JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 31, 1909. 27 



24596. Medic ago denticulata Willd. Bur clover. 



From Chico, Cal. Grown at the Plant Introduction Garden by Mr. Roland 

 McKee from seed collected near Tanghsiang, Shansi, China, by Mr. Frank N. 

 Meyer, agricultural explorer, April 30, 1907; received at the Plant Introduc- 

 tion Garden June 15, 1907, under his number, 727a. Received at Washington, 

 D. G, and numbered for convenience in recording distribution, January 14, 

 1909. 

 "A leguminous perennial, probably a bur clover, found growing between rocks. 

 May be of use on dry sterile soils as a fodder plant. Only found in one locality and 

 only a few plants to be found there." (Meyer.) 



24598. Medicago sativa L. Alfalfa. 



From Yuma, Ariz. Received through Mr. Charles J. Brand, January 19, 1909. 

 "Seed of Andean alfalfa, propagated from the original importation No. 9303. In 

 the production of this seed the method of planting transplanted crowns, which appears 

 to be fairly common in South America, but which has not, so far as known, been used 

 in this country, was employed. Within five months from time of transplanting the 

 crowns, which were taken from a 3-year-old stand, mature seed was produced. 

 Almost 75 pounds of seed were taken from about one-fourth of an acre, with the 

 plants 3 feet apart each way. The general use of this method is suggested when it 

 is desired to plow up old fields which have become unprofitable because of the thin- 

 ness of the stand." (Brand.) 



24599. Pisum sativum L. Pea. 



From Paris, France. Purchased from Vilmorin-Andrieux & Co. Received Jan- 

 uary 16, 1909. 

 Tall Butter Sugar. — "A variety distinguished by fleshy and fiberless pods that can 

 be used in the same way as string beans. An old variety in Europe, but raiely grown, 

 thus far, in America." (W. W. Tracy, sr.) 



24600. Diospyros ebenaster Retz. 



From Guadalajara, Mexico. Presented by Senor Luis Rosas, through Mr. Fred- 

 eric Chisolm. Received January 21, 1909. 



"The Zapote Prieto of Mexico. A persimmon with large, delicious, and delicate 

 fruits, the flesh of which looks curiously like axle grease. Properly a tropical tree, 

 but capable of withstanding light frosts when it forms a low tree with bright, glossy 

 green leaves, 15 to 25 feet high. In frostless regions it reaches a height of 60 to 70 

 feet. Fruits too soft to stand long shipment. Should succeed in southern Florida 

 and southern California." (Chisolm.) 



Distribution. — A native of the Philippine Islands and the Celebes. Cultivated in 

 Mauritius, Calcutta, and Malacca. Occurs also in cultivated places in Tropical 

 America: Orizaba, Vera Cruz, Cuernavaca, Lizaro, Miradon, and Cordova, in Mex- 

 ico; Rio Janeiro in Brazil; and in Cuba. 



24601. Cajan indicum Spreng. 



From Huradura, Cuba. Presented by Prof. F. S. Earle, through Prof. S. M. 



Tracy, Biloxi, Miss. Received January 20, 1909. 

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