PL 354. 
THE BETOUM, A HANDSOME SHADE TREE FOR SEMIARID REGIONS. 
(Pistacia atlantica Desf.; S. P. I. No. 10267.) 
The only tree of considerable size growing in the northern part of the Sahara Desert is the 
betoum, a close relative of the pistache (Pistacia vera L.). It is deciduous, reaches a 
height of 40 to 50 feet, and develops an attractive, well-rounded head of foliage. As a 
shade tree for semiarid regions in the United States, particularly those which have slightly 
alkaline soils, it promises to be of value. The two specimens here illustrated were planted 
in the cemetery at Chico, Calif., about fifteen years ago. (Photographed by P. H. Dor- 
sett, October 16, 1921; P27400FS.) 
