THE IVY. 77 



in their judgment may appear the best — but 

 unless they themselves have spent years in the 

 field, and those consulted have done the same, it 

 is to be feared, that their labours will fall short 

 of their wishes. Errors unintentional, and 

 false surmises, and rash speculations will creep 

 into their works, in spite of every precaution 

 to avoid them. Their production, in truth, 

 will be, — 



" similis volucri, — non vera volucris." 



Probably, my statement that ivy is not in- 

 jurious to the tree which has lent it a support 

 may be at variance with the opinion of those 

 who are learned in botany. If so, I beg to say 

 that I have living forest trees, of all ages and 

 descriptions, to bear me out in what I have 

 advanced. 



In conclusion, I wish to say a word or two 

 of mutual indentation produced by the union 

 of two forest trees. Near the walk which leads 

 to the flower-garden may be seen an English 

 elm and a Scotch fir growing in close embrace. 

 They are now fifteen feet in height, and one 

 foot ten inches in circumference at the base. 

 By twisting the leading shoot of one tree an- 



