双语：白宫百年老树将被砍掉

　　The nearly two-century-old iconic magnolia tree standing by the South Portico of the White House is scheduled to be cut down later this week, CNN reported Tuesday.

　　CNN周二报道，本周晚些时候，白宫南骑楼边上的一棵近200年的标志性木兰树将被砍掉。

　　"The overall architecture and structure of the tree is greatly compromised and the tree is completely dependent on the artificial support," said specialists at the US National Arboretum in a statement obtained by CNN.

　　美国国家植物园的专家在CNN的声明中称：“这棵树的整体结构严重破坏，完全依靠人工支撑。”

　　"Without the extensive cabling system, the tree would have fallen years ago," they said, adding that its trunk is too delicate for further interventions.

　　他们说：“如果没有这么多绳索的固定，那么这棵树几年前就会倒下。”他们还补充说这棵树的树干太脆弱了，不能进一步进行人工干预。

　　The final decision to bring down the tree was made by first lady Melania Trump after she consulted a wide range of professional information and historic documents.

　　第一夫人梅拉尼娅·特朗普查阅了大量的专业信息和历史文档后，最终决定砍掉这棵树。

　　But the wood from the tree will be preserved, the first lady’s communications director Stephanie Grisham told CNN.

　　但是第一夫人的通讯主管斯蒂芬妮·格里沙姆告诉CNN，这棵树的木材将被保留。

　　The magnolia, with its enormous canopy extending beyond the second floor of the White House, was first planted by former US President Andrew Jackson to commemorate his wife Rachel, and it has witnessed the ups and downs of 39 presidencies and many state ceremonies.

　　这棵木兰树有着庞大的树冠，比白宫的二层还要高，它是前任美国总统安德鲁·杰克逊为了纪念他的妻子瑞秋而种下的，它见证了39任总统和许多国家仪式的风风雨雨。

　　CNN has learned that another magnolia, born directly from the original’s healthy branches, will soon be planted in its place, for history to live on.

　　CNN获悉，另一棵木兰树是直接生长在原木兰树上的树枝，不久就会种在这棵树原来的地方，继续存活，延续原木兰树的历史。