. Bulletin. 1901-13. Agriculture; Agriculture. 20 AGRICULTURAL EXPLORATIONS IX THE ORCHARDS OF CHINA. or 12 feet high; but when planted in gardens as ornamentals, as one often sees them in Peking, Tientsin, Chinanfu, etc., they reach a height of 30 to 40 feet and form a single trunk, sometimes over a foot in diameter (see PL V, fig. 1). The cultivated plants vary a good deal in the color of their flowers, which ranges from white^ to dark rose. The flowering period lasts but a very short time, but as the trees bear graceful dark-green foliage after their flowering thev are quite ornamental. The
. Bulletin. 1901-13. Agriculture; Agriculture. 20 AGRICULTURAL EXPLORATIONS IX THE ORCHARDS OF CHINA. or 12 feet high; but when planted in gardens as ornamentals, as one often sees them in Peking, Tientsin, Chinanfu, etc., they reach a height of 30 to 40 feet and form a single trunk, sometimes over a foot in diameter (see PL V, fig. 1). The cultivated plants vary a good deal in the color of their flowers, which ranges from white^ to dark rose. The flowering period lasts but a very short time, but as the trees bear graceful dark-green foliage after their flowering thev are quite ornamental. The greatest value, however, that these wild peaches have for us is not so much in their ornamental appearance as in their use as a stock for almost all members of the stone-fruit group. The Chinese graft and bud upon them not only peaches but plums, "bush cher- ries '' {Prunustomen- iosa), flowering plums, and cherries, and all of these thrive upon this stock. They arc also remarkably drought resistant, and as far Fig. 7.—A tree of the wild peach (.4 mj/^da/us rfa(((ywna) growing among . _, 1" ' rocks in the mountains near Fangshan, Chihli Province, China. ilS OUrpreimimary eX. This variety is commonly used as a stock in China. Introduction ])eriments sllOW they thrive equally well at Ames, Iowa, and at San Antonio, Tex. From the nature of the tree it will do especially well in those sections of the United vStates where there is only a limited sunnncr rainfall and whore winter teni- ])eratares do not fall too low. The kernels of these wild peaches arc used to flavor confectionery and some special dishes, but as they are full of prussic acid only very small quantities arc used. The stones themselves are often made into rosaries, which the Buddhist priests use in their worship. Being deeply and irregularly grooved they are very artistic when cleaned and ]) (S. P. I. Nos. 17470, 17729 to 17731, 18262, 1859"), 21227, 21908, and 22009.) APRICOTS. [Chinese nam
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