i6 Dozuni)ig's Seedling Gooseberry. 



length having a framework of reticulated libres." This latter is a 

 distinct species from the Egyptian ; the tVuit is of a different shape., 

 being narrowed towards a point at both ends. This is also figured in 

 Rumphius. 



Both species, no doubt, are cultivated at Nassau. 



Grisebach mentions that the Sequa seed, or cocoon antidote, is from 

 the Feuitlea cordifolia^ of the same family of plants ; but the fruit is 

 globose. The name cacoon may have originated from this. 



L. B.'s remarks lead one to infer that this librous structure of a cu- 

 curbitacea — the " Guinea Sponge " — is of recent introduction, and a 

 rarity ; which cannot be the case, for Rumphius figured it in i747? ^"<J 

 Loudon records its introduction to be in 1739. 



A friend of mine brought from the West Indies, more than forty 

 years ago, many specimens of this spongy material, mostly of larger 

 size than L. B's " precious " one, also beautiful baskets, &c., construct- 

 ed of it. I have met with it not unfrequently since, and have had it in 

 family use ; it is a good bathing sponge. 



[A description of this plant and its fruit may be found in this Journal, 

 vol. iv., p. 346, under tl^ie name of Bonnet Gourd. — Ed.] 



DOWNING'^S SEEDLING GOOSEBERRY. 



By George W. Campbell, Delaware, Ohio. 



Tins really fine variety was originated, many years ago, by the well- 

 known pomologist Charles Downing, Esq., of Newburg, New York, 

 and is, I think, deserving of a more extended reputation than it seems 

 to possess. In quality and size it compares favorably with the large 

 English varieties, but, imlike them, is apparently as free trom mildew 

 as the Houghton, or American Seedling. In size it averages from 

 three fourths to over an inch in diameter ; berries round, or slightly 



