A Tree That is Deeded to Itself. in the law course are plainly showing them selves in the increasing efficiency of its pro duct. Columns /, A and /, considered individually show (f) but little changed in the number of those who have achieved success through dependence upon the college and profes sional course combined, (h) a slight decrease in those who have carried their academic work farther than what is required for the bachelors' degree, without combining it with a professional course, and (j) a marked in crease in the number who continued the academic work, but who also took the law course. We have no data for the rank and file with which to compare the percentages of these columns, but it seems probable to me that the total, at least for the last, is far in excess for our eminent lawyers of what it is for the profession as a whole. If that be so, we have evidence that the fullest education counts. In conclusion I will say, that fully as the legal profession has made use of our educa tional machinery, the leaders whose school
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ing I have studied have been able to achieve eminence with a smaller investment of years in preparation than have those of any of the other learned professions. Of 1900 college professors similarly considered the average period of preparation was 5.36 years: of 540 physicians it was 4.09 years: of 655 clergy men it was 3.19 years, while for the lawyers it was 2.95 years. In this regard, however, the latter are somewhat rapidly increasing their investment. Considered from the decades of age upon which our table is based, the average number of years spent in the schools by those between 80 and 90 years of age was 2.5 years; 70 and 80, 2.2 years; 60 and 70, 2.5 years; 50 and 60, 2.9 years; 40 and 50, 3.6 years; 30 and 40, 3.2 years. When we remember that those of the later decades 'have had less time for post graduate work, which not infrequently follows after a lapse of years, this showing is extremely en couraging, and whatever may have been the educational shortcomings of our legal pro fession in the past, leads us to hope great things from it in the future.
A TREE THAT IS DEEDED TO ITSELF. BY L. B. ELLIS. IN Athens, Georgia, there stands a magnifi cent oak tree that owns itself and some real estate, besides. Moreover, the legal document by which this forest monarch be came such a property owner has stood the test of almost a century, without a question as to its soundness. The deed is recorded among both county and city records, and the following is an extract from it which will give the gist of the matter: "I, W. H. Jackson, of the county of Clarke, of the one part, and the oak-tree (giving location) of the county of Clarke, of
the other part: Witnesseth, That the said W. H. Jackson, for and in consideration of the great affection which he bears said tree, ami his great desire to see it protected, has con veyed and by these presents doth convey unto the said oak-tree entire possession of itself and of all lands within eight feet of it on all sides." The oak is of great age, and unusual pro portions and symmetry. It is truly lordly in appearance, seeming to appreciate it* unique position in the world of trees,
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