82 Gilpin's foeest scenery. 



work they were inestimable. Indeed the whole 

 tree was esteemed by the ancients, on account of 

 its variegated wood. In Ovid we find it thus 

 celebrated : — 



' Acerque coloribus impar.' * 



How far, at this day, it may be valued for cabinet 

 work, I know not. I have, here and there, seen 

 boxes, and other little things made of it, which 

 I have thought beautiful. But I am told that in 

 North America, where it grows wild, it is in much 

 esteem. When the cabinet maker meets with a 

 knotted tree of this kind, which is there called 

 the curled Maple, he prizes it highly. 



In the few instances I have met with of this 

 tree in a state of maturity its form has appeared 

 picturesque. It is not unlike the Oak, but is 

 more bushy, and its branches are closer and more 

 compact. One of the largest Maples I have seen, 

 stands in the churchyard of Boldre, in New 

 Forest : but 1 have not met with specimens 

 enough of this tree to form an opinion of its 

 general character. 



* Met., lit. X. V. 1. The Maple stained with, various hues. 



