98 OSCILLATIONS OB VIBRATIONS 



gressive remission follows. For the life wave culminates when 

 the tree has gained its maximum height and spread, and puts 

 forth its reproductive organs or flowers. Its growth is then 

 slowly retarded, for reproduction is always a check upon vege- 

 tation, the vegetative efforts of each season being absorbed 

 by the reproductive. 



At length the vital powers of the tree begin slowly to 

 decline. The terminal buds of some of the oldest branches 

 entirely lose the power of unfolding themselves, and as no 

 more leaves make their appearance, the growth of the branches 

 which wholly depend on the leaves for support, is necessarily 

 brought to a close. In this manner branch after branch dies, 

 the powers of decay gain the ascendancy, and the whole tree 

 at last perishes. 



And now, reader, imagine yourself seated with me beneath 

 the shade of some grand and glorious old tree. I am going to 

 let you into the secret of a few bright guiding thoughts, which 

 cheer me along through life. Spring has covered this tree with 

 another generation of bright, green leaves, all of which are 

 at work on its fabric, and usefully employed. They will 

 soon pass away, and others will take their place, for Nature 

 knows no backward movements. How many such generations 

 of leaves have already expended life in building up this 

 tree! 



Eeader, your position and mine on this earth resembles that 

 of the leaves on this tree. We are only here for a little space 

 of time. Many generations have preceded us, and coming 

 generations will soon take our place. The wise and good of all 

 ages have been trying to improve this world and its inhabit- 

 ants, and, as the result of their labors, we have now a social 

 organization called civilized society. There certainly can be 

 no question as to the necessity of further improvements. 

 These must be founded on Nature. Whilst we live, then, let us 

 employ ourselves usefully, and help to diffuse science, peace, 

 prosperity, and contentment. Let us try to build up a noble 

 social tree. 



If we study the economy of labor amongst these leaves, we 

 shall find that they "help each other along." The lower leaves 



