
          55

36687. PERSEA AMERICANA. Avocado. From the Indian
village of Lagas, western Mexico. Discovered by Postmaster General
Burleson during a hunting trip in Mexico and recommended to
the department as a variety of considerable value. Consul Hamm
reports the seeds from which these trees were grown as coming
from the village described by Mr. Burleson situated on a plateau at
an elevation of 5,000 feet, 175 miles southwest of Durango. Cuttings
of the original seedling grafted on Mexican stock.

43431. PERSEA AMERICANA. Avocado. From Mr. Wilson
Popenoe, Guatemala City, Guatemala. A curious variety said to
have come from Antigua. Possibly a cross between the Guatemalan
and some other type. Of possible value as a stock for commercial
varieties. The fruit is very small, with pale green flesh of rich
flavor, and a very large seed. The skin is fairly thin. Not recommended
as a fruit.

44710. PHASEOLUS VULGARIS. Mulatinho bean. From
Dr. V. A. Argollo Ferrão, Bahia, Brazil. A Brazilian bush variety
of the kidney bean. It is much cultivated in the coastal states,
especially in Sao Paulo, where it matures in sixty days, thus allowing
the harvesting of two crops a year. These beans contain 36 per cent
starch and are used for human food in much the same manner as
the kidney bean.

44242. PHELLODENDRON SACHALINENSE. Cork tree.
From Mr. R. C. Berckmans, Augusta, Ga. Hardy ornamental tree
with stout spreading branches, forming a round, broad head. The
large compound leaves turn yellow in the fall and are very attractive.
The inconspicuous greenish flowers are followed by clusters of black,
berrylike fruits, which remain on the tree long after the foliage has
fallen. Native of Sakhalin, Chosen, northern Japan, and northern
China.

24760. PHYLLOSTACHYS BAMBUSOIDES. Madake
bamboo. From Nagasaki, Japan, through William D. Hills. Best
timber bamboo in Japan, growing to 60 feet eventually ; planted there
in large groves on well-drained, rich soil. Spreads underground,
but easily controlled by ditches. Timber used for every conceivable
purpose — ladders, basketry, fencing, stakes, crates, irrigating pipes,
etc.
        