The Rambles of an Idler 



that memorable sleet storm which dealt destruc- 

 tion with such an unsparing hand. In our 

 enthusiasm over May-day blossom and, the 

 thrush's song at sunrise, we overlook the for- 

 lorn, leafless limbs of many a noble tree and 

 note nothing of Nature's methods of restora- 

 tion. 



Little as we might have expected it, Nature 

 is already beneficently busy. Branches that 

 were hurled to the frozen ground are now partly 

 buried in the turf and trailing vines are cover- 

 ing them. The ugly scars will be hidden and 

 the world all green again. Close study of Na- 

 ture's methods may lead us to better some of 

 our own. She is a safer guide than those per- 

 verse people who have turned their backs upon 

 her. But rejoice as we may, that the ruin 

 caused by the storm is being made good, the 

 doud cannot be ignored because of its silver 

 lining. The stately crown of oak and beech 

 and elm is torn and tattered now. The battle 

 raged fiercely, and little escaped its fury. The 

 evidence of conflict is still everywhere. Were 

 I young, I might count the years and mark the 

 gradual restoration of these familiar trees. As 

 it is, the trees I have known I shall never know 



154 



