COPPER TIPS 89 



fires came all down these hills and burnt out every man-jack 

 of them. There was nothing for miles but black bush. But 

 they do say that a good fire's the very best thing for the 

 trees when it don't kill them/' 



Then the driver attends to his horses, and I turn in my 

 seat, so as not to miss one glimpse of that gleaming slope. 

 And as I gaze the fullness of the splendour bursts upon m) 

 mind. It is not merely the passing beauty of spring that 

 glorifies these trees ; theirs is a beauty which is a joy 

 for ever, for it tells of dangers overcome, and indomitable 

 courage. They have been through the fire, and come forth 

 again, not cowed and conquered, but filled with new life and 

 glory. Their leaves and branches have been blackened, but 

 their brave hearts have withstood the flames. 



And now the gleaming copper tips blaze out on the hill- 

 side, a glorious legend for all Australians " Fire is the very 

 best thing for us all when it doesn't kill." 



And while the sap of courage runs high, fire never kills. 



