THE IVY. 459 



in the field, a.nd those consulted have done the same, it is to be 

 feared that their labours will fall short of their wishes. Errors unin- 

 tentional, and false surmises, and rash speculations will creep into 

 their works, in spite of every precaution to avoid them. Their pro- 

 duction, in truth, will be 



" similis volucri, non vera volucris." 



Probably, my statement that ivy is not injurious to the tree which 

 has lent it a support may be at variance with the opinion of those 

 who are learned in botany. If so, I beg to say that I have living 

 forest trees, of all ages and descriptions, to bear me out in what I 

 have advanced. 



In conclusion, I wish to say a word or two of mutual indentation 

 produced by the union of two forest trees. Near the walk which 

 leads to the flower-garden may be seen an English elm and a Scotch 

 fir growing in close embrace. They are now fifteen feet in height, and 

 one foot ten inches in circumference at the base. By twisting the 

 leading shoot of one tree annually round that of the other, the trees 

 have become deeply embedded in each other's folds. The elm being 

 of stronger vegetation than the spruce, I have taken the precaution 

 of curtailing the lateral branches of the former, lest it should prove 

 too much for its weaker partner. 



This firmly-attached couple of vegetable nature attracts consider- 

 able notice from passing visitors. When I chance to get hold of 

 some facetious Tory, whose mellowness of countenance assures me 

 that there is little or no acidity within, I tap him gently on the back 

 and say, whilst pointing to the trees: " See there, your Church and 

 State with a witness : a thrifty, keen, and loving couple ! I have 

 their everlasting separation much at heart, and would be happy to 

 pronounce their immediate divorce, without any fee or reward what- 



