6O SHARP EYES 



The true nature of the azalea May-apple was long 

 a mystery. Some authorities believed that it was a gall 

 growth caused by the sting of an insect, as in the oak- 

 apple. But I believe it is now accepted as a mere 

 modified bud or extraordinary growth of pulp, whatever 

 its origin. It has no seed, and its whole interior is of 

 the same firm consistency. 



But there are May .-apples and mock May-apples, and 

 the small boy may well beware of the latter poisonous 

 variety. These may be seen hanging sometimes in 

 close company with the azalea apples upon the Andro- 

 meda bushes, and are frequently gathered by mistake ; 

 and such would seem to be their artful object. But 

 there need be no confusion, for though in outward ap- 

 pearance the similarity is striking, the interior of the 

 false apple is found to be hollow and stringy. These 

 mock-apples turn to black, unsightly pouches when they 

 grow old, and at this season would seem to fulfil the 

 Scriptural account of the "apples of Sodom," which 

 " turn to dust and ashes," the interior of the mock 

 May-apple being filled with ashen powder and rem- 

 nants of plant -lice, for this growth is of insect origin. 



