S/IJiUBS 491 



weak prickles. The deep pink buds of our wild roses are 

 even prettier than the open flowers which quickly droop and 

 lose their petals. 



51. Sweetbrier. Eglantine 



R. rubigiiibsa is prized not so much for its small pale blos- 

 soms as for the delicate fragrance given out by its leaves. 

 These are divided into doubly serrate, oblong to ovate leaflets, 

 downy, covered with small, dark glands which exhale the 

 pleasant aroma. Branches very prickly. Time, June to 

 August. 



When the dew is upon the sweetbrier rose, or after a shower, 

 the atmosphere around is filled with the fragrance. Often culti- 

 vated, but found also in woods from New England to South 

 Carolina, westward to Tennessee. 



That the rose was originally supposed to be white, the follow- 

 ing bit of verse would indicate : 



" As erst in Eden's blissful bowers 

 Young Eve surveyed her countless flowers. 

 An opening rose of purest white 

 She marked with eye that beamed delight. 

 Its leaves she kissed, and straight it drew 

 From beauty's lips the vermil hue." 



52. Chokeberry 



Pyrus arbutifolia. — Family, Rose. CWi?;-, white or tinted 

 with rose or purple. Leaves, simple, alternate, i or 2 inches 

 long, elliptical or ovate, finely toothed, smooth, glossy green, 

 with dark glands on the mid-ribs. Time, spring. 



Calyx, tubular, with 5 divisions. Petals, 5, concave. Sta- 

 viens, many, with white filaments and purple anthers. Flowers, 

 in compound cymes. Fruit, a pome, like fhe apple or pear, 

 which belong to this genus ; size of a whortleberry, round or 

 slightly elongated, red or purplish, acid, dry, and sweetish. 



