“Thank you, my dear,” returned Mrs. Mansfield; “but it would give me more pleasure if you would take the boys. I know they would enjoy a ride, and they have been very good this morning.”
“Have they so?” said the obliging grandpapa. “Why then, if you will give up your place, I will take them very willingly. I like the company of good children.”
The party thus settled, dinner was quickly dispatched; the chaise stood ready at the door, and the boys jumped into it with a look of pleasure on their countenances that can more easily be fancied than described.
Part of the road they were to travel lay through a large forest. Here they had an opportunity of seeing a variety of trees; and Mr. Mansfield answered with the greatest readiness every question they put to him concerning them.
“What tree is that, grandpapa?” inquired Charles, pointing to one that grew near the road; “the one, I mean, that has such an amazing large trunk, and the branches of it spread so wide all round?”
Mr. Mansfield. It is an oak, my dear; the most valuable timber tree that grows.
Arthur. What are timber trees?
Mr. Mansfield. Trees that are used in building houses and ships; they are principally oaks, elms, and ash-trees.
Arthur. And you say that the oak is the most valuable of them all; pray what makes it so?
Mr. Mansfield. The wood is very hard, and tough; not apt to splinter, nor liable to be eaten by worms; and as it remains sound for a great while when under water, it answers very well for building ships, or for piles, or bridges; in short, for any thing that requires strength and durability.