^December 



THE HOLLY 



[HE hollies are reflecting the bright 

 morning sunshine which glistens on 

 their polished leaves. 



These are, as far as 1 know, the 

 only trees which have sharply spiked leaves on the 

 lower branches only, to defend the foliage from 

 the attacks of browsing cattle. Higher up out of 

 reach, the leaves are perfectly smooth and unarmed, 

 resembling those of the camellia. It is difficult to 

 believe such differing leaves can belong to the 

 same tree. 



Southey's well-known lines refer to this peculiarity 

 in the holly leaves. 



' O reader ! hast thou ever stood to see 



The Holly Tree? 

 The eye that contemplates it well perceives 



Its glossy leaves, 



Ordered by an Intelligence so wise 

 As might confound the Atheist's sophistries. 



Below a circling fence, its leaves are seen 



Wrinkled and keen ; 

 No grazing cattle through their prickly round 



Can reach to wound; 



But, as they grow where nothing is to fear, 

 Smooth and unarmed the pointed leaves appear. 



