96 HOW TO ENOW WILD FRUITS 



persistent berries make the fertile tree very orna- 

 mental. In its native wilds, it often presents a 

 weird appearance, so overhung is it with soft, 

 grayish lichens. 



The leaves of the lower branches have the 

 sharpest spines, preventing the tree's destruction 

 by grazing animals. On the upper branches, 

 beyond the reach of such enemies, the spines are 

 less prominent, and at the tip of the tree they 

 nearly disappear. 



" reader ! hast thou ever stood to see 



The holly-tree ? 

 The eye that contemplates it well perceives 



Its glossy leaves 

 Ordered by an intelligence so wise 

 As might confound the atheist's sophistries. 



" Below, a circling fence, its leaves are seen 

 Wrinkled and keen ; 

 No grazing" cattle through their prickly round 



Can reach to wound ; 

 But as they grow where nothing is to fear, 

 Smooth and unarmed the pointless leaves appear." 

 — Southey's The Holly-Tree. 



The glossy leaves and showy berries have long 

 been associated with the Christmas season. The 

 wood is hard and capable of a beautiful polish. 

 It is used for cabinet making, whip handles. 



