THE TREES OF AMERICA. 5 



plants an oak looks forward to future ages, and plants for posterity. Nothing 

 can be less selfish than this. He cannot expect to sit ia its shade nor enjoy its 

 shelter ; but he exults in the idea that the acorn which he has buried in the 

 earth shall grow up into a lofty pile, and shall keep on flourishing and increasing, 

 and benefiting mankind, long after he shall have ceased to tread his paternal 

 fields. Indeed, it is the nature of such occupations to lift the thoughts above 

 mere worldliness. As the leaves of trees are said to absorb all noxious qualities 

 of the au', and to breathe forth a purer atmosphere, so it seems to me as if they 

 drew from us all sordid and angry jpassions, and breathed forth peace and philan- 

 thropy. There is a serene and settled majesty in woodland scenery, that enters 

 into the soul, and dilates and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations. 



There is another evidence of the almost universal prevalence of this feeling 

 among us. The enthe newspaper jDress of the country, however discordant upon 

 other themes, harmonizes upon this. This is evident, from the manner in Avhich 

 all attempts ia this direction have been met by this mighty power, which so 

 controls and du-ects public opinion. From the outset of his work, the author 

 has reason to appreciate this, and to be grateful for the kind encouragement he 

 has received from every one of the many editors to whom he has submitted his 

 plans. 



There is another point of view, in connection with this subject, to which the 

 lovers of trees, and the friends of our country, should direct their attention ; that 

 is, the planting and cultivation of trees for j^rofit, and to supply the demand of 

 those who are to occupy this glorious land, when we shall have passed away. 

 " We ought not to cease our efforts," says Downing, " till every man feels it to 

 be one of his moral duties to become a planter of trees ; until every one feels, 

 indeed, that it is the most patriotic thing which can be done, to cause trees to 

 grow where no foliage has waved and fluttered before." If we find them so 

 necessary and useful, will not posterity have reason to curse us if we provide not 

 wisely for their wants in this respect"? and if we "plant thus wisely we are more 

 certain of receiving the thanks of posterity, than the most persuasive orator, or 

 the most prolific Avritcr of his day and generation." " In what one imaginable 

 attribute that it ought to possess," says Christopher North, " is a tree, pray, 



