DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 147 



spread on molds or frames made of bamboo mats. The Setburosa, or paper shrub, 

 says the author in the above journal, is found on the most exposed parts of the 

 mountains, and those the most elevated and covered with snow throughoirt the prov- 

 ince of Kuimfon. It is invariably used all over Kuniaon, and is in great request in 

 many parts of the plains for the purpose, of writing misub-namahs or genealogical 

 records, deeds, etc., from its extraordinary durability. The paper is generally made 

 about one yard square, and of three different qualities. The best sort is retailed at 

 the rate of 40 sheets for a rupee, and at wholesale 80 sheets. The second is retailed 

 at the rate of 50 sheets for a rupee, and 100 at wholesale. The third, of a much 

 smaller size, is retailed at 140 sheets, and wholesale 160 sheets to 170 for a rupee." 

 A very complete account of the plant occurs in the Die. Ec. Prod. Ind., Vol. III. 



Daphne spp. 



1). gnidium is reported in southern Italy, where it abounds on stony slopes and is 

 used in the same manner as the Indian species. D. laureola is mentioned in Ber- 

 nard in's list as another Italian fiber species. This author also lists D. sinensis (odora) 

 from China, and D. laureola is reported by Spon as abundant in Spain, where its fiber 

 is somewhat employed. 



Daphnopsis leguizamonis. Bira-bira. 



A genus of South American Thymelceacece. The species named was represented in 

 the collection of Argentina, W. C. E., 1893. The fiber was produced from the bast. 



A beautiful example of the delicate, white, lace-like fiber of D. tinifolia, known 

 as burn-nose bark, has been sent me by William Fawcett, of the Jamaica Botanic 

 Garden. Lofgren also mentions D. brasiliensis, the Embira branca. 



Darakhte-shanah (Pers.). Abutilon indicum. 

 Dasylirion graminifolium. Bear Grass of Texas. 



Endogen. Liliacecc. Aloe-like leaf cluster. 



The species of this genus are chiefly Mexican plants, although the one named is 

 found in Texas. The jdants have short stems and densely crowded linear leaves 

 (which furnish the fiber), drooping gracefully, and generally having a little brush- 

 like tuft of fibers at the point. From amidst these leaves the flower stalks rise to-a 

 considerable height, the upper portion being crowded with a dense panicle of flowers. 

 Fig. 2, PI. IV, is a Dasylirion grown in the United States Botanical Garden. 



Structural Fiber. — The old museum collection of the Department contained a 

 sample of this fiber, without data other than the name. It resembles Istle, is about 

 2 feet in length, fully equal to it in strength, though in color it is darker, due very 

 likely to improper mode of preparation. A peculiarity of this sample is that the 

 filaments are filled with kinks, as though the fiber had been folded upon itself a 

 number of times. These do not impair the strength, however, the breaking point 

 coming oftener between than on the u joints," as these kinks appear to be, for the 

 filament has no stiffness at this point. This should not be confounded with the bear 

 grass of the Southern States, Yucca jilameniosa, an inferior fiber. 



D. texanum and D. wheeleri of the Southwest have thick clusters of long, slender 

 leaves Avhich can be split into fibers. I doubt whether these are textile, or good for 

 anything finer than mats and basketry. (Dr. V. Havard.) D. glaucopliyllum is a 

 Mexican species that has been introduced into Australia (Guilfoyle's List). 



* Specimen. — Mus. U. S. Dept. Ag. 



Date palm (Ind.). See Phoenix dactylifera. 

 Datil (see Cocos datil). 

 Datilera (Peru). See Phoenix dactylifera. 

 Dealibanni (Giiian.), Geonoma baculifera. 



