4 



be remembered, for instance, that many plants cultivated only in an 

 unimproved form in this country have been subjected in Europe to long 

 and careful selection, by which improved strains have beeu developed. 

 Thus, Mr. Swingle found that the American cottonwood has become 

 one of the most important forest trees of France, where the selected 

 varieties are always grown from cuttings. 



Some applicants have sent in requests for long lists of seeds. While 

 there is no desire to limit the number which properly equipped experi- 

 menters may receive, our correspondents are requested to bear in mind 

 that the seeds and plants listed in these inventories are not a part of 

 the Congressional seed distribution; they are imported for the State 

 experiment stations and for such private experimenters as are known 

 to be fully capable of growing them with the best possible results. As 

 a rule they are not secured in amounts sufficient for general distribu- 

 tion, and many have already been distributed. 



It is requested that in all cases our numbers be recorded by the 

 experimenter for use in reporting the results and also for permanent 

 reference. Our report blanks will bear numbers corresponding to those 

 of the inventory, so that the reports will enable us to bring together for 

 later transmission to our correspondents the results secured in all parts 

 of the country. 



O. F. Cook, 

 Special Agent in charge of Seed and Plant Introduction. 



Washing-ton, D. C, November 3, 1899. 



INVENTORY. 



1901. Musa rosacea. Banana. 



From France. Received through Mr. W. T. Swingle, December, 1898. (2 pack- 

 ages.) 

 An ornamental banana, with medium-sized leaves, at first violet underneath, 

 afterwards glaucous-green. The plants are from 3 to 12 feet high. It does not bear 

 edible fruit. Introduced into Europe from Mauritius in 1805. As vigorous and 

 hardy as M. paradlsiuca ; is called M. discolor by gardeners. Inflorescence straight, 

 with beautiful rose-colored deciduous spathes; flowers orange-yellow. 



1902. Asparagus medeoloides. Asparagus. 



From France. Received through Mr. W. T. Swingle, December, 1898. (5 pack- 

 ages.) 

 An ornamental evergreen climber from the Cape, grown in cold house; 3 to 6 feet 

 high. False leaves cordate ovate f- to 1£ inches long, \ to £ inch wide; flowers 

 fragrant; should be tried in the open in Florida and California. 



1903. Passiflora sicyoides (?). Passionflower. 



From France. Received through Mr. W. T. Swingle, December, 1898. (2 pack- 

 ages. ) 

 A very beautiful Mexican vine, with fine amethyst flowers produced in profusion; 

 cold-house plant; should he tried in the South. {P. acerifolia llort.) 



