95 



No. 256. Pear (Pyrtis communis, L.). Dried and CASE 

 compressed fraits are shown together with specimens of 49. 

 the hard and even-grained wood used for drawing squares 

 and curves, specimens of which and a gun-stock are 

 exhibited. 



No. 257. Medlar {Pyrus germanica, L.). Common 

 in many parts of Europe, and occurring in English 

 hedgerows. 



On the middle shelf of this compartment are specimens 

 of the wood of the Mountain Ash or Rowan tree 

 {Pyrus Aucuparia, Gsert.) ; useful as a nurse-tree in 

 plantations, enduring severe exposure. Formerly re- 

 garded as a charm against witchcraft, &c. 



Also wood of the Wild Service tree {Pyrus tormi- 

 nails, Ehr.), and on the lower shelves fruits and woods of 

 several species of Crataegus. 



No. 258. Wood of the Hawthorn {Crataegus 

 Oxyacantha, L.), and its variety the Glastonbury Thorn, 

 which flowers sparingly in mid-winter. The wood is 

 extremely hard, close-grained, and has been recommended 

 as a substitute for box for wood engraving. A prepared 

 block is exhibited. 



No. 259. LoQUAT or Japanese Medlar, a dessert cASE 

 fruit^afforded by Eriohotrya japonica, Lindl. A native 5Q 

 of China and Japan, cultivated in most warm temperate 

 countries. 



On the lower shelves are specimens of woods of species 

 of Photinia and Amelanchier. 



Gooseberry and Currant Order {Saxifrageae), 

 Trees, shrubs, or herbs of temperate or mountainous 

 countries. Note woods of Indian species of Hydrangea, 

 the native Laurel of Tasmania {Anopterus glandulosus, 

 Lab.), and the Lightwood of New South Wales {Cerato- 

 petalum apetalum, D. Don.), a light, tough and fragrant 

 wood used for boat and coach building, tool handles, &c. 



Also fruit of Davidson's Plum {Davidsonia pruriens, 

 F. Muell.), ripened in the Palm House at Kew. It is a 

 native of Queensland. 



