20 SEEDS AND PLANTS IMPORTED. 



55669 to 55706— Continued. 



55694. Picea smithiana (Wall, i Boiss. Pinacea-. Spruqe. 

 (P. morinda Link.) 



The Himalayan spruce is a lofty tree found in the mountains of 

 northwestern India at altitudes of 7,000 to 11,000 feet; the terminal, 

 drooping pale-green cones are 4 to 6 inches long. The stiff, sharp, spirally 

 arranged green leaves are crowded into hanging, taillike twigs when 

 young. The wood is extensively used for rough furniture and planking. 

 (Adapted from Watt, Dictionary of the Economic Products of India, 

 vol. 1, p. If.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47751. 



55695. Pieris Formosa (Wall.) D. Don. Ericaceae. 



A beautiful evergreen Himalayan shrub with leathery finely toothed 

 leaves and large terminal branching clusters of porcelain-white flowers. 

 It has proved hardy in Cornwall, England. (Adapted from Gardeners' 

 Chronicle, ser. 2, vol. 25, p. 568.) 



55696. Pkuntjs napatji^ksis (Seringe) Steud. Ainygdalaceae. 



A small tree with narrow acuminate leaves, 4 to 6 inches long, and 



axillary racemes of white flowers. The drupes are about twice the 



size of a large pea and acid in flavor. This tree is a native of the 



temperate Himalayas at altitudes of 4.000 to 10.000 feet. (Adapted 



from Flora and Sylva, vol. 3, p. &$*) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47767. 



55697 to 55701. Rhododendron spp. .Ericaceae. 



55697. Rhododendron arborevm J. E. Smith. 



This Himalayan rhododendron is variable both in its foliage 

 and in the color of its flowers. In one form the leaves are silvery 

 on the lower surface, while in another they are covered with a 

 brownish red down. The bell-shaped flowers, borne in dense trusses, 

 vary from deep crimson to pure white. The tree sometimes reaches 

 a height of 35 feet, with a trunk 4 feet in circumference. (Adapted 

 from Flora and Sylva, vol. 3, p. 34.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47771. 



55698. Rhododendron ciliatum Hook. f. 



A Himalayan rhododendron, of somewhat dwarfed haMr. bearing 

 many small loose trusses of pinkish white flowers less than 3 inches 

 wide. It rarely exceeds 6 feet in height. (Adapted from Flora 

 and Sylva, vol. 3, p. 35.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47772. 



55699. Rhododendron dalhousiae Hook. f. 



This is said to be the flnest rhododendron from northeastern 

 India, chiefly because of the great size and beauty of the fragrant 

 flowers, which resemble those of a large lily. It is a straggling 

 shrub, 6 to 8 feet high, with smooth dark-green leaves. The flowers, 

 which occur in terminal clusters of three to five, are nearly 5 

 inches across. (Adapted from Curtis' s Botanical Magazine, pi. 41 18.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47773. 



55700. Rhododendron falconeri Hook. f. 



This shrub or tree, which sometimes attains a height of 30 feet, 

 is a native of northeastern India. The large deep-green leaves, 

 sometimes a foot long, and the whitish, densely clustered flowers 

 make it a very fine ornamental. (Adapted from Curtis'* Botanira 1 

 Magazine, pi. 4924-) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47774. 



