42 THE GARDEN OF EARTH 



Its wood grows in bundles of fibre, scattered through the 

 trunk. Palms have slender smooth trunks, not rugged 

 and massive like so many of our forest-trees.^ 



But if somebody asks why straight-veined leaves, 

 stamens in threes or sixes, and inward-growing stems, 

 should belong to the single Seed-leaf — and why 

 branching-veined leaves, stamens in fours or fives, 

 and outward-growing stems, should belong to the two 

 Seed-leaves — no answer is possible. No sufficient reason 

 has been found. We can only say that we do not know. 



We do know, however, that whether they begin life 

 with one cotyledon or with two cotyledons, it makes 

 no difference as to the sweetness of the flowers, the 

 beauty of the trees, or our enjoyment of them. 



" Between the erect and solemn trees 

 I will go down upon my knees ; 

 I shall not find, this day 

 So meet a place to pray. 



" Haply the beauty of this place 

 May work in me an answering grace, 

 The stillness of the air 

 Be echoed in my prayer. 



" The worshipping trees arise and run, 

 With never a swerve, towards the sun ; 

 So may my soul's desire 

 Turn to its central fire. 



" With single aim they seek the light, 

 And scarce a twig in all their height 

 Breaks out, until the head 

 In glory is outspread. 



^ These Divisions are often spoken of also as Exogens or 

 outward-growing and Endogens or inward-growing plants, 



