Flora's Lexicon/Cherry Tree

by Catharine Harbeson Waterman

HERRY TREE. Prunus Cerasus. Class 12, Icosandria. Order: Monogynia. It is generally believed that the cherry tree was first introduced into Italy, 73 a.c., by Lucullus, who obtained it from a town in Pontus, in Asia, called Cerasus, whence it derives its specific name. The Romans brought it to England, though it is supposed that these have all been lost. There is no proof that cherries were in England at the period of the Norman conquest, nor for some time after; but Lydgate, who wrote about 1415, or before, says that cherries were then exposed for sale in the London market, as they are now in the early season. It is a very ornamental tree in the shrubbery and in woods, and is esteemed valuable, as encouraging the various species of thrush. We, of course, received it from Europe.

GOOD EDUCATION.

Nurse of my country’s infancy, her stayIn. youthful trials and in danger’s day;Diffusive Education! ’tis to thee,She owes her mountain-breath of Liberty;To thee she looks, through Time's illusive gloom,To light her path, and shield her from the tomb;Beneath thine Ægis, tyranny shall fail,Before thy frown the traitor’s heart shall quail;Ambitious foes to liberty may wearA patriot mask, to compass what they dare,And sting the thoughtless nation, while they smileBenignantly and modestly the while;But thou shalt rend the virtuous-seeming guise,And guard her from the worst of enemies.

Dawes.