252 THE STUDY OF TREES. 



for detailed study are Ash, Birch, Beech, Horse -chestnut, 

 Alder, Elm, Lime. 



There should be an attempt made to form general impres- 

 sions of the various trees, especially of those of more dis- 

 tinctive habit. The teacher, at all events, can appreciate 

 such descriptions a,s Lowell's of the Birch tree, with 



"Foliage, like the tresses of a Dryad, 

 Dripping about thy slim white stem." 



And again, 



" Thy shadow scarce seems shade, thy pattering leaflets 

 Sprinkle their gathered sunshine o'er my senses." 



Or Wordsworth's of the Mountain Ash, which 



"No eye can overlook, when mid a grove 

 Of yet unfaded trees she lifts her head, 

 Decked with autumnal berries that outshine 

 Spring's richest blossoms." 



And he should phrase for himself his impressions, e.g. in 

 contrast to the Birch we think of the spreading splendour 

 of a Horse-chestnut in full glory, or of the dark and gloomy 

 interior of the Holly, the blood-red glory of the Copper 

 Beech in spring, and so on. 



Then, also, as pointed out elsewhere, the tendency to 

 form " mosaics " should be noticed ; the effect of trees as 

 elements in landscape ; their climatic and economic import- 

 ance are also features a skilled teacher can bring before his 

 pupils with good results. 



