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sprouting) pendulous boughs.” It is the very tree for a 
warm summer’s day; for none yields so close a canopy. 
When 
« O’er heaven and earth a dazzling deluge reigns, 
and all in vain we 
“ Restless turn, and look around for night;" 
then the beech offers its “ shady roof,” which is not only 
“ star-proof,” but sun-proof; and there the rambler may 
« Sit coolly calm, while all the world without, 
Unsatisfied and sick, tosses in noon.” 
Virgil praises it especially for this property; and, in 
the very opening of his pastorals, places the tuneful 
shepherds 
“ Where the broad beech an ample shade displays:" 
and, indeed, in almost every poetical picture where 
shelter is desirable, this tree is selected for the purpose : 
“ The sun, from rosy billows risen, had ray’d 
With gold the mountain tops ; when at the foot 
Of a tall beech romantic, whose green shade 
Fell on a brook, that, sweet-voiced as a lute, 
Through lively pastures wound its sparkling way, 
Sad on the daisied turf Salicio lav." 
