Coumarouna odorata. Tonka bean. 
As noted in the text this interesting tropical tree 
of which this photograph by Mr. Pittier is one of the 
first to be taken, is cultivated in Venezuela for its 
seeds or so-called "beans," which are utilized solely for 
the production of a neutral crystalline substance, called 
coumarin, which is a very strong- and lasting perfume used 
for mixing with other perfumes to give them permanency. 
It is the same substance which gives the characteristic 
odor to new-mown hay. Cultivation of the tree has also, 
been attempted in the West Indies, notably in Trinidad, 
but it is thought that the tree will not be profitable for" 
cultivation in that island, inasmuch as it takes from 10 
,^ >,to"12 years to come into bearing, the tree can not be used 
for shade for other crops because of its low head and 
dense foliage, and especially because of the ample supply 
found wild in the forests of Venezuela. If in time the 
wild supply should be exhausted the Venezuelan experiments 
have shown It to be of easy and fairly profitable culture. 
Prom photograph 'by Mr. H. Pittier, Solorzano Cacao Estate, 
Borburata, near feuer-to Cabello, Venezuela. 
