MARCH 61 



four feet, and smooth above that height. I noticed many 

 instances of localised prickly growth where boughs, 

 originally above the browsing level, and clothed with 

 spineless leaves, had been weighed down and cropped by 

 cattle. But this is merely a vigorous reaction against 

 external injury, such as makes a clipped holly hedge 

 bear spinous foliage from base to summit. The interest- 

 ing question is whether the influence which directs the 

 precautionary armature against a problematic foe be 

 esoteric or exoteric ? Are we to suppose that the holly 

 has a subliminal conscience? or are we landed in teleology 

 pure and simple ? 



Other prickly trees besides the holly exhibit similar 

 behaviour. The common Osmanthus, the evergreen oak, 

 and most of the junipers are among those to which I can 

 testify. It will be interesting to note whether the prickly- 

 leaved species of Olearia, etc., from Australasia have 

 acquired the habit ; and, if so, whether the protected line 

 corresponds to the browsing height of a kangaroo. 



IX 



It is just one hundred and sixty-five years ago since 

 the second Duke of Athole, a passionate lover Birnam 

 of trees, received from Mr. Menzies of Culdares Wood 

 a few young trees from the Tyrol of a species hitherto 

 unknown in Great Britain. It was deemed doubtful 

 whether natives of a region so southerly as the Tyrol 

 would endure the rigours of a Highland winter, so the 

 seedlings were committed to the care of the gardener 

 at Dunkeld House, who bestowed them tenderly in a 

 greenhouse. Moist warmth and close atmosphere were 



