THE DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. 387 



extending northward to the vicinity of Lake Winnipiseogee. Basswood 

 is found mostly on highlands, but is not very common. The black cherry 

 is found throughout the state, usually most common near streams. 



Two species of poplar are commonly found. The first is a small tree, 

 very common in light soil, and often springing in great abundance where 

 woodland is cleared away. The other may be a large tree, with dark 

 colored bark on the trunk, whence it is often called "black poplar." In 

 spring the young leaves are clothed with white down, by which this 

 species can then be distinguished at a great distance. 



Shrubby Plants. 



Next in order are shrubs, which, as an element of our flora, are much 

 more abundant at the present day than formerly, when the shade of the 

 dense forest restricted them to the borders of ponds and streams, the 

 thin soil of rocky hillsides, or the openings made by the path of the 

 whirlwind. The clearing away of the forest gave the conditions favorable 

 to the growth of shrubby vegetation. Consequently we find in almost 

 all uncultivated cleared lands a great variety, the beautiful flowers of 

 some being much admired, while the fruit of others is eagerly sought. 



Belonging to the rose family are several species important in our flora. 

 In early spring the shadbush, or service-berry, is observed almost every- 

 where, bearing a profusion of snow-white blossoms. This is followed by 

 the pigeon cherry, which, like the first, often becomes a small tree. The 

 mountain ash flourishes along the mountain streams, and grows out of 

 the crevices of the rocks on the mountain sides. The two spiraeas, or 

 hardbacks, are very common by roadsides and in pastures. The numer- 

 ous blackberries and raspberries spring up abundantly in the same 

 situations, and in newly cleared lands. The former are found mostly in 

 the Alleghanian division, being less common north of the White Moun- 

 tains, the red raspberry there replacing them, and being very character- 

 istic of Coos county. In this genus is the flowering raspberry, popularly 

 called "mulberry," with broad leaves and handsome rose-like flowers, 

 often found in the Connecticut valley. 



Growing in moist soil and along alluvial banks are the flowering dog- 

 woods, or cornels, including several species. These bear white flowers 

 in June, and clusters of red, blue, and white fruit in autumn. 



