16 
At least, this is the result of the exTDerience of 
the past twenty years. It would be easier, of 
course, to make a general rule and stick to it, 
but it would not fit conditions in many cases and 
would lead to estrangements, conf lictions, and 
friction, all of which as you know should be 
avoided. 
I am much interested in your discussion with 
Professor Reimer in regard to the hybrid character 
of your improved calleryana. I wonder if Profes- 
sor Reimer has looked at the pollen and whether 
that v/ould not give a clue to its hybrid character. 
You probably have read Doctor Jeffrey's article on 
the hybrid character of Crataegus sp. In my 
oninion this is an important article. 
In regard- to talking over with Professor Rei- 
mer the pear problems and as to whether he should 
come into the" federal service or get federal aid, 
I have heard nothing from him. I imagine that 
his illness has made some great changes in his 
plans. The month of February is oretty nearly 
over, and he has not indicated his desire to come 
east and talk the matter over. If I can, next 
summer I mean to get out to the Coast again, and 
I will make it a particular point to see Professor 
Keimer and size up the whole situation. Things 
are changing so rapidly, that it is difficult to 
know whether such a plan as might suit him would 
be along the most practical lines. 
T am glad you like the looks of the Yang tao . 
You remember our visit to the back-yard vine in 
Chico. In its dusty condition it did not look 
like much there, but fruits which were received 
last summer certainly made a great impression on 
ray mind, and I am inclined to agree with you that 
the Yang tao shoiild be carefully considered as a 
fruit vine for the United States. I gave one to 
Mr. Bell and also gave some of the fruits to sev- 
eral of my friends here, and they all liked them 
without having to learn to appreciate their taste. 
I never had any idea that the region around 
Ichang would furnish hardy fruits, even though 
the altitude might be 4000 feet. I always 
imagined a climate similar to that of Florida. 
The package containing twelve fruits of the 
wild Citrus ichangensls, ?455a, and some fruits 
of a smooth variety of Yang tao, ?456a, has just 
arrived, and v;e will write you in a few days as 
September ?1, 1918. 
