1181 
Canavali gladiatum (Jacq.) DeCandolle. (Fabaaeae.) 
44806. Sword bean. From Cairo, Egypt. Presented by Mr. 
F. G. Walsingham, Glza. Branch, Horticultural Division, 
Ministry of Agriculture. A perennial, climbing plant, 
with leaves composed of 3 roundish leaflets 2 to 6 
inches long, and axillary racemes of dark purple 
flowers. The scimitar-shaped pods are about a foot long 
and contain numerous red or white seeds which resem- 
ble large beans. The young pods are sliced and boiled 
for table use, and are also pickled. Propagation is 
by seeds. 
Casuarim strieta Dry ander. (Casuarinaceae. ) 44909. 
Drooping sheoak. Presented by Mr. B. Harrison, through 
Mr. C. V. Piper. An Australian tree, 20 to 30 feet 
in height, known in New South Wales as Feld's Fodder tree; 
suitable for dry or semi-arid sections. The foliage 
is eagerly eaten by cattle, especially in times of 
drought, and it is said that one tree has supported 8 
to 10 head of stock at one time. Even in large quan- 
tities it does not appear to have an injurious effect 
on the cattle. The wood is used for cabinet work and 
shingles, and makes an excellent fuel. (Adapted from 
letter of Mr. B. Harrison of May 8, 1917.) 
Citrullu8 vulgaris Schrader. (Cucurbitaceae.) 44842. 
Water-melon seeds from Durban, Natal. Presented by Mr. 
William W. Masterson, American Consul. Mankataan. A 
melon much cultivated throughout Natal for use as cat- 
tle feed. It is exceptionally tough, enduring rough 
handling and keeping for six months after ripening 
without spoiling; but, at the same time, as it is very 
watery, it makes an excellent green fodder for live 
stock, especially when mixed with such feed as alfal- 
fa hay or corn stalks. It is also very suitable for 
jam making, some of the Cape Colony firms using large 
quantities for this purpose. One pound of seed will 
plant two or three acres, and as much as 120 tons of 
melons have been taken from a single acre. It might 
be suitable for the semiarid regions of the United 
States. (Adapted from William W. Masterson, Consular 
report, April 18, 1917. ) 
Citrullus vulgaris Schrader. (Cucurbitaceae.) 44869. 
Water-melon seeds from Curacao, Dutch West Indies. Col- 
lected by Mr. H. M. Curran. "The watermelons of Cura- 
cao are the best I have tasted in the tropics. March, 
1917." (Curran. > 
