CHAPTEE XV. 



MAPLE. 



Acer Pseudo-plat anus. 



" Nor unnoted pass 

 The sycamore, capricious in attire, 

 Now green, now tawny, and ere autumn yet 

 Have changed the woods, in scarlet honours bright." 



MY name Acer, sharp or hard, was given in old times with 

 reference to my wood having been used for javelins. Those 

 days have passed; and now I stand with others of my 

 brethren, in open places or sandy grounds, and often by 

 the sea, in company with saUow thorns. Martello towers 

 are we in the vegetable world, thriving best beside the 



