THE HAWTHORN. 



37 



THE FRUIT. 



The berry or haw varies in outh'ne from spherical to bluntly 

 oval. From green it changes to scarlet, and finally to a dull crimson, 

 by which time it has lost its hardness though it does not become 

 pulpy like the fruit of the guelder rose. It contains, one, sometimes 

 two, pips or seeds. These do not germinate until the second year 

 alter ripening. 



THE HAWTHORN (Cratcegus Oxycantha). 



The young plant grows rapidly, making from six to eighteen 

 inches in the first year. This rapid growth is not maintained though 

 compensated for by a long and hardy life. It appears to prefer soil 

 where lime is present in some quantity. The young plants for 

 hedges alter the first year are termed " quicks," in some parts a 

 quickset hedge is termed " wicken." The tree is also known by the 

 names Whitethorn, Thorn, and May. 



