DECEMBER, 1903, TO DECEMBER, 1905. 69 



11724. Peksea gkatissima. Avocado. 



From Durban, Natal. Presented by Mr. J. L. Elmore. Received September 

 30, 1904, in same package with No. 11723. 



"These pears have only been introduced into this country for a few years, and are 

 proving a source of great revenue. The trees are strong and healthy, and bear after 

 about five years' growth — grow as well from seeds as grafted ones. When in season 

 prices range here for the fruit from 50 cents to $2 per dozen. The fruit never ripens 

 on the tree, but soon ripens after it is full grown and picked and laid aside for a few 

 days. This fruit can be transported any distance, as it is perfectly hard when pulled 

 and does not soften for some days. After being laid aside for a few days they 

 become soft and then are edible. The flesh is about one-half inch in thickness, 

 and when ripe of a light yellow shading to a pea green next to the skin, and if 

 eaten with a little sugar and milk is like rich cream. Some prefer salt and pepper 

 and a little vinegar; others nothing at all. I know of people here who eat no meat 

 when these pears are in season. The trees grow in a sandy soil to a good size, and I 

 think they would grow in the Southern States and California." {Elmore.) 



11725. Garcinia mangostana. Mangosteen. 



From Saigon, Cochin China. Presented by Dr. M. E. Haffner, director of the 

 Botanic Gardens. Received October 3, 1904. 



11726. Psidium guajaya. Guava. 



From Trinidad, British West Indies. Presented by Mr. J. H. Hart, superin- 

 tendent of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Received October 3, 1904. 



A large red guava. Fruit of this variety is reputed to weigh at the rate of three 

 to a pound. (Hart.) 



11727. Panicum decompositum. Australian millet. 



From Sydney, New South "Wales. Presented by Mr. J. H. Maiden, director of 

 the Botanic Gardens. Received October 4, 1904. 



" From the dry interior of southwestern Queensland. The seed was collected by 

 the blacks, who use it largely for food, while the grass itself is one of the best fodder 

 grasses of Australia." (Maiden.) (See Maiden's Useful Native Plants of Australia, 

 p. 97.) 



11728 to 11730. Lilium longiflorum eximeum. Easter lily. 



From New York, N. Y. Received thru Henry & Lee, August 3, 1904. 



11728. Bermuda-grown bulbs. 11730. Japan-grown bulbs. 



11729. Azores-grown bulbs. 



11731. Triticum sp. Wheat. 



From Germanv. Presented by Mr. A. Kirsche, Pfiffelbaeh, near Apolda, thru 

 Mr. J. E. W. Tracy. Received September 30, 1904. 



Original Winter Square Head. 



11732. Garcinia mangostana. Mangosteen. 



From Singapore, Straits Settlements. Presented by Mr. R. Derry, assistant 

 superintendent of the Botanic Gardens. Received November 18, 1904. 



11733. Asparagus virgatus. Asparagus. 



From Durban, Natal, South Africa. Presented by Mr. J. Medley Wood, curator 

 of the Botanic Gardens. Received November 18, 1904. 



"A native Natal asparagus, which is said to produce edible shoots of good quality. 

 The plant does not require so much care as the cultivated asparagus, and may there- 

 fore prove of value for breeding purposes." ( Wood.) 



