208 &[K j&atcq) afe. 



one yard from the ground the girth is thirty-nine feet 

 ten inches. 



The knotted roots of the old tree have been laid bare 

 by time or accidents, or by that living principle which 

 causes aged trees to unearth their roots, and to raise the 

 soil into hillocks ; successive storms or the heavy tread 

 of cattle have worn away the hillocks, and the roots 

 being left in arches, produce an equally fantastic and 

 picturesque effect. I have frequently observed the same 

 peculiarity among the deep beech-woods of Gloucester- 

 shire ; grass does not generally grow beneath them, yet 

 in places open to the sun, primroses nestle in the inter- 

 stices, and long pendent fern-leaves with the nailwort 

 and forget-me-not grow profusely ; but more commonly 

 the bare and knarled roots are without verdure, and they 

 often afford a welcome covert to the wild rabbit, who 

 makes them the portals of her burrow. 



The effect which is thus produced is well deserving the 

 attention of the artist. The roots of such trees as grow 

 on high and rugged banks, are occasionally unearthed to 

 the extent of several feet, while between them, are deep 

 hollows, running far back, with masses of freestone, and pen- 

 dent ferns ; and groups of innocent sheep, may be often seen 

 with their heads projecting beneath the long fibres of the 

 thickly tangled roots. Pliny relates that in countries sub- 

 ject to the shock of earthquakes, or where the living prin- 

 ciple in trees is extremely vigorous, in consequence of soil 

 or climate, the roots are often raised to a surprising height, 



