22 THE BUILDING UP OF THE 



leaves become the parent of buds which develope into fami- 

 lies of leafy operatives called shoots ; that these shoots form 

 other shoots, which are constructed on the same plan and 

 pattern as themselves ; that the families of shoots thus asso- 

 ciated, form working communities called branches; and, 

 finally, that the whole tree is built up by the united labors 

 of its branches, which form every year out of the sap new 

 layers of wood and bark, thus adding to the strength and 

 stability of the entire structure. 



Such is a brief outline of the building up of the tree-form 

 out of its unit, the first phyton or leaf. 



The following reflections naturally suggest themselves, 

 and will we hope be adjudged a suitable close to the 

 present Chapter. 



A tree commences life under very unfavorable circum- 

 stances, surrounded by ten thousand dangers, grows slowly, 

 and has difficulties to contend against at every stage of its 

 progress. Here we have a beautiful illustration of life as it 

 is a continual struggle against difficulty. All aspire after 

 a better lot : but only a few succeed. These are invariably 

 those who have the most life-energy and perseverance. The 

 first steps in any undertaking are the most difficult; and all 

 solid and enduring advancement is made slowly and imper- 

 ceptibly. Let this never be forgotten. Pre-eminent talent 

 in any business or profession is of slow growth, and is the 

 result of industry and hard work. One difficulty surmount- 

 ed leads to the conquest of others. If your aims be high 

 and honorable, do not be discouraged, although your prog- 

 ress may be slow and difficult. Let your motto be onward. 

 There must be no retrograde movement. You have nothing 

 to do with fear ; it will retard your progress and defeat you 

 in the attainment of your object. If you are industrious 

 and persevering, if, when you cannot make headway, you 

 carefully guard the advantages which you have already 

 gained, your success is only a question of time. You may 

 not succeed, but if you*are a father, your children may, if 

 brought up properly. Recollect, a tree grows slowly, and 

 becomes a tree despite of storms. Besides, after all, my 



