318 VOICES FROM THE WOODLANDS. 



Our wood was considered valuable ; even now it is in great 

 request; and one cutting of the timber has been sold for 

 more than the fee-simple of the land whereon it grew. 

 Being hard and smooth, yellowish, and not apt to warp or 

 split, it is equally required for the turner's use, as in the 

 time of Yirgil : 



" Nor box nor lime without their use are made, 

 Smooth-grained, and proper for the turner's trade." 



The wood-engraver well knows how to estimate its value, 

 as also the maker of mathematical instruments. Such are 

 the inherent qualities contained in every box-tree. 



Let him who desires to appreciate our actual beauty 

 visit the Surrey hills, when snow lies deep upon the 

 ground. He will see a brotherhood of friendly trees, 

 growing thick together, and affording a ready shelter to 

 birds and animals. You might imagine that in the depth 

 of winter, when not a blade of grass lifts her green head 

 above the snow, sheep and cattle would pasture upon the 



