74 SEEDS AXD PLANTS IMPORTED, 



petals. Although 80 years have passed siiiee the tirst plants were introduced, 

 it would be difficult even now to name a more beautiful or desirable flowering 

 tree. Perfectly hardy, easily accommodated, and never failing at the flowering 

 time, the .species combines in it.self almost all the qualities that one asks for 

 in an ornamental tree. 



Of the new single-flowered varieties not much can yet Ite said, but although 

 so different from the big double blossoms to which we are so accustomed, the 

 flowers possess all their charm and delicacy of color, and if they are not so 

 large they have an even daintier gracefulnes.s. (Adapted from The Garden, vol. 

 56, p. 300.) 



This is apparently the variety Ochtchinta. a form with pale-i)iuk. double 

 flowers of large size. (See Wilson, Cherriex of .Jupdn. p. 5'/.) 



45662. Amygdalus persica L. Aiiiygdalacese. Peach. 



iPrunus persica Stokes.) 

 From Guadelope, French West Indies. Scions presented by Mrs. E. St. 

 George I^ough. Trois Rivieres Plantation. Received December 31. 1917. 

 Peach scions imported for experimental purixises. 



A free'itone ]>each described as somewhat resembling the peen-to peach in 

 shape and flavor. It is round, however, not flattened, and is reported as being 

 larger and having more " i^erfume and savor " than the peen-to. It resists 

 «lecay well, even in the heat of the French West Indies. 



For a more ciunlpete description, see .S. P. I. No. 341.31. 



45663. Stadmannia oppo.sitifolia Lam, Sapindacea?, 



From Port Louis, Mauritius. Seeds presented by Mr. G. Reguard. Re- 

 ceived December 7. 20, 22, and 31, 1917. 



"The fruits make an excellent jelly, very much like that of the quince. This 

 tree grows in a wild states, and the pulp of its fruit, unless made into a jam 

 or jelly, is only fit to be eaten by monkeys." (Regnard.) 



A large hardwood tree, once frequent in the primeval forests of the island of 

 Mauritius, but now becoming .scarce. It has alternate pinnate leaves, dense 

 panicles of inconspicuous flowers, and hard spherical fruirs nearly an iufh in 

 <linmeter. (Adapted from Baker, Flora of Mauritius, p. 66.) 



45664 to 45669. 



From Zacuapam, Vera Cruz, Mexico. I'resented by r)r. (,'. A. Purpus. Re- 

 ceived December 31, 1917. 



45664. Chayota edulis Jacq. Cucurbitacete. Chayote, 

 (Sechium edide Swartz. ) 



" The chayote is beconiing known in the I'nited States as a useful vege- 

 table belonging to the squash family. In some parts of tropical America 

 it is eaten as connnonly as are the potatoes in North America and is 

 stewed with meat, creamed, and so on. in the same manner. It has not 

 the food value of the potato, but is more comparable in this respect to 

 the squash. In an effort to extend and improve its culture in this coun- 

 try, varieties are being introduced from as many regions as possible." 

 (Wilson Popenoe.) 



45665. Capsicum annuum L. Solanace.ie. Pimento. 

 Var. grossnm. The pimento of tropical America. Dr. Purpus state.s 



that this variety is a plant for a hot country and should be planted in a 

 sunny place in light soil. 



