INTRODUCTION. 



Tree growth is a constant source of wonder to 

 one who contemplates Nature. The rigid bole, the 

 bracing and far-searching roots, the outspreading top 

 with its myriad members and its infinite variety of 

 form and expression, all combine to make an organ- 

 ism in which strength, durability, gracefulness, and 

 tenderness are all at once the dominant characteristics. 

 In all the range of Nature there is no object which 

 so commonly inspires the tenderer and finer emotions, 

 and which would leave the earth so bare of loveliness 

 if it were to be removed. Itself devoid of person- 

 ality, it still lends itself to the expression of all the 

 feelings of the heart. It is gay or sad, warm or cold, 

 peaceful or restive, the reflection of the passing mood 

 of the observer. Every one loves the trees, though 

 he may not know it, and it often happens that those 

 love them best who know them least. I mean to say 

 that one who attempts to analyze the kinds and spe- 

 cies may wholly overlook the tree itself in his search 



XI 



