194 



THE STRAWBERRY-TREE. 



where they readily vegetate in situations almost 

 destitute of soil. Its most remarkable peculiarity 

 is, that the flower (not unlike the lily of the 

 valley) and the fruit, ripe and unripe, are found 

 at the same time together, on the same tree. 

 The berry has an insipid though not an unplea- 

 sant taste, is nearly round, and resembles in 

 colour the wood-strawberry, whence its common 

 name, the Strawberry-tree. It appears to the 

 greatest advantage in October, when it is covered 

 with a profusion of flowers in drooping clusters 

 and scarlet berries of the last year; and when 

 its grey green is strongly contrasted with the 

 brown and yellow tints which autumn has given 

 to its neighbours." 



