PLATE 16. 
CRATAEGUS CARRIEREI. 
All the Thorns—of which there are about 65 different species, belong 
to the genus Crataegus, and some are much better known than others. 
The common Hawthorn of our hedges is of course the best known of 
all, and perhaps the most highly appreciated, because it makes our hedges 
and country lanes so charming and sweet-scented during the month of 
May—a period when the fields are at the same time all gold and emerald. 
The beautiful white and crimson “May” trees are also great favourites, 
as well as the Fire-thorn (C. Pyracantha), whose evergreen aspect, 
beautiful white blossoms in Spring, and clusters of brilliant orange- 
scarlet fruits in winter, make it one of the most ornamental trees at all 
seasons of the year. 
The subject of our plate is not so well-known outside botanic gardens 
as those mentioned. It is, however, an ornamental tree of hybrid origin, 
and is often known by the name of C. Lavallei. During the month of 
May it produces its corymbs of large beautiful creamy white flowers 
in great profusion. The leaves, it will be noticed, are much larger than 
those of the ordinary Thorns, and although coarsely toothed on the 
margins, are not deeply divided and lobed. One of the ornamental 
features of the blossoms consists in the crimson anthers tipping the 
numerous stamens. In the autumn and winter months the tree is again 
beautiful owing to the clusters of large scarlet “haws” which succeed 
the flowers. 
As most of the Cratsegi grow into fairly good-sized trees they are 
more suitable for large gardens, parks, and pleasure grounds, than for 
small gardens. They flourish in any ordinary garden soil, and require 
but little attention. 
It is advisable to keep the grass well cut beneath the trees near 
the trunks or to remove it altogether, for a distance of two or three 
feet, to secure better ventilation for the roots. A good mulching of 
well-rotted manure every summer will afford fresh nourishment, and 
at the same time check evaporation from the soil. 
So long as they have plenty of light and air they form trees with 
symmetrical heads in which the branches do not become over-crowded. 
If shaded or crowded by other trees, however, they naturally develop 
more on one side than the other. If allowed to grow in this way for 
many years, it then becomes difficult to get them into shape again 
without severely pruning or otherwise restricting the branches. 
