66 Gilpin's i-'oubst scenery. 



other part of tlie skeleton. The branclies are 



fantastically -^Yreatliedand disproportioned, twining 



a-wkwardly among eacli other, and running often 



into long, unvaried lines, without any of that 



strength and firmness which we admire in the 



Oak, or of that easy simplicity which pleases in 



the Ash; in short, we rarely see a Beech well 



ramified. In full leaf it is equally unpleasing; it 



has the appearance of an overgrown bush. Virgil 



indeed was right in choosing the Beech for its 



shade. No tree forms so complete a roof. If you 



wish either for shade or shelter, you will find it 



best 



' Patnlte sub tegmine fagi.' * 



This bushiness gives a great heaviness to the 

 tree, which is always a deformity. What lightness 

 it has, disgusts. You will sometimes see a light 

 branch issuing from a heavy mass; and, though 

 such -pendent branches are often beautiful in them- 

 selves, they are seldom in harmony with the tree. 

 They distinguish, however, its character, which 

 will be seen best by comparing it with the Elm. 



* Under the shelter of a spreading Beech. 



