Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-02
THE CARE OF RARE PLANTS
Animal Report Of the Superintendent Of Ex-
perimhntal Gardens.
Propagation of the Olive Trees and
the CamphOr Plant-SuggesttOns
of Future Needs.

Whilem Sal nderS, superintendent OF eX-
perimental gardens and grounds, has sub
mitted his annual report for the fiscal year
ended June 30 to Secretary Wilson of the
Department Of Agriculture. He also makes
suggestions for the currant year.
Superintendent Saunders states that the
conservatories and plant structures demand
a great deal of attention.
The collections of plants in the conserva-
tories proper are mostly those of economic
value, and serve as nucleus from which
selections are made Of such as appear to
merit propagation for experimental pur-
poses. and Introduction as Industrial plants,
If a suitable climate can be found for their
growth. and other conditions favorable for
profitable culture.
Propagation of Fruits.
Other green houses are appropriated to
the growth and propagation Of pine apples.
the citrus family, olive trees for the pro-
duction Of cuttings, and for other similar
purposes.
In regard to the distribution, he says that
about 10000 various ornamental plants are
propagated annually to supply the flower
gardens and flower beds on the department
grounds. The distributions during the last
fiscal year were mainly as follows: Straw
berries, 1880: grapes, native and fore gn,
1000; olive plants 5000; camphor trees,
$500; fig cuttings. 1000; pineapples, guavas,
cinnamon. pepper, citrus, vanilla, coffee,
"loQuat," etc, 1890.
The Conservatories.
The greenhouses and conservatories the
superintendent states. are in the main in
good repair. After a service Of twenty-five
years. during which time they received lit
tie in the way Of improvement. except
coat Of paint occasionally, a thorough over
hauling was commenced
This involves the removal of all the glass
and Inspection Of the wood work, much Of
which was found to require renewal. After
repairs the glass was replaced and the
woodwork received two coats Of paint. The
roof OF the conservatory was found to he
much decayed. requiring a renewal of the
greater portion of the woodwork. So far
as finished, the houses are rain-proof and
show but little leakage or drip. This, it is
stated. Is principally due to the method of
glazing, putty being used only In bedding
the glass. none being used on the outside
of sash bars The work of renewal of
glass roofs Is not yet completed, but will
be continued until all have been over
hauled.
In the way Of suggestions for the present
year Superintendent Saunders states that
the concrete roads and walks are worn out
and need repairing. Some portion of these
ne is OF the opinion, can be renewed at
once, but thorough renewal must wait
appropriations for this specific purpose.
Growth of the Olive.
The report calls attention to the propa-
cation of olive trees. which has been going
on Of late. OF these the department has a
select assortment. and considerable interest
Is being developed In their culture. Like
all introductions of this character. how
ever, great amount of PERSISTENCE the
superintendent says, is necessary before
planters take up a new industry in earnest
He has found this in the case with most
introductions. Plants continue to be re-
ceived. planted and neglected until some
one more careful than his neighbors reach
es some degree of success, extends his
plants, and ultimately attains a profitable
expectancy; then others will follow in the
same line. and. IL successful, the culture
will have been inaugurated.
Camphor Plant a New Crop.
The superintendent states that the cam
phor plant may be taken u sample of
the introduction Of a new crop. For more
than twenty years the department has
been distributing this plant in extreme
southern states first as a shade tree and a
shelter for orange groves, and more re-
Gently as Of promising Industrial value
After all these years planters are now
trees are in great demand. and their value
as economic plants. will be properly tested
With regard to future work, exclusive OF
ordinary care Of the ground and glass
houses. the propagation Of such economic
plants as may seem advisable will be con-
tinued At present the olive is the leading
factor in propagation, as 1t is considered
desirable to fully introduce and encourage
olive culture in such of the southern states
as seem suited for its profitable growth.
Judging from past experiences, the report
states. years may elapse before this will be
accomplished.
In concluding his report Superintendent
Saunders states that he Is constantly on
the alert to introduce plants of possible
economic value. and to propagate and dis
tribute them for trial.