TREES WITH A PERSONALITY 29 



of this tree's character. It is the witch or wizard 

 among trees. Its immense columned trunk and 

 symmetrical mass of dark green foliage lend it a 

 certain air of distinction, but one instinctively feels 

 that its deep and sombre recesses are the places for 

 muttered spells and incantations. It seems to be 

 always whispering to itself. The wind sighs and 

 soughs through it. Its plumed and heavy form has 

 a weird fascination. There are many English yews 

 which have attained a great age. The trunk is 

 usually a composite formed by minor stems which 

 have coalesced with the original trunk. 



In the tropics, they always think of the palm as 

 an emblem of victory. Its leaves have been used 

 as a symbol of military success from earliest times. 

 It must be at heart a great and invincible warrior. 

 It has dignity, poise and sturdy strength softened 

 by attractive and kingly grace. It embodies a feel- 

 ing of exultation and joyous exuberance. The vari- 

 ous parts of its body are exceptionally serviceable 

 to man. 



Every race has its great moral teachers its 

 prophets, its zealous priests. The tree kind are no 

 exception. The huge sequoias and redwoods have 

 an indescribable religious appearance. They form 

 with their bodies great natural temples which are 

 more awe-inspiring than any man-made cathedral. 



