Includes bibliographical references and index

Albert F. Hill ECONOMIC BOTANY A Textbook of Useful Plants and Plant Products SECOND EDITION The dependence of our modern civilization on plants and plant products and increased demand of fibers, oils, fats, insecticides, and drugs, as well as rubber etc, are classified as strategic materials. An adequate food supply, both for domestic use and for export to less fortunate countries, became of paramount importance. Greater production both of food and of the strategic materials is imperative. In the case of domestic plants this involved merely an increase in acreage and the utilization of improved methods of cultivation and harvesting. Where foreign plants were concerned, attention was usually first directed to the possible introduction and establishment of these species in the Western Hemisphere. In cases where this was impracticable, it was necessary to secure satisfactory substitutes. Many formerly little-known species suddenly became of great importance. The past few years have also seen many advances in the field of medicine and the utilization of drugs obtained from plants that were virtually unknown a decade or so ago. The result of all this effort has been a definite change in the agricultural and forest practices of the various countries, particularly those of this hemisphere. Some of these changes will be permanent, others more transitory in nature. In the present revision an attempt has been made to take cognizance of these matters and to evaluate them as to their possible future significance. In consequence the subject matter has been completely revised and several chapters have been entirely rewritten. Some 140 additional species are discussed and new illustrations have been added.