HORSE-CHESTNUT. 267 



and the laverock, sing blithely, and bees come humming 

 to gather their honey harvests. Find, if you can, 

 among streams and glens, or rocky headlands for 

 such are our favourite haunts any tree more worthy of 

 regard than a magnificent chestnut, the growth of ages, 

 clothed in all the richness of his deep green foliage, and 

 spangled with innumerable flowers, from the lowest to the 

 highest branch ? Who among the lovers of forest scenery 

 can look unmoved upon such a goodly tree, planted by the 

 hand of his Creator, and eminently adapted to fill the mind 

 with gratitude and admiration ? 



