APRIL 1 TO JUNE 30, 1919. 29 



" The conns, which seem to be nsuiilly only a few ounces in weifiiit. are edible 

 when coolved. They have a yellow interior, surrounded by a layer about tliree- 

 sixteenths of an inch thick, of translucent white tlesh ; this is acrid, and re- 

 quires longer cooking than the iiuier part to make it edible. Tiie cornis of this 

 yautia should make a satisfactory slarchy food in retdons wbere tlie plant can 

 be grown. The cormels are diminutive at lirst and ai»i>ear to gmw slowly." 

 (R. A. Young.) 



47537. Trigonella FOENrM-GKAEci m L. Fabact'ie. Fenugreek. 



From Waulvegan, 111. Presented by I'datciiford's Calf .Meal I'actory. lie- 

 ceived June 5, 1919. 



" Egyptian, fenugreek, or helha, as it is called by tlie Arabs. This plant yields 

 an important condiment; and its root system is so remarkably i)r<ivide(l with 

 tubercles that it is worthy of serious attention as a green-manure cro]). The 

 seeds are also of value for feeding purposes, and a large quantity of fodder is 

 produced, which if cut before the seeds ripen is of excellent ([uality. The con- 

 dition powders and condiment foods which are sold in Kngland and America 

 extensively and fed to ailing horses, cattle, and chickens, arc mixtures of the 

 fenugreek with other meals or grains. It is sometimes planted with berseem." 

 (Da rid Fairchild.) 



47538 to 47547. 



Fi-om Teheran, Persia. Presented by Col. .7. N. Merrill, Americ.in legation. 

 Received INIay 5, 1919. 

 47538. Allium cepa L. Liliacese. Onion. 



" Onion seed from Tarum, 25 miles west of Zenjan, in western Persia." 

 (Merrill.) 



The following grains are introduced for variety tests being carried on 

 by specialists of the Department of Agriculture. 

 47539 to 47541. Hoedeum vulgark pallidt-m Seringe. Poacefp. Barley. 



47539. No. 1. 47541. NA). 3. 



47540. No. 2. 



47542. Secale cereale L. Poacese. Rye- 



47543 to 47547. Triticum aestivuw L. Poacefe. Wheat. 



(T. vuUjare Till.) 



47543. No. 1. 47546. No. 4. 



47544. No. 2. 47547. No. 5. 



47545. No. 3. 



47548 to 47550. 



Fnrni Richmond, Victoria, Australia. Presented by Mr. F. H. Paker. Re- 

 ceived June 2, 1919. Quoted notes by Mr. Baker. 

 47548. Banksia margixata Cav. Proteacefe. 



" Slie-oak. Grows along the coast." 



This wood ^-s porous, soft, spongy, and light. In the process of drying 

 it twists and warps to a great extent, but when thoroughly seasoned 

 it takes a fine polish and has a i)leasing surface. It is used in cabinet- 

 making and for indoor ornamental work. ( Adapted from Maiden, Useful 

 Native Plants of Australia, p. 383.) 



