NOVEMBER 
HF all the forms of vegetable life none 
¥ is so fit to be a type of manhood as 
y) the tree. What nobler object in 
eaimeaseSS) nature than a grand old elm or 
oak? What a sense of companionship it gives, 
—almost the air of dignified personality, that 
commands more than esthetic admiration, it 
challenges respect. What a combination of 
distinct and harmonious qualities in the giant 
and immovable trunk, the graceful, sweeping 
branches, and the tender, luxuriant, and re- 
freshing foliage. The stately elm, reigning 
alone upon the grassy plain, or standing by the 
dusty highway—how like a venerable patriarch 
it seems to spread its arms in an umbrageous 
benediction, inviting one to pause and rest in 
its cooling shadows, and luring the timid birds - 
to nest and sing in its branches—the best sym- 
bol of character that the poet could find in nat- 
ure when he said,—‘‘ He shall be like a tree 
planted by the rivers of water.’’ What an em- 
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