98 OSCILLATIONS OR VIBRATIONS 



tuations in the landscape figure or outline of a growing 

 tree, resemble the living play of a fountain which is inex- 

 haustible in new forms, and yet remains so similar to it- 

 self, that the spectator in the distance might almost be- 

 lieve himself to perceive a solid form hewn out of marble. 



This constancy of the form or peculiar characteristic 

 landscape expression of the tree, through all its fluctua- 

 tions, in the earlier stages of its growth, shows the pre- 

 dominating influence of the grand life-wave, which carries 

 forward all the minor fluctuations of the branches, and 

 affords the highest proof not only of the individuality of 

 the tree, but of the organic unity of all its parts. 



There is then in the development of the entire tree, one 

 grand, all-pervading wave of growth, or an acceleration of 

 the yearly growths made by all its parts up to a determined 

 stage of culmination, and from thence, to the end of its 

 life, a progressive remission follows. For the life-wave 

 culminates when the tree has gained its maximum height 

 and spread, and puts forth its reproductive organs or 

 flowers. Its growth is then slowly retarded, for repro- 

 duction is always a check upon vegetation, the vegeta- 

 tive efforts of each season being absorbed by the repro- 

 ductive. 



And now, reader, imagine yourself seated with me be- 

 neath the shade of some grand and glorious old tree. I 

 am going to let you into the secret of a few bright guiding 

 thoughts, which cheer me along through life. Spring has 

 covered this tree with another generation of bright, green 

 leaves, all of which are at work on its fabric, and usefully 

 employed. They will soon pass away, and others will take 

 their place, for Nature knows no backward movements. 

 How many such generations of leaves have already ex- 

 pended life in building up this tree ! 



Reader, your position and mine on this earth resembles 

 that of the leaves on this tree. We are only here for a 

 little space of time. Many generations have preceded us, 

 and coming generations will soon take our place. The 

 wise and good of all ages have been trying to improve this 



