18 



SEEDS AND PLANTS IMPORTED. 



54503. Strychnos sp. Loganiaceae. 



From Elizabethville, Katanga, Belgian Congo. Seeds presented by Mrs. 

 Mary Jacobs. Received December 9, 1921. 



" From the forest near Elizabethville. This fruit is found in large quantities 

 in this country." {Mrs. Jacobs.) 



" The fruit is quite similar to that of S. spinosa in character, round, about 

 3 inches in diameter, with a thick, hard shell, inclosing gelatinous aromatic 

 pulp in which numerous flattened seeds are embedded. Although the genus 

 Strychnos is noted for the production of strychnine, a violent poison, the pulp 

 of these fruits is edible. It is not, however, of much economic value." ( Wilson 

 Popenoe. ) 



54504. Physalis alkekengi L. Solanacese. 



From Peking, China. Seeds presented by William Bembower. Received 

 December 10, 1921. 



"A red spherical solanaceous fruit I found being sold on the market here. 

 It is said to furnish good medicine for colds." {Bembower.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 28317. 



54505. Lycopersicon esculentu^i Mill. Solanaceae. Tomato. 



From Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand. Seeds presented by H. R. 

 Wright. Received December 12, 1921. 



For use of specialists in the department. 



" I have seen some splendid crops of this variety." {Wright.) 



" Yates Market Favorite. One of the earliest and hardiest varieties grown. 

 A selection of the old large red, with large, slightly ribbed, solid, juicy fruits 

 which are produced in great profusion and have a good flavor. This variety 

 will thrive and perfect its fruit in dry or wet seasons, when all others are 

 affected with black-spot and rot." {Yates.) 



54506. Eucalyptus obliqua L'Her. Myrtacese. 



From Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Seeds presented by L. A. Evans, 

 acting Director of Agriculture. Received December 13, 1921. 



A rapid-growing Tasmanian eucalypt 300 feet high, which grows on poor, 

 stony ranges or on barren sandy soils if not subjected to prolonged drought. 

 The tree is known as stringy hark and Tasmanian oak and is in much demand 

 for railway sleepers, being nearly everlasting. The wood, being practically non- 

 inflammable, makes a valuable safeguard against conflagrations in tunnels and 

 is especially suitable for underground railways. 



Stringy bark is especially suitable for harbor construction, being one of the 

 densest timbers in the world and immune from the attacks of marine insects. 

 It is one of the few kinds which can be obtained in great lengths and contains 

 a resinous substance which resists the Xylophagas. There is an essential oil 

 in the wood which prevents its rotting under exposure to moisture and at the 

 same time acts as a preservative to iron. It stands great exposure to heat 

 and damp, besides possessing the valuable property of repelling the white ant 

 and teredo worm. This timber is of great value in building breakwaters, 

 docks, etc., as its high specific gravity is such that it is unnecessary to w^eight 

 the piles to get them into position when in deep water. (Adapted from U. S. 

 Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Bulletin 87, p. 44, and from Com- 

 merce Reports, 1910, p. 1052.) 



54507. RiBES xiGRUM X RECLixATUM. Grossulariaceae. 



From Wisley, Ripley, Surrey, England. Cuttings presented by Fred J. 

 Chittenden, director, Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens. Received 

 December 28, 1921. 



The Wo7-cester berry. A cross between Whinham's Industry gooseberry and 

 Boskoop Giant black currant. 



