Inventory 39, Seeds and Plants Imported. 



Plate I. 



The "Fire-Pot" Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. f.), S. P. I. No. 37657. 



A very small variety of persimmon of dark reddish color, resembling an intermediate form 

 between a Persian date and a plum. Locally called Huo kmm shih teU, meaning "fire-pot" 

 persimmon. The fruits can be kept fresh almost throughout tho cut ire winter, but the Chi- 

 nese also eat them slightly fermented by keeping them in water for a few weeks and pouring 

 off the water every few days. Their flavor reminds one of beer, and travelers relish t Item 

 decidedly. (Photographed at Paihsiangchen, Shansi, China, by Frank N. Meyer, February 

 14, 1U14; natural size; F13044FS.) 



