BARBERRY 131 
Although widely dispersed throughout the whole of the British 
Isles, the Barberry as a shrub, and one indeed which yields delicious 
fruits for tarts, is probably in half of these introduced, and wherever it 
is found in the hedgerow this must usually be the case, for our hedges 
are quite modern. 
The Barberry occurs in copses and woods, and may in such localities 
be native. As a host-plant for 
the smut attacking wheat its dis- 
tribution has been affected by 
an Act of Parliament restricting 
its occurrence. 
This is an erect, smooth- 
stemmed fruit tree or shrub, 
which tends to grow out in an 
arching manner after a certain 
distance, giving the boughs an 
overhanging nature above. The 
stem is yellow and angled. It 
bears numerous pointed spines 
or modified leaves, which are 
divided into three, or seven, with 
axillary buds bearing leaves. The 
leaves are inversely egg-shaped, 
toothed, alternate or in clusters. 
The clusters or racemes of 
yellow flowers hang down in a 
drooping manner. In fruit it 
may be recognized by their long 
scarlet character. 
It is 8—ro ft. high, flowers from Sere oe 
April to May, and is perennial. BARBERRY (Berberis vulgaris, L.) 
The flowers are horizontal 
or inclined obliquely downwards. They are thus not fully protected 
from the weather. The 3 inner sepals and 6 petals are curled inwards 
at the tips, and protect the 6 stamens and 12 honey-glands from the 
rain. The 3 inner sepals are conspicuous, the yellow petals quite 
embrace the stamens, while the latter are undisturbed. The honey- 
glands are at the base of the petals, thick and oval bodies of orange 
colour, which are close to the inner side and base of the petal. 
The anther-stalks touch below, and before being touched bend 
back and touch the portions of the petals below the honey-glands and 
