16 
also a third species, C. jucunda, known only from southern 
Florida, from whence it was but recently imported, and very rare 
in cultivation, will be found nearby. The leaves of C. argentea 
are used in the manufacture of brooms and baskets and other 
kinds of wicker ware. On the right side of the walk and nearer 
the entrance is a plant some 15 feet high of Acrocomia media, 
but recently collected in Porto Rico by an expedition sent out 
by the Garden, and just beginning to send out its new leaves. 
Its trunk is thickly covered with stout spines which give it quite 
a formidable appearance. Close at hand is a small plant of a 
species widely spread throughout India and Malaysia. Its eco- 
nomic importance is the only excuse for alluding to it here, as the 
plant is as yet too young to show character. This is the betel- 
nut palm, Aveca Catechu, which has been in cultivation a very 
long time, and asa result many varieties have been ‘produced, each 
having its native and local name. It attains a heighs of 50-60 
feet and bears large bunches of orange fruit about the shape and 
size of a small hen’s egg. The outer covering is thick and 
fibrous, enclosing a much smaller nut, and it is for this nut that 
the palm is so extensively cultivated and highly prized by the 
natives. It is chewed in conjunction with the leaves of some 
species of the pepper-vine with an admixture of various other 
ingredients. The constant chewing of this mixture makes the 
teeth black and gives to the mouth and lips a brick-red color. 
The nuts are valued for the amount of astringent matter they 
contain, the more of this element present the more highly are 
they esteemed. The spathes are frequently used to form drink- 
ing and baking utensils. Small plants of other species of Areca 
are in this group, among them several of A. Sanderiana, from 
New Guinea. 
On the same side of the walk, but near the entrance to 
house no. 15, is 7hrinax microcarpa, and in a corresponding po- 
sition on the other side of the doors is another species, 7. Flori- 
dana, and also a tall specimen of Pseudophoenix Sargentii, all 
three known only from southern Florida, where they were secured 
by a Garden expedition; they are very rare in cultivation. 
Close to Thrinax microcarpa is a vigorous plant of Rhopalostylis 
