COMMUNICATIONS. 



221 



18. Amelanchier Canadensis, of Torrey & Gray. — June Berry. 



This small tree is known by different names in different parts 

 of the country. Some know it under the name of Service Berrj, 

 and some of our friends down east call it Shad-Bush, because its 

 flowers appear simultaneously with the shad ! Its abundant 

 white flowers enliven the forests early in the spring, and its ber- 

 ries afford an agreeable repast for many of its feathered denizens. 

 There are half a dozen different varieties, some of which have 

 been ranked as species, but they are all now deemed only varie- 

 ties of one species. I know of no useful purpose to which this 

 small tree has been applied. 



DIVISION II.— MONOPETALOUS, 



Order Y. Oleac^- — The Olive Family. 



The Ash trees have been refer- 

 red to the same natural family as 

 the Oliveof the South, (O/zacece,) 

 though they differ so much in 

 their botanical characters from 

 the type of the family that many 

 have doubted the propriety of 

 the reference. 



19. Frojxinus Americana, of Lin- 

 naeus. — White Ash. 



The wood of the White Ash 

 has the same general qualities of 

 toughness, elasticity and strength 

 as the common Ash of Europe, 

 which has been esteemed for these 

 qualities since the remotest times. 

 *■ The following enumeration of some of the principal uses to 

 which this wood is applied, will indicate its value in the arts. 

 It is used for the tongues, and other parts of wagons, sled-run- 

 ners, handles for wheel-barrows, scythes, rakes, hoes, pitch-forks, 



WHITE ASH. 



