Trees, Shrubs and Vines 



of animal life have we the semblance of fraternal feeling, 

 none other commands such an instinctive respect. Some 

 ancient oak or elm, standing near the old home, with 

 observant silence has entered into the joys and sorrows 

 of a century of human lives ; it seems consciously in the 

 confidence of the whole family, charged with sacred 

 secrets it will sacredly keep, and we begin to love that 

 tree as if it were our own kin. Does not many a reader 

 find some such old tree a central figure in the memory 

 of his childhood home ? A reminiscent mind can scarcely 

 pass by such a majestic figure without suspecting that its 

 broad, swaying boughs are whispering of by-gone days. 

 If there be any conscious being in the world of vegeta- 

 tion, we surely find it here, spreading its cool, kindly 

 shade over children and children's children, and stamped 

 with the dignity of a long and useful life. 



The impression of age belongs only to objects of 

 growth. That huge bowlder perchance lying near our 

 venerable friend, and a thousand times older — who ever 

 gives it reverence ? Spectator of all the tree has seen, 

 it yet has no link with human life — a changeless, unre- 

 sponsive granite rock. Is it not the frailty of mortality, 

 the mystery of "a future all unknown," that overcasts 

 the landscape with its finest tinge of sentiment, and 

 gives almost a touch of sanctity to every evening twi- 

 light hour ? Human nature is so taken with itself, that 

 one of its most pleasing occupations is to feel the kin- 

 ship of earth's lower types, and it never tires of find- 

 ing itself mirrored there. 



46 



