TREES. 



THE BEAUTIFUL IN A TREE. 



February, 1851. 



IN what does the beauty of a tree consist ? We mean, of course, 

 what may strictly be called an ornamental tree — not a tree 

 planted for its fruit in the orchard, or growing for timber in the 

 forest, but standing alone in the lawn or meadow — growing in 

 groups in the pleasure-ground, overarching the roadside, or border- 

 ing some stately avenue. 



Is it not, first of all, that such a tree, standing where it can grow 

 untouched, and develop itself on all sides, is one of the finest pictures 

 of symmetry and proportion tha,t the eye can any where meet with ? 

 The tree may be young, or it may be old, but if left to nature, it is 

 sure to grow Into some form that courts the eye and satisfies it. It 

 may branch out boldly and grandly, like the oak ; its top may be broad 

 and stately, like thechestnut, or drooping and elegant, like the elmj 

 or delicate and airy like the birch, but it is sure to grow into the t3npe 

 form — either beautiful Or picturesque — that nature stamped upon its 

 species, and which is the highest beauty that such tree can possess. 

 It is true, that nature plants some trees, like the fir and pine, in the 

 fissures of the rock,, and on the edge of the precipice ; that she twists 

 their boughs and gnarls their stems, by storms and tempests — there- 

 by adding to their picturesque power in sublime and grand scenery ; 

 but as a general truth, it may be clearly stated that the Beautiful, in 

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