d in different directions.

It is difficult to believe that some of the large trees we see, sprung
from small seeds; yet it is true that all trees started in this manner.

The seeds are scattered about by birds and tempests, and falling on the
soft ground, where they become covered with, leaves and earth, they take
root and grow.

Thus the little acorn sprouts, and from it springs the sturdy oak, which
is not only the noblest of trees, but lives hundreds of years.

The trunks and branches of trees are protected by a covering called
bark. This bark is thicker near the base or root of the tree than it is
higher up among the branches.

On some trees, the bark is very rough and shaggy looking, as on the oak,
ash, walnut, and pine; on others, the bark is smooth, as on the beech,
apple, and birch.

Some trees live for only a few years, rapidly reaching their full
growth, and rapidly decaying. The peach-tree is one of this kind.

Other trees live to a great age. An elm-tree has been known to live for
three hundred years; a chestnut-tree, six hundred years; and oaks, eight
hundred years.

The baobab-tree of Africa lives to be many hundred years old. There is a
yew-tree in England that is known to be over two thousand years old.

The "big trees" of California are the largest in the world, although not
of so great an age as some that have been mentioned. The tallest of
these trees that has yet been discovered, measures over three hundred
and fifty feet in height, and the distance around it near the ground is
almost one hundred feet. The age of this tree must be between one
thousand five hundred and two thousand years.

* * * * *

Directions for Reading.--Let, pupils pronounce in concert and singly,
the following words: _corn, stalks, important, form, tall, walnut,
horses_.

In the fifth paragraph on page 199, why are _some_ and _others_
emphatic?[12]

Mark _inflections_ of _oak, ash, walnut_, and _pine_; and of _beech,
apple_, and _birch_.

* * * * *

Language Lesson.--Place _dis_ before each of the following words,
and then give the meaning of each of the words so formed.

appear covered able like believe

[12] See fifth paragraph from the end of the lesson.

* * * * *

LESSON XLII.

flush, _bright red color_.

low'ing, _the bellowing or cry of cattle_.

rang'ing, _wandering_