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About this quote

What does it mean?
Kipling praises England's native trees, suggesting Oak, Ash, and Thorn are the finest ornaments the land possesses.
In plain terms
England's best trees are the Oak, Ash, and Thorn.
What can you take from it?
Value the natural symbols of your homeland.

Where it applies

  • discussing national symbols
  • praising landscapes
  • writing poetry

Putting it to work

  • identify local flora
  • write nature verse
  • discuss heritage

Questions to consider

  • What trees represent your home?
  • Why do we value certain symbols?

Another view

The quote ignores other trees that may also be valuable or beautiful.

More from Rudyard Kipling

  1. Five and twenty ponies Trotting through the dark- Brandy for the Parson, 'Baccy for the Clerk. Them that asks no questions isn't told a lie - Watch the wall, m…

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  2. I have eaten your bread and salt. I have drunk your water and wine. The deaths ye died I have watched beside And the lives ye led were mine.

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  3. Cities and Thrones and Powers, Stand in Time's eye, Almost as long as flowers, Which daily die: But, as new buds put forth To glad new men, Out of the spent an…

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