BIRCH. 125 



that stirs. It grows naturally in those cold 

 mountains where the dark fir rises its motion- 

 less leaves in the shape of a pyramid ; thus 

 contrasting in shape, as much as in colour, 

 and from whence we should be instructed to 

 follow nature in our grouping ; for, 



" What varied beauties shine upon her face; 

 Here all is beauty, harmony, and grace!" 



The birch approaches nearer the Arctic 

 pole than any other tree ; preserving all its 

 vigour in those icy climates, that are almost 

 destitute of other vegetable productions. It 

 flourishes even in the bosom of expiring 

 nature, and is the only tree that Greenland 

 produces — 



" Where, 



Vast regions, dreary, bleak, and bare ( 

 There, on an icy mountain's height, 

 Seen only by the moon's pale light, 

 Stern Winter rears his giant form; 

 His robe a mist — his life a storm." 



In Russia, Poland, and other northern 

 places, the twigs of this tree cover the dwell- 

 ings of the peasants instead of tile or thatch. 



In our ornamental plantations the silvery 

 bark of the birch shines as conspicuously 

 through the branches of other trees, as its airi- 

 ness is marked by the smallness of its leaves, 



