244 NATURE'S STORY OF THE YEAR 



treasures ; thus are the slow powers of the root 

 engaged. 



In autumn, however, the trees show a greater 

 glory than that of mere colour, though it be ever so 

 vivid. In the beech woods, and beneath stout 

 oaks, though no breeze stir, an occasional sharp 

 sound is heard the light patter of falling kernels, 

 which are scattered everywhere beneath the trees. 

 Down from the ash and sycamore spin vaned 

 fruitlets singly. The yew is starred with red 

 berries, beloved of thrush and blackbird. The 

 hoary crest of the wild clematis is a similar 

 record which the bullfinch and squirrel will read 

 when the downy fluff has been silvered by 

 sunshine. 



Though no tree can ensure the safety of its 

 fruit, each makes some provision for this purpose. 

 Beech and oak give firm shells to their berries, 

 which, smooth and heavy, are suited to work their 

 way downward among wind-swept leaves and 

 herbage. Ash and maple yield to the breeze their 

 vaned seeds. The yew bribes with a drop of sweet 

 red juice the bird which will carry its berry in the 

 crop a vehicle not hurtful to the burden. 



