1^ 



sequence of which, the lower branches 

 continue to shoot freely, while such as 

 are much higher grow but little ; the de- 

 cline being gradual upwards, till ultimate- 

 ly the top begins to decay. It is not as- 

 serted that the highest branch always dies 

 iirst, for this must, in the very nature of 

 the thing, happen to such as are the worst 

 situated, in regard to sap, which almost 

 uniformly proves to be at or near the sum- 

 mit. 



To speculate here, upon how long a tree, 

 so situated, might live, would be entirely 

 useless, for different circumstances must so 

 far affect the case, as to render every 

 thing of the kind perfectly uncertain. We 

 know, however, that when such appear- 

 onces take place, rottenness, and the train 

 of consequences recently mentioned, must 

 follow ; and that at no very distant pe- 

 riod : and we are sure too, that, in pro* 

 portion as decay advances, beauty re- 

 tires ; — the scene or source of pleasure isj 



