180 
On the Gaultheria Shallon, 
slirub, more particularly in relation to its value as affording food for 
bees. As bis observations may not be unacceptable to you, I shall 
extract them from his letters. 
have obtained a shrub, from the west coast of North x\merica, 
the blossoms of which contain more honey, and I think of finer quality, 
than I have observed in any other. The blossoms are very similar to 
those of the Arbutus, a species to which the plant above mentioned, 
the Gaultheria Shallon, is very nearly allied; and the trees are a good 
deal similar in form and stature, though I think the Gaultheria Shallon, 
rather more nearly resembles a Laurustinus. Each flower appears to 
me, to contain as much honey in five drops, as the boney-bee usually 
carries home at once. The plant is supposed to be perfectly hardy, 
and is to be propagated by slips and by seed, to any extent, without 
trouble. It grows under the shade of trees, in North America, and 
will probably bear a good deal of shade in our climate. It is a very 
ornamental plant, which I shall be happy to put you in possession of; 
and it bears a fruit, very similar in form to a wim-berry or bilberry, 
which it resembles in colour, but is as large as a middle-sized grape; 
and Mr. David Douglas, who brought it home, to the Horticultural 
Society, assured me, that it is very sweet and palatable. He himself 
at one time, lived wholly upon it, for three days and a half.” 
In a subsequent letter, which accompanied one of the above plants, 
Mr. Knight informs me, that it does not thrive with him, under any 
mode of culture, though patient of cold. I have not, myself, been long 
in possession of it, and can therefore say nothing respecting it, from 
my own observation. 
Wishing every success, to your interesting and useful periodical, 
I am, Gentlemen, 
Yours, respectfully, 
Ferry-Sidey near Carmarthen, Edward Bevan. 
July \‘dth, 1831. 
