ROSE FAMILY 



Fruit. — Berry-like pome, globular, one-quarter of an inch across, 

 bright red, borne in cymous clusters. Ripens in October and re- 

 mains on the tree all winter. Flesh thin and sour, charged with malic 

 acid ; seeds light brown, oblong, compressed ; cotyledons fleshy. 



The mountain Asil, 

 Decked witli autumnal berries tliat outshine 

 Springs richest blossoius, yields a splendid show 

 Amid the leafy woods. 



— Wordsworth. 



Our Mountain Ash, Pyrus americana, so nearly resembles 

 the European, Pyrus aiiaiparia, in general appearance of 

 leaves and blossoms that many botanists consider it merely 

 a variety ; but in form it differs considerably, nor does it ever 

 become so handsome a tree. 



The berries look as if they might be good to eat, but it is 

 evident that the birds do not find them so. As a matter of 

 fact they are sour, bitter, and of a disagreeable flavor, and go 

 untouched by the birds so long as any other fruit is within 

 reach ; and are finally eaten under protest. 



The Mountain Ash which is usually planted in lawns and 

 yards is the European species, and it is well worthy of cul- 

 tivation on account of its foliage, its blossoms and its 

 berries. 



fn Europe many curious superstitions hang about the Roan 

 or Rowan-tree, as the Mountain Ash is there called, and a 

 century ago it was considered by the lower classes as a sov- 

 ereign charm against witches. The more uncivilized and 

 ignorant a people, the more do they consider themselves in 

 danger from witchcraft and evil spirits. Many plants such 

 as St. John's -wort and clover were considered specifics 

 against the wiles of witches, but a twig of the Rowan-tree 

 was believed to surpass them all. For this purpose it was 

 inade into walking-sticks or branches of it were hung about 

 the house and stables. The explanation of this is that the 

 tree was in some way connected with the ancient Druidical 

 worship, and the superstitions of to-day are but the far-off 

 echoes of former religious beliefs. 



138 



