58 THE FRUITS OF THE COUNTRY -SIDE 



■WAYFARING-TREE (Viburnum Lantana) 



We may occasionally find in our hedgerows and copse- 

 lands the wayfaring-tree, a large and freely branching shrub 

 or small tree. A very characteristic feature by which it can 

 be readily identified is its particularly grey appearance as 

 contrasted with its neighbours round about it. This effect 

 arises from the soft meal-like down that clothes alike the 

 upper stems and the foliage. It is a plant that prospers 

 especially well in chalk and limestone districts, and it is 

 there found abundantly. 



The leaves are about four inches long and grow in 

 pairs. They are very roundly ovate in form, and have 

 on their margins a line of small teeth. The upper surface 

 of the leaf is somewhat soft and velvety to the touch, 

 while on the lower this downy covering is yet thicker, 

 and in consequence yet greyer in effect. The strongly 

 reticulated veining is a very prominent feature, especially 

 on the lower surface. In the Autumn these greyish-green 

 leaves change their Quaker-like garb for one of rich 

 crimson red. 



The flowers are small, and white in colour, the five 

 large anthers being very conspicuous in their midst, and 

 they grow in dense clusters of about three inches in 

 diameter. Unlike those of the Guelder Rose, a very near 

 relation, each flower of the wayfaring-tree is perfect, the 

 noble outer ring of barren blossoms that we see in the 

 guelder rose being absent. 



The berries are at first green, and then turn a good 

 strong red in colour, and finally become purplish-black, 

 and they may often be found at the same time, and on 



