797 



tomentum as are the very young leaves on both surfaces. 

 The flowers are one-half inch in diameter, shortly pedi- 

 celled and not crowded." May possibly have some value as 

 a stock for the loquat. 



Ficus bengalensis. (Urticaceae . ) 39113. Seeds of a fig 

 from Darjeeling, India. "A large tree found in the sub- 

 alpine tract and the lower slopes of Deccan, and so common 

 in Mysore that it may be said to be characteristic of the 

 arboreal vegetation in many parts of that province. This 

 tree attains a height of from 70 to 100 feet, and sends 

 down roots from its branches, thus indefinitely expanding 

 its horizontal growth. This tree yields an inferior rub- 

 ber and lac is also collected from it. A coarse rope is 

 prepared from the bark and the aerial roots. Paper is 

 also reported to have been formerly prepared in Assam from 

 the bark and to a small extent is still so prepared in 

 Madras. The milky juice is externally applied for pain 

 and bruises, and as an anodyne application to the soles of 

 the feet when cracked or inflamed. It is also applied to 

 the teeth and gums as a remedy for toothache. The wood is 

 of a grayish color, is moderately hard, and as it is dura- 

 ble under water, it is used in the manufacture of well- 

 curbs. It is sometimes used for boxes and door panels." 



Fraxinus floribunda. (Oleaceae.) 39034, 39115. Seeds 

 of an ash from Darjeeling, India. "This Fraxinus, common- 

 ly known as the Nepal ash, is a large deciduous tree found 

 in the Himalayas at altitudes ranging from 5000 to 8500 

 feet, and attaining a height of 120 feet and a diameter of 

 5 feet. A concrete, saccharine exudation called manna is 

 obtained from the stem of this tree and is employed as a 

 substitute for the officinal manna. The sugar contained 

 in this exudation, called mannite, differs from cane and 

 grape sugars in not being readily fermentable, though 

 under certain conditions it does ferment and yields a 

 quantity of alcohol varying in strength from 13 to 33 

 per cent. Like the officinal manna this is used for its 

 sweetening and slightly laxative properties. The wood is 

 white with reddish tinge, soft to moderately hard in 

 structure, resembling in some respects the European ash. 

 The wood is very valuable and is used in the manufacture 

 of oars, jampan poles, ploughs, platters, spinning wheels, 

 and for many other purposes, while the tree itself is a 

 fine avenue ornamental." 



Indigofera dosua. (Fabaceae.) 39119. Seeds from Dar- 

 jeeling, India. "This is a shrub of the temperate, cen- 

 tral and eastern Himalayas, from Simla to Bhotan and Assam 

 at altitudes ranging from 6000 to 8000 feet. The flowers 



