enemy in a common ladybird-beetle, Leis conformis [C. French].
Tbe necessity of reducing tbe genus Amvgdalus to that of Prunus
was indicated in 1812 already by Stokes" (Bot. Mat. Met. iii. 101)
and in 1813 by F. G. Hayne (Arznei-Gewaechse iv. 38).
P r u n u s p a n ic u l a t a , Thunberg. (P. Pseudo-Cerasus, Lindley ; P. Puddum,
Roxburgh.) ’
The “ S ak u ra ” of Japan, extending to Upper India. A large
shady tree, its stem attaining two feet in diameter, charming to view
when bearing its profusion of flowers. The frnit is of the size of
small cherries and of pleasant aud refreshing taste, though never
quite sweet [Wallich]. I t is this tree which supplies mainly the
wood so extensively required for xylography iu Jap an [Dupont].
P r u n u s s e r ó t in a , Ehrhart.
^ The Black Cherry-tree of Eastern North-America. Of comparatively
quick growth. Iu Virginia and Alabama the tree attains a
height of about 100 feet, with a stem 4 feet iu diameter ; it prefers
rich porous soil in the upper parts of valleys. F ru it slightly bitter,
but with a pleasant vinous flavour ; wood compact, liglit, easily
worked, not liable to warp [Sa rg en t], very valuable for cabinet-
and sash-makers [A. Gray] ; of a pale-red colour, dense, flue-grained ;
when polished as beautiful as maliogauy-wood [Kobb and Simmonds].
Will live on the poorest soil, and even within the salt-
spray of the coast. Readily raised from seeds and transplanted, not
; succumbing under rough usage [Sargent], Not infested by
caterpillars [Fernow]. Bark particularly valuable in medicine [Dr
Porcher],
P r u n u s s p in o s a , Linné.
The Sloe or Blackthorn. Wild in many parts of Europe. Indigenous
in Norway to lat. 60° 8' ; but it will endure the winter
even to lat. 67° 56' [S c h u e b e le r ]H a rd ly at all liable to be attacked
by insects. With its flowers it is one of the earliest plants to
announce the spring. Its tendency to throw out suckers renders the
bush less adapted for hedges of gardens than of fields, but these
suckers furnish material for walking-sticks, much liked on account
of their dark bark. The small globular fruits can be made into
preserves. Perhaps the fruit of some of the species from Eastern
Asia, CMifornia and tropical America may be improved by borticnl-
tural skill. The sloe and others might w ith advantage be naturalised
on forest-streams.
P r u n u s s u b c o r d a t a , Bentham.
Wild Plum of California. A shrub with pleasantly acid autumnal
fruit, which is reddish and nearly an inch long [Prof. A. Gray].
Perhaps capable of cultural improvement.
P r u n u s to m e n to s a , Thunberg.
Northern China. A very hardy species with cherry-like edible
fruits. Some temporary screening during severe weather a t the
flowering time of orchard-trees would obviate much dimiuishmeut in
the fru it crop ; such shelter might be of framed calico or other cheap
movable contrivances available again in other seasons.
P r u n u s V i r g in ia n a , Linné.
The Choke Cherry-tree of the Eastern United States. In a mild
clime and fertile soil this tree attains a height of about 100 feet and
a stem-oircumference of 16 feet. Endures the winters of Norway to
lat. 67° 66' [Sclmebeler]. The wood is compact, fine-grained, and
not liable to warp when perfectly seasoned, of a dull light-red tint,
deepening with age. The fruit finally loses its acerbity. The bark
used in medicine.
P s a m m a l ito r a li s , Beauvois.* (P. arenaria, Roemer and Schultes; P.
arundinacea. Host ; Galamagrostis arenaria, Roth ; Arundo arenaria,
Linné.)
The Morram, Marrum, Marrem or British Bent-grass. Sand-
coasts of Europe, North-Africa, and Eastern North America. One
of the most important of reedy grasses with long descending roots,
to hind moving drift-sands on the sea-shore, for the consolidation of
which this tall grass and Elymus arenarius are chiefly employed in
Europe. I t delights in the worst of sand drift, and for its full
development gradual accumulation of fresh sands around it beoomes
necessary [Wessely] : hence it never gets suffocated. I t has great
tenacity of life ; even when long dislodged and looking withered or
dead, it may sprout again from the root. Not readily igniting.
Easily started from portions of roots for new growth, but also often
sown. Can also be grown iu sandy saline inland localities. A
wooden palisade should be erected near high-water mark, to promote
the formation of an artificial dune ; under sucli shelter the Marrem-
seeds are sown and covered with brushwood, to prevent the seed
thus sown from moving. ( “ Indian F o re ste r” x iii., 450.) In South
Africa, any street refuse is used to cover sand on which plants for
arresting drift are to be sown. Mr. S. Avery found that cattle, one
head per acre can be kept in Marra'm-grass plantations in the frostless
regions of Po rt Fairy during the cool moist season, when the growth
of the plants is vigorous, and that tbe animals thrive well on this
pasturage. In countries with severe winters this procedure could not
likely be carried out, as it would too much enfeeble the plants. The
plant will by gradual up-growth finally form stems and roots, sanded
in to a deptli of fully 100 feet. Psamma Baltica (R. & S.), from the
Baltic aud Nortb-Sea, serves the same purpose. Both can also be
nsed to some extent in the manner of Sparta for paper material, for
tying and for mats. Like Elymus arenarius, they are not generally
allowed to be touched by grazing animals. P. arenaria collects tbe
I
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