ADDITIONAL NOTES ON USEFUL PLANTS 



THOUGH well toward a year has elapsed since you pub- 

 lished the concluding list of "Food from Wild Plants," 

 perhaps the following additional ones will not be barred. 

 Azalea nudiflora bears a structure known locally in New Eng- 

 land as swamp apple. A bush may have on it a dozen or 

 more of these. This "fruit" is usually about two inches in 

 diameter roundish or more or less irregular in shape, seedless, 

 stemless, green, glaucous, solid, heavy, juicy, tender and 

 rather toothsome. Children are very fond of them. They 

 are not true fruits but are probably classed with the galls. 

 The "cheeses" of round-leaved mallow (Malva rotundifolia) 

 are relished by children. — L. B. Cushuuui, Xorth Bast, Pa. 

 [Mr. Cushman is correct in assuming tliat the swamp apples 

 are galls. They contain, however, considerable moisture and 

 are not to be overlooked on a hot spring day when other water 

 is hard to find. — Ed.] 



In your note on Hunudus lupulus (hop) it is surprising 

 that you failed to mention its use in yeast. Abms incana 

 made the best of charcoal in my boyhood days in Connecticut. 

 — /. M. Bates, Red Cloud, Nchr. [Now that the brewing 

 industry is on the decline, it might serve as a historical note 

 to add that hops were once used in brewing. Contrary to 

 common opinion, hops are not necessary to make beer and 

 their addition to this fluid is a matter of comparatively recent 

 date. — Ed.] 



When your list of fragrant wildflowers was printed, the 

 wild hyacinth was not among them. The porcelain blue 

 blossoms are very fragrant and very showy. I have found 

 them growing in Missouri along the roadside and patches of 



