FOREST TREES. 435 



In any situation where it will grow, a tree or two of the Spanish 

 Chestnut should never be omitted. 



Bounding the north-east side of my garden, and protecting it from 

 cold winds, a bank of trees exists, which is glorious when lit up by the 

 setting sun, and grand when reflected in the lake : — 



" Let lofty firs, and ashes cool, 

 My lowly banks o'erspread ; 

 And view, deep-bending in the pool, 

 Their shadows' wat'ry bed ! " — Burns. 



It is composed of the elm, beech, horse-chestnut, willow, alder, birch, 

 poplar, ash, sycamore, and Scotch pine. The contrast of foliage 

 afforded by the varioustrees is picturesque, and the diverse tints which 

 the leaves assume in autumn is particularly fine. By the great 

 kindness of the Rev. A. H. Bridges, I have been permitted to use a 

 walk under this grove of trees, which skirts Beddington Park. It is 

 difficult to estimate the value of such a permission, which gives to my 

 garden the " little wood beside the crystal stream " which Horace 

 desired, and which Milton described : — 



"A pleasant grove. 

 With chant of tuneful birds resounding loud ; 

 Thither he bent his way, determined there 

 To rest at noon ; and enter'd soon the shade 

 .High-roofed, and walks beneath, and alleys brown 

 That open'd in the midst a woody scene ; 

 Nature's own work it seem'd (Nature-taught Art), 

 And to a superstitious eye the haunt 

 Of wood-gods and wood-nym.phs." 



There are many large trees in my neighbour's grounds to the south-west 

 of the garden, which tower over the houses, and look like a forest. 

 One or two Lombardy poplars out-top the other trees, and break the 

 outline, adding materially to the picturesque effect, 



" One impulse from a vernal wood 

 May teach you more of man, 

 Of moral evil and of good, 

 Than all the sages can." 



Wordsworth, An Evening Scene. 

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