will be a “rouser.” Arrange to come, and bring your class- mate with you. Remember the date — November 16 and 17. With best wishes for a successful year, I remain, Sincerely yours, A. R. GROSS, ’91, Secretary-Treasurer, Missouri Botanical Garden Alumni Associatiwn. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 61 NOTES On March 16, Mr. Thurston, Instructor in Floriculture, Iowa State College, visited the Garden. Mr. Alexander Lurie, Horticulturist to the Garden, gave a talk on “Hot-beds” before the Webster Groves Garden Club, March 13. Mr. Harland Bartholomew, Engineer for the City Plan Commission, addressed the Hortus Club on “City Planning,” February 26. Dr. George M. Reed, Professor of Botany at the University of Missouri, recently spent a day at the Garden, en route to New York where he will spend some months in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Dr. B. M. Duggar, Physiologist to the Garden, lectured before the Alumni Association of the Washington Univer- sity Dental School, March 16, on “Some Phases of Para- sitism and Immunity in Plants.” On March 16, at the St. Louis Flower Show, Mr. G. H. Pring, in charge of conservatories at the Garden, gave a talk on “Aquatic Plants for St. Louis,” and Mr. Alexander Lurie, Horticulturist to the Garden, spoke on ““Back-Yard Gardens.” On Saturdays and Sundays during April there will be a bird walk at the Garden; on Saturdays commencing at the main gate at 9 A. M., conducted by Dr. Charles H. Danforth and Mr. Robert W. Barrell, and on Sundays at 8:30, con- ducted by Mr. George F. Tatum and Mr. R. F. O’Neal. The first number of Volume IV of the Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden has been issued with the follow- ing contents: “Hybrid Nymphaeas.” G. H. Pring. - “Monograph of the North and Central American Species of the Genus Senecio—Part IT.” J. M. Greenman. “A Spurless Variety of Habenaria psycodes.” Mary M. Bryan. “A Systematic Study of the Genus Trillium, Its Variability and Its Relation to Paris and Medeola.” R. R. Gates. The first St. Louis flower show in seven years was held at Armory Hall, March 15-18, under the auspices of the St. Louis Spring Flower Show Association, and was a great suc- cess. The Garden was represented by a number of displays 62 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN not in competition for a prize, and in addition by the follow- ing plants for which the first prize was awarded: Specimen staghorn fern. Best collection of Dracaena staged for effect. Best foliage plant not previously exhibited in the United States— Silver medal of the Society of American Florists and Orna- mental Horticulturists. Pair of pyramidal boxwoods. Best collection of trained boxwood. Six plants of Anthurium. Bougainvillea specimen. Twelve plants of Cineraria stellata. Twelve plants of Cineraria hybrida. Twelve plants of Cyclamen. Erica specimen. Genista specimen. Best collection of orchids. Three orchid plants in variety. Cattleya specimen. Six plants of Cypripedium. Cypripedium specimen. Vanda specimen. Coryanthen specimen. The best carpet bed. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 63 STATISTICAL INFORMATION FOR FEBRUARY, 1917 GARDEN ATTENDANCE: Total number of visitors.............. bapa O10 Gee aga 6,978 PLANT ACCESSIONS: Total number of plants and seeds donated............... 42 LIBRARY ACCESSIONS: Total number of books and pamphlets bought............ 31 Total number of books and pamphlets donated........... 52 HERBARIUM ACCESSIONS: By Purchase — W. E. Blach—Photographs of orchids of Vermont........ 40 Dulau & Co,.—Hepaticae europaeae” Dec. I-LXVI, von Gottecis & Hebeahiwast. 6.66 eee Ae 660 By Exchange — N. Y. Botanical Garden—Plants of Jamai ] collected by Wm. henge waa deme sietnapiass A weir 67 N. Y. Botanical Garden—Scrophulariaceae of the Rocky Mountains, collected by Dr. P. W. Pomel 27.6605. 68 U. 8. National Museum—Plants of western United States.. 181 By Gift — J. A. Drushel—Plants of the United States.............. 16 R. A. Harper—Fungi from Florida...................... 9 Father Jerome—Metrosideros Newellana from the Hawaiian IGIMNOE OS ee a as ae oe Ci ee ve 1 A. B. Massey—Septobasidium retiforme on “ving branches OF PVR a es a i ARE NS eu ot 1 L. 0. Overholts—Wood-destroying fungi from Pennsylvania 3 G. L. Peltier—Parasitic and wood-destroying fungi from pO EEE pe ee Oe ES FR PTS OE SOE Eee Pee 3 The Rocky Mountain Herbarium—Type es of Mer- tensia aliena Machbr. & Payson.........-....0.s0s00+: 1 H. yon Schrenk—High humidity form of Latation saepiaria 1 ¥. L, Stevens—Specimens from Porto Rico for study of the Pellicularia disease of the coffee plant..........--..- 1 J. A. Stevenson—Fungi of Porto Rico.... - aud ae bees ss 19 Leop. B. Strube—Ochroma lagopus Sw., the “balsa wood,” Pom Porte Mind. 2. oi os ee eet as 1 TONG Se eh ee 1,072 The Garden is open to the public every day in the year, except New Year’s, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas—week days from 8:00 A. M. until one-half hour after sunset; Sundays from December to April, 1:00 P. M. until sunset, from April to December, 2:00 P. M. until sunset. The main entrance to the Garden is located at Tower Grove Avenue and Flora Boulevard, on the Vandeventer Avenue car line. Transfer south from all intersecting lines. ‘ STAFF OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN ~ Director, re GEORGE T. MOORE. pels - BENJAMIN Mince Ducear, ~~. Epwarp A. Burt, Physiologist in charge of Graduate Laboratory. ~~ Mycologist and Librarian. HERMANN VON SCHRENK, — J. C. Tu. Urnor, Pathologist. eS tae Assistant Botanist. Jesse M. GREENMAN, | GEORGE W. FREIBERG, Curator of the Herbatium. ~ 9 ‘Research Assistant. : - KATHERINE H. Lercn, Secretary to the Director. JAMES GURNEY, Head Gardener, Emeritus, Wituiam W. OHLWEILER, General Manager. ~ Joun Noyes, ~ Lafidseape Designer. ALEXANDER LuRIE, . Horticulturist. A. B. McIntyre, W. F. LANGan, Outdoor Gardens, : Engineer. J. J. Coucuun, - 1G H. PRING, Construction. Conservatories. P. Foerster, M. SCHILLER, Farm and Stables. . Floral Displays. Missouri Bor GARDEN JBULLETI Vol. V _ APRIL, 1917 i \ Pore serehasieide The Spring. Vegetable Garden es Tne Nets Meats ae : BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS WERE DESIGNATED IN MR, SHAW'S WILL, AND THE BOARD SO CONSTITUTED, EXCLUSIVE OF THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, IS SELF-PERPETUATING, President “ Basa EDWARDS WHITAKER. hess ee eos Fe | Vice- President, ie eae pong eet. DAVID: % 1. SMITE: Epwarp C. Etior, Wes _ - Leonarp MATTHEWS. Ariss -Grorce C. Hitcucocx. WituaM H. H. Pettus. Pee rts Re a, P. Cxoureau Marritr, q Puitie C. SCANLAN. Epwarp MALLINcKRopT. Joun F. SHEPLEY. 5 i rd * 5) | #X-OFFICIO MEMBERS ; Epmunp A. ENGLER, Henry W. Kiz1, _ President of The Academy of Science of Mayor of the City of St. Louis. # St. Louis. oy Rg Freperic A. HALL, BENJAMIN P. STROMBERG, Pie Chancellor of Washington University. a President of the Board of Public Schools of a “St. Louis. y : 5 ; ‘ 3 Dawiet S. Torrie, - ras Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri. ae. Rotanp W. Swirzer, Secretary. Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin Vol. V St. Louis, Mo., April, 1917 No. 4 THE SPRING VEGETABLE GARDEN The home vegetable garden is an important economic factor for the city family in these days of rapidly increas- ing cost of living. In fact, it is almost a necessity at the present time to utilize all available space in the production of foodstuffs. To the average person the undertaking of growing vegetables seems appalling, because of the over- estimated cost, the time necessary, and the intricacies of plant growth. However, the first cost of fitting the soil of an average back yard and buying of the seed will not exceed ten dollars, while in a good many cases it may be done for half the sum, and any one with sufficient ambition can per- form all the labor necessary after work hours. In addition to the economic factor involved, the real dietetic value of fresh vegetables, the benefits derived from healthful exer- cise in the open air, and the pleasure of seeing plants develop from day to day should influence many in starting a garden. In planning the garden the maximum of production on a minimum of space is essential, and the ground should be fully occupied from early spring until late fall. This means that rows of vegetables should be planted close together, that short-season crops should be planted between rows, and that as soon as one crop is harvested another should take its place. Transplanting should be practised to a large extent, to save space during early growth of the plant. Extremely rapid growth is made possible by enriching the soil and applying copious quantities of water. Since planting should be close and a large amount of edible pias obtained from each square foot of ground, it will be necessary to omit from a gardens of this kind some of the rank-growing vegetables which produce proportion- ally small returns for the amount of space occupied. Plants producing the greatest amount of edible matter in the short- est time should be given preference; that is, sweet corn melons, squash, and others of that type may be omitted, an the garden devoted to such crops as lettuce, radishes, beets, (65) 66 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN onions, string beans, peas, tomatoes, turnips, cucumbers, etc. The accompanying plan is a suggestion for handling a plot 20 x 30 feet, sufficient to feed an average family of four. The varying tastes of individuals may require substitution wherever desirable. The following table indicates the plants and the amounts necessary for the suggested arrangement. Seed should be sown thickly in the rows and later thinned to the proper distance apart. The time of planting is general, but will vary where succession of crops is cae. as it is necessary to wait until maturity of the preceding crop before the subse- quent one may be put in. No succession should be practised in rows 6, 8, and 10, in order to give the celery ample room for development. In row 14 radishes may be grown to- “ae with parsley, the latter thinned out and grown between the radishes. Rows 15-20 may be used for quickly maturing _ crops before the late ones are planted. SPRING VEGETABLE GARDEN Distance ; 3 y [g2¢ loz oe Ee >, eo oS 5 =~ . z z 28 fare Gea| 82/28] ot a & VO oon Ola O — > > po |BeSe Rem) easel ee Stringless Bean Green Pod | May 1 } pt. 2 6 | 18 | 10 messes Kidney Wax| May 1 $ pt. 2 6 | 18 | 10 messes \ ——— an Eclipse Apr. 1 oz. 4 | 12 | 5 doz. Beet ... .| Crosby S ; . ‘ Egyptian | Apr. 1 4 oz 3 4 | 12 | 5 doz. Raptr Carrot...| Danvers Half-long | Apr. 15 } oz. 4 3 | 12 | 7 doz. ——————— Cauli- Earl flower. urt Apr.15 12 plants|...... 18 | 18 | 12 heads Chard. ..| Lucullus Apr. 1 } oz. 2 12 | 12 | 20 heads eater Cucum- | White Spine | May 1 1 pkt. 1 36 | 36 |120 slicing ier... 200 pickl’g itil BOE Golden Celery...} Self- May 15/30 plants|...... 9 | 24 | 30 heads blanching an Corn... .| Golden Bantam j|Apr.15 | } pt. 1} 18 | 18 | 3 doz. ee gsaall Horse- | Maliner radish. : Apr. 1 10 plants|...... 12 | 12 | 10 roots MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 67 eo? — . ONIONS followed by PEPPERS ‘T___ RADISHES followed by CARROTS T__LETTUCE followed by BEETS 7 SPINACH followed by STRINGBEANS then by LETTUCE EARLY TURNIPS followed by RADISHES . co ‘ EARLY PEAS ' ~ EARLY PEAS followed by CELERY LETTUCE EARLY PEAS followed by CELERY ONRLOMS CHARD PARSNIPS EARLY BEETS followed by STRING-BEANS RADISHES wilh PARSLEY HORS E- RADISH BG | I IS | lo [a [O ju jm |e jo fp CAULIFLOWER a LATE PEAS STRING BEANS EARLY SWEET CORN followed by TURNIPS TOMATOES TOMATOES RHUBARB CUCUMBERS SUGGESTIVE PLANof VEGETABLE GARDEN 2O0f by 30 ff 68 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN SPRING VEGETABLE GARDEN (Continued) gree = oy) th So2e bi pa nc u 2 6 ue 8 & S88| -lBa ye $ B 3 [Ee se5| 23/88) 52 a § pa |eskelSas| oles) ge > > = 4° iQ” | SSlas| Grand Lettuce..| Rapids Apr. 1 1"pkt. 4 4 | 12 | 30 messes Big Boston | Apr. 1 1’ pkt. PY 6 | 12 | 40 heads Onion | White Apr.1 | 1 pt. 1 4 |12| 5 doz (sets). | Yellow Apr. 1 1 pt. 1 4 {121 5 doz. Parsley..| Moss Curled| Apr. 1 1 pkt. 4 12 | 12 |20 plants — Parsnip. .| Hollow Crown Apr. 1 1 pkt 3 4 | 12] 5 doz. Gradus Apr. 1 3 pt. 1 2 | 12 | 5 messes 4 Am. Wonder} Apr. 1 pt 1 2 | 12 | 5 messes onia Apr. 1 4 pt 1 2 | 12 | 5 messes Telephone | Apr, 1 4 pt 1 2 | 12 | 5 messes Pepper. .}| Ruby King | May 15 {20 plants]...... 12 | 12 | 10 doz. Radish e prenfaat A d ot ct : 2 | 12 | 10 doz Scarlet 3 Se | Short Top | Apr. 1 t oz 2 | 12 |10doz. Rhubarb | Victory Apr. 1 3 plants|...... 36 | 30 }..---+e* Spinach .| New Zealand| Apr.1 | } oz. 2 | 10 | 12 | 10 messes Tomato .|Eatliana —_| May 1-15 |12 plants|...... 18 | 30 | 250 fruits omato -! Dwarf Stone] May 1-15 |12 rae pec exe 18 | 30 | 250 fruits Turnip. .| White Milan| Apr. 1 toz. | 2 4 | 12 | 5 doz For a succession the following may be planted between od dates mentioned, using the early varieties for late plant a SEEDS | MOE esis -April-August Cucumbers ...... May—Jul Radishes ....... April-September Peas .......... “aprild y ag ee ce : ae Soho SS ; Co 0.06 4 ): +O 8% Turni "66: q.-6- 9-8 & i 8 oo eee er May-—August = —_ a Caul = auliflower ..... April-August es May-July fn’ Se April-July Tomatoes ....... May-July The preparation of the soil, its composition, texture, and drainage are of the utmost importanee 2. tie proper growth MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 69 of plants. Light and moisture also play an important part. The average back-yard soil is generally made up of a mix- ture of excavated subsoil obtained from the foundation dig- ging, rubbish, ashes, and tin cans. To make it fit for plant growth the addition of available food in the form of manure or concentrated commercial fertilizers is necessary. The best time to prepare the soil is in the fall, when manure at the rate of one wagon-load to a 20 x 30-foot lot should be spaded in 6-8 inches deep. If not done in the fall the same amount of well-rotted manure should be applied in the spring. In addition to the manure, concentrated fertilizers containing the necessary constituents of plant food, nitrogen, phos- phorus, and potash, should be sitet Nitrogen helps in the production of foliage and comes in the form of nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, tankage, etc. Phosphorus is needed for quick maturity of fruits and seeds, being com- monly sold as bone meal or acid phosphate, while potash is important for the growth of root crops, like radishes, car- rots, etc. All the three elements are often combined in a complete fertilizer, twenty-five pounds of which is sufficient for the plot. The above substances are direct fertilizers, but there are soils from which the full value cannot be realized without the application of a stimulant or indirect fertilizer. Lime is used for this purpose. It sweetens sour soil, produces better drainage in clayey soil, makes loose, sandy soil more retentive of moisture, and causes certain constituents of the soil to become available to the plants. The amount of lime necessary varies according to the soil, but from 10 to 100 pounds is usually sufficient for a plot 20 x 30 feet. To deter- mine whether the soil is sour a sample should be mixed with water to a consistency of paste, and into this a piece of blue litmus paper dropped and left for one hour. If the paper turns nk: the soil is sour and lime is needed. Another method consists of stirring a teaspoonful of soil in a glass of water and then adding a teaspoonful of weak ammonia. If after standing several hours the liquid becomes dark brown or black it is an indication of soil acidity. No fae of garden work calls for ied ies ent and more careful attention than the sowing of seed. Most of the fail- ures originate at this time, and the blame which is placed upon the seed or seedsman will generally be found to rest upon the carelessness of the gardener. A proper start for a successful garden is made by buying good seed from a reli- able dealer, and unless previous testing has proved that a local grocer carries reliable seeds, he is the last one to depend upon. The seed should be bought from an accredited seed 70 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN store which handles large quantities and depends upon trade by the excellence of its stock. It is well to place the order as early as possible to insure prompt service and to avoid shortage of stock which occurs almost yearly in some kinds of seed. Early ordering also gives time for testing seed for germination qualities. In order to learn the proportion of seeds that will ger- minate 10-25 seeds of each kind should be counted out and placed between moist blotters between plates in a warm place. The blotters should be kept constantly moist and examined daily. At the end of 7-12 days the number of seeds ger- minated should be counted and the percentage calculated. One hundred per cent germination should not be expected, — but it should run from 70 per cent in case of parsley, spin- ach, etc., to 96 per cent in radishes and peas. Of great importance is the time at which seed are sown. There are a few seed such as beets, radishes, onions, peas, spinach, and turnips, which may be planted as early as the ground is prepared, but such early planting would result in the rotting and loss of such seed as corn, beans, tomatoes, etc. The depth of planting is influenced by the size of the seed, the soil, and the season. The larger the seed the greater power has the seedling to push its way to the surface and the deeper it may be planted. To insure sufficient moisture it is oy to plant seed deeper in sandy than in clayey soil, for if placed too deep in clayey soil the seedling may never reach the surface because of the crust which generally forms on the top. Early in the spring the seeds should be planted shallower, because at that time the layer of soil at the surface is the warmest and most conducive to germina- tion. In midsummer, however, when the evaporation is rapid and the heat intense the conditions for germination are likely to be more favorable at a good depth below the sur- face. In general practice, in medium soils small seeds like lettuce, onions, carrots, radishes, etc., should be planted ¥4—%4 inches deep, and large seeds, such as corn, beans, peas, should be planted 1-3 inehise deep. The distance between rows is determined by the amount of space needed by each foe for normal development an for proper cultivation. Twelve inches is a satisfactory dis- tance for onions, carrots, lettuce, beets, etc., while other plants will require up to 40 inches. It is best to sow thick in the rows, so as to insure a full stand, and then thin out just before the plants begin to crowd. This precaution is often pibeeeaite with the result that the plants are undersized and sickly. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 71 In order to secure a good crop from such plants as tomato, celery, cauliflower, ete., it is best to buy the young plants instead of sowing seed directly out of doors. In transplant- ing, care should be taken to ner the roots moist and pack the soil well around them, not merely bringing it around the stems and leaving the roots loose below. The compact- ing 1s necessary to bring particles of soil in intimate contact with the roots, to produce immediate growth. If transplant- ing is required during hot weather, the foliage should be trimmed somewhat to reduce the leaf surface from which the water evaporates, causing wilting. The plants should be put in at the same depth that they grew previously, but, if grown very spindly, they may be tetas a little deeper in the soil. To get the best results, cultivation is necessary throughout the entire season. The riddance of weeds conserves eg re and moisture for the plants, while the stirring of the soil roduces a dust mulch which also tends to keep the moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation. To cultivate a small garden properly, such tools as a spade, a hoe, a rake, and a hand weeder are most essential, and a hand trowel and a dibble—a short, pointed stick—are necessary in transplant- ing. For a large garden a wheel-hoe makes a very conven- ient and labor-saving tool. Watering may be done with a hose, early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and it should be a thorough soaking of the ground, as a light sprinkling every evening does more harm than good. The price of a good garden is a never-ceasing warfare against insect pests and plant diseases. There are a number of methods more or less successful in combating these pests —mechanical means, use of poisoned bait, fumigation, and spraying, the last being the most efficacious if the nature of the organism is known. There are three classes of plant enemies that may be con- trolled by spraying—chewing insects, sucking insects, and plant diseases. The chewing insects bite off portions of the plant, chew and swallow them. Various caterpillars and some of the beetles belong to this class. The simplest man- ner of killing these is poisoning their food by coating it with a stomach poison like Paris green or arsenate of lead, but such poisons should be used only upon parts which are not for human consumption. White hellebore is useful for plants which are to be eaten shortly after spraying, because it loses its poisonous properties after a few days’ exposure to the air. It may be dusted in dry form or mixed with water in the proportion of one pound to fifty ae of water. Paris green may be used in powder form by dusting upon 72 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN plants, or as a liquid by mixing six ounces with fifty gallons of water and six ounces of slaked lime to neutralize any soluble arsenic which may be present. Arsenate of lead is quite as poisonous as Paris green, but is more effective because of better sticking qualities. It comes either in paste or powder form, and is applied as a spray at the rate of two pounds to fifty gallons of water. The sucking insects suck the juices out of the plants, and for that reason it is impossible to poison their food without injuring the plant itself. Plant lice are a common example of these insects. To eradicate them, a solution which kills by contact with their bodies is used, kerosene emulsion, whale-oil soap, and nicotine preparations being most com- monly applied. The last named is the most effective and may be prepared in concentrated form and diluted as needed, generally using one ounce to a gallon of water. Plant diseases are caused by the growth of parasitic plants, fungi, and bacteria within the tissues of the host. In order to prevent plant disease, the attack of these parasitic plants must be anticipated and the spray applied either before or just as the disease appears. The best material for this pur- pose is Bordeaux mixture, which consists of five pounds of copper sulphate, five pounds of lime, and fifty gallons of water. A prepared mixture ready for use may be procured at a seed store. Common examples of plant diseases are bean blight, celery rust, mildew on peas, leaf spot, etc. All spray- ing should be done with a hand sprayer or atomizer. “THE FALL GARDEN The spring vegetable garden will furnish sufficient edible matter during the summer months, but it will not contain enough to store and prepare for winter use. In order to secure this winter supply a separate plot should be main- tained where such crops as beans, beets, celery, cucumbers, om and tomatoes may be grown in large quantities. ‘he table on page 66 indicates the quantity of and the yields for a twenty-foot row for all crops except potatoes, these being worthy of a special treatment. The early crop may be planted from March 15 to May 1, while the late crop may go in as late as June 1. However, it is advisable to plant even the late varieties before the extremely hot weather sets in, otherwise the yield will be affected mate- rially, The potato “seed” consist of small sections of a potato tuber which contain at least two eyes. These are planted in rows 244-3 feet apart, and 12 to 15 in the row, inches deep, and immediately covered level with soil. One peck id MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 73 of potatoes is sufficient for planting 150 feet of rows, which should yield 3 bushels of potatoes. The best early varieties are Early Ohio, Early Rose, and Irish Cobbler, while Rural New Yorker No. 2 and Carman No. 3 are the best late varieties. CANNING VEGETABLES With a sufficient amount of land available, not only can fresh vegetables be raised for the summer’s needs, but, per- haps what may prove to be even more important, a consid- erable addition to the winter’s supply of food may be had at comparatively little extra cost ica effort. As set forth in the preceding article, potatoes and similar crops which are easily stored should, when possible, constitute a part of the garden; but if this is not practicable, the canning of surplus vege- tables, or, better, growing extra peas, corn, tomatoes, etc., especially for preserving, will help much towards preventin the anticipated food shortage in this country next fall an winter. In America particularly we have become so accustomed to the preservation of all kinds of foods in glass or tin that it is difficult to realize how comparatively modern is this process. Yet it is less than a hundred years since the estab- lishment of the industry, Ezra Daggett and Thomas Kensett being credited with packing oysters, lobsters, and salmon in New York, and William Underwood and Charles Mitchel preserving fruits in Boston, about 1820. Nicholas Appert, a French confectioner and chef, is usually regarded as the discoverer of the art of canning. The French bsg having offered a prize of 12,000 francs for a method of pre- serving foods which would be eae for army and naval use, Appert set to work about 1795, but it was not until 1804 that he hit upon the essentials of the method, namely, heat- ing the product and hermetically sealing the container. By 1810, after innumerable experiments, Appert was satisfied with the results and published his method, whereupon he was awarded the prize. Although primarily a war measure, the great