﻿OCTOBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1917. 61 



45575 to 45578— Continued. 



the base, but never developing to a great height. In spring it produces 

 white flowers resembling apple blossoms. In early fall, commencing 

 about October, the fruits ripen, and from this month are abundant in all 

 the markets until after Christmas. They are much used for decorative 

 purposes, after being strung on long threads. They are eaten in several 

 ways, principally stewed and in the form of jelly. For stewing they are 

 first boiled with wood ashes, after which the skin is easily removed ; 

 they are then placed in hot sirup and boiled for a short time. Their 

 flavor somewhat suggests that of the apple and is very pleasant. 



" The fruits look like small apples, being nearly spherical, yellow 

 with russet dots and a blushed cheek, and having a slender stem. The 

 largest ones are If inches in diameter. The ordinary size is about 1 inch. 

 The thin skin surrounds a rather dry, yellowish, mealy pulp and three 

 large seeds. The plant is easily grown and should succeed in California 

 and Florida." 



45576. Annona cherimola Mill. Annonacese. Cherimoya. 

 " (No. 217a. November 22, 1917.) Seeds from exceptionally fine 



cherimoyas, the largest ones weighing more than 4 pounds. These were 

 purchased at the market in the city of Guatemala. It seems worth 

 while to grow these seeds and bring the trees into fruit, in the hope 

 that choice varieties may be obtained. They should be tested in southern 

 California." 



45577. Bursera sp. Balsameacese. Copal. 

 " (No. 218a. November 22, 1917.) One of several species which fur- 

 nish the copal gum so extensively used in Guatemala as incense. The 

 burning of this incense in religious ceremon'es is a custom which has 

 come down from the earliest times and is still practiced, mainly by the 

 Indians. The gum is obtained by making incisions in the bark of the 

 tree, which is rather small in size and is common in the highlands, both 

 wild and cultivated." 



45578. Dahlia popenovii Safford. Asteracese. Dahlia. 

 "(219a. November 22, 1917.) Collected near Santa Maria de Jesus, 



Department of Sacatepequez, at an altitude of about 6,800 feet. 



" This spec'es is common in the region around the city of Guatemala 

 and as far north as the Chuacus Mountains. It has been seen as high 

 as 7,000 feet and as low as 5.000, but is most common between 6,000 and 

 6,500, frequently in open places along the roadsides and ravines. The 

 plant grows about 4 feet high. It flowers abundantly during September 

 and October, the flowers being 2 to 3 inches broad, with 8-ray florets. 

 The latter are all infertile, long and slender in form, and orange-brown 

 to crimson in color. This species is of interest to those engaged in 

 breeding or studying the cultivated dahlias. Mr. W. E. Safford con- 

 siders it the probable ancestor of the cultivated cactus dahlias." 



45579. Psidium friedrichsthaliaxum (Berg) Niedenzu. Myr- 

 tacese. Costa Hican guava. 



From Matania el Saff, Egypt. Seeds presented by Mr. Alfred Bircher, 

 Middle Egypt Botanic Station. Received December 18, 1917. 

 ' " This is a very sour but very aromatic guava which might be used in addi- 

 tion to other fruits. It is medium sized, yellow, with yellow flesh. The glossy 



