THE APPLE. 427 
The Apple leaf is very simple in form—egg- 
shaped, pointed at the apex, and serrated at its 
margin. From the mid-vein—continuing the leaf- 
stalk to the leaf-apex—are given off somewhat 
irregularly, from each side, branch veins, which 
proceed in a wavy course, with irregular forkings, 
to the margin. In the spaces between these veins 
there is a beautiful system of reticulated veinlets 
covering the leafy surface. The under sides are 
paler than the upper, and are somewhat downy or 
woolly. The fragrant Apple blossom is white 
with a tinge of pink, the individual flowers having 
five petals each, and being borne in clusters on 
the twigs. Of the Apple fruit, it will be noticed, 
that it is distinguished from that of the Pear by 
the circumstance that there is at the base of the 
fruit, where the stem is attached, a hollow or 
concavity, whilst in the Pear the base of the fruit 
is convex at the point of attachment of the stem. 
In the competition for utility the Wild Apple 
Tree holds a good place. Its wood being fine- 
grained and hard, is useful for many purposes. 
From its bark a yellow dye can be manufactured. 
Both leaves and fruit furnish food to various 
