1269 
so. The yellow or greenish fruit .is usually smaller 
than the fruit of P. armeniaea, and the dry flesh ad- 
heres to the pitted stone. The tree is a* native of 
Chosen and perhaps of China. It is very valuable as 
an ornamental, and the double-flowered form was in- 
troduced into Europe from Japan in 1878. In late years 
it has been imported from Japanese nurseries in quan- 
tity, and in various forms such as the white, double- 
white, double-rose, and weeping. The double-flowered 
form is especially valuable in gardens for its early 
profuse blooming, being in flower about the same time 
as the almond, and being, when at its best, almost as 
beautiful. The fruit is about an inch in diameter, 
and is used in Japan as a pickle. The fruits are picked 
just before they are ripe, and soaked in water for 
24 hours; then they are mixed with salt and the leaves 
of the red-leaved variety of Perilla nankinensis and allowed 
to stand a week or less depending on the temperature. 
After this the fruits are spread in the sun to dry, 
and while drying are sprinkled, with the juice of the 
Perilla leaves. After 3 to 5 days they are put up in 
weak brine, and will keep indefinitely. The pickled 
fruit is exceedingly sour, and often forms a part of 
the Japanese soldiers' ration. For best results the 
tree should be grown in a shady place. There are hun- 
dreds of distinct varieties grown in Japan for both 
flowers and fruit. This importation however is of 
seeds for trial as a stock, there being a possibility 
that it may prove resistant to crown gall. (Adapted 
from Bailey, Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture; Bean, 
Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles; and P.N. 
Meyer, Agricultural Explorer for this Department.) 
Pterogyne nitew (Caesalpiniaceae) , 45485. Ybyra ro. 
From Porto Murtinho, Matto Grosso, Brazil. Presented 
by Mr. C. F. Mead, "In many ways, this timber is the 
most useful found hereabouts, especially for hulls of 
boats, coach work, etc. You have no timber at all 
like it. "(Mead.) A tall, stout, unarmed tree, abun- 
dant in parts of Argentina and Brazil. The wood is 
very strong and resistant, and is used in the construc- 
tion of carts, excepting the spokes. It is considered 
an excellent wood in Missiones whence it is exported. 
It is also highly valued in Salta, and is used in 
coach making. (Adapted from S. Venturi, Contribucion 
al Conocimiento de los Arboles de la Argentina.) 
