236 THE EVOLUTION OF OUR NATIVE FRUITS 



when young, but with age the base or trunk be- 

 comes reclined, and often covered with sand; but 

 the young growth maintains its erect character. The 



Fis. 39. 



Western sand cherry. 



Prunus Hesseyi. Two-third 



natural size. 



plant has long and narrow, sharply -toothed leaves 

 and a willow -like habit. This sand cherry is variable 

 in its wild state, especially in its fruit. As a rule, the 

 fruit is small and very sour and scarcely edible, but 

 now and then one comes upon a bush which has fruit 

 of pleasant flavor, and as large as small Early Rich- 



