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INTRODUCTO RY. 
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This work was not started with any idea of publication, but sprang from a deep 
interest in trees on the part of the writer, who proposed to photograph and collect 
statistics of the principal trees of Reading tor his own gratification, and possible 
entertainment of others in the future, binding many interested, lait I. of the woik 
is now published; and should there be enough copies sold to pay expenses, other parts 
will follow. 
In photographing the trees, the aim has been to give the best possible representation 
of them, which could not always be done and preserve the same proportions in size 
between the photographs that exist between the trees themselves. The measurements, 
however, will furnish a correct basis of comparison ; and in most eases a familiar object 
is introduced in the photograph to aid the eye in forming a true conception of size. It 
is proposed to publish sheets later, giving comparative sizes, which will contain a 
collection of portraits of trees reduced to a uniform scale of measurement. 
The measurements of the trunks at a few feet from the ground arc quite reliable, as 
there is little chance for variation ; but near the ground, a difference in height of an inch 
frequently makes a difference of many inches in the circumference, owing to the 
irregularity of outline. The accurate height of a tree, even with the best of instruments, 
r is not easily obtained 5 for, in many cases, one cannot readily deteimine which the 
highest branch is, different ones appearing highest from different points of view. The 
measurements of height are not given as absolutely perfect, but as the results of 
painstaking efforts to arrive at correct results. 
In endeavoring to get at the history of our old trees, many difficulties have been met. 
In some cases, nobody living knows anything concerning them previous to their own 
recollections which place them at their present size seventy years ago. What an 
interesting book might now be written if one hundred years ago, or even fifty ycais ago, 
record had been made of trees as they were planted, and measurements and incidents 
added from time to time ! Cannot we have a tree record that shall include trees already 
planted, and to which can be added other trees as they are set out in the future? Such 
a record, in charge of the Reading Natural History Society, or some similar organi¬ 
zation. could not fail to be of great interest and value in yeais to come. 
Living as we do in a section of the country where trees grow' almost like weeds, we 
fail to appreciate their beauty, and lose much enjoyment that might come of an 
intimate and appreciative acquaintance, especially with individual trees. When to trees 
_which have that element of interest that a botanist finds in all vegetation—is added a 
historical interest and pleasant memories of childhood’s hours spent beneath the grateful 
shade, thev occupy a large place in our affections, and become never-ceasing and 
