40 



It is not as vigorous as the other three, but is very promising. Vig- 

 orous trees in other places have been observed, indicating the possi- 

 bihty of silk culture, which is actually being tried. 



Downy myrtle {Myrtus tomentosus) . — This is a shrub of Indian 

 origin, bearing a very delicious fruit. One 2-year-old plant in the 

 orchard bore fruit this year, and it can be thoroughly recommended 

 for home use. It will probably not be a good shipper. 



Nutmeg {Myristica moschata). — This is one of the species producing 

 the nutmeg of commerce. One tree planted in the orchard September, 

 1903, is now 9 feet high w4th a spread of 7 feet. 



Pear. — The varieties Le Conte and Keiffer were planted in April, 

 1905, the trees having made a fair growth. 



Peach. — Six to twelve plants each of the following varieties were 

 planted in the orchard in April, 1905: Angel, Bidwell Early, Bidwell 

 Late, Jewel, Japan Dwarf Blood, Peen-To, Red Ceylon, and Waldo. 

 These have made a growth of 6 feet high with a spread of 3 feet, as 

 in the Bidwell Late, to 9 feet high with a spread of 6 feet, as in the 

 Waldo and Red Ceylon. Six trees, comprising three different varie- 

 ties, died earl;^^ in the summer, from what was probably an overabun- 

 dance of ]noisturc at the roots, as it occurred in places not well drained. 

 A fungus disease on the leaves has also caused some damage. Peach 

 trees have been observed in other localities, but only a few planted 

 in dooryards, and these were not very promising after the first year. 

 Judging from the first year's growth, it seems probable that peaches 

 may be produced here, but extensive planting can not be reconnnended 

 until the termination of experiments now under way. 



Plum. — The following varieties budded on Marianna stock were 

 received from a Florida nursery and planted in April, 1905: Terrell, 

 Excelsior, Red June, Alnmdance, Burbank, and Wickson. These 

 have made a fair growth, the Excelsior being in the lead with a height 

 of 8 feet and a spread of 6 feet. 



Myrobolan (Phyllanthus emhlica). — One plant in the orchard, set 

 December, 1903, is now 16 feet high with a spread of 9 feet. It is a 

 beautiful ornamental plant and the fruit is reported to be of fair 

 cpiality. 



Otaheite gooseberry (Phyllanthus disticha). — This tree is 

 thoroughly at home here, two-year-old trees being 12 feet high with 

 a spread of 10 feet and bearing fruit this season. It is valuable for 

 dooryard planting, the tree being ornamental as well as very prolific, 

 producing an abundance of acid fruit usc-ful for preserves. 



GuAVA {Psidium sp.). — The Porto Rican guavas are very inferior 

 in equality and the fruit is usually attacked with a disease causing them 

 to shrivel up and blacken when about half grown. The varieties 

 introduced from Florida are seldom attacked and plants in the orchard 

 produced magnificent fruit this year. The collection includes Psid- 



