2f)G 



or no variation in diameter throughout its length. This plant grows 

 in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, where the people from the coast 

 go to obtain il when needed in their simple industries. Here it was I 

 found the plant and collected botanical specimens of it, discovering to 

 my surprise, that it is new to science. 

 Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. Guayaoax. 



In the collection is a ladle said to be made from " guayaean," a name 

 also applied to the wood of (htazuma ulmifolia (1M. LXI). Tins wood 

 is much employed in making small articles of everyday use. This 

 ladle has a round bowl 9cm. (3J inches) in diameter and 2.5 cm. (J inch) 

 deep at the lowest point, and a handle nearly 4 dm. (10 inches) long. 

 It is typical of the ladles which in many of the interior parts take the 

 place of ordinary spoons or any other similar table utensil. Knives 

 and forks are never seen outside of cities and towns. 



Chocolate sticks made from Madrono wood (Arbutus sp.) are very 

 common. ( EB No. 69. Ladle said to be made from "guayaean." the 

 wood of Guazuma ulmifolia.) 



Explanation of Plate LXI. -Kij;. 1, wooden hull.'; fig. 2, chocolate Bticli : H<r. 3, Imjjuco rolorailo. 

 Randias].. ].,,,,, CECILLIA . 



Shoe pegs as used at Acaponeta are made from the wood of a species 

 of Bandia; this is a small bush. (EB No. 1, pegs bought at Aca- 

 poneta.) 



MISCELLANEOUS USEFUL PLANTS. 



Bessera fistulosa (Herbert) Printz. Arktk. 



The liliaceous genus Bessera, though usually considered monotypic, 

 may really be composed of several species. One of these, probably 

 B.Jistulosa,is very common on the foothills on the west coast, reaching 

 up to 2,500 feet altitude. It has very pretty red flowers and is quite a 

 favorite with the country people, who often use it to decorate the altars 

 in their churches, etc. Their earrings are sometimes patterned after it. 



Other wild (lowers are gathered to cover arches which are placed 

 over the doorways of the churches. Among plants so used which 

 I recognized are Zinnia linearis and Tagetes lucida. The churches 

 of the Cora Indians are the most gloomy houses one can imagine. 

 They are usually made of rude stones, with a tilling of mud, and are 

 without windows. The roofs are thatched with mountain grass (/->"- 

 campes sp.) laid upon bamboo steins. This roof often extends forward 

 several feet over the front entrance. J 1 ere are found several church 

 bells which are hung by means' of vines (probably Hippocratea sp.) 

 The bells have no clapper, and are reached by a ladder and then rung 

 by being struck with a stone or some other solid object. 



Even the Spanish bull light has some botanical interest. The wreath 

 with which the victor is decorated is made of branches of trees with 

 bright, shining leaves. I obtained specimens from one at Qnaymas, 

 which was made of leaves from an undetermined tree. 



