HOW TO KNOW THE TREES 

 GROWING IN BRITAIN 



With Notes, descriptive and photographic, for their Identification 

 in all Seasons of the Year 



By HENRY IRVING 



THE ALDER AND THE HAZEL 



THE Alder is the guardian of the 

 water-meadows. Its matted roots 

 bind the river banks against 

 erosion : its ranked stems march with 



the stream ; its deep green, ghstening. and 

 long-lasting foliage provides long succes- 

 sion of cool retreats by shaded pools. 

 Occasionally it may be found standing back 

 somewhat, growing 

 by a single stem into 

 a well - proportioned 

 tree of moderate size ; 

 but its general habit 

 is to fling up from 

 the water margin a 

 series of strong stems, 

 outspreading, bush- 

 like. Thus grouped 

 and multiplied, it 

 marks the course of 

 the stream winding 

 through the mea- 

 dows ; or bounds the 

 waters of the mere, 

 shade meeting shade 

 in the reflection of 

 quiet waters. For 

 as there is no tree — 

 not even its contrast- 

 ing companion the 

 Willow — that loves 

 l)etter the moist 

 places, and the moist 

 atmosphere over 

 these, so no tree 

 looks more at home, 

 or fares better there. 

 It seems to be equally 

 content in the savage 

 glens and ra\'ines of 

 tlie Highhuuls, and 

 in our soft l(jwland 

 meadows. 



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