DECEMBER, i'JOa, TO DECEMBER, IW-J. (')'.» 



11724. rKKSKA CHATissiMA. Avocado. 



From Purhaii, Natal. I'ri'soiited l)v Mr. J. I,. I'-liiKirc. Hi'c'eivi'd SeptciiiluT 

 :;0, HK)4, in same package with No. 1I7l':;. 



"These pears have only hivii introduced into tiii.>^ country for a lew years, ami are 

 proving a ."^ouree of jrreat revenue. The trees are stron<r and healthy, and bear after 

 about tive jears' growth — grow as well from sei'ds as grafted oni's. When in season 

 prices range here for the fruit from 50 cents to $2 i)er dozen. The fruit never ripens 

 on the tree, but soon ripens after it is full grown and j^icked and laid aside for a ivw 

 days. This fruit can be transported any distance, as it is perfectly hard when p\dled 

 anil does not soften for some days. After being laid aside for a few days they 

 become soft and then are edible. The tlesh is about one-half inch in thii'kne.ss, 

 and when ripe of a liglit yellow shading to a pea green next to the skin, and if 

 eaten with a little sugar and milk is like rich cream. Some prefer salt and pepper 

 and a little vinegar; others nothing at all. 1 know of people here who eat no meat 

 when these pears are in season. The trees grow in a sandy soil to a good size, and 1 

 think they would grow in the Southern States and California." ( hlhnon.) 



11725. Gakcinia mangostana. Mangosteen. 



From iSaigon, Cochin China. Presented by Dr. M. E. ITaffner, director of the 

 Botanic Gardens. Received October o, 1904. 



11726. PsiDiUM GUAJAVA. Gruava. 



From Trinidad, British AVest Indies. Presented by Mr. J. H. Hart, sujieriii- 

 tendent of the Royal Botanic (Tarilens. Received Octolier 8, 15)04. 



A large led guava. Fruit of this variety is reputed to weigh at the rate of three 

 to a pound. {Hart. ) 



11727. Pamcum decompositum. Australian millet. 



From Sydney, New South AVales. Presented by Mr. J. II. Maiden, directoi- of 

 the Botanic Gardens. Received October 4, 1904. 



" From the dry interior of southwestern Queensland. The seed was collected by 

 the blacks, who use it largely for food, while the grass itself is one of the best fodder 

 grasses of Australia." {Maiden.) (See ^Maiden's Cxeful Native I'la))tx nf Australia, 

 p. 97.) 



11728 to 11730. LiiJUM longiflorum eximeum. Easter lily. 



From New York, N. Y. Received thru Henry ife Lee, August 3, 1904. 



11728. Bermuda-grown bulbs. 11730. Japan-grown Imlbs. 



11729. Azores-grown bulbs. 



11731. Triticum sp. Wheat. 



From Germanv. Presented by Mr. A. Kirsche, PfiffelVtach, near Apolda, thru 

 Mr. J. E. Wl Tracy. Received September 30, 1904. 



Original Winter Square Head. 



11732. Ctarcinia mangostana. Mangosteen. 



From Singapore, Straits Settlements. Presented by Mr. R. Derry, assistant 

 superintendent of the Botanic Gardens. Received November IS, 1904. 



11733. Asparagus virgatus. Asparagus. 



From Durban, Natal, South Africa. Presented by Mr. J. Medley Wood, curator 

 of the Botanic Gardens. Received November 18, 1904. 



"A native Natal asparagus, which is said to produce edible shoots of good quality. 

 The plant does not require so much care as the cultivated asparagus, and may there- 

 fore prove of value for breeding purposes." ( Wood.) 



97 



