ILLTJSTBATED GUIDE. 



29 



trees. The poplar, the willow, the negundo, the larch, 

 all grow more rapidly ; and I know of soft maples that, 

 only eight years from sowing, measure eight inches in 

 diameter at a foot from the ground. 



Thus, unless he is very old, the planter is sure to 

 enjoy the fruits of his labour. But there is more than 

 this to be considered ; suppose it to be impossible for 

 him to reap the crop of his own planting, there are 

 other reasons which should induce us to re-plant our 

 hills and our barren plains. 



These reasons are so well displayed in the lines I quote 

 below, that I cannot resist the temptation of placing them 

 before the eyes of my readers ; the original is a fable of 

 Lafontaine : 



An old man of eighty was planting some trees, 



Three lusty young neighbors drew near— 

 " To build would be odd, but still stranger to plant, 



Our friend has grown foolish, we fear I" 



" In the name of all conscience," said they, with a smile, 



" What harvest for you will these bear ? 

 Your age of four-score has no future to boast. 



Why cumber it thus with more care ? 

 'Tis only for you to repent of the past, 



Throw future designs to the air 1" 



The old man looked up and sagely replied : 



" You speak of my hopes and your own ; 

 Life's enterprise, often, is left incomplete, 



Though begun on the threshold of youth. 

 For fate unrelenting may sport with your hopes. 



As much as it may with my years ; 

 The chances of life render equal its span, 



Though unequal to youth it appears. 

 And which of us, think ye, the last of th i four. 



Will behold the bright pays of that sun ? 

 Does this moment assure you another is yours 



To finish your labours begun ? 



