5. 
JAPAN, Kobe. Albert J. Perkins, Nov. 21. Sends samples of 
Japanese papers, some of them waterproofed with Aleurites 
ccrdata and with persimmon juice. This waterproofed paper 
is used to protect pears, apples, peaches, etc., from in- 
sects. Also sends samples of oiled Toapers used for making 
umbrellas. Saw Edgeworthia papyrifera growing in moun- 
tains on rather poor soil but with plenty of moisture. 
Sends some samples of naked barleys presented by Dr. Naka- 
mura, Director Experiment Station, Nara. This Experiment 
Station makes a specialty of rice and other grains. They 
also have an orchard of navel oranges. 
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, Manila. Wm . S. Lyon. Mr. Lyon has just 
returned from the Sarangani Islands, the southernmost of 
the Philippine- group, where no Spaniard seems ever to have 
been. He discovered there a new fruit with the native name 
'Balun' , which he has not yet been able to identify. It 
resembles in form and color a Duchesse d'Angouleme pear. 
The outer layer of flesh is snow white and slightly granular 
in texture and not dissimilar in character and taste to 
the same pear. Prom thence in to the seed the flesh is 
melting, vinous and more than juicy. Owing to the thick, 
edible but slightly inferior outer pulp and the large 
amount of tow-covered seed the available good pulp is small; 
that small amount has the flavor of vanilla tempered with 
just the right subacidity of a very ripe strawberry. 
TURKEY- IN- ASIA, Aintab. Mrs. F.A. Shepard , Nov. 16. Sends 
wild vetches, clovers and oats from the mountain regions 
25-30 miles from the Mediterranean 3000-4000 feet above 
sea-level. Also package of 'Menerigish' , a variety of 
wild terebinth upon which the pistacia is grafted. Offers 
to collect other mountain tree seeds or wild leguminosae 
another season if desired. 
RECENT VISITORS. 
TRIPOLI. Consul Coffin called. Brought 8 small boxes of 
date samples and 20 cuttings of pomegranates. Will get 
cuttings of the date varieties in the spring. Will get 
Tripoli alfalfa seed to be tested in comparison with 
Arabian alfalfa. . 
