78 



THE IVY. 



nually round that of the other, the trees have 

 become deeply embedded in each other's folds. 

 The elm being of stronger vegetation than the 

 spruce, I have taken the precaution of curtail- 

 ing the lateral branches of the former, lest it 

 should prove too much for its weaker partner. 



This firmly attached couple of vegetable 

 nature attracts considerable notice from pass- 

 ing visitors. When I chance to get hold of some 

 facetious Tory, whose mellowness of countenance 

 assures me that there is little or no acidity 

 within, I tap him gently on the back and say, 

 whilst pointing to the trees: " See there, your 

 Church and State with a witness : a thrifty, 

 keen, and loving couple ! I have their ever- 

 lasting separation much at heart, and would be 

 happy to ,pronounce their immediate divorce, 

 without any fee or reward whatever." 



