THE BIRTH OF PICCIOLA. 57 



fall, but after having finished their task and when 

 their charge has acquired the strength to do with- 

 out them. Do not trouble yourself about the 

 future. Nature watches over this plant, as over 

 her sisters, and while the northern winds bring 

 the snow and hail from the Alps, the new leaves, 

 still in the bud, will find there a sure refuge, an 

 asylum made especially for them, closed from the 

 air, covered with gum and resin, that expands 

 according to their needs, and opens only at the 

 right time, under a favorable sky. They will issue 

 clad in warm furs, silky garments of down that 

 will defend them from the late frosts and atmos- 

 pheric caprices. Has ever a mother watched more 

 carefully the welfare of her children ? 



The philosopher had followed attentively the 

 progress and transformations of the plant. Again 

 and again he had argued with her, and for every 

 argument she had her answer. 



" Of what use are these stiff hairs that clothe 

 your stem ? " he asked her. 



And the next day she showed them to him cov- 

 ered with a light frost, which, held thus at a dis- 

 tance, had not been able to freeze the tender bark. 



" Of what use in fine weather will be your warm 

 covering of wool and down.?" 



