1787 
Prunus majestica (Amygdalaceae) , 55476, 55498, and 
55500. From China. Seeds collected by J.F. Rock, Agri- 
cultural Explorer of the Bureau of Plant Industry. 
Quoted notes by Mr. Rock. 
55476. "(No. 2967. Manoh, Yunnan . March 30 , 1922 . ) 
A large, handsome tree, 40 to 50 feet in height, with 
large green leaves and oblong, bright-red , bitter , fleshy 
fruits. It grows at altitudes of 6,000 feet on ridges 
with Pyrus yunnanensis , and is very drought resistant, 
enduring drought for seven months or more. It can al- 
so withstand the intense heat of April and the freez- 
ing temperatures of winter. It is a prolific bearer, 
but is useful only as a stock plant and as an orna- 
mental . " 
55498. "(No. 3066. Near Chukai, Yunnan. April 5 
1922.) A lovely tree with large serrate leaves; the 
branches were bent with their load of large, oblong 
deep-red, cherrylike fruits. It is early fruiting, 
the fruits appearing in late February or early March, 
and the tree seems to be absolutely free from insect 
or fungous pests. It occurs throughout the Black River 
Valley at altitudes of about 5,000 feet on mountain 
slopes, also near Szemao, where it is rare, and more 
commonly near Nanchien. The Chinese name is 'Yin to' 
or 'Yin tao. ' " 
55500. "(Szemao, Yunnan. March 18, 1922.) These 
seeds were sent to me at Talifu from the mountains 
near Szemao; they are said to be from the first wild 
edible cherries which come to market." 
Pyrus spp. (Malaceae), 55497 and 55550. Pear. From 
Talifu, Yunnan, China. Seeds collected by J. F. Rock, 
Agricultural Explorer of the Bureau of Plant Industry. 
Quoted notes by Mr. Rock. 
55497. "(Talifu. April 18, 1922.) An edible pear 
about the size of a large apple; the flesh is light 
yellow and the skin is thin, firm, and light citron 
colored with a red hue, - hence the name 'Wu pa li,' 
(touched-by-the-f ire pear). The tree grows on the side 
of the lake opposite to Talifu." 
55550. "(Talifu. May 4, 1922.) 'Tangli.' This 
pear is oblong in outline, russet-brown, slightly acid 
but also sweet; it is better cooked than fresh. This 
variety is grown at Haitung, on Lake Erh Hai, about 10 
miles from Talifu, and ripens from April to August." 
Rumex tuberosus (Polygonaceae ) , 55494. Sorrel. From 
Algiers, Algeria. Seeds presented by Dr. L. Trabut. 
