190 



Bulletin 145 



moist ravines near the limit of tree growth. No one need con- 

 fuse it, therefore, with either of the species of lower altitudes. 

 If there is doubt, the characters mentioned in the preceding key 

 will suffice for its recognition. The berries are acid and edible 

 though too rare to be of practical use. 



HOBBLE-BUSH. Vibumniu alnifolium Marsh. ^ 



This is also called wayfaring-tree, a name first given to an 

 English relative. Emerson, commenting on the origin of this 

 curious name, quotes the English poet Howitt : 

 "Wayfaring tree! What ancient claim 

 Hast tliou to that right pleasant name? 



What'er it be, I love it well; 

 A name methinks, that surely fell 

 From poet, in some evening dell. 

 Wandering with fancies sweet." 



Hobble-bush is a name, the origin of which is quite vague. 

 Possibly it originated from the fact that the low horizon- 

 tal branches near the ground cause one to trip frequently. 



Hobble-bush. 

 Flowering branch, X %. 



