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. 



