354 OCTOBEE. 



names and characters, and with something also 

 of the physical economy of both " the trees of 

 the wood" and of the smallest plants which 

 flourish at their feet ; so that wherever we cast 

 our eyes, we behold matter for both admiration 

 and research. 



What can be more beautiful than trees ? 

 their lofty trunks, august in their simplicity, 

 asserting to the most inexperienced eye, their 

 infinite superiority over the imitative pillars of 

 man's pride; their graceful play of wide- spread- 

 ing branches ; and all the delicate and glorious 

 machinery of buds, leaves, flowers and fruit, 

 that with more than magical effect burst 

 forth from naked and rigid twigs, with all 

 the rich and brilliant, and unimaginably varied 

 colours under heaven; breathing delectable 

 odours, pure, and fresh, and animating ; pour- 

 ing out spices and medicinal essences ; and 

 making music, from the softest and the most 

 melancholy undertones to the full organ-peal 

 of the tempest. I wonder not that trees have 

 commanded the admiration of men in all nations 

 and periods of the world. What is the richest 

 country without trees? What barren and 

 monotonous spot can they not convert into a 



