BOOK XVII. XVII. 88-xviii. 91 



a circular sliape, as in the case of" apples aud pears, 

 whereas cherries and laurels throw exceptionally 

 \vide shadows. 



XVIII. We turn now to certain special properties consider. 

 of the shade of different trees. That of walnut is °/'|,X! 

 heavy, and even causes headache in man and injury to 

 anything phinted in its vicinity ; and that of the pine- 

 tree also kills grass ; but both the pine and the walnut 

 withstand wind, as also their projecting branches 

 shield them hke pent-houses. Very heavy raindrops 

 fall from thc pine, oak and holm-oak, but none at all 

 from the cypress, which throws a very small compact 

 shadow around it ; and fig-trees give onlv a Hght 

 shadow, however much spread out, and consequently 

 it is not necessary to make it a rule not to plant them 

 between vines. Elms give a gentle shade vvliich actu- 

 ally promotes the gnnvth of any plants that it falls on, 

 although Atticus hokls the view that also the shade of 

 elms is one of the most oppressive, nor do I doubt that 

 it is so if they are allowed to shoot out into branches, 

 although 1 do not think that the shade of the elm does 

 any harm when the tree is kept within bounds. The 

 shade of the plane also though dense is agreeable, as 

 we may learn from the evidence of grass, which under 

 no other tree covers the banks more luxuriantly. 

 The poplar" with its gaily quivering leaves gives no 

 shade at all ; the shade of the alder is dense but 

 permits the growth of plants. The vine gives 

 enough shade for itself, as its quivering foliage 

 and constant tossing tempers the sunshine with 

 shadow, while by the same means it affords shelter 

 in a heavy shower of rain. Nearly all trees of 

 which the leaves have long stalks afford only light 

 shade. 



63 



