SERVICE 145 



SERVICE (PVRUS TORMINALIS) 



Another member of the same genus as the rowan is 

 the Service, Tyrus torminalis. It is only found in a really 

 wild state in the woods and hedges of our southern and 

 central English counties, and varies from a mere shrub 

 to a moderate sized tree, attaining to a height of about 

 fifty feet. It is of slow growth, and under favourable 

 circumstances will reach a very considerable age ; thriving 

 especially in chalk districts. The wood is very hard and 

 close of grain, and though too small in bulk for much 

 other service is in request for turnery. 



The leaves are much like those of the hawthorn in 

 form, but are considerably larger, being often four inches 

 long and some three inches across. The young leaves are 

 clothed, and especially on their under-surfaces, with a 

 loose, grey down that presently disappears. The foliage 

 of the service in the Autumn becomes of a yellowish- 

 brown colour. 



The flowers should be sought in May. They are 

 found in clusters at the ends of the stems, and are of a 

 very similar type to those of the rowan, but are somewhat 

 larger individually and are fewer in number in the clusters. 

 The berries that succeed these are of ovoid or globular 

 form and of brownish colour. They are exceedingly acid 

 and rough to the taste, but when mellowed later on by a 

 little frost they become softer and more mealy and almost 

 palatable, and in this state they are quite wholesome. 

 They are something like medlars in flavour and are 

 occasionally brought to market. " Service berries," quoth 

 Gerard, " are cold, and much more when they be hard 



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