fttetfy of tfjc dFritfr Common. 199 



rises from the root is thickest, and why is this ? not 

 only because a tapering column is far more beautiful 

 than one of equal girth, but because the disturbing 

 force at the top, acts more powerfully on the lower 

 sections, than on the higher. It is needful that the base 

 of the column should be strengthened, and it is equally 

 unnecessary that the top should be of the same thickness 

 as the base. Two purposes are consequently answered. 

 The tree is rendered stronger and more elegant, and a 

 certain portion of material is given to one part, without 

 weakening the other. A tree is, therefore, equally 

 adapted by its construction to resist the fury of the 

 tempest, of that unseen, yet mighty force which comes 

 against it, when the fierce northern blast howls through 

 the forest ; as also the load of snow which often presses 

 heavily upon its topmost branches. 



There is not throughout the vegetable kingdom a more 

 glorious object than a tree, with its smooth and tapering 

 trunk, and its canopy of mingling boughs. Who can 

 estimate correctly the majesty with which it is invested, 

 or the grace and grandeur of its proportions, and its 

 bulk ? The finest trees often grow on mountainous 

 heights, harmonizing with the illimitable expanse of 

 heaven, or surrounded with the wildest extent of forest 

 scenery. Their intrinsic bulk is therefore lessened to 

 the eye, and it is not till they are singled from the sur- 

 rounding landscape, and subjected to a rule and measure, 

 that an opinion can be formed with respect to their vast 



