
          (18)

40687. BERBERIS sp. Barberry. From F. N. Meyer, Ka-
goba, Kansu, China.  An ornamental barberry of very low growth,
being only 1 to 3 feet high. The leaves are very small and the very
ornamental, bright scarlet berries are produced in great profusion.
Found along embankments at 6,000 to 10,000 feet elevation.  Of
value as a border shrub in the colder sections of the United States.

40154. BETULA ERMANI. Erman's birch.  Eastern Asiatic
tree, said to reach 100 feet in height, with creamy-white, peeling bark
on the trunk and orange-brown bark on the branches.  Leaves
broadly ovate, with nearly straight base, taper pointed, coarsely
toothed; stalk one half to 1 inch long. Tender; very liable to injury
by spring frosts, owing to its early start into growth.

39989. BETULA SCMIDTIL. Birch.  Presented by the
Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, Mass.  A stately tree with smooth
alternate branches, nearly ovate leaves with rounded base and 
somewhat taper-pointed tip.  Buds smooth.  Catkins stalked.  Seeds
shghtly winged.  Native of Eastern Asia.

BLIGHIA SAPIDA. Akee. African tree, with remarkable
showy, red fruit, opening like a pod, exposing large black seeds
embedded in a waxy substance (the aril), which, when fried in butter
or stewed in milk, resembles a very delicate morsel of sweetbread.
Only the arils from perfectly fresh fruits should be used, as cases of
poisoning are reported from use of arils from old fruits.  Tree has
fruited successfully in southern Florida. (PI. 11.)

BRASSICA PEKINENSIS. Pai ts'ai or Chinese cabbage.
From various sources in North China. A fall cabbage, not suitable
for spring planting, as it goes to seed.  Sow in July in rows; begin
manuring heavily when 4 inches high. Harvest after first light
frost; heads long, cylindrical, not very firm.  By cutting off all
green leaf tips it can be cooked without penetrating cabbage odor.

42725. BRITOA ACIDA. From H. M. Curran, San Martin de
Loba, Colombia.  Small tree or shrub bearing rather large guava-
like fruits with soft yellow juicy and very acid flesh.  Few seeds.
Said to make a delicious conserve. The wood is used in Brazil for
tool handles, carving, etc.  Bark and leaves reported medicinal.
Related to '' Guava."  Native of Brazil.

41323. CAESALPINIA PECTINATA. Tara. From O. F.
Cook, Urubamba Valley, Peru. Tall, erect, spiny shrub or small,
handsome tree with deep-green, shiny foliage.  Flowers inconspicuous, 
but numerous bright-scarlet pods are produced which were
formerly used for black dye and ink.  These form attractive contrast
with the dark foliage.  The erect growth of the shoots tends to
make a close, effective hedge or windbreak.
        