FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 6? 
and the red mealy berries termed “ Haws,” ripen in Sep- 
tember and October. S. 
Abundant, and very generally planted for fences. The 
C. monogyna of Jacquin Mr Babington is disposed to think 
may be specifically distinct, but makes it in his var. /3. of C 
Oxyacantha . 
Pyrus, L. Pear, Apple, and Service. 
Br. sp. and v. 9. F. 4. 
P. communis , L. Wild Pear-tree. H. 109, B. 102. — 
F. April, May. T. 
Rocks of Craig Maid, Glen Dole, Clova, undoubtedly wild, 
August 1842, — out of flower. 
Hedges near Glam mis, Mr G. Don. 
P. Malus, L. Crab-Apple. IP. 110, B. 102. — F. May, 
June. T. 
Den of Glammis, Balgay Wood, &c., but probably intro- 
duced. 
Hedges near Glammis, Mr G . Don. 
P. aucuparia , Gsert. Rowan-tree, Mountain Ash, or 
Quicken-Tree. (Sorbus, E. Bot.) H. 110, B. 102.— -F. 
May, June, fruit ripe in Autumn. T. 
Mountain rocks frequent, as those of Glen Dole, Canlochen, 
&c. In specimens gathered on these rocks, the leaflets are 
very slightly downy underneath, and chiefly along the mid- 
rib, with the branches of the corymbs tomentose. This tree 
is not uncommon in woods and thickets in the lower parts of 
the county, but cannot be considered truly indigenous, ex- 
cept upon the mountain rocks. 
It is called in this quarter Ban-tree (a corruption of 
Rowan), and the popular superstition connected with it is, 
that a twig of the tree twisted round with red thread, and 
carried about the person, prevents or counteracts the influ- 
ence of witchcraft ; hence the distich : — 
“ Ean tree and red thread 
Gars the witches tak’ their speed.” 
Hooker says, “ the tree is often planted near houses and 
villages in the Highlands, to protect them from evil spirits.” 
