94 FAMILIAR TREES 



cells. The tree, however, then acquires a new beauty 

 that of blossom. The curious membranous bracts, 

 of a tint resembling the petals of the Mignonette 

 a tint which gave to the silk-mercer the name 

 tilleul for one of his numerous novelties in aniline 

 then unfold their inconspicuous flowers. Incon- 

 spicuous they may be in their small, regular 

 whorls of greenish organs ; but their perfume, and 

 their copious stores of nectar, render them as 

 attractive to the insect world as the most gaily- 

 coloured of blossoms, so that the whole tree hums 

 like a vast hive of bees. The pale-coloured honey 

 made from the Linden blossoms by the busy visitors 

 is of excellent quality. 



Autumn brings new grace as the foliage turns to 

 yellow, clear in some years as the green of spring ; 

 but, alas, even more fleeting. The avenue which has 

 been so full of green and golden light, and scented so 

 sweetly, soon becomes strewn with fallen leaves, from 

 which the green and gold have faded, as the hopes 

 and happiness of youth fade in the autumn of dis- 

 appointment. 



Ray speaks of the Linden as being considerably 

 planted in his time; its culture Avas advocated by 

 Evelyn, and it was the favourite tree of William III. 

 This monarch's partiality for the species is said to 

 have led to the planting of the fine avenue at Ashtead 

 Park, Surrey ; and it may also account for the fine 

 Lindens at Bushy Park and at Fulham Palace, whose 

 lovely gardens owe so much to his sturdy supporter, 

 Bishop Compton. The four rows of fine trees, mostly 

 Lindens, which give the name Unter den Linden to 