advantage of being able to preserve food for indef- inite periods was obviously of such value that the process was almost immediately applied commercially, and to-day the annual value of goods canned in the United States alone exceeds a quarter of a billion dollars. _ Appert, of course, worked long before anything was def- initely known concerning the causes of the spoiling of foods, and ascribed his results to the exclusion of the outside air. Indeed, Guy Lussac, one of the foremost chemists of his time, 74 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN came to the same conclusion, reporting that decay was due to a series of oxidations and that Appert’s method, by pre- venting contact with outside air, stopped the process. Simi- lar explanations were made by other scientists, but not until the epoch-making investigations of Louis Pasteur was the fundamental principle discovered that all decay was due pri- marily to the activity of certain microscopic plants—the bac- teria. However, the original means devised to exclude the air likewise excluded or destroyed the bacteria; consequently, the results were satisfactory, regardless of the specific cause of the trouble. It may be pointed out, however, that had Appert known the real source of the spoiling of foods it would not have required fifteen years for him to discover the remedy, and that the perfection of the canning industry has only been possible through the knowledge obtained from the science of bacteriology. Successful canning depends, therefore, upon two things: first, the killing of all microérganisms within the can or Jar of food, and, second, the sealing of the container so that no bacteria can enter from the outside. With the exception of a few fruits and vegetables which, upon standing, deteriorate in flavor and consequently are not worth preserving, the spoiling of canned foods is entirely due to the presence of bacteria. Either the method of killing the bacteria, com- monly called sterilization, is inadequate, or, this being ac- complished, bacteria from the outside are permitted to enter the can during or after sealing. Carelessness in closing the jar or can, whereby bacteria on the hands or a cloth or some utensil are communicated to the inside of the lid or jar, may result in the loss of the contents, even though the container be tightly closed afterwards. Of course, any hole or leak around the top of a jar, permitting the entrance of the decay-producing organisms, will likewise be disastrous— hence the use of the rubber ring on glass jars and of sealing wax, etc., for hermetically closing cans. Mere cleanliness, as the term is ordinarily used in the kitchen, is not sufficient for the preservation of food in containers. Absolute bac- teriological cleanliness, the same that is necessary in the lab- oratory in the preparation of pure cultures of beneficial or disease-producing germs, must be maintained. Fortunately, this is a comparatively simple matter, when one thoroughly understands the problem involved. While commercial canneries, because of the necessity of accom- plishing the process on a large scale in a short space of time, are provided with elaborate and expensive apparatus, juss as satisfactory results may be obtained by any householder leneietiaieiaaes Sianheniaes einai pista Sidra ana a a MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 75 with ordinary kitchen utensils. For sterilizing a number of jars at a time a wash boiler or certain types of ham boilers are admirably adapted. The wash boiler should be provided with a simple wire basket which will stand up from the bot- tom of the boiler about an inch. The basket should be strong enough to hold the weight of a dozen filled jars or cans, and it is usually necessary to strengthen the bottom with wooden strips or heavy wire or metal bands. Handles which will permit the full basket being lowered and lifted from the boiler are also a great convenience. If a wash boiler is not available, any sort of a vessel with a tight-fitting lid, large enough to contain one or more jars, may be used. In fact, it is well to have a small bucket fitted with a wire rack which will contain but a single jar, since with a small garden enough surplus vegetables for one jar may fre- quently be obtained, and it would be a waste of gas and labor to use a large sterilizer like a wash boiler for such a@ comparatively small operation. Recipes for the preparation of the various vegetables are easily obtained from any good cook book, and there is no ~ need of going into much detail here. Salt is usually added, and for some things, like asparagus, soaking in water con- taining lemon juice or vinegar is recommended. In gen- eral, all that is necessary is to clean and cut the raw vege- table into requisite size and pack into the jar, covering with cold water. Of course, the cleaner the jars and lids the better. If glass jars are used, the rubber ring should in- variably be placed at this time and the lid put on loosely. About two or three inches of water is sufficient to put in the bottom of the boiler. More water takes more time and gas, and it is not the water which sterilizes, but the steam. After lowering the basket containing the jars into the boiler, and fitting on the lid of the boiler tightly, the water is brought to the boiling point and the contents subjected to the action of steam for one hour. If more jars are to be sterilized, re- move the basket at the end of the hour, tighten the lids of the jars and set aside for 24 hours; or the boiler with its contents may be removed from the stove, and if the lid is tight the individual lids of the jars need not be tightened at this time. On the second day, repeat the process, being sure to loosen the lids previous to sterilization and tighten- ing them afterwards, and set aside as before. After a second 24-hour period, sterilize again for the third and last time. The reason for this so-called discontinuous sterilization or repetition of the steaming three times, after a considerable interval of cooling, is based upon a knowledge acquired from 76 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN long bacteriological experimentation. While a single ex- posure to. steam, with a temperature of approximately 212° F., will kill most of the bacteria ordinarily found on vegetables, certain germs are provided with cells or spores which will resist the action of even a greater heat. By set- ting aside for 24 hours, these spores grow into a stage which is more easily attacked by the heat and after the second cool- ing period and the third steaming, the last of these more resistant forms are killed. Once all the bacteria within the jar are destroyed, it but remains to prevent the access of outside germs. This is accomplished by tightly closing or sealing the jar by the method provided. It is obvious that no matter how thor- oughly the contents of the jar may be sterilized, if the rub- ber rings and tops are not applied until the end of the opera- tion, germs from the air may be introduced which will render all the work done useless. By the method above described, practically all vegetables grown in the garden may be preserved indefinitely. Peas beans, beets, okra, squash, tomatoes, asparagus, and corn will all retain their characteristic flavor, and if the jars are kept in the dark there will be but little loss of color. If failure results, it will be due to a disregard of the directions given relative to the time of exposure to steam, or the number of sterilizations, or carelessness in finally sealing the = The term “jar” has been used throughout this article because glass containers are more easily cleaned and sealed, but with — precautions the ordinary tin can may be used as well. f course, the tin top should be on the can from the first. The type of jar with spring attachment instead of screw to has the advantage that after the final sterilization and cool- ing, before the jar is put away for the winter, the results of the treatment may be tested. After standing for two or three days, if the spring be released and the jar carefully picked up by the lid, the top will come off if sterilization has been incomplete. Bacteria within will have produced sufficient gas and consequent pressure to overcome the par- tial vacuum produced by the heating. In such cases it will probably be sufficient to sterilize once more, although in some cases if the directions given have been seriously neg- lected, so that the contents have obviously fermented, time will be saved by throwing away the contents and trying again. _- The os of time for each steaming, namely, one hour, is designed for pint or quart jars only, Jars of larger capacity, because of the greater time necessary for the steam MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 77 to thoroughly penetrate its contents, will require more time —approximately double the time for a two-quart jar and four times as long for a gallon jar. It is hoped that this brief statement as to the fundamental principles involved in the preservation of vegetables, to- gether with the simple means of accomplishing the desired result, will enable those having surplus products from their gardens to make the best possible use of them. While the three sterilizations may seem a needless repetition, wide ex- perience has demonstrated that it is the only method of in- suring perfect keeping, unless an expensive apparatus for applying steam under pressure can be resorted to. The extra time and labor involved will more than offset the loss which is almost certain to occur if less thorough methods are used. NOTES Mr. G. G. Hedgecock, of the United States Department of Agriculture, spent a day in the Garden herbarium recently. Recent visitors to the Garden include Professor A. J. Carlson, of the University of Chicago, and Dr. G. F. W. Link, of the University of Nebraska. The rare Cypripedium Boltoni Sanderae, a white-flowered type, has been donated to the Garden’s orchid collection by Mr. D. S. Brown, of Kirkwood, Mo. Mr. O. F. Cook, of the United States Department of Agri- culture, spent a day at the Garden this last month consulting Ss herbarium in connection with his studies of economic plants. On March 22, members of the faculty and students of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy visited the Garden. On be- half of the college there was presented to the Garden a col- lection of lantern slides representing taxonomic subjects. On April 10, in the afternoon, Mr. Alexander Lune, Horticulturist to the Garden, spoke on “Vegetables,” before Butler Bros. Employes Association, and in the evening be- fore the Richmond Heights School Patrons’ Association. Dr. George T. Moore, Director of the Garden, gave an illustrated lecture, March 27, on “Some New and Old Plant Industries,” at the Washington University Medical School, under the auspices of the Washington University Associa- tion. An illustrated lecture under the auspices of the St. Louis Art League was given in the graduate lecture room, April 9, by Dr. Wilhelm Miller, landscape architect of Chicago, 78 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN on “Planning the Home Grounds and Beautifying City Thoroughfares.” On April 19 and 20, talks on “Vegetable Gardening” were given by Garden employes before the Boy Scouts at the fol- RET places: April 19, Knights of Columbus Hall, by Mr. W. W. Ohlweiler; April 20, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church by Mr. G. H. Pring, Bryan Mullanphy School by Mr. Alex- ander Lurie, Kingshighway Presbyterian Church by Mr. Clarence Pedlow, and St. Peter’s Evangelical Church by Mr. P. A. Kohl. The gti cs have been observed this year by the St. Louis Bird April 15 Scaup-duck Wilson’s Snipe Bob-white Screech Owl Hairy Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Flicker Blue Jay Crow Cowbird Red-winged Blackbird Meadow-lark Bronzed Grackle White-throated Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Slate-colored Junco Song Sparrow Fox Sparrow Cardinal Cedar Waxwing Myrtle Warbler Brown Thrasher Brown Creeper Tufted Titmouse Chickadee Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Hermit Thrush Robin ub in the Missouri Botanical Garden: April 22 Scaup-duck Coot Wilson’s Snipe Bob-white Mourning Dove Hairy Woodpecker Chimney-swift Red-headed Woodpecker Flicker Blue Jay Crow Cowbird Red-winged Blackbird Meadow-lark Bronzed Grackle Goldfinch White-throated Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Towhee Cardinal Purple Martin Warbling Vireo Yellow Warbler Myrtle Warbler Catbird Brown Thrasher House Wren Brown Creeper Tufted Titmouse Ruby-crowned Kinglet Gray-cheeked Thrush Robin MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 79 Bluebird Bluebird English Sparrow English Sparrow 4 European Tree Sparrow European Tree Sparrow GARDEN ATTENDANCE: ; Total number of. visitors... 05 2.043 sg oe ee PLANT ACCESSIONS: Total number of plants and seeds donated............... PLANT DISTRIBUTION: Plants distributed in exchange.............5.2e,sc00000> LIBRARY ACCESSIONS: Total number of books and pamphlets bought............ Total number of books and pamphlets donated........... HERBARIUM ACCESSIONS: By Purchase — E. Bartholomew—“Fungi Columbiani,” Cent. XLIX, L, and Sal NOR. S801-G100 = ies is oe es he es : D. L. Crawford—Plants of Nicaragua, collected by C. F. i Weaker 1h 1008 es a ee a eT - A. J. Grout—‘North American Musci Pleurocarpi,” Nos. a hag, iL Bere ra eee eee res ee ee pe By Exchange — : Ira W. Clokey—Plants of Texas, collected by Mr. and Mrs. 4 De Cilpmniin a TO ay ws es a By Gift — | Miss Florence Beckwith—Plants of Illinois, Missouri, and ' gC Eee monte oe ee pe Herr ee pa ere te Ce chan eebiomii ede etry Dhalsim donna E, J. Durand—Sebacina incrustans on living violets from i ae ais See ee eee eee eee ry eee we eee a L. O. Overholts—Co-types of Clitocybe coloradensis Murr. and C. Overholtsii Murr., also fungi from Penn- : Oh a oe oe ren pee er ee eee a : Forrest Shreve—Plants of Arizona..........6.-.++50+005 i H. Schmitz—Atriplex hymenelytra (Torr.) Wats., “Desert : Holly”: from: Califoraia 3.0. << 5c iy So vy oss Jit P. Wilson—Fungi from vicinity of New York City........ STATISTICAL INFORMATION FOR MARCH, 1917 217 485 The Garden is open to the public every day in the year, except New Year’s, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas—week days from 8:00 = A. M. until one-half oer after sunset; Sundays from December to April, 1:00 P. M. until sunset, from April to December, 2:00 P. M. until The main entrance to the Garden is located at Tower Grove Avenue ; and Flora Boulevard, on the Vandeventer Avenue car line. es south from all intersecting lines. teresa ¥ ait er ee Pere 3 | STAFF | _OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN { Director, ~ eee GEORGE T. MOORE, ' | } _ Benjamin Mince Duccar,..° —s- EDWARD A. Burt, ’ a Physiologist in charge of Graduate wupareh _ », Mycologist and Librarian. HERMANN VON SCHRENK, | | 'j. C. Tu. Upnor, I ‘ - Pathologist. ; Assistant Botanist. Ps Jie M. GREENMAN, --._ Grorce W. FREIBERG, I _ Curator of the Herbatium., Research Assistant. f : KATHERINE H. ‘LeicH, a _ / Secretary to the Director. i : eee James Gurney, : ‘ gears Head Gardener, Emeritus... Pete Sy * Wittiam W. O#LWEILER, . ae - 2 General Manager. Ps Joun Noyes, E ; Landscape Designer. be . j ALEXANDER LURIE, | a : Horticulturist. I _A. B. McIntyre, ks W. F. Lancan, - ENR he ee Outdoor Gardens. ae Engineer. : mae eos o | J.J. Coucuuin, sete G. H. Princ, ae : Conservatories: ‘M. SCHILLER, Flotal. Displays. _ Missouri BoTANIcAL — ~ GARDEN BULLET Mie Dad _ MAY, 1917 a ‘CONTENTS> : 2 Storage of Vegetables Seed for 1918 - -. kos av Obee Se or SN © Statistical Information PUBLISHED MowTHLY 8Y THE BOARD OF TRUSTS : BOARD OF TRUSTEES | OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN ‘THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS WERE DESIGNATED IN MR. SHAW’S WILL, AND THE BOARD SO CONSTITUTED, EXCLUSIVE OF THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, IS SELF-PERPETUATING. ‘ President, EDWARDS WHITAKER. Vite- President, DAVID 8. H. SMITH. Epwasp C Eur” LeonaRD MATTHEWS. Toe Grorce C. Hircucocx. Wrutam H. H. Petrus. P; Cuoureau Marrirt, Putuip C, SCANLAN. Epwarb MALLINCKRopT, Joun F. SHEPLEY. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS . EpMuUND A. ENGLER, Henry W. KIEL, President of The Academy of Science of - Mayor of the City of St. Louis. St. Louis. * : Freperic A. Hatt, BENJAMIN: P. STROMBERG, _ Chancellor of Washington University. President of the Board of Public Schools of St. Louis. ’ Dante §. Tortie, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri. Rotanp W. Swirzer, Secretary. } Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin Vol. V St. Louis, Mo., May, 1917 No. 5 STORAGE OF VEGETABLES One of the problems confronting the amateur gardener in the fall will be the storage of vegetables for winter use. To be stored successfully vegetable crops should be planted at such a time as to be properly developed at the time of stor- age. Most of the crops usually keep best if stored compar- atively late, so that it should be the aim of the gardener to mature the Sache as late as possible and yet not to have them injured by cold. If planted too early root crops are likely to become tough and undesirable, while cabbages are liable to split. Onions, parsnips, salsify, horse-radish, ete. may be planted as soon as the ground is ready in the spring, potatoes, beets, and carrots about May 15, and cabbage, celery, and turnips about July 1. Three important factors should be taken into account when providing storage facilities—moisture, temperature, and fresh air. No general rule can be formulated to apply to all classes of vegetables, as different crops require various combinations of conditions. Root crops, for instance, should be kept quite moist in order to preserve their plumpness and succulence, while onions, squashes, and sweet potatoes should be kept dry to avoid decay. With a few exceptions 2-5 above freezing is the most favorable temperature for safe storage. Air circulation is absolutely essential for onions, but root crops do better when not in contact with fresh air. Be pee which are expected to continue growth in storage, such as celery, leeks, Brussels sprouts, ete., should be planted in soil and the roots kept moist, while free circulation and low temperature are required. On the other hand, squashes demand a high temperature and dry atmosphere. The cellar of a residence is often used to preserve vegeta- bles, but as a rule it provides unsatisfactory conditions, espe- cially if it contains a furnace which makes the air warm and dry. This difficulty may be overcome by partitioning off part of the space with any material which will keep out the heat and by providing ample ventilation by means of (81) 82 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN .- windows on the sunny side of the house. Air circulation may be secured by running a 3-inch tile under the floor with an opening into the storage cellar and 30-40 feet away from the house. The fresh air is brought under the floor and coming through is distributed over the bottom, and the warm air is taken care of through the windows. Tf the cellar does not provide sufficient room or is not suit- able for the storage of certain vegetables the method of bury- ing in pits is used. A shallow pit should be dug in which the vegetables are placed, covered with straw and soil, and later overlaid with manure to prevent freezing and boards to shed the rain. To avoid overheating it is desirable in some cases (cabbage) to cover lightly at first and later to add the dressing heavier. Cold-frames may also be used to advantage in storing veg- etables, providing the drainage is made thorough. After the frames are filled the sash should be covered with boards and the outside banked with soil or manure. As the weather becomes severe a covering of straw or mats will be necessary. Beans should be stored in a dry place, regardless of the cold, as they are not injured by freezing. Cabbages may be stored in the cellar by packing in boxes or barrels filled with soil or sand. For winter use, however, they will keep better in an outdoor pit. The pit need not be more than 2 feet deep and wide enough to accommodate 3 or 4 heads placed in a row. If the soil is not well drained the heads should be laid on the surface of the ground, leav- ing the outer leaves and roots on. In either case the heads should be placed with roots up in 2 layers—3 in the first and 2 in the second. The mound should then be covered with a layer of straw 6-8 inches deep. As the weather be- comes colder 6-8 inches of soil should be added, and finally a coating of manure to prevent freezing. At the bottom of the pile an opening should be left for removal of material, this being stuffed with straw when not in use. Cauliflower which fails to mature in the fall may be taken up and planted in shallow boxes of soil in the lightest part of the cellar and kept well watered. The crop will then gradually mature for winter use. Celery may be stored in a number of ways, but the most satisfactory method for home use is to take up the plants and plant the roots in boxes of soil. By keeping the roots supplied with moisture, giving plenty of air at the tops, and a temperature of 35° F., celery will keep in condition throughout the winter. The moisture should be supplied through holes bored about 4 inches from the bottom of the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 83 box, so as not to wet the foliage. Sphagnum moss or sand may be substituted for soil. Onions require a dry cool atmosphere. They should be yaa et cured, dried, and all the tops cut off before stor- ing. Market baskets, trays, or any other receptacle which will —_— of proper air circulation may be used as containers. f the bulbs begin to grow in the spring a good crop of green onions can be secured by setting them outdoors in beds. Parsnips, salsify, and horse-radish, not being injured by frost, may be placed in a pile on the ground and covered with 6 inches of soil. The advantage of storing in this man- ner instead of allowing the roots to remain in the soil is the saving of the time and inconvenience of digging in frozen ground. If desired to store in the cellar the roots should be covered with moist sand, leaves, or soil, and kept as near the freezing point as possible. Potatoes should be stored in a cool frostless cellar in long narrow bins divided into sections to hold about 2-3 bushels. A covering of sand or soil is beneficial to keep moisture in. The tubers should be dug on a bright day when the soil is dry so that it will shake off readily. They should not be washed nor exposed to light for any length of time after harvesting, as that will cause them to turn n. If tubers begin sprouting in the spring all the shoots should be rubbed off. e bins should be examined occasionally and any rotting tubers removed to prevent the spread of infection. Potatoes may also be stored outdoors by placing in a conical pile and covering with 6-8 inches of straw, inches of soil, and a layer of manure. A ventilator made of boards 4 inches wide should be placed at the apex running down to the tubers. When freezing weather sets in it should be stuffed with fine hay. The root crops—beets, carrots, turnips, ete—should be kept cool in a cellar and packed in damp soil or sand. It is desirable to leave on part of the tops for convenience in use and conservation of flavor. The better means of storage is the pit method similar to the one recommended for pota- toes, ya getting the vegetables from pits in midwinter the manure is removed at the base of the pile and a hole 1 foot square is chopped through the frozen soil. _ Sufficient straw is pulled out to enable one to thrust an arm into the opening. The hole should then be stuffed again. Squashes and sweet potatoes are susceptible to cold and moisture, and for that reason should be stored in a dry place where the temperature will approximate 50° F. Squashes may be kept by piling on a dry floor and covering with rugs 84 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN or carpets, but care must be taken that they do not become bruised before storing. Sweet potatoes may be packed in layers in dry sand, wheat chaff, or charcoal, and kept in a warm cellar. Tomatoes may be saved for winter use not only by can- ning but also by storing. They should be picked as they begin to turn, leaving the stems on and taking care not to bruise them. The fruits should be packed in a barrel or box in clean dry sand, being placed some distance apart and kept in a dry cool cellar. Fruits which fail to ripen before frost may be taken indoors and ripened, or ripening upon on may be hastened a week or 10 days by bagging the ruit. SEED FOR 1918 The selection and saving of seed should ordinarily be left to the specialist whose knowledge and working conditions enable him to produce the best stock at the least expense and effort. However, on account of the threatened scarcity of supply, it may be desirable for the amateur gardener to grow and save the seed for next year’s crop. It is of course essential that the plants which are to be saved for seed should receive the best of care and should grow under conditions favoring the most perfect develop- ment of fruits. It often happens that a very poor plant — one or two very superior fruits, but it would be ound that the characters of the entire plant are more likely to be perpetuated than those of individast fruits. Thus, a plant producing a large quantity of uniform-sized tomatoes is better to select from than one which has one branch bear- ing very large fruit, while the other branches have small fruit or none at all; also, small potatoes from a productive hill give better results than large ones from unproductive hills. A common mistake is made in harvesting the entire crop and then selecting at hazard from it. Seeds should not be harvested until fully ripe but the harvesting should start promptly to avoid discoloration. Seeds are ripe when the seed receptacles become yellow or the fruits attain full coloration and begin to lose firmness. Seeds that require threshing, like beans or peas, should be harvested during bright sunny