1922. 25- 



large elliptical dark-green leaves, and white to purple flowers 10 inches in 

 diameter. This magnolia has flowered freely in southern France and Italy. 

 (Adapted from Curtis' s Botanical Magazine, vol. HI. pi. 6793.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47718. 



55724. Medicago sativa L. Fabacese. Alfalfa. 



From Lima, Peru. Seeds presented by W. E. Dunn, acting commercial 

 attache, through the Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C. Re- 

 ceived July 3, 1922. 



¥ This Peruvian alfalfa is known as ' San Pedrana.' Sr. Carlos Alvarez 

 Calderon, who obtained the sample for us, says that it was grown in the coast 

 region and may be harvested every 45 days throughout the year, whereas from 

 the ordinary variety ' del pais ' only about six cuts per year can be obtained." 

 (Dunn.) 



Peruvian alfalfa has proved of great value in certain parts of the United 

 States. In the hope of originating new strains which may be superior in certain 

 respects to any now grown in this country, an effort is being made to obtain 

 seed from as many different regions in Peru as possible. The following note 

 is adapted from H. L. Westover, in '? The Development of the Peruvian Alfalfa 

 Industry in the United States," United States Department of Agriculture 

 Circular 93: 



As compared with common alfalfa, both types of Peruvian alfalfa are more 

 upright, less branched, and have fewer and somewhat coarser stems and smaller 

 crowns. In thick stands, these differences are hardly noticeable. Most of the 

 Peruvian introductions are also characterized by rapid growth, quick recovery 

 after cutting, and in sections having a mild climate ability to make growth in 

 cool weather after ordinary alfalfas have ceased growing. Under such condi- 

 tions the Peruvian alfalfas start growth earlier in the spring and continue later 

 in the fall, thereby giving more cuttings each season. The principal objection 

 advanced in times past to these alfalfas is their tendency to become somewhat 

 woody when allowed to stand beyond the flowering stage, but this difficulty is 

 easily obviated by earlier harvesting. Lack of hardiness will always confine 

 the successful production of the true and smooth Peruvian alfalfas to the 

 southern and southwestern portions of the United States, where the climatic 

 conditions are comparatively mild. They can not be grown to advantage where 

 the winter temperature falls below 10° F. At the present time most of the 

 Peruvian and smooth Peruvian alfalfa in the United States is found in Arizona 

 and California. It has also been grown to a limited extent in New Mexico,. 

 Texas, and the coastal regions of the Southeastern States. The results seem 

 to indicate that in much of this region the common alfalfa could be replaced 

 very profitably by the Peruvian varieties. 



55725. Prunus armexiaca L Amygdalaceas. Apricot. 



From Algiers, Algeria. Seeds presented by Dr. L. Trabut. Received 

 July 3, 1922. 



"A native apricot known as louz: the tree is very productive and the fruit 

 excellent. This tree is cultivated at M'Sila, a subarid region." {Trabut.) 



55726. Fragaria roseiflora Boulay. Rosacese. Strawberry. 



From Chenebourg, near Geneva, Switzerland. Seeds purchased from H. 

 Correvon, Floraire Nursery. Received July 11, 1922. 



Introduced for experiments in strawberry breeding. 



This is very closely allied to Fragaria vesca, from which it is distinguished 

 by its round, uniformly pink petals and its roundish depressed fruits. It is 

 found wild on the slopes of the Vosges Mountains in Alsace. (Adapted from 

 Bulletin de la Society de France, vol. 18, p. 92.) 



55727. Ceratonia siliqua L. Csesalpiniaeese. Carob. 



From Bari, Italy. Budwood presented by Dr. E. Pantanelli, director,. 

 Agricultural Experiment Station. Received July 7, 1922. 



