ASH. 195 



four or five and sometimes six pairs of leaflets on 

 the common stem of the Ash leaf besides the 

 single and independent leaflet at the stem apex. 

 Each leaflet is oblong, is attached by a narrow 

 point to the stem, is then somewhat broadened 

 and ends in an acute point. The margins are 

 sharply -toothed and the venation is very regular 

 and symmetrical, a straight mid-vein giving origin 

 to alternate, though sometimes opposite, pairs of 

 veinlets which, branching from the parent vein, 

 proceed thence to either the points of the serra- 

 tures or to the crenatures lying between them. 

 The minute anastomosing venules are very 

 beautifully arranged and will well repay close 

 attention, though to see them properly the eye 

 must be aided by a magnifying-glass. 



The early loss of its foliage is one of the dis- 

 advantages of the Ash. It is on this account that 

 Gilpin says it 'falls under the displeasure of 

 the picturesque eye.' He adds : ' Its leaf is 

 much tenderer than that of the Oak, and sooner 

 receives impressions from the winds and frost. 

 Instead of contributing its tint, therefore, in the 

 wane of the year, among the many-coloured 



