THE VIBUKNUM. 241 



the size of damsons, hanging profusely from the branches 

 like clusters of grapes. They are dark purple when ripe, 

 with a lustre that is not seen in the grape. Just before 

 they ripen they are crimson, and berries of this color are 

 often blended with the ripened fruit. Like the English 

 Wayfaring-tree, the office of this shrub seems to be to 

 overshadow the unfrequented byways, and afford coolness 

 and refreshment to the traveller. 



THE GUELDER ROSE. 



This species is common to both continents. In Eu- 

 rope it is cultivated under the name of Guelder Eose.- 

 In America it is known as the Snowball-tree of our 

 gardens, and it seems to be identical with the Maple- 

 leaved Viburnum of our woods. In the garden variety 

 the clusters are nearly globular, consisting entirely 

 of barren flowers, and differing from those of the wild 

 plant in the enlargement of the florets. In the wild tree 

 some barren florets with enlarged petals may be seen min- 

 gled with others in the cyme, chiefly encircling the disk. 

 The fruit of this species is of a' bright scarlet, and bears a 

 superficial resemblance to cranberries, having also a simi- 

 lar acid taste, but a different internal structure. 



THE HOBBLE-BUSH. 



Why so elegant a plant as this species should bear the 

 disagreeable name of Hobble-Bush is apparent only when 

 we become entangled by walking over a bed of it. I have 

 seen it frequently in Maine, where it is called Moosewood, 

 but seldom in Massachusetts. It is never entirely erect ; 

 its principal branches spread upon the ground, while the 

 smaller ones that bear the leaves and fruit are erect. The 

 leaves are very large, some lobed and others heart-shaped 



