JULY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1922. 25 



large elliptical dark-green leaves, and wlilte to iiuride llowers 10 inches in 

 diameter. This magncilia has flowered freely in soutliern Frniice and Italy. 

 (Adapted from Curtis's Botanical Matjaziuc, vol. J 11. pi. 6*793.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 4771S. 



55724. Medicago sativa L. Fabacese. Alfalfa. 



From Lima, I'eru. Seeds pri'seiited by W. K. Imnn. uctlUK comujurciiil 

 attach^, through the Department of Connneree, WashinKton. I>. C. lU.'- 

 ceived July 3, 1922. 



"This Peruvian alfalfa is known as 'San re«lriina.' Sr. Carlos .Mvan-z 

 Calderon, who obtained the sample for us, says that it wa.s grown In the coa.st 

 region and may be harvested every 45 days tlirougliout the year, wliereas from 

 the ordinary variety ' del pais ' only about six cuts per year can be obtained." 

 (Dunn.) 



Peruvian alfalfa has proved of great value in certain parts of the UnltiHl 

 States. In the hope of originating new strains which may be sujKTlor In certain 

 respects to any now grown in this country, an cndrt Is being mad** to obtain 

 seed from as many different regions in Peru as possible. The following note 

 is adapted from H. L. Westover, in '"The Development of the Peruvian .Mfalfa 

 Industry in the United States," United States Department of Agrlcultur*' 

 Circular 93 : 



As compared with common alfalfa, both types of Peruvian alfalfa are more 

 upright, less branched, and have fewer and somewhat coarser stems and smaller 

 crowns. In thick stands, these differences are hardly noticeable. Most of the 

 Peruvian introductions are also characterized by rapid growth, quick recovery 

 after cutting, and in sections having a mild climate ability to make growth In 

 cool weather after ordinary alfalfas have ceased growing. Under such (xndl- 

 tions the Peruvian alfalfas start growth earlier in the spring and continue later 

 in the fall, thereby giving more cuttings eacii season. The principal obJ«'<'tion 

 advanced in times past to these alfalfas is their tendency to be<'ome somewhat 

 woody wiien allowed to stand beyond the flowering stage, but this difllculty Is 

 easily obviated by earlier harvesting. Lack of hardiness will always conflne 

 the successful production of the true and smooth Peruvian alfalfas to the 

 southern and southwestern portions of the United States, where the cllmath- 

 conditions are comparatively mild. They can not be grown to advantage where 

 the winter temperature falls below 10° F. At the present time most of the 

 Peruvian and smooth Peruvian alfalfa in the United States is found In Arizona 

 and California. It has also been grown to a limited extent in New Mexico. 

 Texas, and the coastal regions of the Southeastern States. The results se«'m 

 to indicate that in much of this region the common alfalfa could be replHce<l 

 very profitably by the Peruvian varieties. 



55725. Prunus armeniaca L. Amygdalaceae. Apricot. 

 From Algiers, Algeria. Seeds presented by Dr. L. Trabut. Received 



July 3, 1922. 

 "A native apricot known as lous; the tree is very productive and the fruit 

 excellent. This tree is cultivated at M'Sila, a subarid region." {Trabut.) 



55726. Fragaria roseiflora Boulay. Rosacese. Strawberry. 



From Chenebourg, near Geneva, Switzerland. Seeds purchased from H. 

 Correvon, Floraire Nursery. Received July 11, 1922. 



Introduced for experiments in strawberry breeding. 



This is very closely allied to Fragaria vesca, from which It Is distinguished 

 by its round, uniformly pink petals and its roundish depressed fruits. It is 

 found wild on the slopes of the Vosges Mountains in Alsace. (Adapted from 

 Bulletin de la Soci6t6 de France, vol. 18, p. 92.) 



55727. Ceratonia siliqua L. Csesalpiniaccse. Carob. 

 From Bari, Italy. Budwood presented by Dr. E. Pantanelll, director. 



Agricultural Experiment Station. Received July 7. 1922. 



