UNIQUE QUALITY FRUITS 35 



bears ovate leathery leaves not unlike those of 

 the Magnolia. 



This tree is quite hardy, even in the mountains 

 of California, its native home, and its leaves, 

 blossoms, and fruit are ornamental and attrac- 

 tive. The blossoms grow in clusters, sometimes 

 erect and sometimes drooping. They are white 

 in color, and very fragrant. The berries, orange 

 or scarlet in color, somewhat resemble those of 

 the Unedo or Strawberry tree, but the clusters 

 are more numerous and smaller. 



A singular thing with regard to both of these 

 forms of Arbutus is that blossoms and ripe fruit 

 may be seen on the tree at the same time. In 

 this respect the Arbutus resembles the orange 

 tree. 



I have often thought that a handsome tree 

 could be produced by crossing the Unedo or 

 Strawberry tree with the Madrona, and I have 

 no reason to doubt that the cross could be made. 

 I regard the Arbutus as a promising tree for 

 experimentation. 



My own experiments with the shrub have been 

 confined to the raising of seedlings for ornamen- 

 tal purposes. I observed that the Strawberry 

 tree, like the Madrona, varies in size and some- 

 times in shape and color of leaves and fruit. I 

 am confident, therefore, that by special cultiva- 



