TREE FORMS. 33 



in the smaller branches. The ramification itself 

 is considerable and abundant. Equally, from all 

 sides of the trunk, proceed the main limbs ; from 

 these a second set of stout branches, making 

 broad angles with the former ; then the twigs, 

 standing out at similar angles ; and finally the 

 bud-pointed spray, divided ofE on the same plan, 

 — the whole combining to give an aspect 

 of subdivision that is most complex and beau- 

 tiful. 



Like many trees in the case of large specimens, 

 the base of the Lime bole is channelled, and 

 appears, so to speak, to claw the earth. The ab- 

 sence of low side-branches, owing to the accidents 

 already referred to, arising from the brittleness of 

 the wood, detract, as this tree gains age, from its 

 appearance ; and often, for a considerable distance 

 up, this tree's branches are scanty and irregular, if 

 not absent altogether. But compensation in such 

 cases is afforded by the head, where the branches, 

 too small oftentimes to be called limbs, are thrown 

 out with much grace, not in curves or flowing lines, 

 yet not ruggedly, but with a certain picturesque 

 irregularity — the wealth of twigs and spray, grace- 



