144 the associations OF FLOWERS 
X)eople place it on their pillows to charm away evil spirits. 
The blossoms of this tree are very much like those of the 
hawthorn, except that their colour is not so clear a white, 
and they stand in clusters amongst a foliage which may 
well be termed feathery, as their leaves convey the idea 
of plumage. Rich-looking red berries succeed the blos- 
soms, giving a cheerfulness to the gloomy November, and 
greeting one 
Like a pleasant thought 
When such are wanted.” 
But the thrushes will not suffer them to hang long un- 
touched, as they, with their companions the blackbirds, 
claim, them as their reward for the summer songs, and 
seldom leave a berry in spots which they haunt. The 
cottage children in Wales go, with their little baskets, to 
seek the “ Rowan of the rock, ’ ’ and gather its berries for 
their mothers, who crush them, and make them into a 
liquor of which they are very fond. Mr. Bingley says this 
drink has the flavour of perry. These berries are also 
used in making punch, their acid serving instead of lemon 
juice. 
It is supposed that the Druids regarded the mountain 
ash with great veneration, as it has often been found 
planted near those huge piles of stones which they have 
heaped up in various parts of our island. That some 
ancient traditions belong to this tree is certain, as in many 
counties in England, as well as in the Highlands of Scot- 
land, it has for centuries been planted near houses, to 
preserve them from evil spirits. It is thought, too, by 
the Highland peasantry, that a branch of the rowan car- 
ried in the hand can defend the bearer from any charm 
or witchcraft. The dairymaid, as she follows her cows to 
their pasture, drives them onward with a branch of this 
tree, persuaded that by this precaution she shall preserve 
them from danger, and fully believing that at sight of the 
rowan the witches turn pale and tremble. The hardness 
of the wood of the mountain ash renders it valuable. 
