40 SYLVAN WINTEIi. 



but just the slight irregularity which gives interest 

 and variety to natural forms. The limbs are 

 thrown outwards and upwards at a somewhat 

 acute angle from the trunk, and extend oftentimes 

 to a considerable distance from it, sweeping and 

 spreading in a manner that adds dignity to the tree, 

 though sometimes the branches and boughs are 

 so slender in proportion to their length that 

 they immediately begin to droop — thus giving 

 gracefulness and beauty of another kind. The 

 limbs are disposed irregularly around the trunk, 

 and the branches around the limbs in the same 

 manner, and the angles and directions of each to, 

 and in relation to, each aid that variety which 

 pleases the eye. There is not much subdivision 

 of the ramification of the Sycamore, the general 

 character of the twigs and spray being robust, 

 and the contrast not so great as to give the 

 peculiar beauty incident to abundant spray. 

 Gilpin's opinion of ' the Great Maple, commonly 

 called the Sycamore,' is that it ' is a grander and 

 nobler tree than the Smaller Maple,' just men- 

 tioned ; but he thinks that ' it wants the 

 elegance ' of the Field Maple, and is ' coarse in 



