85 



divided. Three of these branches were 18 inches iu circumference, 

 the tree was 28 feet high. In May, the whole is a magnificent mass 

 of white, flowers. 



Var. oblongifolia is smaller, with shorter petals, and leaves 

 downy beneath. 



The fruit of the Amelanchier is ripe the last of June or early in 

 July. It is sweet and excellent, and if it were not that birds appre- 

 ciate this fact as well as man, it might be a valuable market berry. 

 It is now often seen on sale among the blueberries in the first of the 

 season. 



The wood of this tree has a speckled appearance, and is very pretty. 

 Darlington says that the fruit may be improved by long cultivation, 

 and Emerson considers it an experiment well worth trying, to ascer- 

 tain how far it might be improved. 



Cydonia vulgaris (Common Quince), and Cydonia Japonica 

 (Japan Quince, Pyrus Japonica), are extensively cultivated, the 

 latter for ornament, the former for the fruit. 



CALYCANTHACEJE. 



(CALYCANTHUS Family.) 



Calycanthus florichis, L. (Carolina Allspice.) A native of 

 Virginia southward, with very fragrant, strawberry-scented flowers. 

 It is often cultivated. 



SAXIFRAGACE^. 



(SAXIFRAGE Family.) 



Ribes hirtelluin, Miclix. (Wild Gooseberry.) Quite common. 



Ribes floridum, L. (Wild Black Currant.) Not so common 

 as the last. (Ipswich, Oakes in herb. P. A. S.) 



Ribes rubrum, L. (Red Currant.) Cultivated everywhere. 

 Although our American plant is " seemingly not distinct from the 

 garden Red Currant of Europe" Gray. It is probable that all the 

 specimens found growing wild in this region have originated from 

 garden plants, as the localities for the truly native specimens are much 

 farther north. 



Ribes Grossularia (Garden Gooseberry.) Much cultivated, 

 as is the 



Ribes nigrum (Garden Black Currant.) It is probable that 

 these European species have been transported by birds or other 

 agencies to distant localities, as they are often found escaped. 



Bihes mirev7n, Pursh. (Missouri Currant.) Much cultivated for 

 its early spicy, fragrant yellow flowers. 



ESSEX INST, bulletin. XI 7 



