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3996. Allium cepa. Onion. 



From islands of Upper Nile, Egypt. Received through Messrs. Lathrop 

 and Fairchild (No. 315), December 28, 1899. 

 ' ' The onions from the islands of the Upper Nile are exported in very large 

 quantities to England. They are said to be an unusually sweet variety, of 

 medium size, and irregular form. They are yellowish pink. For trial in warm, 

 dry regions of the South. Plant in the usual way. Recommended for irrigated 

 western lands." 



3997. Yicia faba. Horse bean. 



From Cairo, Egypt. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 316), December 28, 1899. 



' ' Selected seed of the Egyptian fodder bean from ' Saidi ' or upper Egypt. 

 ' Tliis plant produces the principal cattle and horse food of Egypt,' according to 

 Mr. George Foaden, Secretary of the Khedivial Agricultural Society. The seed 

 is sown in November at the rate of 3 bushels per acre, and if on soil which has 

 been overflowed by the Nile, receives no water during the season. If sown on 

 irrigated land, it is watered when sown and once when the crop is half grown. 

 Matures in from 5 to 6 months. Harvested with scythe or knife. Stalks dried 

 in field and beans threshed out; yields 50 bushels per acre. Fed to cattle 

 ground and mixed with chopped straw. A ration is 8 to 10 pounds of beans 

 to 26 pounds of straw per day. 



3998. Zea mays. Corn. 



From Cairo, Egypt. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 317), December 28, 1899. 

 ' 'A variety which yields heavy crops, and from comparison with introduced 

 varieties is a heavier bearer and much preferred by cultivators. According to 

 Mr. Geo. P. Foaden, Secretary of the Khedivial Agricultural Society, the yield is 

 often 40 or 50 bushels per acre. Receives 5 waterings during the season. This 

 is a field variety, said to be superior to any variety grown in Egypt from Euro- 

 pean seed." 



3999. Zea mays. Corn. 



From Cairo, Egypt. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 318), December 28, 1899. 

 ' ' Used by Europeans and natives for roasting ears. Matures in 60 days from 

 planting. Doubtful if superior to our varieties of sweet corn but should be tested. 

 Sown in April here as a catch crop." 



4000. Zea mays. Corn. 



From Cairo, Egypt. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 319), December 18, 1899. 

 ' 'A variety of Egyptian corn used for roasting by the natives. Matures in 70 

 days. Recommended for the drier regions of the South." 



4251. Zea mays. Corn. 



From Cairo, Egypt. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 320), December 28, 1899. 

 "A corn for roasting. Matures in 90 days. Like Nos. 3999 and 4000. Said to 

 be superior to any variety grown in Egypt from European seed." 



4252. Linum usitatissimum. Flax. 



From Cairo, Egynt. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 321), December' 28, 1899. 

 ' ' The Egyptian flax is of inferior quality but grows in regions which are dry. 

 It receives only two irrigations and may be of use in crossing with northern 

 flaxes for drier lands." 



