JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 31, 1915. 53 



40000 to 40039— Continued. (Quoted notes by Mr. F. N. Meyer.) 



boiled, apparently to remove a poisonous principle. They are 

 rich in oil, but taste bitterish even after having been boiled. Of 

 value like the preceding number." 



40019. Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim. Malacea?. Pear. 

 "(No. 2157a. Near Tchenyatau (near Titao), Kansu, China. Decem- 

 ber 1, 1914.) A species of wild pear, growing to be a large tree, with a 

 wide-spreading, dense head of branches. Bark of dark color and in the 

 main trunk even blackish and deeply furrowed in old specimens. Young 

 branches often ferociously spiny and especially so in suckers. Leaves 

 small and with much shorter peduncles than in Pyrus chinensis. Fruits 

 globose, flattened. Calyx persistent, peduncle generally short ; much 

 variation exists as regards size, but the fruits of this species of pear 

 are generally small ; the flesh is also acrid and often quite hard, though 

 some of the larger ones are edible after having been frozen. This pear 

 is not found in the warm valleys, but it thrives best at altitudes of 

 about 8,000 feet, in company with such hardy trees and shrubs as Picea 

 obovata, Populus tremula, Mains baccata, Uippophae rhamnoides, 

 Syringa amttrensis, Rhamnus dahurica, Sorbaria sorbifolia, and others. 

 This pear has apparently given rise to some locally cultivated forms 

 bearing small, sour fruits, which are juicy, however, and melting, and 

 not hard and gritty, like the poorer strains of P. chinensis. Of undoubted 

 value as a stock for pears in cold sections and as a factor in breeding 

 experiments in trying to extend successful pear culture farther north- 

 ward." 



For an illustration of this hardy pear tree as found growing in China, 

 see Plate VIII. 



40020. Malus sp. Malaeese. Crab apple. 

 "(No. 2158a. Lienhuashan (near Taochow), Kansu, China. Novem- 

 ber 30, 1914.) A peculiar species of crab apple of which scions were 

 sent under No. 1249 [S. P. I. No. 39923], which see for further infor- 

 mation." 



40021. Sorbus sp. Malaeese. Rowan. 

 "(No. 2159a. Lienhwashan (near Taochow), Kansu, China. Novem- 

 ber 30, 1914.) A species of rowan of tall, shrubby growth; found in 

 somewhat shady places at altitudes of 8,000 to 10,000 feet. Leaves small 

 and pinnate, berries of pale yellow color, in some species apparently 

 white. Possessing a good flavor, though somewhat bitter; of use, how- 

 ever, for preserves. This rowan is of value possibly as a tree for the 

 home garden, especially for the cooler sections of the United States." 



40022. Ribes alpestre giganteum Janczewski. Grossulariaceae. 



Gooseberry. 



"(No. 2160a. Near Yangsa (near Titao), Kansu. China. November 29, 

 1914.) A very spiny wild gooseberry, with quite elongated fruits. Col- 

 lected at an altitude of more than 9,000 [Vet. For further informal ion. 

 see No. 1241 [S. P. I. No. 3991 6 J." 



For an illustration of this tall-growing bush as found in China, see 

 Plate VI. 



40023. Prinsepia uniflora Batalin. Amygdalacea?. 



"(No. 2161a. Near Sanszemiau (near Taochow), Kansu. China. De- 

 cember 1, 1914.) A fruit-bearing, spiny shrub, suggested as a possible 



