664 '^^^^ Journal of Forestry. 



of this Dacrydium undoubtedly contributes something to its effect ; and 

 we may usefully note here how much more telling pendent-growing trees 

 are when planted on slopes above a walk than when seen on a plateau or 

 level lawn. They are, moreover, equally effective upon soft gentle slopes 

 and steep rocky declivities ; while, on the contrary, trees of such precise 

 growth and rigid aspect as the Arauearia are not in keeping with soft 

 lines and sweeping curves, but require scenery of bolder, wilder, sterner 

 aspect. 



FOEEST POETRY. 



This fragment is from the romance " The Epic of a Day," descriptive of 

 a dream of Lilla trees by moonlight— the eve of battle. 



" On yester eve, when sobs leaped from my heart, 



And gushing tears were wrung fi-om trembling brain, 

 I wildly gazed to catch some thought apart 



From that keen grief that throbbed each pulse with pain. 

 Thine eyes glowed love, yet in them gleamed farewell ; 



As fleecy clouds sailed by, like spirits blest, 

 Behind the forest screen in which they dwell — 



Its leafage fed with fancy, my unrest. 

 The moon, so mocking calm, flung clouds aside ; 



Traced outline shadows to my feverish view 

 Amidst the trees, where now it paused to hide, 



Anon to shine and pierce the foliage through. 

 The leaves and branches took fantastic forms, 



As if engraven on moon's silver disc ; 

 The oaks portrayed an ocean tossed by storms 



On rocky shores. But thou wert safe from risk. 

 The drooping pines next interposed their screen. 



Like banners waving o'er the battle fray ; 

 My gaze sought for thee in this awful scene, 



And hailed the laurelled victor of the day. 

 Like giant guard the blighted cedar stood ; 



The ash, with slender arms and open fingers, 

 Bright garlands waved. The moon, with life imbued. 



Behind the birch's lace-like foliage lingers. 

 And there, amid its tracery of leaves, 



That seemed as 'twere my very bridal veil, 

 I stood beside thee, decked with orange wreaths. 



And joys of life o'er scenes of war prevail. 

 My life thus blended all within thine own 



Gave every joyous hope a double charm ; 

 — While thus I dreamed, the night to morn had flown. 



Before I kuew I'd slumbered on thine arm." 



