GETTING AC^AINTED fVITH THE TREES 



usually flat, straight branches, the effect against 

 the green or brown of near-by trees is start- 

 ling. The dogwood's horizontal branching habit 

 makes every scrap of its lovely white blooms 

 effective to the beholder on the ground below, 

 but far more striking if one may see it from 

 above, as looking down a hillside. 



Though the dogwood blooms before its 

 leaves are put forth, the foliage sometimes 

 catches up with the flowers ; and this foliage is 

 itself a pleasure, because of its fineness and 

 its regular venation, or marking with ribs. In 

 the fall, when the flowers of purest white have 

 been succeeded by oblong berries of brightest 

 scarlet, the foliage remains awhile to contrast 

 with the brilliance of the fruit. The frosts 

 soon drop the leaves, and then the berries 

 stand out in all their attractiveness, offering 

 food to every passing bird, and thus carrying 

 out another of nature's cunning provisions for 

 the reproduction of the species. Seeds in the 

 crops of birds travel free and far, and some 

 fall on good ground ! 



Is it not sad to know that the brave, bold 

 dogwood, holding out its spring flag of truce 



198 



