SCOTCH PIE. 333 



and dry leaves that fall at the approach of winter ; while 

 the same bounteous hand, which has so abundantly 

 provided for the otherwise homeless creatures, has, according 

 to St. Pierre, dispersed along the margin of the forests vast 

 numbers of the scarlet-berried service-tree. The sparkling 

 clusters of bright fruit are vividly contrasted with the 

 whiteness of the snow, inviting all birds to an asylum ; and 

 thither quickly repair the partridge and moor-cock, the 

 snow bunting and ptarmigan, to find both food and shelter 

 among those beacon trees. 



Forest-trees shed their leaves in winter, but ours continue 

 clothed with verdure. Eesinous juices, that abound within 

 the trunks and branches, defy the rigour of frost ; the sap, 

 therefore, remains uncongealed ; whilst our close, compact 

 branches resist the impetuosity of the winds that rage 

 around our stern and rugged sites. And further, being de- 

 signed by our Creator as representatives of eternal summer, 

 though shrouded half the year with snow, our slender strap- 

 shaped leaves, yet smooth and rigid, are so constructed as 



