78 THE LAWS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY 



But this is not all ; for there is a social policy plainly sug- 

 gested by the leading branches of the tree, and the condition of 

 its branchlets and different varieties of shoots, which all who 

 occupy an inferior and subordinate position in society would do 

 well to study. There is clearly competition among the branches 

 of a tree for sap and sunlight, and in proportion as the leading 

 branches get ahead, in the same proportion is the development of 

 their side branches retarded ; whilst, on the contrary, a consider- 

 able growth of their side branches and branchlets is a check on 

 these leading branches. 



These facts are strikingly seen in the landscape physiognomy 

 of certain trees. In the Lombardy Poplar, (Populus dilatata,) 

 the main stem or axis takes a maximum development, and the 

 branches are consequently reduced to a minimum, so that the 

 whole tree, when viewed from a distance, resembles a vast 

 spindle. In other trees, however, such as the Horse-Chestnut 

 ((Escultts hippocastanum,) and the Linden, (Tilia Americana,) 

 the branches make an equally powerful growth with the pri- 

 mary axis or stem, and this prevents its elongation. Hence, the 

 main axis or stem is hardly distinguishable from the branches. 

 When uninjured by storms or artificial pruning, the branches 

 of these trees usually spread out equally on all sides, and their 

 top or head is dome-shaped or hemispherical. For this reason 

 these trees make a fine appearance on a lawn or park, in addi- 

 tion to the recommendation of perfect shade which they afford. 



Now this competition amongst the leading branches of a tree 

 with their subordinate branchlets and shoots, for sap and sun- 

 light, is a truthful illustration of that struggle for pre-eminence 

 and for the good things of this life, which is perpetually 

 going on through all the ramifications of society. In this 

 respect, rich and poor, employer and employed, meet on terms 

 of equality. Both have hard times; for there is as much 

 competition amongst the great leading branches or master 

 minds of our communities as between their subordinates the 

 branchlets and little twigs; and the result is that the man 

 who gives employment to hundreds of hands and counts his 

 dollars by thousands, is not unfrequently as hard pushed to 

 meet his numerous obligations as the workman whom he 



