334 



THE IVY. 



the body and larger limbs of the tree ; and the contrast 

 has been still more beautiful when the limbs are covered, 



as we sometimes see 

 them, with tufts of brim- 

 stone-coloured moss 

 [lichen]." 



Ivy is often associated 

 with Holly and other ever- 

 greens in the decoration 

 of our churches at Christ- 

 mas, but for no other 

 reason that I am aware 

 of than that it retains 

 its freshness for a con- 

 siderable time, and that 

 its dark berries contrast 

 well with the bright 

 scarlet berries of the 

 Holly. 



The Ivy is confined 

 to temperate climates, 

 but grows wild neither 

 in America nor Australia. 

 About Smyrna in Asia 

 Minor it is very common, 

 forming the greatest part 

 y of the hedges, and orna- 

 menting every garden. 

 In the Himalayas it is 

 very abundant, produ- 

 cing yellow berries. This 

 variety is supposed to be the plant which was held in 

 such high repute among the Greeks and Romans. 



No British plant varies so greatly in its habit at different 

 periods of growth, and in the shape of its leaves, as the 

 Ivy. In its infancy it is a brittle, climbing stem, furnished 

 with alternate three- or five-lobed leaves, which are light 



