covered with Ivy, and yet not see the tints so happily arranged as to produce an effect. We have frequently seen the trunks of deciduous trees in winter densely covered with Ivy ; but we have never been able to regard such an appearance-even when the climbing evergreen had gathered into a heavy body'— as a deformity.' Even Gilpin, it will be noticed, half apologizes for venturing so to regard it. By some accident the Ivy clusters may have assumed an unsightly form; but, to our mind, the natural growth of this delightful plant is always beautiful: and the situations it assumes are with regard to every object in the forest around which it clings-always picturesque.-Ed. we sometimes have a About In the spring also pleasing appearance of a similar kind. the end of April, when the foliage of the Oak is just beginning to expand, its varied tints are often delightfully contrasted with the deep green of an Ivy bush which has overspread the body and larger limbs of the tree: and the contrast has been still more beautiful when the limbs are as we sometimes see them, with tufts of brimstone-coloured moss.* covered, * See page 27, where Gilpin has already explained that in the term 'moss' he includes lichens and liver-worts.-ED. All these plants are parasitical, as the botanist expressively calls them. The tribes of mosses, lichens, and liver-worts make no pretence to independence. They are absolute retainers. Not one of them gets his own livelihood, nor takes the least step towards it. The Ivy indeed is less dependent. He has a root of his own, and draws nourishment from the ground: but his character is misrepresented, if his little feelers have not other purposes than merely that of showing an attachment to his potent neighbour. Shakespeare roundly asserts he makes a property of him : 'He was The Ivy, which had hid my princely trunk, Gilpin's suggestion and Shakespeare's assumption are both, we think, correct, notwithstanding the opinion of Sir Dick Lauder, the first Editor of the 'Forest Scenery,' and of several modern botanists. We believe that the 'little feelers' of the Ivy are veritable roots, and that, as such, they draw nourishment from the crevices-whether the crannies of rocks or walls, or the fissures in tree trunks-into which they insinuate themselves. In this opinion we are supported by authorities of no less weight than Sir Joseph Hooker and Mr. Shirley Hibberd. The latter, in his delightful Monograph of the Ivy,' discusses the subject at considerable length; and, amongst other reasons for his belief, states the very conclusive fact that if the root of an Ivy that has climbed upon a wall or tree be cut off close to the ground, the plant continues to live and thrive !-ED. Besides this parasitical tribe the painter admires another class of humble plants, which live entirely on their own means; yet, spreading out their little tendrils, beg the protection of the great; whom if they encumber, as they certainly do in a degree, they enrich with a variety of beautiful flowers and scarlet berries. Many of these, though classed among weeds, have great beauty. Among them, the black and white Brionies are distinguished. The berries, also, of many of these little plants are variously coloured, in the different states of their growth, yellow, red, and orange. All these rich touches, however small, produce their effect. Another elegant climber, called Traveller's joy, produces indeed no berries; but its feathered seeds are ornamental. The wild Honeysuckle also comes within this class; and though, in winding its |