1424 
attractive in appearance and in texture and quality. 
It seemed to me to be a very great improvement over 
the Kieffer and every other variety that I know which 
is adapted to the far south. If the tree is satisfac- 
tory and is reasonably resistant to blight, it seems to 
me that there may be something in this variety which 
would be worth considering very carefully in connection 
with the planting of pears in the south." (H.P.Gould.) 
Rhoiei88us erythrodes (Vitaceae) ? 47100. From Africa. 
Presented by Mr . J. Burtt-Davy, Johannesburg. A shrubby, 
suberect plant, native of Abyssinia. The leathery, 
compound leaves are made up of 3 leaflets, the terminal 
one obovate, 2 to 3 inches long, the lateral ones broadly 
ovate; all are smooth and deep green above, but covered 
with fine gray pubescence below. The scarlet flowers 
occur in small, lateral cymes, and the globose fruits 
are about half an inch In diameter. (Adapted from Oliver, 
Flora of Tropical Africa, vol. 1, p. 401.) 
Salvia hispaniea (Menthaceae) , 47126. Chia. From 
Mexico. Seeds procured by Mr. Cornelius Ferris, Jr., 
American Consul, San Luis Potosi. "This seed was ob- 
tained in the semitropical region of the state of 
San Luis Potosi and is known simply as chia. It is the 
kind used in making the drink called 'chia'. (Ferris.) 
"Chia is widely used in Mexico for the preparation of 
a ' ref resco ' , or as an addition to 'refrescos' prepared 
with limes or other fruits. I have never observed the 
plant in cultivation. The seed, which is often seen on 
sale in the markets, is similar In appearance to mustard 
seed, except in its grayish color . When soaked in water 
it behaves somewhat as tapioca, each seed becoming 
surrounded by a transparent gelatinous substance almost 
without taste. A glass of sweetened water to which has 
been added a few chia seeds is considered a good drink; 
it lacks character, however, and may be considered 
much better when lime juice Is one of the ingredients . 
This drink is a peculiar thing, difficult of description, 
but not unworthy of introduction into other countries. 
It may be mentioned that the state of Chiapas takes 
its name from 'chia', meaning 'place where the chia 
abounds'." (Popenoe.) 
StereuUa diversifolia (Sterculiaceae) , 47153. Kurrajong. 
From Richmond, Victoria, Australia. Seeds presented 
by Mr. F. H. Baker. Found in Victoria, New South Wales, 
and Queensland. Useful as human food, as a forage 
