182 



Forests and Trees 



FIG. 39. Bird Cherry. 



reddish-brown bark which easily peels off in layers and long, 

 graceful, often drooping branches. When young the twigs 

 are bright red. The fruit is red, pleas- 

 antly acid and of some local value. 

 This tree is found all acrots Canada 

 from the Atlantic to the Rocky Moun- 

 tains. It grows scattered through the 

 open woods where it attracts little atten- 

 tion, but when any land has been newly 

 burned it joins with the poplars and 

 birches in taking first possession. It is 

 particularly well suited as a re-foresting 

 agent, as its shortness of life prevents it 

 being a serious competitor with more 

 permanent species. This, perhaps, is its chief use, but its light 

 green foliage, graceful drooping branches, snow-white flowers 

 and cheering fruit would be missed by all who take pleasure in 

 things out of doors. The birds, too, would 

 miss it, and we would miss the birds. 

 Altogether this little tree has not estab- 

 lished a reputation for high economic 

 value, yet it has won a place in our lives 

 and interest that we would not like to 

 see vacant. 



For ornamental purposes it has never 

 received the consideration it deserves, al- 

 though its value is more as a shrub than a 

 tree. For covering waste places or thick- 

 ening shrubberies it has much to recom- 

 mend it, not the least of which is the 

 profusion of beautiful white blossoms which appear along with 

 the leaves in the spring. It transplants easily, although, as 

 in most members of this family, the rootlets readily drop away 

 when the plant is disturbed, making the root look very naked. 



FIG. 40. Western 

 Bird Cherry. 



