TREES WITH A PERSONALITY 25 



The cedar is another interesting conifer, though 

 not quite so rigorous and north-loving in type. It is 

 possibly the most high-bred and aristocratic tree in 

 existence. In it the dignity of high position and 

 languorous luxury are subtly mixed. A specimen 

 usually dies if a single branch is cut off, as if dis- 

 mayed by such a personal offence. The peculiar, 

 up-and-down motion of its branches in a wind gives 

 a forceful impression of sailing or floating. Large 

 individuals like the famous Cedars of Lebanon are 

 majestically impressive. The foliage often rises 

 in a series of terrace-like banks. 



"By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, when we 



remembered thee, 



O Zion! As for our harps we hanged them up upon the 

 willow trees that are therein." PSALM 137. 



The willow is quite another sort. There are many 

 kinds beside the weeping variety and many hybrids, 

 but all partake of that supple, bending grace which 

 .characterises the family. It is really too bad that 

 the harp incident of the exiled Jews should have 

 destined the Salix Babilonica to weep forever! 

 While the languid droop of the tree's whole outer 

 system of twigs may be interpreted as sorrow, it 

 is also quite possible to see it in a certain serene 

 grace and joy. When a woman hangs her head 

 on her lover's breast she is not sad. She is merely 



