7^0 SPEECH FROM A TKEE. 
trie fluid, especially the various species of the Oak. The beech tree 
(Fagus sylvatica) presents, however, an exception in a most remark- 
able degree, from the effects of this dangerous element. I am the 
more positive in advancing this assertion, as I have not been able to 
trace a single instance of the beech tree, having ever been struck by 
lightening, in this or any other climate. 
Omega. 
Augmi 25th, 1832. 
ARTICLE XVI. 
SPEECH FROM A TREE.— By a Druid. 
A Prodigal, who was left by his father in possession of a large es- 
tate, well conditioned, impaired it by extravagance. He wanted 
money, and ordered a number of timber trees, near the mansion, to 
be felled for sale ; he stood by to direct the labourers, when suddenly 
a hollow murmuring was heard within the trunk of a venerable Oak ! 
and after several groans, a voice from the tree distinctly said : — 
" My young master, your grandfather, planted me when he was 
about your age, for the use of his posterity ; I am the most ancient 
tree in > our forest, and have largely contributed by my products to 
people it ; there is therefore some respect due to my services, if none 
to my years : I cannot well remember your great-grandfather, but I 
recollect the favour of your grandfather, and your father was not 
neglectful of me : — my shade assisted his rest, when he was fatigued 
by the sultry heat, and these arms have sheltered him from sudden 
showers : — you w'ere his darling, and if the wrinkles of age have not 
obliterated them, you may see your name traced in several places by 
his own hand in my trunk : — I could peri.sh without regret, if my 
fall woiild do you any real service : — were I destined to repair your 
mansion, ur your t.enants' ploughs and carts, and the like, I should 
fulfil the end for which I exist ; to be useful to my owner : —But to 
be trucked away for vile gold, to satisfy the demands of honourable 
cheats, and be rendered subservient to profligate luxury, is more 
than a tree of my spirit can bear : — your ancestors never thought 
you would make havoc and waste of the woods they planted : — while 
they lived, it was a pleasure to be a tree; the old ones amongst us 
were honoured, and the young were encouraged around us. Now 
we must all fall without distinction, and in a short time, the birds 
will not find a branch to build or roost upon : yet, why should we 
