DECEMBER, 1905, TO JULY, I'JOG. 57 



17842 to 17954— Continued. 



17876. Castanea sativa. Chestnut. 



From Peking. "(No. 33a. ) The largest variety to he found on the markets 

 in Peking; said to have come from Chee-san, near ("hang-U. The nnts are 

 roasted with .'^and and an oily substanie which bleaches them, and are re'- 

 markably sweet. The trees on which they grow are seedlings." {Meyer. ) 



17877. Castanea s.\tiva. Chestnut. 



From Peking. "(No. 34a.) The ordinary Chinese chestnut, soiil every- 

 where in northern China. They are very Huiali, but make up in sweetness 

 what thev lack in size. Are roasted the same as No. 33a (S. P. I. No. 17870), 

 and are said to have come from Chee-san, near Chang-li. The trees I saw 

 there grow in sheltered spots and seem to love a rocky soil." {Meyer. ) 



17878. QuERCussp. Oak. 



From western hills near Peking. "(No. 26a.) A fine oak, resembling a 

 chestnut. The acorns are eagerly collected and used for tanning purposes. 

 Probably not very hardy, as it grows in quite sheltered valleys." (Meyer.) 



17879. QuERCfs dent.\ta. Oak. 



From Tang-san. "(No. 24a. ) A beautiful, large-leaved oak. The leaves 

 assume gorgeous colors in autumn; a very desirable tree. Grows to medium 

 d i 1 1 lensions. ' ' ( Meyer. ) 



17880. Zea jUys. Corn. 



From Pee-san. "(No. 19a. ) uV very fine strain of corn growing in a rather 

 dry part of the country. This is one of the best varieties I have seen in 

 northern China. The plants grow about six feet high and have uniforndy two 

 ears to each stalk." {Meyer. ) 



17881. Zea may.s. Corn. 



From Shan-hai-kwan. "(No. 20a.) A white-seeded corn growing on stony 

 soil around Shan-hai-kwan, where it gets quite cold." [Meyer.) 



17882. Crataegus pinnatifida. Hawthorn. 



From Chang-li. "(No. 52a.) The largest variety of Creiaegus pinnatifida. 

 A fine fruit for preserves, and a very ornamental tree; is simi)ly loaded in 

 the fall with red berries and keeps its large, glossy, green leaves till late in 

 autu mn. " ( Meyer. ) 



17883. Crataegus pinnatifida. Hawthorn. 



From Chang-li. "(No. 104a. ) Fruits of different sizes to show variation." 



{Meyer. ) 



17884. DoLiCHOs LABLAB. ' Hyacinth bean. 



From western hills near Peking. " (No. 96a.) The same as No. 95a (S. P. I. 

 No. 17885), but from a different locality." {Meyer.) 



17885. DoLicHos lablab. Hyacinth bean. 



From Hawai-jou. "(No. 95a.) A bean which is grown around gardens as 

 a windbreak, and at the same time the green beans are used as a vegetable; 

 they are somewhat coarse but do not taste at all bad. The plant is a climber 

 and as such needs supports." {Meyer.) 



17886. FiLAEAGNUSSp. 



From Chang-li. "(No. 120a.) A silvery-leaved Elaeagnus which ripens 

 small, red berries in October. Grows from 5 to 6 feet high. Under cultiva- 

 tion it might become denser headed and be an ornamental shrub." {Meyer.) 



17887. MALUssp. Crab apple. 



From Peking. (Not numbered by Meyer.) "A crab apple sold on the 

 streets in Peking." {Meyer.) 



106 



