MKDLAU TREE. 247 



The Dwarf Mespilus, M. Cotoneastcr, which is in like 

 manner denied a place among the mespili by some bo- 

 tanists, is a low spreading shrub, not more than two feet 

 high : the leaves are alternate, the upper surface, bright 

 green and smooth ; the lower, white, woolly, and finely 

 netted. The flowers are white, tinged with purple ; the 

 fruit is first green, it then becomes orange-coloured, 

 afterwards red, and finally black. This is a native of 

 many parts of Europe, and of Siberia: it blossoms in 

 April and May. Mr. J. Tradescant, junior, cultivated 

 this species in the year 1656. 



The Quince-leaved Mespilus, M. Tomcntosa, which 

 some botanists associate with the preceding to form a 

 genus, Cotoncaster, grows about eight feet high. Its 

 purple blossoms open in April or May ; the fruit is 

 round and large, and red when ripe. Mr. Miller had 

 this in his garden in 1759- 



