JULY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1915. 55 



41254 and 41255— Continued. 



branca is found principally in the varzeas [probably moaning low, 

 swampy valleys] it is not excluded from the terra firma [meaning dry 

 ground] ; the ucuilba vermelha, which is distinguished by its larger leaves 

 and smaller fruits, is a tree of the dry land and is found principally in 

 the forests. Both these species have, especially when young, a charac- 

 teristic manner of growth, with slender whorled branches furnished with 

 regularly distichous leaves. The regularity of its branching reminds one 

 of the European conifers. Without doubt other Amazonian species of 

 Virola and probably also some species of Iryanthera furnish wood which 

 could be utilized, but I have no positive knowledge in regard to this." 

 (./. Huber, Mattas e Madeiras Amazonicas, Boletim de Museu Goeldi, 

 vol. 6, p. 173, 19 W.) 



41256 to 41269. 



From China. Collected by Mr. Frank N. Meyer, Agricultural Explorer for 

 the Department of Agriculture. Received September 27, 1915. Quoted 

 notes by Mr. Meyer, except as otherwise indicated. 



41256. Myrica rubra Sieb. and Zucc. Myricacese. 

 (Myrica nagi Thunb.) 



"(No. 2306a. Hangchow, Chekiang, China, June 29, 1915.) A large- 

 fruited variety of the so-called strawberry tree, or nagi. The fruits are 

 the size of crab apples, of dark purple color, and of very attractive looks. 

 They can be used iu a multitude of ways, like out of hand, boiled in 

 compotes, in pies, for sirup, and for wine. In general there exists a great 

 variation among the trees as regards general habits, productivity, etc. ; 

 the fruits themselves vary also greatly in color, size, and taste. The best 

 varieties are propagated by inarching ; the trees are evergreen ; they thrive 

 best on well-drained, rocky terraces. The localities that will best suit 

 them in the United States will probably be the southern sections of the 

 Gulf Coast States and the milder parts of California. Chinese name 

 Yang mci." 



41257. Prunus salicina Lindley. Amygdalacere. Plum. 



"(No. 2307a. Hangchow, Chekiang, China, June 29, 1915.) A medium- 

 sized plum, clingstone, of reddish color, meat juicy and sweet in the cen- 

 ter, but somewhat astringent near the skin and decidedly sour near the 

 stone. The trees grow dense and low and are able to grow on water- 

 logged land ; that is, they thrive with the surface water only a few inches 

 away at times. Of value for breeding purposes, especially in the Gulf 

 Coast States." 



41258. Amygdalus persica L. Amygdalaceae. Peach. 

 (Prunus persica Stokes.) 



"(No. 2308a. Chekiang Province, China, July, 1915.) Stones of various 

 types of peaches, collected in Chekiang. To be sown in the South for 

 experimental purposes." 



41259. Chionanthus retusa Lindley. Oleacese. 



"(No. 2309a. Panshan, near Hangchow, Chekiang, China, June 29, 

 1915.) The Chinese fringe tree, generally seen as a shrub, but occasion- 

 ally found as a tree, a most beautiful and striking object when covered 

 with its multitude of small, finely dissected white flowers, which are 

 delightfully fragrant. Bears in early fall masses of blue-black berries. 

 This plant naturally loves rocky mountain slopes and contrasts well with 