weather. The fleshy fruits should first be mashed to get rid of all superfluous water. The pulp with seeds is then thrown into a receptacle containing water, where it remains in a state of fermentation for 2 or 3 days, this being necessary to loosen the mucilaginous coat from the seeds. After fermentation the seed are separated MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 85 by successive washings, the good heavy seed falling to the bottom of the receptacle, while the skin, pulp, and light seed float on the top. The good seeds should then be spread in thin layers upon sheets and allowed to lie in the sun until thoroughly dried and cured, which usually takes 3-4 days in bright sunny weather. They should then be stored in cloth or paper sacks and placed in a dry atmosphere with plenty of air circulation. Beans are harvested by pulling the vines up when the seed are ripe and stacking hom around poles 4-5 feet high to cure for 4-5 days. As soon as the vines are thoroughly dried they are taken to a storage place and threshed by means of flails or special machinery when in large quantities. After threshing the seed should be sorted and all that is small or diseased thrown aside. Lima beans are harvested in a similar manner but are left to cure longer in the field. The value of seed corn is largely dependent on the way it is gathered and cured. The crop should be harvested as soon as the grain has fully passed into the dough or milk state. The cut stalks should be put into shocks for 4 or 5 days, after which the ears may be husked and placed in drying cribs. In curing corn it is essential that every ear be exposed to circulating air until all grain is perfectly dry and that the temperature be kept above 36° F., as the vitality of green corn is considerably lessened by exposure to cold weather. The ears may be placed on slats laid upon scaffolds in a barn or any other airy warm place. Another method is to use sticks 1-2 inches wide and 4 feet long in which nails have been driven at uniform distances, the ears of corn being stuck upon these nails and the entire stick hung up. Corn keeps best when left on the cob until ready for use and is not injured by cold weather once it is thor- oughly dried. For production of onion seed on a small scale mature bulbs should be selected and planted early in the spring, 4-5 inches deep, 6 inches apart, and 18 inches between rows. After the stalks are well started the soil should be hilled around the plants to provide support. This is done several times a season, finally leaving a ridge 8 inches high. Promptness is important, because if delayed, the seed receptacles burst Seo shedding the seed. When the tops become yellow they should be removed with 5-6 inches of stem and stored in well-ventilated rooms until dry enough for threshing. As the entire crop does not mature at the same time several cuttings are necessary. Cleaning is done by repeated win- nowing and by washing in buckets to separate the light seed 86 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN and chaff. The seed should be thoroughly dried and stored in a dry place. If the seeds are not properly cured or not stored under suitable conditions or if kept too long before sowing they may fail to germinate. To be certain of the viability of the seed it is essential that a germination test be made. One of the best ways of making this test is to plant 100 seeds in a flower pot or flat of soil, counting the seedlings as they appear to ascertain the percentage of germination. Another way is to place the seeds in moist sand between 2 plates, or instead of sand, 2 moist blotters may be used. By still an- other method the seed are laid out on a piece of moist flannel and the whole carefully rolled up. Whatever the method used it is necessary to keep the medium moist and warm and also to keep the seeds far enough apart to prevent the spreading of any mould which might form. PERCENTAGE OF SEED GERMINATION Asparagus ......... 85 per cent Lettuce ............ 95 per cent Tes er. ee 05-per cent Melon... .3......... 90 per cent nue ee 16D -per_cent®:~ Clete. es ee 80 per cent Osbbage «505. 5s Sa: oe percent: Onion: cs 85 per cent CRN 6 Sas 85 per cent ‘Parsley ............. 70 per cent Cauliflower ........ BG ‘percent -Paranip .. <. .5.cis cass 75 per cent COME soc6 css. _= Ss See. See ee 98 per cent Fo) Sas eee 85 per cent Radish ............. 95 per cent Cucumber .......... 90 per cent Squash ............. 90 per cent Ege-plant .......... 80 per cent Tomato ............ 90 per cent Mt 86 per cont... ‘Turpip- -....05.5.0 95 per cent * Each beet seed is really a fruit containing 2-7 seeds. NOTES Volume IV, Number 2, of the Annals of the Missouri be ae Garden has been issued with the following con- nts: : “Studies in the Physiology of the Fungi. III. Physical Properties of Wood in Relation to Decay Induced by Len- zites saepiaria Fries.” §. M. Zeller. “Studies in the Physiology of the Fungi. Iv. The Growth of Certain Fungi in Plant Decoctions.” B. M. Dug- gar, J. W. Severy, and H. Schmitz. : carn in the Mosaic Diseases of Plants.” G. W. Frei- rg. Mr. John Noyes, Landscape Designer to the Garden, at- it: tended the National Conference on City Planning at Kansas City, May 7-9. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 87 On May 10 Dr. George T. Moore, Director of the Garden, spoke before the McKinley High School on “Some Applied Aspects of Botany.” The Annual Flower Sermon, provided for in Mr. Shaw’s will, was preached at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday, May 138, by Rev. James E. Freeman, of St. Mark’s Church, Minneapolis. On April 25 Mr. Alexander Lurie and Mr. John Noyes, respectively Horticulturist and Landscape Designer to the Garden, acted as judges of Webster Groves flower gardens under the auspices of the Webster Groves Garden Club. Mr. C. L. Moody, a graduate of the University of Maine, has succeeded Mr. Max Geisler, in charge of trees and shrubs at the Garden. Mr. Geisler has been appointed research oo with the Forest Service at the Utah Experiment tation. The following lectures have been given by Mr. Alexander Lurie, Horticulturist to the Garden: “Flower Gardens” be- fore the Rose Fanning School, April 20; “Questions on Vegetables” at the Kirkwood City Hall, May 4, and at Web- ster Groves, May 14. During the past few weeks members of the scientific and Garden staffs and Garden students have given assistance to the Women’s Central Committee on Food Conservation by testing soils, making demonstrations, and giving talks on planning and planting a vegetable garden. On May 5 several delegates to the National Conference on City Planning at Kansas City visited the Garden, among whom were Mr. Nelson P. Lewis, Chief Engineer, Board of Estimate and Apportionment, New York City; Mr. Thomas Adams, Town Planning Adviser, Commission of Conserva- tion, Canada, and Mr. Richard B. Watrous, Secretary, Amer- ican Civic Association, Washington, D. C. Prof. Charles M. Robinson and several students in city planning from the University of Illinois, accom anied by Mr. Harland Bartholomew, Engineer for the City Plan Com- mission, visited the Garden, April 29. Other recent visitors include Dr. B. 0. Dodge and Dr. Brown, of Columbia Uni- versity, who are engaged this summer in plant disease ei vey work for the Bureau of Plant Industry, and Dr. C. . Gregory, on leave of absence from Cornell University, who spent a day at the Garden collecting information for the Bureau of Plant Industry regarding cereal : 88 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN The St. Louis Association of Gardeners at its regular meeting unanimously adopted the following resolution in regard to the conservation of the native flora of St. Louis and County: “Our native flora, owing to indiscriminate collectors, is rapidly becoming in danger, especially in the proximity of St. Louis. The frequent picnic parties, etc., visiting the country for Sunday vacations, unfortunately become enthu-. siastic with native flowering plants to such an extent that they devastate the landscape of its beauty, with the idea of reproducing the effect in the city garden. In the major- ity of cases the amateur does not study the environmental factors, the result being a total loss. “The Association therefore recommends to the people of St. Louis that the woodland flowers should remain unmo- lested in their natural environments, allowing their beauty to be admired by all. “A copy of this resolution is being sent to all garden clubs, horticultural societies, and florists’ clubs of St. Louis. Respectfully submitted, G. H. Prine, Publicity Secretary.” The following birds have been observed in the Missouri Botanical Garden by Messrs. Daniels, O’Neal, and Tatum, of the St. Louis Bird Club: APRIL 29 May 12 anp 13 Wild Goose Green Heron Black-crowned Night Heron Wilson’s Snipe Solitary Sandpiper Bob-white Screech Owl Mourning Dove Belted Kingfisher Hairy Woodpecker Red-headed Waadpeakns Flicker Night Hawk Chimney-swift Ruby-throated Humming-bird Crested Flycatcher Blue Jay Crow Cowbird Red-winged Blackbird Meadow-lark Baltimore Oriole Solitary Sandpiper -Spotted Sandpiper Bob-white Mourning Dove Hairy Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Flicker Chimney-swift : Ruby-throated Humming-bird Kingbird Crested Flycatcher Blue Jay Crow ‘Cowbird Red-winged Blackbird Meadow-lark Orchard Oriole Baltimore Oriole ‘arene pene ta pa TS ill EE heme MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 89 Bronzed Grackle Purple Finch Goldfinch White-throated Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Towhee Cardinal Purple Martin Barn Swallow Tree Swallow Bank Swallow Rough-winged Swallow Warbling Vireo Yellow Warbler Myrtle Warbler Palm Warbler Maryland Yellow-throat Mocking-bird Catbird Brown Thrasher Carolina Wren * House Wren Red-breasted Nuthatch Tufted Titmouse Ruby-crowned Kinglet Wood Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Olive-backed Thrush Hermit Thrush Robin Bluebird English Sparrow European Sparrow Bronzed Grackle Purple Finch Goldfinch White-throated Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Towhee Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Tree Swallow Bank Swallow Migrant Shrike Warbling Vireo Bell’s Vireo Yellow Warbler Magnolia Warbler Water Thrush Maryland Yellow-throat American Redstart Catbird Brown Thrasher House Wren White-breasted Nuthatch Tufted Titmouse Ruby-crowned Kinglet Wood Thrush Olive-backed Thrush Robin Bluebird English Sparrow European Sparrow 90 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN STATISTICAL INFORMATION FOR APRIL, 1917 GARDEN ATTENDANCE: Oral number of- visitors 5 356s ora see sae ee ees ot 23,418 PLANT ACCESSIONS: Total number of plants donated ............. ee ee tenes 24 Total number of plants received in exchange..........+.- 105 PLANT DISTRIBUTION : Total number of plants distributed in exchange.......... 17 LipraRy ACCESSIONS: _ Total number of books and pamphlets bought ........... 123 Total number of books and pamphlets donated .........- 82 HERBARIUM ACCESSIONS; By Purchase — E. Bartholomew —“North American Uredinales,” Cent. VIE Oe IOOLHE Or a ee ee 100 BF Bush — Plante of- Missouri... a ce ee 211 J. B. S. Norton— Plants of Maryland..............+-+++ 25 Chas. T. Vorhies — Plants of Arizona.............-.-008- Mi7 By Exchange — Ira W. Clokey — Plants of Utah, California, Nevada, and Mexico, collected by Mr. Marcus KE, Jones in 1882, snclugding several fence: 5.3 fois cs is oc ese wees 690 By Gift — B. F. Bush — @yromitra caroliniana and Morchella gigas SOU SENOWE oo i on eS Pe ees 2 Dr. W. G. Farlow — Aleurodiscus on cultivated grape vine 1 Prof. H. T. Fitzpatrick — Hymenochaete tabacina from Hyrookton, Nes Nos se or ae Se ee 1 L. O. Matthews — Plants of the Orient, Arabia, Egypt, the: Tiely: Tan es Ss os ee ee ee 44 Dr. Lars Romell — Thelephoraceae of Malme Expedition, South -Ameriog= oo. 5 es eo eee 4 Dr. Lars Romell —Thelephoraceae of Sweden...........- 2 Dr. J. B. Rorer — Museum specimen of 2-year-old Cacao tree fatally infected with the “pink disease” fungus, Uorticiim. salmonioolor =i 2555 os oe aks aes oe ce ee 1 Dr, J. A. Stevenson — Fungi of Porto Rico............++- ll Dr. J. R. Wier — Specimens of Merulius from Idaho...... 7 1,216 The Garden is open to the public every day in the year, except New Year’s, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas—week days from 8:00 A. M. until one-half hour after sunset; Sundays from December to April, 1:00 P. M. until sunset, from April to December, 2:00 P. M. until sunset. The main entrance to the Garden is located at Tower Grove Avenue and Flora Boulevard, on the Vandeventer Avenue car line. Transfer south from all intersecting lines. Ferrer re eee STAFF OF THE ricoh abate BOTANICAL GARDEN Director, GEORGE T. MOORE. ' : BENJAMIN Mince Duccar, ‘Epwarp A, Burt, Physiologist in core of Graduate Laboratory... Mycologist and Librarian. HERMANN VON SCHRENK, J. C. Tu. Upnor, Pathologist. Assistant Botanist. Jesse M. GREENMAN, =+——~S*«&C arse HZ. zie, Curator of the Herbarium. ’ Secretary to the Director. 2 JAMEs GURNEY, ; Head Gardener, Emeritus. WILLIAM W. OHLWEILER, *® : : 3° General Manager. ‘ : . -Joun Noyes, ALEXANDER LuRIE, Horticulturist. j . A. B. McIntyre, _ W, F. Lancan, z Outdoor Gardens, Engineer. J. J. Covent, © -. SP >» GH. Prine, Construction. : Conservatories. te P. FOERsTeR, _..M. Scurtusr, & gets: Stik talent Big: Floral Displays. 4 Fs % ; ’ as id eo ; 2 » _ Missouri BoTaNicaL — $y GARDEN BULLETIN Vol. V JUNE, 1917 : : coe ars 4 od LX m @ _ Tree Surgery iy eee es Plants in the Cycad House - - - +» +. 97 * 2 - Notes ees aces oe eg hg mo - - ; Statistical Information Me A Son ae Aaa he a ah PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES toe AM A oe a BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN THE ORIGINAL,MEMBERS WERE DESIGNATED IN MR. SHAW’S WILL, AND THE BOARD SO CONSTITUTED, EXCLUSIVE OF THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, IS SELF-PERPETUATING,. President, EDWARDS WHITAKER. Vice-President, DAVID S. H. SMITH. Epwarp C. Euior, ; Lronarp MatrHews. Georce Cc. HircHcock. | WItiiaM H, H. Petrus. P. CnouTgau MAFFitT. | _ Parte C, SCANLAN. Epwarp MALLINCKRODT. | _ Joan F, SHeptey. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Epmunp A. ENGLER, : ~ Henry W. Krier, President of The Academy of Science of St. Louis. Freperic A. HALL, Chancellor of Washington University. Mayor of the City of St Louis. » BENJAMIN P, STROMBERG, President of the Board of Public Schools of St. Louis. Dantet S. TUTTLE, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri. Rotanp W. Swirzer, Secretary. Mo. Bot. GARD, BuLL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 7. TREE IN NEED OF REPAIR. EXCAVATING 4 YD BURNING OUT WITH TORCH. Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin Vol. V St. Louis, Mo., June, 1917 No. 6 TREE SURGERY Tree surgery is rapidly gaining in importance and popu- larity, as people are beginning to appreciate the value of preserving their trees. However, there would be very little need for it if trees were properly planted, well nourished, and cared for during their lifetime. It is seldom realized that trees need fertilization as well as other plants, and the stronger and more vigorous the tree the greater will be its power of resistance to entrance of insects and disease. Mal- treatment of trees is common, nails being driven into the bark, wire girdled around the trunk, bark scraped and scarred by lawn mowers, and limbs broken off, and it is the object of tree surgery to remedy the damage done by such conditions. Its popularity is due to the spectacular effects achieved and the influence of “tree doctors’ who shroud the work in mystery and foster the impression that a certain inner communion is necessary between them and the tree to attain successful results. The operations, however, are simple if tree structure, nature of decay, and principles of treatment are thoroughly understood. The trunk of the tree serves the functions of supporting the foliage and acting as circulation medium between the roots and the leaves. The roots absorb moisture and min- eral constituents from the soil, which pass through the trunk up to the leaves in crude liquid form. Through the agency of the green chlorophyll particles in the leaves this crude sap is converted into sugar and starch, and is then disseminated through all the portions of the tree as the digested sap which is responsible for the nourishment and consequent growth. The cross-section of the trunk, fig. A, shows four separate concentric portions: the heartwood in the center, next the sapwood, then a very thin layer of cambium, and on the outside the bark. The most import- ant layer from the standpoint of tree surgery 1s the cam- bium. It is the growing part, healing wounds, covering cavities, and each year laying a thin layer of cells over the (91) 92 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN entire surface of the tree. It is the cambium also that con- veys all the digested sap through the tree. Next in import- ance is the sapwood which carries the crude sap up to the leaves, and during winter, together with the roots, acts as a storage house for the dormant food. The heartwood func- tions as the supporting tissue, although it may help convey some crude sap. The bark is the protective covering for the cambium layer and thus indirectly plays a very important role in the life of the tree. _ If a broken limb is cut off close to the trunk, the result- ing wound is oval, and plate 10, fig. 2, shows how the heal- ing will take place. As the exposed cambium offers less ———JAPWOOD ek 2a, ———-HEARTWOOD Fig. A. Cross-section of tree trunk. resistance to the flow of digested sap, it is accelerated, fore- ing rapid growth of cells which gradually cover the wounded surface by rolling over it. It is generally found that the cut heals most rapidly along the sides, less so at the top, and least of all at the base. This is explained by the fact that sap tends to flow in fairly straight lines, hence the greatest flow and growth are past the sides. For this rea- son, the narrow wound will heal more rapidly than one square or oval running perpendicular to the trunk. Proper treatment of wounds implies prevention of en- trance of fungi and insects and facilitation of healing. In order to prevent the entrance of enemies some protective dressing must be applied. The dressings are divided into two classes: those that disinfect or preserve the wood, kill- ing the spores of the fungi and eggs of insects, and those Mo. Bort, GarpD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 8. Naini ridituadre 2 FILLED WITH CONCRETE AND PAINTED. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 93 that fill the wood making it impervious to entrance of parasites. Under the first head are included creosote, carbolineum, corrosive sublimate, zine chloride, copper sulphate, etc. Of these, creosote and carbolineum are most generally used, but as both are injurious to the cambium, a coat of shellac should be applied before the disinfectant. The second class includes pure white lead and linseed oil paint, coal tar, slaters’ cement, liquid grafting wax, and asphalt preparations. Paint and tar are the most commonly employed, sometimes with unsatisfactory results, due to the fact that checking occurs when the wood dries out, leaving numerous openings for parasites. This, however, may be readily remedied by applying another coat after checking has taken place. The asphalt preparations are gradually superseding the others, being tough, elastic, and quite per- manent. They may be bought made up or prepared at home by melting the asphalt, then stirring in a quantity of fluxing oil such as gasolene or linseed oil, and finally adding some fiber to give it body. Whatever the dressing used, the work should be painstaking and thorough, for it is through the neglect of the wounds that decay begins and borers of all sorts infest the trees. Should the preventative have been neglected and decay set in, the tree should then be treated to prevent further decay, protected from parasites, and strengthened if it is hollow. Before any work is done, however, several factors should be considered: Is the tree valuable enough to spend a large sum of money repairing it? Is it located in a section where an incurable disease, such as chestnut blight, is prev- alent? Has it reached maturity? If so it might die off gradually despite repair. Is it situated in a grove, where it has no individual effect and where its absence will not be noticed? Has the fertilization, cultivation, watering been attended to properly? If after considering these points it is still deemed desirable to repair and fill a tree, the proper treatment must be determined upon. The cavities may be filled with concrete, asphalt, and other substances; they may be “tinned’’; or the “open” system may be practised. The preliminary steps for all these methods are similar. The tools used consist of carpenters’ gouges 34-14% inch in width, wooden mallets, chisels, saw, pruning knife, gaso- lene torch, ladders, scaffolds, etc. The first step is to exca- vate thoroughly all the rotten wood, using the gouge or chisel or even the gasolene torch. The mouth of the cavity should be shaped so that it will be wider in than out to : 94 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN retain the filling, the upper and lower ends should be slanted downward to form water sheds, and the entire opening should have an oval form to facilitate healing. Then the cavity is braced by running 34—34-inch machine bolts from the side of the opening diagonally through the back of the tree. These are inserted every 12-18 inches, for the pur- pose of preventing the filling from cracking off from the sides, due to torsional stresses upon the trunk. The hole for the bolt should be bored to be of the same diameter as the bolt, while a square opening should be made in the bark for the nut, deep enough to sink the bolt head under the bark so that it will be eventually grown over. The other side has a circular opening to allow for a washer. The cavity and bolts are then creosoted and later fumigated to kill any borers which may be in the sound wood. For this purpose a teaspoonful of carbon bisulphide is used to every cubic foot of cavity, the entire opening being covered with cloth or tar paper, and a piece of cotton saturated with the solution dropped into the cavity. If the cloth does not allow the fumes to escape, the borers are killed over night. The cavity is then ready for filling. _The material most commonly employed is concrete, either a dry or wet mixture of 1 to 4. The best Portland cement should be used, coarse sand, and ¥%-inch gravel. No reinforcement is necessary, except the bolts, as it will not prevent the cracking which is bound to occur because of the swaying of the tree. Moreover, the strengthening effect of the reinforcement is questionable because an in- elastic substance like concrete cannot strengthen the elastic wood. The dry mixture is the easier to use. The concrete should be mixed so that it will not crumble, and is then laid in the cavity and brought out to within 4 inch of the cambium layer. It is very important that the filling should be below the cambium to permit it to grow over eventually. The surface of the filling may be gone over with mortar to give it a smooth finish, and after drying out a coat of tar or fluxed asphalt is applied to make the concrete waterproof. The “dry” concrete has the disad- vantage of disintegrating, as air spaces are left which are penetrated by water and the cement leaks out. The “wet” concrete method necessitates the use of a form. This may be made of wood, but that is not economical and requires driving nails into the bark. A wire netting is better, which may be inserted into the cavity, the concrete poured in and then faced with mortar made of a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water (1 part of cement to 2 of lime and sand). Still another method requires the use of oil-cloth. Two Mo. Bot. GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 9. TREE IMPROPERLY FILLED WITH CONCRETE, ae) } ‘+ a3 "A OLD FILLING TAKEN OUT AND CAVITY EXCAVATED. PLATE 10. i. Mo. Bot. GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 191 FILLED WITH ASPHALT. CALLUS GROWING OVER A WOUND. Oe arial. eh : MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 95 sticks should be placed on either side of the opening and tied at the top and bottom by a rope running around the trunk. A. piece of oil-cloth should then be cut to fit over the opening. It is tacked at the top, while the bottom is held in place by soil being banked against it. Beginning at the bottom a strip of canvas should be run from post to post to act as a support for the cloth. When 18 inches from the ground is reached the oil-cloth is turned back and into the form the wet concrete (1 to 4) is poured. Then a piece of newspaper or tar paper is laid on top to serve as an ex- pansion joint. The canvas strips are again run up 18 inches and the operation repeated until the cavity is filled. In order to prevent the concrete from coming out to the sur- face of the bark, it is necessary to remove the oil-cloth in 3~4 hours, cut off the surplus material, bringing it back below the cambium, and face the filling with mortar. Another material which is used for fillings and which bids fair to supersede concrete is asphalt mixed with saw- dust or excelsior. Asphalt is elastic, while concrete is stiff, it adheres to wood perfectly, while concrete does not, and it is waterproof, while concrete absorbs water. Its one dis- advantage is the difficulty of handling. The material comes in the form of little bricks or in bulk. In filling, a wall about two inches thick is built of the asphalt by dipping the bricks into hot asphalt and placing them in the open- ing of the cavity. As an extra precaution the bricks are nailed to the wood and one to the other. The cavity behind this wall may be filled with cinders, ashes, or asphalt. The wall is kept from bulging out or in by wire V-shaped braces running from it to the back of the tree. By using a gaso- lene torch or hot chisel the wall may be smoothed out and all crevices between the bricks filled. The asphalt for fill- ings may be prepared by stirring sawdust in boiling asphalt, using three parts of sawdust to one of asphalt. ie Small cavities may be quickly treated by “tinning.” The excavation should be sala except that a led ape : ; bi should wide and 14 inch below me 8 gre should then be the edge of the o l pind ae he canted fitted. The inside of the cavity as well as the metal should be painted and then the erent oo to the ledge with galvanized nails placed one inc “ apart. Care should be exercised in fees the metal below the age bium layer, otherwise it will be torn off by the seen si the ingrowing bet om ree the cee leaped A _ _ ils, and there } raetal eas aes to the strain of the callus rolling over. 96 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN If the cavity is long it is advisable to cut the metal into two or three sections, one lapping the other about 2 inches. The metal is painted over on the outside. Sheet zinc, copper, galvanized iron, and sheet iron are all used for the purpose, tin being used least of all, the term “tinning” being generic. The best of the materials is zine, gauge No. 9. Where appearances do not count, when trees are badly damaged or have irregular cavities difficult to fill, the “open system” may be used. This consists simply of excavating and painting the entire cavity. This method is advan- tageous because it permits constant observation of the inside of the cavity, while fillings do not, it is quite cheap, less sound wood is cut, and it keeps out the fungi and insects quite as effectively as a filling. It has the disadvantage of not having any strength and of marring the beauty of the tree, but is finding many advocates. Bracing is one of the essentials in tree surgery, particu- larly in preventing of wounds and consequent decay. Limbs require bracing when they are likely to get wrenched from the trunk, when they are decayed, when the wood is brittle, and when a tree is forked. The old style of bracing con- sisted of placing an iron band around the limb and con- necting it with a chain to a similar band around the main trunk. The bands cut into the wood and killed the cam- bium, thus defeating the very purpose for which they were used. For best results an eye-bolt should be run through the limb and connected to another eye-bolt inserted in the trunk, by means of cable rope or iron rods. The cable is rather difficult to work, but after it is up, is the most satis- factory of any’ braces. In bracing small limbs several strands of galvanized wire should be run through the two eye-bolts, then bound together with a wire, and tightened by screwing on the nut of the eye-bolt. The eye-bolts will very from %g—%4 inches, depending upon the size of the limb. The braces should be placed as high as possible, for according to the physical law of lever and fulcrum the fur- ther from the crotch is the support the less strength is re- quired. Small trees may have their limbs braced by means of large screw eyes and fence wire, or the wire may be run through an opening in the limb double its diameter, and back again. A groove should be made at the back of the limb and a nail inserted under the wire to prevent it from slipping out. _ Many modifications of these methods are employed. For limbs overloaded with fruit a stick with an iron peg at the end is inserted into a hole on the under side of the limb. Mo. Bot, GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 11. . “TINNED”. Mo. Bot. Garp. