1261 



plants produce abundantly. While not a fruit likely 

 to become of great importance in the United States, it 

 possesses sufficient interest and value to merit a 

 trial. The regions in which it seems likely to suc- 

 ceed are, Florida, southern Texas, and California." 

 (Popenoe. ) 



Pennisetum merkeri (Poaceae), 45572. Napier fodder-grass. 



From Rhodesia. Presented by Mr. J. Burtt-Davy, Bo- 

 tanist, Agricultural Supply Association, Johannes- 

 burg, South Africa. "The great value of prolific and 

 drouth-resistant fodder plants, which are generally 

 very difficult to procure, is well known to stock 

 owners; and this species which is but little known, 

 as yet, can be most highly recommended for both of 

 these qualities. During the last season, which was 

 very dry and most disastrous for stock, this grass 

 grew to a height of nearly 11 feet and produced a 

 large quantity of succulent, nutritious, and fattening 

 fodder. This is greatly relished by the stock, and is, 

 according to analysis, much richer than green maize. 

 A reliable official says: 'There is a concensus of 

 opinion that in this plant we have found a fodder of 

 great value and one which remains green even during 

 such long periods as from six to eight months when 

 other herbage is parched up or destroyed. It grows 

 rapidly to the height of 12 feet or more in favorable 

 weather, thrives well in various soils, and resists 

 both frost and drought to a remarkable extent. At 7 

 feet high it has produced 12 tons of green fodder per 

 acre, and a few months later 15 tons, making a total 

 yield of 27 tons per acre. It is everlasting when 

 once established, and the tufts or stools increase in 

 size after each cutting or when grazed off. It should 

 prove of untold value to farmers in South Africa who 

 suffer much loss through frequent and protracted 

 droughts, and in the East Indies and other countries 

 where light rainfall and semi-arid conditions obtain. 

 As a prolific and drought-resistant plant it promises 

 to prove one of the very best brought into cultiva- 

 tion." (B. Harrison.) See S.P.I. No. 43241 for prev- 

 ious introduction. 



Ptcroearya stenoptera ( Juglandaceae) , 45587. From 

 China. Collected by Mr. Frank N. Meyer, Agricultural 

 Explorer for this Department. "(No. 2447a. Kingmen, 



Bar Barbarism by Buying Bonds. . 



