FOREST TREES 
it does not continue its vagaries to 
the end. 
It is to be noted that these forms are 
not without a purpose and a meaning. 
Under difficulties and obstacles the 
twigs and branches have groped their 
way; often one part has been sacrificed 
for the good of another, in order that 
all gifts of air, and moisture, and light 
might be received in the fullness of 
their worth. Thus the entire frame- 
work of the tree becomes infused 
with life and meaning, almost with 
sense, and its character is reflected in 
its expression. 
The observer is also impressed by 
the character of the foliage. The 
leaves are usually rather blunt and 
ponderous, varying a little—as, in- 
deed, do those of several other trees 
7 
