94 



is now standing alone, but we are informed that some few years 

 since there was another cherry tree in its vicinity reported to be 

 somewhat larger than this extraordinary example. 



During the hurricane of the 20th of November, 1877, a large 

 limb was blown off, hence the scar which is shown on the front 

 of our drawing. 



In April of this year (1878) it was in full flower, and now in 

 June it promises an abundance of fruit. 



The general features and characteristics of the species are so 

 well described by Mr. Lees that we need say little upon this 

 subject, but, as there seems to be some question as to whether 

 the "wild cherry" be a true native or not, we cannot help think- 

 ing that a tree of such a grand size must at least have been 

 where it is long before the cultivated sorts were introduced to 

 this country. 



Mr. Selby, speaking of the size to which the wild cherry tree 

 attains, gives seven feet circumference as a large tree. Evelyn 

 speaks of some fine trees at Whixly, near Netherby. Our 

 tree so far exceeds all that we have heard that we fancy we are 

 justified in concluding it to be one of the largest, if not the 

 largest, tree of its kind in Great Britain. 



We cannot forbear remarking that the tree is one of the most 

 beautiful of the forest denizens, and for this alone it is worth 

 cultivation, but we have by us some beautiful objects turned 

 from cherry that we wish the wood was more plentiful. It is 

 quite as rich as tulip wood, of a fine grain, and takes a good 

 polish. We, therefore, quite agree with the following remarks 

 from the pen of our late kind friend and some time fellow- 

 worker, P. J. Selby, Esq. : 



" Our attention has been directed to this tree for some years 

 past, in consequence of certain facts that came to our knowledge 

 respecting the durability of its wood when exposed to the alterna- 

 tion of moisture and dryness ; and, after having viewed it in its 

 respective bearings, viz., that of a tree calculated to produce 



