488 THE NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS OF CARNARVONSHIRE. 
streaked with a deeper shade, and renders the plant a by-no-means 
uninteresting occupant of our wild gardens. 
Rosace& (Sixteen Species, belonging to Six Genera). 
17. The Blackthorn, or Sloe (Prunus spinosa).—This—a well- 
known occupant of neglected ground—is a spiny shrub of from 
6 ft. to 10 ft. in height, with finely-toothed, ovate leaves and small 
white flowers, which appear in early spring and while the plant is 
still destitute of foliage. From the numerous remains of old hedges 
throughout the country it is pretty evident that the blackthorn was 
at one time largely used in their formation ; but it has now almost 
fallen into disuse, being greatly inferior to its near relative, the 
hawthorn. In the formation of game coverts it is, however, of some 
value, being well adapted for planting in exposed situations ; and 
as it is of free growth, and sends up numerous suckers, it soon 
spreads to a great extent. 
18. The Wild Cherry or Gean (Prunus Cerasus).— Although when 
in a wild state frequently attaining but shrub size, yet, when grown 
under favourable conditions, it may well be included amongst our 
forest trees. As an ornamental as well as valuable timber tree, the 
wild cherry is but too little known, at least in this country. Many 
points in favour of it might be adduced—such as immunity from 
disease, rapidity of growth when planted in suitable soil, and last, 
but by no means least, value of the timber obtained. For its orna- 
mental qualities, the wild cherry is also valuable, as during early 
summer, when laden with its pure white flowers, or again in the 
autumn, when myriads of the shining black fruit hang in clusters 
from its branches, it will be readily admitted that few woodland 
trees have a more lovely or conspicuous appearance. In the wood- 
lands of this county I have measured specimens of fully 70 ft. in 
height, with stems girthing 64 feet at a yard from the ground. 
The timber is of excellent quality, and remarkable for the large size 
of its medullary processes, which give the longitudinal section a 
bright, satiny lustre, and renders it well suited for ornamental 
cabinet-work. 
19. The Bird Cherry (Cerasus Padus).—Nearly allied to the 
gean is the bird cherry, which occurs rather plentifully in various 
parts of Britain, notably the north of Scotland. It is a very orna- 
mental tree, rather more leafy than the gean, and produces a 
valuable timber much sought after by cabinetmakers on the Con- 
