SOURCES OF PIOTUEESQUENESS IN TREES. 33 



covered with Ivy, and yet not see the tints so 

 happily arranged as to produce an effect. 



We have frequently seen the trunks of deciduous trees 

 in winter densely covered with Ivy ; but we have never 

 been able to regard such an appearance — even when the 

 climbing evergreen had gathered into ' a heavy body ' — 

 as a ' deformity.' Even Gilpin, it will be noticed, half 

 apologizes for venturing so to regard it. By some 

 accident the Ivy clusters may have assumed an unsightly 

 form ; but, to our mind, the natural growth of this delight- 

 ful plant is always beautiful : and the situations it assumes 

 are — with regard to eveiy object in the forest around 

 which it clings — always picturesque. — Ed. •(<,<' 



In the spring also we sometimes have a^ 

 pleasing appearance of a similar kind. About 

 the end of April, when the foliage of the Oak is 

 just beginning to expand, its varied tints are 

 often delightfully contrasted with the deep green 

 of an Ivy bush which has overspread the body 

 and larger hmbs of the tree : and the contrast 

 has been still more beautiful when the limbs are 

 covered, as we sometimes see them, with tufts of 

 brimstone-coloured moss.* 



* See page 27, where Gilpin has abeady explained that iu 

 the term 'moss' he includes lichens and liver-worts. — Ed. 



