70 



THE IVY. 



object, up which it ascends. In due time it 

 then puts out lateral branches, and obtains a 

 bole, as though it were a forest tree itself. Ivy 

 derives no nutriment from the timber tree to 

 which it adheres* It merely makes use of a 

 tree or wall, as we ourselves do of a walking- 

 stick, when old age or infirmities tell us that we 

 cannot do without it. Should an ancient wall 

 and ivy come in contact, they are of great 

 assistance to each other. Dyer observed this 

 on Grongar hill : — 



a Whose aged walls the ivy creeps, 

 And with her arms from falling keeps : 

 So, both a safety from the wind 

 In mutual dependence find." 



There can be no doubt as to the real source 

 from whence ivy draws life and vigour : from 

 the ground alone its maintenance proceeds. 

 To be convinced of this, we have only to inspect 

 it narrowly on a living tree, and then pay the 

 same attention to it upon a dead one, or upon 

 any stump deprived of vitality. Be our eye as 

 keen as that of the lynx, we shall not be able 

 to perceive that the one plant is more healthy, 

 more vigorous, or more verdant than the other ; 

 and if we cut through the stock of the ivy in 



