Sa ET ee W Nae ma ees SS Seis Nec lan Sera Sie ¥ SRG AR RS, CS " Seen ~~ 0 Py oh) , et ben are Rte SEAN Set SS — aa SSS ae : ‘ 5 Se Sosa = WATE Ae rca — S Sea 8 Se Ss Dp, “ aay ers ANS tan f Lape asta? azie re -§ ; 325 ate Feeareas efor ee PEERS PRE OB HES fees # rue7 ea BERERE SAD Ss , UEP LLIS EY ree a LUG SyEiit Whee a fh ff ae ‘3 2 PEP LSE Leelee The West American Scientist. YOUTH’S COMPANION: 144 Berkeley street, Boston, Mass. This popular paper is edited for the en- tire family, and is eagerly looked for each week by young and old alike. Bright and amusing awmecdotes, stories, curious and useful knowledge, timely ed- itorials on public and domestic questions make up this great literary achievement. $1.75 a year. SANITARIAN, 337 Clinton st., Brooklyn, N. Y. “The best sanitary publication America.’’—Miss. Valley Med. Mo. “Easily maintains its superiority over all similar publications.’’-—Med. World. $4 a year in advance, 35 cts. a number, sample copies 20 cts. (10: 2-cent postage stamps)). 96 pages text monthly; 2 vol- umes yearly. “The editor, Dr. A. N. Bell, is well known as a leader in sanitary science.”’ N- M., JOUR: Of as THE: in WANTED—FAITHFUL PERSON TO TRAVEL for well established house in a few counties, calling on retail merehants and agents. Local territory. Salarv $1024 a yesrand expenses, pay- able $19 70 a week cash and expenses advanced Position permanent. Business successful and rushing. Standard House, 334 Dearborn street, Chicago. ; THY: AMERICAN SOcIETY OF CuRIO COLLECTORS is an organization to which allstudents of Na- ture, and all lovers of curios, antiques, &c., should belong. Organized for protection against frauds, the promotion of good fellowship, the exchange of specimens between members and the interchange of experience for mutual help, The 100 page yearbook sent free to members, also the official organ each month, a splendid collec- tors’ paper. Dues 25centsa year, initiation fee 10c. Send for biank application and further in- formation to Wm. Warner, Jr., secretary, 1731 Division ave., East St. Lonis, IN., or to Wm. C, Aiken, Angwin, Mapa Co., Nee er nia, RAISINS We have a lot of the Choicest 4 Crown London Layers which we are offering at 3 Ibs. for 25 cents. The CENTRAL GROCERY Company 719-721 EHifth st. San Diego. OLD MEAXATCO and Sweetwater Dam in a day. Through Orange and Lemon Groves. A trip to San Diego is incomplete with- out a trip to Old Mexico and the Sweetwater Dam over the National City and Otay Railway. Train leaves foot 5th st. at 9:10 A. M. daily—for particulars see folders. Hy. A. HORNBECK, Superintendent. Purchase your FOOTWEAR at LLEWELYN’S, 728 Fifth street. 50 YEARS’ , EXPERIENCE TRADE MarRKs DESIGNS CoPyYRIGHTS &c. Anyone sending a sketch and description may quickly ascertain our opinion free whether an invention is probably patentable. Communica- tions strictly confidential. Handbook on Patents sent free. Oldest agency for securing patents. Patents taken through Munn & Co. receive special notice, without charge, in the Scientific American, A handsomely illustrated weekly. Largest cir- culation of any scientific journal. Terms, $3 a year; four months, $1. Sold by all newsdealers. MUNI & Go,2612:0207, New York Branch Office, 625 F St., Washington, D. C The West American Scientist. Vol. XIV. No. 6. FORESTRY. President Benjamin Ide Wheeler, of the University of California, announces a course of summer lectures on forestry at Idyllwild, ‘Strawberry Valley, San Jacinto mountains, Riverside county, California, from July 29 to August 10, 1903,. This will be the first school of forestry west of the Allegheny moun- tains, and the lectures will be given by Dr. W. L. Jepson, Prof. Arnold V. Stu- benrauch, and (probably Mr. Gifford Pinchot. ‘The fee for the course will be six dollars. There is a general sentiment among the natives of Honolulu against vac- cination, as it is stated that vaccination spreads leprosy. A bill repealing the existing vaccination law was recently passed. Cac Cactus Connoisseurs would be the polite expansicn of the initials head- ing this article, but Cactus C.ani.s is possibly the more common form used by an indifferet worlG wher Cactus Collectors are referred to. It is proposed to collect brief sketches of those whose names have been con- nected in the past with these fascinat- ing plants, which in the end might be incorporated into an Encyclopaedia of Biography. BRIGGS, MRS. MAUD M.::: Mrs. Briggs will be remembered by eactus fanciers from her having used the expression, in advertising her cacti, that she lived ‘where they grow.’ She was a florist who lived at El Paso, Tex- as, with a penchant for using and con- fusing the botanical names—which left her correspondents in delightful sus- May, 1903. Whole No. 125. pense as to what they might receive. Chihuahua dogs were favorite pets With her. In 1899 she reported a new Mammillaria which was to be named in her honor—but none are known to exist in scientific collections, and soon after she ceased to live where they grow.