( 68 ) 



the tree is large, and in full bloom, make a 

 beautiful variety among the early productions of 

 the fpring. 



Nearly related to the willow tribe, tho in 

 nature rather than in form, is the alder. They 

 both love a low moift foil; and frequently the 

 banks of rivers ; tho it may be alledged in favour 

 of both, that they will flourifh in the pooreft 

 foreft fwamps, where nothing elfe will grow. 

 The alder is however the more picturefque tree, 

 both in it's ramification, and in it's foliage ; 

 perhaps indeed it is the moft picturefque of any 

 of the aquatic tribe, except the weeping wil- 

 low. - He who would fee the alder in per- 

 fection, mufl follow the banks of the Mole in 

 Surry, through the fweet vales of Dorking, 

 and Mickleham, into the groves of Emer. 

 The Mole indeed is far from being a beautiful 

 river : it is a filent and fluggifh ftream. But 

 what beauty it it has, it owes greatly to the 

 alder ; which every where fringes it's meadows, 

 and in many places forms pleafing fcenes ; 

 efpecially in the vale between Box-hill, and 

 the high grounds of Norbury-park. 



Some 