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 12. a LOWER PART FILLED WITH CONCRETE, THE UPPER “TINNED”. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 97 The stick acts as a prop and if the fit is tight, it will sway with the wind and come down again still supporting the limb. For limbs that rub, buffers may be used, two pieces of wood or iron being attached to the upper and lower sides of the rubbing branches to keep the two apart. Iron buffers are made U-shaped out of rod iron. Limbs that have been partly severed may be restored by readjusting them, cover- ing the wounds with liquid grafting wax, and bracing to the nearest healthy branch. Bracing may sometimes save trees that have been very seriously damaged by windstorms or lightning. PLANTS IN THE CYCAD HOUSE (Continuation of Plant Inventory) Agathis loranthifolia. Coniferae——An evergreen tree of the Malay Archipelago, from which dammar resin is ob- tained. It reaches 100 feet or more in height, and the leaves are broad, differing from pines and firs by their breadth and parallel veining. Araucaria Bidwillii. Coniferae. | Bunya-bunya.— A native tree of Australia, reaching a height of 150 feet, but rather narrow in growth, especially with age. The leaves are sharp-pointed, thick and shining. It makes an excel- lent house plant, and is hardy in Florida. Araucaria braziliana, Coniferae—A native of Brazil, at- taining 100 feet in height. The branches are somewhat in- clined, raised at the ends, tending to disappear below as the plant grows. The leaves are alternate oblong, and sharp- pointed, and the cones are large and globular. Araucaria excelsa. Coniferae. Norfolk Island pine.—A large tree of Norfolk Island, reaching a height of 200 feet and a diameter of 10 feet. The light green foliage on hori- zontal drooping branches is very attractive. It makes an excellent house plant and keeps well in a cool room near a window. In summer it may be placed in the shade outdoors. Araucaria imbricata. Coniferae. Monkey puzzler—A tree of Chile, attaining 100 feet in height. The branches are horizontal with upward curving tips which finally be- come deflexed. It is claimed that this 1s the only tree that a monkey cannot climb on account of the sharp, spine- like leaves which persist even on the trunk. The tree is hardy in the southern states. 98 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN Asparagus plumosus. Liliaceae. Asparagus fern.—A tall climber with spiny stems, a native of South Africa. The branches are flat, spreading horizontally in sprays. The flowers are white and insignificant, and the berries black. This is one of the most popular of decorative plants, the cut stems holding their shape and color for a long time. The variety nanus is more dwarf and is used for a pot plant. Asparagus Sprengeri. Liliaceae. — A drooping plant of Natal, with fleshy, white tubers and long, slender, branching stems. The leaves are glossy green, the berries red. This is a popular hanging-basket plant, and the sprays are used extensively in decorative work by florists. It is commonly propagated by seeds or division. Bowenia spectabilis var. serrulata. _Cycadaceae.— A Zamia-like cycad of Queensland, Australia. The trunk is thick, scarcely rising above the ground. The plant 1s glabrous, with leaves 4 feet long, resembling those of holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum). It is hardy in Florida, and makes a fine plant for decorative effects. Ceratozamia mexicana. Cycadaceae—A handsome Mex- ican foliage plant with Cycas-like leaves. The trunk is thick, short, and covered with the remains of fallen leaf stalks. The leaves are dark green with numerous leaflets. The cones are produced annually. Ceratozamia mexicana var. longifolia. Cycadaceae.—A ior similar to C. mexicana, but with longer and narrower eafiets. Ceratozamia Miqueliana. Cycadaceae.— A native of Mexico and the West Indies. The leaf stalk is 18 inches long, with 20-30 pairs of leaflets. The plant is seldom cultivated except in conservatories of botanic gardens, but deserves a wider use. Ceratozamia terrestris. Cycadaceae—A South American plant attaining a height of 3 feet. The leaves are 18-24 inches long, with long leaflets serrated at the point. Cupressus Corneyana. Coniferae.—A tall, tiger tree of the Himalayan region. It reaches 150 feet in height, and has pendulous branches and oblong cones. Cupressus glauca. Coniferae—An evergreen tree grow- ing 50 feet high. Its original habitat is unknown, but it is supposed that it was introduced from India. It is ex- tensively cultivated in Portugal. cp esnenasnasiaipineamenf “npn MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 99 Cupressus sempervirens. Coniferae.—An evergreen tree of southern Europe and western Asia. It grows to 80 feet in height, with erect or horizontal branches and dark green foliage. It is useful for ornamental effects, and is much planted about Mohammedan burial grounds in the neigh- borhood of Constantinople. Cupressus thurifera. Coniferae.— An evergreen tree reaching 70 feet in height, with horizontal branches form- ing a pyramidal head. It is a native of Mexico. Cycas circinalis. Cycadaceae. Fern palm.—This species differs from the sago palm in being somewhat taller, rarely branching, and having longer, gracefully arching leaves. It is a native of the Molucca Islands. Cycas media. Cycadaceae. Nut palm. — An Australian cycad reaching 15 feet in height. The trunk is cylindrical, and bears a large crown of leaves curved downward, with numerous glaucous leaflets. Cycas revoluta. Cycadaceae. Sago palm.— A Japanese lant becoming 6-10 feet high with the trunk simple or Beanthing: The leaves are long and recurved at the end, with many narrow, curved, sharp-pointed, stiff, shining een leaflets. The seeds are eaten by the natives, and sago is obtained from the inner part of the trunk. The leaves are dried, pressed, dyed green, and exported to America where they are used in decorative work and funeral designs. The cycads serve as a connecting link between the ferns and the higher seed-bearing plants. Cycas tonkinensis. Cycadaceae. — A native of Tonkin, China. The trunk is slender, cylindrical, erect, wholly cov- ered with large round scales. The leaves are slightly re- curved, glabrous, and the leaflets are sessile, long, and pointed. The petioles are woolly with robust spines. Cyperus alternifolius. Cyperaceae. Umbrella plant.—A plant of the sedge family, native of Madagascar. The stem reaches 4 feet in height and is crowned with about 20 leaves forming an umbel. The plant is much used in aquaria and jardinieres. Dioon edule. Cycadaceae—A Mexican cycad-like plant, with glabrous leaves 3-5 feet long. The leaflets are wedge- shaped and number about 100 on each side. The cones are cylindrical, bearing large seeds about the size of a Spanish shamtestis which are eaten by the natives. The plants are 100 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN used decoratively. The genus is said to be the closest to the fossil forms of any representative of the Cycadaceae. Dioon spinulosum. Cycadaceae—This plant is a native of Mexico, and differs mainly from Dioon edule in having the leaflets margined with small, sharp points. Encephalartos Altensteinii. Cycadaceae. Kafir bread.— A South African plant having a stout trunk and a terminal crown of stiff pinnate leaves with spiny apex. The cones or fruits of the female plants are soaked in water and eaten by the natives of Africa, hence the name Kafir bread. Encephalartos caffer. Cycadaceae.—A large plant, native of South Africa, with a trunk reaching 18 feet in height and 1 foot or more in diameter. The leaves are 4 feet long, stiff and recurved, with alternate, twisted leaflets. Encephalartos horridus. Cycadaceae—A cycad-like plant of South Africa with a short trunk, sometimes woolly. The leaves are up to 6 feet long, with lanceolate leaflets which have a sharp spine at the apex. Encephalartos villosus. Cycadaceae—A South African cycad with a thick, short, woolly trunk up to 6 feet. The leaves are long, with numerous spiny-toothed leaflets. Encephalartos lanuginosus, E. elongatus, and E. Hilde- brandtiz, South Africa. Eucalyptus globulus. Myrtaceae. Blue-gum.—One of the largest trees known, occasionally reaching a height of 300 feet. It is native of Victoria and Tasmania and there, as well as in California and other localities in which it has been introduced, makes a remarkably rapid growth. The trunk and foliage are grayish blue. The hard wood is em- ployed for a great variety of purposes, including mill work, ship-building, etc. The fruits are occasionally used for mak- ing rosaries and necklaces. The leaves possess febrifugal properties, and further, are smoked in the form of cigars or cigarettes as a remedy for asthma. Eucalyptus oil, em- ployed in medicine against asthma and bronchitis, is dis- tilled from the fresh leaves of this and other species of the genus. Eucalyptus rostrata. Myrtaceae. Red-gum.—A native of Italy, reaching 200 feet in height. It thrives in ground periodically inundated for a considerable time. The timber 1s somewhat harder than EZ. globulus and extremely durable, and is suitable for fence posts, ties, piles. It is also used MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 101 in ship-building and for wood bricks for street paving. The flowers yield much honey for bees. Eucalyptus melliodora. Myrtaceae. Honey-scented gum. —A. spreading tree of Australia, reaching a height of 120 feet. The bark is brownish gray without, yellowish within. The timber is used by wheelwrights and ship-builders, and it also makes excellent fuel. The flowers are particularly rich in nectar, and much sought by bees. Ficus repens. Urticaceae. Creeping fig—A prostrate or climbing shrub of Japan, China, and Australia. The vine is used extensively in conservatories where it clings close to the walls. The leaves are oval, heart-shaped at base, and borne on very short petioles. Hakea varia. Proteaceae.—An Australian shrub, attain- ing a height of 8 feet. The flowers are pink in long racemes, and the leaves are flat, with many nerves. It is slightly cul- tivated outdoors in California. Jacquinia pungens. Myrsinaceae. — An evergreen shrub of tropical America, with narrow leaves crowded at the tops of the branches. It is an attractive conservatory plant. Macrozamia Moorei. Cycadaceae. — An Australian cycad growing to 20 feet in height, while the diameter of the trunk Teaches 2 feet. The trunk is surmounted by a crown of leaves numbering as many as 100. The cones are striking on account of their size and large number, 100 having been recorded on a single plant. Macrozamia Paulo-Guilielmt. Cycadaceae.— An Aus- tralian plant closely resembling the cycad, except that the leaflets have no midrib. The trunk is short with leaves 1-3 feet long. The plant is useful as a single specimen, but combines poorly in any scheme of decoration. Macrozamia spiralis. Cycadaceae——A very handsome Australian plant with shining green, pinnate leaves 1-3 feet long. The bases of the leaflets are white, forming a broad central stripe. Marchantia polymorpha. Marchantiaceae. Liverwort.— A liverwort of North America which grows in moist loca- tions, spreading its leaf-like forking thallus over soil or masonry. The thallus is often 4—5 inches long and 1 inch or more in width, and from it arise the reproductive bodies upon slender peduncles. 102 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN Nephrolepis exaltata var. bostoniensis. Polypodiaceae. Boston fern.—A fern, native of tropical Africa. The stalks are 4 feet or more long, the leaflets being set close, and usually acute with crenate or entire edge. This is one of the most popular of the ferns, and is used for decorative work of all sorts. It makes a fine house plant. Ophiopogon japonicus. Haemodoraceae. Snake’s beard. —A perennial, stemless, glabrous herb of Japan with a stoloniferous rhizome. The leaves are dark green, narrowly linear, 1 foot long. The flowers are in racemes, purplish or whitish. The plant is useful as a border in conserva- tories. Passiflora edulis. Passifloraceae. Passion-flower. — A climbing woody plant of Brazil, with large, deeply three- lobed leaves. The flowers are white, tinted with purple. The fruit is globular, purple-dotted, with hard rind, and is edible and fragrant but contains little pulp. The name “passion-flower” is given because of the odd flowers which were fancied by Spanish and Italian travelers to represent the implements of crucifixion. Pellionia Daveauana. Urticaceae.— A tender, creeping foliage plant of Burma. The leaves are dark bronzy green flushed with violet or red, with a fern-like figure of light n down the middle. It is used for ornamental purposes in covering rock work or banks in conservatories. Podocarpus nertifolia. Coniferae—A tree of the Hima- layan_region, attaining 50 feet in height, with whorled spreading branches. The leaves are acuminate, long, dark green above, and glaucous beneath. The plant is much used in conservatories. Podocarpus japonica. Coniferae.— An ornamental ever- green tree of Japan, attaining 30 feet in height. It is used as a pot plant to some extent. Selaginella cuspidata. Selaginellaceae. Club moss.—A club moss of Central America, with densely tufted stems 6 or more inches long, and copiously compound branches. The plant is used for table decoration or for covering banks in greenhouses. Stangeria paradoxa. Cycadaceae. Hottentot’s head.—A South African cycad. Tazodiwm mucronatum. Coniferae.— A tall evergreen tree of Mexico, reaching 170 feet in height and 20 feet or more in diameter. The wood is used for timber. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 103 Zamia furfuracea. Cycadaceae—A Mexican species with a cylindrical trunk reaching 2 feet in height. The leaves consist of about 10-12 pairs of downy leaflets. The cone is oval, downy, and pale yellowish brown. The petioles of the leaves are prickly at the base. Zamia integrifolia. Cycadaceae.— A simple-stemmed, Cycas-like plant of the West Indies. The trunk is 12-18 inches tall, erect, globular or oblong. The leaves are labrous with 7-16 pairs of alternate, oblong leaflets. The ruit is a berry-like drupe borne upon a cone. The pith of the stems contains sago. Zamia media. Cycadaceae.—A native of Florida and the West Indies. The leaflets average 18-20 on both sides, are obovate-oblong, and 2 inches long. The petioles of the leaves are unarmed, scurfy-pubescent. Zamia Van Houttei. Cycadaceae. — A plant reaching 3 feet in height, with leaves 1-2 feet long. The leaflets are 6 inches long, strap-shaped, finely serrate towards the tip. Zamia costaricensis, Costa Rica. Z. Loddigesii, Caracas. NOTES The Rufus J. Lackland fellowships for the year 1917- 1918 have been awarded as follows: Mr. W. W. Bonns, B.S. Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology, 1899; B.S.A. Cornell University, 1909; reappointed third year. Mr. C. W. Dodge, A.B. Middlebury College, 1915, reap- pointed third year. Mr. D. C. Neal, B.S. Mississippi A. & M. College, 1909; A.M. Washington University, 1916; reappointed second year. Mr. Henry Schmitz, B.S. University of Washington, 1915; M.S. University of Washington, 1916; reappointed second year. Mr. W. H. Chambers, B.S. University of Illinois, 1915. Appointments as teaching fellows in the Henry Shaw School of Botany for the coming year are: Mr. J. W. Severy, A.B. Oberlin College, 1915, reappointed third year, and Mr. EK. B. Payson, B.A. University of Wyoming, 1917. Dr. S. M. Zeller has been appointed special investigator by the Yellow Pine Association to continue his studies on the durability of woods, the Garden coéperating 1n this 104 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN project by permitting the use of the facilities of the graduate laboratory. The delegates to the Advertising Convention and their wives visited the Garden on June 7. Dr. George T. Moore, Director of the Garden, spoke at the Kirkwood City Hall on “Vegetables,” May 4. On his return from California Dr. E. M. East, Professor a Genetics, Harvard University, spent June 8 and 9 at the arden. Professor W. E. McCourt, Professor of Geology, Washing- ton University, gave an illustrated lecture on “Geology” be- fore the Hortus Club, June 4. Mr. L. L. Harter, Plant Pathologist, Bureau of Plant In- dustry, was at the Garden, June 12, for the purpose of exam- ining the Texas root rot fungus. Dr. George T. Moore, Director of the Garden, delivered the valedictory address to the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, at the Sheldon Memorial on May 16. Among those visiting the Garden during June were Mr. W. B. Lanham, of the Agricultural Extension Department of Texas A. & M. College; Dr. A. G. Johnson, of the Uni- versity of Wisconsin; Prof. L. L. Burlingame, of Leland Stanford University; and Dr. W. H. Emig, of the Univer- sity of Pittsburgh. Dr. Hermann von Schrenk, Pathologist to the Garden, recently placed on deposit in the Garden library a very rare work entitled “Flora Monacensis, seu plantae sponte circa Monachium nascentes, quas pinxit et in lapide delineavit Jobann Nepomuk Mayrhofer” by Franz von Paula Schrank, 1811-1816, also “Charakteristik der fir die Arzmeikunde und Technik wichtigsten Pflanzen-Gattungen”, by Otto Karl Berg, 1861, and “Deutschlands Flora,” by Ernst Hallier. At the commencement of Washington University, June 14, degrees were conferred on the members of the -craduate laboratory as follows: Doctor of Philosophy, G. W. Frei- berg, with a thesis on “Studies in the mosaic diseases of plants”; and S. M. Zeller, “Lenzites saepiaria Fries, with special reference to enzyme activity.” The de of Mas- ter of Arts was conferred on Ruth Beattie, thesis “Tem- perature relations of enzymes with special reference to the effects of various temperatures upon the formation of glucose from starch by the action of diastase’; Alice Pickel, “A taxonomic study of the genus Tetradymia”; and MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 105 R. A. Studhalter, “The factors involved in the dissemina- tion of the chestnut bark disease.” Members of the graduate laboratory registered during the past year for the advanced degrees in the Henry Shaw School of Botany of Washington University have made the follow- ing arrangements for the period of the summer or longer: Dr. G. W. Freiberg, Messrs. W. S. Reeves, and J. W. Severy enlisted in the Washington University Base Hospital, Unit 21, and are now in France; Dr. 8. M. Zeller will give work in the summer school at the Puget Sound Marine Station ; Mr. D. C. Neal has undertaken a study of the citrus canker in Alabama in coéperation with the state and federal service ; Mr. I. C. Hoffman is continuing his investigations of cucumber troubles in Indiana, a project involving the co- éperation of the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Heinz Co.; Mr. C. W. Dodge is devoting the summer to agricul- tural work at his home, Pawlet, Vermont; Mr. Henry Schmitz will assist in the summer work in botany at the University of Washington; Mr. H. M. Jennison returns to Montana Agricultural College as Assistant Professor of Botany; Mr. R. A. Studhalter is engaged upon a study of the rusts of conifers undertaken by the office of Forest_Path- ology, U. S. Department of Agriculture, in the state of Wash- ington; and Messrs. W. W. Bonns and L. J. Pessin will spend the summer in the laboratory at the Garden. 106 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN STATISTICAL INFORMATION FOR MAY, 1917 GARDEN ATTENDANCE: LOU NUMDSr OF VIBILOIR sc cen cre a Sia cae cess .. 18,275 PLantT ACCESSIONS: Total number of plants donated.............0..-+eeeeees 52 Total number of plants received in exchange...........-. 233 PLANT DISTRIBUTION: Total number of plants distributed in exchange.......... 9 LipraRy ACCESSIONS: Total number of books and pamphiets bougatys656 5.5: 22 Total number of books and pamphlets donated........... 72 HERBARIUM ACCESSIONS: By Purchase — G. W. Freiberg—Plants of Washington................-. 573 J. Holzinger—‘Musci Acrocarpi Boreali-Americani” Nos. SOLOS ED: tos Se eee hs Oe ae Or Ee 25 By Exchange — Gray Herbarium, Harvard University—Plants of Newfound- BONG Sry ks oe ee a 209 E. L. Johnston—Plants of Iowa and Kansas............. 27 E. E. Sherff—Photographs of Bidens................-++ 24 By Gift — F, E. Clements—Oenothera bistorta Nutt. from California.. 1 J. J. Davis—‘Fungi Wisconsinenses Exsiccati,” Decades REL AMEE Vg NOG, De eraU co oe ee a ev oe ha 20 J. A. Drushel—Plants from various states............... 14 Dr. W. G. Farlow—Algae and lichens from various local- ROIOR Soa es en ek a oe eee 375 Mrs. Ida M. Fucked —Whitsdowered form of Viola cucul- lata, also specimen of V. blanda................00000: 2 Dr. H. von Schrenk—Plants of Europe collected by G. Hieronymus chiefly in Silesia... 2.0205. ce ck cee es 118 TOPAN oe ee ees 1,388 The Garden is open to the public every day in the year, except New Year’s, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas—week days from 8:00 A. M. until one-half hour after sunset; Sundays from December to April, 1:00 P. M. until sunset, from April to December, 2:00 P. M. until sunset. The main entrance to the Garden is located at Tower Grove Avenue and Flora Boulevard, on the Vandeventer Avenue car line. Transfer south from all intersecting lines. BTARRE OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN Director, GEORGE T.. MOORE. - Benjamin Mince Duccar, Epwarp. A. Burt, Physiologist in charge of Graduate Laboratory. Mycologist.and Librarian. HERMANN VON SCHRENK, J. C. Tu. UpHor, «. Pathologist. Assistant Botanist. Jesse M. GREENMAN, y ' KATHERINE H, Leica, Curator of the Herbarium. ~ Secretary to the Director. JAMEs GURNEY, Head Gardener, Emeritus. Wituiam W. OxLweILer, General Manager. Joun Noyes, Landscape Designer. . ALEXANDER Lurig, Horticulturist. A. B. Mcintyre, Pe < WeF. Lancay, * . Outdoor Gardens. : Engineer. J. J. Covcuun, | oat \G. H. Prine, P. ForRsrsr, _ M, SCHILLER, © Farm and Stables, Floral Displays. Mussour! BOTANICAL GARDEN JBULLETIN Vol. V JULY, 1917 A Nek raf Bi CONTENTS | ae “School for Gardening of the Missouri Botanical Garden’ 107 Py at ON OteeS 20s np Ment oe le a ge a Ge 116. Todt Statistical Information ee es es eee Page —_ - ST. LOUIS, Mo. eee . 1917» ae Totes PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEE ener Wales es core ae | SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: P, DEN a Mo. Bot. GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 13. SPRAYING. PLANTING WATER-LILIES. Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin Vol. V St. Louis, Mo., July, 1917 No. 7 SCHOOL FOR GARDENING OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN In accordance with the intention of Henry Shaw, the Trustees of the Garden, November 19, 1889, passed resolu- tions providing theoretical and practical instruction for young men desirous of becoming gardeners. A brief sum- mary of these resolutions is given in the December, 1914, number of the Buttetin. In 1914 the courses of instruc- tion were entirely reorganized, and the scope of the school enlarged in conformity with the following resolutions passed by the Board of Trustees on March 11 of that year: RESOLVED, That the action taken by the Board concerning gar- den pupils on November 19, 1889, and subsequently amended on March 9, 1892, and February 11, 1903, together with the action of the Board, taken at its meeting November 16, 1894, authorizing additional garden pupils which should pay a tuition, be rescinded. RESOLVED, That there be established the number of six scholar- ships for garden pupils of the Missouri Botanical Garden, each of the value of $350.00 annually, to be available on and after Octo- ber 1, 1914; such scholarships to be awarded by the Director of the Garden on the results of competitive examination, to applicants between the ages of sixteen and twenty years, of good character, and possessing at least the education afforded by completing a regular high school course of recognized standing, or its equiva- lent; each scholarship to grant such privileges and be subject to such conditions as are provided below, or may subsequently be im- posed by the Trustees of the Garden. Each scholarship so conferred may be held by the original re- cipient for a period not exceeding three years, subject to the fol- lowing conditions: Each garden pupil shall show such progress as to satisfy the Director that the opportunities afforded are being appreciated, and from time to time will be subject to both theoretical and practical examinations. Garden pupils shall lead a strictly upright and moral life and shall be courteous and willing in the performance of all duties prescribed. Failure to meet the requirements in any of these respects shall forfeit all claim to any scholarship. Upon the satisfactory completion of the regular garden. course, the holder of a scholarship shall be examined, and on passing such examination to the satisfaction of the Garden Committee and Director, shall receive a certificate indicating the work done. (107) 108 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN ResoLvep, That there be admitted to the garden course, in addition to those holding garden scholarships, as many suitably prepared pupils as can in the judgment of the Director be adequately taught; each pupil so admitted to be charged $50.00 per year tuition and to be entitled to a regular certificate on the completion of the prescribed course and examination. It is further provided that properly pre- pared individuals may take a single course at a cost of $15.00 for each course extending throughout the year, and a fee of $5.00 for each course covering three months or less. Resotvep, That the Director be instructed to prepare regulations concerning applications for scholarships, examinations, vacations, courses of study, and such other matters necessary to properly carry out the provisions of the above resolutions and for the establish- ment of a garden course along the lines indicated in the Director’s report for the month of February, 1914. Owing to the unique opportunities at the Garden, it is believed that this school has taken first rank with similar institutions throughout the world. Although numerous Institutions in this country give a part of the work neces- sary for fitting young men and women to be competent gardeners and superintendents, there is no one place which so admirably combines theoretical instruction with facil- ities for practical experience as the Missouri Botanical Garden. In 1916 the course of instruction was augmented and strengthened to conform to the greater requirements of the rofession. It may be ec divided into four parts: : tany, horticulture, engineering, and landscape architec- ure. The courses in botany deal with the form, structure, tax- onomy, and economic use of plants. The student is taught to recognize the lower as well as the higher forms of plant life under various conditions and is made acquainted with the history, culture, and uses of the economic plants produc- ing edible parts, gums, oils, perfumes, condiments, medic- inal ingredients, textiles, etc. The horticultural courses comprise instruction in the care of all phases of plant life, both in the greenhouses and out- doors. The fundamentals of soils and fertilizers and their application are given proper attention. The forcing of flowers, vegetables, and fruits, for commercial as well as private purposes, is taken up in. detail, and trips to other greenhouse establishments help to broaden the student’s ideas. Considerable time is devoted to the study of the treat- ment of outdoor plants—trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, annuals, bulbs, tropical and water-loving plants, considera- tion being given to the means of control of various fungous and insect pests. Mo. Bot. GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917, PLATE 14. DRAFTING ROOM. SURVEYING. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 109 The courses in landscape architecture are arranged to start the student properly in the study of this profession. The Garden has an excellent collection of the best books on various phases of the subject, which are constantly referred to. In the course in principles of landscape gardening, study is made of the best American and foreign examples of the art. In landscape design the student gets valuable practice in the design of home grounds, country estates, parks, and playgrounds, and as much time as possible is devoted to drafting and rendering, in all courses. With its numerous and varied gardens, its excellent collection of plants, and its new undertakings, the Garden is particularly well equipped for instruction and practice in planting de- sign. The course, called here garden architecture, is intended to familiarize the student with the various styles and monuments of architecture, as well as to provide practice in the design of the minor architectural structures associated with gardens. The courses in surveying and construction give the stu- dent thorough practical knowledge of those branches of those subjects particularly essential to the landscape archi- tect and gardener. In addition to the theoretical instruc- tion in surveying, all students, in their morning work, re- ceive considerable practical training in making and plotting topographical surveys, in leveling, staking out new build- ings and gardens, and in setting grades and batter boards. The transit and stadia are most frequently used in the mak- ing of our topographical surveys, with triangulation as the basis of the operation. In construction the student keeps in constant touch with the new developments of the Garden and with various engineering undertakings in the city. The lectures and designs are devoted sepecialls to those types of structures so important to landscape developments, consid- erable attention being given to grading design and earth- work computations. Greenhouse construction involves the eee: of various types and methods of construction and eating. The courses are arranged so that all theoretical instruc- tion is given in the afternoon. The morning work com- prises practical application in the various departments of the Garden and enables the student to come into actual con- tact with culture and care of a large and varied collection of plants. This affords the student an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained to practical details, and results in the rare product, who may be placed in a respon- sible position upon graduation, with every chance of. success. 110 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN OFFICERS OF ADMINISTRATION AND INSTRUCTION George Thomas Moore, A.M., Ph.D., Director of the Garden, and Engelmann Professor in the Henry Shaw School of Botany of Washington University. Jesse More Greenman, A.M., Ph.D., Curator of the Her- barium, and Associate Professor in the Henry Shaw School of Botany of Washington University. Edward Angus Burt, A.M., Ph.D., Mycologist and Librarian to the Garden, and Associate Professor in the Henry Shaw School of Botany of Washington University. Harry Milliken Jennison, A.B., A.M., Assistant in Botany in the Henry Shaw School of Botany of Washing- ton University. William Woodward Ohlweiler, B.S., A.M., General Manager to the Garden. B.S., Connecticut Agricultural College; A.M., Washing- ton University; Missouri Botanical Garden, 1907-; Teaching Fellow, Washington University, 1912-13. John Noyes, 8.B., Landscape Designer to the Garden. S.B., Massachusetts Agricultural College; Instructor in Landscape Gardening, Massachusetts Agricultural Col- lege, 1909-11; with Warren H. Manning, Boston, 1911- 14; Missouri Botanical Garden, 1914- Alexander Lurie, B.S., Horticulturist to the Garden. B.S., Cornell University; charge of ornamentals and nhouses, Greening Bros. Nurseries, Monroe, Mich., 913-14; Instructor in Floriculture, in charge of green- houses and grounds, University of Maine, 1914-16; Mis- souri Botanical Garden, 1916- saad Es Pring, Orchids and other Exotics. yal _ Botanic Gardens, Kew, 1899-1906; Missouri Botanical Garden, 1906- COURSES OF INSTRUCTION First Year 2 GENERAL Botany. (At Washington University.) Laboratory course with lectures and quizzes dealing with the form and structure of plants, with special reference to their life processes. A brief study will be made of living plants in relation to their environment. October to July. (Jennison) 2. GENERAL Fioricutturs. The general principles of greenhouse management. Methods of propagation by seeds, Mo. Bot. GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 15. CULTIVATING IN NURSERY. POTTING, PRICKING OFF, MAKING CUTTINGS. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 111 cuttings, division, layering, grafting, etc., under glass and outdoors. Cultural methods for successful wing of out- door roses, bulbs, tubers, decorative and bed ing plants, ete. October to April. (Lurie) 3. COMMERCIAL FLoricuLTurE. Culture of roses, carna- tions, chrysanthemums, violets, orchids, sweet peas, bulbs, ferns, palms, and other decorative and flowering plants. Marketing, packing, shipping, designing. April to October. (Lurie) 4, VEGETABLE GARDENING. Methods of growing, har- vesting, and marketing vegetables for commercial purposes. Home gardens. July and September. (Lurie) 5. Disease Controt. Methods of control of fungous and insect diseases affecting greenhouse and other cultivated plants and trees. ‘Sprays and spray machinery. April to October. (Lurie) 6. SuRveyine. Topographical surveying and plotting, principally with the Wye level and transit, using the stadia. Practice in the use of the hand level, compass, ete. Staking out, setting grades, etc., from plans. October to April. (Noyes) 7. Construction. Grading design and earthwork, foundations, roads and walks, rainage, sewage and water supply, plain and reinforced concrete, building materials, elements of structural design, greenhouse construction, ete. April to October. (Noyes and Lurie) 8. ADMINISTRATION. Management of public arks, es- tates, cemeteries, public grounds, ete. A practical discussion from the administrative standpoint. July and September. (Ohlweiler) _ 9. Mecuantcat Drawina. Lettering, geometrical draw- Ing, projections, shades and shadows, perspective, architec- drawing. October to April. (Noyes) 10. Free-Hanp Drawine. Pencil, charcoal and water color work, sketching of models, casts, flowers, trees, shrubs, etc. April to October. (Noyes) Second Year 11. Denprotogy. Nursery work. Planting, growing, pruning, and care of trees and shrubs. Tree surgery. Fun- damentals of forestry, including forest management, men- suration, protection, utilization, by-products, and wood pres- ervation. October to April. (Lurie) 12. Forcing Fruirs anp VEGETABLES. Forcing of grapes, peaches, nectarines, figs, strawberries, pineapples, etc., 112 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN under glass. Forcing of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, radishes, etc., under glass. January to April. Lurie) 13. Pxianr Breepine. The principles and practice of plant breeding. Hybridization and selection. The origin of horticultural varieties. April to October. (Lurie) 14. Puant Mareriats. Flowering trees, shrubs, peren- nials, and annuals used in landscape designs and private gar- dens in this country. Intended to familiarize the student with the variety of flowering material at his disposal, together with the facilities of various nurseries and growers in Amer- ica, April to October. (Ohlweiler) 15. Sors. A consideration of the soil as a medium for root development and as a reservoir for the storage and con- servation of water. Water movement, capillarity, aération, Hae aoe natural minerals, soil organisms, etc. October to April. (Ohlweiler) 16. Ferrinizers. Function of manure and commercial fertilizers, including a special study of nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, superphosphates, ete. A résumé of the present status of the subject with special reference to horticultural uses. October to April. (Ohlweiler) 17. Aquatic GarpENntnG. Culture and use of aquatic plants. April to October. (Pring) 18. Pure Desicn. Theory and practice; its application to all arts, especially landscape gardening. October to January. ‘ (Noyes) 19. Princrpies or Lanpscape GarpENING. Lectures on history and theory. Practice in drafting, rendering in ink and water colors; office methods. Analysis of landscape de- signs. January to July. (Noyes) 20. Lanpscarpe Design. Practice in design of home grounds, private estates, parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, sub- visions, etc. July and September. (Noyes) — Third Year 21. Paruoxtocy. Laboratory work with lectures on the common diseases of greenhouse and other cultivated plants and trees. October to April. (Burt) 22. Sysrematic Botany. Gross anatomy of plants, the study of the relationships between the various groups and individuals to be found cultivated and wild; designed pri- marily to train the student in the ready identification of plants. The period from January to March is devoted to the Mo. Bot. GARD, BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 16. PARK DESIGN BY GARDEN STUDENT. erate os Ad we OS eee PORTS HT BARR AREA RRA ¢ RAKES DESIGN OF AN ESTATE BY GARDEN STUDENT. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 113 study of trees and shrubs in their winter condition. Making an herbarium. October to October. (Uphof) - 23. Economic Botany. The uses of plants and their products; fibers, fruits, condiments, perfumes, medicinal plants, ete. April to October. (Pring) 24. Fruir Growi1ne. A consideration of the various fruit areas of the United States, and of the climatic and topographical conditions influencing them; the location of orchards and fruit lands; windbreaks, tillage and moisture; planting schemes, harvesting, and marketing. April to October. (Lurie) 20. Lanpscape Desian (Continued). October to Janu- ary. (Noyes) 25. Pxiantina Design. Study of harmony of color, form, foliage, etc., in plants for outdoor use; analysis of de- signs. Practice in planting design for various locations and purposes, for private estates, parks, city streets, flower gar- dens, etc. January to July. (Noyes 26. Garpen Arcuirecture. Lectures on architectural styles and design. Practice in design of garden furniture, pergolas, arbors, summer houses, gates, entrances, ete. July and September. (Noyes) 27. Tuersis. During the second year the student will choose or be assigned some definite problem leading out of the courses given, and in the third year he will be expected to pursue this topic with the intention of presenting a thesis covering the work done. SCHEDULE OF AFTERNOON WORK First Year Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday| Thursday Friday Saturday Oct. | General General | General Surveying | Mechanical | Special to | Floricul- Botany Botany Drawing Work Jan. | ture 2 1 1 6 9 Jan. | General General | General Surveying | Mechanical = ag to | Floricul- Botany Botany Drawing ork Apr. | ture 2 1 1 6 Apr. | Commercial] General | General Construc- Free-Hand | Disease to | Floricul- Botany Botany tion Drawing Control July | ture 3 1 1 7 10 5 Commercial Sg = ag Construc- | Free-Hand | Disease be Floricul. ork ork tion Drawing Control "| ture 3 7 10 5 114 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN Second Year Soils Dendrol- | Systematic | Pure Pure Special Jan. 15) ogy 1| Botany 22| Design 18] Design 18} Work Soils Dendrol- | Systematic | Principles of Principles of | Special ogy Botany Landscape |Landscape | Work Apr. : Gardening | Gardening 15 11 22 19 19 Apr. | Fertilizers | Plant Systematic | Principles of | Principles of | Vegetable Materials | Botany Landscape | Landscape | Gardening July Gardening | Gardening 16 14 22 19 19 4 ly Fertilizers | Plant Systematic | Landscape | Landscape | Vegetable Materials | Botany Design Design Gardening Sept. 16 14 2 20 20 a Third Year Oct. | Economic | Fruit. Plant. Landscape | Landscape | Thesis Botany Growing |B Design Design 13 20 27 Jan. | Economic | Fruit Plant | Planting Planting Thesis Botany Growing | Breeding | Design Design Force. Fruits 23 24 25 25 27 Apr. | Thesis Pathology | Aquatic Soe Lae Ng Thesis Gardening esign ign July 27 21 17 25 . 20 27 July | Thesis Pathology | Aquatic Garden Garden Thesis nd Gardening | Architecture | Architecture Sept. 27 ae 1 26 26 27 Adminis- | Adminis- tration 8} tration 8 * Vacation during August. BOTANY Third year: First year: Administration ...... 2 months General Botany....... 9 months Second ‘ HORTICULTUBE s Rs * First year: systematic Botany....11 months “General Floriculture. . 6 months Third year: Commercial Floricul- Economie Botany. .... 6 months Wiles: 5 months Pathol? .3.- 3k 5 months Disease Control....... 5 months Second year: : eae Vegetable Gardening.. 5 months First year: Dendrology .......... 6 months Surveying WeeCss ies 6 months cael, Ree Se ee 6 months Construction ........ 5 months Fertilisers. ......4.% 5 months MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 115 Third year: Second year: Forcing Fruits and Plant Materials...... 5 months Vegetables ........ 3months Pure Design.......... 3 months Plant Breeding....... 6 months Landscape Garden- Aquatic Gardening.... 5 months (Benen ks ha oe 6 months Fruit Growing....... 6 months Landscape Design..... 2 months LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Third year: First year: Landscape Design..... 3 months Mechanical Drawing.. 6 months Planting Design...... 6 months Free-Hand Drawing... 5 months Garden Architecture.. 2 months Scholarships.—Six scholarships, of the annual value of $350 each, are offered to students between the ages of sixteen and twenty years, possessing at least the education afforded by a regular high school course of recognized standing, or its equivalent. Since a scholarship may be reconferred upon the original recipient for two additional years, there are ordinarily but two scholarships to be awarded each year. All scholarships are awarded by a competitive examination held on the first Saturday in September, in the administration building of the Garden, Tower Grove and Botanical Avenues. Application blanks may be obtained at the Director’s office and must be returned not later than August 15. Examina- tions are held in United States history, English literature, arithmetic, algebra, elements of botany and one other science (either zodlogy, chemistry, physics, or physiology) to be selected by the candidate, and one foreign language (either German, French, Spanish, Latin, or Greek) according to the training of the candidate. Candidates who live at places remote from St. Louis may send, with their application, the name and address of the principal or a teacher in the nearest high school who will be willing to take charge of the examination. All applica- tions of this character must be received by the Director not later than August 15. The charges for and place of holding such an examination must be a matter of mutual arrange- ment between the examiner and the student. The Garden in no way can assume the slightest responsibility for such matters. Tuition.—In addition to those Spor, Saree scholar- ships, a few suitably prepared pupils will be admitted to the regular course at the rate of $50.00 per year. The charge for a single course of nine months, or more, is $15.00; for one of five or six months, $10.00; and for one of three months or less, $5.00. Certificate —Upon the satisfactory completion of the regu- lar three-years’ course and the ing of such examinations as may be required, a student s receive a certificate from the Garden, indicating the work accomplished. 116 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN NOTES Mr. A. J. Heinicke, of the Department of Pomology, Cor- nell University, is spending several days at the Garden con- sulting the library. Dr. Norma E. Pfeiffer, of the University of North Dakota, spent the greater part of July at the Garden in connection with her monographic studies of the genus Isoetes. Professor B. S. Brown, Head of the Department of Horti- culture, University of Maine, and Mrs. Flora W. Patterson, Mycologist, Bureau of Plant Industry, U. 8. Department of Agriculture, visited the Garden recently. Mr. G. H. Pring, in charge of the conservatories at the Garden, lectured before the St. Louis Association of Gar- deners at their June meeting on the “Development of Hybrid Nymphaeas.” Mr, Alexander Lurie, Horticulturist to the Garden, acted as judge of the Webster Groves school gardens on July 19. These gardens were under the supervision of Miss Clara Fuhr, one of the Garden students. From June 22-30 the Garden students, accompanied by Mr. Alexander Lurie, made a tour of some of the large cities in a study of landscape gardening and horticulture. Indian- apolis, Barberton, Akron, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, and ilwaukee were visited. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 117 STATISTICAL INFORMATION FOR JUNE, 1917 GARDEN ATTENDANCE: Sou SORUGT OF ViBOTE His 6 os oy 28,131 PLANT ACCESSIONS: : Total number of plants and seeds donated............... 9 Total number of plants received in exchange ............ 10 PLANT DISTRIBUTION: Total number of plants distributed in exchange.......... 13 LIBRARY ACCESSIONS: Total number of books and pamphlets bought............. 10 Total number of books and pamphlets donated............ qt HERBARIUM ACCESSIONS: By Purchase — Rev. John Davis—Plants of Missouri...... Meee ees 225 John Kellogg—Private herbarium, consisting of plants of Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, California, etc., estimated at. 12,000 Pedro Jérgensen—Plants of Argentina.................. 342 Dr. L. O. Overholts—Fungi of Colorado................. 86 By Exchange — Gray Herbarium of Harvard University, by Dr. B. L. Rob- inson—‘‘Plantae Exsiccatae Grayanae,” Cent. If and III; Fredholm’s Florida plants; miscellaneous duplicates.... 701 By Gift — J. A. Drushel—Plants of the United States.............. 23 Dr. B. M. Duggar—Plants of Alabama.................. 12 Dr. W. G. Farlow—Fungi from various localities........ 82 G. W. Hoffer—Stereum purpureum from Indiana......... : O. 8. Ledman—Plants from Queen’s Lake, Illinois........ 10 Prof. F. L. Stevens—Porto Rican fungi.................. 3 By Field Work — Dr. J. M. Greenman—Plants of Illinois................. 