THE NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS OF CARNARVONSHIRE, 491 
RIBESIACEE (One Species). 
35. The Gooseberry (ftibes Grossularia).—A doubtful native 
that has for several centuries been extensively cultivated as a 
garden plant for the sake of its fruit. In several parts of this 
county it has, however, become quite naturalised, and occurs fre- 
quently in open woods and thickets. 
ARALIACE (One Species). 
36. The Common Ivy (Hedera Helix).—A common occupant of 
our woods and hedges, regarding the nature and appearance of 
which it would be superfluous for us to speak. When seen growing 
on an old wall or ruin, and draping it in the brightest of green, or 
mantling some woodland tree where its shining foliage is shown off 
to perfection, we are, perhaps, too apt, in the love of beauty, to 
overlook its pernicious qualities as an occupant of our woods and 
plantations. The mild, maritime situation of this county, 
combined with the dry, rocky soil, is remarkably favourable to 
the growth of ivy ; indeed on most estates, more particularly along 
the coast, the woodlands are simply carpeted with the plant, and 
necessitates a considerable annual expenditure of both time and 
money to keep it within bounds. 
LoRANTHACEE (One Species). 
37. The Common Mistletoe (Visewm album).—This parasite is 
abundant in England, but rare both in Scotland and Ireland. 
It is an evergreen bush, from 2 ft. to sometimes as much 
as 5 ft. in diameter, with dichotomous shoots and pairs of 
light green, entire, fleshy leaves. The flowers are small, greenish 
yellow, unisexual, appearing usually about April or May. The 
berries, which are succulent, seeded, and celled, resemble tiny 
pearls, and are borne in great abundance during winter. There are 
sixteen oaks upon which the mistletoe is said to be growing in 
England. In this county the mistletoe is rarely met with in a 
really wild state, although it is naturalised in the rectory garden at 
Aber, and in the woods at Gwydyr Castle. 
CoRNACEE (One Species). 
38. The Cornel or Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea).—A rare plant, 
but not unfrequently met with in a wild state in the woods and 