— Or MAIN, MRS. F. M.: In passing through Nogales, Arizona, in 1899, I met this energetic woman, who after acquiring a substantial prop- ery in brick buildings, houses and lots, took to cactus collecting—as she frank- ly explained—for the money. The most of her collections were made in the vi- cinity of Nogales—mostly on the Sono- ra side, her expeditions extending prob- ably the whole length of the Sonora railroad. Mammillaria Mainae com- memorates her work, and was undaubt- edly obtained in the mountains of So- nora near Nogales—at least I was so- infcrmed by one of her assistants. She Was reported to have been killed in a saloon fight in 1902 (an affair that would have been characteristic of the border town in which she lived), but the facts were that she died in Los An- geles, California, from an operation for canger.—Or. NICKELS, MRS. ANNA B.: As a pioneer woman florist in the southwest, and the first woman C. Cr Mrs. Nickels has won wide recognition. and deserves more than passing notice. After years of correspondence, I had the pleasure of meeting ‘her in 1902, at her son’s home in San Luis Potosi—a, woman over seventy, still an eager en- thusiast, planning trips inta new re- gions that would be a credit to the modern woman. Several species named in her honor have been introduced to qi tthe horticulturab world through her la- bors and explorations, and one could listen for hours, unwearied, to accounts ior her early expeditisns. Unfortunate- ly she has been more diligent in the use of the piik than of the pen, and much that she might have added to the world’s store of useful and curious lore remains to be recorded by others, who may follow in her footsteps.—Or. CURRAN, MRS. MARY K.: See Katharine Brandegee. BRANDEGEER, MRS. KATHARINE: A. prominent character in the annals of West American bctany, whose inter- ust in cacti began soon after she ceased wwer career under the name of Mrs. wlary K. Curran. Many species have ween described by her pen as a result of Wer own and her husband’s explova- tions, chiefly identified with Lower Cal- afornia (as pertains to cacti) up to the present writing (1903).—Or. EDITORIAL. We publish this month an outline of the wor proposed by the wild flower preservation society, Which we consider worthy of the encouragement of our readers. In California we stand in need of the preservation of certain beauti- ful trees, and the action taken some years ago for the protection of the Tor- rey pine of San Diego county was taken none too soon. The Parry lily, of the mountain region of Southern Califor- nia, is in most urgent need of protec- tion from the spirit of commercialism, which has already rendered this beau- tiful flower a rare one. The annual dues of the’ society are one dollar a year, which entitles members to ‘“‘The Plant World’ monthly, and the secre- tary, Charles Louis Pollard, 1854 Fifth street, Washington, D. C., will be pleased to enroll the names of all who are in cordial sympathy with the ob- jects of the organization. RANDSBURG MINING DISTRICT. A topographic map of the country ad- jacent to the Randsburg and Johan- nesburg mining districts, California, is now in press and will soon be issued by the United States Geological Survey. The area covered by this map is known as the Randsburg quadrangle, and em- braces almost equal portions of Kern ard San Bernardino counties, and shows part of the location of the The West American Scientist. 42 Randsburg Railroad, which connects eChannesburg with Barstow, San Ber- nardino county. The scale of this map is approxi- miately one mile to the inch. The con- tour vertical interval of 50 feet shows well the topographic features of the re- gion. All roads, trails, mines, and houses are shown with great exactness, and—most important in such an arid country—the positions of all wells, springs, reservoirs, and dry lakes are accurately located. This section is practically a desert, and unless water can be found within reasonable dis- tances and at depths easily reached from the surface, prospectors and min- ers can not prosecute their work. The water for Randsburg and Johannes- burg is p.ped trom wells about 5 miles northeast of these places. It is of fairly goo. Cun. ity but is insufficient in quan- tity, and while the water company charges are not there regarded as ex- cessive, the lowest. rates would aston- ish those whe are not familiar with this desert country. Persons oceupy:ng houses or tents without water pipes usually pay one dollar a barrel for water. The whole area represented on this sheet is one of the most forbidding des- erts in the United States. The valleys are practically sand bedis, the moun- tains bare masses of rock. The only vegetaton in the valleys is scattered, low cactus, with here and there a greasewood or creosote bush about knee-high. The-mountains are abso- lutely devoid of grass or trees. The mineral wealth, principally gold, ccnstitutes the whole value of the country; but this is sufficient to have built up during the last few years the flourishing mining camps of Randsburg and Johannesburg, with an aggregate population of about 1,200. ee THE WILD FLOWER PRESERVA- TION SOCIETY OF AERICA. The ‘increased interest in nature study developed within recent years, and stimulated bp numerous illustrated bcoks of a popular nature, has unfor- tunately endangered the existence of many ornamental wild plants that would ctherwise have escaped public notice. The problem presented is how 43 these