125 



THE MOUNTAIN ASH. 



PYKUS AUCUPABIA. 



Natural Order ROSACES. 



Class ICOSANDKIA. Order PfNTAGYNIA. 



THIS universally admired tree chooses its dwelling, as its 

 name would imply, in the wildest and most exposed situa- 

 tions, where, though impatient of being itself sheltered 

 by any other kind of trees, it affords a friendly protection 

 to grass and other plants which choose to grow beneath its 

 shade. As long as it overtops its companions in the wood 

 or mountain-side, it is a vigorous and stately tree: but 

 when it has attained its utmost height, and its more 

 aspiring neighbours begin to screen it from its due share 

 of air and light, it quietly retires from the contest, pines 

 away in confinement, and suffers itself to be destroyed by 

 the drip of the very trees that it formerly nursed and 

 protected. 



Hence we rarely meet with a full-grown Mountain Ash 

 in a crowded forest of ancient trees. Where it has gained 

 the vantage-ground of a broken rock partially covered with 

 rich, light soil, or taken its stand in an open glade, amid 

 plants of humbler growth, it attains a considerable size. 

 Or again, in an elevated situation, uncongenial to the rapid 

 growth of its companions, .but well suited to its own wild 

 tastes and habits, it will continue to flourish for a century 

 or more. 



" The Mountain Ash 

 No eye can overlook, when 'mid a grove 

 Of yet unfaded trees she lifts her head, 

 Deck'd with autumnal berries that outshine 

 Spring's richest blossoms ; and ye may have mark'd 

 By a brook -side or solitary tarn, 

 How she her station doth adorn : the pool 

 Glows at her feet, and all the gloomy rocks 

 Are brighten'd round her." WORDSWOKTH. 



