WILD CHERRY-TREE, OR GEAN. 



63 



neglected, and where its tardy application leaves nothing 

 but a set of miserable starvelings and hide-bound poles with 

 brush-like heads, the Gean, instead of lingering like many 

 other species in this hide-bound state, speedily sends forth 

 a race of auxiliary ground stems to restore the plantation, 

 and to become either useful poles for fence- wood or prin- 

 cipal trees of considerable value and handsome appearance, 

 where their original neighbours have died or decayed 

 through neglect. 



As an ornamental tree it is also well worth cultivating, 

 as it produces a profusion of flowers from an early age, 

 and at an early period of the year ; these, from their 

 snowy whiteness, contrast well with the blossom of the 

 almond and the scarlet thorn. Its foliage, also, is hand- 

 some, though rather too uniform and unbroken to produce 

 picturesque effect ; in the autumn, when it assumes a 

 deep purplish red colour, it gives great richness to the 



