THE ALDER. AT5 
derived from the peculiar glutinosity of the sur- 
faces of its leaves. 
The roots of the Alder, growing in a dense 
fibrous mass, are remarkably succulent and 
spongy, and hence they have the power of 
attracting moisture—to such a degree, indeed, as 
when a number of Trees of this genus are 
growing together, almost to form a swamp—a 
curious and beautiful provision made by Nature 
to afford the Tree the conditions of growth which 
are essentual to it. 
Easily grown from seed, the Alder is a very 
desirable Tree to cultivate in the neighbourhood 
of water. To our stream-sides it lends a pic- 
turesqueness which we should sadly miss had 
they not the deep green clustering masses of its 
delightful foliage. 
