508 
I have seen. Medium dark brown, sweet and remarkably . tender 
flesh. Said to come from Fayoum, but the dates bought in 
Cairo. Ripe in January and lasts fresh until April; Best in 
March or February. Said to be the best date in Egypt." 
(Elsen.) For distribution later. 
PINUS SPP. (Pinaceae. ) 32354-357. Pine seeds from, 
Mexico. Presented by Dr. C. A. Purpus, Zacuapam, Huatuscp* 
•Vera Cruz. Four species, including P. pseudo-strobus , P. 
ieiophylla and P. patula. For distribution later, 
FRUNUS DOMESTICA. (Amygdaiaceae.) 32328. Seeds of a 
plum from Naples, Italy. Presented by Dr. Gustav Elsen, San 
Franoisco. " ' Papagone . ' The finest plum I have eaten in any 
country. Native of the campagna around Naples, especially 
Boscotrecase , and other towns around Vesuvius. About thre& 
inches long, greenish yellow, oblong, with a remarkably long, 
thin and slender stone compared to the size of the fruit. 
The quality of this plum cannot be too highly praised. Have 
not seen it in California, nor in any other part of Europe.'! 
(Elsen.) For distribution later. 
FRUNUS FRUTI COS A. (Amygdaiaceae.) 32224-226. Seeds 
of the 'Kurgan cherry' from Omsk, Siberia. "The so-oalled 
'Kurgan cherry' grown quite extensively throughout the Ural 
district and In Western Siberia as a home fruit. The dark 
red Individual cherries are only as large as good sized red 
currants and are of sour flavor. They make, however, dell- 
clous compote and preserves, having a spicy, nutty flavor and 
they are in great demand. In Omsk they are sold during July 
and August at fOur to five roubles ($2. 06 to $2.58) per pood 
(36 pounds). These cherry bushes grow from two to four" feet 
in height, bear glossy, dark green leaves and stand a remark- 
able amount of drought, cold and neglect. A well kept planta- 
tion Is very pleasing to the eye and resembles a tea planta- 
tion more than anything else. This plant deserves to be given 
an extensive and thorough trial as a home fruit in the cold 
and semi-arid sections of the United States. It is recommend- 
ed also as a factor in hybridization experiments to. create a 
perfectly hardy, large-fruited cherry fit to thrive in the 
upper Mississippi valley and the regions west of it." 
(Meyer's introductions.) For distribution later. See half- 
tone. 
RIBES DIKUSCHA. (Grossulariaceae . ) 32227-230. Seeds 
of a currant from Tomsk, Siberia. "A 'black currant native to 
the Aldan mountains in Yakutsk government, bearing large 
bluish black berries, of a rather sour flavor. They are fine 
for preserves and are also said to produce a sparkling wine, 
