797 
tomentum as are the very young leaves on both surfaces. 
The flowers are one-half - inch in diameter, shortly pedi- 
celled and not crowded." May possibly have some value as 
a stock for the loquat. 
Ficus bengalensis , (Urticaceae . ) 39113. Seeds of a fig 
from Darjjeeling, India. "A large tree found in the sub- 
alpine tract and the lower slopes of Deccan, and so common 
in Mysore that It may be said to be characteristic of the 
arboreal vegetation in many parts of that province. This 
tree attains a height of from 70 to 100 feet, and sends 
down roots from its branches, thus indefinitely expanding 
its- horizontal growth.. This tree yields an inferior rub- 
ber and lac is also collected from it. A coarse rope is 
prepared from the bark and the aerial roots. Paper is 
also reported to have been formerly prepared in Assam from 
the bark and to a small extent Is still so prepared in 
Madras. The milky juice is externally applied for pain 
and bruises, and as an anodyne application to the soles of 
the feet when cracked or inflamed. It is also applied to 
the teeth and gums as a remedy for toothache. The wood is 
of a grayish color, is moderately hard, and as it is dura- 
ble under - water, it is used in the manufacture of well- 
curbs. It is sometimes used for boxes and door panels." 
Fraxinus floribunda . (Oleaceae.) 39034, 39115. Seeds 
of an ash from Darjeeling, India. "This Fraxinus, common- 
ly known as the Nepal ash, is a large deciduous tree found 
in the Himalayas at altitudes ranging from 5000 to 8500 
feet, and attaining a height of 120 feet and a diameter of 
5 feet. A concrete, saccharine exudation called manna is 
obtained from the stem of this tree and is employed as a 
substitute for the officinal manna. The sugar contained 
in this exudation, called mannlte, differs from cane and 
grape sugars in not being readily fermentable, though 
under certain conditions it does ferment and yields a 
quantity of alcohol varying in strength from 13 to 33 
per cent. Like the officinal manna this is used for its 
sweetening and slightly laxative properties. The wood is 
white with reddish tinge, soft to moderately hard in 
structure, resembling in some respects the European ash. 
The wood is very valuable, and is used in the manufacture 
of oars, jampan poles, ploughs, platters, spinning wheels, 
and for many other purposes, while the tree itself is a 
fine avenue ornamental." 
Indigofera dosua. (Fabaceae.) 39119. Seeds from Dar- 
jeeling, India. "This is a shrub of the temperate, cen- 
tral and eastern Himalayas, from Simla to Bhotan and Assam 
at altitudes ranging from 6000 to 8000 feet. The flowers 
