THE ASH-TBEE. 165 



leaves appear, they are among the soonest to fade 

 in the autumn. At the last-named period the ash 

 assumes none of those brilliant hues which go to 

 make up the grandeur of the woodland sunset. The 



ASH WITH RIPE FRUIT. 



leaves simply turn to a dull brownish-green, curling 

 up as if scorched, and generally fall from the tree 

 almost together, so that the branches become de- 

 nuded in the course of one or two days. There is a 

 useful bit of practical knowledge connected with this 

 tardy appearance and early decay. The expansion 

 of the leaves is a sign that the season is sufficiently 

 advanced for green-house plants to be trusted out of 

 doors, the chance of frost being now reduced to a 

 minimum ; and by-and-by, when the leaves begin to 

 fall, it is a sign that the time is come for the restora- 



