86 SEEDS AND PLANTS IMPORTED. 



42355 to 42376— Continued. 



used for the manufacture of varnish. The resinous wood is very hard 

 and heavy and lasts very well. The sapwood is the color of oak and the 

 heartwobd is suitable for cabinetmaking. Native name Copalier. 

 (Adapted from De Lancssan, Les Plantes Utiles des Colonies Francoises, 

 p. 531, under Uymenaea verrucosa.) 



42376. Typhonodorum eindleyanum Schott. Araceae. 



This species of aroid is found in Zanzibar, Mauritius, and Madagascar, 

 and, like all of the genus, it grows near the banks of muddy streams or 

 in marshes. The plant measures from 1.5 to 2.5 meters high. All parts 

 give off an irritating juice which causes itching. The Malagasy make 

 an edible starch by drying the grated base of the plant over a slow 

 tire. In spite of the action of the fire, however, this starch causes an 

 itching in the mouth and even in the esophagus. This starch is also 

 considered an excellent remedy against the bites of venomous animals. 

 Certain animals, such as wild boars, are very fond of the entire stalk. From 

 the leaf sheath, the Sakalavas extract a thread which they manufacture 

 into heavy fishlines, and according to Perrier de la Bathie a variety which 

 has reddish and blackish sheaths gives better fibers than the variety 

 which has white sheaths. It is a very easy matter to gently draw out 

 the threads after abruptly breaking the sheath, provided they are pulled 

 out parallel to the axis. Thus obtained, the threads are at first a deep 

 yellow, becoming much lighter with washing. Native names Viha and 

 Vihana. (Adapted from Heckel, Les Plantes Utiles de Madagascar, pp. 

 254-255, under T. madagascariensis.) 



42377 to 42380. 



From Chefoo. China. Presented by Mr. A. Sugden, customhouse, through 

 Mr. John F. Jewell, American consul, Chefoo. Received March 29, 1916. 



42377 and 42378. Arachis hypogaea L. Fabacese. Peanut. 



42377 Small variety. 42378. Large variety. 



42379. Amygdaeus persica L. Amygdalacea?. Peach. 

 (Prunus persica Stokes.) 



"Mixed peach stones of various sorts and seasons." (Sugden.) 



42380. Prunus armeniaca L. Amygdalacese. Apricot. 

 Introduced for breeding experiments. 



42381 to 42383. 



From Buenos Aires, Argentina. Presented by Senor Benito .1. Carrasco, 



director, Botanic Gardens. Received March 21, 1916. Notes by Senor 

 Carrasco. 



42381. Bauhinia candicans Benth. Cresalpiniaceae. 



" Caoba. Ornamental tree, with excellent wood, from the temperate 

 ion of Argentina." 



42382. Caesalpinia meeanocarpa Griseb. Csesalpiniacese. 



" Ghioyacan. A handsome leafy tree, with hard reddish wood, from 

 the temperate region of Argentina." 



42383. Cassia laevigata Willd. C-esalpiniacea?. 



" San Falso. A vigorous ornamental tree from the temperate and hot 

 regions of Argentina." 



