RED OR REDDISH PURPLE 113 



unpleasant. The stone is smooth and chan- 

 neled. September. 



Leaves. The leaves are oval with a pro- 

 longed apex. They are narrowed at the base 

 and entire. The upper surface is shining and 

 the lower one lighter and often downy. The 

 autumnal colorings are rich in scarlets and 

 crimsons. 



Flowers. The inconspicuous greenish flowers 

 grow in heads, surrounded by a showy white 

 involucre of four parts, often mistaken for the 

 petals. 



This shrub or small tree grows readily in the 

 shade of other trees. It is showy in springtime, 

 with its large white bracts surrounding the 

 flower clusters and acting as signals to the in- 

 sects that assist in the fertilization of the incon- 

 spicuous blossoms. These bracts are, in reality, 

 developed bud scales, which are not in this 

 plant thrown off when their protective offices 

 against the cold and storms of winter have been 

 performed. The blossom is the " corn sign " 

 of the New England farmer. 



In the fall, the red fruit clusters amidst the au- 

 tumnal foliage present a fine showing. The fruit 

 lingers throughout the fall, and after the frosts 



