COMMON MAPLE. 259 



continent. Associated, therefore, with the memory of 

 Scotland's ill-fated queen, many an aged sycamore still 

 lifts his venerable head beside old walls, now roofless 

 and deserted, yet great in their day of power, and bringing 

 to mind the lament of the poet Burns. 



COMMON MAPLE. 



Acer campestre. 



I am a wayside tree, 



Of little worth, some think, who rashly judge, 

 And yet my place nor towering oak might fill, 

 Nor stately pine. 



Hear me also, said the common maple, when his elder 

 brother had finished speaking; I have somewhat to relate 

 concerning myself, with which some of my hearers may 

 probably not be well acquainted. My wood, still used 

 for many light articles, was formerly in great request for 



