1614 
where it may serve very well for hedges or wind- 
breaks, as well as for holding terraces, or as barri- 
ers against erosion. Even on desert lands that are 
too broken for irrigation it might prove worth while 
to plant belts of Olneya across the washes, to hold 
back and spread the flood waters. More moisture would 
be absorbed by the soil, and more vegetation could 
grow, in addition to the forage that the Olneya it- 
self would afford. ( Adapted from Journal of Heredity, 
vol. 10, p. 321. ) 
Paehira fastuosa (Bombacaceae) , 51204. FromSantiago 
de las Vegas, Cuba.. Presented by Sr. Gonzalo M. Fortun, 
director, Agricultural Experiment Station. Seedlings 
of a handsome tropical tree native to Mexico. The 
flowers in their size and color are both exceptional 
and attractive, as they measure about a foot in di- 
ameter; the strap-shaped petals are white, and the 
large brushlike cluster of stamens crimson and yellow. 
The foliage is not unlike that of the horsechestnut , 
* but it is more leathery in texture. (Adapted from Gar- 
deners' Chronicle, vol. 54, p. 325.) 
Passiflora mollisima (Passif loraceae ) , 51205. From 
Guayaquil, Ecuador. Seeds presented by Mr . James Birch 
Rorer, Associacion de Agricultores del Ecuador. "Seeds 
of a fruit which Is grown In the, valleys of the 
Sierra and which is commonly called 1 tasco . ' The fla- 
vor of the fruit is somewhat like that of currants. 
A very delicious sherbet or ice cream can be made 
from it, and also a fine drink or ' ref resco . 1 11 (Rorer.) 
Phoenix reelinata ( Phoenicaceae ) , 51451. Palm. From 
East African Protectorate, Africa. Seeds collected by 
Dr. H. L . Shantz, agricultural explorer. "(No. 1002. 
Near Meru, Kenia Province, Kenla.) A most attractive 
palm, growing in canyons near Meru." 
A hardy ornamental palm, not very tall but often 
reclining. The sweet coating of the drupaceous fruit 
is edible. This palm is distributed throughout trop- 
ical Africa. (Adapted from Mueller, Select Extra- 
Tropical Plants, p. 259.) 
Buhus sp'. (Rosaceae), 51354. From Bogota, Colom- 
bia. Collected by Mr. Wilson Popenoe, agricultural 
explorer. "No. 438a. Seeds of a wild blackberry, 
which is excellent though the fruit is rather small. 
It is found on the mountain slopes at altitudes of 