37 OTA 656i on eS a 13,522 The Garden is open to the public every day in the year, except New Year’s, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas—week days from 8:00 A. M. until one-half hour after sunset; Sundays from December to April, 1:00 P. M. until sunset, from April to December, 2:00 P. M. until sunset. The main entrance to the Garden is located at Tower Grove Avenue and Flora Boulevard, on the Vandeventer Avenue car line. Transfer south from all intersecting lines. STAFF be THE MISSOURI Ving in gx deeds GARDEN Director, - GEORGE rr. MOORE. > BENJAMIN iii wel Duccar,. Physiologist in-charge of Graduate Laboratory. HERMANN VON SCHRENK, yabetoee _ JESSE M. Crk ieke Curator of the Herbarium, howaks A, Burt, Mycologist and Librarian. Joe TH. UpuHor, Assistant Botanist. KATHERINE H. LeIcu, Secretary to the Directér. JAMES GURNEY, Head Gardener, Emeritus. WiLuiAM W. Outweiter, f : General Manager. ey S Joun Noyes, — Landscape Designer. ALEXANDER Lurig, Horticulturist. A: B. Metres, W. F. Laycay, beets 5 Gardens. = "Engineer. J. J. Coventin, G. H. Prine, | } Construction, avery 8 - .. Conservatoties. P: Fouesten, si a seh » - M. ScHILier, ; _ Farm and Stables. apie ©" Floral Displays. Missour: Botanica: ~ Garpen Butetti Vol. Vie. _ AUGUST, 1917 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE BOARD OF TRUS eed ‘ 7.4 PLATE 17. Mo. Bot. Garp. BULL., Vou. 5, 1917. ARIUS, & Zz fQ Pp < 4 r << Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin Vol. V St. Louis, Mo., August, 1917 No. 8 NATIVE WILD MUSHROOMS FOR FOOD Even in normal times there is considerable discussion each season about the tremendous waste of good food in the failure to use the native wild mushroom crop. In the present crisis, with every element of the nation alert to the conservation of the well-known economic products and to the use of less appreciated ones, there is certain to be wide-spread interest, especially in the early fall, in wild mushrooms. Undoubtedly numerous inquiries will be made regarding the commoner species, and from past experience it may be inferred that the questions asked will be chiefly along two lines: (1) What are the desirable species, and how can one distinguish the edible from those which are inedible or poisonous? (2) What is the food value of mushrooms, and how may they be preserved? It is a comparatively simple matter to state in general terms the food value of mushrooms and to discuss methods of conserving the surplus supply, but to give the layman or beginner an adequate idea of the innumerable species even in a single locality, and a method of distinguishing those which may be of greatest economic importance is by no means an easy task. It may be said at the outset that by mushrooms is meant not merely the cultivated form but any fleshy fungus whatever, wild or cultivated, good, bad, or indifferent as to edibility, and therefore including plants most diverse in size, texture, habit, and locality of growth. It is not practicable to divide these fungi into mushrooms and toadstools, but one may rather speak of them as edible, inedible, and poisonous mushrooms, de- nding upon their texture, flavor, and other properties. ot only chine which grow on the soil will be considered, but likewise passing reference will be made to some rep- resentatives which will be found upon trees or upon decay- ing logs or timber. Originally, of course, the edibility of any mushroom could only be determined by testing, so there is more or (119) $20 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN less foundation for the ancient joke that the way to tell a poisonous from a harmless species is to eat it. There thus were handed down by a sort of oral tradition certain facts about fungi as food which later became incorporated in various books on the subject. There has always been, how- ever, a great demand for a simple infallible rule whereby the novice could distinguish edible from poisonous forms, and the silver spoon test (in which silver blackens from dangerous mushrooms and remains bright if the fungus is harmless) and the supposed fact that all edible varieties have a top or cap easily peeled, were made much of.. Since the blackening of silver is due to the presence of protein- sulphur compounds which may occur in both the good and bad mushrooms, it has no value whatever, and other popular tests have been shown to be equally worthless. A moment’s thought makes it obvious that any such rules are as impossible of application to mushrooms as to any other plant or animal, for that matter. Mushrooms are not in a mysterious class by themselves. One must distinguish the various species, just as one tells the wild fruits apart, namely, by knowing them; and unless one becomes famil- iar with at least the more common wild mushrooms it is impossible to tell with certainty the good from the bad. There is no need to know the thousands of species, for no one, not even the expert, can recognize them all at sight. . However, to be able to accurately distinguish eight or ten forms is something, and to be familiar with fifty is to be- come almost an accomplished amateur. Undoubtedly the easiest way to fix in the mind the char- acters by which mushrooms may be distinguished is to study them by groups, a few at a time, with the actual specimens at hand and with an illustrated book for a guide, or with the assistance of some one who is familiar with the various forms. In the following paragraphs brief and un- technical descriptions are given of a few of the commoner varieties, and assisted by illustrations it is hoped that these may be sufficiently suggestive to encourage the reader in- terested in mushrooms to make use of wider opportunities and more detailed information, such as may be obtained from members of the Garden staff or is available in the mushroom books and manuals which are to be exhibited at the Garden. For the most part the mushrooms are members of one class of fungi, the Basidiomycetes, and this great group is subdivided into many families. There are five character- istic groups or families, namely, the Agaricaceae (gill fungi), the Polyporaceae (pore-bearing), the Hydnaceae Mo. Bot. GARD. BULL., VOU. 5, 1917. PLATE 18. COPRINUS COMATUS, COPRINUS MICACEUS, MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 121 (with tooth-like fruiting surfaces), the Clavariaceae (fairy clubs often much branched), and the Lycoperdaceae (pufi- balls). However, these rather formidable names need not discourage one, since in the vicinity of St. Louis there are not more than from one to a half dozen mushrooms in each group worth considering. In fact, the single family of gill fungi, or Agaricaceae, contains by far the greatest number of edible forms which are most apt to be collected. AGARICACEAE The agarics, or gill fungi, constitute the majority of familiar mushrooms. Although the forms and habits of these plants are diverse, it is possible to speak of a typical agaric, and this would be a plant of the parasol form, with central stalk and conspicuous cap. The under surface of the cap or pileus is studded with vertically placed radiating lamellae, or gills. They are the spore-bearing surfaces, and are usually more or less the color of the spores, which may be black (brown or purple-black), ochraceous, pink, or white, in the various genera or species. The only satisfactory method of determining the color of the spores—which 1s important in the identification of tie species—is to prepare a spore print. This may be done by breaking off the stem, placing the mature cap overnight on a sheet of white or black paper, and protecting from air currents; or the plant may be simply wrapped in paper which it is suspected will contrast with the color of the spores. Reference to any mushroom book used as a guide in determining species will show the importance of spore color. In addition, the identification of genera and species, in some detail, requires a close study of the method of attachment of the gills to the stem, the nature of the veil (or annulus) if any, the presence of a cup (volva), and many minor characteristics of stem, cap, gills, ete. It will be possible here to consider only a few repre- sentatives of agarics with black spores and of those with white spores. if, however, the forms mentioned are care- fully studied, one will have progressed far towards acquir- ing the confidence needed in using mushrooms as food. Agaries with Black Spores For St. Louis and its vicinity three species of Coprinus (ink caps) are probably the most common wild mush- rooms which are likely to be found from now until heavy frosts. Coprinus has gills which are whitish at first, then pinkish along the edge, then become gradually coal-black as the spores mature, and finally liquefy, be- ginning on the thin edges, so that an inky black fluid 122 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN accumulates in drops on: the gills as the latter melt away. Lawns are frequently discolored by such black inky drip- pings from species of Coprinus which have been per- mitted to go to waste. The liquefaction of the caps into a black fluid within a very few hours after maturity is a positive character by which the genus may be easily recog- nized. Its rapidly perishable nature excludes it from the markets, since the specimens become a total loss if not cooked within a very short time after being gathered. Species of this genus are a delicacy available only to those who know wild mushrooms. Because of its natural ten- dency to liquefy Coprinus is not well adapted for serving in the manner frequently used for the drier market mush- rooms, but is preferable chopped fine in a cream sauce and served on toast. The species of Coprinus which are referred to here have followed civilized man and are to be found on the land which he utilizes, very much as various grasses and other plants have accompanied him. They should be sought for on lawns where grass is kept short, rather than where it is permitied to grow up into meadows, and in low areas some- times inundated, such as the pastures, thin woods, and bot- toms about the Creve Coeur stop on the Missouri Pacific and Rock Island railroads. Do not mistake for Coprinus a small black-spored toadstool with cap about the size and form of an acorn, which is common on horse dung in pastures and also occurs scattered in highly manured lawns and pastures. This fungus, which has gills conspicuously mottled with black spores and a slender, straight, brittle stem, is a Panaeolus and produces an intoxicating effect. A species very similar to it, if not the same, has been known to cause severe poisoning when eaten in quantity. One should learn to recognize this small species, so that it may be at once rejected if found associated with edible forms. Coprinus atramentarius is the species with lead-colored caps which grows in dense clusters of several individuals from a common underground source. Several pounds may be secured from a good cluster in a season, if the individuals are removed as they mature and care is taken not to in- jure youne fructifications just starting at the surface of the ground. Coprinus comatus grows on lawns as scattered individuals, or rarely, two or more together, and has an ovoid cap about once to twice the size of a hen’s egg, more or less shaggy ‘6 GLw td ‘LIGL ‘G “IOA ‘ITN “Auvy “Log ‘OW PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 123 or fluffy on the outside, and white with a little yellow at the apex. This species is not as compact as the preceding. Coprinus micaceus is a species buff to cinnamon-buff in color, one to two inches in diameter, with caps much thinner than the pares species and more expanded, becoming convex. If held in a position favorable for reflecting the light, little mica-like scales may be seen on the upper sur- face of the caps, the name “micaceus” referring to these particles. (C. micaceus has spores brownish black rather than the dead black of the preceding species; its fructifica- tions are of a little drier consistency and hence do not aha quite as rapidly, but the gills melt away within a few hours after they begin to blacken. This species grows in clusters in the ground and is very partial to the vicinity of buried decaying wood and dying trees. The clusters are often gregarious on lawns in ares of circles ten feet or more in diameter, forming the so-called ‘fairy a which may leave a lawn conspicuously discolored by their inky drippings if the crop is not harvested. An individual of this species has but little substance; still even a few will impart their toothsome flavor to a dish prepared as above indicated, and a pint of their caps will suffice for a meal for a small family. C. micaceus is really a mushroom of merit, for it persists in the same spot for many years and produces successive crops through the whole season following each period of wet weather. A large cluster of this species by the remnants of a willow stump in a back-yard garden in St. Louis has for several years been as highly prized as an asparagus bed. Hypholoma appendiculatum and Hypholoma Candol- leanum are two lawn mushrooms having much the same color as Coprinus micaceus but found less frequently and in less abundance. They do not deliquesce 2 oe maturity. Both are choice, edible species, and if they should be mis- taken for C. micaceus there would be no harm done. Agaricus campestris, commonly called the field or meadow mushroom, in some localities is found in quantity in favorable seasons during the cooler days of autumn. It is the chief wild mushroom sold on the market of Ameri- can cities and is practically the only one cultivated, but it is by no means abundant in the vicinity of St. Louis. The pisct has the typical agaric habit, and the general color of the upper surface is cream or smoky brown. It is fleshy, with a cap often three inches in diameter and a stout stem usually sbosik equaling in height the diameter of the cap. The gills are pink when young, turning brown-black with 124 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN age. There is generally a distinct ring attached to the stem above the middle. This ring is formed by the break- ing of a “veil” which in earlier stages covered the gills, extending from the margin of the cap to the stem. Any one can readily become familiar with this species and, know- ing it, may easily recognize related forms. Agarics with White Spores Among the numerous forms of this group which are eaten in various parts of the United States, only two genera occur about St. Louis in such abundance as to. encourage the amateur to search for them. Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus sapidus, and Pleurotus salignus are edible species between which it is not necessary to atinpuish. All three grow on the sides of rotting logs or trunks of dying deciduous trees, such as maple or willow. They are especially common in low woods which are some- times inundated, like those at the end of Creve Coeur Lake towards Coleman. Any similar locality will afford just as favorable a collecting ground for these species, and fructi- fications may be frequently seen on dying trees in Forest Park and elsewhere in St. Louis. These species of Pleurotus lack a stem, that is, the cap is sessile, growing directly from the log or tree trunk. Furthermore, the cap is halved lengthwise and_bracket- shaped, so that all gills of full length extend approximately from the tree trunk to the margin of the cap. The fructi- fications are large—from two to six inches broad—and often clustered together in an imbricate manner, with one fructi- fication above another, making a mass of from one to sev- eral pounds. The caps are whitish, gray, and ashy to smoke-brown, but all have white gills and spores either white or slightly lilac. Pains should be taken to secure specimens which are not over-mature and yet fully grown. Young fructifications of fungi are never unwholesome in the sense that we regard immature fruit, but there may be considerable economic waste in harvesting young specimens . which in perhaps 24 hours would double in volume and weight. Pleurotus is firmer than Coprinus and may be prepared for the table like the market mushroom. Lepiota naucinoides is a white agarie with umbrella- shaped cap about three inches in diameter, rounded at the apex. It is more likely to be found in the fall in grass which has been allowed to become about six inches long rather than in that kept closely cropped. It has been col- lected abundantly in the vicinity of St. Louis, in corn fields . Mo. Bot. GARD. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 20. LEPIOTA NAUCINOIDES. AGARICUS CAMPESTRIS. Mo. Bot, Garp. BULL., VOL. 5, 1917. PLATE 21, AMANITA PHALLOIDES. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 125 and similar cultivated areas. The gills are white at first and acquire in old specimens a slight pinkish tinge, but the spores are always white. The stem is white, tapering upward, and at about its middle or upper third passes through a membranous ring which is always present, no matter how young or old the specimen may be. Except for this ring, both the stem and the top of the cap have an absolutely even surface unbroken by scales, irregular- ities, or other outgrowths of any kind. There is likewise no trace of a bag-like membranous sack, termed the volva, which persists more or less completely at the surface of the ground and is so characteristic of the poisonous ama- nitas. Experienced persons, in gathering L. naucinoides, will always look for evidences of this sack on every speci- men and will reject all those which have a volva or a scaly stem or cap. Specimens thought to be Lepiota naucinoides should be compared carefully with each detail of the pre- ceding description, and if they conform in every particular, should be fixed in the memory so as to be recognized again, for Lepiota naucinoides is not only a choice edible mush- room of firmer consistency than a Coprinus but it is also a species of strategic importance, as its discovery and con- quest leads easily to a similar end for two other important species, Agaricus campestris and Amanita phalloides. Agaricus campestris, already referred to under_black- spored forms, cannot usually be distinguished from Lepiota naucinoides when observed from above, but if removed in- tact from the ground it will be found that Agaricus cam- pestris has a short stem nearly equaling its whole length. in diameter and that the gills, although white at first and then pinkish, finally become brownish black. The character of the ring is also different. Amanita phalloides, the deadly Amanita, is the great menace to one who would like to eat wild mushrooms. To be sure it is not plentiful, but one experience with it is likely to prove the last. Fortunately this Amanita is easily recognized. Viewed from above it may closely re- semble Lepiota naucinoides and Agaricus campestris, but if it is removed intact from the ground there will be found ~a membranous sack or volva attached to the stem at its very base, which in the early unexpanded “button” stage completely encloses the cap and stem. The presence of this led “poison-cup” is one of the most constant dis- tinguishing characters of Amanita phalloides, consequently the importance of getting the entire stem of a white-spored mushroom — being sure that the base is not left in the ground—cannot be too strongly emphasized. The gills and 126 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN spores of this Amanita are white. One should never gather specimens supposed to be Lepiota naucinoides or Agaricus campestris so rapidly or so inattentively as to overlook the presence of a volva at the base of the stem. The collection of “button” stages of Lepiota naucinoides is especially risky. There are one or two species of Amanita in addition to A. phalloides which are dangerously poisonous, but no mere printed description can be made explicit enough for an » amateur to be positive concerning their determination. Any white-spored form about which there is the slightest doubt should be referred to a student of the group for identification before it is used for food. POLYPORACEAE, HYDNACEAE, AND CLAVARIACEAE The Polyporaceae or pore fungi possess, instead of gills, a fruiting layer consisting of minute tubes, the mouths of which appear as countless pores. Some representatives pos- sess a central stem and characteristic cap but the great majority are of the stalkless, shelving type. The first-men- tioned are mostly fleshy, while the latter are usually the tougher bracket fungi, punks, etc., found upon stumps, logs, and trees, and too hard to be used for food. The genus Boletus is the most important edible form, includin many of the largest mushrooms of the type with a centra stem. The cap is thick and fleshy, with a pore-bearing layer easily separable from the general tissue. The color of the cap is predominantly red-brown. In Europe Boletus edulis, a large — with gray-brown or red-brown cap and white or yellowish pore surface, contributes more to the wild mushroom food supply than any other species. More than 750,000 of this fungus were sold in the city of Munich in the late summer and fall of 1901, practically all being collected in the Bavarian woodlands of that gen- eral region. The variety is believed to have furnished the fungi suilli, or mushrooms for common people, of Roman times. Boletus edulis is not so abundant in the United States, but related forms may occasionally be found in and about St. Louis. The species of Boletus are numerous and several are to be shunned, so that none of the fleshy, pore- bearing fungi should be eaten until definite information concerning them is obtained. In the Hydnaceae the fruiting surface is spread over spines or tooth-like structures instead of gills or pores. Some members of the group possess a central stalk and a true cap and perhaps the best of the edible species are of this character. In still other forms the definiteness of cap and stem are lost and the teeth are the main structures in PLATE 22, » 1917. tARD. BULL., VOL. 5 Mo. Bor. ¢ ie” HYDNUM CORALLOIDES, MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 127 evidence. While the Hydnaceae are found more or less abundantly in certain parts of the country upon decaying trees or logs in moist woods and meadows, they are not frequently obtained in this region. No injurious forms occur in this family and certain species are relished by some. Members of the Clavariaceae are superficially not unlike certain of the Hydnaceae. These mushrooms are often club- like, much branched or coral-like in; habit. They are mostly terrestrial species, often forming large clusters very attract- ive to the collector. There are no suspicious species and the more delicate branched forms are utilized. LYCOPERDACEAE The puff-balls differ materially in form and structure from other Basidiomycetes, and there can be no difficulty in recognizing them. They are usually spheroidal or ovoidal in form and when young almost invariably white and solid throughout. At maturity most of the tissues of the entire plant break up into a mass of colored spores and at this stage they take on the puff-ball or snuff-box condition, familiar in pastures, fields, and woods. There are a few small species with brown or black flesh which are not to be eaten, but as long as they are white and solid the puff- balls are all edible. When past their prime, as shown by the darkening of the interior, and infested with bacteria and insects, they should be discarded. Aside from Agaricus campestris and Coprinus, no other mushrooms are so much collected and eaten in the United States as the puff-balls. While not so pleasing in flavor as Agaricus, they are quite palatable and may be eaten without fear. A common form found in pastures, lawns, and meadows is from two to five inches in diameter, with a white or somewhat brownish or urplish colored exterior. The giant puff-ball is not in- Preguently 10-18 inches in diameter, of a cue white or cream color, appearing usually about the edges of woods or in meadows. Besides these two forms other smaller ones are frequent in woods. From the preceding discussion it is obvious that little or no difficulty will be gl alegre in avoiding suspicious forms in certain families, while in others one must proceed with the greatest caution in order to eliminate positively dan- gerous species. Fresh specimens of puff-balls with white meat, properly cooked, are wholesome and of good flavor, without any possibility of danger. Branched and toothed forms belonging to the Hydnaceae and the Clavariaceae are above suspicion but often not so delicate in texture or flavor. 128 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN The species of the liquefying Coprini described are highly commended, as well as the wild forms closely related to the cultivated mushroom. One needs only to be sure that no confusion with Panaeolus may result. On the other hand, the agarics with white spores must be carefully studied be- fore selecting species to be ‘eaten. Finally, among the pore- bearing species, the best forms of the fleshy Boletus have been utilized from the earliest times, but a knowledge of suspicious representatives of this group is essential. Perhaps the best procedure for those desiring to collect mushrooms in the vicinity of St. Louis is first to learn the one or two positively poisonous forms likely to be found in this region; then become thoroughly acquainted with the six or eight—certainly not more than a dozen—edible species which are apt to be found in sufficient abundance to be of any real value. By sticking to the known varieties and never under any circumstances experimenting with doubtful forms, at least until they have been passed upon by an expert, many palatable additions to the routine diet may be made by the application of the knowledge obtained. In order to facilitate the identification of wild mushrooms which may be found this fall in and about St. Louis, the Missouri Botanical Garden will place in the Museum build- ing, located near the Cleveland Avenue gate, an exhibit of the more important books on the various edible and poison- ous species of mushrooms. On Saturday mornings, from nine to twelve o’clock, some member of the Garden staff will be in the building to give information relative to the edibility of specimens of mushrooms which may be brought for identification. Mushrooms about which information is desired may likewise be sent by mail or by messenger to the Garden office at Tower Grove and Botanical Avenues, and a report will be furnished as to the name and edibility of the specimens, provided of course that they be received in a condition which will make determination possible. It will be necessary, therefore, to send specimens as promptly as possible and to use care enough in packing to prevent breaking or mashing. The intent of this article is not to furnish a means of identifying all the various fungi which grow in this locality, since this would be worthless for most of the readers of the Butietin, even if the space could be devoted to it. But it is rather to call attention to the use of wild mushrooms as a cheap and appetizing addition to the daily ration, describing as accurately as possible a very few of the commonest local varieties. Should an interest PLATE 2: es 5, 191 OL. BULL., TARD, OT. ¢ > > Mo. CALVATIA CYATHIFORMIS. