SEPTEMBER, 1900, TO DECEMBER, 1903. 2l7 



satisfactory shade tree in this hot region, having a spreading top with somewhat 

 drooping branches covered with small, dark-green leaves. The plant is a most pro- 

 lific bearer. The fruits when ripe are like Haws in mealiness, and they are keenly 

 relished by the Arabs. They are about one-half to three-fourths inch in diameter. 

 This so-called seedless sort is, paradoxically enough, propagated by seed, and is said 

 to come true to them. It is a tree well suited to the banks of irrigation canals in the 

 hottest regions which we have." (Fairchild.) 



8703. Zizyphus jujuba. Jujube. 



From Bassorah, Arabia. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild, May 

 22, 1902. 



' ' Seeds of the common jujube largely grown throughout this arid country. ' ' ( Fair- 

 child. ) 



8704. Quercus cornea. Oak. 



From Hongkong, China. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 



950, April 29, 1902), May 22, 1902. 



"Edible acorns from a species of oak which grows in southern China, even on the 

 island of Hongkong. The acorns have a hard, horny shell and a sweet flesh of very 

 agreeable flavor. The acorns are sent in very large quantities to Hongkong from 

 Canton. They are eaten by the Chinese with great pleasure, and are often roasted. 

 They would be acceptable, I believe, to Americans, and the tree ought to do well in 

 the Southern States. If the tree, which is a pretty one, proves a success, large quan- 

 tities can be had through the botanic gardens at Hongkong, but only at this season 

 of the year. ' ' ( Fairchild. ) 



8705. Pruntts sp. Plum. 



From Hongkong, China. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 



951, April 19, 1902), May 22, 1902. 



"A beautiful little plum, said to be grown in Canton. It was purchased on the 

 Hongkong market. It is of a beautiful, transparent, wine red color, with a delicate 

 skin which is covered with the finest, most delicate pubescence imaginable, resem- 

 bling a bloom which can not be rubbed off. When ripe the fruit has a delicate, agree- 

 able aroma, which is that of a half-ripe Japanese quince. In taste the plum is not 

 very good, but decidedly refreshing. It is sour with a slightly bitter taste. The 

 flesh is yellow in color and inclined to be solid and stringy. The stone is a cling, 

 being covered with many long fibers. In shape it is pointed with a distinct keel. 

 The skin is very delicate but in flavor is intensely bitter. It separates from the flesh 

 with difficulty. ' ' ( Fairchild. ) 



8706. Citrus aurantium. Orange. 



From Kabylia, Algeria. Presented by Dr. L. Trabut, Government Botanist, 

 Mustaplia, Algiers, Algeria. Received May 26, 190^. 



Bandja. A late, sweet orange, which reproduces itself from seed. 



8707. Pistacia mutica. Menengech. 



From Smyrna, Asia Minor. Presented by Mr. George C. Roeding, of Fresno, 

 Cal. Received May 26, 1902. 



8708. Pritchardia martii. Fan palm. 



From Olaa, Hawaii. Presented by Mr. Jared G. Smith, special agent in charge 

 of the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station at Honolulu. 



From an altitude of from 2,000 to 2,500 feet. 



8709. EUCOMMIA ULMOIDES. 



From Paris, France. Received through Vilmorin-Andrieux & Co., May 29, 

 1902. 



Tu Chung. Rooted cuttings of this Chinese plant. It is used medicinally. It is 

 claimed that the leaves contain a large amount of gutta-percha. 



