256 ULMACE.E. 



and under every green tree." The Prophets have used trees 

 as an emblem of creatures blessed by God. " As trees of Lign- 

 aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as Cedar trees beside 

 the waters." "And he shall be like a tree planted by the 

 rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in due season." 

 " And they shall spring up among the grass, as Willows by 

 the watercourses." A tree was the cause of the curse, and 

 upon a tree was that curse atoned. "As it is written, Cursed is 

 every one who hangeth on a tree." In the restored earth trees 

 are represented as taking a prominent part. " All the trees 

 of the wood shall rejoice before the Lord when he cometh." 

 " Break forth into singing, ye mountains ; O forest, and every 

 tree that is therein." "All the trees of the field shall clap their 

 hands." 



We have all felt the soothing influence of an hour in the 

 woods ; the quiet and seclusion, together with the companion- 

 able shelter of the trees, bring a sweet calm to the overwrought 

 mind. America's genial poet well describes this quiet restful 



influence : 



" The green trees whispered mild and low, 



' Come, be a child once more ! ' 

 And waved their long arms to and fro, 

 And beckoned solemnly and slow: 

 Oh ! I could not choose but go 

 Into the woodlands hoar : 



" Into the blithe and breathing air, 



Into the solemn wood, 

 Solemn and silent everywhere ! 

 Nature with folded hands seemed there, 

 Kneeling at her evening prayer ! 



Like one in prayer I stood." 



The ELM order stands the first in this our tree group. They 

 are noble trees, and though not very early in coming into leaf, 

 yet present a cheerful appearance in spring, from the quantity 

 of green membranous capsules which quickly follow the 

 clusters of brownish-purple flowers. These flowers have five 

 stamens and two styles. 



The name of the common Elm (Ulmus campestris), carries 



