LEAVES. 41 



as if with an ancient alabaster lamp. Often, when I 

 have been peering into these buds, with their simple 

 and beautiful prophecy, have I thought what a pretty 

 likeness they present to the opening heart and soul of 

 a child 1 First come forth the little green and inno- 

 cent thoughts and expressions, that excite a smile and 

 invite a kiss. Presently, when we scarcely expect, we 

 hear some old-fashioned and quaint remark, that shows 

 what a marvellous power is at work in that little brain, 

 and that beautifully prefigures and pre-signifies the 

 glory of the intellect that will in due time be displayed 

 to view. Look next at that handsome white-beam, 

 covered with buds that, except near towns, are whiter 

 than those of any other native plant. We do not 

 call it white-beam tree, simply "white-beam," since 

 ■''beam " is an old word signifying tree, as illustrated 

 also in the name of the horn-beam. The whiteness is 

 given by abundant fine cottony down upon the under 

 surface, — the latter being the only one exposed tq 

 view. Here, again, the primitive condition of the 

 leaf, is that of the lady's fan. ' By this disposition of 

 the parts, the strong fibs are all thrown to the outside, 

 and the delicate tissues are protected within. There 

 is work for an entire spring, with those who are cu- 

 rious in nature's mysteries, with the various methods 

 in which leaves are folded before they expand. They 

 are always plainly seen by cutting the bud crossways 

 with a sharp-edged knife. Sometimes, instead of being 

 4* 



