14 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER. 
not be produced in some sections of our continental domain; and the 
extent and cosmopolitan character of our immigration suggest, if not 
require, the greatest variety in production consistent with economy of 
labor and other peculiar circumstances of our condition. The progress 
of events shows that farmers and planters are alive to the necessity of 
such diversity; and this idea should be fostered and encouraged, as it 
is one of the most reliable indices of progressive civilization. 
Among other species of valuable plants already in the collection may 
be mentioned the Ipomea purga, producing the jalap; Hura. erepitans, 
the sand box-tree; Jatropha curcas,.a medicinal plant; Biva Orellana, 
the arnotto plant; Manihot utillissima, the cassava; Theobroma cacao, 
the chocolate tree; Andropogon Schenanthus, or lemon grass; Elletaria 
Cardamomum, the cardamom plant; Amomum Jlelegueta, «1 carminative; 
Tamarindus Indica, the tamarind tree; Asclepias Curassavica, a medici- 
nal plant; Cinchona, of various preferred species, the Peruvian barks; 
Sesamum Indicum, famed for its oil products; Abrus precatorius, the Ja- 
maica licorice; Laurus Camphora, the campher plant; Cinnamomum 
verum, the cinnamon tree; Acacia catechu; Mesua ferrea, a medicinal 
plant; Guilandina Bonduc, an oil-bearing plant; Piper Leiel, the betel 
plant; Clusia flava, the balsam tree; Piper cubeba; Dorstenia Brasiliensis ; 
Hematoxylon Campechianum, Dracaena Draco, and ,Pterocarpus Marsu- 
pium, famed dye plants; Croton Tiglium and Hlaeis Guineensis, valuable 
oil-producing trees, with other medicinal species. 
Of fruits, the various Musas, especially the MU. Cavendishii, or dwarf 
banana; Psidiums or Guavas, so famed as a condiment; the Mangosteen, 
Garcinia Mangostana; the mamee apple, Mamea Americana; Achras 
Sapota ; Limonia Americana; Mangefera Indica, the mango tree; Ohry- 
sophyllum Cainito, the West Indian star apple; Papaya vulgaris, the 
melon apple; Monstera deliciosa ; Nephelium Longanum; Anona Cheri-. 
molia, the cherimoyer; Anacardium occidentale, cashew nut; Phenix 
dactylifera, the date palm; Bertholletia excelsa, the Brazil nut, and the 
monkey eup nut, Lecythis ; Illictum floridanum, the aniseed plant, and 
others of the pome and nut families. 
The plants that furnish the various gums, dies, resins, oils, and fibers 
of commerce, are very numerous, and many species have not yet been 
introduced. Of the fibrous plants in the collection of the Department 
may be mentioned the Musa textilis, the Manilla hemp plant; various 
species of Hibiscus and Ascepias, Bromelia, and Urtica. The Pederia 
fetida, a new fiber plant recently brought into notice, has also been 
secured for trial. Those producing material for the manufacture of 
paper are specially worthy of trial and experiment. Conspicuous among 
utilizable plants is the extensive family of palms, so rich and varied in 
their products of food, medicine, and clothing. Of this extensive series 
but few have yet been added to the collection. 
The distribution of seeds and plants of the China grass, Behmeria 
nivea, has afforded the opportunity to ascertain its proper culture and to 
become familiar with its growth, resulting in the conclusion that its cal- 
