SPBAT. 169 



buds are produced in this way, that a very regular 

 appearance is given to the ramification as a whole, 

 because that bushiness is produced which Gilpin 

 admired, the fillings up and jostlings of the twigs 

 one with another, that give so good an emblem 

 of 'busy life.' In the Willow, in what in respect 

 to other trees we regard as mid-Winter, we shall 

 notice that sign of life which is exhibited by the 

 flowering. Though a wintry manifestation, the 

 spectacle really indicates the ' Willow's ' spring ; 

 but, howsoever we regard it, the appearance is a 

 beautiful one. 



There is decided 'character,' it will be ad- 

 mitted, in the shoots of the Chestnut. The bark 

 is a rich, dark, glossy brown, prettily freckled with 

 white, suggestive of the handsome Hazel skin. 

 The buds are irregular, as is also the spray, and 

 those which terminate the shoots are very pro- 

 minent and large, as indeed is necessary, regard 

 being liad to the ample size of the handsome leaf 

 which is folded up within this close and frost- 

 proof covering. The reader with some imagina- 

 tion, in looking at our illustration of Chestnut 

 spray, will perhaps fancy he sees some resemblance 



