Inventory 46, Seeds and Plants Imported. 



Plate I. 



The Service Tree, a Neglected Mediterranean Fruit Tree. Sorbus 

 domestica L. See S. P. I. Nos. 41703 and 4I804.> 



In Italy t he sorbo, as this fruit is called, is sold in large quant [ties by i he fruit venders on the streets. 

 Like the European medlar, it is good to eat onh when overripe, and even then ii h.i^ an astringent 

 taste which some people find objectionable. In Italian works on agriculture at leasl sis 



distinct varieties arc recognized. They ripen their fruits in September and October, and after 

 pickling these are stored in imii houses 01 cellars until overripe. This illustration showsa young 

 tree planted by the French nurseryman, Felix Gillet, inhis Barren Mill Nursery, al Nevada' City, 

 Cal. From its behavior there it is believed to be capable of cult i vat ion in many places in Cali- 

 fornia. As a tree it is most attractive. (Photographed by David Fairchild, 1902; P1488FS 



