786 
Allium schoenoprasum . (Lillaceae.) 38787. Seeds of 
chives from Sianfu, Shensi, China. "A superior variety of 
chives, much used, forced in darkness, as a winter vege- 
table. Eaten with fried meats and as a savory in soups; 
considered to be very healthful. Might possibly be a 
profitable crop in America when supplied to the Hebrew and 
Chinese colonies in eastern American cities. Chinese name 
'Tcho tsai'." (Meyer's introduction.) 
Beta vulgaris. (Chenopodiaceae . ) 38883. Seeds of beet 
from Esperanza, Sonora, Mexico. Presented by Mr. W. W. 
Mackie, Director, Yaqui Valley Experiment Station. '"Gath- 
ered in Merv, Transcaspia, Turkestan, in 1911. These 
seeds came from selections out of three years of crops 
during which time, I have had them under observation. The 
climate for the first part of the year in the Yaqui Valley 
is very similar to the summer of Turkestan where I ob- 
tained these seeds. The beets produced from these seeds 
are very vigorous, hardy and drought resistant. The 
leaves are large and tender and are much used for greens 
in Turkestan. The flesh is tender, sweet and light red 
color. The root grows to an immense size, and is eaten 
greedily by stock. For three seasons this beet has regu- 
larly produced an abundance of plump seeds of high viabil- 
ity in June from seeds planted in the preceding fall. 
This seeding of beets the first year from seed sometimes 
occurs at intervals in individuals when subjected to drought 
and again irrigated, thus starting a new or second growth 
but this Turkestan beet produces seed from every beet reg- 
ularly in June . " (Mackie . ) 
Brassica pekinensis . (Brassicaceae . ) 38782-783. Seeds 
of Chinese cabbage or pai-tsai, from Shantung, China. Two 
varieties, one "a remarkably fine one, of very white color 
and possessing a mild, sweet flavor, weighing up to 10 
pounds apiece," the other "of conical shape, leaves green- 
ish-white, very soft and tasteful when boiled or stewed. 
Chinese name 'Ta pai tsai', meaning 'large white vege- 
table'." (Meyer's introductions.) 
Capsicum annuum. (Solanaceae . ) 38788. Seeds of red 
pepper from Peitcheng, Shantung, China. "A very elongated 
variety of Chili pepper, locally much dried and kept for 
winter use. Is used as a condiment in soups and with 
noodles, when ground up and mixed with sesame oil and a 
little salt, creating a good appetite in that way. Chi- 
nese name 'Chang lo chiao,' meaning 'long chili pepper'." 
(Meyer's introduction.) 
Coix spp. (Poaceae.) 38868-880. Seed of thirteen 
varieties of Job's-tears from Burma. Presented by Mr. 
