APRIL 1 TO JUNE 30, 1912. 



47 



33711 and 33712— Continued. 



other as to completely cover it with a dense growth of animal food especially 

 suitable for sheep. The leaves rise above the ground from 2 to 3 inches. Feed- 

 ing upon this will not destroy the plant like it does the larger varieties, as it 

 does not die when the leaves are removed, but sprouts anew. The larger 

 varieties dry up after seeding, more or less like peas. They are not climbers, 

 but lean against some support and then support each other, rising from a height 

 of from 20 inches to 4 feet, according to the kind. They grow quickly from 

 self-sown seed in any poor soil; in fertile, moist land they thrive wonderfully." 

 33712. Medicago hispida denticulata (Willd.) Urban. 



"(No. 1182.) Plant dwarf, bearded with soft hairs. The description for the 

 preceding will serve for this also." 



33713. RUELLIA TUBEROSA L. 



From Barbados. Presented by Mr. Patrick O'Mara, New York, N. Y. Received 

 May 23, 1912. 



"These seeds were received from one of our customers in Barbados. She does not 

 give any botanical names; merely says that it is commonly called 'many roots' and 

 that it bears beautiful mauve flowers. She further states that the roots are a cure for 

 indigestion. Steep two roots or tubers iu a small cup of boiling water for a few minutes, 

 pour off and drink with a little salt, twice daily." (O'Mara.) 



Distribution. — In the ravines in Texas and southward through Mexico and Central 

 America to Peru and Guiana, and in the West Indies. 



33714. Trifolium sp. * Clover. 



From near Helenendorf, Caucasus, Russia. Received through Mr. Frank N. 

 Meyer, agricultiu-al explorer. May 3, 1910. Numbered May 24, 1912. 

 "(No. 760, April 5, 1910.) A species of clover, apparently perennial, growing along 

 banks and on dry places." (Meyer.) 



33715. Asparagus filicinus Hamilton. Asparagus. 



From the Kong Tong Mountains, China. Presented by Mr. Philip Nelson, Camas, 

 Wash. Received May 20, 1912. 



Seed. 



33716. PiMENTA ACRis (Swartz) Kostel. Bayberry. 



From Port Louis, Mauritius. Presented by Mr. G. Regnard. Received May 25, 

 1912. 



" A m^Ttaceous tree 45 to 50 feet high, the straight, rather long trunk 15 to 24 inches 

 in diameter. Furnishes a moderately hard and heavy wood, fine and compact in tex- 

 ture. The sapwood is very light red with darker lines, while the heart is brownish 

 red, brown, or on account of the knots, almost black. It is susceptible of a very high 

 polish. Specific gravity, 0.909. It is one of the best and most valued woods of these 

 countries, very strong and durable, suitable for carpenters and cabinetwork, and it is 

 exported to some extent. The bark is rough and ash colored and peels after the 

 manner of the sycamore. 



"From the dried leaves of this tree is obtained by distillation with water an essential 

 oil, called ' bay oil ' or ' oil of bay the most important ingredient of bay rum. Only a 

 pint and a half of oil is said to be required for the medication of 100 gallons of rum. 

 The latter should be of good quality and strength. If below 18 or 19 proof, it will not 

 properly incorporate the oil. Large quantities of dried leaves of this species are 

 imported from the West Indies, notably from the island of Dominica. They are 



