JUL.Y I TU SEPTEMBER 30, 1910. 35 



28637 to 28642— Continued. 



28637 and 28638— Continued. 



28637. Seeds. 28638. Cuttings. 



" While I can not t*peak authorilatively upon the subject, I will give my 

 opinion, which I believe will be found substantially correct upon inves- 

 tigation. Elqui raisins are made from the 'Italia' grapes. These are 

 lemon yellow in color, long-oblong in shape, agreeably sweet, exquisitely 

 flavored, have thin skins and semitransparent, long, ^lender bunches, a 

 fruit which makes excellent raisins even when left hanging on the vine 

 after maturity. The seeds vary. Some fruits are seedless; others in the 

 same bunch have chaff seeds; others one, two, three, and rarely, but 

 sometimes, more. I think neither machines nor shade are employed in 

 drying raisins in Chile, nor are they steeped in boiling water or any sort 

 of lye, nor are they dried on the plant. They are simply picked and sun- 

 dried upon mats, trays, or shallow baskets. Their flexibility is natural 

 and not due to sweating. The natural dryness of the climate is quite 

 sufficient to dry them to perfection either in the shade or sun. The latter 

 method is quicker and better, as it leaves the raisins softer. These vines 

 are prolific bearers and the grapes are highly esteemed as extra fine and 

 juicy table grapes. 



"In view of the fact that all fruits, grains, etc., of a similar appearance 

 are vulgarly called the same, I have an idea that the Elqui Italia is, or 

 may be, a class by itself, a Chile strain of the Italias introduced from 

 Italy. I have seen very many kinds of Italia grapes grown in central 

 Chile, principally for consumption while fresh. There are other classes 

 preferred for wines and brandy. All these have the same general appear- 

 ance and are called alike, but show marked differences in plant and fruit. 

 The Elqui grape for making raisins, however, is above competition." 

 (Husbands.) 



28639 and 28640. ''Pastilla. It is from these grapes that the famous Chile 

 brandy called ' Pisco ' is distilled." (Husbands.) 



28639. Seeds. 28640. Cuttings. 



'"Pisco originated at a seaport just south of Callao, Peru, named Pisco. 

 The liquor was sold in a jar about 30 inches high, mouth about 6 inches 

 in diameter made so that it could not stand up. This jar was made by 

 the Spanish upon models of the Incas. The brandy was placed within 

 this piece of pottery new and unrefined; often buried as a refining 

 process. I believe the plants came originally from Peru." (Husbands.) 



28641 and 28642. "Negra (black). It is from these grapes that the cele- 

 brated Elqui red wine is made." 



28641. Seeds. 28642. Cuttings. 



28643 and 28644. 



From the Andean Highlands near Cuzco, Peru. Presented by Mrs. Franklin 

 Adams, Washington, D. C. Received August 10, 1910. 

 Seeds of the following: 



28643. Zea mays L. Com. 



28644. Chenopodium quinoa Willd. Quinoa. 

 See No. 28634 for previous introduction. 



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