The Ashes and the Fringe 'free 



sufficient justification for the tree's existence. I do not know 

 but that it adds to its charm to wait till the orchard has done 

 blooming and lilacs and all the early things have passed, making 

 us long for something new and different to come and take their 

 places. A delicate fragrance comes out of the purple-dotted 

 hearts of these drooping blossoms and the daintiness of the whole 

 tree at this supreme moment of its life history is something to be 

 seen and felt one cannot put it into words. Later the leaves 

 broaden and the blue fruits are unusual and quite ornamental in 

 late summer. But the tree has become substantial looking, and 

 somewhat commonplace. Its ethereal beauty belongs to its 

 blooming period. 



Chion means snow, anthos, a flower. There is as much beauty 

 in this Greek name as in the flowers it describes. The light and 

 graceful clusters of snow-white petals are indeed like feathery 

 masses of snowflakes. The elegance and singularity of its flowers 

 and fruit give the fringe tree high rank among the native flowering 

 trees suitable for lawn and garden. In Europe it is planted as a 

 beautiful exotic from America. Because it grows wild Americans 

 have been slower to introduce it into cultivation. A species 

 with shorter, broader petals in erect, compact clusters has been 

 found in China. This cannot compare with our own species in 

 grace and beauty. 



444 



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