SMALL TREES, SHRUBS, AND COPPICE. 59 



country, where it is known also as the knee-holly, or 

 knee-hulver. The Greeks called it by a name which 

 corresponds to " prickly myrtle," for it was known to 

 Greeks and Romans. What are called its leaves are 

 not in reality leaves, though assuming the form and 

 size of myrtle leaves, except in being thicker, and 

 terminating in a sharp prickle. The little, incon- 

 spicuous flowers grow from the sides of these leaves, 

 and there the bright red berry is finally perfected. 

 The plant was called butcher's-broom (so it is said) 

 because of the custom of binding it into besoms for 

 sweeping butchers' blocks, and defending their meat 

 from flies. 



We might allude also to the Privet and Broom, 

 the Hawthorn, Sloe, and Hedge Maple, but these are 

 more especially plants of the hedgerows. We might 

 write of the beauties peculiar to spring which the 

 delicate green hues of the fresh-opened leaves of the 

 undergrowth impart to the woodlands ; of the mel- 

 low tints of autumn with its purple and gold ; and 

 then conclude, as Longfellow has done 



" O what a glory doth this world put on 

 For him who, with a fervent heart, goes forth 

 Under the bright and glorious sky, and looks 

 On duties well performed and days well spent. 

 For him the wind, ay, and the yellow leaves 

 Shall have a voice, and give him eloquent teachings. 

 He shall so hear the solemn hymn, that Death 

 Has lifted up for all, that he shall go 

 To his long resting-place without a tear." 



