SEPTEMBER, 1900, TO DECEMBER, 1903. 85 



6432. Brassica oleracea var. botrytis. Cauliflower. 



From Athens, Greece. Received through Mr. D. G. Fairchild (No. 573, March 

 7, 1901), May 5, 1901. 



"An early variety of cauliflower which ripens in December in Greece. Its heads 

 attain most unusual proportions and are of quite unusual flavor. It is sown here in 

 August or September." (Fairchild.) (See No. 6434.) 



6433. Lexs esculenta var. microsperma. Lentil. 



From Athens, Greece. Received from Dr. Th. de Heldreich through Mr. D. G. 

 Fairchild (No. 570, March 8, 1901), May 9, 1901. 



"A small-seeded, very delicate lentil which was first described by Dr. Th. de 

 Heldreich, the noted explorer of the Grecian flora. (See Revue des Sciences Naturelles 

 Appliquees 37 e Anne No. 15.5 Aout 1890. Note sur une variete nouvelle ou peu Connue 

 de Lentille. ) The variety is cultivated on the islands of Cephalonia and Leucade, two 

 of the Ionian group, and differs essentially from the ordinary Lens esculenta Mch., 

 having smaller elipsoid, even almost spherical, seeds which possess a marginal border 

 very inconspicuous and obtuse. The color is pale yellow and they vary in diameter 

 from three to five millimeters. Their ordinary lentil is lens shaped, circular, and has 

 a sharply defined margin. This microsperma is said to be more tender than the ordi- 

 nary sorts and much more easily cooked, and the flavor is reported to be superior, 

 lacking that pronounced characteristic taste which makes lentils objectionable to 

 some people. Deserves a thorough trial as a vegetable for soups and purees. A cal- 

 careous soil is essential to its cultivation. Stalks make a good fodder." (Fairchild.) 



6434. Brassica oeeracea var. botrytis. Cauliflower. 



From Athens, Greece. Presented by Dr. Th. de Heldreich, of Athens Univer- 

 sitv, through Mr. D. G. Fairchild (No. 574, March 7, 1901).. Received May 9, 

 1901. 



"A late variety of Grecian cauliflower which is planted in December and matures 

 in March. Is a monster headed white variety of excellent flavor." (See No. 6432.) 

 (Fairchild.) 



6435. VlCIA ERVILIA. 



From Canne, Crete. Received through Mr. D. G. Fairchild (No. 594, March 16, 

 1901), May 17, 1901. 



Orobus. ' 'A forage plant very largely cultivated in the island of Crete. It is sown 

 like any ordinary vetch, and the seeds are fed to the oxen and cattle. Cav. G. M. 

 Funds, inspector of agriculture at Canne, can secure this in quantity should it prove 

 of sufficient interest. ' ' ( Fairch ild. ) 



6436. Lathyrus ochres. 



From Canne, Crete. Received through Mr. D. G. Fairchild, May 17, 1901. 

 T~co-s. "A forage plant cultivated on the island of Crete." (Fairchild.) 



6437. Vicia sp. 



From Canne, Crete. Received through Mr. D. G. Fairchild, May 17, 1901. 

 Tares or Gesu. "A forage plant cultivated on the island of Crete." (Fairchild.) 



6438. Phoenix dactylifera. Date. 



From Alexandria, Egypt. Received through Mr. D. G. Fairchild (No. 582, 

 March 30, 1901), May 11, 1901. 



Hayani. ' ' This is the earliest sort grown in the Delta region of the Nile and one of 

 the best-known kinds there. It is a red table date, becoming black when ripe; 2 to 

 2J inches long; cylindrical. It ripens in September or October. Not used as a dry- 

 ing date. It sells in the season for 2 piasters Turkish (10 cents) per oke (3 pounds) . 

 Matures its fruit all at once." (Fairchild.) 



