22 
THE ASH. 
FRAXINUS EXCELSIOR. 
“ The towering ash is fairest in the woods.” 
Such is the testimony of Virgil,—a testimony confirmed 
by the modems, who have designated this tree the 
<s Venus of the forest;” and surely, of all that compose 
our British sylva, entitled to the rank of timber trees, it 
is decidedly the most elegant. 
“ All know that in the woods the ash reigns queen, 
In graceful beauty soaring to the sky! ” 
The same character runs through its various component 
parts; thus constituting a beautiful and consistent whole. 
The easy, flowing line of the stem suits the elegant 
pendent sprays, and these again the bright green slender 
leaves; whilst, lastly, the tree itself is in happy accordance 
with the habitat in which it most delights, — a niche in 
some grey ruin or splintered rock, where, like the 
sylvan genius of the scene, it hangs with the most 
becoming gracefulness. 
