172 VOICES FROM THE WOODLANDS. 



sunshine, and its mellow voice blended with the pleasant 

 sound of wind among the branches. 



Look at this noble tree, said the philosopher, and let us 

 consider awhile its uses. None among forest-trees are 

 more umbrageous than the elm, which rises to a com- 

 manding height, and flings out its branches on every side. 

 The timber of such as grow on a stiff and strong soil 

 is both tough and hard, tenacious also, and not liable to 

 decay or splinter; hence it is in great request for laying 

 the keels of ships, and gunwales, and for mill-wheels, 

 underground pipes and barrels; but when growing in 

 marshy land, or soil retentive of moisture, the wood 

 become porous, and is of little worth. 



I have seen the elm in great beauty on the side of a 

 green meadow, which sloped somewhat precipitately from 

 out the valley, a spot associated with much of loneliness 

 and sylvan beauty, with the soothing sound of falling 

 waters and the song of birds ; for the valley from whence 

 the green hills rose, was undwelt in by man ; and at the 



