THE TEEES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 95 



American forest, and is very widely diffused through 

 the United States. In this State it is found through 

 all the Districts, but is less common in the Lower, 

 where the soil and climate are not so favorable to its 

 growth. It is on the rich and cool declivities of our 

 mountains that it acquires its full dimensions and 

 attains a height of 60 to 80 feet, and a diameter of 2 

 to 3 feet. The smooth straight shaft, symmetrical 

 summit, bright green leaves and profuse spikes of 

 white flowers, give it a character of much beauty. 

 The fruit is nearly black (from which the tree is 

 often called Black Cherry)^ slightly bitter, but with 

 a pleasant vinous flavor, and was formerly much used 

 as a cordial in spiritous infusion. The wood is of a 

 light red tint which deepens wdth age, is compact 

 and fine grained, and not liable to Avarp when prop- 

 erly seasoned. If selected from the part of the 

 trunk near the branches, it is almost equal to Mahog- 

 any in appearance. It was once extensively used in 

 nearly all kinds of cabinet Avork, but has been pretty 

 much superseded by Mahogany and Rosewood. The 

 bark of this tree is a valuable tonic, and forms the 

 basis of some quack medicines. 



5. Wild Red Cherry. (P. Pennsylvanica, Linn.) 

 — Chiefly found at the North, but within our limits 

 grows sparingly upon Black, Grandfather, and a few 

 others of our highest mountains. I have but once 

 heard it designated by au}^ distinctive name, viz., 

 Macnoly^ which may possibly be a corruption of 

 Magnolia^ and so a misapplication. It is 20 to 30 