depredations may be checked without seriously restricting the free- dom or enjoyment of the nature-lover. Locan societies having this aim in view have been established in several places, and various articles on the sub- ject have appeared in magazines and mewspapers; these are all usefull fac- tors in arousing a healthy public senti- ment against indiscriminate and thoughtless flower-picking. But it is evident that the successful prosecu- tion of a campaign of this kind re- quires a central body which shall direct and inspire the work; and it also re- quires some official medium of publi- cation. The organization of a national society along these lines, effected on Apri! 23, 1902, while it represents to a certain extent the growth of pspuiar sentiment, is the direct result of the re- marks jby Dr. F. H. Knowlton in his essay, “Suggestions for the Preserva- tion of Our Native Plants,’ which was awarded the first prize in the recent competition held by the New York Bo- tanical Garden with the income of the Caroline and Olivia Phelps-Stokes fund. A few paragraphs from the es- say itself will serve as a partial ex- p-anation of the aims and cbjects of the Society: ¢ “It seems to me that all legitimate ef- fort that can be made for the conserva- tion of the native flora is naturally di- visible into two fie’us: First, ihe broad- er, higher plane of enlightened public sentiment rege:ding the protection of plants in general and, second, tae im- mediate steps that must be. taken to save certain of the) more showy or in- teresting forms now threatened with extermination, The first is something Wwe may reasonably hope for, even if it comes slowly; the second is a practical question that must be solved quickly or it will be too late. * * * The public must be educated up to the point when it will be possible for them to enjoy the flowers and plants of field and for- est without destroying them. They must be led to see that it is only’ self- ishness which prompts the indiscrim- inate plucking of every bright-colored flower or shapely fern that attracts their eye. A walk afield, enlivened by the presence of flowers and birds, leaves behind a memory that may be cher- ished for years. The ruthless breaking The West American Scientist. 44 up of this rounded symmetry of nature, smply for the gratification of the mom- ment, leaves a void impossible to fill.” The proposed fie ds of labor of the So- ciety may be summarized as folllows: EDUCATION.—The primary and sec- ondary schcols afford abundant oppor- tunity for missionary work. Let every teacher aim to impress on the pupils under his charge the beauty and value of plant life. Let him give some in- struction in the differences between native species, many of which are rare or easily destroyed, and the intraduced weeds, most of which are so sturdy and abundant that they will survive wholesale plucking. MORAL SUASION.—Public senti- ment can be influenced to a large ex- tent by articles in newspapers and magazines, if the subject-matter is well presented. The establishment of a press bureau by the Society is ex- pected to facilitate this work. PUBLIC PARIXS.—Many cities have set apart for public use and enjoyment various tracts of land distinguished for the beauty of their scenery or vegeta- tion. This is one of the most effective means of preserving plants from de- struction, and local chapters will be formed to work on this line. LWGISLATION.—In some few in- stances it may be advisable to invoke such legislation as protects the Hart- ford fe:n n Connecticut. ih s, however, is a last rescrt, and should only be em- ployed in emergencies where all other measures for protection have tailed. COMPULSORY ONION EATING. Onion-eating people are said to be immune from smallpox attacks. It is suggested that the grange associations of each state shall petition the legisla- tures to pass laws making onion-eating compulsory. The advantages over vaccination are several:—we have nev- er seen it asserted by a physician that onion-eaters were not immune; no de- tails from onion eaters have ever been reported; the increased consumption of onions will greatly benefit the agri- cultural classes and add to the longevi- ty of the nations; and only the super- fastidious people (the very rich, who are immune from the laws anyway), 45 could object ‘to compulsion in eating such a delicious vegetable. Those too poor to purchase the succulent should be provided with a regular supply at the expense of the state. Doctors, who visit sick people, should regularly file affidavits as to the quantity of onions eaten within a given veriod, that the public health may not be endangered. Cc. R. ORCUTT. 50 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE TRapeE MARKS DESIGNS CopyRIGHTS &c. Anyone sending a sketch and description may quickly ascertain our opinion free whether an invention is probably patentable. Communica- tions strictly confidential. Handbook on Patents sent free. Oldest agency for securing patents. Patents taken through Munn & “Co. receive special notice, without charge, in the Scientific American, A handsomely illustrated weekly. Largest cir- culation of any scientific journal. Terms, $3 a year; four months, $1. Sold by all newsdealers. MUNN & Co,3618roadway, New York Branch Office, 625 F St., Washington, D.C. OLD MEXICO and Sweetwater Dam in a day. Through Orange and Lemon Groves. A trip to San Diego is incomplete with- out a trip to Old Mexico and the Sweetwater Dam over the National City and Otay Railway. Train leaves foot 5th st. at 9:10 A. M. daily—for particulars see folders. FE. A. HORNBECK, Superintendent. The West American Scientist. 