60 FOLIAGE OF TREES AND PLANTS. 



a tree is scarcely more sensibly felt than in the 

 adjoining field. 



It may be observed, that in the spring of the 

 year the herbage under trees is generally more 

 vivid and luxuriant than that which is beyond the 

 spread of the branches ; this may be occasioned, in 

 some instances, by cattle having harboured there, 

 and the ground becoming in consequence more 

 manured ; but it will be found likewise manifestly 

 verdant and flourishing where no such accessory 

 could have enriched it, and is, I apprehend, in 

 general, chiefly owing to the effects of the driving 

 fogs and mists, which cause a frequent drip beneath 

 the tree, not experienced in other places, and thus 

 in a manner keep up a perpetual irrigation and 

 refreshment of the soil, and promote the decom- 

 position of the foliage beneath, which, being drawn 

 into the earth by worms, contributes to the verdure 

 by the nutriment they yield. 



The foliage of trees and plants, by its amazing 

 profusion, variety, and beauty, must ever have 

 been, as it is now, a subject of admiration and de- 

 light, is perhaps full as deserving of notice, and at 

 times even more to be regarded, than the blossoms 

 which accompany it. Let us take only one yard 

 square upon the first verdant ditch-bank in spring, 

 and the variation of form and character which will 

 there be presented may probably exceed general 

 imagination ; but the object of all this extraordinary 

 diversity is concealed, with the many other myste- 

 ries of creation ; yet we have such an ascendant 



