ONE of the most handsome of trees, surely.
It varies a little in its manner of growth, sometimes being seen rising
in quite perpendicular fashion to a great height, at others parting its
stem not far from the ground. The bark is smooth and rind-like, and
the branches are long and attenuated. The trunk is usually very
picturesque and excellent practice. It is of a slaty, but very pretty grey,
and is often adorned with brilliantly coloured lichens and moss. The
foliage is somewhat strata-like in character, and has a very glossy
appearance. In the autumn it is vivid with yellow, which, glowing into
brightest red, dies a russet brown. The buds in spring are a refined
suggestion of the later glory of the leaves.
