1948 
May, light yellow blushed with red, and had the appearane of being 
waxed. The tree is about 4£ feet high." (J. H. Arnold, Shafter, Calif., 
January 1, 1924.) 
The Tangsi cherry is the earliest fruiting cherry in the United 
States, the trees maturing their fruit in California as early as the latter 
part of March or the first part of April. Although the fruit is samll, 
as compared with the commonly cultivated varieties, it is of excellent 
quality. The quality, of the fruit, combined with the early-maturing habit 
of the tree, make this species promising for for breeding experiments. 
PRUNUS saucina ( Amygdalae eae ) , 43176. Japanese plum. From Auck- 
land, New Zealand. Variety "Alpha." Last summer this bore remark-' 
ably well, and the fruit was very fine, with a real plum flavor. We 
planted the tree three years ago." (Mrs. William Mulligan, Santa 
Barbara, Calif., December 29, 1923.) 
PYRUS CHINENSIS X COMMUNIS (Malaceae), 28497. Pear. Originally 
from the collection of the late Dr. Walter Van Fleet at Little Silver, 
N. J. "This hybrid pear, received four years ago, bore for the first 
time this year. The crop consisted of nine pears, weighing about 10 
ounces each, of uniform size and appearance. They resemble somewhat 
the Kieffer pear, but are shorter, thicker, and have a more uneven 
surface. In color the skin is a greenish yellow. The flesh is white, 
and although somewhat coarse in texture, is finer than that of Kieffer. 
For canning also we found them superior to Kieffer." (F. M. White, 
Romeo, Mich., January 9, 1924.) 
Yerba Mate 
(Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. ) 
Few plants have had so much mystery and romance associated with 
them as the yerba mate of South America. Originally used by the 
natives in the making of a ceremonial and invigorating drink, it was 
early adopted by the Portuguese and Spaniards and very soon became 
of such prime importance commercially that many attempts were made 
to monopolize its culture and preparation for market. These efforts 
led to many conflicts, considerable bloodshed, petty wars and in one 
case the setting up of a sort of a little kingdom, governed in such 
fashion that no outsiders were allowed to enter it lest they learn the 
secrets of the wonderful drink, and carry the knowledge to the outside 
world. Some adventurous spirits finally dared to enter the forbidden 
country, and were seized and kept in bondage for many years. A few 
escaped with their lives but with practically no knowledge of the 
mysterious plant, its culture and propagation. 
