THE BEECH. 187 



The tendency of the Beech to produce mosses and 

 lichens upon its trunk and branches has been observed 

 by the earliest writers. It is also a matter of common 

 observation among woodmen. No such growth, however, 

 is seen upon beeches that stand alone or in an open 

 grove. These parasites are generated by the dampness of 

 a thick forest ; and they attach themselves equally to the 

 bark of other trees in the same damp situations, but can- 

 not adhere to it if it be rough or scaly. The smooth bark 

 of the Beech, and of the red maple while it is young, per- 

 mits such plants to foster themselves upon it, and adhere 

 to it without disturbance. 



