
          297.

we failed to find the place.  We not tramped through the wood
in the direction of the Old Frederick Rd.  What a beautiful
sight was the Fringe-Tree now in full bloom!  The air was
laden with its perfume.  So much was found we called the
day Chionanthus Day.  In the woods we found a colony
of tramps consisting of 4 men.  Their washed clothing, was hung
up round about to dry.  One of the men was quite busy
sharpening a short razor, while another was standing before a
small bit of looking glass shaving himself.  They were very
ugly looking customers and we tarried no longer than was necessary
in their presence.  Rushing the old Frederick Rd. we
went out the wood a short distance and paid a visit to
Mr. Cook the florist.  We found him sitting on his patio.
He was quite pleased to see us and delighted to show us
around.  We, however, had but little time to stay, so were
satisfied to see his pink Robinia - R. Decaisneana,
a Robinia from France, his French Chestnut - a plant
somewhat between our chinquipin and our chestnut in
habit; his Corylus atropurpurea attracted our attention with
its beautiful dark brownish red leaves.  After seeing a
        