CHAPTER V. 



THOSE NATURAL CAUSES WHICH PRODUCE THE INEQUALITY IN 

 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRANCHES AND BUDS O-F A TREE, 

 ILLUSTRATE CLEARLY THE LAWS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND 

 SUBORDINATION IN CIVILIZED COMMUNITIES. 



When we see defined against the clear, cold Winter's heaven, 

 the leafless branches and branchlets of a tree, it is hardly pos- 

 sible to imagine any thing which is apparently so chaotic and 

 irregular. 



There are branches and twigs of all possible degrees of growth, 

 mingled together without any apparent order. It is a complete 

 labyrinth of ramification an inextricable maze, perplexing and 

 without a charm. Yet there is nothing even here that is ran- 

 dom or confused. Every thing about a tree is constructed 

 according to plan and system. Even this apparent chaos of 

 branches, with their innumerable branchlets and twigs, is no 

 exception. 



If we would obtain a clear and satisfactory perception of the 

 causes which have produced all this infinite variety of ramifica- 

 tion, and trace out plan and system in every twig, branchlet, 

 and branch, we must go back to first principles. We must study 

 the tree in the earlier periods of its life in the lower stages of 

 its development ; we must go back to the first year's growth. 

 The unequal development of the shoots from the sides and 

 summits of the primary vegetable cone, is the cause of a subse- 

 quent inequality, which has gone on increasing with the growth 

 and life of the tree. The branches were, the first year, all equally 

 feeble and powerless ; sheltered beneath the covering leaves, 

 which kept watchful sentinel over the growing points of the first 

 year's shoot, through many a cold and dreary Winter's day and 

 still more stormy night. Then came Spring, warm and welcome. 



