FOREST SCENERY. 133 



nature to foretoken, in the infancy of the plants, some 

 of those habits that mark both their maturity and their 

 decline, by giving them a faint shade of those colors 

 that distinguish them in autumn. 



If we take our stand on an elevation that overlooks 

 an extensively wooded country, which is diversified 

 with way-side trees and orchards, we may witness the 

 full charm of this variety. The elms, which in this 

 part of the country are chiefly found by our road sides, 

 and in the inclosures of ouj dwellings, have shed their 

 brown and purple blossoms ; and their light green foli^ 

 age, varying greatly in individuals, is mostly observed! 

 in solitary masses, or in occasional rows along the 

 streets. The elm is in the perfection of its beauty at 

 this time, when its verdure is marked by a brilliancy 

 that fades before midsummer. After June, the foliage 

 of the elm is dull and lifeless in its hues ; and the tree 

 is beautiful only on account of the flowing outline and 

 graceful sweep of its branches. 



If we next turn our eyes upon the woods, we may- 

 behold a spectacle of infinitely varied splendor. Masses- 

 of purple and cinereous foliage are presented by the 

 oaks, enlivened by the bright green aments, that hang- 

 luxuriantly from their branches. Among them are- 

 interspersed the purer and more lively green of the- 

 beech-trees, rendered still more light and airy by their 

 pale ashen stems ; also the slender spiry forms of the- 

 birch, whose purple sprays afford by contrast, a peculiar- 

 lustre to their shining verdure, from the lofty black birch, 

 that overtops the other forest groups, to the graceful 

 coppices of white birch, whose leaves already exhibit 

 thek tremulous habit, when fanned by the passing 

 winds. 



Though we cannot find in May those brilliant colors- 

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