jttogaicg 



the process of easy lateral expansion continues 

 as the stems rise and multiply until a gigantic 

 bundle of plumes ninety feet in height and pro- 

 portioned in the most perfect grace has been con- 

 structed. There is no single main stem beyond 

 five feet from the ground, and the whole tree in 

 its full plumage has the appearance of a most ele- 

 gantly fashioned and colossal posy. 



Peerless beauties, of such striking dimensions 

 as the Albizzia I have tried to describe, are of 

 course few; but in the humbler walks of plant- 

 life there are innumerable unobtrusive graces, 

 none the less alluring and instructive for being 

 diminutive, retiring, and artless. 



There is often more faultlessness in small and 

 unobtrusive things than in great ones, possibly 

 because the former have less accommodation for 

 big faults. There is undoubtedly ampler scope 

 for great failings and more temptation to commit 

 them in great people ; hence, " noblesse oblige " 

 to help to keep them straight. The law of com- 

 pensation imposes additional obligations and 

 duties with every bounty conferred. 



As regards dimensions, we are all apt to pay an 

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