THE MAPLE. 105 



required, originating probably from the rejectments 

 of birds, and become a very unwelcome and tena- 

 cious inhabitant. Its long tendrils are much used 

 by us as binders for thatching, being pegged down 

 to prevent the straw coverings of ricks and such 

 things being carried away by the winds, and we are 

 satisfied with its performances. By the assistance 

 of the bramble also, the new-placed turf is secured 

 on the graves of our poorer neighbours, until it 

 unites and forms a uniform sod ; and during this 

 service it will occasionally root itself and become an 

 inhabitant not easily ejected from our churchyards. 

 Badgers are said to feed much upon the fruit of the 

 bramble. They are certainly very fat and fleshy 

 about the time that the blackberry is ripe ; but it 

 is probable that the acorns and crabs, which it finds 

 at the same season, contribute most to its nourish- 

 ment. 



The maple (acer campestre) is found growing in 

 all our fences, generally reduced by the hedger's 

 bill to serve the same humble purposes as the thorns 

 and sloes associated with it. Sometimes, however, 

 it is permitted to assume the rank of a tree, when, 

 if not possessing dignity, it is certainly beautiful, 

 and becomes an ornament in the hedgerow. It is 

 the earliest sylvan beau that is weary of its summer 

 suit ; first shifting its dress to ochrey shades, then 

 trying a deeper tint, and lastly assuming an orange 

 vest ; thus setting a fashion that ere long becomes 

 the garb of all except the rustic oak, which looks 

 regardlessly at the beau, and keeps its verdant robe 



