142 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 
spreading beech, and its graceful, drooping feathery birch; to 
say nothing of the numberless old hawthorn trees, gleaming in the 
spring with their glorious white blossoms, and filling the air with 
the scent of the sweet May. But besides these enchanting sights, 
there is something, too, that moves the heart to different feelings 
—to rejoice that those whom Gop has blessed with such choice 
gifts, have not forgotten Him who gave, but have manifested their 
gratitude by raising and dedicating to His service two beautiful 
churches, one on either side of the forest, at Cadley and at Bedwyn. 
To the noble Marchioness of Ailesbury be that praise given, 
which is so richly her due for so great and so good a work. 
Here, in the temples built by man, and equally in Gop’s own 
temple, may worship and adoration be paid to the Giver of all 
Good. 
‘¢ The woods I make my CuuRcH; my preacher boughs,— 
Whispering high homilies through leafy lips. 
Lo! worshipers in every bee that sips 
Sweet cordial from the tiniest flower that grows 
’Mid the young grass; and in each bird that dips 
Light pinions in the sunshine, as it throws 
Gold showers upon green trees.—All things around 
Are full of praise of God!” 
The avenue having been mentioned as a striking feature in this 
sylvan paradise, a short description of it, taken from a local source, 
published some few years ago may be permitted :—‘* Composed 
principally of beech trees, and extending fully four miles in length, 
that Avenue is, perhaps, the grandest in England, if not in the 
world. Who has not felt awe-inspired on entering and looking up 
at the long-drawn aisle, the tall columns, the pointed arch of some 
noble cathedral? Those who have not, perhaps might experience 
no awe, no kindred feeling here; but to those who have, the 
cathedral aisle will sink to nothing, as the work of man’s imitative 
hand must ever do in comparison with the works of Nature. Here 
is the dim religious light in its true perfection, for it is not an 
Avenue composed of a single line of trees on either side, but of 
trees innumerable, spreading far to right and left; their tall, 
straight trunks rising high in air, and their lofty branches 