46 Compulsory vaccination laws in Kan- sas have been defeated in the supreme court. RAISINS We have a lot of the Choicest 4 Crown London Layers which we are offering at 3 Ibs. for 25 cents. The CENTRAL GROCERY Company 719-721 lyifth st. San Diego. Purchase your FOOTWEAR at LLEWELYN’S, 728 Fifth street. San Diego, California. PERIODICALS. YOUTH’S COMPANION: 144 Berkeley street, Boston, Mass. This popular paper is edited for the en- tire family, and is eagerly looked for each week by young and old alike. Bright and amusing anecdotes, stories, curious and useful knowledge, timely ed- itorials on public and domestic questions make up this great literary achievement. $1.75 a year. MUHLENBERGIA: No. 547 W. Walnut st., Lancaster, Pa. A journal of botany edited and pub- lished by A. A. Heller. $1 a volume. VERMONT JOURNAL: Windsor, Vt. WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST: Established 1884. Published Monthly. Price 10c a copy; $1 a year; $10 for life. Charles Russell @rcutt, Fiditor, Number 365 Twenty-first Street, San Diego, California. WILSON BULLETIN: 160 N. Professor st., Oberlin, Ohio. “The best exponent of field ornithol- ogy.” Specimen copy free. MINING: Spokane, Washington. Journal! of the northwest mining asso- ciation. $1 a yr. Monthly. The West American Scientist. Vol. XIV. No. 7- THE WILD FLOWER PRESERVA- TION SOCIETY OF AMERICA. The increased interest in nature study developed within recent years, and stimulated by numerous illustrated bcoks of a popular nature, has untor- tunately endangered the existence of many ornamental wild plants that would otherwise have escaped public notice. The problem presented is how these depredations may be -checked without seriously restricting the free- dom or enjoyment of the nature-lover. Local societies having this aim in view have jpeen established in several places, and various articles on the sub- ject have appeared in magazines and newspapers; these are all usefull fac- tors in arousing a healthy public senti- ment against indiscriminate and thoughtless flower-picking. But it is evident that the successful prosecu- tion of a campaign of this kind re- quires a central body which shall direct and inspire the work; and it also re- quires some official medium of publi- cation. The organization of a national society along these lines, effected on April 28, 1902, whiie it represents to a certain extent the growth of popular sentiment, is the direct result of the re- marks jby Dr. F. H. Knowlton in his essay, “Suggestions for the Preserva- tion of Our Native Plants,’ which was awarded the first prize in the recent competition held by the New York Bo- tanical Garden with the income of the Caroline and Olivia Phelps-Stokes fund. A few paragraphs from the es- say itself will serve as a partial ex- planation of the aims and objects of the Society: “Tt seems to me that all legitimate ef- fort that can be made for the conserva- July, 1903. Whole No. 126. tion of the native flora is naturally di- visible into two fields: First, the broad- er, higher plane of enlightened public sentiment regarding the protection of plants in general and, second, the im- mediate steps that must be taken to save certain of the more showy or in- teresting forms now threatened with extermination, The first is something we may reasonably hope for, even if it comes slowly; the second is a practical question that must be solved quickly or it will be too late. * * * The public must be educated up to the point when it will be possible for them to enjoy the flowers and plants of field and for- est without destroying them. They must be led to see that it is only) self- ishness which prompts the indiscrim- inate plucking of every bright-colored flower or shapely fern that attracts their eye. A walk afield, enlivened by the presence of fiowers and birds, leaves behind a memory that may be cher- ished fcr years. The ruthless breaking up of this rounded symmetry of nature, simply for the gratification of the mo- ment, leaves a void impossible to fill.” * * * * The proposed fields of labor of the So- ciety may be summarized as folllows: EDUCATION.—The primary and sec- ondary schools afford abundant oppor- tunity for missionary work. Let every teacher aim to impress on the pupils under his charge the beauty and value of plant life. Let him give some in- struction in the differences between native species, many of which are rare oz easily destroyed, and the introduced weeds, most of which are so sturdy and abundant that they will survive wholesale plucking. MORAL SUASION.—Public | senti- ment can be influenced to a large ex- Loy m ~: hate) OS Seited Be ee SS Ra - Aves is Ser ES Sy Nes Se ors ey! an ; - eee ae SAN ae > i. : . ro, “ i, Ge San aaa are eS Sees = : ches Scie Sees pe x eesti = SN ae Gee cs es re ~ reba rina : . SEGRE vs ae S : . es : i - mae {ees — os