145 



MAHOGANY. 



We are accustomed/' said Mr. Longhurst^ 

 to see and handle this article only as a dead 

 substance ; and rarely think of its once glossy 

 green leaves and pearly blossoms ; of its healthy 

 and vigorous vegetable life ; of its vast trunk 

 and giant-like arms^ now enduring the fiery 

 rays of a vertical sun — now contending with 

 all its mighty strength against the roaring fury 

 of a West-Indian hurricane. How great is the 

 change of situation^ from the rich valleys which 

 wind amongst the wild mountains of Cuba^ and 

 from the rocks of the Bahamas^ to the quiet se- 

 curity of an English dwelling! Did you ever 

 wish to know^ my dear lads^ what sort of a tree 



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