8 SEEDS AND PLANTS IMPORTED. 



Agriculture of Cape Colony, as a plant worthy of being given unusual 

 attention. According to their statements, this melon, which is of the 

 nature of a watermelon, is quite distinct from the well-known Tsama 

 melon, which grows on the west side of the Kalihari desert. This 

 is found on the east side of the desert and is remarkable for the high 

 yield of melons to the acre. As many as 150 tons have been pro- 

 duced to the acre, 75 tons being not at all unusual. 



The interest in new varieties of mangos has become general enough 

 in Florida to warrant our calling particular attention to the "Palm- 

 tan" mango (No. 25940), introduced by Mr. William S. Lyon from 

 the Philippines. Although not as large a fruit or as small seeded as 

 some of the East Indian mangos, it fruits early and is enormously 

 prolific (which some of the East Indian varieties are not). Accord- 

 ing to Mr. Lyon its sweetness and juiciness are unapproached by any 

 other of the many Filipino mangos he has eaten. Its thick skin will 

 probably make it a good shipper. 



The oriental Myrica nagi has been introduced under No. 25908. 

 This extremely interesting fruit plant, whose dark wine-colored fruits 

 are exceedingly ornamental, has not been given the attention which it 

 deserves. There seem to be a number of varieties of this fruit, and, 

 although it is a slow-growing tree and late coming into bearing, it is 

 deserving of a trial in California and northern Florida. 



The great value of a variety of cherry which is hardier in fruit bud 

 than other cherries is conceded by the horticulturists of the North 

 western States. Those who are breeding or experimenting with 

 cherries will therefore be interested in the introduction of Prunus 

 tomentosa (No. 25880), which has been especially recommended by 

 Professor Macoun, of the Experimental Farm at Ottawa, Canada. 

 Trees of this species have been placed in the Upper Mississippi Valley 

 Plant Introduction Garden at Ames, Iowa, for further trial and 

 propagation. 



Of especial interest and problematic value is a collection of peach, 

 apricot, and cherry seeds from the Himalayas (Nos. 25894 to 25896). 

 The Indian bael fruit (Nos. 25879, 25889, 25890, and 25912) is one 

 which may prove valuable for making sherbets and for the flavoring 

 of soft drinks. A collection of varieties of tropical corn, representing 

 some of the best work done by the Harvard Experiment Station in 

 Cuba; a collection of oats from Algeria, Palestine, Sweden, and Tur- 

 key for the oat breeders; and a wild olive, Olea foveolata (No. 25846), 

 from the East London district of Cape Colony, are also worthy of 



special mention. 



David Fairchild, 



Agricultural Explorer in Charge. 



Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction, 



Washington, D. C, December 24, 1909. 



176 



