172 FOREST TREES. 



Common Juniper — -Juniperus communis, (L.) 



On rocky islands and gravelly banks of lakes and rivers, appears to 

 be the natural habitat of the Juniper. It is a hardy rugged shrub, for it 

 can hardly be said to arrive at the dignity of a tree. The branches 

 spread horizontally on the ground but become ascending close and 

 bushy above. The bark is rough and scaly, the foliage thin and spiny, 

 of a dark sad green in the older growth, but the more slender pointed 

 sprays that are liberally put forth in Spring are of a light and tender 

 green. The flowers clustered on the older branches are greenish, 

 followed by small round berries covered with a white bloom, the 

 ripened fruit later in the Summer bluish-purple. The whole bush gives 

 out a strong and peculiar scent, especially after a hot day at dew-fall. 

 Like all trees that affect a rocky soil, the roots are strong, tough and 

 wiry. It is found growing spontaneously far to the North in Canada, 

 but becoming more dwarfed in the colder regions it spreads closer to 

 the ground, covering the sterile rocks with its spreading branches, 

 affording a warm shelter to the wild birds and small quadrupeds that 

 have their dwelling in such inhospitable spots, where plants of a tender 

 nature cannot thrive. The abundant berries of this hardy shrub supply 

 a table in the wilderness to feed 



" The wild flock that never need a fold." 



The bountiful Father forgets not to feed even the lowliest of His 

 creatures, " these wait all upon Thee that thou mayest give them their 

 meat in due season." These denizens of the lonely Northern regions, 

 that have their haunts among far off lakes and rocky islands, are equally 

 cared for as those that dwell in more sunny and fruitful lands. He 

 apportions their food to suit their several necessities — there is some- 

 thing for all — even the hard dry juiceless berries of the Juniper are 

 utilized. 



" Nothing useless is or low, 



Each thing in its place is best ; 

 And what seems hut empty show, 



Strengthens and confirms the rest." 



Red Cedar — ^xwa^l^utnperus Virginiafia, (L.) 



This hardy evergreen is found native m Canada, growing on bleak, 

 dry, rocky, hilly banks, and bare sterile islands, where its tough, wiry 

 roots insinuate themselves between the crevices, and thus firmly anchored 

 it will stand the chilling wintry blasts. 



IJut, nevertheless, in these bleak exposures it becomes oftentimes 

 a stunted and rugged looking tree of small dimensions and scanty foliage 



