424 Canadian Record of Science. 



were all indigenous on the grounds, or early introduced, 

 and flowered and fruited every year. A few specimens 

 still remain. The wild red plum, still used for preserving, 

 was an article of food wi th the old people of Hochelaga, as 

 the stones are found in their kitchen-middens. It pro- 

 bably grew plentifully along the base of the mountain. 

 The plants on the college grounds had apparently been 

 sown by birds, and were principally interesting as har- 

 bingers of spring by their early blossoming — their fruit 

 being usually destroyed by the curculio. 



34. The Locust Trees. Robinia pseudacaciU and R. 

 viscosa. 



Slips of these trees were obtained from friends at an early 

 period of our planting, and throve well, especially the for- 

 mer, which, from its habit of sending up shoots from its 

 roots, became almost a nuisance. The clammy acacia (R. 

 viscosa) was more tender and liable to have the twigs win- 

 ter killed, but it often bore abundantly its beautiful clusters 

 of reddish flowers. A plant of the latter species still re- 

 mains, but all those of the former had to give way to the 

 new buildings. 



35. The Catalpa. C. bignonioides. 



For several specimens of this beautiful and interesting 

 tree we are indebted to the late Charles G-ibb, and all are 

 fortunately planted in portions of the grounds not as yet 

 invaded by building. They require a sheltered position, 

 and some specimens seem perfectly hardy, while others, 

 perhaps less favorably situated, have the shoots winter- 

 killed. Xone of the specimens have yet flowered, and, as 

 their growth is not rapid, it may be several years before 

 we can have the pleasure of seeing the beautiful blossoms. 

 I have observed that this tree has in Toronto been planted 

 along some of the streets. "Whether it would stand here in 

 such situations is uncertain : but it deserves attention in 

 ornamental grounds. 



