178 THE CHECKERBERRY. 



that originated with some ignorant people, who could not 

 think of any better name than the one it bears in com- 

 mon with fifty other species. 



THE BEARBERRY. 



THE Bearberry is a more common plant, and more ele- 

 gant in its foliage, with less conspicuous flowers, than the 

 ground laurel This plant covers extensive tracts on the 

 borders of woods and partially under their protection. 

 The foliage, resembling that of the box, has always been 

 admired, and nothing makes a neater or more beautiful 

 covering of the turfs which it adorns. The Bearberry is a 

 native of both continents. It abounds in light sandy 

 soils, forming a frequent undergrowth of a pitch-pine 

 wood. The berries are eaten by quails and robins in 

 winter, when they can seldom find any animal food 

 except a few dormant insects. 



THE CHECKERBERRY. 



THE Checkerberry is peculiarly an American plant, well 

 known by its pleasant aromatic flavor, its shining ever- 

 green leaves, its delicate white flowers, and its scarlet ber- 

 ries. There are no wild fruits so attractive to young per- 

 sons, from the time they begin to redden in the autumn, 

 and all through the winter, when the ground is open, 

 until they are seen hanging on the vine with the blossoms 

 of spring. Indeed, this fruit is not perfected until it has 

 remained on the bush during the winter. The severest 

 cold has no effect upon it ; and the berries increase in 



