THE BEECH. 



149 



that it may, at the return of spring, be converted into a 

 leafy shoot. "Wrapped up in a mantle of silk and water- 

 proof scales, the tender nursling is protected against wind 

 and rain and cold, and is provided with all that it needs 

 in order to maintain a healthy existence, but not with that, 

 whatever it may be, which could stimulate it to throw off 



TWIG OF THE BEECH IN WINTER. 



its integuments, and come forward into the light of heaven 

 before the time assigned by its Maker. Examine again 

 the younger trees on the skirts of the grove. They are 

 still clothed with the shrivelled foliage of the preceding 

 summer. One would imagine that, exposed to the autum- 

 nal blasts as they have been, they would be the first to 



