21 



sample the length is very irregular. From the foregoing 

 report, it is evident that the fibre is of excellent quality. If, 

 therefore, it can be obtained in sufficient quantity to admit of 

 its commercial exploitation, it seems desirable that the trial 

 consignment asked for by the brokers should be forwarded as 

 soon as possible." 



This plant grows well in the Gardens, flowers and produces 

 seed regularly, and plants will during the coming season be 

 reared for experiment. 



Desmodium tortuosum, DC, " Florida Beggar Weed." — Seeds 

 of this plant were received in 1896, and my correspondent said 

 of it : " A wild forage plant, highly esteemed in the subtropical 

 portion of the IS". States. It produces a fodder of fine quality 

 in large quantities, and grows best on sandy soils. On culti- 

 vated land it grows often 8 or 10 feet high ; makes an excellent 

 green manure." The plants weie grown, and seeds were dis- 

 tributed to applicants, but as it promised to become a noxious 

 weed we were glad to get rid of it. 



Dipteryx odorata, Willd, " Tonka or Tonquin Bean." — A 

 large tree, native of Guiana. The seeds are usually known as 

 Tonquin beans, and are used for giving an aromatic odour to 

 snuff; they are also placed with clothing to keep away insects, 

 and to communicate an aromatic odour. Our tree was put out 

 in 1898, and is now about 12 feet high and fairly healthy. 



Erythroxylon coca, Lam. — This plant is the " Coca " of the 

 Peruvians, and from its leaves the drug known as " cocaine " 

 is obtained. Our plant was put out in 1880, and is healthy 

 and vigorous. The leaves have been tested by an expert and 

 found to yield a good percentage of alkaloid. Seeds are pro- 

 duced every season. 



Epipremnum mirabile, Schott. — A plant belonging to the 

 family " Aroideae," native of South Sea Islands, and the chief 

 if not the only ingredient in the medicine known as " Tonga," 

 supposed to be beneficial in neuralgic affection. This plant 

 grows well under glass, but has not been put out in the 

 Garden. Its success out of doors is, I think, doubtful. 



Oouania domingensis, Linn. — The "chew-stick" of the West 

 Indies. Stem chewed by the negroes as a stomachic. Planted 

 in 1895 and growing luxuriantly. (See Guide, p. 24). 



Giant ~Lemon of Figi. — Seeds of this plant were received and 

 have been grafted on to Lemon stocks, but have not yet borne 

 fruit. 



