OCTOBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1916. 31 



6 inches thick at the base. Tlie tree shows every indication of being a strong, 

 vigorous grower, and its branches are stout and shapely and not so brittle as 

 in many weak-growing varieties. The bud wood furnished by the tree is quite 

 satisfactory; the growths are of suitable length, and the eyes are strong and 

 well developed, showing no tendency to drop at an early date, as they do in 

 some varieties. 



" During the period in which this tree was under observation it showed a 

 peculiarity in flowering which was not noticed elsewhere in Guatemala. In 

 November, 1916, flowers were produced and a few fruits set. Since a heavy 

 crop was produced in 1916, it was thought that the fruits set from the November 

 bloom were all that would be developed during 1917, but in January the tree 

 flowered again and set a very heavy crop of fniit. 



" The crop produced in 1916 amounted to over 100 fruits, which can be re- 

 garded a heavy crop when the size of the fruits and the small size of the tree 

 are considered. The crop for 1917 promises to be considerably larger. In 1916 

 the fruits were practically all picked in November, at which time they were 

 considered by the owner to be mature. 



"The fruit is broadly oval, quite uniform in shape, with a smooth green 

 surface when ripe. The weight varies from 14 to 20 ounces. The skin is about 

 as thick as in the average variety of the Guatemalan race, which is one-sixteenth 

 of an inch or slightly more. The flesh is free from fiber, clear, of good texture, 

 and pleasant flavor. Specimens sampled in November, 1916, were not as rich as 

 would be desired, but it may reasonably be assumed that they would have been 

 much better if they had been left on the tree two or three months longer. 

 Perfectly ripened specimens of this variety have not been tested ; hence, the 

 quality of this fruit when at its best must remain somewhat in doubt until it 

 comes into bearing in the United States. The seed is comparatively small and 

 always tight in its cavity. 



" Form uniformly oval ; size above medium to large, weight 14 to 18 ounces, 

 at the time up to 20 ounces, length 4^ inches, greatest breadth 3i inches ; base 

 rounded, with the stem inserted obliquely without depression ; stem stout, about 

 6 inches long; apex rounded, with the stigmatic point to one side and slightly 

 elevated ; surface nearly smooth, slightly undulating and somewhat obscurely 

 ribbed, deep green in color, almost glossy, with a few scattering large yellowish 

 green dots ; skin thick, slightly over one-sixteenth of an inch at base, nearly 

 one-eighth of an inch at apex, coarsely granular, brittle ; flesh cream color, pale 

 green near the skin, of fairly rich flavor, and free from flber or discoloration; 

 quality very good ; seed rather small in comparison to the size of the fruit, almost 

 spherical, about 2i ounces in weight, with both seed coats adhering closely to 

 the nearly smooth cotyledons, tight in the seed cavity." (Popenoe.) 



For an illustration of this avocado, see Plate VI. 



43477. Chayota edulis Jacq. Cucurbitacese. Chayote. 



{Sechium edule Swartz.) 



From Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Received through Mr. Carl 

 M. J. von Zielinski, American vice consul in charge, October 19, 1916. 



" Information from reliable sources states that the cultivation of this plant 

 is very simple. It should be planted in a humid soil, preferably where there 

 is plenty of shade. Its growth is said to be wonderful, and after 90 days it 

 has been known to produce over 100 fruits. There are two kinds of tallote 

 found in this country, but the difference is said to be only in the color of the 

 skin, which may be either white or green. The fruit is very much liked by the 



