104 FAMILIAR TKBES 



those of the Beech, but are duller and darker in 

 hue. In fact, the dark green of the tree and 

 its compact growth in rounded masses render it 

 sombre and heavy when the sun is not on it. The 

 cut-leaved variety gains considerably in lightness ; 

 but, though there are many trees more valuable and 

 more beautiful, there is yet an undeniable charm 

 belonging to the glossy clumps of the ordinary 

 forms. When we see it overhanging some stream 

 or pool, contrasting with the blue-grey of the Iris 

 or the Reed-mace, or with the gay flowers of the 

 Water-crowfoot or Arrowhead, while the dab-chick 

 or the water-vole finds a home among its roots, or 

 a temporary shelter beneath its boughs, the Alder 

 forms by no means an lanpleasing foil to its gay 

 surroundings. 



