ROSE FAMILY 
Fruit.—Berry-like pome, gle vular, 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 Ash, 
Decked with autumnal berries that outshine 
Springs richest blossoms, yields a splendid show 
Amid the leafy woods. 
— WORDSWORTH. 
Our Mountain Ash, Pyrus americana, so nearly resembles 
the European, Pyrus aucuparia, 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. Asa 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. 
In 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 
made 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. 
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