',20 
THE CRATAEGUS, OR THE THORNS. 
Of all the smaller growing trees — half tree, 
half shrub — there is no extensive family at all 
approaching the Thorns, either in the number 
of objects of individual beauty, or in the 
picturesque variety displayed in their mode 
of growth ; so varied, indeed, are the charac- 
ters they assume, that, as far as regai'ds out- 
line, perhaps all the familiar shapes and figures 
we are used to see are to be found in this one 
family. Most of the species are handsome at 
two distinct periods of the year, that is, when 
in blossom in the spring, and when in fruit in 
the autumn. Who is not charmed with the 
simple beauty of the " May," blooming, as it 
does, the harbinger of summer ? Who is not 
gratified by its peculiar fragrance, when in- 
haled with all the freshness of a spring-tide 
morning ? Who is not pleased, again, to see 
the countless "haws" upon the hawthorn 
boughs, rivalling even the berries, of the holly 
in their crimson hue, and decking the leafless 
branches with all the pride of plenty ? Surely 
none ! all, even the most superficial observers, 
share in the general satisfaction. But these 
are popular feelings, incited, perhaps, by some 
mighty inward principle, but still inexplicable. 
The eye of " taste" is, however, equally capti- 
vated by less glaring and prominent, though 
equally characteristic features to be found 
among the " Thorns ;" the varied outline and 
aspect of the different kinds ; the many forms 
and figures to be found among their foliage ; 
the charming colour of the flowers of some ; 
the different tints of their fruit — these and 
such characters are sufficient to elicit the 
approbation of those who look deeper than 
the surface of things. 
Enumerating the estimable qualities of the 
Crataegus, the late Mr. Loudon observes, 
" Whether as small trees or as shrubs, they are 
all admirably adapted for planting grounds of 
limited extent, and especially for small gar- 
dens in the neighbourhood of large towns. 
They are not only highly beautiful when in 
flower (a period which extends from the be- 
ginning of April to the end of July, com- 
mencing with C. purpurea, and ending with 
C. cordata), but also when they are covered 
with ripe fruit, v which includes a period com- 
mencing with C. purpurea and C. nigra, in 
the beginning of July, and continuing till the 
following spring and summer ; C. mexicana, 
C. virginica, and some other species, retaining 
their fruit all the winter. Of all the genera 
of hardy deciduous ligneous plants in cultiva- 
tion in British gardens, there is not one which, 
taking it altogether, can be compared with the 
genus Crataegus." 
p P 
