Under the Oaks and Elsewhere 



elms, maples, persimmons, gums and spreading 

 chestnuts; all admirable, all eminently worthy 

 of consideration, but only the oaks inspire awe. 

 Mankind, these later years, is disposed to stand 

 aloof from awe-inspiring objects. They are in- 

 comprehensible and confusing to little brains 

 and have grown distasteful to big ones. Eever- 

 ential fear has lost its hold. The contemplative 

 element of the mind is now an inconspicuous 

 one, probably because " strained from its fair 

 use." None but quieting thoughts should come 

 when near an oak. No vexing problem or base- 

 less fear should rob us of comfort when the 

 tree's sheltering arms are extended over us. 

 The whispering of the sun-resisting leaves 

 should soothe us. Their message is Peace, but 

 our ears are not always attuned to hear it. Ar- 

 tificiality has crowded appreciation of Nature 

 so close to the wall, it is as thin as a shadow. 

 Given opportunity to assert itself occasionally 

 it has not sufficient strength to reach to sub- 

 stantial benefit. I think I have known where 

 an old oak had no significance. I know I have 

 known where the undergrowing grass and flow- 

 ers, the birds and bright blue sky, have con- 

 veyed no meaning. 



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