THROUGH GLADE AND COVERT. 133 
as if united. Between the fork formed by the 
union of the Tree-trunks a Holly Tree has thrust 
its branches, twisting them round the Beech- 
trunk until they meet the Holly branches on the 
other side, as if to protect, by its bristly foliage, 
the graceful Beech from its more robust and stal- 
wart companion. Above the whole a heaven of 
leafiness is formed by the Tree-tops, which deli- 
cately intermingle their spreading branches, 
clothed with their dress of quivering leaves 
gilded by the midsummer sun, and giving forth 
sweet, leafy music, as they are gently stirred by 
the wind. 
And now, as we continue our road, we pass 
enclosing fences on our left, the enclosure of 
Minstead manor still barring access to the woods 
on the other side of the way. Here and there is 
an expanse of brake-covered greensward, forming 
roadside commons; but all else is either mano- 
rial woodland, cultivated cornland, or farm or 
cottage enclosure. The narrow roadway is sug- 
gestive of forestal surroundings; for its grassy 
banks are clothed with Blechnum spicant of the 
moorland wilds, and with the mountain Buckler 
