336 VOICES FROM THE WOODLANDS. 



The Highlands of Scotland are, doubtless, our native 

 haunts, as far as Britain is concerned ; but we are citizens 

 of the vegetable world, and no other forest-tree is, per- 

 haps, so extensively diffused. Our brethren, as already 

 mentioned, spread over that part of Europe which ex- 

 tends beyond the 55th degree of latitude. They are found, 

 also, in central parts, among the Pyrenean and Tyrolian, 

 the Swiss and Yosgean mountains, as also in North 

 America. Perchance those exquisite lines refer to them 

 which describe the landing of the pilgrim fathers : 



" The breaking waves dashed high, on a stern and rock -hound coast ; 

 And the woods against a stormy sky their giant branches tossed, 

 And the heavy night hung dark, the hills and waters o'er, 

 When a band of exiles moored their bark on a wild New England shore. 



" Amidst the storm they sang, and the stars heard, and the sea ; 

 And the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang, to the anthem of the free. 

 The ocean-eagle soared from his nest by the white waves' foam ; 

 And the rocking pines of the forest roared. This was their welcome home ! " 



Hemans. 



Remains of the great Eannoch forest still linger on the 



