PLANT ACCLIMATISATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18017, 16 February 1922, Page 8

PLANT ACCLIMATISATION.

EXPERIMENTAL WORK.

INTRODUCING NEW PLANTS.

The council of tho plant branch of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society met yesterday, Mr. J. W; Poynton, S.M., presiding. . ' With regard to the securing of a plot of ground for experimental purposes, a deputation was appointed to visit the Three Kings College with a view of seeing whether suitable arrangements can bo made with the college authorities for tho use of land there. An encouraging letter was received from Mr. L. D. Batchelor, professor of orchard management, University of California, in response to a request for information regarding commercial nuts likely to be of use in New Zealand. The writer promised every assistance to the Auckland society, Ho announced the | despatch of blueberry plants, Vaccinium Canadensi, by the Niagara, with seeds to be sent later in the year. These seeds should thrive well in the Tongariro National Park and surrounding plains. Mr. 6. Parr, president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, wrote approving of the work being undertaken by the plant branch and wo intention of commencing a campaign for the purpose of introducing suitable new grasses, fodders, and other plants into the Waikato. He expressed surprise and regret that the Auckland City Council had refused the request of the branch for the use of a small of land in the Domain for the trial of introduced plants and trees. Mr. Parr stated that such an experimental plot would bo one of the great attractions of the Domain.

A parcel of seeds of a new variety of the Chou Molier, or Jersey cabbage, a plant of great use to daily farmers, was received for trial from Mr. J. It. Cornish, of Tc Aroha. The seeds are lo be distributed.

A letter was received from Mr. Bernard Chambers, Havelock, Hawke's Bay, regarding the African tree Wisteria | (Bolusanthus speciosus) and acknowledg- ! ing receipt of cuttings of the Kikyuyu i grass which is proving such a valuable | summer fodder in the warmer districts I of Northern New Zealand.

Seeds of the Mexican variety of tho avacado wore received from Mr. E. T. Reid, agriculture instructor, Cook Islands, who promised further supplies, Samples of the purple king plurn, a new variety raised by Mr. Hayward Wright, were exhibited and pronounced one of the finest fruits ever raised in any country.