In order to water it with more effect, they formed a kind
of luson around its foot: myself and cousin, who were every day ardent
spectators of this watering, confirmed each other in the very
natural idea, that it was nobler to plant trees on the terrace than
colors on a breach, and this glory we were resolved to procure without
dividing it with any one.
In pursuance of this resolution, we cut a slip off a willow, and
planted it on the terrace, at about eight or ten feet distance from
the august walnut tree. We did not forget to make a hollow round it,
but the difficulty was how to procure a supply of water, which was
brought from a considerable distance, and we not permitted to fetch
it: but water was absolutely necessary for our willow, and we made use
of every stratagem to obtain it.
For a few days everything succeeded so well that it began to bud,
and throw out small leaves, which we hourly measured, convinced
(though now scarce a foot from the ground) it would soon afford us a
refreshing shade. This unfortunate willow, by engrossing our whole
time, rendered us incapable of application to any other study, and the
cause of our inattention not being known, we were kept closer than
before. The fatal moment approached when water must fail, and we
were already afflicted with the idea that our tree must perish with
drought. At length necessity, the parent of industry, suggested an
invention, by which we might save our tree from death, and ourselves
from despair; it was to make a furrow underground, which would
privately conduct a part of the water from the walnut tree to our
willow.
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