BOTANY AND PLANT ECONOMICS 95 
The Amaryll Family (Amaryllidacece) . 
Cases 156 and 157. — A leaf model and the fiber of the Yuca- 
taii Sisal Hemp or Mexican Grass (Agave sisalana) and its con- 
version into hammocks, binding twine, rope, etc., also as a sub- 
stitute for Manila Hemp (see Case 160). The fiber of Agave 
heteracantha and its utilization in brush making. Note the beau- 
tiful 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, 
whiskey, gin, vinegar, rum, wine and alcohol. 
The Sedge Family (Cyperacece), 
Cases 158 and 159. — The utilization of these common “ditch 
grasses’" in the manufacture of mats, matting, and baskets. Plants 
of Papyrus (Cy perns Papyrus) y from Sicily, with modern made 
papyrus and strips of the pith utilized for making the same; also 
stalks used in lieu of firewood. The books-of-the-dead in the 
Egyptian Hall of this Museum were made from this species. 
The Banana Family (Musacece) . 
Cases 160 and 161. — This case represents, substantially, the 
genus Musa (the 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 paradisiaca) ; dried bananas used as a confection in Ja- 
maica; and banana meal, flour and starch, particularly valued as 
an infant food. 
The Yam Family (Dioscoreacece), 
Case 162. — Note the true Yam (Dioscorea saliva) and starch 
from the same. Also starch from D, alata and D, trifida of Ven- 
ezuela. These yams are largely used in lieu of potatoes in the 
countries in which they grow. (The sweet potato, often called 
“Yam,” is a morning glory tuber, not a true yam.) 
The Iris Family (Iridacece). 
Case 162. — The members of this family have been but little 
utilized outside of horticulture; note, however. Orris Root (Iris 
florentina) and Blue Flag Root (Iris versicolor) from our bogs 
and ditches. 
