Gifts of Nature Nature is our very existence, for, if it was not for nature we would not have got

the gift of oui existence even, we would not have been created. Life on earth is the greatest gift of nature and it can be found on this earth in several hues and shapes. On earth, the gift of life is visible in so many forms, shapes and sizes, all occupying different areas of existence like the areas of land, air and water. Different species of living beings live on land and water, and, nature has provided for each one small or big a convenient mode, atmosphere and a body to exist and grow, in its own environment. Besides living beings, we see life in other shapes those of huge trees and small plants. In the shape of these plants, nature has provided enough for the maintenance of this life on earth. After having created life and living beings on this planet, Nature has given the correct and healthy environment for the existence and the continuous growth of these shapes of life. The very air we breathe in to live, the food we eat to exist and grow, the water we drink to quench our thirst are all basic gifts of nature, without which life could not have existed and grown on this planet. Thus to be able to see and appreciate the gifts of nature, we do not have far to go, as, all the life that exsits is a gift of nature. Besides life, the scenes we have the pleasure of seeing on this planet are also other gifts of nature which we get to enjoy the life given to us while we are here on earth. The very power to see with our eyes all the beauty around us is also one of the greatest gifts of nature, if it were not for eyes, how would we see and appreciate the nature around us. Let us just ask the blind how they feel when they realise that for them there is nothing except darkness around. To taste the wonderful foods, the tasty fruits and vegetables a tongue is provided to all living creatures, with the sense of touch we enjoy loving and being loved. These gifts though they may appear to be very meagre but they all together help us in making this life enjoyable. The gifts of nature to us living beings are uncountable, but we know about them and appreciate their importance only when, we either don't have them or, we lose them. Just imagine a single day without seeing daylight or enjoyment or love, then, would life be worth living. Thus, with life we must realise that, nature has accorded to us all other gifts with which we can enjoy life. For understanding the gift that this planet is for us, we just have to take a look around us. Besides the different types of lives we see a variety of land formations, water formations and of course so much in the sky to admire. These gifts we see when we go trekking on hills or on holidays to hill resorts or beaches or see waterfalls. All

these add to the beauty, variety and the grandeur of this planet, all of which is a gift package for us mortals. So much for the human being alone, for the animals the jungle has been provided as their habitat. The varieties of animals from the huge elephant and rhinocerous to the tiny rabbit, all coexist in the thick of the mighty jungles. Other smaller creatures live on land like us, the cat, the dog and several other smaller animals live with man on land. For the fish of a large variety from the huge whale to the tiniest of golden fish, the expanses of water are made like the sea, ocean and the rivers. This is not all; there are the birds that fly free in the air, who again exist in a wide variety of sizes and colours. All this that we see is for us to enjoy and coexist with. Nature has provided such immense variety for us to live with, appreciate and enjoy, all these are finally the gifts of nature to man the highest form of life in this world. The creatures in the air and sea, and the others that live on land are all for man to enjoy in some way or the other, as, man is the noblest of nature's creations, and he thus gets it all. Thus the gifts of nature are immense, and the more we see of them, the more we are apt to admire the creator. Trees - Natures Gift to Man. Of all the living beings inhabiting this earth, trees are out best friends. Mother Nature, in her infinite wisdom, has gifted them to man to live in harmony with him and to be of great service to him. Besides fruits, trees provide important raw materials for our industries. Industries provide employment to people. The wood for furniture, housing, railway carriages and ships come from trees. Wood is also used for fuel and for making charcoal which is used as fuel. From trees we get wood - pulp to make paper and artificial yarns (like nylon). Trees also give us products such as spices, rubber, turpentine, eucalyptus oil and gum. We also get honey and many valuable things for medicine from forests. We get so many things from forests that forests are rightly known as green gold Trees provide shade to tired travellers and animals and shelter to innumerable birds and insects. Trees keep the environment clean. They absorb harmful carbon dioxide from the air and fill the atmosphere with precious life - sustaining oxygen. In this way they reduce air pollution. Therefore, trees are called the lungs of nature. Forests retain humidity and attract rains. There will be no rain if there are no trees. It is for this reason that trees are known as rain catchers. In fact, all our basic necessities like, air, water, food, clothing and shelter come directly or indirectly from trees. We thus, owe our very existence to trees. If there were no trees, there would be no rain and land would turn into an arid desert. Mankind would perish for want of food, drinking water, fresh air and sufficient humidity. So we should ever remain grateful to trees.