86 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 
Grass (Dasylirion graminifolium) and New Zealand Flax {Phor- 
miiim tcnax) with their utilizations. 
Note the utilization of the \V-oody tissue of the Spanish 
Needle Plant {Yucca gloriosa) as splints for surgeons’ use; that 
of the pithy interior of the West Indian Dagger Plant {Yucca 
aloifoha) for razor strops; and a soap made from the pith. 
iSote Sarsaparilla from Brazil {Sfyiilax SpYuceayicC) in original 
bale. Note that onions and garlic belong to the lilies, and the 
specimens of Ramps {Allium tricoccum) , the highly odoriferous 
wild onion used by the mountain people of the Virginias. Ob- 
serve the medicinal sources of Trillum, Colchicum, and Poly- 
gonaticm, as well as the fine specimens of Dragon’s Blood {Dra- 
ccsna draco), Soccotrine Aloes {Aloe succotrind), and Squills 
{Scilla maritima). Note the peculiar Oil of Garlic {Allium sati- 
vum)', a soap made from a species of Yucca in Ecuador; and a 
Japanese starch obtained from the root of the Dog’s-tooth 
Violet {Erythronium dens-canis) used in the manufacture of 
high-grade confectionery. 
The Amaryll Family {Amaryllidacece) . 
Case 41. — A leaf model and the fiber of the Yucatan Sisal 
Hemp or Mexican Grass {Agave sisalana) and its conversion into 
hammocks, binding twine, rope, etc., also as a substitute for 
Manila Hemp (See Case 43 left). The fiber of Agave hetera- 
cantha and its utilization in brush -making. Note the beauti- 
ful mantilla of Fayal lace {Agave americana) as grown in the 
Canary and Madeira Islands. Observe the various products of 
juice of the Mexican Pulque Plant {Agave americana)', honey, 
whisky, gin, vinegar, rum, wine, and alcohol. 
Case 42. — (Not installed at this writing.) 
The Banana Family {Musacece). 
Case 43. — This case represents, substantially, the genus 
Musa {Die bananas), and their fiber. Note the fine series of 
Manila hemp {Musa textilis) from the Philippine Islands; models 
of the Banana fruit {Musa sapientum) and the Plantain {Musa 
paradisiac a)', dried bananas used as a confection in Jamaica; 
and banana meal, flour, and starch, particularly valued as an 
infant food. 
The Yam Family {Dioscoreacece) . 
Case 44. — Left half. Note the true Yam {Dioscorea saliva) 
and starch from the same. Also starch from D. alata and D. 
