﻿Inventory 46, Seeds and Plants Imported. 



Plate I 



The Service Tree, a Neglected Mediterranean Fruit Tree. (Sorbus 

 domestica L. See S. P. I. Nos. 41703 and 41804.) 



In Italy the sorbo, as this fruit is called, is sold in large quantities by the fruit venders on the streets. 

 Like the European medlar, it is good to eat only when overripe, and even then it has an astringent 

 taste which some people find objectionable. In the old Italian works on agriculture at least six 

 distinct varieties are recognized. They ripen their fruits in September and October, and after 

 pickling these are stored in fruit houses or cellars until overripe. This illustration shows a young 

 tree planted by the French nurseryman, Felix Gillet, in his Barren Hill Nursery, at Nevada City, 

 Cal. From its behavior there it is believed to be capable of cultivation in many places in Cali- 

 fornia. As a tree it is most attractive. (Photographed by David Fairchild, 1902; P1488FS.) 



