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a large tree and possesses a tropical appearance with 

 its long pinnate leaves There are fine specimens in 

 the grounds between the Pickering estate on Broad 

 street and Chestnut street, and it is abundant on road- 

 sides in this vicinity. 



The smooth sumach (Rhus glabra) and the dwarf 

 sumach (Rhus coppalina) grow in similar situations, but 

 are more frequently met with in the region of Beverly 

 and on the road to Chebacco pond through Hamilton, 

 where the latter species grows in great quantities. The 

 smooth sumach bears a more brilliantly colored fruit 

 than either of the others, while the dwarf sumach may 

 always be distinguished by its winged-mai'gined leaf 

 stalks. 



To this genus belong the only plants in our native 

 flora which are poisonous to handle. The poisonous 

 sumach (Rhus venenata) is usually called dogwood, a 

 name which belongs to a perfectly harmless genus of 

 plants of which the beautiful cornus florida and the 

 pretty bunch berry are members. It grows in low wet 

 ground and is found at the left of the road to Chebacco 

 pond, as you pass Beck's pond, and also on Brimble 

 avenue, Beverly, near the northern end at the western 

 side of the road. 



The poisonous ivy (Rhus toxicodendron) takes sev- 

 eral forms, as if purposely to deceive those who would 

 learn to avoid it. Sometimes it is a strong self sup- 

 porting shrub rising above stone walls or half attached 

 to tree trunks, while at others it is a delicate vine with 

 more triangular and lobed leaves running on the ground 

 in the shade of some little copse. Both of these plants 

 are gorgeous in the autumn and the unwary are too 

 often lured by them to their great discomfort. 



