Tree Planting. 47 



and crimson recommend it for an ornamental tree; nor the linden, 

 •better known by its prosaic name of Basswood. Then there is a 

 very well known and a very common tree, celebrated for its use- 

 fulness rather than its beauty, confined to the western continent, 

 unknown in other parts of the world, — the Hickory ; it is a term 

 indicative of a sturdy and vigorous character and may be taken 

 as emblematical of our hardy yeomanry. The squirrels plant it ; 

 let us allow it to grow. But why do I rehearse these names fam- 

 iliar to you all ? — We have but to open our eyes on this beautiful 

 June day, when each tree is hanging out its leafy banners, and 

 choose the ones that please us most ; and when the revolving year 

 brings around the spring, let us not forget to plant trees. 



I have read that in Spain they have a proverb, which has been 

 in use in that country for centuries : — " He who plants trees loves 

 others besides himself." And it is said that whenever a Spaniard 

 eats a peach, a cherry or a pear by the roadside, he makes a little 

 hole in the ground with his foot and plants the stone, and in that 

 sunny southern land the most t:mpting fruits are free to all. Here 

 in our rigorous climate we must exercise great care if we would 

 insure even moderate success. In planting a tree "handle it gently, 

 as if you loved it," as Isaac Walton bids the angler do with 

 his worm ; plant it as if you were tucking a child away for the 

 night, or as Bryant says : 



— "gently lay the roots, and there 



Lilt the dark nrnld with kindly care, 

 And press it o'er them tenderly 



As 'round the sleeping infant's feet 

 We softly fold the cradle-sheet." 



Did you ever know a tree which was planted in that careful 

 way to refuse to grow ? Trees must have something in common 

 with children, else why do we call the place where both are 

 reared, "the nursery?" Or, why so fond of that old saying, 

 "Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined," which we are fond 

 of applying to growing boys. Children and trees alike need 

 room, and sunlight and tender care. 



If we love trees then, we shall not plant a mis shapen tree, or a 

 stunted tree, or one whose root has been frozen or dried up. We 

 know it is worse than useless to plant a tree which will ever re- 



