June, '08] journal of economic entomology 1^3 



has been scarce in Texas, having been planted principally for hedges. 

 With the development of the citrus industry the demand for hardy 

 deciduous stock to enable the commercial orange tree to withstand a 

 lower temperature has caused a rapid increase of this species. It 

 blooms March 15 to 25 ; during this time bees work on it busily, ob- 

 taining a fair quantity of honey for early brood rearing. 



Tree of Heaven. {Ailanthus glandulosa Desf.) This is recorded 

 from Hunter as follows : Cultivated for shade. Honey yield fair in 

 good seasons, also pollen. There are also nectar glands on leaf 

 blades. April. 



Umbrella china tree. (Melia azedarach L.) A common shade tree 

 in central and southern Texas. It yields honey which helps early 

 brood rearing in February and March. 



Possum Haw. {Ilex decidua Walt.) Also known as Youpon and 

 Bearberry. Lowlands in southern and central Texas west to the semi- 

 arid country. Blooms between March and May. Valuable for early 

 brood rearing. 



Youpon. (Ilex caroliniana Trelease.) Southern Texas westward 

 to San Antonio. IMarch and April, helping early brood. 



Brazil wood, Log wood. (Condalia arhorata Hook.) Central and 

 western Texas. A good honey plant at College Station; some pollen. 

 July and August. 



Coluhrina texensis Gray. On dry soils from the Colorado River 

 west and south. Honey yield good ; some pollen. Plants too scarce 

 for surplus. April. 



Rattan vine. (Berchemia scandens Trelease.) Along ravines and 

 in lowlands ; blooms April 15 to 25, giving a good surplus in favorable 

 seasons, but the honey is dark amber. 



Common grape vines. Good for pollen. April. 



Mountain grape. (Vitis monticola Buckley.) Hilly limestone re- 

 gions of western Texas. Honey yield fair ; pollen valuable for early 

 brood rearing. March. 



Cow itch. (Cissus incisa Desraoul.) On uncultivated ground from 

 the Colorado River westward. April to August, yielding surplus 

 where plentiful. 



Soap berry, Wild china. (Sapindus marginatus Willd.) Creek 

 bottoms throughout southern and western Texas. An evergreen 

 shrub, blooming in April and May, yielding heavy surplus where the 

 plants are abundant. 



Balloon vine. {Cardiospermiim Jialicacahum L.) Throughout 

 central, southern and western Texas. Honey yield good, but plants 

 are scarce. 