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 129 in mushrooms be aroused by this means, it is hoped that the facilities of the Missouri Botanical Garden will be used to the fullest extent in obtaining definite information as to a fey and edibility of the various forms which may e found. FOOD VALUE AND PRESERVATION With respect to food value there is another popular fal- lacy which mushrooms have inspired. They are often re- ferred to as vegetable meat, animal-like, etc., all indicating or suggesting a high protein value, leaving one to conclude that they are as nourishing as meat. As a matter of fact, it has long been known that mushrooms have a food value about equal to the average green vegetable, and not nearly as great as potatoes and beans. It is true that the cultivated mushroom about equals the potato in protein content—not to discuss digestibility—but the carbohydrate content is much lower than that of the potato and approaches that, of cabbage or spinach. Mushrooms are to be thought of. either as vegetables or as savory foods having a place as relishes or condimental dishes. The value of wild mushrooms must be considered from these standpoints. By using them one is able to vary the diet and to introduce unusual flavors. Besides being used alone and with meats, mushrooms fresh or dried may be used advantageously in soups, gravies, and sauces, also in combination with spaghetti and other starchy dishes. Mushrooms may be canned by the methods employed with vegetables, some recommending the addition of a lit- tle lemon juice, say one teaspoonful with each pint of the product. Drying is, however, considered to be the most satisfactory means of preserving the majority of native mushrooms, and this is the prevailing method in Europe. Drying may take place in the sun or, in the absence of a drying outfit, in the half-open oven. A simple method con- sists in throwing cleansed plants on a wire mesh screen suspended above the stove. Fleshy forms may be cut into slices about one-fourth inch thick, and for convenience some prefer to store these. They may be stored in tin containers, preferably sealed with pa e or odorless ad- hesive tape. BOOKS FOR SOLDIERS The American Library Association has been asked by the War Department to assume the responsibility for providing adequate library facilities in all cantonments oe § training camps. Special buildings will be erected for this purpose, 130 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN and the library be opened for business when the cantonments and camps are ready. Thousands of books are needed at once to meet the requirements of officers and men. The library of the Missouri Botanical Garden will un- dertake to receive and, as far as may be possible, collect books for this purpose, and, when a sufficient number is obtained, will pack and ship them to the proper authorities. Poorly printed, uninteresting, out-of-date books are obvi- ously not worth shipping to the men. In addition to books of fiction, travel, history, etc., there is a demand for technical books on aviation, electricity, automobiles, first aid and hygiene, and any other subject likely to be of practical use to a soldier. Foreign language grammars and dictionaries, together with simple readers, are-much needed, especially any dealing with the French language. It should borne in mind that many of those who use the books will not have had great educational advantages and that consequently good books for boys and the less mature reader will be very acceptable. Recent magazines likely to prove attractive to the men at camp will also be received. Books may be left at the main gate of the garden, Tower Grove Avenue and Flora Boulevard, or at the office build- ing, Tower Grove and Shenandoah Avenues, and in case they cannot be delivered, by calling Grand 567, ‘arrange- ments can probably be made for collecting them. STATISTICAL INFORMATION FOR JULY, 1917 GARDEN ATTENDANCE: SOtes Miner OF VisitoIN. co... 18,430 PLANT ACCESSIONS: Total number of plants donated......................... 9 MATERIAL DISTRIBUTED: Vegetables to the Women’s Central Committee on Food Conservation, Watbele: sos i a ee a ee 10 LIBRARY ACCESSIONS: Total number of books and pamphlets bought............. 19 Total number of books and pamphlets donated............ 75 HERBARIUM ACCESSIONS: By Purchase — F. S. Collins—“Phycotheca Boreali-Americana,” Fascicles BiAV and XLV; Now. S608. 100 Rev. John Davis—Plants of mune Wi ee 439 C. O. Levine—Plants of China.......................... 250 By Exchange — Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, by Dr. Charles N. Forbes RN OF AWE. 5 is ys a 420 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 131 Gray Herbarium, by Dr. Sidney F. Blake—Senecio from Guatemala, collected by Mr. E. W. S. Holway......... 2 Gray Herbarium, by Mr. J. Francis Macbride—Senecio ea- eitatus Nutt. from Oregot. 356. 6s ii eee ea 1 Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, by Mr. Steward- son Brown—Plants of Delaware, collected by Mr. Albert COMMON 55 ee ee OK aes os Fea he ES ee ee 8 451 U, 8. National Museum, by Mr. Wm. R. Maxon—Plants of the Canary Islands, collected by Mrs. Alice Carter COGS re ie et ok nae eS ae eke ore oe he's 485 University of Texas, by Dr. Mary 8S. Young— Plants of WORN SS Fen oa Foe Cl a os Pe ora 126 By Gift — O. C. Charlton—Zustoma Russellianum (Hook.) Griseb. front [VeeAR ee ee ae ae Pa ea ss end en a 1 Mrs. G, A. Deninga—Hypericum punctatum Lam., “spotted St. Jolin’s wort” from Missouri... 6.6665 se 1 J. A. Drushel—Flowering plants from United States...... 33 8. O. Hendrickson—Calochortus Nuttallii Torr. & Gray, the “mariposa lily” from South Dakota.................. 1 I. M. Johnston — Senecio tonophyllus Greene, var. sparsi- lobatus (Parish) Hall from the San Antonio Mountains, OOP ORTNG oe a es se Gk Oe Pes ed ee 1 O. 8S. Ledman—Coreopsis sp. from Missouri.............. i Dr. W. H. Long—Merulius sp., destructive to logs of Pinus PUTS CO CE Ea Or Ne ah Se 1 Dr. W. H. Long—Timber-destroying fungi of Merulius and genera of the Thelephoraceae from Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. 2635. 664: Seay c edi deen a ee aa Cees 93 Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, England, by Sir David Prain, Director—Fragments of type specimens of Merulius in- erassatus B. & C., M. spissus Berk., and authentic Pelli- oularis BRoleroya Oke. 2. iw. ee be ee ee Basi cae 3 Henry S. Shaw—Specimens of Verbena bracteosa Michx. and V. canadensis (L.) Britt. from Bernie, Mo........ 2 J. A. Stevenson—Fungi of Porto Rico.................-- 9 Wm. H. Temme—A form of Trifolium repens L. with pro- liferous inflorescence and sterile flowers............-. 1 Dr. Herman von Schrenk — Plants from the herbarium of Prof. Joseph Schrenk, chiefly from New York......... 126 The Garden is open to the public every day in the year, except New Year’s, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas—week days from 8:00 A. M. until one-half hour after sunset; Sundays from December to April, 1:00 P. M. until sunset, from April to December, 2:00 P. M. until sunset. The main entrance to the Garden is located at Tower Grove Avenue and Flora Boulevard, on the Vandeventer Avenue car line. Transfer south from all intersecting lines. STAFF OF > MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN Director, ‘GEORGE T. MOORE. BENJAMIN MINGE: Duccar, bane A, Burt, Physiologist in charge of Graduate Laboratory. Mycologist and Librarian. HERMANN VON SCHRENK, J. C. Tu. Urnor, eee: Assistant Botanist. _ Jesse M. GreenMay, - ; KATHERINE H. Leicu, Curator of the Herbarium. ¢ Secretary to the. Director. JAMEs GURNEY, Head Gardener, Emeritus. WILLIAM W. OBLWEILER, General Manager. Joun Noyes, Landscape Designer, ALEXANDER Lurie, ‘Horticulenrist. J. J. Coucuur, . i. A, PRING, t Re "Construction. © at Conservatories. P. Forrsren, ' M. ScHILLER, Farm and Stables. _ Floral Displays. w. F. Lancan, the H. VALENTINE, Bngineer: oe : Carpenter. Mussour! BoTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN Vol. V SEPTEMBER, 1917 No.9 Sioa Foliage et ee ee Se. i ‘Plants in the Palm House Pee REO Se at - - - - ae - - > ST. LOUIS, MO. bd Ue, 1917 ° Se " Pusiiswsp 3 MONTHLY te THE BOARD oF TRUSTEES sls BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS WERE DESIGNATED IN MR. SHAW’S WILL, . AND THE BOARD SO CONSTITUTED, EXCLUSIVE OF THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, IS SELF-PERPETUATING. President, EDWARDS WHITAKER. Ps Sars a, DAVID S, H. SMITH. Epwarp C. Susie | . LEONARD MATTHEWS. Gerorce C, Hircricock, os iit H. H. Petrus, P. Cuourzau MarFrirtr, - ‘Puitip C. SCANLAN. Epwarp MALLINCKRODT, ; : f Joun F. Suerte, EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Epmunp A. Encier, Henry W. KIie1, \ President of The Academy of Science of Mayor of the City of St: Louis. St. Louis, b ; Freperic A, Hatt, e BENJAMIN P. STROMBERG, Chancellor of Washington University. President of the Board of Public Schools het, ’ St; Louis, : . Damier S$. Turtze, © Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri.” *. -Rotanp W. Swrrzer, Secretary. | ye Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin Vol. V St. Louis, Mo., September, 1917 No. 9 AUTUMN FOLIAGE The prevailing color of the summer vegetation is green, and so closely do we associate this color with the foliage of vegetation as a whole, that we scarcely think of it as a color, but rather as the normal effect. Throughout most tem- perate regions of the earth, and particularly in North America and Europe, the onset of the autumn season ini- tiates a riot of color in foliage with which, in favorable sec- tions, there is nothing in nature to compare. Regarding these effects in central Europe it has been written: ‘‘What abundance of colour is then unfolded! The crowns of the pines bluish-green, the slender summits of the firs dark een, the foliage of hornbeams, maples, and white-stemmed irches pale yellow, the oaks brownish-yellow, the broad tracts of forests stocked with beeches in all gradations from ellowish to brownish-red, the mountain ashes, cherries and arberry bushes scarlet, the bird cherry and wild service trees ‘purple, the cornel and spindle-tree violet, aspens orange, abeles and silver willows white and gray, and alders a dull brownish-green. And all these colours are distributed in the most varied and charming manner. * * * To be sure this splendour of colour lasts but a short time. At the end of October the first frosts set in, and when the north wind rages over the mountain tops all the red, violet, yellow, and brown foliage is shaken from the branches, tossed in a gay whirl to the ground, and drifted together along the banks and hedges.” With modifications suitable to our own flora this og eg would hold remarkably well for the region about St. Louis. While the autumn coloring of trees and shrubs in_ the Mississippi Valley region is scarcely ig Sa to that of New England and the Appalachians, except during the most fav- orable seasons, it is always attractive and worthy of an analy- sis which may serve to relate effect and cause. Contrary to the popular belief, the change of color in the autumn season is not an index of death, but rather an indication of gradual (133) 134 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN maturity which may lead toward death. In general, the autumn colors may be classed as yellows and reds, although orange, brown, bronze, and purple may be found in the varied effects. The yellow and orange tints are due pri- marily to a group of pigments called xanthophyll, in reality, xanthophylls and carotins, while the reds are almost invar- iably anthocyanin. These names mean little more than the colors themselves until one discovers that there are extensive groups of plant pigments which have merited careful chem- ical and phitiskadent study and classification. Even the green leaves of the summer season exhibit some- times a shade of yellow, and with a host of plants yellowing is associated with waning vigor and health. As a matter of fact, yellows are always present in the leaves, associated with the chlorophyll, or leaf green, so that when the conditions become unfavorable for the maintenance of health, the chlorophyll is broken down and the yellow pigments (in those plants which do not produce reds) become more con- spicuous. These yellow pigments, like the chlorophyll, are not sap colors; moreover, they are more stable than the green, and may persist until the living cells are killed by cold. One of these yellow pigments, carotin, is also characteristic of many fruits, of certain mushrooms, and it is even found in various animal tissues. In the vicinity of St. Louis yellow is the autumn color of the ginkgo among conifers, likewise of many species of wil- low Ne sa birch, and certain maples, also of box elder, mul- berry, elm, hornbeam, chestnut, tupelo, and sycamore. It ap- pears as an undertone where browns and reds are more prom- Inent, as in the sassafras and horse-chestnut. The yellows in some foliage plants conspicuous in the summer season, as in certain varieties of coleus, are simply indicative of a preponderance of yellow pigment, veiling shi leaf green but not excluding it. The red pigments of autumn leaves are cell-sap colors, and nearly all such anthocyanins are soluble in the aqueous solu- tion constituting the plant juices. It is significant that those plants exhibiting conspicuous red coloration in the autumn are often those which give indication of reddening with the first shoots of the spring growth. In this region fakes is no plant more loyal to autumn scarlet than the sumac, and in the spring the young shoots are reddened until the vigorous growth of warmer weather disperses the tint. Instances of this sort might be multiplied many fold. In our own flora some species exhibiting pronounced reds are hard maple, sassafras, thorn-apples, sumac, dogwood, MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 135 poison oak, Virginia creeper, and many others. Brown and purplish tones are often exhibited by hickory, persimmon, and ash. The vegetation that is suddenly cut off by severe frost seldom exhibits the best reds. Climatic influences are important, and it is clear that regions with a fairly high humidity and cool nights, as the autumn approaches, are those in which the highest coloration is attained. Neverthe- less, similar pigmentation may be developed (in those plants capable of it) almost any season. In the middle of the sum- mer a branch of hard maple or an isolated shoot of sumac may show high coloration. The heightened color is usually to be associated with some injury whereby the food materials manufactured in the leaves are not conducted away from the shoot or branch. The production of anthocyanin in plants has been made the subject of much experimental study and careful analysis. It appears that the abundance of color in plants capable of producing it at all is related to the su content, and it also appears to be dependent upon oxidation phenomena. During the growing season the sugar produced in the leaves is rapidly utilized, but in the fall it is not required to such an extent in respiration, nor is it conducted away so freely. At the same time, the conditions are most satisfactory for the oxidation of the pigment mother substance, or chro- mogen. The pigment belongs to the group of substances chemically known as glucosides, containing glucose or fruit sugar as one constituent. It is interesting to note that twigs laced in a sugar solution, and under conditions otherwise hitorable, have been found to redden conspicuously. The red pigments of autumn coloring belong to the same group of substances as the pigments of red beets and ore grapes, of most red, purple, and blue flowers, and the red colors of such summer es plants as many varieties of coleus, begonia, croton, and the purple beeches and maples. In these last-mentioned foliage plants, however, the red color is distinctive of the variety or species practically throughout its period of growth, and it is developed so abundantly in the cell sap as to completely veil the chlorophyll, The simple experiment of plunging a red coleus leaf into boiling water for a few minutes is cient to demonstrate that the soluble red pigment is removable, and this removal makes visible in striking manner the green chlorophyll which is insoluble in water. The landscape architect uses to advantage shrubs and other perennials which offer the Sree of autumn fol- a colors, and likewise those—like -the osier dogwood— whose twigs are reddened in the fall and remain brilliant 136 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN for a considerable part of the winter. In the vicinity of St. Louis, where fall and spring effects are often those chiefly sought in the garden, the autumn coloration of leaves, fruits, and stems is a matter of special interest in the planning of the home grounds. PLANTS IN THE PALM HOUSE Acanthophoeniz crinita. Palmae—A medium-sized palm of Madagascar, attaining 50-60 feet in height. The leaves are 13 feet long, the petiole being covered with hairs and the sheaths with bristles. Acanthophoeniz rubra. Palmae. Prickly date palm.— A large palm of Mascarene Islands, reaching a height of 60 feet. The trunk and petioles of the leaves are covered with brownish spines. The leaves are 6-12 feet long. The plants are of decorative value in warm conservatories. Archontophoeniz Cunninghamii, Australia. Acanthorhiza aculeata. Palmae.—A palm of Mexico, with robust stems densely clothed with the bases of dead sheaths, spiny at base. The leaves are terminal, deeply cut, glaucous below. The plant is used ornamentally. Acanthorhiza Warscewiczii, Panama. Acoelorrhaphe arborescens. Palmae.—A slender palm of North America, with fibrous bark and palmate leaves. It is used to a slight extent in conservatories. Agathis loranthifolia. Coniferae. Dammar—A_ tree native to the Malay Archipelago. It grows to a great height, and has nearly horizontal branches producing a whorl of smooth, leathery leaves. The wood is said to be like cedar, light and wholly unfit for exposure to the weather. It gives a resin called dammar, which as it flows from the tree is thin and viscous but hardens in a few days, Allamanda Williamsii. Apocynaceae,—A bushy green- house shrub, native of South America. The leaves are long and narrow, usually in fours. The flowers are bright yellow, in continuous clusters, and fragrant. Its foliage and flowers make it valuable as an ornamental plant. Alpinia nutans. Scitamineae. Shell flower.—An_her- baceous plant of the East Indies, reaching a height of 12 feet. The leaves are glabrous, long-veined. The flowers are orchid-like, yellow touched with pink, sweet-scented, in long drooping racemes. The plant is used for its fine foliage and MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 137 flowers. The roots are also used as a condiment, as a sub- stitute for ginger. Arenga saccharifera. Palmae. Sugar palm.—aA_ tree 30-40 feet high, native of the Molucca Islands and the Philippines. It is one of the principal sources of palm sugar, or jaggery, this being obtained by boiling and evaporating the saccharine juice which flows upon wounding the young spadices. When fermented the juice yields toddy, or palm wine. When the trees have become exhausted by this wounding and bleeding the trunks are split and sago is obtained from the interior by scraping out the cellular con- tents, washing it, and granulating the starch. The tree dies after flowering. Aspidistra elatior var. variegata. Liliaceae—A popular conservatory and house plant from China. The foliage is stiff and shiny, with small inconspicuous flowers borne close to the ground. The plant is naturally fond of water, but will stand much abuse, dust and dry air, and lack of water and light. In rich soil the variegation disappears and the a ig begin to starve, hence compost made of half sand is used. Astrocaryum mexicanum. Palmae.—A spiny, stemless palm of Mexico, growing to a height of 6 feet. The fruit consists of a hard nut covered with a thin coating of pulp. The plant is often used in medium-sized conservatories. Attalea Cohune. Palmae. Cohune palm.—A wing-leaved palm of Honduras, similar to cocoanut, but not attaining such a great height. The fruit is about the size of a turkey’s egg and is produced in large bunches. The kernel tastes like a cocoanut but contains more oil of finer quality, this being pressed out and used for illuminating purposes by the natives. The trunk contains a great quantity of naeid which is obtained by cutting the tree down, making a hole near the top, and slightly raising the butt end so that the liquor flows into the hole. The supply lasts a long time and forms a cooling drink. Attalea speciosa, Brazil. Bactris major. Palmae.—A small palm, native of Brazil, reaching 15 feet in height. The stems are armed with pee spines, which make the plants undesirable for ornamen culture. Bambusa arundinacea. Gramineae. Bamboo.—A reed- like plant of India, attaining a height of 40-60 feet. The stems are produced in dense clumps, and are green and shiny, with spiny branches which are terminated with grass- 138 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN like leaves. The flowers are produced at long intervals, and after perfecting seeds the plant dies. The wood is used for building purposes, water pipes, domestic utensils, fishing rods, ete. Begonia nelumbiifolia. Begoniaceae. — A fibrous-rooted begonia, native of Mexico, used ornamentally in conserva- tories. The plant has a short, thick rhizome, with large pel- tate leaves, hairy on the under side. The flowers are small, white or pink. Bignonia argyreo-violascens. Bignoniaceae.— A South erican plant useful as an ornamental climber in green- houses and outdoors in warm climates. It has cordate leaves, purple when young, later becoming veined and blotched with white. The flowers are purple. Bignonia venusta. Bignoniaceae—A woody climber of Brazil. It is a very. profuse bloomer, having tubular flowers 2-3 inches long, crimson-orange in color. Bignonia Clytostoma var. callestegioides. Bougainvillea glabra. Nyctaginaceae.—A woody climber of South America. The leaves are dark green, glabrous, and _ the flowers are rosy red and distinctly veined. The plant is very ornamental, and is used extensively in conservatories. Brahea calcarea. Palmae—aA spineless palm of Mexico, closely related to and resembling Washingtonia filifera. Carludovica palmata. Cyclanthaceae. Panama-hat palm. —An important economic plant of South America. The leaves are palm-shaped and borne at the ends of long, slender stalks. They are gathered when very young and cut into narrow strips which are then steeped successively in boiling water, in water acidulated with lemon juice, and finally in cold water, and allowed to dry. When the bleaching is com- plete the strips are used for making Panama hats. Carludovica latifolia, East Indies. Caryota Rwmphiana. Palmae. Fish-tail palm.—A native palm of Malaysia, remarkable for its fish- shaped leaflets. After reaching maturity the plant begins flowering at the to and sometimes downward until the stem is exhausted. It is a useful greenhouse plant. Caryota mitis (fish-tail palm), Malaysia. Cerozylon andicolum. Palmae. Wax-palm.—An orna- mental palm, native of Colombia and Venezuela, The wax is naturally secreted on the stem, one specimen being said to yield as much as 25 pounds, The beauty of the palm is MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 139 greatly enhanced by the white glaucous covering under- neath the leaves. Chamaedorea sp. Palmae.—A small palm with spineless, reed-like stems, native of Central America. The plant is quick-growing and suitable for greenhouse borders. The sexes are on different plants, therefore several should be planted in a group if the handsomely colored fruit is desired. Chamaedorea bambusoides, Honduras. C. corallina, Ven- ezuela. C. Ernesti-Augusti, Mexico. C. oblongata, Brazil. Chamaerops humilis. Palmae.—A small, stemless palm of southern Europe and northern Africa. The plant ordi- narily does not exceed 3-4 feet, but by suppression of suckers a stem is formed which attains a height of 20-30 feet. A tough fibre is obtained from the leaves which is used for making ropes, brushes, ete. Chrysalidocarpus lutescens. Palmae—A medium-sized a of Madagascar. It is one of the most common of ecorative greenhouse and house palms. The stems are yel- lowish dotted with black, several usually being produced from the same rhizome. Cocos flexuosa. Palmae.—aA slender, small palm of Brazil, | growirig to 12 feet in height. The leaves are finely cut. The plant is cultivated in greenhouses. Cocos nucifera. Palmae. Cocoanut palm.—The cocoanut tree is widely cultivated in the tropics and grows near the sea-coast. It attains a height of 60-100 feet, with a cylin- drical trunk from 1 to 2 feet in diameter, crowned with a number of feathery leaves. On the stem underneath the leaves are the bunches of cocoanuts, varying in number from 10 to 20. This is the most important of all the palms, owing to the various uses to which it is put. Aside from the nuts, the two most valuable products from the commercial stand- point are the dried kernels of the fruits, or copra, from which the oil is pressed, and the strong fibrous husk covering the nut, which is used in the manufacture of matting and ropes. Cocos plumosa. Palmae.—A tall palm of Brazil, growing to a hei ht of 50 feet. The stem reaches 1 foot in diameter, is ringed at intervals of a foot, and clothed near the apex with remnants of dead petioles. The leaves are 12-15 feet ling, recurving. The Pe is a 2 hestes grower and is used as an avenue palm in Florida and California. Cocos Arechavaletana, Uruguay. C. australis and C. _ “Marie Rose,” Paraguay. C. Romanzoffiana, Brazil. Curculigo recurvata. Amaryllidaceae. Weevil plant—A foliage plant of tropical Asia and Australia, with the habit ~ 140 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN of a palm and a curious floral structure. The leaves are gracefully arching and make the plant very attractive in greenhouses. If shade is given, the plant thrives outdoors in the southern states. Daemonorops palembanicus. Palmae—aA native of Su- matra. The palm is slender, with pinnate leaves and spines upon the petioles. The imbricated scales covering the fruit become enveloped with a red, resinous coating. This fur- nishes a commercial substance used for coloring varnishes and in medicine as a coloring agent for plasters and tooth powders. Dictyosperma rubra. Palmae.—aA slender, spineless palm of India, used decoratively. The trunk reaches a height of 40-50 feet. The leaves are dark green with red primary veins and margins. Dieffenbachia Seguine. Aroideae. Dumb-cane.—A native of the West Indies, having a fleshy cane-like stem 114 inches in diameter and 4-6 feet high. The leaves are oblong ellip- tical, green with white spots. The plant is highly acrid and poisonous, and if chewed causes the tongue to swell and power of speech is lost for a time, hence the name dumb- cane. ‘ Dracaena fragrans var. Massangeana. Liliaceae —An arborescent plant of South Africa, reaching a height of 20 feet. The leaves are shining, recurved, with a broad yellow stripe along the center. It is used chiefly as an ornamental conservatory plant. Elaeis guineensis. Palmae. Oil palm.—A low-growing, wing-leaved palm of South Africa. The fruits are produced in dense bunches, each fruit being about the size of a date. An orange rind envelops a pulpy matter surrounding a hard nut, from both of which the palm oil of commerce is ob- tained. As imported the oil is about the consistency of but- ter, of orange-red color, with a sweet violet odor. Tt is used chiefly in soap- and candle-making. Glycerin is the prin- cipal by-product. Oil-cake made from ground kernels is used as food for cattle. Erythea armata. Palmae. Blue palm.