STUDIES OF TREES IN WINTER 



The aspen is more conspicuous in summer, 

 when the constant motion of its trembling 

 leaves attracts our attention, than it is in winter, 

 although in some trees the smooth, olive-green 

 bark of the trunk is very attractive, particularly 

 in contrast with the snow. There have been 

 endless allusions in literature to the European 

 aspen, which resembles our species. In a 

 simile showing the activity of Penelope's 

 maidens. Homer says: — 



" Some ply the loom; their busy fingers move 

 Like poplar leaves when zephyr fans the grove." 



Again Spenser uses the same simile: — 



" His hand did quake 

 And tremble like a leaf of aspen green." 



And Sir Walter Scott uses it in the same 

 way to picture quick changes of facial expres- 

 sion : — 



" With every change his features played, 

 As aspens show the light and shade." 



Gerard, in a way scarcely flattering to the 

 sex, compares the leaves to women's tongues, 

 " which seldom cease wagging ; " but Sir Walter 

 Scott restores the balance in the lines: — 



" O woman ! in our hours of ease 

 Uncertain, coy, and hard to please, 

 And variable as the shade 

 By the light quivering aspen made, 

 When pain and anguish wring the brow, 

 A ministering angel thou." 

 iSo 



