﻿APRIL 1 TO JUNE 30, 1919. 29 



" The corms, which seem to be usually only a few ounces in weight, are edible 

 when cooked. They have a yellow interior, surrounded by a layer about three- 

 sixteenths of an inch thick, of translucent white ilesh ; this is acrid, and re- 

 quires longer cooking than the inner part to make it edible. The corms of this 

 yautia should make a satisfactory starchy food in regions where the plant can 

 be grown. The cormels are diminutive at first and appear to grow slowly." 

 (R. A. Young.) 



47537. Trigonei^la foenttm-graecltm L. Fabacese. Fenugreek. 



From Waukegan, 111. Presented by Blatchford's Calf Meal Factory. Re- 

 ceived June 5, 1919. 



" Egyptian fenugreek, or helha, as it is called by the Arabs. This plant yields 

 an important condiment ; and its root system is so remarkably provided with 

 tubercles that it is worthy of serious attention as a green-manure crop. The 

 seeds are also of value for feeding purposes, and a large quantity of fodder is 

 produced, which if cut before the seeds ripen is of .excellent quality. The con- 

 dition powders and condiment foods which are sold in England and America 

 extensively and fed to ailing horses, cattle, and chickens, are mixtures of the 

 fenugreek with other meals or grains. It is sometimes planted with berseem." 

 ( David Fairchild. ) 



47538 to 47547. 



From Teheran, Persia. Presented by Col. J. N. Merrill, American legation. 

 Received May 5, 1919. 



47538. Allium cepa L. Liliacese. Onion. 



" Onion seed from Tarum, 25 miles west of Zenjan, in western Persia." 

 {Merrill.) 



The following grains are introduced for variety tests being carried on 

 by specialists of the Department of Agriculture. 

 47539 to 47541. Hoedeum vulgaee pallidum Seringe. Poace^e. Barley. 



47539. No. 1. 47541. No. 3. 



47540. No. 2. 



47542. Secale ceeeale L. Poacese. Rye. 



47543 to 47547. Triticum aestivum L. Poacese. Wheat. 



(T. vulgar e Vill.) 



47543. No. I. 47546. No. 4. 



47544. No. 2. 47547. No. 5. 



47545. No. 3. 



47548 to 47550. 



From Richmond, Victoria, Australia. Presented by Mr. F. H. Baker. Re- 

 ceived June 2, 1919. Quoted notes by Mr. Baker. 

 47548. Banksia maeginata Cav. Proteaceae. 



" She-oak. Grows along the coast." 



This wood is porous, soft, spongy, and light. In the process of drying 

 it twists and warps to a great extent, but when thoroughly seasoned 

 it takes a fine polish and has a pleasing surface. It is used in cabinet- 

 making and for indoor ornamental work. (Adapted from Maiden. Useful 

 Native Plants of Australia, p. 383.) 



