BIRD CHERRY. 



PRUNUS. 



AMYGDALEJE. ICOSANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



Also Fowl-Cherry, Cluster-Cherry ; in Scotland Hagberry. 



THE Common Bird Cherry, Prunus padus, is a Briton, 

 and also a native of the greater part of Europe, and even 

 of the severe climate of Siberia. It will thrive either in 

 woods, groves, or fields, hills or dales, provided the soil 

 be not moist ; and it is very frequently planted in orna- 

 mental grounds. It grows about twelve feet high, and 

 is well clothed with leaves : the blossom is not so hand- 

 some as that of the Common or Wild Cherry, being 

 much smaller; the scent is very strong, and, to many 

 persons, unpleasant. The fruit changes from green to 

 red ; and, when ripe, to black. The fresh berries are con- 

 sidered nauseous, but being bruised and infused in wine 

 or brandy, they give it an agreeable flavour. The in- 

 fusion in brandy is frequently drunk in Scotland. Dr. 

 Clarke says the Swedes flavour their distilled spirits with 

 the blossoms. The birds take great delight in these 

 berries ; and the name of Bird-cherry was probably 

 given to this fruit because seldom eaten but by birds. 



The wood, being smooth and tough, is made into knife 

 and whip handles ; it is used also in cabinet-work. 



The Red Bird-Cherry, or Cornish Cherry, Prunus 

 rubra^ grows twice the height of the former ; the fruit is 

 larger, and red when ripe. 



The American Bird-cherry, J'runm serotina, is a 



K 



