1739 
in the interior, some of the best sheep in New South 
Wales are raised on Danthonia grasses alone. Even when 
other grasses are completely dried up, the Danthonias 
will produce a fair amount of greenness in the bottom 
growth, and it is due to such feed that the Riverlna 
can carry excellent sheep during a dry spring and sum- 
mer. (Adapted from Bentham, Flora Australiensis , vol, 
7, p. 595; and Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, 
vol. 31, p. 24.) 
Dioscorea alata (Dioscoreaceae) , 54900. Greater yam. 
Prom Mayaguez, Porto Rico. Tubers presented by Mr.T.B. 
McClelland, horticulturist, Porto Rico Agricultural 
Experiment Station. "Purple Ceylon." This yam, so 
called because of the purple color of its flesh, was 
imported in 1908 from Ceylon for the experiment sta- 
tion, and, on account of its pleasing flavor, has be- 
come a favorite variety. Any part of the tuber may be 
utilized for planting with the assurance that it will 
yield a profitable crop. At the experiment station 
half-pound seed pieces cut from the lower part of the 
root produced an average of nearly 5 pounds per plant. 
This is a splendid weight for a root of the "Purple 
Ceylon" variety, and compares favorably with that pro- 
duced by equal-sized pieces of the basal, or upper, 
part of the root. 
The vines of this variety are long, large, vig- 
orous, and four-sided. The blade of the leaf is 6 by 
4 or 5 inches, and is dark green. A few small air tu- 
bers 2 by If inches develop on the vines of this va- 
riety. The edible root is almost spherical or made up 
of two or three large round lobes. It never forms long, 
deep-growing roots. The starch content in the fresh 
root is about 20 per cent. After being cooked, this 
yam has a smooth, even texture and retains its dark- 
purple color. Its flavor is rich and pleasing and has 
been highly complimented by all who have tested it. 
(Adapted from C. F. Kinman, Bulletin 27, Porto Rico 
Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 16 and 17.) 
Dioscorea eayenensis (Dioscoreaceae) ,54901. Yam. From 
Mayaguez, Porto Rico. Tubers presented by Mr. T. B. 
McClelland, horticulturist, Porto Rico Agricultural 
Experiment Station. "Congo." In Mayaguez this is call- 
ed "Congo amarillo," but in the San Juan market, where 
it is found in greater abundance than other kinds, it 
Is known as "Yellow Guinea." It thrives much better 
in sandy soil than most yams. The large roots attain 
