94 MANURES FOR FRUIT TREES 



The fungus-threads or hyphse act as a kind of 

 sponge intermediate between the roots and the 

 soil, and in heaths the hyphse actually penetrate 

 into the substance of the root. Symbiosis may 

 occur largely among trees. The subject requires 

 careful investigation. 



The beech was greatly admired by the ancients 

 — who luxuriated in the lofty canopy afforded by 

 its dense foliage — and even in Homer's time the 

 beech (fagus or (jajyos) was an object of admiration, 

 and is really a noble tree. Its majestic size, the 

 beauty of its foliage, and the smoothness and colour 

 of its bark are worthy of notice. 



The " Copper Beech " has its leaves in their early 

 stage of a bright rose colour, which, as the season 

 advances, deepens to a rich purple approaching 

 black. It is a native of Germany, and was intro- 

 duced into this country about the middle of the 

 eighteenth century. 



Birch {Betula alba, Natural Order, Cupuliferse) 

 is a hardy tree with deciduous leaves. It is a good 

 seaside and town tree. The birch (" sweet mistress 

 of the wood ") grows in ordinary soil. 



The ashes of the bark and wood contain in 100 

 parts : — 



