BEECH, VARIATIONS OF ITS FOLIAGE. 23 



the year. In the early spring it seems not only 

 the peculiar resort of the throstle, " that attic 

 songster," and from its top-most branches we 

 hear 



that sprightly wildness in its notes, 

 Which clear and vigorous warbles from the beech, 



but its soft green leaves burst forth, covered with 

 a silvery down, and nothing then can be more deli- 

 cate than their hue, or more refreshing to the eye. 

 In the summer its foliage assumes another cha- 

 racter, but still a beautiful one. Its leaves are 

 indeed green, but not of that delicate green we see 

 in the spring. A slight tinge of brown may be 

 perceived along the margin of the leaf, which is 

 otherwise smooth and sparkling. The large red 

 fungus may be seen under its shade, while the 

 rough husks of the mast of former years are thickly 

 scattered about. Here and there are small patches 

 of fern, and round the trunk the ground is covered 

 with the softest moss* Here 



At ease reclined in rustic state, 



the squirrel's " airy bounds " may be seen, and 

 the screaming jay may be heard. Here, also, 



Midst gloomy shades, in warbles clear, 

 Wild nature's sweetest notes we hear. 



A black-bird with its orange bill, fearless of 

 danger, approaches the spot, and then retreats 

 uttering its note of alarm. The green wood- 



