1109 
other parts of the Alta Verapaz the pacaya Is also 
quite common, and it is grown In the southern part of 
Guatemala as well. Since it succeeds here at eleva- 
tions of 5000 feet or even higher, where the winters 
are quite cool, it would seem that it ought to be a 
success in southern California and Florida, though it 
is difficult to predict what effect the sandy soil of 
the latter state may have upon it. The palm grows to 
a height of about 15 feet, having a slender stem about 
two Inches in diameter, and handsome leaves somewhat 
reminding one of Chrysalidoearpus luteseem (Areca luteseens) . 
The foliage Is of a rich green color. The Inflores- 
cences are produced along the trunk, In the winter 
and spring, and apparently more or less throughout 
the year. Before the spa the has opened it Is removed 
from the palm, opened, and the tender inflorescence, 
nearly white in color, and finely branched, Is removed 
and eaten. Its preparation for the table consists in 
dipping it In a batter made of eggs and then frying 
it, in enveloping it in an omelet, In boiling It and 
serving it as a vegetable, or In mixing it with other 
vegetables to form a salad. When very young and ten- 
der its flavor is agreeable but when older, and near- 
ly ready to emerge from the spathe, the Inflorescence 
has a strongly bitter taste which makes it disagree- 
able. It should, therefore, be used when quite young. 
The pacaya palm grows in a variety of soils, seeming 
to do well on clay and also on black sandy loam. An 
abundance of lime in the soil does not seem to Injure 
it. It is frequently planted in gardens among coffee 
bushes, and In many sections it is planted beneath 
large trees, where it may have partial shade. I have 
seen many beneath large avocado trees, inter-planted 
with coffee bushes. It may be necessary to furnish 
shade for the palms In California and Florida, by 
means of a slat house or some such device, or they 
might be planted beneath large trees, as they are here 
in Guatemala. The pacaya, as an article of food, is 
extensively used In Guatemala, and by local standards 
commands a good price, single Inflorescences usually 
selling at 2 to 5 for a peso (2| cents). The spathes 
are pulled from the palms, tied together in small 
bundles, and thus brought to market." (Popenoe.) 
Colocasia eseulenta (L.) Schott. (Araceae.) 44066. 
Tubers of Two from 0111a, Texas. Presented by Mr. S. 
Kato. " Yatsu-gashira-imo. A Japanese variety of taro of 
