ASH TREE. 21 



The Ash is frequently found in old walls and rocks, 

 in the crevices of which it insinuates its roots, and covers 

 the surface with verdure. It is supposed that the seeds 

 are carried into these crevices by the winds. 



" The Ash asks not a depth of fruitful mould, 

 But, like frugality, on little means 

 It thrives, and high o'er creviced ruins spreads 

 Its ample shade, or in the naked rock, 

 That nods in air, with graceful limbs depends." 



BIDLAKE'S YEAR. 



-" Here amid the brook, 



Gray as the stone to which it clung, half root, 

 Half trunk, the young Ash rises from the rock, 

 And there its parent lifts a lofty head, 

 And spreads its graceful boughs ; the passing wind 

 With twinkling motion lifts the silent leaves, 

 And shakes its rattling tufts." 



SOUTHEY'S RODERICK. 



The oak itself scarcely serves a greater variety of pur- 

 poses than does this tree ; its wood is hard and tough, 

 and in great request with the coachmaker and wheel- 

 wright; it is cut into palisades, hop-poles, and tool. 

 handles: "in sum, 11 says Evelyn, "the husbandman 

 cannot be without it for his carts, ladders, and other 

 tackling, from the pike to the plow, spear and bow."" 



" Tough-bending Ash 



Gives to the humble swain his useful plough, 

 And for the peer his prouder chariot builds." 



DODSLEY. 



Evelyn commends the Ash for fuel : "it is," says he, 

 " of all other the sweetest of our forest fuelling, and 

 the fittest for ladies 1 chambers. 11 Ash pollards are rec- 

 koned very serviceable where fuel is scarce, because the 



