Travels in a Tree-top 



23 



finally into the leaf-bearing twigs. Course 

 after course continued in this way, the size 

 decreasing gradually, and the whole forming, 

 as seen from a distance, a magnificent dome- 

 shaped mass. Comparisons with the tree's 

 surroundings were full of suggestiveness. 

 The ground immediately about was densely 

 covered with rank ferns and the acorn sprouts 

 of one or two years' growth. Yet, where they 

 were, it seemed but a smoothly-shaven lawn, 

 so insignificant were they when seen with the 

 tree ; and the sproutland beyond, which 

 would otherwise have been a wood, was ab- 

 solutely insignificant. Yet, in truth, every- 

 thing here was on a grand scale. The ferns 

 were tall, and to prove it I sat upon the 

 ground among them and so shut out all view 

 of the great tree and its surroundings. I 

 spent many hours seated upon different 

 branches of this oak, and every one had feat- 

 ures all its own. From those nearest the 

 ground I surveyed the bird-life in the thicket 

 beneath, and was entertained by a pair of 

 nesting cardinal red-birds that came and went 

 as freely as if quite alone, and whistled cheer- 

 fully morning, noon, and night. I fancied I 

 made friends with these birds, for early one 



