74 We Barton's 



edges of the woods. It has seemingly a wild 

 grace of its own, being seldom equally branched 

 on all sides, but leaning its feathery sprays far 

 over the woodland's edge. This is the case only 

 where it is crowded ; for isolated trees, in nature 

 or under cultivation, do not possess this habit, 

 one of its charms in the woods. I have always 

 envied those who can enjoy the white alder, or 

 sweet pepper-bush (Clethra alnifolia), whose 

 midsummer fragrance hangs like incense over 

 the thickets where it grows. In August I should 

 be willing to exchange it for the Amclanchier, 

 only to regret it in May. The shad-blow has 

 scarcely vanished ere the dogwood (Cornus flo- 

 rida) succeeds it as torch-bearer. A very much 

 larger white flower, or, strictly speaking, invo- 

 lucre, it is scarcely more brilliant from a dis- 

 tance. It is far more distinct on close approach, 

 and one would have to think twice to decide to 

 which the preference should be accorded. I 

 love the shad-blow, because it is first to appear ; 

 and the dogwood, not only for its beautiful in- 

 florescence, but for its brilliant red berries and 

 glorious autumnal hues. 



The dogwood is still in majestic bloom when 

 the wild thorns add their tribute to the flowering 

 pageant. Perhaps the thorn seems the showiest 

 of the three, because it so often occurs as an 



