t 



^FILD CHERRY TREE. 



PRUNUS xWIUM. 

 amygdale^u. icosandria monogynia. 



French, merisier; Italian, ciliegio. 



The Wild, or Black Cherry, is a native of England ; 

 it grows to a large timber tree, and is very proper to 

 plant in parks, since it is also very beautiful. In spring, 

 when in full blossom, it is particularly ornamental. Birds 

 are as well pleased with the fruit as w^e are with the 

 blossom ; and while there is fruit to be found, they con- 

 vert it into a musical bower, where, as long as the sun 

 shines, their cheerful notes are unceasing. 



About Polstead, in Suffolk, it grows in abundance, 

 and is there called the Polstead Cherry. In Bucking- 

 hamshire, this tree is very much cultivated. In some of 

 the southern counties, the Wild Cherries are called 

 Merries, from the French Merise. The Corone, or 

 Crown, which is an improved variety of this species, is 

 very common in Hertfordshire, and in some parts of 

 Norfolk. 



The wood is used for chairs, cabinets, tables, &c. and 

 for musical instruments, especially the redder sort, which 

 will polish well. 



Herrick has a pretty little address to the Cherry 

 blossoms : 



^' Ye may simper, blush and smile, 

 And perfume the air awhile ; 



