TREES. 
217 
the house — how little would be the labor or expense required to 
accomplish all this, and how desirable would be the result ! As- 
suredly, the pleasing character thus given to a farm and a neigh- 
borhood is far from being beneath the consideration of a sensible 
man. 
But there is also another view of the subject. A careless in- 
difference to any good gift of our gracious Maker, shows a want 
of thankfidness, as any abuse or waste, betrays a reckless spirit of 
evil. It is, indeed, strange that one claiming to be a rational 
creature should not be thoroughly ashamed of the spirit of de- 
structiveness, since the principle itself is clearly an evil one. Let 
us remember that it is the Supreme Being who is the Creator, 
and in how many ways do we see his gracious providence, liis 
Almighty economy, deigning to work progressive renovation in 
the humblest objects when their old forms have become exhaust- 
ed by Time ! There is also something in the care of trees which 
rises above the common labors of husbandly, and speaks of a 
generous mind. We expect to wear the fleece from our flocks, 
to drink the milk of our herds, to feed upon the fruits of our 
fields ; but in planting a young wood, in preserving a fine grove, 
a noble tree, we look beyond ourselves to the band of household 
friends, to our neighbors — ay, to the passing wayfarer and stran- 
ger who will share with us the pleasure they give, and it becomes 
a grateful reflection that long after we are gone, those trees will 
continue a good to our fellow-creatures for more years, perhaps, 
than we can tell. 
Quite recently, two instances of an opposite character connected 
with this subject have accidentally fallen under our notice. At 
a particular point in the wilds of Oregon, near the bank of the 
10 
