HAWTHORN. 153 



HAWTHORN. 



The mention of a hawthorn among trees, continued 

 the philosopher, may perhaps seem strange, and yet this 

 graceful species not unfrequently attains to a considerable 

 height. A fine specimen stands near the rustic bridge on 

 the Belan grounds at Wynnslay, North "Wales, which 

 measures six feet in girth, and five in height ; and in the 

 garden court of an old house, once inhabited by the 

 Regent Murray, stands the tree that was planted by ill- 

 fated Mary Stuart, while a prisoner. 



Philips, who looked upon all trees with a poet's eye, 

 delighted to eulogize the hawthorn ; the garland of Flora 

 does not possess, he said, a more charming blossom than 

 is afforded by its peerless pink or white, nor does the 

 richest perfume of Araby yield sweeter fragrance. 



Associated, likewise, with festive or mournful rites, the 

 Troglodytes, according to the testimony of Diodorus, 

 adorned the funereal obsequies of their parents with 



