THE BUCKTHOEN. 203 



Frangula, or Alder- Buckthorn, is a woodland shrub 

 of upright growth, with a slender purplish-brown stem, 

 and scanty roundish leaves, which are remarkably smooth 

 both above and below, of a deep glossy green, entire at 

 the edge, and conspicuously marked by many parallel 

 veins. The flowers are green, small, and inconspicuous, 

 and are succeeded by globular two-seeded berries, which 



ILDER-BUCKTHORN. 



when ripe, are dark purple, and as large as peas. It is 

 frequently to be met with in coppices, and among the 

 undergrowth of woods, growing from six to ten feet high. 

 The other species, Rhamnus catharticus, resembles the 

 last in habit, and grows in similar situations : it is, how- 

 ever, more bushy, and bears its flowers in clusters ; the 

 branches are more rigid ; and the older branches are rough 

 and terminate in strong thorns. It may further be dis- 

 tinguished by its serrated leaves and four-celled berries, 