—A slender palm, 40 feet high, with very glaucous leaves. It is a native of California, where the trees are extensively used in gardens. Erythea edulis. Palmae.—A spineless palm of California bilo to 30 feet in height, with thick, corky bark. The eaves are pubescent. Erythea Brandegeei, Lower California. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 141 Ficus pseudopalma. Moraceae.—A native of the Philip- pine Islands, closely related to the commercial fig tree (Ficus carica). The trunk is slender, showing the scars of the long, narrow, coarsely serrate leaves. Fittonia argyroneura. Acanthaceae.—An herbaceous per- ennial of Peru. The plant is valued greatly in conserva- tories for its large, heart-shaped leaves with white venation. It is trailing, covering banks and borders successfully, pro- vided plenty of heat, moisture, and shade are afforded. Fittonia gigantea. Acanthaceae.— A subshrubby, her- baceous perennial of Peru, used chiefly in conservatories for its foliage. The stems are reddish violet, and the leaves shining green with carmine veins. Gaussia princeps. Palmae—An ornamental, medium- sized, spineless palm from the West Indies. Grias cauliflora. Myrtaceae. Anchovy pear.—A slender, unbranched tree of the West Indies, attaining a height of 50 feet, and terminated by a crown of smooth, elliptical leaves 2-3 feet in length. It has large, white flowers, which are see on the stem below the leaves and are succeeded by arge fleshy fruit. (To be continued) NOTES On September 13 the delegates to the Nineteenth Annual Convention of the American Association of Park Superin- tendents visited the Garden. On August 23 Mr. Alexander Lurie, Horticulturist to the Garden, judged the St. Louis thrift gardens under the auspices of the Women’s Central Committee on Food Con- ‘servation. The interesting dove or Holy Ghost orchid (Peristeria elata), described in the December, 1914, number of the BULLETIN, is now in bloom and may be seen in the orchid house during the next few weeks. The Twenty-eighth Annual Gardeners’ Banquet was held at the Mercantile Club on September 12, about 100 delegates to the Nineteenth Annual Convention of the American ciation of Park Superintendents being special guests. Mrs. Joseph Clemens, wife of Chaplain Clemens now in service in France, is spending some time at the Garden work- ing on botanic collections which she has made in various parts of the United States, particularly in the Southwest. 142 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN Among the recent visitors to the Garden were Dr. Albin Stewart, Professor of Botany at the Florida State College for Women, Tallahassee, on August 20; Mr. F. J. Pritchard, of the Bureau of Plant Industry, U. 8S. Department of Agri- culture, August 27; Dr. George M. Reed, Professor of Bot- any, University of Missouri, September 14; and Professor Stockton Axson, of the Rice Institute, Houston, Texas. The third number of Volume IV of the Annals of the Mis- souri Botanical Garden has been issued with the following contents: “Odontia Sacchari and O. saccharicola, New Species on Sugar Cane,” E. A. Burt. s “The Thelephoraceae of North America. VIII,” E. A. urt. “Algological Notes. I. Chlorochytrium gloeophilum Bohlin,” G. T. Moore. < ates “Studies in the Physiology of the Fungi. V. The Growth of Certain Fungi in Plant Decoctions,” B. M. Duggar, J. W. Severy, and H. Schmitz. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 143 STATISTICAL INFORMATION FOR AUGUST, 1917 GARDEN ATTENDANCE: Opa) Waaber OF Win. <0 24,237 PLANT ACCESSIONS: Total number of plants and seeds received in exchange.... 7 LIBRARY ACCESSIONS: Total number of books and pamphlets OME oo 8 Total number of books and pamphlets donated............ 68 HERBARIUM ACCESSIONS: . By Purchase — Canton Christian College, by C. O. Levine—Plants of China.. 150 Prof. Aven Nelson—Plants of Alaska, collected by Mr. and Pate, Reheat Walkers 2 os a 420 Prof. Aven Nelson—Plants of Idaho, collected by MacBride PRONG is a as Oe es 907 By Gift — J. A. Drushel—Cultivated specimen of Brauwneria purpurea (DC.) Britton, with proliferous inflorescence and sterile WOW SFr CTS e ec ee ee ee a 2 Dr. W. H. Emig—Opuntia macrorhiza Engelm., Corphyranthe vivipera (Nutt.) Britton & Rose, and Echinocereus caespitosus Engelm. & Gray from Oklahoma........... 3 Dr. J. M. Greenman—Liatris cylindracea Michx. from Mer- MNOS MENPRIAMGR, MOS 6 es ss 3 Dr. H. D, House—Thelephoraceae and other fungi of New monk, collected by De. 0. H. Pook: oie oe 204 Dr. Henry Hertel—Verbena urticaefolia L. from Hlinois.... 1 KO, tye Pg Of Cube a ee 27 E. 0. Matthews—Aecidium Solani on Chamaesaracha Coro- nopus (Dun.) from New Mexico...................... 1 J. Matz—Pathogenic fungi of the fig and the pear......... 2 Dr. H. von Schrenk—Coniophora cerebella from New Jersey. . 1 OCB ey ka ss ek ee 1,721 The Garden is open to the public every day in the year, except New Year’s, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas—week days from 8:00 A. M. until one-half hour after sunset; Sundays from December to April, 1:00 P. M. until sunset, from April to December, 2:00 P. M. until sunset. — The main entrance to the Garden is located at Tower Grove Avenue and Flora Boulevard, on the Vandeventer Avenue car line. Transfer south from all intersecting lines. STAFF OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL CARDEN Director, GEORGE T. MOORE. BENJAMIN MINGE Ducoar, Epwarp A. Burt, » Physiologist in charge’ of Graduate Laboratory. Mycologist and Librarian. HERMANN VON SCHRENK, J.C. Ts. Upnor, Pathologist. “Assistant Botanist). Jesse M. GrEENMAN, KATHERINE H. LEIGH, Curator of the Herbarium. 2 : Secretary to the Director. JAMES GURNEY, Head Gardener, Emeritus. Wittiam W. OBLWEILER, General Manager. ’ Joun Noyes, Landscape Designer. ALEXANDER Lori, Horticulturist, j.. J. Covemting 5 6 ee eee: ra Construction. ae ete og S siarchad 8 FOERSTER, oa re qe G. H. Princ, Farm and Stables. : _ Conservatories. - RA: VALLENTINE, ¥ _ Catpenter. Ganpen BuLuerh VoL V -—s——ss«s OCTOBER, 1917 Missouri B + 3 Worcs “in : Plants and Twigs 2 ; ; fe ‘i bog fiat ‘Plants in the Palm House => 9 -_ SHED MONTHLY BY THE B Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin Vol. V St. Louis, Mo., October, 1917 No. 10 FORCING PLANTS AND TWIGS The forcing of hardy herbaceous and woody plants has been practised for a number of years on a commercial scale, but it is not generally known that for home purposes, where forcing structures are not available, twigs of flowering trees and shrubs may be brought into bloom during the winter and serve to add a distinctive and unusual effect to home decoration. Before discussing the methods employed in forcing plants and twigs, it is essential to have a concep- tion of their condition of dormancy or rest at the time of forcing. The rest-period of plants may be defined as the time when all outward activities appear to be at a standstill. It usually begins in the fall with the advent of conditions unfavor- able to growth and continues until these conditions are im- proved in the spring. In the case of deciduous trees and shrubs, the rest-period actually begins when the length growth ceases and the terminal buds form. This may take place as early as July, the plants gradually becoming more and more dormant until complete defoliation takes place. The herbaceous perennials begin to rest after their tops die down in the fall and crown buds are formed. Bulbs enter their dormancy within two to four weeks after flowering, when the tops yellow and die. The length of the period of rest varies with the different species; some are ready to begin Bebe in a few weeks; others are unable to start for several months. The period of dormancy may be broken or shortened by means of various treatments. Plants with long rest-periods are difficult to arouse during the early stages, but the greater part may be readily forced during the middle portion of the ose Among the agents employed are ether, drying, reezing, submerging in warm water, immersing in weak alcohol, mechanical injuries, the use of weak solutions of hydrochloric and tartaric acids, etc. (145) 146 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN Twigs of flowering shrubs, like lilac, golden-bell (For- sythia), deutzia, spiraea, may be forced into bloom in mid- winter by submerging in warm water. A more satisfactory method, however, consists of placing the twigs in a tight container and pouring in ether at the rate of one teaspoon- ful to every 462 cubic inches of space. The plants should be allowed to remain in the vapor for 24 hours, and then be placed in water in a moist room. The moisture is essen- tial to prevent the drying out of buds before growth starts. Shrubs require special preliminary treatment if they are to be forced into successful bloom. It is absolutely .neces- sary that vegetation be completely arrested and that the plants shall have entered into the period of complete repose. Unless this condition is observed, notwithstanding the best processes of forcing and the most improved equipment, the pan’ will develop leaves, but the flower buds will be blasted. n general practice, plants with a compact, fibrous root sys- tem should be selected, frequent transplanting in the nursery assuring this result. In addition, it is desirable to pot the plants in the spring and keep them plunged in soil during the summer. ‘This will help ripen the wood more evenly and bring them into dormancy sooner. After a frost or two they should be placed in a cool house or cel- lar and kept at a temperature of 35° F. The plants will need no further watering if they are soaked thoroughly when stored. There are actually three stages of the rest-period: the first, when parts of the plant cease growing; second, the com- plete repose; and third, the beginning of growth again. During the period of complete repose, in December, is the best time to begin forcing. A temperature of 45-50° F. in the greenhouse, with constant syringing to force out the buds will bring plants into bloom in 10-12 weeks. In the spring the time of forcing is shortened to 4-6 weeks. In order to hasten the growth ether may be used. Its effect is to shorten the rest-period of plants, probably by stimula- tion of exzyme action, and to cause a consequent quick- ening of growth. At a temperature of 60-65° F., during the early period of rest, one-half ounce of ether should be used per cubic foot of space. The amount should be de- creased during the later stages of dormancy or if the rela- tive humidity of the chamber is high. Care must, be taken that the soil surrounding the plants is perfectly dry, as ether absorbs water and penetrates to the roots, causing in- jury and at the same time losing some of its efficiency be- cause of the absorption of the vapor. The plants should be placed in an air-tight chamber, a small opening being left MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 147 at the top for the insertion of a sponge containing the ether, this opening being afterward sealed. The time of exposure is variable, the usual time given being 48 hours, but decreas- ing late in the season. Sometimes a second exposure of 24 hours is made after a few days’ interim. ‘The treatment should always be given during the day, as artificial light may cause the mixed ether and air to explode. The herbaceous perennials and biennials are forced in a manner similar to the shrubs, and may be planted in beds or potted after several frosts in the fall. Bulbs are not forced successfully by means of etheriza- tion, because in practice they are gathered in late spring or summer and stored for months. After planting, the bulbs are allowed to remain in the cold-frame for a num- ber of weeks, so that when brought into forcing conditions they are well over the rest-period. The conclusions drawn from experiments and general practices are: 1. Etherization reduces the rest-period. 2. As a rule the greater the resistance of the dormant plant to growth under favorable conditions, the greater the ‘advantage of etherization. 3. The value of the treatment is decreased as the end of the rest-period is approached. 4. Plants which respond readily to growth do not need any ether stimulation. — 5. The expense of forcing is reduced in proportion to the length of time the plants occupy the greenhouses and the lower temperature necessary. An early market and better quality are also conducive to greater remuneration. LIST OF PLANTS FOR FORCING SHRUBS AND TWIGS Botanical Name Common Name IE WOON 55 Se NC) pares ies eG Vy ee che BLE Cercis canadensis .......... Sera ee ere Wea teecs Judas tree Cpaemwn Mebeios oe a Japanese quince cl dhe on dE insinfhcy ER CE EO ee ee .....Flowering dogwood ERT Orlane. 6 ae a a Slender deutzia ROOM POIRIER oe Diervilla florida ...... Fe cpa Oe Pa ge Sees Weigelia MMOCNOTEN OTANMIIONE © 6 ia ti ks Pearl-bush _ Forsythia viridissima ........ Dee ewes ee es Golden-bell Kalmia latifolia ...... pis eas co Pee RS ee ae Mountain laurel Lonicera tatarica ............... Heer are ears oe Honeysuckle Philadelphus grandiflorus ...... rere Cia tegen Nene Wegher Mock-orange Prunus triloba var. plena.............. ..... Flowering almond 148 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN LIST OF PLANTS FOR FORCING SHRUBS AND TWIGS (Continued ) Botanical Name Common Name WP iriia: reba es ee ee Flowering crab-apple SRI OU ee a 5 hr ee OOD o's EER EL Eek CE Roses—numerous climbers and ramblers FIRM GABOGIOE es a SEL ae Pussy-willow ROTI ISA a ae re Prairie willow MUNG -COUpred Coos eee sees ee Goat willow Bpvies prinout a Bridal-wreath Spiraea Van Houttei............ Sais ays Van Houtte’s spiraea Syringa vulgarie hybrids... 05. i. ee Lilae We igtort: Chiiennigs = oc. Ok a Wistaria HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS AND BIENNIALS Achillea Ptarmica .................. ern anes White yarrow ABINOE JOPONIOG. 2: Spiraea tor sieeiul ts, bonis teh ke EE ee ee ee ee aan: False indigo Campanula pyramidalig ..............0....0-4. Canterbury bells Deiphinium formoswm ..............0..60 0000s Larkspur Dicentra spectabilis .......... en es a Bleeding-heart Digitalis purpurea .............. SP eee Foxglove Gaillardia grandiflora ........ Meera Coase Blanket-flower Gypsophila pamiculata ............... Boe ...Baby’s-breath Pontatomgn WOrWaime: 0 i oe a i eee TS Platycodon grandiflorum ...............2.00005 Balloon flower Paeonia albiflora ...............5.. ye RG eect Peony Veronion Tengo. ie Speedwell PLANTS IN THE PALM HOUSE (Continued from September Bulletin) Howea Belmoreana. Palmae. Curly palm. — A slender alm of Lord Howe Island, growing to a height of 35 feet. he leaves are 8 feet long, with numerous acuminate seg- ments. This is a very popular plant for conservatory and house use. Howea Forsteriana. Palmae. Flat-leaf palm.—An erect, spineless palm of Lord Howe Island. This is one of the most popular of the house palms and is grown commercially by the thousands. It is similar to H. Belmoreana, but the leaves are hanging instead of converging upward as in the latter species. Hydriastele Wendlandiana. Palmae.— A tall palm of Australia, with very long pinnate leaves. It is used orna- mentally in conservatories. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 149 Hyophorbe Verschaffeltiti, Palmae——A spineless, orna- mental palm of Mascarene Islands, with long, pinnate, arch- ing leaves. This is a fine plant for conservatories. Jubaea spectabilis. Palmae. Coquito nut.—A wing-leaved palm of Chile, resembling a date palm. The stem contains a sugary sap which, when the tree is felled and the leaves closely cut off, begins to flow and continues to do so for sev- eral months. The sap is then boiled and used as a substi- tute for sugar. Kentia Macarthurii. Palmae.— A fine palm of New Guinea. It is attractive in conservatories because of its feathery foliage with arching leaflets. Kentia Sanderiana. Palmae—A very graceful plant of Molucea Islands, suitable for conservatories and jardinieres. It is a very slender palm, with hard foliage and narrow eae arranged on an arching rachis similarly to Cocos Wed- elliana. Latania aurea. Palmae.— A native palm of Rodriguez Island, with pale green leaves 4—5 feet long. Latania Commersonii. Palmae.—A tall, spineless palm of Mascarene Islands. The stems are robust, with large terminal leaves, the margins and veins of which are tinged red. This is one of the best-known conservatory palms. Latania Loddigesii. Palmae—A very ornamental palm, native of Mauritius. It is tall and spineless, with very glaucous leaves tomentose beneath and tinged with red. Licuala grandis. Palmae.—A small, erect palm of New Britain Island, used ornamentally in conservatories. The leaves are numerous, erect, fan-shaped, spreading, with spines along the margins below the middle. Livistona australis. Palmae. Cabbage palm.—aA large, fan-leafed palm, native of Australia. The stem is very soft and fibrous, and the central portion, when young and fresh, is said to be eaten by pigs. Fibre is obtained from the leaves which is used by natives for making hats and belts. Livistona chinensis. Palmae.—A native palm of China, used extensively as an ornamental conservatory plant. The stems are 6 feet high, more than 1 foot thick, gray, and ringed. The petioles of the leaves are covered with brown spines. The leaves are round, fan-like, reaching 4—6 feet in diameter. Livistona rotundifolia, Java. Martinezia caryotaefolia. Palmae—An ornamental palm of Colombia, with a spiny, ringed trunk reaching a height 150 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN of 30-50 feet. The leaves are few, 3-6 feet long, and re- semble those of the fish-tail palm. This species makes a good house plant. Monstera deliciosa. Aroideae—An epiphytic climber of Mexico. The stems are about 1 inch in diameter, extending to a great length and bearing large, perforated, cordate leaves. The fruit is pink, about the size of a small pine- apple, pulpy, and of a delicious flavor. Oreodoxa regia. Palmae. Royal palm.—A tall palm, native of the West Indies, where it is used chiefly as an orna- mental plant. When cultivated the trunk becomes clothed with a glaucous covering which renders the plant very pic- turesque. The palms of the celebrated Royal Palm Avenue in the Botanical Gardens, Rio de Janeiro, are of this species. Pandanus caricosus. Pandanaceae.— A shrub of the Molucca Islands. The leaves are 5-8 feet long, narrow, slightly glaucous, with minute white spines. Pandanus utilis. Pandanaceae. Screw pine.—A peculiar plant of Madagascar, attaining a height of 60 feet. The plant has thick, stilt-like, aerial roots which lift the trunk out of the ground and anchor the tree. The branches are few, scarred, naked, crowned by a tuft of leaves spirally ar- ranged. The leaves are sword-shaped and spiny and are made into mats, baskets, hats, etc. The roots consist of a tough, spongy fibre, which, when cut into lengths and beaten out at the end, form brushes. The young plants are used for decoration on account of the glossy, graceful foliage. Pandanus Veitchii. Pandanaceae. Screw pine. — An ornamental plant from Polynesia. The species is similar to P. utilis except that the spiral growth is not as pronounced = ee leaves are dark in the center margined with bands of white. Philodendron sagittifoliwm. Araceae—A shrubby plant with climbing stems, native of South America. The dark green, triangular foliage is very attractive. Phoeniz canariensis. Palmae. Canary Islands date—A stately avenue palm of the Canary Islands. The trunk is very large, reaching 3 feet in diameter at the age of 8-10 years. The leaves are 12-15 feet long, with a spread of the crown averaging 30 feet in diameter. The palm is very symmetrical and is used extensively in Florida. Phoenix dactylifera. Palmae. Date palm.—A tree 40-50 feet high, distributed over southern Europe, northern Africa, and southeastern Asia. In northern Africa and the Sahara MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 151 Desert the fruit serves as the most common food not only for the natives but also for the cattle, while the huts and the houses are constructed from the wood of the tree. The cul- ture of the date runs back to antiquity. It was emblematic of the Jewish people, Jerico being known as the city of palm trees. The sant is remarkable for its endurance of condi- tions that make most crop plants impossible. It will thrive in alkaline soil so salty that no other crop plant can grow, and will stand a slight frost. The yield of fruit from a single tree reaches as much as 130 pounds. Commercial growing of the trees is being attempted in the desert regions of the southwestern United States. Phoenix paludosa. Palmae.—aA reclining palm growing to a height of 25 feet, native of the sea-shore of tropical Asia. Phoenix pumila. Palmae.—A slender, graceful palm 6-10 feet high, with leaves 10-16 feet long, recurved, drooping. Phoenix reclinata. Palmae.— An ornamental palm of tropical South Africa. The stems are 3-4 feet long and reclining. The fruits are black and edible. Phoenix Roebelenii. Palmae.—A native of India and the most used by the florists as a decorative plant among the Phoenix. The stems are short, tufted with subglaucous leaves. This is the smallest of the Phoenix and is exceptional for the elegance and soft texture of the bright green leaves. Phoenix rupicola. Palmae—aA native of Sikhim, India. The stems are 15-20 feet high, solitary, slender, with maa leaves 10 feet long. The numerous bright green, ecurved leaflets are peculiar to this palm. It will stand the hottest sunshine without losing color and will bear much neglect when used as a house plant. Phoenix sylvestris. Palmae.— A native palm of India, where it reaches a height of 40 feet. Sugar is obtained from the evaporation of the sap which flows from incisions made in the upper part of the trunk. The process does not de- stroy the palm, the sap being drawn for 50 years. A kind of arrack is made by the fermentation and distillation of the sap. :The leaves are used for mats. Pithecocteniwm muricatum. Bignoniaceae.—A climber, native of Mexico. The plant is cultivated for its racemes of large trumpet-like, white flowers. Pritchardia Gaudichaudii. Palmae.—A svineless palm of the Hawaiian Islands, reaching a height of 20 feet. The 152 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN leaves are rounded, 3-4 feet long, covered with pale brown matted wool, and slit for about 1 foot into 60 segments. Pritchardia Martii. Palmae.— A spineless fan-palm of the Hawaiian Islands, used as a conservatory plant and cul- tivated in southern California. The trunk generally does = exceed 6 feet. The leaves are 3-4 feet long, glabrous ow. Pritchardia pacifica. Palmae.—A native of Fiji Islands, growing to a height of 30 feet. The palm is remarkable for its fluffy, fibrous leaf-stalks. The leaves are rounded, deeply cut, 414 feet long, and pliant. Ptychosperma elegans, Australia. Ravenala madagascariensis. Musaceae. Travelers’ tree. —A native of Madagascar, with a cylindrical stem 1 foot in diameter and 30 or more feet in height. The leaves are broad, similar to the banana (Musa Ensete) but set in two rows. Rain-water is held in considerable quantity within the leaf-sheaths and if these are pierced the water gushes out like a jet. On this account the plant has received the appellation of travelers’ tree. The stems are used for house building, making durable floors. For this purpose they are split in halves and the convex side placed uppermost, this soon flattening down and becoming extremely hard. Rhapis flabelliformis. Palmae. Rattan—A dense, low- growing palm, native of China and Japan. The long, rod- like growths afford the rattan cane of commerce. Rhapis humilis. Palmae—aA small fan-palm of China. Rhopalostylis sapida. Palmae.—aA pinnate palm of New Zealand, attaining a height of 10 feet. The leaves are 4-6 feet long, pinnate, with narrow segments. Roystonea (Oreodoxa) Borinquena. Palmae—aA slender Cocos-like palm of Porto Rico. Sabal Blackburmanum. Palmae. Royal palmetto. — A large, fan-leaved palm of Jamaica and the West Indies, at- taining a height of 100 feet and a circumference of 5-6 feet. The stem is naked and crowned with fan-shaped, glaucous leaves. The black berries, resembling small dates, furnish food for birds. The leaves are used for thatching houses, for making hats, ropes, mats, baskets, ete. The trunk is smooth and hard and is used for utensils. Sabal Palmetto. Palmae. Cabbage palmetto.—A native palm of Florida, reaching at times 80 feet in height. It has immense leaves and produces a striking appearance growing MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 153 in groups along the banks of rivers. The trunks are used as piles for wharves, as they are impervious to water. The leaves make fine thatching. Sabal Adansonii, North America. 8S. glaucescens, Trini- dad. S. havanensis, Cuba. 8S. mauritiaeformis, West Indies. Selaginella denticulata. Selaginellaceae.— A native of the Mediterranean region. It is one of the most used of the club mosses, forming a fine green mat over banks in green- houses. The stems are short and matted. Selaginella Martensii. Selaginellaceae. Club moss.—A graceful, fern-like plant of Mexico, used extensively for table decoration and in greenhouses. The stems are 6-12 inches long, flat below and angled above. Strelitzia augusta. Scitamineae—The plant is native of South Africa, where it attains a height of 20 feet. The leaves are large and banana-like, with small, white flowers produced in a sheath at their base. The stem is hollow, which often causes the plant to topple over. Strelitzia Reginae. Scitamineae. Bird-of-paradise flower. — ANNE W. Dats, Pathologist. ; ; i ; Research Assistant. ‘Jesse M. Greenman, ; -Katuerine H. Leicn, “Curator of the Herbarium. ‘ ’ Secretary ito the Director. . JAMES GURNEY, Head Gardener, Emeritus. Joun Noyes, Landscape Designer. ALEXANDER Lurie, Horticulturist. J. J. Covcnuun, ) W. F. Lancan, Construction; ta ted Engineer. ‘P. Forrsrer, ete i rope -G. HL Paine, Farm and Stables. Laie Conseryatories. H. VALLENTINE, Carpenter,