216 



SYLVA A31ERICANA. 



MESPILUS. 



Icosandria Pentagynia. Linn. Rosacea?. Juss. Refrigerant, tonic, 



astringent. 



June Berry. JWespilus arborea. 



With the exception of 

 the maritime parts of the 

 Carolinas and of Georgia, 

 this tree is spread over the 

 whole extent of the United 

 States and of Canada ; but 

 it is most multiplied upon 

 the Alleghany Mountains, 

 and upon the elevated banks 

 of the rivers which flow 

 from them. In the northern 

 section of the Union, it is 

 called Wild Pear Tree and 



#^~~ Sugar Plum, and in the 



Middle States, June Berry. 

 In the vicinity of New York 

 and Philadelphia, it appears 

 to grow in preference in moist and shady situations, and along 

 the margin of brooks and rivulets. In the Western Country, it 

 is found in the midst of the forests among other trees. 



The greatest height of this tree does not exceed 35 or 40 feet, 

 with a diameter of ten or twelve inches. Its trunk is covered 

 with a bark resembling that of the cherry tree. The leaves are 

 two or three inches long, and alternately arranged. When 

 beginning to open they are covered with a thick, silvery down, 

 which disappears with their growth, and leaves them perfectly 

 smooth on both sides. They are of a lengthened oval shape, of 

 a delicate texture, and finely denticulated. The flowers, which 

 are white and pretty large, are disposed in long panicles at the 

 summit of the branches ; they blow in the beginning of April, 

 and are succeeded by small fruit of a purplish color and of an 



PLATE LVI. 

 Fie. 1. A leaf. Fig. 2. The fruit. 



