76. ARBOR DAY ITS HISTORY AND OBSERVANCE. 



dead prince was interred. Two hundred years have passed, and the trees, so small 

 when planted, are giants now, whose branches interlock across the wide road- 

 way, presenting to the traveler in either direction a vista of green as far as the eye 

 can reach. Extending for 30 miles in one direction, and for 20 miles in another, 

 these rows of noble trees meet 7 miles from the temple where lie the ashes of the 

 honored dead, and for this last 7 miles a double row of trees is found on each side of 

 the roadway. In describing this unique and very beautiful tribute of respect and 

 affection, a recent traveler says: 



"Many who visit Nikko may forget the loveliness of the mountain scenery, the 

 waterfalls and rushing streams, the carving and gilding of the temples, the soft, 

 low tone of the bells, the odor of incense, and the chanting of priests, but few will 

 forget their 20 miles' ride beneath the over-arching branches of the stately trees. 

 What more beautiful memorial could be suggested than this, which benefits rich 

 and poor, prince and coolie, alike, while mere bronze lanterns and costly but dead 

 memorial stones are of no service except as reminders of a bygone age?" 



These trees have been growing for two centuries ; a half dozen generations have 

 enjoyed their coolness, their beauty, refreshing to tired eyes and weary limbs, and 

 they will be the delight of generations to come. Prof. J. P. McCaskey. 



AN APRIL DAY. 



When the warm sun, that brings 

 Seedtime and harvest, has returned again, 

 'Tis sweet to visit the still wood, where springs 



The first flower of the plain. 

 * * * * * 



From the earth's loosened mold 

 The sapling draws its sustenance, and thrives; 

 Though stricken to the heart with winter's cold, 



The drooping tree revives. 



The softly warbled song 



Comes from the pleasant woods, and colored wings 

 Glance quick in the bright sun, that moves along 



The forest openings. 

 ***** 



Sweet April ! many a thought 

 Is wedded unto thee, as hearts are wed; 

 Uor shall they fail, till, to its autumn brought, 



Life's golden fruit is shed. 



[ Longfellow. 



THE WOODS AND THE COURT. 

 In the forest of Arden, Shakespeare makes the banished duke say to his companions: 



"Now, my co mates and brothers in exile, 

 Hath not old custom made this life more sweet 

 Than that of painted pomp ? Are not these woods 

 More free from peril than the envious court? 

 Here feel we but the penalty of Adam, 

 The seasons' difference; as the icy fang 

 And churlish chiding of the winter's wind, 

 Which, when it bites and blows upon my body, 

 Even till I shrink with cold, I smile and say: 



' This is no flattery ; these are counsellors 



That feelingly persuade me what 1 am.' 

 Sweet are the uses of adversity; * * * 



***** 

 And this our life, exempt from public haunt, 

 Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, 

 Sermons in stones, and good in everything." 



[As You Like It, act 2, scene 1. 



